“Proclaiming God’s Grace, with Love” is the theme of this General Conference Session Women’s Meetings and each presentation has been so inspiring! This morning’s speaker, Joy Gashaua, is from the East-central African Division where she leads as Women and Children’s Ministries director. Her message, “Proclaiming God’s Grace with Love through Community Involvement” called women to use their God given gifts to make a difference, even when they may not “feel like it!” She likened us to a hand-print, talented and prepared to be ministers in our own individual and incredibly unique way. So often we suppose we must be like others, and think we are failures if our ministry isn’t as successful. But, God is calling each of us to use our own personality and life-experience to be a blessing. He has us in the palm of His hand and knows our weaknesses and struggles. He has been tempted in all ways as we have and knows the way to overcome… Joy says, trust Him, forgetting the battle with self and reach out to someone in need. We will experience a joy and a peace that quenches our own soul’s need.
Joy shared some of her personal journey of abuse and pain and said, her way of escape was in working for Jesus. When the enemy comes in like a flood, Jesus has always been there! She admits it was when she realized her faith wasn’t about her heritage that her conviction became real for her. It’s her walk with God that made the difference, not her father’s. She challenged each of us, to think about why we are here? What is our motivation? Are we drawn to Jesus and excited to share the gospel or, are we simply carrying out our tradition? Is it because someone expects us to be or we feel we must be with God’s people – or do we serve Jesus, excited about our belief in the “good news!”? This is an excellent thought to ponder and I believe it’s the crux of the success of our evangelism. If we are “on-fire” with a love for God, He will make us successful in our efforts to serve. The call, “get to know ME!” that’s the bottom-line and it’s the way, the peace, and the truth!
Cheri Gatton, Idaho, women’s ministries director, writes from the NAD women’s ministries Exhibit Hall booth at the General Conference Session in Atlanta.