The weeks seem to have flown by since our last update. Our {purl} groups are both growing physically and spiritually....the latter being so exciting to see and to take part in. To describe these women and young girls in one word would be impossible, as each of them are so unique and their beauty is both an inward and outward thing.
Marketplace Pearls
For those who have met our bible study group in the marketplace, you know how blessed you are to be in the presence of women who are seeking the heart of God. I was reflecting the other day on how this whole thing began. We had stumbled upon this particular shop in order to get some of our clothing tailored...and the birth of a beautiful friendship began. For the past four months, I am so amazed at how much we’ve been growing both physically and spiritually. The shop was already squished with seven women plus ourselves (Christine, Consolat, Grace, Sarah, Dorcas, Cecila, Christine)...since then we have been joined regularly by Jennifer, Charity, Consey, Lucy who are from the shop across the way.
We began with an in depth look into the life of Tamar (Genesis 38). At the end of our study, and connecting it to what would be our next one through the genealogy of Jesus. To both our amazement and a moment of discouragement we saw at the end of 3 months these ladies connect the story of a woman named Tamar to Tamar and Judah in Genesis 38. However, it has launched us into a deeper study of the word of God.
Currently, we are studying the book of Joshua, and particularly reflecting on the life of Rahab. Last week we had a three more women and even a few men listen in as we discussed how fear tries to consume us and how to stand “strong and courageous” as stated many times in Joshua 1. Again, we are discovering how God uses women just as much as he uses men and his love for us is so great. The five women we have been studying and will continue to study are mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary. Each took a step of faith causing them to risk everything...even their lives and for a God they did not know, yet felt compelled to make a stand for. They challenged those who should have been walking with God, and their faithfulness resulted in them preserving a family line that would lead up to the Savior of this world.
School Pearls
We are well into the second term of school, and yet our girls group has just recently been meeting again due to holidays and other interferences causing us to shift our meeting to Mondays. We are still studying the book of Esther...from orphan to queen. This past Monday we changed the direction of our girls group, having 6 girls beading, while the rest of the 14 girls listen to the Bible study and do the activities planned. Next week, 6 new girls will have the opportunity to make necklaces while listening to the study.
One of the mothers of our P7 girls approached me after our meeting this past Monday, and thanked us for providing activities for the older girls through our bible study and through teaching them how to make necklaces. She was so thankful her daughter had the opportunity to learn a skill...one that is not taught in school. I didn’t think of it before, but making jewelery is one of the ways women provide for their family. I pray these girls can take what the have learned and use that knowledge to help provide for themselves.
House Pearls
Last Friday ma
rked the beginnings of our fourth {purl} group, which takes place at our house. We have only three girls who are members of our d12.3 team (drama & dance through discipleship) and invited them over for a girl’s night. We had tea, bread and a whole lot of fun. These girls are such and inspiration and I have been so blessed to be a part of their lives. Over the past few months I have be privileged enough to hear their testimonies, and the deepest parts of their hearts. Each has a past that has been transformed by the grace and love of God. These are lives of three young women who have known the pain of an abortion, becoming a young mother and having her child taken away, thrown out of home because of a decision to accept Christ and the pressures of being young lady in a society that often degrades women.
After a few hours of talking, singing and making necklaces, we ended our evening in prayer. Each of the girls took one of the necklaces they made with them to give away and share the message of love with someone. At our d12.3 practice the other day, the girls approached me asking when we could get together again to make more necklaces and spend time with each other...we will be meeting again this coming Friday.
Congolese Pearls
Our English lessons have been expanding...and at times we are overflowing out of the garage we meet in. The women we have come to know and love have been talking up a storm, which is so incredible to listen to. I assigned them homework for the very first time last Thursday. As soon as I sat down I was bombarded with notebooks to mark. Their task was to write a proper sentence using the words we have been learning. All the women did so well.
This past Thursday was a a special day, as we celebrated Canada Day by singing our national anthem in both English and French. Since French is one of the languages these women do speak, we tried our best to join in. I have always known and will admit, that I make a much better English teacher than a French one.
I am eagerly waiting for the women to have a better grasp on the English language so I can present them with our pearl necklaces. I want them to be able to make the connection themselves, without a translator. I feel the day is coming soon.
Thank you for your support and prayers as we continue to build friendships with all those God has blessed our lives with.
Blessings,
Janessa
