What shimmers, shines
In a post conference issue, the ministry to illuminate just had to be our very own Shimmer Ministry. The lovely Marion Powell has done a brief interview to take us a little further into seeing what it is that makes Shimmer’s heart beat.
Marion, what is Shimmer’s mission statement?
To inspire women to reflect the heart of God, releasing His radiance, beauty and power in our lives, changing our world.
And how is Shimmer living this mission statement?
By constantly seeking to inspire, challenge and encourage spiritual growth and transformation in women’s lives. We also provide opportunities to discover gifts and talents to use them in service, especially with those in need.
Exactly what ministries have been born out of this mission statement?
A retreat, a conference, this e-mag, Refresh (a multi-denominational mentoring program), Esandleni (a program in Zimbabwe — read more about this in our missions section this issue) and a new ministry called MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) planned to start towards the end of this year. Although not birthed by Shimmer we also encourage and give leadership to two playgroups, Flamingos for single mums.
The ministries that Shimmer runs and partners with seem to be what Shimmer is all about. Esandleni Sothando is featured in this issue’s mission section. What do you love most about the Esandleni Sothando project?
The incredible opportunity to be in direct partnership with wonderfully committed Christian nationals; people we already know and trust, and seeing immediate results in girls’ lives. The situation in Zimbabwe is overwhelming and yet we’ve been given the opportunity to take hold of an edge of that crisis and see good result. I’ve seen, again and again, how God chooses to use ordinary people, who are willing to be used, and achieve extraordinary things. Our great Creator God is not limited in what He can achieve, if only we would put ourselves, and what little we think we have, into His hands.
God has brought Shimmer a long way from when things started rolling in 2001! A lot of women’s lives, and as a ripple effect, their families’ lives, have been impacted through the ministries mentioned above. What was the drive behind building Shimmer?
Out of a desire to bring the women of Pittwater Uniting Church (PUC) together in meetings and events that would support and encourage us in our Christian walk, and to inspire us to look beyond ourselves at what was happening to women in our world. In 2000 an ad-hoc committee hosted a dinner with a speaker at the Boardwalk restaurant in Palm Beach. The excitement and positive response from that led us to launch Shimmer and it’s vision as a ministry for women at PUC in 2001. The conference was designed to bring together women from all across the peninsula, and that networking has been a strength since it’s beginning, with one conference having women from 57 different churches attending.
The annual Shimmer Women’s Conference is one of the biggest things Shimmer does. What was a highlight for you of the Firepower conference this year, eight years down the track?
God’s absolute provision. From leading a new team, to the beautiful weather, to wonderful speakers, to the quick response of help for our friend who fell before we started, and God’s miraculous healing process in her life.
What do you love most about the Shimmer ministry?
Seeing how God stirs passion in the hearts of women and then the equipping and courage to use their gifts in ministry. It’s an awesome privilege to be a part of seeing women step out in faith and to play a part in helping that happen.
What advice would you give to women who want to shimmer in this life?
Be intentional about building your own relationship with God through prayer and reading Scripture. Don’t rely on that happening second hand through others. And persevere, taking God at His word, even through the tough times when you might only be hanging on by your fingernails! Hold onto the promises of God because He is faithful!
Keep your eyes on this website for news on upcoming events that Shimmer is organising. Uplift Marion and her team of amazing women in your prayers, as what they do requires wisdom, strength and time.
As one woman standing alone, we really can’t do much. Life gets hard, kids start screaming, bills keep coming. Marion and her team realised that God’s women need each other to stand strong.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “ By yourself you're unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped.” (The Message)
Shimmer Ministry is the rounded up third strand. God’s heart for us as Christian women is for us to stand together and look to Him for strength. Together. Never alone.
