Women's Ministries Change Lives

“Won’t you join us Monday morning for Women’s Bible Study Group?” My fourth invitation. What excuse could I use this time? Didn’t she know I am a busy mom?

One to please, I make my way Monday morning with daughter in stroller to a neighboring home to read, study and pray with a small group of women. Little did I realize that sunny walk began the journey of more than 30 years of weekly spiritual inspiration with women, young and old, in varying places. Hours in the Word and time on our knees together resulted in plans made, needs met, friendships bonded, dreams of ways to serve and share the gospel, and God’s blessing felt.

Women cooking together, sorting clothes, making crafts, giving massages, preaching in Costa Rica, parading colorful hats, hugging a child, piecing quilts, sharing books, making beautiful music, intently listening, baking bread, hiking a mountain trail, encouraging the downtrodden, comforting the abused, tutoring a child, planting a garden — these photos and many more could be placed in an album titled “Women’s Ministries.” These moments in time represent lives changed as women interact with one another.

Something happens as Spirit-filled women interact with other women. Synergy, “the total effect is greater than the sum of the individual elements,” describes well the essence of women’s ministries. I watch amazed as women inspiring other women powerfully impact our homes, churches, schools and communities.

Could this be a reflection of a Sunday morning, close to 2,000 years ago, with two Marys ministering together?¹ A dread courses through their veins as they make their way to the tomb. Last to linger at Calvary, but with love in their hearts, these women press on to serve their Jesus one last time. An earthquake, a stone rolling back, an angel invitation to “come and see!” An empty tomb. Afraid yet filled with joy, they run to tell — on their way they meet Jesus ... falling at His feet. Once again, they must run and tell!