Empowering the oppressed

Let me paint a little picture for you... Imagine that as a woman, you could not attend most churches. Imagine that the ones you could attend, you could only be with other women and not enter the same area as the men. Even though you are required to pray multiple times a day, if there is no church in your area with a section for women, you have to pray alone. Picture not being able to eat until all the men have finished their seconds, even though you spent hours cooking the meal. What would it be like if you could not vocalize a disagreement with your husband or any other man; but your husband, who has three other wives, can divorce you with just a few spoken words. For women in most Islamic nations, this is what life is like.

Earlier this week, I went to visit a group of muslim refugee women from various parts of East Africa. Another lady with All Nations has started a jewelry making workshop with them. It serves as some income for these women, and they feel empowered to learn a new skill and craft beautiful things. The best part though, is every week the women hear a Bible story. They began in Genesis, and have come all the way through the gospel. Now, they are focusing on women in the Bible and how Jesus saw them. Jesus loved the women that he interacted with on earth so much, and it is so amazing to see these oppressed, broken hearted, refugee women see that Jesus loves them too.

I was so inspired at this workshop, and I plan to attend every week. I would love to start something similar when we move to the island. Will you pray with me that the Lord will equip me to shower the women of East Africa with His love. Will you pray that the Lord will strengthen our marriage, so that the people will see a reflection of Jesus and His bride when they see Stephen and I?

Love in Christ,
Tricia Taylor
(for Stephen, Jubilee, and Hope too!)