 |
Framed Paper Fears
|
|
|
|
by Viki Rife
I woke up screaming in terror. Both my parents quickly appeared at my bedside. All I would tell them was that I'd had a nightmare. It was too scary to verbalize the details.
This scenario kept happening night after night. It had all started with the framed piece of paper on the wall of our church. The paper seemed insignificant hanging there along with ornately printed verses and the picture of Jesus knocking on the heart's door. I was about 5 when I asked my dad why anyone would frame "that plain thing."
He explained that the paper, signed by government officials, was proof that we had permission to meet. We were not the official state religion, so we had no right to meet without approval. That paper became a security symbol to me. When it was taken down to repaint the walls, I watched carefully to see where it was placed in case we needed to produce it quickly if local authorities showed up. (read more)
|
| Musings for Moms |
| | |
Handling Controversy
by Jen Fretz
If you're on any kind of social media you've certainly noticed many changes happening in our world recently. Of course daily news shows and the good ol' newspaper notify us of this as well, but if you want to know everyone's perspective and opinion on any goings on social media is where it's at. Am I right?
This past week I watched a large percentage of my Facebook friends make over their profile pictures with rainbow stripes and use their personal pages as a platform for voicing where they stand on the legalization of gay marriage. Let me say right now that this article is NOT about the legalization of gay marriage, just a recent example of a major change in our country. Some of my friends are very happy about this change and are quick to cause strife with those who aren't. Many who aren't on board have been happy to declare their feelings and try to correct those who are. I've also watched my friends get unfriended for either reason, which has left me baffled! My kids are not old enough to be on Facebook to see any of this, but it spills over into our everyday life: schools, family conversation, playdates, friends and neighbors, work, even church...the list could go on. As I think about this, I'm challenged to think about how we are showing love through it all, and how I am teaching my kids to do so while still standing up for what the Bible teaches. continue reading
|
| Prayer Watch |
| | |
 Pour out your heart to God about any fears you might have about standing up for Him. Ask Him to reveal to you whatever you need to know to help you stand firm. If you are not feeling any pressure for being a Christian, ask Him to show you whether you are taking the stand you should. As you address your own fears, allow your heart to be sensitized to the needs of the Persecuted Church around the world. Encourage yourself-yes, it will be encouraging!-by reading the stories of believers throughout the world who have taken a stand for Christ.
|
| Togetherness with Pat Ashcraft |
| |
|
My two-year-old granddaughter, Sarah, and her cousin, my four-year-old grandson, Keaton, had to say goodbye to each other today. They had spent five days together at their Aunt Bonnie's house playing and having a great time. There were lots of giggles, running, playing, shrieks and fun times in the little pool. They truly delighted in each other's company. Their parting today did generate some tears, especially for this grandma.
As children of God, we are to delight in each other's company too. We are to fellowship with one another. And we are to uplift and encourage each other. One way to do that is through ministering to women in our church. Women of Grace USA (www.WGUSA.com) is ready to help your church develop women's ministries and women leaders in your church. We need your help to produce and provide the necessary materials and training. Please give a gift here. You will be helping women throughout our fellowship to delight in being together and growing in Christ.
|
| Opportunities at Flinch Conference - Newark, New Jersey |
| |
|
 Women's Celebration sponsored by Women of Grace USA
For each of us, a time comes when we are haunted by the question, "Is God worth the risk?" Whether it's a sense of calling, a challenge to keep our integrity, or a death threat, how we answer that one question will determine our final decision. We are excited to invite all women attending Flinch Conference to this time of reflection, fellowship and celebration. Join us to interact together with personal stories of women who have taken risks for God, and examine our theme for this year, "Stand Firm." You will leave with a desire to personally answer the question, "Is God worth the risk?" The session will be Friday, July 23, at 2:30 p.m.
Breakout: Prayer on the Edge
How would we pray if our life or family was in danger? How can we learn to celebrate the opportunities that hard times bring? Come explore with other men and women the prayer dynamic of the persecuted church. You will experience prayer like you never have before! This breakout will be Saturday morning, July 24, at 11:15.
Prayer Initiative
Does our identity as the FGBC matter? We invite you to pray for the Charis Commitment to Common Identity among 27 countries. Join us in Lincoln at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, July 25th and Sunday, 26th Expect God to do more than we can imagine. Sponsored by WGSUA in cooperation with Encompass World Partners.
|
| Mark your Calendar |
| Revive '15 & FGBC Fellowship Forum |
| |
|
Make plans now to join Women of Grace USA at Revive '15. We'll join 2,000 other women for this leadership conference hosted by Revive Our Hearts and True Woman. Several mealtime gatherings for our Grace Brethren women are being planned. Once you've registered for the conference, don't forget to register for the Forum to be eligble for the $50 reimbursement. Click here for more inormation.
|
| Shop Amazon Smile |
| | |
Do you shop on Amazon.com? You can select Women of Grace USA as your charitable organization and we'll receive a portion of your purchase total as a donation. Simply click here to sign up and be sure to use smile.amazon.com when you shop.
|
| What's going on? |
| | |
with Women of Grace USA
Check our Facebook page to see some of what God's been doing among women through Women of Grace USA.
|
| Help a friend |
| | |
If you enjoy GraceTouch, why not share it with your friends? It's as easy as clicking Forward email at the bottom of this page, or forwarding it through your email program. And it's free! |
|
