Rukwa Valley: a well-watered garden.

I have to say, spending time with the missionary wives down here has been so encouraging. They are great examples of godly women who show such strength and courage by ministering here.

To put it simply,
I’m inspired by them.

One of their ministries is doing a women’s group each week. Right now, the women get together and learn how to crochet different things, which provides another opportunity to make a living through selling hats, baby booties, etc. After crocheting together for a bit, they have a devotional and spend time in  prayer and in the Word. I love that they are able to impact the women by meeting both their physical and spiritual needs.

busy working and catching up with friends

I loved holding their darling babies too!

The missionary ladies were finishing up a bible study called “Loving Well” by Beth Moore. I was able to sit in on the last session. Get this, we looked at a passage that has been so instrumental in my decision to come serve in TZ. Perhaps the Lord new that I needed a reminder as to why I came and what I have been called to do… If you received my sponsor letter, part of it is printed in the margin:
 
“and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.”
Isaiah 58:10-11

I have come across so many women on the mission field  who are spending themselves by serving the Lord, ministering in their communities, and caring for their families. I can only hope to someday, in whatever I’m doing and wherever I end up, to be that kind of woman. The kind of woman who looks only to the Lord for her source of strength and refreshes those around her through the outpouring of His love.

 "What a privilege we have been given by God to be able to spend our lives giving His love away."
 -Don Lessin 

Well, darling reader, Thanks for listening.
Until next time,
em.