New Leadership for the WFWP Indiana
Mrs. Allen, Chairwoman of WFWP Indiana
Editor’s Note: On February 5, 2021, Mrs. Bruna Allen stepped forward to take on the role of chairwoman for the state of Indiana. Mrs. Allen, who has recently relocated from the Bay Area to Indiana has been working with WFWP for a couple of decades and brings much experience to the table.
On Wednesday, June 30, 2021, the sky was gray and dark. I was a bit anxious because it was our very first WFWP gathering for all ladies of the local community since Covid. I hardly noticed that a cool shower greeted me as I got out of the car; my focus was instead on the happy faces smiling broadly at me as I hurried into a large solarium. Inside, other ladies were busy shuffling tables around to find the best arrangement. I had no input in the planning, because it was my birthday and a welcoming party for me as a new WFWP arrival in Indiana. Although I had arrived last November from California, Covid had not allowed us to meet in person. It was also a welcoming party for two other wonderful ladies new to the area: Debbie Gullery, a former WFWP chairwoman; and Pastor Dr. Madeline Alexander.
The gathering was graced, and energized, by the presence of another faith leader, Pastor Janet Reid, who is also the founder of Blood Covenant Sisters International Ministries that she established in 2014. She has been very active with the National Women in Ministry, a project of the American Clergy Leadership Conference, co-chairing the National Prayer that is offered via Zoom on Monday afternoons.
Laughter and personal stories filled the air as we enjoyed our potluck lunch. As we ate we took time for some serious reflection on the role of women at this delicate juncture of history when political divisions and cultural clashes seem to be growing deeper. As mothers, we agreed that we are perfectly positioned to be effective mediators not only in the family, but in society at large. Debbie explained the importance of WFWP’s signature project called the Bridge of Peace as a profound tool for empowering women of diverse ethnicity or persuasion to overcome their differences in a safe and nurturing environment. It is centered on a moving ceremony that allows two such women to be paired to a new unexpected friend, and together they find it easier to overcome differences by sincerely opening up their hearts and embracing each other.
We had a wonderful time as sisters and felt deeply grateful to be able to enjoy each other’s company after many months of isolation. I myself cherish with great appreciation the loving and enthusiastic welcome my new found and precious friends showered me with.