It's been a few weeks since I've had the opportunity to visit my widow-friends in Lilayi. It was so good to be back and fellowship with these women and gain more insight into their lives. I was surprised to see the whole group this time. Initially I thought I would only be meeting with 2 or 3 women to talk through business plans. But it turned out for the best. Many of the women had similar ideas and plans of what they wanted to sell. So by the end of the meeting I was able to convince them it would be better to work together in small teams and share transport cost/labor, etc. In a culture that is based on community, it seems weird to me that they wouldn't have already organized themselves into small groups and be interested in working together.
I'm very thankful that Bishop Yamba is taking the lead on meeting with the women on a regular basis for prayer and encouragement. Monday will start their first official prayer meeting. These women are from all different religious backgrounds: pentacostal, catholic, anglican, seventh-day adventist, or nothing at all. As the group gets more comfortable being together and begins to open up some more, it is my hope to add in some bible teaching, praise and worship, and testimony time. It is my hope to see these women begin to love and support each other more as they come into a deeper relationship with Jesus. There are so many more widows in the community who are asking to be included in the group, so I hope that in the future some of these women will reach out to other widows who need assistance.
God is teaching me so much through this little venture with Him. For every one right thing I do, I know I am also doing 5 wrong things. But God is gentle and is guiding me and teaching me how He wants me lead these women.
Internet is super-slow tonight, so I will include pics another time.
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