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Thankful for the Experience — Week 3 Scripture: “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31).
These ladies had been beaten down and told all their lives that they were “worthless.” Most of them were abandoned, abused and broken but not hopeless. I looked at their faces and they were beautiful. My heart ached for them. An overwhelming feeling of helplessness engulfed me. I prayed for God’s wisdom and asked Him to give me what to say.
Isn’t it amazing that no matter who you are or where you are, the message is the same: God loves you. You are special; precious in His sight. I am still humbled by this experience and hope one day I will be privilege to return and meet some of these ladies again. |
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One of the most humbling experiences of my life was going on a mission’s trip to Kenya, Africa, and speaking at a women’s conference there. This women’s conference was like none I had ever attended. The women who came were from Kibera, the world’s second largest slum, most with babies tied to them or little ones in tow. They had walked for miles to get to the Life Spring Church at the Kibera Kid’s Center for AIDS Orphans in Nairobi, Kenya. Missionary Debora Womble felt impressed to have a women’s conference and didn’t know how many would respond. Around 150 had previously signed up to attend.
Debora asked me to speak when we arrived—I had no forewarning. I was surprised to say the least. I asked her, “Are you sure?” There were three other speakers, three men who were ministers. Talk about nervous—what could I possibly say to these women who have suffered so much? Many have AIDS, no jobs, no husband, no one to help them. One young lady pulled me aside and whispered nervously in my ear, “I’m HIV positive.” I wanted to help, but how?? This was so much larger than me. I knew I needed God’s grace and direction. Over 500 showed up that day—much more than anyone anticipated.
The message was simple: God loves you the same as He loves me. You are special—precious in His sight. I shared my personal testimony, how God had saved me as a child and healed me from certain death as a young teen because He had a purpose for my life—He has a purpose for all of us. Jesus died on the cross to give us a hope and a future. Not only for us, but our children and our children’s children. It doesn’t matter how big your problems are; Jesus cares for you. It doesn’t matter if it seems impossible; with God all things are possible! 
These ladies needed a positive affirmation of God’s love for them. I shared from my heart and said what the Holy Spirit led me to say. Many of these ladies came to me, not for money or material help, but to write down their names so I would remember them and pray for them. I keep that list in my Bible.