In the 1970’s I attended a neighbourhood bible study, and after a while I felt the Lord nudging me to start a study at my home church, St Alban's in Burnaby. The outcome of this was a ladies' bible study, which met weekly on Tuesday afternoons for 30 years. In the early weeks I realised that I lacked biblical understanding, but our faithful Lord provided three knowledgeable ladies over the years who were either the mother of a local Anglican minister, the minister's wife, and later, the mother in law of our incumbent minister.
We explored the bible with the aid of study guides for each person. These taught us the Word and guided us to its practical application for our daily lives. Each week we started our time together with prayer, and over the years each member of the group was encouraged to contribute a short prayer aloud. This gave us confidence to pray with family or friends at times of thanksgiving or need. As a group of committed ladies we became lasting friends who supported each other during both good and difficult times.
Looking back at the 30 years of these studies, I realise that if one steps out in faith for our Lord, He will graciously provide encouragement and assistance to follow his will.
I am now 88 years old and confined to my home due to severe physical disabilities. Besides prayer for others, I wondered recently how the Lord could still use me. During my daily devotions, the question was asked ‘What is your mission going to be?’ Then two days later, to my amazement, I was invited to write this Advent story! My hope is that the Lord will encourage you also to step out in faith.
