HANDPRINT WALL:
A Legacy to Our MKs
By Gail O’Connor, Volunteer,
Dynamic Women in Missions
By Deanna Cathcart,
Missionary Kid (MK) Ministries,
One Mission Society
characterized by
energy or effective
action, vigorously
active or forceful
This word describes Lettie Cowman, who was the first
dynamic woman in One Mission Society, long before the
OMS ministry of Dynamic Women in Missions (DWIM) was
founded in 2007. Lettie was one of the cofounders of OMS
in 1901. She later assumed the presidency of OMS in 1928
after Ernest Kilbourne died. (Charles had died four years earlier, in 1924.) Since then,
OMS women have led many ministries confidently.
DWIM closes the gap between women in the United States and women on our fields—
both our missionaries and the women they serve. As we traveled to churches in the U.S.,
we noticed that women were often the driving force behind mission programs. But the
men were the ones going on mission work teams, with the women writing the checks
and supporting their husbands. Though supportive, the women didn’t really know what
they could do themselves.
We wanted to change the thinking that mission trips are predominantly work trips and
for men. Women can share what they are passionate about and build a bridge to women in
other cultures who also love to cook, quilt, garden, and
create beautiful things. To see a woman from Iowa
connect with a woman in Ecuador or Singapore
is amazing. Before long, they forget about cultural differences and connect on the most
basic level. They have the same worries
about kids and the same arguments over
money, and most importantly, they have
the same need for a Savior.
Everything we do is for the purpose of creating relationships and
supporting women. Even if women
can’t go on a trip, they can still be involved. They donate quilt squares and
baking supplies, they host fundraisers
for projects, and they lead prayer groups.
Whatever a woman’s gift, she has a place
in missions.
Our ministry is all about expanding the kingdom of