Paula Reece
Luann Budd
I was introduced to NEWIM 20 years ago by my Aunt Susie Kimes. My first memory of NEWIM is the Springs Retreat. My aunt invited me to attend to “taste and see that the Lord is GOOD.” The Lord met me right where I was, his favorite prodigal daughter.
In my time with NEWIM, I had the honor and privilege of working alongside Ginger Bertoni (as her assistant). Ginger taught me how to work alongside women and still love them lavishly.
And finally, I was given the awesome privilege to accompany NEWIM to Cape Town, South Africa in 2005, when we were invited to minister to women just beginning their women’s ministry journey in their local churches.
The benefit I received from NEWIM and continue to receive is ABUNDANCE. NEWIM is Spirit-filled women who love Jesus in abundance, who sit at his feet and listen, receive from him, and walk forward in his way and in his timing. From this place of surrender, rivers of living water flow to the rest of us. They truly model what it is to have an abundant life in Christ—and still smile.
Aunt Susie, the seed was planted with you forty years ago, and today I have seen and experienced a precious, flourishing oak tree bringing rest, refreshment, and growth to the weariest of travelers headed home to Jesus. This oak tree is the perfect pit stop for women to imagine sitting under the oak tree with Jesus. Thank you for your courage and your vision as we all, still today, reap the rewards of your faithfulness to God’s calling forty years ago. To God be the glory for the things he has done in and through you. Thank you for living life out loud for Jesus. What you all have taught was caught by me and so many others.