Women's Conference

I’m writing this post as a first time visitor to Ethiopia, a member of Impact Team 2013. I’m honored and humbled to share with you reflections on the Women’s Conference that we just completed.

One woman sharing her testimony

God is amazing in this place! Marybeth greeted 80 beautiful women with opening reflections. Her overwhelming initial impression was the joy and light that is evident in them. A year ago when these same women came to conference their faces were cold, their spirits low, they were recovering from a painful past. They were learning who Jesus is and searching to believe they were worthy of His truth.

Jesus transforms. The women have embraced and accepted Christ and they radiate His light, His love. Glorious redeemer, wonderful savior. Women came forward to share their testimonies; one of them acknowledged, “our faces have changed because we changed on the inside. It’s because of our prayers.” Amen, my sister – amen.  

The Holy Spirit was powerful and present in the small space where the conference was held – I could literally feel the energy in the room. We opened each of the sessions with worship. The songs of their native language are energetic and compassionate. It’s amazing to join together and honor God through music -- united in praise and faith.  One body in Christ. 

God has led the framework for the four conferences to be consistent in purpose and message. The women know and accept that they are blessed and called to faith. It’s their time and purpose to now bless others. They’re ready to own this faith in a bigger way – to live it, to walk in it, to be the hands and feet of Christ to other people. To keep building their community – but even more so, to keep building His Kingdom. 

The women listened to messages on how to hear God’s voice, how to receive the words and guidance of His Spirit, how to discern their purpose in God’s plan. They completed activities together: they blessed each other with prayer, they used pictures and prayer to receive and share words of validation for other women.

At the risk of over-using the word ‘powerful’, here I go again….  We ended the first day with a fire tunnel. God’s empowering presence for every person. As each woman passed through the tunnel we touched her, giving her prayerful words of affirmation – a sharing of Spirit. And the tunnel grew as the Ethiopian women added on to the end. Then it was our turn to pass through. Wow. I was so filled, honored, humbled and blessed by these women. Beautiful women of God, sharing of themselves and building us up in His love. It’s so true – we always receive far more than we can ever give…..

The Fire Tunnel

There are so many God stories here. I’m amazed at the big picture and the changes He is making in Hosanna. Following the women’s conference, what touched my heart greatly was how God is also present in the details. Countless, amazing details throughout the many stories of our experiences with His people. I can best summarize them by saying that I am changed. These beautiful women offer heartfelt prayers for basic things that we take for granted. They have remained steadfast in their love for Christ and committed to a life of faith despite challenging circumstances and a painful past. They trust God. They love Jesus. They need and believe in Him as their Lord and strong provider. They walk in faith. They continue to seek Him passionately.   
 

We ended both days in one large circle in the courtyard, holding hands and praying together.  Praising and thanking God for His plan in our lives, in this community, in His Kingdom. Asking for the strength that comes through people of His church on the other side of the world lifting us up in prayer. And as we shared Christ’s love together – it’s evident that faith transcends languages, cultures, and geographies. 

All Glory is His!!!

~ Jodi