Day of Courage En-courages
Nov 29, 2023
ABOVE Top: Jenny Baxter asks for volunteers to demonstrate C-O-U-R-A-G-E; Below: Speakers on the day
The EmpowHer Day of Courage
MAJOR SPONSORS: BAPTIST FINANCIAL SERVICES
By Fiona Bradley
On Saturday 18th November, women from across Tasmania gathered at Longford for the inaugural statewide event, hosted by EmpowHer.
The Day of Courage sold out weeks ahead of time, with over 120 people from different denominations across Tasmania. The event provided an opportunity to connect with others learning to live out their God-given potential, hearing stories of courage.
Keynote speaker, Rev. Karen Wilson (Perth WA), opened and closed the event. Currently the President of Baptist World Alliance Women, Karen spoke openly and warmly. In particular, she focussed on a recent accident, which taught her courage in the midst of her international schedule.
Mixing humour with insight, she also told of her hiking trip in 2018 along the famous Camino de Santiago trail. Karen explained how the hike forged courage at a key point in her life, and inspired listeners to be well-grounded in courage. As she spoke, she provided practical tips and challenged the audience to do the same.
Four other Tasmanian women provided candid testimonies about how their lives had been shaped by courage. Each story was very different and described courage in grief, change, trauma and at work.
A “Gathering”, not a “Conference”
Jenny Baxter, State Director of EmpowHer, explained how the event and theme emerged as an idea with the EmpowHer team.
“We wanted to make it more of a gathering than a conference, and focused on small touches toward this. Such as having people sitting around tables rather than facing the stage. As well, we provided grazing platters over lunch with live background music, rather than singing during the event itself.”
According to Jenny, Karen Wilson was an obvious choice for main speaker.
“I know her personally. She’s warm, very accessible. And she has great stories from her travels meeting with courageous women in all parts of the globe,” she said.
One highlight of the day was the Baptist World Day of Prayer* session, when attendees prayed for women worldwide. Funds were raised for projects, in particular those organised by Baptist Women of the Pacific.
Jenny said the Day of Courage exceeded expectations, going way beyond what she thought was possible. “The event highlights the power of our stories and the benefit of showing up and getting together as women on the journey.”
Others present on the day agreed
Attendee Michelle Walters said, “It was lovely to spend time with like-minded women. Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this beautiful day together and sharing your gifts and talents with us”.
“Excellent, well organised, loved the little extras like gift bags, coasters. Food was superb. Great to have women from different denominations come together. Karen was excellent. Thank you to all those who made the day happen,” said attendee Anita Brooker.
“Well done on a beautiful event and doing such a great job gathering people from across denominations and from around the state,” said attendee Danielle Ratcliffe.
Fiona Bradley
Hobart Baptist Church
In Other News
Fiona has agreed to take on the position of Tas Baptist Communications Manager from January 2024!
EmpowHer Team: Jenny Baxter (S), Jenna Blackwell (N), Wendy Marston (N), Gabe Fife (NW). Ann Robertson (S), while unable to attend on the day, assisted with the organising of the event.
Go back to Heartlands Spring 2023 >
Day of Courage En-courages
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