While my children, friends and other family members have
long been involved in overseas missions – I have supported and served in
numerous community outreaches to children at risk, the homeless, veterans, unwed
mothers, and more. All these years, I never
sensed God calling me abroad to serve others.
The local mission field is plentiful.
Several years ago,
our youth pastor invited me to join a team to Ecuador – one that my youngest
daughter was a part of. Being a
borderline “helicopter” mom – very protective of my little ones, my flesh
desperately wanted to go. It was my
nature to watch closely over my baby girl – and with her so far from home, it
seemed obvious that I should/would accept the invitation. However, never before and never since, have I heard
so clearly that God was telling me “no”.
Through disappointed tears – I declined the invitation.
We don’t always know or understand the “why” of His
ways. This time however, He gave me the
gift of knowing and understanding how my presence would have prohibited
healing, growth and life transformation in the hearts of my daughter, her team –
and those they encountered. He also grew
my faith and dependence in the process. After the team returned from their trip
(which ended up being to Brazil – due to civil unrest in Ecuador), these facts became
apparent.
That was the closest I’ve come to an overseas mission –
until now. FBC’s Women’s Ministry Director
invited our staff ladies to join her in producing a women’s conference for the
ladies of Trinidad. It was after sensing
a “resounding yes, this is your time to go” that I enthusiastically responded. Since
that time, she has been diagnosed with cancer and is unable to leave the
country. The trip’s future was questionable for awhile,
but we know God wants it to happen. We trust that great things are yet to be done in the
nation of Trinidad.
Sadly, Trinidadian women are subject to rampant abuses – physical,
sexual and psychological. It’s estimated
that 1 in 3 women under the age of 35 have been victimized by gender based
violence. Our understanding is that in
addition to the mistreatments mentioned, there is a high rate of incest. The women who will come to the conference in
June – will in many cases, bring their daughters with them. Home is not always a safe environment to leave a young girl with her male
relatives. It’s a sad reality that most
of us here in the states cannot begin to fathom.
Our 8 member team of ladies is going to Trinidad at the end
of June. We’ll share the life
transforming hope and healing found in Jesus.
The theme of the conference is “A
Heart like His.” Each day will provide
opportunities for learning the truth of His Heart for all of us. The ladies will have a chance to reflect on
their own hearts, their need for healing and practical takeaways for the days,
months and years that follow. Our team
will also engage with the Trini ladies through personal testimonies, prayer, breakout
sessions, crafts, dancing and more.
We must quickly raise approximately $10,000.00 in order to
secure necessary flights, ground transportation, equipment, food, supplies and
so forth. Additionally, with the socio-economic climate
in Trinidad, there is a need for us to provide scholarships for many who will
attend. While financial support is
absolutely critical, the support we need most is prayer. Would you please consider partnering with our
team in both areas? We would all be
grateful if you would come alongside of us.
Please indicate your desire for updates and I’ll add you to our email
distribution.
Send the funds to 770-309-5444 – there is no fee if you make the payment under the personal
tab and designate “gift”. You will
receive a contribution statement at the end of the year for tax purposes if you provide your mailing
address.
Please prayerfully consider supporting our
ministry to the women of Trinidad – with any dollar amount – but most definitely
with prayer!
Many blessings!
Tawnda
PS – if you prefer to mail a check, please make it payable
to Fellowship Bible Church – and mail to:
Tawnda
Holley
Fellowship
Bible Church
480 West
Crossville Road
Roswell GA
30075
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