"DEBORAH" NETWORK ENCOURAGES WOMEN TO TAKE A STAND

A NEW NETWORK to encourage women to "awaken to their God-given destiny" to impact society is spreading across the country.

Deborah Associates movements have been established in three cities in the past year, with interest in local groups for other cities and even overseas. The informal network links women wanting to affect key areas of society - from education to the arts - for prayer, teaching and support.

Founded by Youth With A Mission leader Linda Cowie, Deborah Associates take their name from the Old Testament character who as a judge in Israel "nurtured her people and defeated the enemy". The movement organizes training workshops, leadership seminars and conferences to link women in leadership roles. Several hundred women have attended events. Participants come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.

"There are many individual women in strategic servant leadership positions who are making a positive contribution to society," said Cowie. "However, to make a long-lasting overall impact, strength of unity is needed. Through pursuing greater intimacy with God, encouragement and networking together, women will impact society."

The key areas of focus are the media, education, business and commerce, the church, family, arts and entertainment, government, law and justice, sports and recreation, and health. Already "some key women have been touched by this ministry, and as a result this nation will be changed".

Although the present emphasis is on women, larger gatherings are open to men, too. "As a woman in the highest position in Israel, Deborah called for Barak and together they mobilized the troops into battle," said Cowie. "We can really impact our cities with a standard of righteousness if only we will awake and respond to God's call on our lives in mutuality and respect, acknowledging each other's giftings."

Traditionally, women in New Zealand churches have often been limited to serving in just a few areas - such as women's ministry, Sunday School work and intercession - she said. "But we want to see women awaken to their God-given destiny to impact society in all areas and at all levels."

The seeds of Deborah Associates - defined as "Christian women in leadership impacting society" - were sown eight years ago when Cowie helped produce a manual for effective citywide ministry in New York, where she was helping establish a new YWAM work. But the group did not emerge formally until a founding conference in 1997.

"We are an association, not an organization. Rather than being centered around particular personality figures, we want to be based on friendship of leaders with common values, purposes and goals," said Cowie. "We want to make room for people of different callings and genders to work together."

Born to American missionary parents in Colombia, and now a naturalized citizen of New Zealand, Cowie and her New Zealand husband, David, have served with YWAM for 28 years. They lived in Europe, Asia and America before returning to New Zealand a few years ago to found YWAM's Mercy Ships ministry in the Pacific region.

Cowie also serves as director of Gideon's Fields, a world missions prayer retreat center outside of Tauranga.

Deborah Associates: PO Box 1028, Tauranga, New Zealand.

(Photo available on request)

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