Highlight 2: The Women's Training Day that Zoe and I led.
We walked down the dusty road to our venue for the Women's Training day - and as we turned around we saw a mass of women walking towards us. Some with babies on their backs. All looking eager. Zoe and I looked at each other and shot up some emergency prayers , asking God to help us to communicate with these precious women. We needed His words for them, and asked Him to help us teach what we'd prepared (and to leave out the things that wouldn't work culturally!)
So, with some trepidation we began! Initially we shared the building with Lee and Sarah who were giving the Sunday school teachers some training - we both had interpreters too, so between us we were struggling to communicate clearly. The Sunday school teachers moved outside for a wide-game (yes, really! - it was hilarious seeing them run around searching for items!) and then settled for the rest of the day under a shelter outside.
We began with telling our personal stories - and teaching that we all have a story that can be used to glorify God; build our own and other's faith; and help non-Christians connect with God. The women then split into small groups to share their stories. After that I led a Bible study from Romans 8 - teaching that God loves each of us and that nothing can separate us from God's love. Zoe taught a Bible study about our roles as women in the Church - how we can all use the gifts God has given us. She encouraged the women to identify their different gifts; and she challenged them to use them. We also gave out copies of small, laminated Scripture cards as gifts for the women. We finished with question and answers - including one asking how to keep a husband happy?! One part of my answer was to use less words and generally talk less ( I hope Simon's not reading this!)
It was so great to work alongside Zoe; and it was an amazing privilege to serve the women. We were also humbled by their love, acceptance and generosity. They know incredible hardships, poverty and sickness ( many women present have HIV )and we really wondered whether we had anything to offer them. Yet our God is the same God;His words are true; and women are the same the whole world over. We really thank God that He sustained us and gave us the words to say. We hope and pray that we communicated love and hope to the Serenje women.
They loved receiving your letters and many gave us handwritten letters for you in the UK - asking for prayer partner penpals. It's going to take a bit of organising from our end (and I'm going to need some help please) but I'll let you know the practical details soon.
Take one more look at the women in the photos and pray for them please x