WESTERN BUREAU:

Despite having to bear the brunt of the burden of social and economic challenges in Jamaica and across the world, women have had to play their role in societal change notwithstanding the harsh conditions, according to managing editor of The Gleaner Company, Jenni Campbell.

"Regardless of what the situation is, as women, we have to get up and do what we have to do," Campbell said on Saturday during an inspiring presentation at the Women's Gathering 2009 at the Family Church on the Rock in Reading, St James, under the theme 'Women and the The EPI Plan - Evangelism, Prayer and Investment'.

"When a woman decides that she is going to step forward, it is usually to help other people, it's never usually about self."

With statistics showing that "the family, education and the body of Christ are dominated by women", she gave a charge to women to invest in education and property, which she said would create a significant turnover for them. She emphasised the importance of putting God at the centre of business, investments and future plans and urged the Christian population of women to use every opportunity to evangelise and help those in need.

"Invest because you must and build your families so we can build the Church and the society. Build the family so we can have more people going out there who can pray, evangelise and invest. Guard against your career becoming a god in your life, or being too busy to evangelise and, while you do this, stay away from greed," she said.

Fulfilling commissions

Campbell added: "When you become educated, chances are you can get a better job and this will help you fulfil two very important features of the great commission."

Women from across the island's western belt attended the three-day event.

Dr Shirley Arnold of TLC Family Church in Lakeland, Florida, who was special guest at the conference, also inspired the women to adhere to scriptural principles and advance according to godly practices.

Arnold, who was recently named one of the 'Top 16 Women in Ministry' by a nationally known publication, has pioneered The Secret Place, a training facility for mentoring and restoring ministers and leaders; the TLC International Apostolic Network, a network of ministries; and the Spirit Life School of Theology.

Arnold served as pastor at Oral Roberts University. Her ministry and influence have dynamically affected thousands of people.

tashieka.mair@gleanerjm.com