Women in Christian Media, an industry group and mutual support organization geared toward women, will launch its West Coast San Diego Connection during a special dinner event on scheduled for October 9th, according to Sullen Roberts, WCM's Founder and President. "The event's intent is to connect with and refresh women who serve in Christian communications - especially those who live and work in San Diego and the Southern California Region."

"We are proud that Kay Arthur, four-time Gold Medallion award-winning author, has agreed to be our Keynote Speaker," Roberts said. "Kay is a beloved international Bible teacher and one of the top women in the Christian communications field," Roberts noted. "In addition to her other accomplishments, Kay founded Precept Ministries International with her husband Jack in 1970 with the vision to establish people in God's Word."

Women in Christian Media is open to all women who communicate - or seek to communicate - the Word of God, Roberts explained. "We heartedly welcome all women, regardless of the form of Christian mass communications in which they serve: TV, radio, internet, publishing, publicity, film or music. We also include women who are working in a church media department, an agency or a ministry.

"If you are the host of a program or the producer," Roberts said, "if you are a writer or a publisher - and if you're a woman - you're invited to come receive spiritual encouragement, professional enrichment, and networking with your peers."

Marcia Ramsland, Director of the West Coast/ San Diego Connection and an executive with Organizing Pro Inc., is scheduled to emcee the event. Marcia and a committed WCM task force of Christian media women have worked diligently to organize this special event.

The selection of Kay Arthur was an inspired choice. As the author of more than 100 books and Bible studies, Kay is an ideal role model for Women in Christian Media. Kay is also a teacher and the host of Precepts for Life, a radio and television program which reaches a worldwide viewing audience of over 94 million people, teaching them how to discover Truth for themselves.

"Today, God is using Precept Ministries to reach nearly 150 countries with inductive Bible studies translated into nearly 70 languages," Arthur explained. Appropriately, Kay's message for the Women in Christian Media evening event will be "Communicating Truth in Troubled Times."

In addition to Kay Arthur's keynote presentation, musical entertainment will be provided by the Inspirational Country Music Award's two-time "Top Five Female Vocalists" nominee Mary James. Through three recording projects and an active singing and speaking schedule, Mary's songs of healing and truth have been heard on radio, in churches, and in various ministry events around the world. "I love how God is able to bring beauty up out of ashes," Mary said, explaining her own inspiration.

Women in Christian Media, though inspired, didn't happen overnight. Sullen Roberts began testing the waters seven years ago for an industry group geared toward women. The idea sparked immediate enthusiasm. Within two months, Roberts secured a leadership team and unveiled WCM in 2001. Celebrating significant growth in its first six years, the group had an increased response at the 2006 and 2007 WCM conferences due to its co-location with the National Religious Broadcasters' Annual Convention.

With chapters located throughout the country, Women in Christian Media maintains a schedule of events that intentionally stick closely to WCM's mission to encourage, connect and mobilize women working in all forms of Christian media ministry. Roberts' desire continues to be to connect women in purpose and vision. She believes that providing a platform for women in Christian media will yield powerful results. "Mobilizing women in Christian media is essential to advancing the gospel in these times," Roberts said.

Beyond living the group's mission in her own life and work, Roberts is encouraged by the groups' rapid progress. "I have organized many women's groups over the years, but this one is unique," she said. "There is an enthusiasm among these women like I've never seen. That is why we've come so far, so fast."

Seven Executive Committee women play a vital role in making the organization a success. Roberts knows the base of 24 founding members would be pleased with the organization's fervent growth. The West Coast/San Diego Director is Marcia Ramsland, who is also the president of The Organizing Pro in San Diego. Her team includes: Tonilee Adamson from Daily Disciples Ministries, Inc; Judy Bowen, a Marketing and Advertising Consultant; Bobbye Brooks from Daily Disciples Ministries, Inc.; Michelle Cullum from Embolden Life Coaching; Danna Demetre from Women of Purpose; Stacie Drake with Daily Disciples Ministries, Inc; Pam Farrel of Farrel Communications in San Diego; Jan Gates with Event Design Pros; Renee Johnson of Renee Johnson Ministries; Colleen Monroe with Good News Etc.; and Filoiann Wiedenhoff of Filoiann Wiedenhoff Ministries.

The heart of WCM's mission is to be a source of encouragement that facilitates lasting friendships and continual growth. "WCM provides common ground for media professionals creating a synergy to explore new horizons," Christy Legg, Vice President of ILIFE Television Network, explained. "I have already made numerous invaluable connections through WCM."

The framework of WCM is special events giving women the opportunity to network. WCM holds National Conferences and with this dinner, opens the West Coast/ San Diego, Southwest/ Dallas, Southeast/ Nashville Conferences. Chicago is the next WCM region to be unveiled.

"My involvement with WCM has been the starting point of invaluable relationships. The events provide opportunity to exchange ideas and keep a pulse on the various programming available for women," she said.

Based on response from those who have attended past WCM events, the group is already making an impact by enriching lives personally and professionally. When asked about the future of WCM, Roberts anticipates a remarkable outcome. "I expect that great fruitfulness will come out of all this, for women in the industry and for female media consumers," said Roberts. More information about WCM can be found at http://www.womeninchristianmedia.org.

The event will be held October 9th from 6-9PM. It will be held at the historic Handerly Hotel and Resort in beautiful San Diego. The cost of the WCM event, for guests, is $35; for members, the cost is $30. The deadline for registration is October 7th. Attendees can register at: http://www.womeninchristianmedia.org.