EPIC TIMES AT THE 60TH UN COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
March 14 through March 24, 2016
New York, New York
“A totally eye-opening and heart-moving experience!” That was my take-away as the EPIC delegation leader privileged to attend the 60th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, this past spring, in the Big Apple. My assistant, Deacon Pamela Wilkerson (MD) and I entered this governmental mountain extremely observant and ready to embrace a wide range of learning encounters; and that’s exactly what happened!
Our founder & visionary, Apostle Axel Sippach (WA) joined us for a few days and our journey began with a bang. We were exposed to diverse groups and cultural expressions, but there are three (3) that top my list. First, we embraced the Nigerian women in their strategic cries over the Boko-Haram and their missing daughters. The following evening we sat with the Armenian women on innovative business projects all spearheaded by women and learned of ways female business owners are increasing the economic vitality of their nation. Third, we interfaced with British women around their big agenda to archive the voices of women through an international post-card, mail-in campaign entitled, “What Women Want….” A witty, repeat, idea that originally took place on 1995. I also had a brief speaking opportunity to encourage escort avrupa yakasi missionary nurses and other medical professionals on leadership communications. It was awe-inspiring.
The second week, Apostle Karen Bettis-Davis (VA), Apostle Karen Register-Veney (VA), Apostle Linda Caldwell (TX) and Prophet Gabrielle Gibson (FL) climbed the government mountain and was also moved with similar experiences. “It has opened my eyes to the greater call and the need for our voice at the United Nations and in our community,” saith Apostle Bettis-Davis. “It has left me completely impacted, and ready to work. I’ll never be the same!” Prophet Gibson had a glaring takeaway as well, “Women are told, ‘Look like a lady, work like a dog, think like a man!’ This should not be.”
What was evident to us all is that the Kingdom of God must be in the midst of the decision making policies impacting women and girls internationally. I personally felt the joyous pleasure of us bringing a ‘king-priest’’ perspective inside the gate and at the table of this historic arena. For the first time, those with an apostolic-prophetic presence were able to provide a penetrating gaze into many of the issues that plague and pain women, who comprise “slightly more than half of the global population.”
Women from across the nations sat with us at lunch, took selfies with us in the halls and embraced this primarily ‘African-American’ delegation of leaders with open arms. We felt comfortable and clearly aligned in our new mission field. From Great Britain to Beijing; and from America to West Africa we dressed differently and spoke with certain variations, but the vast majority of us connected on the universal issues affecting women from every culture around the world. Those issues include:
- safety from physical & sexual harm (i.e. robbery, rape, human trafficking, etc.)
- protection from corporate predators and male workplace bullies (i.e. monetary scams, sexual harassment, job promotions via sexual favors, etc.)
- image manipulation and exploitation in both print and electronic media
- equality in pay and increased earning potential given equal skills, expertise and education
- vital voices in politics, media and business at the highest levels
- top leadership positions in varied sectors of the church, government, sports, etc.
- the list goes on and on
The reality is that women’s progress is global progress and those advancements are strongly tied to Kingdom solutions, insights and perspectives. Attending the 60th Commission on the Status of women has impacted each of us. We came away affirming our organizational mission and singing its anthem…. We are EPIC – Extraordinary People Influencing Culture; and these are truly EPIC times!
Apostle Yolanda Powell
EPIC UN Delegation Team Lead
Spring, 2016
