DICKSON — Braving stormy conditions, more than 500 women from across Tennessee converged at Dickson First Baptist Church on April 4-5 for the annual Tennessee Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) Get-Together.
United under the theme “What Joy,” the event brought together participants, volunteers, program personnel, and exhibitors for a weekend of fellowship and spiritual renewal.
Finding enduring joy
Bible study leader Andrea Lennon captivated attendees during the General Sessions on Saturday with her message on “Enduring Joy,” encouraging participants to “gaze at God” and start enjoying their spiritual journey.
Speaking from John 14:1-6, Lennon outlined three components to trusting God: maintaining a passionate trust, embracing an eternal perspective, and willingly walking a clear path.
Mental health initiative gains momentum
A cornerstone of Tennessee WMU’s recent work has been its mental health initiative.
Executive director-treasurer Vickie Anderson highlighted the organization’s partnership with churches and associations to offer Mental Health First Aid courses for youth and adults.
“Just as first aid or CPR gives you the basics in those areas, Mental Health First Aid does the same,” Anderson explained. “It helps you become more aware and know when to refer people. It’s truly valuable training.”
The organization conducted five such training sessions last year. Those interested in learning more can visit tnbaptist.org/project-help-mental-health.
Generous giving for mission endowments
The gathering featured two critical missions offerings that demonstrated the generous spirit of attendees. Just under $6,300 was collected, with 10% benefiting the Tennessee N Touch Endowment and 90% supporting the Amy Hood Adoption Endowment.
Additionally, the Endowment Promotion Team raised over $6,200 through a Silent Auction and the “Jesus, Others, & Ewe” Legacy Booth.
Anderson delighted participants with news that an anonymous donor had pledged to match all donations, bringing the total offering amount to over $12,500.
“The endowment creates earnings that help families with adoption costs,” Anderson said. “Coming out of our Acts 2:17 emphasis in the Tennessee Baptist Convention, foster care and adoption emerged as top priorities.”
A personal testament to adoption support
Martha Wilson shared her powerful testimony as a beneficiary of the Amy Hood Foundation, which covered 95% of the cost for her family’s second adoption in 2023.
“The process was expensive with many hoops to jump through,” Wilson recalled.
“Through the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board and the Amy Hood endowment, Brother Randy Davis asked if we would be at Summit, and they presented it there.”
Wilson emphasized the importance of this support.
“There are so many children who need a home and need to be loved. I have a little girl who just turned three, and I praise God for that and the Amy Hood endowment,” she said.
The earnings from the endowment provide scholarships to Tennessee Baptist families pursuing adoption. Online contributions can be made at AmyHoodFund.org by selecting the Amy Hood Adoption Endowment Fund.
The Tennessee N Touch endowment honored the memory of three beloved Tennessee WMU figures who passed away between 2024 and 2025: Carol Pharris, Joy Phillips Fenner, and Creely Wilson.
Local pregnancy center partnerships
For their ministry project, TN WMU partnered with the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board’s Compassion Ministries and the Tennessee Pregnancy Center Network to donate resources to pregnancy resource centers across the state. During the event, they received over 9,300 total items, $60 in cash, and $1,100 in gift cards.
Margaret Cole from Dickson’s CareNet Pregnancy Medical Center praised the organization’s community impact.
“Tennessee WMU, you guys have got it going on!” she said. “I am so impressed with how you all support your local pregnancy centers.”
Honoring missionary legacies
During the General Sessions, three pioneering women missionaries were recognized: Lottie Moon, Annie Armstrong, and Mildred Golden. These figures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries paved the way for Tennessee Baptists missionary work.
Tiffany Roy highlighted their continuing relevance. “When you think about it, Lottie represents the world, Annie our country, Mildred our state, and we are in our community. That is where God has placed us right now. We are all called on mission together to serve Jesus Christ,” she said.
Life-size cutouts of these missionary pioneers were available for attendees to pose with, embodying the WMU motto: “Lottie, Annie, Mildred, and Me.” This phrase emphasizes how today’s women continue their legacy of supporting missions “around the world and down the street.”
The Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions, established by Mildred Golden and her husband in 1902, collected $800 in its first year — equivalent to approximately $25,000 today — launching a tradition of generous giving that continues to flourish more than a century later. B&R