HOPKINSVILLE—Around 300 Girls in Action and their leaders gathered at First Baptist Church of Hopkinsville Nov. 4 for GA JAM. Together, they collected more than 100 backpacks for the Kentucky Baptist Convention’s emphasis on Christmas Backpacks and a $566 offering.

GA JAM was started in 2008 to give Girls in Action and their leaders another chance to “experience missions by hearing from international and state missionaries,” Stacy Nall, Kentucky WMU’s preschool/children’s consultant, said. “We believe that hearing from ‘real live’ missionaries is the best way to inspire young hearts for missions.”

This year’s theme was “Reaching the Goal.” The emphasis sports and how GAs can use the skills they have to share the gospel. Melissa Lodgston-Young, a Kentucky WMU board member, used color-coordinated basketballs to present the plan of salvation and encouraged the girls to share their faith using any way that they could. Emily Scott, sports ministry intern at Ormsby Heights Baptist Church in Louisville, shared about her time overseas and how she used sports to share the gospel in various places.

Jessica*, a missionary to South Africa, taught the girls about her ministry, shared stories with them and taught South African songs. In addition, she explained how she uses the colors of the South African flag to present the gospel.

Other missionaries, including two couples currently ministering and formerly serving in Asia, as well as Kentucky missionaries Arlene Miller, Shirley Barlow and Harrell Riley shared with the GAs about their ministries, taught them about the importance of missions, and even taught some a few Chinese words.

The excitement-filled day also included a skit, lunch, an explanation of the importance of Christmas backpacks, and structured gym time to learn about sports.

For more information on GAs or how your church can get involved, visit www.kywmu.org. (WR)

*Last name omitted for security