This week at ministry some of our team had the privilege to do a Beauty For Ashes conference with women that are a part of a sewing ministry here in Quito. The conference is designed as way to fellowship with women and give them an opportunity to share their stories in different ways to build each other up in Christ. It is based out of the scripture from Isaiah 61 where it says, “..to grant those who mourn in Zion, to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning.”
Our team chose to use art as a way to be able to share stories. It was kind of nerve racking, for a lot of reasons. First of all, the language barrier seemed like it would be a pretty big deal. Also, I was worried about not connecting well enough with the women, or that they wouldn’t understand any of our intentions.
Once all the women arrived, we greeted them, broke bread with them, and then proceeded to explain how we were going to paint a piece of our story. Thankfully, we had a translator who helped out a lot. Women started painting, and the presence of Jesus definitely filled the room. After several minutes, we asked if there was anyone that wanted to share their story. Every single woman proceeded to stand up and share their story. Their stories were all so impactful; all stories filled with some kind of hope. They were all stories that showed their trust in God despite their circumstances. They have a lot of faith, and it was such an incredible experience to be a part of. At the end, we also got to worship with them (in english and Spanish) and the holy spirit was very evident. Our team looks forward to getting to meet with the women again during our next day of ministry with them.
The women who shared their stories are a lot different than me. They live in Quito, and I live in the states. They speak Spanish and I speak English. A lot of them don’t know how they are going to make ends means, and so much is just at my fingertips.
The women who shared their stories are not really that different than me at all. We all have stories. We all are redeemed. We all have a way that we can connect with Jesus. We are all daughters of the most High. All loved by him the same.
Lord,
Forgive me for my pride and arrogance in thinking that because I have more physically, I also have more spiritually. Thank you for your grace towards me as you show me that this world is not my home. Even though the process is painful, you continue to lovingly strip away parts of my heart that do not matchup with your heart. I am so thankful for that. I hate the parts of my heart that are so ugly. I didn’t even see them there. Please take away what is not of You. Be close to me. Help my brain think like you. May my heart be in line with yours. May I see people the way that you see people. Have your way, Jesus. I love you. Help me to love you.
Your daughter,
Jules
