At
the beginning of the month, Jenny, Cait, and I were given the
responsibility of putting together a 3-day woman’s seminar in a
nearby village. After organizing a schedule with Maria’s help, each
of us chose which sessions we’d like to teach, with the main theme
focusing on uplifting and encouraging women to see themselves as God
sees them.
the beginning of the month, Jenny, Cait, and I were given the
responsibility of putting together a 3-day woman’s seminar in a
nearby village. After organizing a schedule with Maria’s help, each
of us chose which sessions we’d like to teach, with the main theme
focusing on uplifting and encouraging women to see themselves as God
sees them.
The
first day was challenging due to the translator not understanding us
very well, forcing us to explain what we were saying in 2 or 3
different ways until he understood well enough to translate into
Tschwa. We made it through the day, though. The last 2 days were much
smoother because we had additional translator who jumped in when the
other hesitated uncertainly.
first day was challenging due to the translator not understanding us
very well, forcing us to explain what we were saying in 2 or 3
different ways until he understood well enough to translate into
Tschwa. We made it through the day, though. The last 2 days were much
smoother because we had additional translator who jumped in when the
other hesitated uncertainly.
Something
we really wanted the women to learn was a different way to worship
God than what they were used to. African worship typically consists
of one person starting the song, the others echoing that person, all
without instruments; rather, clapping, stomping, and dancing usually
accompany their voices. This is great, and I love joining them. What
we tried to teach them was to sing a song from their hearts, whatever
that might look like for each person. When we told them to try this
kind of worship, it didn’t really work. They either prayed or
silently stood around. Maybe something was lost in translation or it
was such a new concept that it would take time to sink in before they
could understand. It was disappointing that this idea didn’t go as
well as we’d hoped as far as we could see, but perhaps we were simply
planting a seed in their hearts that would have to be watered by the
Creator before taking root and sprouting.
we really wanted the women to learn was a different way to worship
God than what they were used to. African worship typically consists
of one person starting the song, the others echoing that person, all
without instruments; rather, clapping, stomping, and dancing usually
accompany their voices. This is great, and I love joining them. What
we tried to teach them was to sing a song from their hearts, whatever
that might look like for each person. When we told them to try this
kind of worship, it didn’t really work. They either prayed or
silently stood around. Maybe something was lost in translation or it
was such a new concept that it would take time to sink in before they
could understand. It was disappointing that this idea didn’t go as
well as we’d hoped as far as we could see, but perhaps we were simply
planting a seed in their hearts that would have to be watered by the
Creator before taking root and sprouting.
During
the last day’s sessions, a little boy named Emanuel or Gisano (I’m
not sure which it was, as they called him by both names) sat next to
me, slapping my hand on beat while singing and then simply holding it
as we listened to the teaching. Joyful smiles frequently graced his
young face, and I couldn’t help but smile back at him; he was too
cute to refuse. After Maria taught about prayer, we broke off into
two groups to pray for/with the ladies (and men) to see what words
God would give us. As we prayed, he toddled over to me and plopped
down on my lap. For some reason he playfully punched my stomach, and
then this thought went through my mind: Is God telling me that
there is a woman sitting here with stomach pain, and we need to pray
for her healing? Not sure if this was actually God, I brushed the
thought aside. It was probably nothing more than a childish action,
anyway. However, when Maria asked me if God was showing me something,
I decided to just go with it. If nothing happened, then so be it;
certainly wouldn’t be the first time I’ve made a mistake, after all.
the last day’s sessions, a little boy named Emanuel or Gisano (I’m
not sure which it was, as they called him by both names) sat next to
me, slapping my hand on beat while singing and then simply holding it
as we listened to the teaching. Joyful smiles frequently graced his
young face, and I couldn’t help but smile back at him; he was too
cute to refuse. After Maria taught about prayer, we broke off into
two groups to pray for/with the ladies (and men) to see what words
God would give us. As we prayed, he toddled over to me and plopped
down on my lap. For some reason he playfully punched my stomach, and
then this thought went through my mind: Is God telling me that
there is a woman sitting here with stomach pain, and we need to pray
for her healing? Not sure if this was actually God, I brushed the
thought aside. It was probably nothing more than a childish action,
anyway. However, when Maria asked me if God was showing me something,
I decided to just go with it. If nothing happened, then so be it;
certainly wouldn’t be the first time I’ve made a mistake, after all.
“Do
any of the ladies have stomach pain?” I asked through the
interpreter.
any of the ladies have stomach pain?” I asked through the
interpreter.
Nothing…no
reply.
reply.
Then a woman raised her hand. Hallelujah!
We
all prayed for her. When I asked how she felt, she said she felt a
little better. Praise the Lord. Even though the pain wasn’t all
gone, I believe that God would bring a full and complete healing in
her body.
all prayed for her. When I asked how she felt, she said she felt a
little better. Praise the Lord. Even though the pain wasn’t all
gone, I believe that God would bring a full and complete healing in
her body.
God
really does speak through children. I now know this from my own
experience.
really does speak through children. I now know this from my own
experience.
Let
the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such
belongs the kingdom of heaven.
~
Matthew 19:14
Cool story Becca! Glad you guys survived the conference. And I’m proud of you for going for things that were new or uncertain. Every time we decide to “go for it” we find that His voice gets clearer and clearer. Good for you for taking that step of faith. 🙂 Much love, Becks
I love you Becca and am so proud of you stepping out in faith as the Spirit was leading you! That’s what it’s all about and the more you do that the more crazy cool things God is going to do! Keep it up and stay cool! Love ya
Keep fighting for this Becca! I love that you acted with courage – if you feel the Lord leading, be obedient! Thanks for setting a great example!
Thanks for being sensitive to the Holy Spirit prompting, we never know when God may speak or who He will use to speak. Love you mucho!