Our History

Mid-Valley Women of Christ began in August 2008, when 800 women from 56 churches and 23 denominations gathered at Albany First Assembly of God (Hope Church) for the first Beth Moore Living Proof Live Simulcast. Linda David and her team organized the event, which inspired many women to seek more chances to connect and grow in their faith.

 

Later that year, to help women grow in faith and unity, the group began forming an organization to promote Bible studies in Albany. Linda David became chairperson, Donna Dluehosh led prayer, and Roberta White managed Bible studies. The first study in January 2009 enrolled about 200 women, and later studies enrolled over 300.

 

In April 2009, the first Leadership Team met at Grace Point Nazarene Church. Pastors from different local churches offered their support. That year, Mid-Valley Women of Christ became officially registered in Oregon. By fall 2010, Bible studies were held at several churches, and the first Praise and Worship Night took place in November.

 

The ministry kept growing, and in 2011, Mid-Valley Women of Christ became a 501(c)(3) non-profit. The team added new members and leadership roles to support this growth. By winter 2012, the largest Bible study brought together over 800 women from 19 churches, with 22 studies offered.

 

The ministry continued to grow, hosting outreach events such as the Beth Moore Living Proof Live Simulcast in September 2012, which drew over 300 women. Planning meetings and leadership changes helped guide the ministry during these early years.

 

Between 2014 and 2018, Mid-Valley Women of Christ grew quickly. Bible studies reached six counties, with up to 52 classes at more than 35 churches. By then, over 1,500 women were taking part, showing the ministry’s growth and the members’ dedication.

 

The ministry also partnered in prayer and worship events and joined community outreach efforts. In 2019, Linda David handed leadership to Laurie Smucker. That year, Mid-Valley Women of Christ prepared for its 23rd Community Bible Study in seven counties, continuing to unite women in faith.

 

In 2021, Belinda Wildung became President and led the ministry through the uncertain times after the pandemic. Even with these challenges, she helped keep MVWC focused on bringing women together and deepening their faith.

 

In January 2023, Lagea Mull became President after six years on the board. She has focused on bringing more women back, building stronger community ties, and bringing back larger events.

 

Like many ministries, Mid-Valley Women of Christ faced big challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. In-person meetings were canceled or moved online, and attendance dropped sharply. Bible studies that once drew over 1,300 women had only 465 participants in Fall 2020. Praise & Worship events, which used to bring in over 900 people, were canceled or streamed online.

 

Still, with perseverance and God's help, MVWC stayed true to its mission. As restrictions lifted, women started coming back, slowly at first but with more excitement over time. By Fall 2021, Bible study attendance had reached 660+. By Spring 2023, over 500 women were attending Praise & Worship events again. In 2024 and 2025, both studies and worship events regularly drew over 500 participants, demonstrating the ministry’s renewal.

 

In 2024, MVWC added the Going Beyond Simulcast with Priscilla Shirer and hosted it again in August 2025. Praise & Worship events also continued, including one in March 2026. While attendance has not reached the high levels seen before the pandemic, hundreds of women still gather through MVWC each year.

 

By August 2026, Mid-Valley Women of Christ had reached over 28,800 women through its community-wide Bible studies. In September 2026, MVWC will start its 38th Community-Wide Bible Study, continuing to bring women from many churches and denominations in the Mid-Willamette Valley together around God's Word for almost twenty years.

 

Since the pandemic, these years have been about perseverance, rebuilding, and staying faithful. Even with changes in leadership and new challenges, Mid-Valley Women of Christ has kept its focus: bringing women from different backgrounds together to grow in God's Word, worship, and pray.

 

With God's blessing, Mid-Valley Women of Christ looks forward to carrying on this mission for many years to come.

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