The Second Century Fund sounds like something that might happen in the future, but when does the second century begin?
How about 1988?
For national WMU, their second century began when they turned 100 years old on May 14, 1988. The next day began their “Second Century”—their second 100 years of serving God and His mission to earth.
What they chose to invest in during their second century wasn’t something that would simply pay the bills. For WMU, it was vital to train women in leadership to be able to develop into that second century.
In 1988, national WMU knew that the bills would always be there, but would they always have the leadership needed to help them navigate the bills? That was their incredible way of preparing for the future.
You see, an organization does not exist simply because it deserves to exist. It exists (and grows) because of careful planning and strategy. Without effective leadership, no organization can succeed or even survive. As scripture tells us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18).
You have been a part of this commitment if you prayed for WMU’s future. You have been a part if you gave to the Second Century Fund. You have been a part if you invested time, energy, and wisdom in future leaders. If you have encouraged someone to be “on mission with God.” If you have attended a missions meeting, prayer time, or encouraged others to give to a missions offering. In all these ways and more, you have been committed to women’s leadership development.
There is nothing we could do without your help. And, most importantly, no matter how large the Second Century Fund ever becomes, we can do nothing apart from Christ.
You are essential to the future of WMU. Every gift you make, every time you pray, and every person you encourage to join God in His work—in each of these ways, you advance the Kingdom of God.
I can assure you, there is not one current leader in WMU today who has not been impacted by grants from the Second Century Fund. That includes every state in the US, Canada, and even around the world. Just a few years ago, grants from the Second Century Fund financed the creation of WMU in Burkina Faso. This could only be possible because missionaries were there who invested their lives in the women of Burkina Faso. Praise God for His leadership, and praise God for your support of women’s leadership development through the Second Century Fund.
Is women’s leadership development your missions passion? If so, consider becoming a monthly donor to the Second Century Fund. When you give a monthly gift of $25 or more, you will receive a free Find Your Missions Passion mug to remind you to pray for those women whose lives will be impacted by your gift. Visit wmufoundation.com/second-century-fund to learn more and to give today.
Written by David George, WMU Foundation president.