Blume, a WMU event held every four or five years, will include hands-on ministry projects; interaction with missionaries; worship, Bible studies and breakout sessions; and an interactive cultural activity in Epcot customized for Blume through Disney's Youth Education Series (Y.E.S.) program.
Chandra Peele, a Christian speaker and author from Cypress, Texas, will be the keynote speaker for Blume. "Chandra has a real heart for students and is someone the girls will immediately connect with," said Suzanne Reece, a Blume coordinator and ministry consultant with WMU (Woman's Missionary Union). "She is a strong woman of God and a very effective motivator, encourager and communicator of biblical truths."
Blume 2011's biblical emphasis will be based on 2 Timothy 1:3-14, with verse 7 as the focus: "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline" (NIV).
"We pray that girls will leave Blume with the realization that God has a plan and purpose for their lives," Reece said. "The girls who come to Blume are each uniquely gifted, and God has empowered them even now to make a difference in the world and to accomplish His mission. They have the power to change their world for Christ through the spirit of God's love living and working through them."
Since Blume began in 1972 as the National Acteens Convention (NAC), thousands of young women have gathered together from all across the country to respond to God's call on their lives to a greater understanding, awareness and support of the worldwide mission in the cause of Christ. NAC was re-envisioned as Blume in 2007.
"We are grateful for our Great Commission partners, IMB and NAMB, for their support in making Blume a reality," Carol Causey, director of national WMU's missions resource center, said of Southern Baptists' International Mission Board and North American Mission Board. A number of other organizations, businesses and colleges also are helping sponsor Blume, including Thirty-One Gifts with a donation of a bag for each registrant.
Registration is now open for the July 13-16 gathering. Early bird registration through April 30, 2011, is $299 per person if staying within the Blume block of reserved rooms or $399 per person if reservations are made outside the Blume block. Registration fees May 1, 2011, and after are $349 per person inside the reserved Blume block of rooms or $449 outside the Blume block. Registration can be completed online, by telephone, fax or mail.
WMU, Blume's sponsor, is a missions organization founded in 1888 to challenge Christians to understand and be involved in missions. In 1970, WMU launched Acteens, a missions organization for girls in grades 7 through 12. Through Acteens, girls are inspired and challenged to serve others and fulfill their part in God's plan as they pray for and learn about other cultures and missionary work, both nationally and internationally. Girls do not have to be involved in Acteens to attend Blume. The event is open to all girls ages 12-17 and young women who are in college or are college age.
For more information on Blume, visit www.blumeforgirls.com.
For sponsorship, advertising and exhibiting options, contact David George at dgeorge@wmu.org or go to www.blumeforgirls.com.
Julie Walters is WMU's communications specialist.
Copyright (c) 2010 Southern Baptist Convention, Baptist Press www.BPNews.net
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