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WMU names 2016 National Acteens Panel


BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (BP) — The Woman’s Missionary Union has named four mission-minded teenagers with outstanding character and credentials to serve as missions influencers on the 2016 National Acteens Panel.

They are Sarah Golden, a member of Eastern Hills Baptist Church in Pike Road, Ala.; Hannah Hutton of Hyde Park Baptist Church in Austin, Texas; Jemima Louis of Tallowood Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, and Ana Sandoval of Freeman Heights Baptist Church in Garland, Texas.

Acteens is WMU’s missions organization for girls in grades 7-12 to help them grow in their relationships with God and their peers. Together they live a missional lifestyle, develop leadership skills and become actively involved in ministry.

“Of all the things we learn, Acteens most importantly develop an ability to love,” Louis said. “The organization develops a love for serving, a love for others and a love for God.”

All four panelists have been involved with Acteens for six years and have demonstrated a commitment to service through the local church.

Hutton said being an Acteen has helped her share the Gospel within her sphere of influence.

“There are not many other places where a person can serve alongside like-minded people,” Hutton said. “This is refreshing to me, and I intend to involve myself in missions my whole life.”

Sandoval noted, “We learn from a young age that missions is something that we can be a part of and how God can use us. Missions is in everything we do and that’s why Acteens is so important.”

Golden described Acteens as a safe haven where she can be honest and open while learning from older role models to navigate life.

“It’s a great support base for girls who need prayer or encouragement in their life,” Golden said. “I have never doubted if my Acteens girls were going to be there for me when I was feeling down.”

The national panelists may have the opportunity to share their experiences through speaking engagements at church, associational and state Acteens and WMU meetings and events. They will also write articles for the “The Mag” Acteens missions magazine, and the Acteens website wmu.com/acteens.

“We are thrilled to have these gifted young women as ambassadors for Acteens because the call to make disciples amongst their generation is so great,” said Kym Mitchell, Student Resource Team leader for national WMU. “We know this panel will influence young women across the country as the Lord shapes them into the next generation of leaders.”

The panelists also will be featured during the WMU Missions Celebration and Annual Meeting in St. Louis, June 12-13, where they will meet national and international missionaries and interact with missions leaders from across the U.S.

The national panelists will serve through Dec. 31 and will each receive $1,000 from the Jessica Powell Loftis Scholarship for Acteens from the WMU Foundation.

Applications for the 2017 National Acteens Panel are available at wmu.com/acteens and in the fall issue of “Acteens Leader.” All applications must be submitted to national WMU by Nov. 1, 2016.