SPRING FLING!

Be sure to check out the "Spring Fling" page above for the latest info on the ever-changing Spring Retreat. The PWOC Board and Retreat Team knew that many did not want to go away from their families in these rather wild days we're living in; but we DO need some relaxing, refreshing, renewing time together...and so was born the first-ever Misawa Spring Fling.

Read all the details on the Spring Fling page and feel free to ask any questions you may have in the comment section or by emailing De'Etta at misawaretreats@gmail.com.

Shopping Trips

Ladies - we are NOT going shopping tonight for home kits - we'll plan to meet Tuesday in the BX parking lot nearest the front gate at 9:30......

Wonder what I'm talking about? Have you heard about the Transition Home Kits the chapel is collecting for displaced Japanese families who will be moving from evacuation centers to FEMA type homes in the near future? A list is available at the chapel or by emailing misawakits@gmail.com .  Realizing that we like to do things together, and hearing that some were intimidated by the list....we are offering a group shopping day. We will meet at the BX parking lot nearest the main gate on Tuesday at 0930. Any lady who would like to caravan with us is welcome to join us.

When Prayer is Difficult

Renée Beyea, Asia Region Prayer Coordinator

Do you ever find yourself at a loss for words in prayer?  Following the successive disasters in Japan—earthquake, tsunami, ongoing nuclear crisis, and widespread devastation—I have found myself nearly speechless on my knees, my prayers summed up in three words, “Lord, have mercy.”  At those times I am comforted by Romans 8:26, knowing that the Spirit himself intercedes with groans that words cannot express.

Yet, how do we pray in times like these?  What do we ask for?  Where do we begin, when there are so many to pray for?  Rescue workers, refugees, power plant operators, aid organizations, missionaries, orphans, churches, the grieving, injured and missing, and that’s only the start of an unending list.  The sheer need is overwhelming.

In one of our local PWOC studies, “Lord, Teach Me to Pray in 28 Days,” author Kay Arthur reminds us to pray according to God’s name, that is, according to his character and attributes.  When we turn our eyes upon our Lord, search the Scriptures for how he has revealed himself, and then praise him, our petitions follow naturally.

For example, praise God because he is Jehovah Rapha, the Lord who heals, then pray for all those in need of healing.  Praise God because he is almighty, then pray for his supernatural strength to sustain those who bring relief and hope.  Praise God because he is Jehovah Jireh, the Lord will provide, then pray for him to supply needs.  Praise God for his patience in not wanting anyone to perish (2 Pt 3:9), then pray for the gospel to bring many to repentance.  Praise God, for whom nothing is impossible, then pray for miracles.

When we pray in this way, our prayers are not guided by our own limited perspective, but by the Holy Spirit.  When our prayers are based in his Word, they are ordered according to his will.  When our prayers are focused on God, we grow in knowledge of him and in faith that the One to whom we pray is able to do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine (Eph 3:20).  Whether we are interceding for Japan or for the needs in our own lives, turning our eyes to our Father in heaven is the first and best place to start. 

Retreat Update

If you've paid for April's retreat and would like a refund etc. Please email De'Etta .  I've been assured we will work this out - though the process will have to be determined. Typically the CTOF is not allowed to give refunds.

 Decisions about the retreat will be made in the next couple of weeks. We are assessing the situation. We need to let the dust settle, see who is still here, and consider the NEEDS of our women - rather than marching bravely along with our plan.  I will announce final plans at PWOC studies, on FB and the blog when they have been reached.

March Facilitator Training

If you are currently leading a Bible study or have any interest in possibly leading a study somewhere down the road, we would like to encourage you to attend Facilitator Training on March 19th.

When: Saturday, March 19th, 9am-11:30am
Where: Susane's house (email for directions)
RSVP: Please email Tara if you plan on attending

Sweet Night - Recap

Last weekend Carol Summar Simpson was a guest on Misawa. Carol is known to have a big heart for women and an engaging way of presenting her  message. Carol tours military bases as a Christian Comedian. 

Misawa's PWOC board invited Carol to be our guest speaker in February. We chose to have dessert and drinks and make it a "Sweet Night for Wives of the Deployed".  During the planning  7 of our10 board members were deployed spouses themselves. Twyla's heart of mercy and vision for deployed spouses made this event SHINE. 

We envisioned a night of pampering for our spouses and HUMOR. What a blessing! It's good for the weary to laugh. We had 79 people in the building. Everyone was treated to a variety of decadent and elegant homemade desserts. Each woman had a pretty setting, flowers and a chocolate rose.

Carol shared the adventure of her trip from CA to Misawa. She had us laughing as we remembered our first impressions of Japan. She had some of us crying with her lessons learned from deployments..."I DO snore", "No matter how deep I burrow into the covers no one else will let the dog out", and more. She encouraged us to maintain faith on behalf of others through the story of the four friends who brought their friend to Jesus, doing whatever it took to get him to Jesus. 

 The deployed wives were gifted with a handmade pillowcase - Twyla rocks! These were made from Japanese fabric. 

An event like this is a huge undertaking. Some baked desserts, planned for children, decorated, cut up desserts, set up tables and chairs, took down tables and chairs, advertised, served as tour guides and the list goes on. On behalf of Misawa PWOC Board, thank you to all who contributed to make this event a blessing to so many. 

Our prayer is that each deployed spouse left feeling pampered, loved, supported and encouraged. 

Leadership Selection 2011/2012

Hello ladies, have you been hearing God's still small voice urging
you towards taking up leadership in PWOC for next year? Now is the
time to put in your application to be a part of the executive board of
PWOC for 2011/2012. Applications are available at the chapel (in the
rack just outside the sanctuary) or you can download a form here.

Turn in your applications to any member of the leadership selection

team (Mary, Renee, Christina, Erika) or to our Titus 2

advisor, De'Etta. All application material is kept

confidential. The deadline for applying is Feb. 20.

PWOC is such an incredible ministry that touches the lives of so many
women here at Misawa, but to keep the ministry going we need women to
step forward into positions of leadership. Is God calling you? Maybe
you feel inadequate for a position of leadership. Look in your Bible
at the stories of Moses, Gideon, Mary and many more. They didn't feel
prepared, but God gave them all they need to fulfill his calling. So
I ask again, is God calling you? If the answer is yes, I encourage
you to step forward in faith to see what God will work through you.

If you have any questions, please contact anyone from the leadership
selection team.

Thank you,
Mary