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WMU selects 8 teens as National Acteens Panelists

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (BP)–Eight teens have been selected as 2007 National Acteens Panelists by Woman’s Missionary Union based on their missions commitment and involvement in their school, community and church.

The eight Acteens Panelists, each involved in the WMU missions organization for teenage girls in grades seven through 12 are Chelsea Ballou of Central Baptist Church, Corbin, Ky.; Brittany Burdine of University Hills Baptist Church, Charlotte, N.C.; Kerrie Carr of Lakeside Baptist Church, Birmingham, Ala.; Tiffany Clark of First Baptist Church, Humble, Texas; Tara Hammett of First Baptist Church, Minden, La.; Juliana Robbins of Calvary Baptist Church, Waynesboro, Tenn.; Jannifer Shin of University Hills Baptist Church, Charlotte, N.C.; and Christie York of Berean Baptist Church, Richland, Mo.

“Without a doubt, these eight young women represent the very best of their generation,” said Kym Mitchell, national WMU’s student resource team leader and design editor. “They are not only leaders in their schools and in a variety of community service arenas, but they are also committed to their families, involved in the ministries of their local churches and are strong missional leaders, setting an example for us all as they actively live out God’s call on their lives.”

Suzanne Reece, ministry consultant for WMU’s student resource team, said the selection process was very challenging this year, as numerous applicants were involved in an abundance of missions opportunities and experiences.

“Many of them are responsible for initiating, planning and executing mission projects in their own church and community,” Reece said of the panelists. “They appear to be a group of girls who will take it upon themselves to serve God and make a difference in the world wherever they may be. These girls will represent their church, their hometown and WMU as a whole very well, and if the outlook for the future of teenagers and missions is up to them, we are in very good hands.”

The 2007 National Acteens Panelists serve from Feb. 1 to Dec. 31 and each receives a $1,000 Jessica Powell Loftis Scholarship for Acteens from the WMU Foundation to be used for higher education.

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A highlight of their service will be ministering at “Blume,” a national missions gathering for teenage girls and collegiate young women to be held in Kansas City, Mo., July 10–13. Formerly known as the National Acteens Convention (NAC), it occurs approximately every four years. The panelists also will participate in the annual WMU Missions Celebration and Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, June 10–11, prior to the Southern Baptist Convention.

As Acteens Panelists, they will have the opportunity to interact with missionaries and national leaders involved in missions and may be requested to speak to church, associational and/or state Acteens and WMU groups.

Throughout the year, they will write articles for The Mag, the Acteens missions magazine and for the Acteens’ website, www.acteens.com, as well as serving as a focus group to help shape the future direction of Acteens.

WMU also recognizes additional Acteens each year as National Top Teens for their strong in missions.

Top Teens for 2007 are Sierra Bollinger, Olivia Riley and Ashley Taylor, all of First Baptist Church, Jackson, Mo.; Angel Fulkersin of First Baptist Church, Crestview, Fla.; Rebecca Gardner of First Baptist Church, Shelbyville, Ky.; Hillary Garner of Brookwood Baptist Church, Shreveport, La.; Mallory Harrell of Tallowood Baptist Church, Houston; Katie Hildabrand of Post Oak Baptist Church, Russellville, Ky.; Alisia Hodge of First Baptist Church, Baker, Fla.; Megan Jones of First Baptist Church, Humble, Texas; Rachel Krome of Brown Deer (Wis.) Baptist Church; Emily Beth Leathers of First Baptist Church, Durant, Miss; Lili Muongkhot of First Baptist Church, Amarillo, Texas; Erin Radomsky of Hyde Park Baptist Church, Austin, Texas; and Terri Yonge of First Baptist Church, Interlachen, Fla.

National Acteens Panel applicants must be a current junior or senior in high school, a Christian, a church member, a member of a local Acteens organization, participate regularly in missions activities, be able to attend the national WMU Missions Celebration during the year they serve, and have a parent or guardian’s permission.

Applications for the 2008 National Acteens Panel are due to WMU headquarters by Dec. 3, 2007. Applications will be available on the Acteens website at www.acteens.com and in the fall issue of Acteens Leader.
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Visit www.acteens.com for more information on Acteens. To learn more about Blume, visit www.blumeforgirls.com.