By Tami Hubler -
Made for the Mission

ORLANDO, Fla. — This week I have the privilege of representing Indiana WMU at the 2026 WMU Missions Celebration and Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida. The theme of this year’s gathering is “Made for the Mission,” and from the opening session, that message was woven through every story, testimony, and conversation.

The afternoon began with registration and Idea Splash, an interactive area filled with displays, resources, and creative ideas designed to help churches engage people of all ages in missions. Women gathered around booths exchanging ideas, sharing ministry experiences, and discovering new ways to encourage others to pray, give, go, and tell. One of the things I appreciate most about WMU events is that they don’t simply inspire us—they equip us. Attendees left with practical ideas that can be taken back to churches and communities across the country.
During the opening session, WMU President Connie Dixon and WMU Executive Director Sandy Wisdom-Martin challenged us to remember that every believer has a place in God’s mission. Their words carried special significance as both women prepare to conclude their leadership roles at the end of 2026. Rather than focusing on their accomplishments, they pointed us to the faithfulness of God and the importance of investing in those who will carry the mission forward.

Throughout the session, we heard stories from women whose lives have been shaped by WMU and whose ministries now impact others around the world.

One former National WMU President shared how her family’s roots trace back to Swedish Baptists who immigrated to America seeking religious freedom. Her story reminded us that generations before us sacrificed greatly so that we could freely worship, serve, and share the gospel today.

Another speaker shared her journey of arriving in the United States unable to speak English. A small Southern Baptist church welcomed her, loved her, and introduced her to Girls in Action. Those early experiences helped shape her faith and passion for missions. Today she serves as a Korean WMU Coordinator, helping others discover the same love for missions that was invested in her years ago.
We also heard from a state WMU president who served as a missionary to the Masaai people in Kenya with her husband and two young children. She recounted surviving a violent robbery while on the mission field and how God faithfully sustained her family through that frightening experience. Her testimony reminded us that following God’s call is not always easy, but His presence is constant and His purposes are worth every sacrifice.

One of the most memorable moments of the day was a dramatic presentation portraying missionary Lilias Trotter. Through a first-person monologue, her story came alive before us. Trotter surrendered the opportunity for a promising artistic career in England in order to follow God’s call to Algeria, where she spent decades sharing the gospel and discipling believers. Her life beautifully illustrated what it means to place God’s calling above personal ambition.

After the presentation, I had the opportunity to meet the actress who portrayed Lilias. Standing beside her in period dress, I was reminded that while God calls each of us to different places and different ministries, the common thread is obedience. The same God who called Lilias Trotter continues to call ordinary believers today.
Another meaningful reminder of WMU’s legacy could be found throughout the conference venue. Displays featuring Annie Armstrong, Lottie Moon, Sandy Wisdom-Martin, and Connie Dixon highlighted the generations of women who have faithfully invested their lives in advancing the gospel. I was grateful to share a photo opportunity with Hawaii WMU President Gay Williams among these displays, celebrating both the heritage we have received and the responsibility we have to pass that heritage on to future generations.
As I listened to the stories shared throughout the day, I was struck by a common theme. God uses people from every background, every generation, and every circumstance. He used Swedish immigrants seeking religious freedom. He used a young girl welcomed into a local church. He used a missionary family serving in Kenya. He used an artist who surrendered her dreams for His calling. And He continues to use women across Indiana who faithfully serve in their churches and communities every day.

The opening day of the WMU Missions Celebration and Annual Meeting was not simply a reminder of what God has done in the past. It was a reminder that His mission continues today. Every one of us has been created with a purpose. Every one of us has a role to play in God’s kingdom work.

We truly are Made for the Mission.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Tami Hubler serves as President of Indiana WMU and attended the 2026 WMU Missions Celebration and Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida.