This month I had the pleasure of reuniting with the first women’s discipleship group. This was the first time we were all together to share and spend quality time with one another since we concluded our meetings at the end of 2021. I have made phone calls to each of the ladies throughout the year and we worshipped together at the women’s conference in December 2022, but this was the first time we were ALL TOGETHER to share what God has been doing through and in each of us over the past year.

We started the morning together in praise and worship. It was a beautiful time to worship and thank God for our time together and for watching over us while we were apart. We shared challenges from the past year and how the Lord had stood with us throughout the year. We shared ways we could be continuing to pray for one another, both personally and in regards to making disciples. While each of these women has different challenges, styles, and ways they are discipling others, the confidence I saw in them was truly a testament to the Holy Spirit working in their hearts.

When we started the journey together in January 2018, our group was very different. For different reasons, some of the ladies had to stop being part of the group, but that didn’t stop us from loving them, caring for them, and praying for them as we continued meeting. And while we had the challenge of Covid-19 and TWO lockdowns in the middle of our regular group meetings, these ladies remained faithful in gathering together. But not only did our group dynamics change throughout the years, each woman grew spiritually. It was amazing (and frustrating, at times) to watch them wrestle with what God was teaching us and how that applies to our lives. It’s not just about learning who Jesus is and how He wants us to live; it’s about faithfully living our lives for Him and serving Him in all areas of our lives.

When we completed our time together at the end of 2021, I challenged the ladies to follow Jesus’ call in Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” If I’m honest, I was unsure what they were going to do when they went back to their homes, communities, churches, and villages. I did not know if our time together was wasted or if they were truly changed, but I could only give our time to God and know that His timing and His Kingdom work will continue to expand, no matter what. So I prayed for the ladies, called to check on them occasionally, and made plans to continue with discipling others.

When we met last week, it was encouraging to see how God had changed their hearts and was continuing to lead them to spiritual maturity. They had gained confidence in reading scripture on their own, turning to God during troubles and temptations, and trusting in God’s timing even when they were unsure. And they were confident in leading others to know Christ better through Bible studies, discipling ladies in their communities, reaching out to their neighbors, and walking alongside those not yet comfortable to be part of the church. The discussions we had were deeper than they had ever been, and I have complete confidence that God is using these women in different ways to serve His people and expand His kingdom. What an encouraging thing to see that even when we are unsure of what God is doing in people’s lives, His is always faithful.

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
and do not return to it without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater.
So is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:10-11