We are a multicultural group. Two of the ladies are from the UK, one is from Switzerland, one is from Sweden, one is from Northern Ireland, another is from Germany, and I am from America. (Unfortunately, two members of our group are missing from the photo.)
Today, we met for our final session before the school's summer holiday (I mean, "winter" holiday - we are officially in our cool season of the year). It was a bittersweet meeting because several of our members are preparing to move away from Dodoma to minister in other places. Someone once told me that the life of the missionary is a transient one. They were right. It always seems like someone is leaving on furlough, moving to a new assignment, or returning to their home country. While I'm sad to see these ladies move on from Dodoma, I know God will use them greatly in their new roles.Since January, we have worked our way through two study books, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver and The Friendships of Women by Dee Brestin. I've learned many things during both studies, but the best part of our Wednesday morning meetings was having a chance to gather with other Christian women to learn, share, laugh, and pray.
In Matthew 18:20, the Bible says, "For where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them."
Since moving to Dodoma, the truth of this Scripture always comes alive to me as I'm gathered with this group of ladies. I am so encouraged to be able to share my joys and my struggles with other women who can relate to what I'm going through. I feel the power of the Holy Spirit as we pray for each other and encourage each other.
I can't wait for August when those of us who remain will start the Beth Moore Study my mom sent us. (Thanks, Mom!) Praise the Lord for these dear sisters in Christ!
I can so relate to this post. One of my fave things about Ireland was my time with the Thursday morning ladies Bible study. I may have been the only "missionary" of the group, but they all had huge hearts for knowing Christ better and introducing Him to the people in their community. I think I learned way more from them than they did from me. And that's so OK! :) Wouldn't trade it! Plus, how amazing is the multicultural family of God?!?! So glad you have this in Dodoma.
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