Tea & Testimony unites, inspires women of faith

The lovely month of May has notoriously recognized women with Mother’s Day since 1908. It seems appropriately keeping with that honor that May has also become a time of celebration for the First Baptist Church of Barnwell (FBCB) Ladies Ministry to host their delightful Tea & Testimony event.
May 4 marked their second annual celebration recognizing women at FBCB. A dozen tables were creatively and colorfully decorated with different themes for the occasion.
“It’s a good, wholesome way to fellowship with other ladies, hear a message, and share a good time celebrating women’s hard work at home and church. Women are like glue helping hold things together. Planning, organizing, offering support wherever needed. The Tea & Testimony event is a great way to help ensure ladies know they are valued and appreciated for their time and hard work,” said church member Carson Grubbs, who decorated a table.
Jennifer King, event co-organizer and Women's Ministry member, explained, “Each lady volunteers to sponsor a table, decorate it with their personal, family heirloom china, or however they want. Tammy Still was chosen this year's winner for her outstanding creativity.”

Event attendance grew by 25 percent since last year’s premiere. “Last year, 75 ladies from church and their guests attended. This year, we reached over 100. Our FBCB ladies are so wonderful. A lot of love!” said King.
Tonya Kelley, the pastor’s wife, as well as developer and original organizer of the event, was so happy with the turnout and especially thankful. “It’s wonderful to see the ladies work together so not one person is responsible to decorate the whole event. Jennifer King especially did so much work that I wasn’t able to this year since I’ve been going through cancer treatments. Everyone working together made it a success. It's a great time that lets people show off their beautiful talents and creativity in decorating too.”

The Tea & Testimony gathering was catered by South Edisto Catering featuring chicken salad croissants, pimento cheese sandwiches, pasta salad, fruit salad and sweets. Beverages included tea, lemonade and water.
The ladies personally entertained the crowd by singing praise and worship songs and performing a comical skit.

A motivational testimony was provided by speaker Nadia Segar; a Blackville native who now resides in Columbia with her family.

Segar said her “heart is to minister to the community” and the root of her brave testimony focused on trauma, child molestation and rape. “God took me from my Egypt into Canaan. He changed my worldview, transitioning it to His Biblical world. A sanctification cycle. A process. God does His greatest moves in our lowest hour,” said Segar.
She quoted Psalm 46:5, which says, “God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved.” The heart of the matter came when she asked the crowd, “The question is, will you trust Him? Can He trust you to find someone to minister to?”
If you’d like to learn more about Segar’s powerful testimony and ministry, or invite her to speak at an upcoming event, her contact information is available at www.nadiasegar.com.