Through the Eyes of a Woman

                    I first met Heather-Dawn Small in the summer of 2002 when she came to Germany with Ardis Stenbakken for a Women’s Ministries advisory for the German-speaking countries. At that time the department had developed the concept of continuing education courses for women. They presented the material and held some of the seminars.  Then, a couple of years later, Heather-Dawn was invited as the speaker to a large women’s retreat in Burg Wernfels, a castle in southern Germany. The topic was “Don’t let anyone steal your joy!” It was the most memorable retreat I have ever attended, with the women soaking up her message like a sponge, laughing and crying with her as she related her life’s story. Her authenticity and openness, vulnerability, and heart-felt love helped us understand how she could cling to her motto of Joy despite all the difficulties she had met in her life. We were encouraged to hold fast to joy in our lives as well. At the opening of this retreat, we wanted

It has been my privilege to be involved in Women's Ministries ever since the Department was (re)created in 1995/6. I have met many wonderful and devoted women who were trailblazers and developed a ministry that makes an impact in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church around the world. So many women's lives have been enriched, and empowered and so many have been reached out to. I have been inspired by every woman who has served as Director of this department and I am deeply thankful for their example, love, and friendship. It has always been a special joy to meet these women who have devoted their lives to mentoring and sharing their expertise, experience, and spiritual insights with their sisters around the world. Women's Ministries has become a veritable sisterhood to which every woman can belong. Last October I had the opportunity to attend the North American Division conference on Adventist Women's History in Washington, DC. It was so good to see one of our pioneers, Ar