WOGA: Los Angeles

Meeting wtith Judy Mbugua

2010-03-13T19:57:00.000-08:00

written by Angela Kerwin

After months of good intentions, I just recently began attending WOGA meetings. I had heard a lot about the incredible work that WOGA supports from some friends and Cheryl, the director of WOGA LA. Looking back, I cannot recall what was on my schedule that seemed more important than going to WOGA meetings, whereas, the meaningful experiences I've had at WOGA will not soon be forgotten. At the initial get-together we heard from Cheryl about her experience teaching in India and I was inspired and encouraged hearing a number of women share from their hearts. I found myself eager for our next gathering, which was a brunch on March 6th at Silverlake Community Church. At the meeting we heard amazing stories from Judy Mbugua, the founder and director of Pan African Christian Women Alliance (PACWA).

Cassandra opening with prayer and a warm welcome

Judy's testimony was inspiring, encouraging and left me feeling convicted and renewed. I have heard many messages from both women and men leaders in my life but something about Judy's testimony touched my heart in a way I am not sure that I can explain (but I will try).

Judy's mother and sisters

Judy began by sharing a brief overview of some of her work across Africa and then dug deep into the story of how Moses was saved by Pharaoh's daughter in Exodus Chapters 1 -2. The story showed how many women, with different responsibilities, contributed to save Moses and ultimately the nation of Israel. These women were following God's call without realizing the long-term impact of their actions.

Our fearless leader, Cheryl Lovejoy

Similarly, Judy and her various partners throughout Africa are following Gods calling and it's having tremendous impact across the continent of Africa. Judy started HomeCare Spiritual Fellowship, she is a constant presence on the radio and television, works to feed and educate children, is directly involved with training programs for women to learn sewing skills that will empower them and their families, and she recently helped to purchase a large piece of property that is used as a retreat for women to go when they need a respite from the hectic city. She spoke about how the Lord is at work in all of these things.

Judy also shared inspiring stories about some of the women that her ministry, HomeCare Spiritual Fellowship, is helping. How widowed women, with HIV/AIDS come to her devoid of joy and full of sorrow but how Christ is using this ministry to transform their lives and give them a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Judy spoke to us of a woman who came to her, pregnant with her tenth child, who was looking to have an abortion. After finding out that this woman worked as a prostitute and earned just $40/month, Judy agreed to compensate the woman if she kept the child and stopped working as a prostitute. Drawn to Judy and her willingness to help, the woman began attending a weekly meeting where they prayed and learned about Jesus. Judy and her friends were able to raise the $40 each month through fasting lunch on Thursdays and not paying to have their hair braided. This story made me think of the small things in my life that I could do that when added up, could have a significant impact on others.

Along with her message of renewal and hope, she also shared with us some of the challenges she faces each day, such as obtaining the basic necessities needed to serve and minster to the over 1 million people living in the Kibera slums. Currently, her ministry is able to feed 300 children and educate 75 but she hopes to be able to send all 300 to school one day.

I was encouraged when Judy acknowledged an obstacle I've struggled with for a long time. This concept of feeling so overwhelmed by all the darkness, sin and need in the world that I don't know how to begin... and so I don't (begin). I know this isn't a great strategy but I found myself stuck until I heard Judy quote Mark 14:8 , "She did what she could". This verse is referencing the woman who poured oil on Christ's head despite its cost and the anger this instigated in others. In the end, God was pleased and replied to them, "She did what she could". This is such a simple verse but one that has transformed the way I think about my life and service. Judy asked us all if we are doing what we can to serve. This passage made everything clearer, more manageable and less overwhelming. Maybe I can't do everything but if I do what I can then this is pleasing to God and that feels good to know.

Beautiful jewelry for sale by our fabulous partners, Raven and Lily (Cheryl is wearing a similar necklace in her picture if you look closely)

Perhaps this is why I am drawn to WOGA because it offers me a place where I can learn "real" ways that I can be of use. I can hear stories and testimony from other Christian women and how their small (or large) actions are helping to transform lives, communities and ultimately our world.

