Oregon Conference children’s ministry director, Shirley Allen, has been awarded the first annual “Leonard Bierlein Reach the Word for Jesus” award, by Ultimate Mission.

Shirley was chosen for her creative leadership in inspiring children to be involved in worldwide missions. She was given the award by Ramona Bierlein at the 2019 Ultimate Mission banquet and fundraising auction, on Sunday, May 5.

Ultimate Mission director Jim Reynolds said “This appreciation award is for ministries and people that are making real differences in people’s lives.” It will be awarded annually at the Ultimate Mission banquet.

Shirley’s inspirational leadership challenged Vacation Bible Schools across North America to raise money for MadiDrops, a water purification tablet that helps provide safe water. The Vacation Bible Schools collected more than $27,000, giving more than 27,000 people in rural India pure water for a year.

Ultimate Mission’s motto and goal is to shine a light on ministries that make a difference, and to show that ordinary people can do extra-ordinary things, with Jesus’ light shining through them.

“Let your light so shine before men that others may see your works and glorify your Father in Heaven.” Matthew 5:16