Fifty-four young women and sixteen volunteers recently gathered in the conference room of the Greater Sydney Conference office, which had been transformed into a wedding reception hall, with all the frills, to participate in the exciting program, “and the Bride wore White”. This is a program on purity, designed to equip young women with tools and skills to survive in the popular culture, where anything goes. The take-home message of the day was – “Purity is possible!”
Facilitator, Graciella Rosales, did an excellent job to keep this fast moving, interactive program on track, holding the participant’s attention. The day comprised of illustrative games and group activities. Participants engaged in meaningful worship with songs of praise and prayers of commitment.
Two young women shared their personal, compelling stories on the issue of purity and all the challenges associated with that.
The day culminated with a special high tea, where each participant was presented with a special porcelain cup and saucer, a symbol to remind them that they are not disposable items to be used and discarded but rather valuable creations. The young women were enthralled by the setting and felt valued and special.
“From the gasps of surprise and wonder, the comments and words of appreciation and the level of participation, we can safely deduce that the desired outcomes of the program had been met,” says Beryl Landers, Adventist Women Director.