Since “daycare” is unheard of, and a “MOPS” program has yet to be started, some of the women had to filter in and out of the teaching session in order to meet the demands of everyday life in the village. As always, Karen did a superb job of teaching the story of Esther. Put flannel graph in that girl’s hand and she’ll teach anywhere and to anyone who will listen! ; ) Karen has been such an asset to our team. Her gifted ability and passion for teaching His Word has not only been a blessing to the women of Africa but to us as well.
At the completion of her teaching she asked the women to share their thoughts. They began one by one to express how touched they were by our fellowship. Then they began to share their testimonies of how they came to a personal relationship and the effect it has had on their lives. Each one had such heart wrenching stories of persecution...including physical beatings, separation and rejection from family, financial disparity, and hardships that came from “tradition” religious rituals. The majority of them had lost a least one child, and some more than one. Persecution wasn’t just an emotional or mental perception...it was life’s cruel reality! Although they faced such staggering opposition, each one portrayed such Spiritual steadfastness and perseverance...an inner strength deep within their souls that can only come from HIM.
The Calvary ladies were once again speechless and in awe (I know that is hard for some of you to believe). We take so much for granted...from everyday conveniences of electricity and running water, literacy and advanced educational opportunities, to equal social status with men. Ronda’s journaling summed it up very eloquently...
“The four women from America went to the ‘well’ that morning to pour out all that we had. In doing so, we were refilled by the Living Water that abides within the humble women of West Africa. We also found that in the middle of West Africa...in a ‘bush village’ we were encircled by many Esthers. Instead of being the encouragers we were the ones encouraged.”
Several of the women also testified that when they received Spiritual healing they also experienced miraculous physical healing. Pam, it reminded me of the testimonies we heard at our first conference. What a picture of HIS mercy and grace! These women continue to march forward in faithful obedience to the Most High, One True God!...Exodus 14:13-15
Thank-you Father for your endless love, mercy, and grace.
Cindy
“Yet who knows whether you have come to the Kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14
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