After only a few weeks, students seem to have picked up our 12 steps of Inductive Bible Study very quickly, and are now charting away, full speed ahead! This week students are studying the book of Acts. This is the largest work load they have had yet, so please be praying for them.
Today, as part of application for the book of Acts, we had some time of worship; simply just inviting the Holy Spirit to come and move amongst our class. It was a very special time where God brought healing and freedom to many hearts. As we, the school staff prayed for the students before they arrived, we felt that "healing" was going to be a significant part of this year's school. We believe that today was only the beginning of a theme of "healing" that will be continued in their hearts throughout the year. As the students study God's word, they will be healed, transformed and set free- particularly from past hurts. You can be praying for this as well.
Gladys' Story: During today's time of worship, one of our students, a young woman from Kenya, Africa (named Gladys) shared with our class. Gladys explained that she had felt God lay a call to missions on her heart when she was just a little girl. However, as she has tried to pursue this calling over the years, it has been very difficult for her because in Africa women are seen as less than men. For her to be a missionary seemed impossible. She has been turned away from many bible schools on grounds that she is a woman. NO ONE WOULD TEACH HER GOD'S WORD BECAUSE SHE IS A WOMAN! Wherever Gladys explained her desire, people were consistent in discouraging her from it, based on her sex. She explained to us that though she felt discouraged, she refused to give up on the call that she knew God had laid on her heart all those years ago. Gladys went on to say that she is so grateful to God for finally bringing her here to our school, where she can study his word.I (Annie) was so touched by the fact that Gladys was not willing to give up what she knew God had called her to, even though circumstances that were out of her control made it seem impossible. Her commitment to God was so strong that Gladys was willing to leave her friends, family, culture, and everything she knew, in order to follow God's call for her to prepare for missions. Now that is what I call gumption!
God was faithful to bring about his promise to Gladys; even though the odds were stacked against her. Now here she is, just like God said she would be: studying his word and preparing for missions. And in small town Montana of all places! God is AMAZING!!!
It is so encouraging for us to be a part of the answer to Gladys' prayers. A couple of years ago, I (Annie) felt God spoke to me that he wanted to use me to "set women free from bondage through the power of the gospel." - This can take form in many ways, but Justin and I both feel that a significant part of this calling is to see women set free to walk in the fullness of what God has for them. We believe that he has called us to teach his word as a tool that will speak out this very freedom. Today Gladys' testimony gave us a glimpse of this calling being brought to fulfillment. I (Annie) was reminded once again of why I believe so much in this ministry that we are a part of.
I (Annie) am thinking now about the 50 plus SBS's all over the world; the 5 or so that are in Africa, the ones in Asia, and other "unmentionable" parts of the world. I am filled with Zeal when I think about how many other women, with a similar story to Gladys' will be welcomed to study in one of these 50 SBS's; regardless of their sex or economic situation. Women, and men in 50 places all over the world will be radically built up in the word! It gives me a thrill of excitement for what God is doing in the world through the ministry of SBS. SBS truly changes lives, and this change, in turn affects families, communities, and nations.
THANK YOU GOD FOR THE LIVES THAT ARE BEING IMPACTED BY SBS! WE FEEL INDESCRIBABLY HUMBLED TO BE A PART OF IT!!! Those of you who are standing with us in prayer or financial support ARE A PART OF IT TOO! It is because of YOU that women like Gladys are able to go against the odds. THANK YOU for aiding us to do what we do: pushing others toward the calling that God has placed on them to be messengers of the gospel to the nations
In Love,
Justin & Annie
