by Heather Houghton, Global Reach Commission
Wendy Zumbo and I traveled to Bangladesh from July 20 -
July 30, 2024. The main objective of our trip was to share and emulate basic women’s ministry. We set the example by having fellowship with our sisters through prayer, Bible study, crafts, singing, and when possible, tea time! Our intention was to bless them and give them a visual model of what basic women’s ministry can look like. Our hope and prayer is that they will take this simple example and begin to gather themselves and then take this example to their sisters in Christ.
We tried to impart how much of a blessing it could be if they gathered as women to support and encourage one another. The ministry was extremely well received! Many of our sisters in each group told us after we held sessions that they needed more time with us--time to gather and fellowship, time to pray together, and time to study the Bible together.
This was the first time they have had ministry solely devoted to them as women. They are thirsty for it! We have already begun the initial planning phase so that Wendy and I may go back to expand on this women’s ministry. Dr. John would like us to have all-day sessions with our sisters next year. We will model the basics of fellowship, prayer, and Bible study as well as expand to begin talking about acts of service.
Personal points from Wendy and I: Wendy noted that as we made Lord’s prayer bracelets, each colored bead represented a different phrase in the prayer that helps us to remember the prayer and is something that we have in common. Heather shared in Bible study several Scriptures that serve to remind us that as women we are uniquely created individuals who are equally valued, equally loved, and equally called to serve God.
Wendy shared an action song that had hand motions and really did not need translating. We wanted to share a song the women could take back to their churches and teach the children. Heather sang the chorus of the song, “The Blessing” over the women at the end of sessions as a blessing and a prayer. This chorus is an excerpt from Numbers 6:24-26. Heather and Wendy prayed over our sisters in Christ.
We both were humbled and honored to serve God on this trip by sharing women’s ministry. God used the extenuating circumstances in the country to grow us spiritually and missionally. We cannot wait to go back next year!
Want to save on this year's tickets to The Flourish Conference? Be sure to register before January 3! Female pastors and pastor's wives can receive a complimentary ticket by sending a written registration form to Nancy Scott. For more information or to download a printable brochure (modified for easier printing) visit https://www.theflourishconference.org/
Comentários