“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Phil 4:13
Black History Month is an opportunity to understand Black histories, going beyond stories of racism and slavery to spotlight Black achievement. And speaking of achievement, did you know that the very first American missionary was actually a black man, a freed slave? Incredible!
Read more about that here: First American Missionary: George Liele. But we are honored to feature one of our very own Women in the Window “missionaries” this month, Ivory Baker. Here’s a beautiful testimony from her heart to yours…
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Phil 4:13).
This is a passage that I have heard almost every day of my life. My mother taught me that neither race nor gender define my ability or success in life, rather I am defined and directed by what I accept and believe as Truth. The Lord determines the course of my life, and I must I chose to follow and believe what He says. With those words and that verse ringing in my years, I live out my life. To this day, when I face adversity either because of my race or my gender, I have not allowed it to change the course of my life. I never thought that I would be a founding member of a missions organization, National African American Missions Council (NAAMC) that has been instrumental in getting African Americans on the missions field. I never thought that I would be blessed to serve my Lord in nations of Africa, Asia, Europe, and islands in the Caribbean.
And I never thought I would now serve as the Administrative Manager for Women in the Window International, a ministry that equips and empowers women in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, but God knew that all along. I see His hand at work in my life every day, encouraging and empowering me to accomplish His will. As we reflect on the great contribution many blacks before us have made to make it possible for us to fulfill the callings the Lord has entrusted to us, remember—no matter what others say or do to you—no matter how they attempt to make it impossible for you to achieve your goals, God has the final say so.
Believe what He says to you and about you. He will enable you to overcome all adversity, if you trust, believe, and follow Him. Remember—You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength.
You can meet Ivory and more “missionaries” from our Women in the Window International team on Saturday, February 26th on the beautiful grounds of First Presbyterian Church, North Palm Beach. Enjoy a delightful immersion experience of sights, sounds, smells and tastes, as you join our team! Learn more.
Rejoicing in all the things He wants to do through you,
Kim
Ivory, thank you for this very encouraging note to us all. And thank you for your service as a missionary and with the Women in the Window. It just now reminded me of how much I want to find another woman missionary I met years ago now — to thank her for her service in difficult places in Africa.