Judy's testimony was inspiring and I was moved to tears during parts of her talk. Whenever I feel down or start to agonize about a small worry in my life, I think of the women here and around the world who are suffering with HIV and AIDS or who don't have enough food to feed their children. I pray for forgiveness and offer praise to the Lord for taking care of me. I am now looking forward to taking to heart Judy's call to action by doing "everything I can" to serve. I am not sure what this all looks like, but I learned from Judy that God will be faithful and reveal His will for me if I ask.

Transformational Love

2010-02-26T18:08:00.000-08:00

written by Angela Kerwin

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.

"Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast"

2009-12-04T10:01:00.000-08:00

written by Sarah Wauterlek

As a newcomer to LA, as well as to WOGA, I wasn’t sure what to anticipate when I walked through the door to Cheryl’s warm and inviting home that cool Wednesday evening. What I found was a group of women who were brought together by their common interest in helping women around the world.

I was initially met by Lori, one of the designers at Raven + Lily, who graciously welcomed me in. Cheryl, the founder of WOGA: LA, greeted me soon after and introduced me to the group.

The smell of homemade food filled the home and the genuine smiles on the women’s faces warmed my heart. I placed my potluck contribution down on the table. Soon after we filled our plates, as well as our stomachs. Sitting around the dinning room table, some of us having never met, we shared pieces of our lives together. It felt comfortable, encouraging, and right.

After dinner we moved into Cheryl’s living room and Lori made chai tea for everyone. The agenda for the rest of the night was to pray for the impossible to be made possible through Christ. We were to each share a seemingly impossible prayer request for women in the world, as well as, a personal one.

Cheryl began by sharing about her recent trip to SE Asis. Although there are concerns for the people there, she was inspired by the joy and hope that she encountered in the women. She asked us to pray for the country and specifically for a young girl Cheryl had met on a previous trip who told her that she was worried for her future. She had good reason to be too because her parents have now sold her into prostitution.

One by one the group shared their prayer requests. There were prayer requests for the war in Afghanistan, a cure for HIV/Aids, Christ's love to spread in India, the rape happening in Congo, forced prostitution in Cambodia, the elections in Burundi next year, the homeless women at Hope Gardens in LA, for ten very specific women in India to come to know God's love for them and for local women who are struggling with unemployment, divorce, and raising children alone. It was inspiring to hear how different issues and different cultures were placed on our individual hearts to be brought to a collective group. It was also encouraging to pray to the God of possible for what we feels impossible to us.

In addition to the prayer time, future events for WOGA LA were discussed. Ideas for panel discussions, a retreat, and a study group to explore the issue of human slavery were brought forward. Please keep posted for details.

At the end of an evening saturated with discussions of sobering matter, I somehow found myself feeling uplifted, inspired, encouraged, and energized. In the ugliness of the world issues brought up that night, I saw the beauty of unity among these women. God brings us together to serve because we can do so much more together than we could ever do alone. I felt empowered and fulfilled. I’m anxious to meet again and I would encourage anyone who is at all interested to attend the next meeting.

"It is not enough for us to say: 'I love God,' but I also have to love my neighbor.  St. John says that you are a liar if you say you love God  and you don't love your neighbor.  How can you love God whom you do not see, if you do not love your neighbor whom you see, whom you touch, with whom you live?  " Mother Teresa

Launch of WOGA: Seattle!

2009-10-13T21:37:00.001-07:00

WOGA: Seattle launched on Sunday, October 11 with lots of enthusiasm and a desire to connect women who are concerned about justice issues facing women globally.

The meeting began with a showing of "The Girl Effect" video (look for it on You Tube) which demonstrates the beneficial domino effect of dedicating resources to girls.

One of the women in the group is the Mom of a woman in WOGA:LA. The woman from WOGA: LA had come up to us earlier in the year to say she thought her Mom would love WOGA. At that time, there was no WOGA: Seattle. How neat that we were able to reconnect with her and that she joined us at our first meeting!

Welcome to WOGA, WOGA: Seattle - we know great things are ahead for you!

