BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WMU)—Allison Henderson is a shining example of how God is developing dynamic and emerging leaders through Acteens, in addition to nurturing a missions lifestyle.

Henderson, a member of Eagle’s Landing Baptist Church in New Port Ritchey, has been selected by national WMU as one of six young women to serve on the 2005 National Acteens Panel.

“Allison is a wonderful young Christ follower, in every sense of the word,” said Cindy Goodwin, women’s missions and ministries director, Florida WMU. “She has been involved in missions in her community, church, and beyond. If there is a way to minister, Allison is there.”

The other five panelists are Abby Baldridge, a member of Rocky Point Baptist Church, Stephenville, Texas; Caitlin Early, a member of Second Baptist Church, Fort Payne, Ala.; Kami Miinch, a member of First Baptist Church, Jackson, from Millersville, Mo.; Martha Sicking, a member of First Baptist Church, Bay City, Texas; and Dani Westerman, a member of Sylvia Baptist Church, Dickson, Tenn.

“These six, exceptional young women represent the best Acteens has to offer,” said Kym Mitchell, design editor for national WMU’s student resource team. “They have placed missions as a top priority in their lives. They have participated in missions trips—including those participating as Acteens Activators—have worked in a variety of volunteer positions throughout their churches and as camp staffers at GA and Acteens camps in their states, have accomplished a variety of quests through MissionsQuest, the individual achievement plan for Acteens, and much, much more.”

Acteens is a WMU ministry organization for teenaged girls in grades 7 through 12 who are interested in missions. In Acteens, members grow in their understanding of God and of themselves and are engaged in hands-on missions opportunities in their communities and beyond. Acteens are also actively involved in learning about missions and praying and giving to missions.

“To me, living a missions lifestyle means that no matter where you go, or who you are talking to, you are thinking about Jesus,” Henderson wrote in her application. “You are wondering if the person you are speaking with needs Jesus, and you aren’t afraid to tell them about Him. You feel the desire to help people who are less fortunate than yourself, and carry that desire out.”

The 2005 national Acteens panelists serve from February to December. Throughout the year, panelists will write articles for The Mag, the missions magazine for Acteens, and for the Acteens Web site. In addition, they will work as a focus group to help shape the future direction of Acteens. Panelists also interact with missionaries and national leaders involved in missions, and often receive requests to speak to church, associational, and/or state Acteens and WMU groups. In June, they will be featured leaders during national WMU’s missions celebration in Nashville prior to the SBC annual meeting.

In addition to those Acteens who are selected to serve as panelists, WMU also selects additional young women as Top Teens to recognize their strong involvement in missions.

Elizabeth Kelley, a member of First Baptist Church, Crestview, has been selected as one of 11 Top Teens.

For more information including how to start an Acteens organization, visit www.acteens.com.