|
Click here for February 2009 Field Report
Click here for January 2009 Field Report
This is our first group of ladies at the Women of Value retreat. Every lady in the photo has at least one limb amputation except for team members Mary Campos (back row, far right), Nicole Williams & Sue MacFarlane (middle row, left) and Tina Smith (sitting, front row). Ruth is just behind Tina. Constance is sitting in front (white polka dot dress) and her mom, Janet, is standing in the top row with a white top. Hannah Samai is standing below Mary in the gold dress. And our valuable interpreter, Zainab, is sitting in front with tablet in hand.
Women of Value Retreat~Freetown, Sierra Leone
May, 2008
It is my firm belief that the cries and prayers to God from the ladies with amputations in Sierra Leone, brought each of us to show them a glimpse of God’s great love for them. What a job and what a privilege!
One of the verses given to me during this trip was from Daniel 9:23.
“as soon as you began to pray – an answer was given…..for you are highly esteemed.” These precious African ladies called out to God. He heard their cries and stirred the hearts of some of their nearby sisters and some on the other side of the globe – including us, and those who prayed and monetarily supported us.
We provided two retreats of two full days for twenty women each (most previously Muslim). They were catered to with good food, fun crafts, foot washing, pedicures, manicures & lots of love. We shared the love of Jesus with music, singing, dancing, Scripture & sharing. The focus of the retreat was a story told in their language, of two other young women who also survived a similar war and came to see Jesus’ hand of protection through it. The Holy Spirit was evident at all levels as some came to Christ for the first time and others, including us leaders, grew in faith.
 |
 |
|
Katiatu admiring the necklace
she made in spite of
severe damage to her right hand
and an amputated left hand. |
Hannah Samai playing the drums with others dancing. |
At the end of the retreat they took home their hand made crafts, an official certificate, cloth mini purses (made at Canyon Hills), cosmetic and lotion samples, a 30 pound bag of dry goods on their head, the hope of Jesus in their hearts, and the knowledge that they are highly esteemed by the King.
Like the amputee soccer players, we pray that these ladies will be vessels of Christ’s peace & joy and empowered to reach out to others in their communities. We are forever changed for having been a part of it all.
Serving until He returns,
Dee Malchow |