The Power of a Praying Woman (con't)
Several of our team members shared that it was a "life-changing experience." It is impossible to imagine what life is like in Nicaragua until you have seen it with your own eyes. Of all the countries in the western hemisphere, only Haiti has worse poverty than Nicaragua. But God reveals His Presence in our weakness. The Nicaraguans don't have the material "stuff" that we have in the USA, but they experience the joy of the Lord in worship that is rare for many of us. What a privilege to be able to spend time with our Nicaraguan brothers and sisters in the Lord in the town of Somotillo, near the border with Honduras.
The mission trip to Nicaragua last September was a wonderful blessing, too, as we began leadership training and discipleship classes. I prepared to teach the women's group, thinking that there would probably be only 4 or 5 ladies present. God thinks bigger than I do. I had 26 women meeting with me outside under the shade of a big tree beside the church! Needless to say, I was thrilled.
The next trip in December, Pam Gillette taught the women's group with almost 40 present! This time, it was my turn to be blessed when I saw 72 women sitting there waiting to hear more about God's word and promises. There were so many that we couldn't fit them outside under the tree, we had to meet inside the church and use the microphone so everyone could hear! Pastor Tim Mathia and his men's group sacrificed their comfort for us. They took their chairs and moved outside in the heat so that I wouldn't worry about the microphone disturbing them. I suppose we'll have to move these conferences to the stadium the next time! By the way, the men had excellent attendance also, including 30 pastors among the 60 men from the different churches and villages. I can't tell you what a joy it is to bring a little spiritual food to people who have walked for hours on dusty, dirt roads and paths just to receive it. Our hearts are very full.
I wonder if the women of Bedford County would like to meet together one Saturday for a women's conference? In Nicaragua we studied Stormy Omartian's book, The Power of a Praying Woman. It is an excellent book that touches all areas of a woman's life. The ladies who attended are excited about teaching the other women of their villages what they learned at the conferences in Somotillo. They not only took notes at each session, but kept my 7 pages of notes to copy for each of the ladies. Do we have that kind of hunger for spiritual growth?
If any of you are interested in getting together to study these truths from God's word, please let Steve or Esther know at the Strawberry Baptist Association office in Bedford. We can plan a Saturday conference, possibly in April. When we learn to be obedient in all areas of our life, we experience God's power in amazing ways. He wants to teach us new things. Let's do it!
Barbara Manuel
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