Women in the Window International is on the move again-across the globe and into
the “window”. We have 5 international trips and trainings this Fall. We need your fervent prayers! You will find specific requests below. But first, let’s turn to learn from Dorian. . .
The last week has been harrowing here in South Florida. Millions of people watched and waited for a storm named Dorian to invade and penetrate and potentially desecrate our communities. Like an unwanted guest; a villain and evil intruder, we hoped upon hope that Dorian would make other plans. We watched with horror as Dorian not only invaded our neighbors in the Bahamas but penetrated every possible fortress and destroyed nearly every investment—even taking the precious lives of both young and old.
We were told that Dorian would choose a turn to the north rather than visiting us with similar horrors. But these storms are notably unpredictable. We waited, we watched, and we prayed. A lot.
Dorian did turn to the north, and now other communities are waiting, watching, and praying. And our prayers are with them. And with the precious people in the island nation of the Bahamas!
I’d like to share some valuable lessons that I learned from Dorian and its pathway through the seas. Here are 3 take-aways that come readily to mind:
- Dorian paused before turning. Pausing or resting may seem a waste of our precious time. Yet unless we pause to consider our steps carefully and evaluate their impact on others, we are prone to make foolish mistakes. Allow yourself time to think, pray, and pause before turning!
- Dorian was “faithful” with every bit of its energy. Dorian was relegated a historic post as one of the two most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricanes, reaching 185 mph. You, too, have an immense amount of energy to influence and impact others. What are you doing with your time, your talents and your treasures? It’s never too late to turn again and seek to use every bit of your energy to bless and advance the Kingdom of God as you share the Good News of His love!
- Dorian’s turn brought hope to some and caution to others. Not everyone will agree with the turns that you take. Not everyone agreed with Jesus, and yet He paid the ultimate Price for each person to inherit eternal and abundant life. Let God’s Word and His Holy Spirit direct you. You might not win the approval of many, you can be an instrument of the Hope that lasts forever.
Dorian is a storm and does not make its own choices. But we can, and we must, learn to make choices that will benefit and bless those in our pathway; those we have the opportunity to both influence and instruct. Will we bring a pathway of blessing and peace, or a pathway of destruction? The choices we make on a daily basis just might be every bit as serious as the turning of Dorian.
Upcoming Women in the Window International Trainings:
Lebanon—September 23 – 30 Servant Leadership Development for Middle East women leaders.
Egypt—September 23 – October 7 Servant Leadership for Women Leaders from North African nations of multiple generations to include Longevity in Leadership & Time Management.
Trainers include Carolyn Olliff, Lara Holt and Kim Kerr
West Africa—October 14-20 Training of Trainers in Economic Empowerment for women from several West African nations. We are delighted to bring next level training to these women leaders!
Trainers include Mindy Blount, Connie Bogner, and Toni Lee
East Africa—November 14-18 Micro-enterprise training for widows. Two of our faithful East African women leaders, Mama Paula and Mama Margaret, will bring a WiW training to our new ministry initiative just launched among the widows of East Africa!
Nepal—December 2-12 Servant Leadership Training for women leaders in two distinct locations of Nepal. PLUS our team will meet with a like-minded ministry regarding future collaboration.
Trainers include Sarah Peters, Sherri Johnston and Shirley Thomas
Stay tuned for more details about our Lakota Native American Women—Trauma Healing training in late November.
As always we couldn’t do this without YOU! Thank you for turning to the Lord on behalf of WiW!!
Yours Because I’m His,
Kim
P.S. The word turn is found more than 1,000 times in the Bible. It’s a fascinating study! Here are two favorites from both the Old and New Testaments as God turns to us, and we turn to Him:
“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” Psalm 25:16 ESV
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Acts 3:19 NIV