Bobby Turner, right, president of Tennessee WMU, leads a prayer for Vickie Anderson during the installation service held March 21 in Gatlinburg. Joining the prayer were, from left are Carolyn Outland; Amanda Day Dean; Anderson; Randy C. Davis, executive director, Tennessee Baptist Convention; and Ann Davenport.
By Baptist and Reflector
GATLINBURG — On March 21 Vickie Anderson was installed as executive director-treasurer, Tennessee Woman’s Missionary Union, as part of the Missions Get-Together held here.
Anderson began serving in the role Jan. 1, succeeding Candy Phillips. Anderson, who formerly was missions growth/leadership development specialist, has served on the staff for 21 years.
Bobby Turner, president of Tennessee WMU, commended Anderson, noting that she saw Anderson provide leadership for the construction of Mary’s House, a missionary house built by Tennessee WMU. “She also is very knowledgable of Tennessee WMU,” said Turner.
Amanda Day Dean, former Tennessee WMU staff member now of Tucson, Ariz., spoke about Anderson, her former co-worker.
“Give Vickie the opportunity to invest in your life as you have invested in her,” said Dean.
Ann Davenport and Carolyn Outland of Belle Aire Baptist Church, Murfreesboro, and Care Ministries as well as long-time WMU leaders, both spoke.
“We know that God anointed you and prepared you for this moment,” said Outland.
Randy C. Davis, executive director of the Tennessee Baptist Convention said, “I’m thrilled to be walking with this dear lady in the years ahead.”
Turner led a prayer for Anderson as those who had spoken encircled her and placed hands on her.
Anderson spoke, noting that, “Tennessee Woman’s Missionary Union is not me or who you elected today,” referring to the women elected as WMU officers. “Tennessee Woman’s Missionary Union is all of us. … It is our day to help people and go out and win the lost and help them know how to serve.”
WMU members will do this, she said, “because of what He has done for us and what He has done in us.”
