The local Prayer/Action Chapter of Concerned Women for America (Missouri) met for their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 19. Following opening prayer, discussion centered on next steps following the national and local elections. CWA hopes to see a restoration of integrity to issues such as women’s sports under the new Trump administration.
Area Director Haven Howard described a new leadership role, CWA Influencer, in which women commit to reach others in their particular sphere of influence, something many women are already doing, but now officially recognized and resourced. The local Chapter also recently received mention in the national CWA newsletter for their letter-writing project prior to the election; members wrote personally to Christians who were registered but did not vote in the 2020 election, urging them to vote on November 5.
Moving forward after the election, a key question for Missouri CWA is how to address Missouri’s Amendment 3. A primary concern is that only eight of Missouri’s 115 counties carried the “yes” vote, leading to renewed calls for Initiative Petition reform to prevent three main cities from forcing legislation on most of the state’s counties and legislative districts. Several steps were discussed, including plans by conservative legislators to introduce a personhood bill granting human rights starting at conception. Abortion providers are currently pursuing legal steps to implement amendment provisions such as expanding abortion access via tele-medicine and provider immunity from liability for injury, among others. For a realistic view of possible ramifications, several present recommended reading “Holding Someday,” by Mike Williams, who spoke at the recent Options Pregnancy Clinic banquet.
To prepare for the upcoming Missouri legislative session, information was presented about the Encourage A Legislator program. Participants are provided note cards to mail a personal message weekly from January through May, with no specific political agenda but simply to let legislators in Jefferson City know someone is praying for them. Email jcbluebirdy@gmail.com to get involved.
Following a prayer time, attendees watched a video highlighting national CWA Director Penny Nance and the ways she has helped call women to leadership and to God’s purposes for them. Some of the video highlights included a conversation with Missouri Representative Vicky Hartzler, who reminded listeners that being visible in the public square is a way to contend for faith as a foundation for the public good. Another of Nance’s guests in the video, Annabelle Rutledge Young Women for America, encouraged being well-prepared and informed in order to be an effective influence, pointing out that with social media, “Influence is at an all-time high, but the prerequisites for being an influencer are at an all-time low.”
The Taney County Prayer/Action Chapter meets the third Tuesday monthly at 10 a.m. at Covenant Life Church, 120 N. 3rd St. in downtown Branson. Women who want to help make a difference in their communities and our state are encouraged to attend.
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