Tuesday – Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

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All the students and some of the past graduates gathered this morning for a special time led by LaDonna about women’s health.  She did an excellent job of explaining the beautiful way God has created us as women with clear, factual information.  Then the questions began.  When we’ve done this in the past, it has been eye opening to hear their questions and realize how little information they have had about the basics of how the body works.  There are so many wives tales and superstitions that instill fear.  It was the same today as the questions began to unfold.  How wonderful to have someone dispel the myths and clarify what is “normal.”  If there was something that needed to be discussed with a doctor, LaDonna urged them to do so.  But we also learned that even with the insurance Homecare provides, many of them are reluctant to go to a doctor.  If they “feel okay” they don’t see the need for it.  As several team members shared about things that were discovered during a routine check up that, because they were found in time, were treated and left no lasting effects, they seemed to begin to get the idea that seeing the doctor wasn’t just for “pain” and there was value in getting regular check ups.

We also learned that since medication is readily available over the counter that would require a prescription in the US, they are often told to get an antibiotic for things that have nothing to do with a bacterial infection.  Your back hurts; get an antibiotic…….We were able to share why taking too many antibiotics, especially unnecessarily, can be damaging and should not be overused.  It was wonderful to dispel some fears that have plagued their minds for a long time. One young woman had a door fall on her when she was young.  She was told that because of that, she would never have children.  The relief was visible as she was told that the probability of that injuring her reproductive organs was slim and did not mean that she would be barren. How freeing truth truly is!

The afternoon was focused on how God has made our hearts.  Since the fall, women have experienced physical pain as in childbirth, but we also experience pain in the heart and spirit.  It was our team’s turn to share their own journeys and how God has ministered to each of them.  It is amazing to see the surprise on their faces as one by one, our women shared their stories, which included some great pain and loss.  The prevalent feeling is that Americans have no such troubles; life is perfect, pain free, so that we could not possibly identify with their pain.  They openly wept as hurts were shared, clapped and rejoiced when they heard how God had met those needs and how He was still working.  There was definitely a heart connection!  Thank you to all of you who prayed specifically for this time of sharing.  It is never easy to share our sorrows, even when we have received much comfort from the Lord.  But a personal testimony is so powerful and brings us together unlike anything else.  There was definitely a spirit of sisterhood created today!

Tomorrow China is leading a session on childcare and basic health/hygiene.  Again, this will be such a helpful time to again, share factual, sound information as well as encourage those who do have children, and those yet to become mothers.  Pray that God will use China in a special way to minister to their needs.

Then we will be preparing for THE DAY, Graduation Day on Thursday.  What a time of celebration this will be!  These women have worked hard, learned so much, grown spiritually, and come to realize their value and worth as daughters of the King.  There is great cause for rejoicing!

Our guys have had meetings with key leaders here, further exploring possible ministry to young men here, which is a huge need.  Please continue to pray for God’s guidance in that area.

The overriding theme today was that God designed us uniquely, beautifully, and in His image.  No matter how we are treated, or what our society may believe, we must trust who He says we are.  The enemy will continue his attacks and accusations, trying to create distrust, but as we recall and trust in His truths, we will truly be set free.