A Bible study for women
January 30, 2008
Today I attended a Bible study for women who are being discipled and taught to lead small groups in their villages. They meet in a missionary’s home once a week to study the Word of God, pray and encourage one another. Then they take the lesson back and teach it in their communities. Many of these women traveled on foot over three hours today to be a part of the Bible study. There were about 25 women who attended; this number was down because of the violent situation in this area. The women welcomed me as a sister in Christ and I gave them a greeting on YOUR behalf and encouraged them that MANY were praying for them and the nation of Kenya.
We opened with the women singing two hymns in Kipsigis accompanied by one of the ladies playing a hand drum. Each woman then recited their memory verse, told how their home Bible studies were progressing, gave prayer request and praise reports. Then we spent some time in prayer (an interpreter was there to help me with the language barrier). Then Linda, the career missionary leader, taught a simple and powerful lesson from Isaiah 43:1-7, “Fear Not”. The women took notes and were so hungry to study the Word of God. They concluded with a cup of Chai (hot tea, sugar and milk) and fellowship.
After the women in these village Bible Studies learn 16 key verses by memory and regularly attend the small groups they receive a Bible in their own language……….recently over 100 women lined up outside this missionaries home waiting to recite their verses and get a Bible!
Most of these women have great troubles and unimaginable obstacles in their life- yet they are full of joy, walking by faith and spreading the love of Christ. Thank God for this long term missionary who is training and equipping these women to disciple others.
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1
Jennifer Dear,
as I read this report about the Women’s Bible Study, the tears came so uncontrolably. As Mrs. Dodie always says “But God” !! You are so right about one thing, we don’t realize our “blessings”.
Love you much,
Nancy & Gary
Dearest Jenn,
I’m glad you are finally settled in ‘your home away from home’. I’ve just now taken the time to soak in all of what you’ve seen, heard and have felt from all of your blogs. It touches me to the core. I’m so proud of you all, Jesus is too! Physically I can’t send you a card, so I’ve decided to send it to you electronically. I’ve had it on my desk for you and Paul for two months now. (I guess I should’ve been there when he spoke on procrastination, huh?). Anyway, I feel it’s timing is appropriate for you and Paul now. Here goes…..
“Awards aren’t given a nation at a time, a church at a time, or a generation at a time. The crowns are given one at a time. God Himself will look you in the eye and bless you with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Max Lucado)
“May you be encouraged today knowing that your life and ministry ARE UNDER THE LORD’S CARE and tender mercies–each step that He leads you to take WILL BE FOR THE VERY BEST.”
Jenn, you (God) has prepared you for such a time as this! You’ve ’studied to show yourself approved’, inquiring wisdom and exceling in excellence in the roles that you play; as a wife, a mother, a pastor’s wife and friend. SEIZE THE MOMENTS as the Spirit leads to be an influencer for these women!
Fly high dragonfly!!!
Yours & HIS,
Lesli
Dear Jenni,
Our hearts are truly blessed to read of your daily adventures.
The stories about the girls & Jackson are proof positive what Christ will and can do through all of us if we just give him our hearts.
The tears flow and our hearts break to hear of the precious children there.
We are praying for physical strength and restful nights for all of you.
We love you very much. Deb
Dear Jennifer,Paul and the little ones!:)
I am so happy that ya’ll are there being the hands and feet of Jesus. It is so amazing how He works and I marvel everyday how good He has been. To look at the pics all of you seem to be so content like you are at home, it is so encouraging!
All of you are in mine and my daughters prayers and Kenya as well and bless you all and ya’ll are covered with the blood of Jesus and so are the people there as well. There is so much God is doing in my life and getting to serve Him by speaking to other ladies that have been through what I have been through. There is a banquet for the Star of Hope where we stay at and at the banquet will share my testimony, Glory to God! I thank Him because I am shy, real shy and have a hard time talking to people sometimes and when this opportunity came up, I wanted to chicken out,lol. But God…:) He brought me to Rev..where it says that we overcome by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony.
He will give me the words to say so trusting Him.
God Bless ya’ll and it is wonderful what all God is doing through ya’ll there and just wanted to say that.
I also missed you last night at service. I can empatize with your mission in offering “a cup of water,” in Kenya. As fate would have it, there was a delegation here on the same night., from an existing collaborative who met with Beyond the Walls and church staff concerning a possible addition of Lakewood Church to its list of community partners. They toured the facilities and saw many resources we had to offer already in place: women’s ministry, drama, ect. They want to add basic health and social services for resettled women Sudanese refugees located in Lakewood’s surrounding geographical area. Some had been in camps in Kenya. I was called by the director of The Center for Health and Health Initiatives to arrange the meeting. Also, to see if I would be interested in using my Faith Community Nursing speciality training skills if a partnership could be arranged. This would be an opportunity for members to serve this same population here as well. Dosen’t those rare occasions where the calling in your profession and ministry collide presenting you with such a glorious experience of the Holy Spirit. Reminding why you choose that calling, rather than just a job or vocation. And instilling hope for the future of the medical and nursing fields. Oh, what an opportunity to be ‘ Jesus with skin on Him.’ Keep up the ‘God’ work!!!!!!
I am writing from Nairobi, Kenya.
I have been privileged to receiving the daily message of Today’s Word with J & V via e-mail. Once in a while I receive the other e-mail message called Live like a Champion! Then I read MISSION TO KENYA! I felt so thrilled and so glad to hear that missionary team is here helping people from your church. Kenyan are praying and fasting harder than ever before. I can imagine how bible study in women went on. One of my friends who is a Japanese (like me) recently visited Addis, Ethiopia and told me this. ‘’The children in Kenya are different. They smile a lot not like the children in Ethiopia.’’ I believe that is a hope we have. Not only the children, people generally here smile a lot and friendly, kind, patient and obedient. Many people gave their lives to Jesus Christ. We can not remove those beautiful smiles from the children. Everyone, let’s keep on pray for KENYA!
p.s. I am reading BECOME A BETTER YOU (2nd books of Joel’s to read) and do not miss his program on Family TV in Nairobi, Kenya.
God bless for the wonderful job you have done .To hear of your ups and downs as in language barriers trying to reach that hearting brother or sister is so encouraging to me so continue with the good work and God will richly bless you.I can interprate for you if you need my help for am from the kipsigis tribe.
wow. this brought me to tears. The women memorize the verses to receive a Bible … I think about how many Bibles we have in my own home… and how I take them for granted so many times. Thank you Jennifer for sharing what the Lord is doing there. It has impacted our lives here too. We love you guys very much and will continue to pray for you.
Jen, We are here! Unbelievable is all I can say. The boys amaze me how they can adapt to the area and take in all they are seeing. I was so overwhelmed by Tegucigalpa and the hopelessness of the people. I cried in my bed last night. :-) Today I can see the hand of God everywhere I look. He has raised up Hondurans to share His love and grace. John has enjoyed showing me past projects and introducing me to friends he has known for years. The memories we are making as a family I too will remember forever. We prayed for you this morning and are glad Paul is back at the hospital and you are safe. We spent the first night in Houston because of weather, Too bad you weren’t home. Hugs and kisses to all of you.
I love you,
Mary Ann
I am realy touched the way the woman laboured to hear the World of GOD,and how they commit themself in praying for the nation Kenya. Then they take the lesson back and teach it in their communities. Many of these women traveled on foot over three hours today to be a part of the Bible study.
We prayed for every body this morning .i wish to be part of the evengelism team that spread the world of GOD to nation\
SISTER TINA