Today I attended a Bible study for women who are being discipled and taught to lead small groups in their villages. They meet in a missionary’s home once a week to study the Word of God, pray and encourage one another. Then they take the lesson back and teach it in their communities. Many of these women traveled on foot over three hours today to be a part of the Bible study. There were about 25 women who attended; this number was down because of the violent situation in this area. The women welcomed me as a sister in Christ and I gave them a greeting on YOUR behalf and encouraged them that MANY were praying for them and the nation of Kenya.
We opened with the women singing two hymns in Kipsigis accompanied by one of the ladies playing a hand drum. Each woman then recited their memory verse, told how their home Bible studies were progressing, gave prayer request and praise reports. Then we spent some time in prayer (an interpreter was there to help me with the language barrier). Then Linda, the career missionary leader, taught a simple and powerful lesson from Isaiah 43:1-7, “Fear Not”. The women took notes and were so hungry to study the Word of God. They concluded with a cup of Chai (hot tea, sugar and milk) and fellowship.
After the women in these village Bible Studies learn 16 key verses by memory and regularly attend the small groups they receive a Bible in their own language……….recently over 100 women lined up outside this missionaries home waiting to recite their verses and get a Bible!
Most of these women have great troubles and unimaginable obstacles in their life- yet they are full of joy, walking by faith and spreading the love of Christ. Thank God for this long term missionary who is training and equipping these women to disciple others.
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1