THE BAPTIST WOMEN group of First Baptist Church Shawmut met Tuesday, March 6th, 2018 in the meeting room at the Shawmut Post Office for their monthly meeting.

Elaine Breedlove was the hostess and began the meeting by welcoming everyone. She gave the devotional using scripture from Philippians 4:13 which says,  “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” She told some of the trials she has faced in her life and how the only way she got through these was with strength from God. Her family marveled at her strength, but she knows where it comes from.

As Christians, it is hard to try to imagine bearing the burdens of daily life without the strength that comes only from God. The thing we need to remember is to trust God in all circumstances, regardless.  At times, when trials come, we try to work them out ourselves and when all else fails, then we turn to God. We need to remember to begin with God, trusting Him in all things and we will eliminate lots of heartaches.  He loves each one of us and only wants what is best for us.

Several ladies spoke of  trials where God had used Philippians 4:13 to speak to them and give them courage to take the next step knowing He is there all the time. One spoke of a heavy Superman size item that she struggled with moving and as she did so, she constantly quoted this scripture and got it moved. Later some muscular men wondered how one man could move it, but it was one woman with God strengthening her that accomplished the task.

Janice Sorrells puts scripture on her Facebook page each day and Philippians 4:13 was the scripture she used today. As Linda Tolbert read from WMU yearbook, reference was made about God giving us strength to do what He calls us to do. This was such a wonderful time of sharing God’s blessings and everyone was uplifted by knowing that when they face dark times, God is there and the ladies in this group are there with prayers, encouragement and lots of love to lighten the load.

Linda Tolbert led in a time of prayer requests and Mary Ann Fuller prayed for these and others that were unspoken. Nita Abney gave the prayer calendar using scripture from Matthew 18:15-20 with the focus on verse 20. As she focused on the missionaries serving all over the world, she mentioned the missionaries’ children. These children give up much to serve with their parents on the mission field and need our prayers and support. Sally Veal prayed for the missionaries mentioned and all others that are serving today.

Elizabeth Hall read the minutes of the previous meeting. Linda reminded us of the ELBA Annual WMU meeting that will be held at Lanier Baptist Church on April 17 at 7:30 and also that on March 17th,  LaFayette First Baptist Church will host a Womens’  Event and anyone wanting to attend should see her.  Mary Ann Fuller gave the treasurer’s report. Cheryl Myers  gave an update on the family she had mentioned last month and asked that we continue praying for wisdom as how to help this family.

Liz Landreth asked the blessing on the abundant food Elaine prepared including the yummy pineapple and coconut cake, delicious homemade chicken noodle soup, homemade chicken salad sandwiches and all the trimmings.  This was definitely a ‘do again’ menu.

Those attending were: Elaine Breedlove, Linda Tolbert, Sallie Breedlove, Cheryl Myers, Shirley Bills, Sally Veale, Nita Abney, Lois Passmore, Mary Ann Fuller, Janice Sorrells, Elizabeth Hall, Wanda Phipps and Liz Landreth.