Part of training for the World Race includes their Women’s Ministry training called Beauty for Ashes. Bre, one of my teammates went through special training, and is my squad’s Beauty for Ashes coordinator. Beauty for Ashes exists to bring God’s restoration, hope, and healing to suffering and victimized women through special ministry and training. The ministry is based on the verse Isaiah 61:1-3:
The Year of the Lord’s Favor
61 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.
Bre was given resources to host events and create safe spaces for women to share their stories. This month in La Paz, Bre felt led to host an afternoon event in the church for women.
Yesterday we set up and decorated the room, made and colored journals for each woman who planned on attending, and prayed over the afternoon. Fourteen women came, and it was truly an incredible time. Bre read the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman. After a few activities, she opened the floor for anyone to share anything they believed they needed to heal from. Two women immediately shared their stories of abuse from their husbands, and how it was so hard to forgive them. Both of them admitted, through tears, that they had never shared their abuse with anyone before.
Different women spoke into their lives with truth and love.
Later, some men in the church served us a snack and it was absolutely precious watching them serve the women.
We made and decorated crowns, encouraging the women to write on the crown how they believe the Lord sees them. One woman proudly wrote, “Soy una hermosa hija de Dios” or “I am a beautiful daughter of God.”
After the whole event I felt the Lord leading me to hug one of the women who shared about her abuse. The Lord asked me to remind her that He was with her throughout her entire life, even when her husband was hurting her. He had never left her side, and He wanted to set her free from the hurt and resentment she felt. I shared these words with her, and she squeezed my hand. She smiled and said, “Jesus has already set me free. He is helping me to forgive the man who has brought so much pain into my life.” WOW. YES. THANK YOU, JESUS!
Here is a video I put together from the whole event. Women’s ministry is something I am very passionate about, and I am blown away at the healing that the Lord is bringing to these women’s lives.
Also, on Tuesday, our host, Juanito, is taking us on a 12 hour road trip to his hometown Apollo where we will serve a church. We will also travel to a village in the Amazon Jungle and camp there for a few nights. Prayers for safe travels, and bold hearts are appreciated!
