I walked along the path from my tiny little room on the West African compound and as I turned the corner to head back into our training room, I paused to listen…
was that someone crying?
I peeked into the summer hut to see a young African woman kneeling down on the hard dirt floor, with arms upraised to heaven. I could barely hear her voice crying out to God. Her body was in a posture of repentance; her face was marked by tears. When I asked if I could enter, she said yes, but her posture and countenance did not change. Her name was Edna.
I asked Edna if there was something I could do, or say, or pray – to comfort her. She simply said, “I want to preach the Gospel. I must tell the Good News!”
We sat together for some time praying, calling out to God – my heart was warmed by her love for Christ. And my spirit pondered, “Am I that passionate for the Gospel? Have I found my way to my knees in brokenness over the sin all around and the need for others to know the love and care of Christ?”
I didn’t find an immediate answer to these questions, but what I did find was a beautiful young African woman who had been deeply hurt by others, but that hurt, that pain only propelled her to draw near to God, Who was, and still is, drawing near to her! And to mobilize all of her resources to share the Gospel!
THEN, she opened a small sewing school to train other women, multiplying her talent and using the leadership and spiritual formation tools she gained through attending further WiW trainings!
NOW, all of her sons (pictured here with Edna) have graduated, and Edna’s business is thriving. The lovely handheld purses, crossbody bags and expandable shopping bags we offer to anyone who becomes a Soul Supporter are all the original design of our one and only Edna!
Her Summer Hut encounter with Christ deepened her faith and strengthened her courage to continue to fearlessly and joyfully SHARE the Good News of the Gospel. Edna epitomizes the words of Proverbs 31:
As you support Women in the Window International, you are equipping and empowering women like Edna in some of the most challenging parts of the world, to become transformational world changers in their nations, their communities and even within their very own families!
Prayerfully consider becoming a WiW Soul Supporter this summer! When you do, you will receive a beautiful handcrafted bag (pictured here!) from Edna as a thank you for supporting her and women like her all around the globe!
Soul Supporters don’t just make a difference — they make waves.
???? Join the splash this summer!
Not only do you provide for women’s physical needs through preventative health training, and economic development, but your monthly gift brings them spiritual development that enables them to serve Christ in meaningful and Life-giving ways within their culture and among their own community.
Now through the end of summer, when you become a Women in the Window Soul Supporter – in addition to one of Edna’s bags- YOUR FIRST GIFT IS MATCHED!
Each bag carries a story—and a special connection to our mission. Join us today!
