Night One WIW: Awakening purpose that lies dormant
The 2022 Women’s Investment Webinar is being hailed as a game-changing event for Guyanese women. Based on viewership data, it has also been making waves in the diaspora, even as far as Australia. The third annual event kicked off on October 21 with a spirited welcome from Kim Stephen, a local leader in governance and tourism, as viewers from around the world logged in for this virtual event crafted as a women’s empowerment movement. The first evening of panellists brought international expertise in global finance, shipping, logistics, entrepreneurship, and banking. They did not hesitate to share depths of motivation, reminding women of the treasure God has placed in each of them.
“Entrusted with Treasure” inspired by 2 Timothy 1:14, seemed an apt theme for the nuggets of gold deposited. The event was prefaced by the Patron’s Charge delivered by the First Lady of the FAOGW fellowship, Elder Hermonica Angela Massiah. She brought Scripture from Jeremiah 29:11 alive by noting that within each of us lies great potential since we have been created in the image and likeness of an Almighty and limitless God to lead purpose-driven lives. Hearts were stirred as she challenged women to dream like Walt Disney did so that they could envision their legacy even before it comes to fruition. Sidebar – Walt Disney died before the famous theme park was completed, but his wife at the opening ceremony assured the attendees that he had already seen it in his mind.
Being entrusted with treasure means that there is something within us that we have to tap into to influence systems, worlds and society. Elder Massiah said, “we tend to think sometimes that the giftings, the talent, the knowledge, the experience or the things we do best or have acquired in life are for our own establishment and aggrandisement but little do we revel in the fact that what we have accomplished and exhibited are really to fulfil God’s plan and it should benefit others.”
As the programme progressed, moderation by Ministers Yonette Rosheuvel and Tricia Ganpat provided another glimpse of the talent and profile of female leaders in the First Assembly of God Wortmanville fellowship. The moderators’ expertise in finance, marketing, and the oil and gas sector, coupled with their articulation of the issues, led to some insightful and powerful responses from keynote speakers – Minister Ingrid Bristol – Entrepreneur in shipping and logistics, Minister Shevone Corbin – International Finance Expert and Minister Adele Farrier, a Banker with an international banking chain.Each panellist shared the sentiment that the treasure within needs to be activated. They each shared their unique stories relating to the theme of this year’s webinar. Minister Bristol highlighted the need for us to mentor women and girls, confidently declaring that God has already counted us worthy enough to carry treasure, something only He knows would have a significant impact within our individual spheres of influence.
A personal testimony always creates a gateway for the audience to connect with the speaker or issue. Minister Adele Farrier did just that as she shared her personal story before her initial encounter with Christ. She reflected on her struggle with low self-esteem and a dismal outlook for her own future, not understanding her worth. This suppressed her purpose for some time, but transformation occurred after discovering her gifting and being supported by mentors who believed in her. One tip she said is essential to activating a dormant gift is finding yourself in the right environment and connecting with God so that your vision will align with His own.
“Where our passion and dreams lie, that’s where our purpose is. We must be willing to step out of our comfort zone, act in faith…. and trust the process” – Min. Adele Farier
Meanwhile, all the way from Geneva, Switzerland, Minister Shevone Corbin demonstrated her passion for women’s empowerment by “throwing out the old playbook” that has women questioning their value in leadership, the marketplace, and their communities. She reminded the audience of the value of a community of women seeking financial literacy as a powerful movement whose birthing will mature. She encouraged women to start in their villages and home, mentoring young women and girls to take up leadership roles for community and national development.
Minister Corbin warned women not to mimic the giftings of others as that would put a time limit on their value. Attendees were reminded that seeking a space where women can complement and not compete with each other is the ultimate demonstration of guarding your treasure. She expounded on the uniqueness of one’s gift and her own willingness to guard her ‘deposits’ by sharing it. The word guarding is not passive as we might know it. In this context, it means to have your treasure rooted and settled deep within and let it burst forth so that you can share, mentor, and find value in each other.”
Worthy of note is the highlighting of sisters in business, Minister Kita Cave and her younger sister Shonequa Corbin, who shared, with much passion, their business, how their ideas came about, and how they are progressing with God’s help. Viewers were encouraged to support these young entrepreneurs. The former trades as Caius Creations, specialising in event decorating, custom decorations, and accessories, and the latter as Unique Creations, specialising in custom prints and engraving of almost anything from clothing to watches.
All of this, and it has only been the first night. The experience, which promises to be exhilarating and stirring, is one you cannot miss. This webinar will bless your life and empower you to stir up the giftings God has placed in you. And what’s more, days 2 and 3 are still to come and day 1 is available on replay via Facebook and YouTube.
