Eighteen years ago, Wenonah Willene Pierce responded to God’s call to work alongside Native American women, to assist women in working together to accomplish greater service for God through missions. Leaving her Virginia/Maryland surroundings where she had directed the Women’s Department of Baptist World Alliance, she established residence in Oklahoma. She began seeking and establishing relationships with key Native American women leaders serving in Woman’s Missionary Union among the five Indian Baptist Associations of Oklahoma.
Willene returned to Oklahoma in 1997, and immediately sought to establish The Native American LINK, Inc., establishing the ministry as a non-profit organization in January, 1998. The organization has an Executive Board, with board members representing nine Native American tribes. The purpose of the LINK ministry continues to be:
a. To encourage spiritual growth, stronger families and personal development among Native American women
b. To promote fellowship and fuller understanding among Baptist women
c. To encourage the development of women’s leadership in Native American Baptist churches
d. To assist in the exchange of information concerning activities and methods of work in Baptist women’s organizations
e. To increase awareness of culture and accomplishments of Native American Baptists among the Baptist family in general
The Native American LINK, Inc. continues to exist today, now establishing relationships with Native women, nationwide. Willene Pierce served as the founder and first executive director/treasurer of the organization until July 1, 2013, when Augusta Smith was appointed the first Native American woman to assume the role of director, and Michael M. Smith, was appointed as treasurer of the organization. On March 18, 2014, Willene Pierce passed away, leaving a rich legacy of service to God, gaining the respect of many Native American Christian leaders. To serve as a tribute to Willene Pierce, the Native American LINK, Inc. organization, consisting of the Director, and the Executive Board will host The Willene Pierce Memorial Conference. The target population will be Native American women and men from Baptist congregations nationwide, with focus on those who has been affected by the Native American LINK ministry.
Willene returned to Oklahoma in 1997, and immediately sought to establish The Native American LINK, Inc., establishing the ministry as a non-profit organization in January, 1998. The organization has an Executive Board, with board members representing nine Native American tribes. The purpose of the LINK ministry continues to be:
a. To encourage spiritual growth, stronger families and personal development among Native American women
b. To promote fellowship and fuller understanding among Baptist women
c. To encourage the development of women’s leadership in Native American Baptist churches
d. To assist in the exchange of information concerning activities and methods of work in Baptist women’s organizations
e. To increase awareness of culture and accomplishments of Native American Baptists among the Baptist family in general
The Native American LINK, Inc. continues to exist today, now establishing relationships with Native women, nationwide. Willene Pierce served as the founder and first executive director/treasurer of the organization until July 1, 2013, when Augusta Smith was appointed the first Native American woman to assume the role of director, and Michael M. Smith, was appointed as treasurer of the organization. On March 18, 2014, Willene Pierce passed away, leaving a rich legacy of service to God, gaining the respect of many Native American Christian leaders. To serve as a tribute to Willene Pierce, the Native American LINK, Inc. organization, consisting of the Director, and the Executive Board will host The Willene Pierce Memorial Conference. The target population will be Native American women and men from Baptist congregations nationwide, with focus on those who has been affected by the Native American LINK ministry.
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Downloads:
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Registration Form Instructions:
Please turn/mail registration forms in before March 1, 2015 with Pre-Registration Fee of $40. After March 1, 2014 / or at door registration fee will be $45. Payment of registration includes bag, promotional items, notepad, & pen. Included are meals for Thursday dinner, Friday lunch & dinner, and Saturday lunch. Breakfast on your own. Make checks payable to: The Native American LINK, Inc. Mail forms to: The Native American LINK, Inc. P. O. Box 470974 Tulsa, OK 74147 [More details enclosed in the downloadable file(s) located to the left] | ||||||||||||||