WOGA LA met on February 16th to hear from our very own, Cheryl Lovejoy, and her experience travelling to India to teach emerging church leaders about the importance of women in ministry and in leadership. 
Over the summer, many of us were blessed to participate in a bible study/book discussion on the incredible book, Why Not Women, written by Loren Cunningham, David Joel Hamilton and Janice Rogers. Cheryl led us through a two month study where we read scripture and delved into what it means to use the gifts we have been given to glorify God. For many women, these gifts may indeed include teaching and leadership within the church. The study was rich in prayer, reflection and conversation. Needless to say, it was eye-opening and transformative as we considered God’s view of women in the church and in leadership roles within the church.
Through Global Action's "GLOMOS" (Global Module Studies Program), Cheryl took these messages with her to India where instead of a two month bible study, she had three days each in two locations. She reported back that the material was warmly received and very timely. A church leader traveling to India from a country where the church meets "underground" shared that his pastor was just beginning to teach that women should not lead. 
Cheryl shared with us the story of Inrani, an upper caste Indian woman. Her husband was a successful international business man and so they were accustomed to moving among the wealthy and powerful. After her husband's early death, and with their children grown and living far away, Inrani found herself alone. It was during this period of solitude that her eyes were opened to the life and struggle of the men and women who worked in and around her home. As she developed friendships with them, Inrani learned that the woman who swept the street in front of her home had breast cancer and could not pay for treatment. Inrani knew that God would want her to help this woman and so she paid for the cancer treatment. Inrani and her maid remain close friends to this day despite the cultural pressures of the caste system. 
We also heard the remarkable message of forgiveness and love through the story of Amos. Amos’ father was killed during his region's fight to become an independent state. His father's death was devastating and Amos’ mission in life was to avenge his father’s death. Amos carried this hatred in his heart until one day he heard the message about loving your enemy. This concept of forgiveness and love had a profound impact on Amos and soon he was able to forgive and move forward. Amos now pastors eight churches, many of which are only accessible by foot. Amos also developed other remarkable talents and he holds a black belt in martial arts, is a medicinal healer, is an accomplished musician and writer.
There were many incredible stories of encouragement, healing and transformation that Cheryl was able to share with us. One final story that was particularly touching and is directly linked to the mission of WOGA was the testimony of two women from Kolkata. The sex trade is rampant in this city and the red light districts are large and active. Many of the women who work in this area have been forced into sexual slavery against their will. These two women are bringing the light of Christ to this area working with and praying for the women. They hope to one day rent a room/house in the red light district where they can share the love of Christ with these women while also providing them with a safe place. We will continue to pray that this happens soon!
Cheryl’s trip sounded amazing. It is encouraging and inspiring to know that God is working miracles in every corner of the globe. He does not place importance on class/caste, status, gender or ethnicity - He loves all of His children and it is clear that He has given each of us gifts to use for His glory.
Over the summer, many of us were blessed to participate in a bible study/book discussion on the incredible book, Why Not Women, written by Loren Cunningham, David Joel Hamilton and Janice Rogers. Cheryl led us through a two month study where we read scripture and delved into what it means to use the gifts we have been given to glorify God. For many women, these gifts may indeed include teaching and leadership within the church. The study was rich in prayer, reflection and conversation. Needless to say, it was eye-opening and transformative as we considered God’s view of women in the church and in leadership roles within the church.Through Global Action's "GLOMOS" (Global Module Studies Program), Cheryl took these messages with her to India where instead of a two month bible study, she had three days each in two locations. She reported back that the material was warmly received and very timely. A church leader traveling to India from a country where the church meets "underground" shared that his pastor was just beginning to teach that women should not lead. Cheryl shared with us the story of Inrani, an upper caste Indian woman. Her husband was a successful international business man and so they were accustomed to moving among the wealthy and powerful. After her husband's early death, and with their children grown and living far away, Inrani found herself alone. It was during this period of solitude that her eyes were opened to the life and struggle of the men and women who worked in and around her home. As she developed friendships with them, Inrani learned that the woman who swept the street in front of her home had breast cancer and could not pay for treatment. Inrani knew that God would want her to help this woman and so she paid for the cancer treatment. Inrani and her maid remain close friends to this day despite the cultural pressures of the caste system. We also heard the remarkable message of forgiveness and love through the story of Amos. Amos’ father was killed during his region's fight to become an independent state. His father's death was devastating and Amos’ mission in life was to avenge his father’s death. Amos carried this hatred in his heart until one day he heard the message about loving your enemy. This concept of forgiveness and love had a profound impact on Amos and soon he was able to forgive and move forward. Amos now pastors eight churches, many of which are only accessible by foot. Amos also developed other remarkable talents and he holds a black belt in martial arts, is a medicinal healer, is an accomplished musician and writer.There were many incredible stories of encouragement, healing and transformation that Cheryl was able to share with us. One final story that was particularly touching and is directly linked to the mission of WOGA was the testimony of two women from Kolkata. The sex trade is rampant in this city and the red light districts are large and active. Many of the women who work in this area have been forced into sexual slavery against their will. These two women are bringing the light of Christ to this area working with and praying for the women. They hope to one day rent a room/house in the red light district where they can share the love of Christ with these women while also providing them with a safe place. We will continue to pray that this happens soon!
Cheryl’s trip sounded amazing. It is encouraging and inspiring to know that God is working miracles in every corner of the globe. He does not place importance on class/caste, status, gender or ethnicity - He loves all of His children and it is clear that He has given each of us gifts to use for His glory.
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