The battle was raging – with governmental interference, coupled by airline complications, the struggle was becoming exhausting. I began to consider the possibility that God simply didn’t want me to head to Kiryandango Refugee Settlement in Uganda this year. But just when it seemed impossible to secure the vital visa, at just what seemed to be the last vestige of hope, God’s deliverance came shining through. One of our colleagues from Uganda had an inside connection, and within minutes, the snafu of my visa was completely resolved, a new ticket was purchased, and I was on my way to Kiryandango, Uganda!
FAST FORWARD to Kiryandango Refugee Settlement in Uganda
As we gathered in the simple meeting room on the settlement, the women assembled – praises were lifted long, loud, and oh so sweet. We introduced ourselves, and shared where we served as leaders, and why this Leadership Development Training would be beneficial to our service. Many of the women leaders assembled were from South Sudan, and most had been victims of the long, painful war. War crimes against women and children were rampant throughout South Sudan, and sadly, some carried the scars and the oppressive practices with them to the refugee settlements. Many were war widows…
The first session of our leadership training began as we cracked open God’s Word to Acts chapter 9, utilizing our WiW inductive narrative Bible Study, and read the story of a young woman named Tabitha. She is described as someone, “who was always doing good and helping the poor.” (Acts 9:36) And those who surrounded her were, you guessed it, widows! These widows surrounded the body of Tabitha who had taken ill and died, crying and showing the apostle Peter the garments she had sewn just for them… Peter, following the example of Jesus, asked everyone to leave the room, knelt, and prayed.
“Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then he took her by the hand and helped her to her feet.” (Acts 9:41).
Fast forward to our final day of training and WiW certificate ceremony – as the women leaders lined up to proudly receive their certificates of completion, their pastors lined up too! They had come from various churches and even several denominations to award these certificates – the similarity wasn’t wasted on me – I noticed the extended hands of the pastors to these women who raised them up!
The New American Standard Bible says it this way, “he gave her his hand and raised her up” Acts 9:41
As Women in the Window International trains women leaders, transformation takes place on multiple levels. Women leaders are trained, they gain favor and respect in their communities and there is a ripple impact through their homes and families, churches and communities, across cultures and generations.
You and your support make this happen! Each time you pray, every time you give, you are the hero in this story – taking the women by the hand, you are lifting them up!
