 |
| |
GraceTouch
Facilitating Global Impact
June 2016
|
|
Greetings!
The challenges of life can hit us unexpectedly, or they can creep up on us slowly. Either way, we know where our fortress is.
|
|
by Viki Rife
The weather channel was predicting a slight risk of tornadic activity for the day as I pulled my car into the shade of a tree and put it in park. For several weeks I had been planning to take this extended lunch hour to fast and pray over a situation that was weighing on me. Here in this quiet place I was going to pray until answers came; until I was sure the Lord had heard me and would give me the wisdom I needed for the situation.
Rolling down the windows, I breathed deeply of the scent of fall in the air. The restless breeze echoed the state of my heart. It had been a tumultuous morning at home. In a marriage that had long been
falling apart, this had been one of the most wounding days ever. But that was a small concern at this point compared to the situation that had brought me here
|
|
As I quieted my heart before the Lord, I asked Him to help me get started. The situation warranted much prayer; I didn't know where to begin. A thought formed in my head, “Pray for John.” It was ludicrous. I had been praying for my husband for 25 years, and things were only getting worse. No, this was a time set aside to intercede for someone for whom there was still hope.
But the small, still voice kept interrupting my prayers. “Pray for John,” it insisted. No specifics. No reason. Just that one persistent thought.
Continue
|
|
Mom to Mom
The Best Father's Day Gift
|
A month ago, my husband gave me a card for Mother's Day that said the following..."behind every good mom is a husband who still can’t believe she puts up with him." It was funny at the time but like most humor, it is humbling when you find the truth in it.
I believe one of the hardest things about being a mom is trying to be a mom and a wife at the same time. I don't know about you, but these two roles seem like polar opposites. I tend to lose my attractiveness, my patience, and my spontaneity the more I am trying to minister to my kids.
Probably the most disturbing thing about trying to master both roles is that I find one much more effortless than the other. Why is it so much easier to have grace and forgiveness with my kids than it is with my husband? Why does it feel more
|
|
natural to serve the people I gave birth to and not the man I chose to spend the rest of my life?
As my kids get older and a little more self-sufficient, I notice this imbalance even more. I know that card was meant to be a joke, but in my heart I know that is how I make my husband feel sometimes. I want to love and value my husband as much as I love and value my kids. Here are some ways I am working to get back to my role as a wife: (
continue)
|
|
The potential of having the first woman president produces mixed emotions. Contrary to more oppressive days, women have been distinguishing themselves in the sciences, in the medical world, in education, in our military–in virtually every vocation imaginable. Let’s remember that God has given His daughters important work—and it does not necessarily call for them to be distinguished or famous. The
|
|
opportunity to help people know and serve Christ is the highest calling we could be given.
Hebrews 11 contains an impressive list of faith-filled women who brought about change around them: Sarah, Jochabed, Rahab, women who received back their dead—to name a few. What the world needs now are wise women (and men) who are connected to God. What plans does God have for us to leverage our nation, our cities, and our families back towards God and righteousness, acknowledging that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6)?
Oh, God of Abraham and Sarah, Jochabed and her husband, Rahab, and so many others of faith, look upon your people and cause us to lead others to seek You. Use us to influence many towards believing and following You for Your kingdom’s sake and for the sake of your Son. Amen.
|
|
Women's Opportunities at Margins Conference
|
Would you like to experience a taste of the Women’s Leadership Classes? Explore prayer in a deeper way? Gather with others in the FGBC for morning prayer for our ministry? Celebrate the power of encouragement in the lives of women? We are offering all these opportunities and more at the Margins Conference in Toronto, Ontario, July 22-25. Click
here for more information.
|
|
|
The time has come! The Haiti Team arrives in Haiti on Wednesday, June 22 and will minister there for one week. Pray for them as they make final preparations, pack the sewing machines and fabric, and come together as a team. Ask God to use them in powerful ways in the lives of the Haitians.
Follow the team on Facebook or on our website!
|
|
|
Using Your Gifts
with Pat Ashcraft
|
Elizabethtown Grace Brethren in PA has been my home church for over 40 years. We have a history together. When I started there, I was a young wife with a
|
|
little baby. One of the things I learned quickly was how much the women in the church did for the ministry. Many things were done quietly and efficiently by the wonderful ladies of the church. They ran the nursery and the kitchen. But they also led Bible studies, taught Sunday School, supervised Vacation Bible School and directed weeks of camp. It has been my privilege to be one of those women who has used my spiritual gifts in the ministry of EGBC. As women, we now have the privilege of being a part of the national ministry of Women of Grace USA. This ministry relies on the giving of Godly women to do the work God has called us to do. Please be a woman who steps up to support WGUSA. Become a part of our
Trellis Ministry today.
Matching Gift: Any gift given before June 30 will be matched dollar for dollar up to $2,500, thanks to a generous donor!
|
|
Soul Cry 2016
Prayer Summit
|
|
Women of Grace USA invites you to join us on a journey – a journey focused on prayer!
LaQuinta Inn & Conference Center
Auburn, IN
September 30-October 2, 2016
This promises to be a weekend that will transform your prayer life - It's a journey you don't want to miss!
Find more information
here.
|
|
|
|
July 22-25, Toronto, AB Canada
Nov 11-12 Marysville, OH
|
|
Contact
Women of Grace USA
PO Box 711
Winona Lake IN 46590
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