WOGA North America Chapter Leaders Meet in Colorado Springs

2009-10-13T19:56:00.000-07:00

Leaders from five of the eight North America Chapters of WOGA met together in gorgeous Colorado Springs (home of Women of Global Action's Executive Office) to cheer each other on and share ideas for the coming year. States represented included: Washington, Colorado, Texas, Florida and California.

Cathy Schmidt, WOGA: Tampa Bay's leader, shared with us how she'd gotten excited about what God is doing through women across the world. Before starting her chapter she had been to a WOGA meeting where WOGA's global leaders were talking about their ministries and Cathy said to herself, "These women are putting their lives on the line - what am I doing?" Then she went back home and started WOGA: Tampa Bay which has been going strong now for almost two years.

Two members of the WOGA: Colorado Springs leadership team had similar stories of returning to the United States after fantastic trips to Africa and wondering how they would keep their newly found global passion alive. They connected with WOGA: Colorado Springs, joined the leadership team and are now inviting other women to join the journey.

We're all looking forward to another good year of connecting with women who are passionate about what God is doing through women globally.

WOGA Chapters Coming in Seattle and Glendora

2009-10-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

WOGA North America is soon to welcome two more chapters! WOGA: Seattle will hold their first meeting on October 11 and WOGA: Glendora (35 minutes east of LA) is in the planning stages.

Katey Sherbondy of Seattle went to the Trafficking Forum held by WOGA : Colorado Springs and felt God was putting it on her heart to do something! Namely, to bring WOGA to Seattle If you have any friends there - tell them about this chapter!

Shelley Ulrich in Glendora has been globally connected through her work as Mission Director at Glenkirk Church in Glendora. Although she knew about WOGA, she didn't know we were active in North America as well as around the world. When she went to WOGA's website and discovered that we had local chapter in North America, she thought - I want to start one of those in Glendora!

Welcome Katey and Shelley! We look forward to great things from WOGA : Seattle and WOGA: Glendora!

WOGA: LA Hosts Raven + Lily Travelers

2009-10-13T19:06:00.000-07:00

In a whirlwind tour of 3 countries, 2 Raven + Lily designers, 2 WOGA staffers and a film-director-Raven + Lily-spouse met the leaders and artisans of WOGA's East Africa women's coops to begin their fabulous partnership (see blog entry below).

Brandon Dickerson (aka film-directing-spouse) and Lori Fox (Raven + Lily designer) shared from their trip at the recent WOGA: LA meeting.

Ever wonder how men's and women's lives change when their countries are racked by war, genocide and AIDS? Brandon told us that on Sunday in Burundi, the pastor had three points to his sermon: Rape, murder and forgiveness. He encouraged women who had been raped to bring their pain to Christ and challenged any men who had brought knives into the service to turn aside from violence. This is the daily reality of the women in WOGA Burundi's sewing and salon cooperatives.

Lori shared from the heart about how her own faith was strengthened by the faith she saw lived out by the African women artisans.

We had a great time connecting with each other at the meeting as there were women present from the soon-to-be-forming WOGA: Glendora (35 minutes east of LA) as well as our own WOGA: LA members.

Thank you, Brandon and Lori, for sharing your trip and your hearts with us so enthusiastically! Stay tuned for the opening of Raven + Lily's online shop (www.ravenandlily.com) for uniquely creative jewelry, house goods and more crafted by WOGA artisans in East Africa and India as well.

Women on the Agenda!

2009-08-28T10:47:00.000-07:00

Groups that work with women received an incredible affirmation of purpose in the recent issue of the New York Times Magazine. Following are excerpts from the article, "The Women's Crusade":

"IN THE 19TH CENTURY, the paramount moral challenge was slavery. In the 20th century, it was totalitarianism. In this century, it is the brutality inflicted on so many women and girls around the globe: sex trafficking, acid attacks, bride burnings and mass rape.

Yet if the injustices that women in poor countries suffer are of paramount importance, in an economic and geopolitical sense the opportunity they represent is even greater. “Women hold up half the sky,” in the words of a Chinese saying, yet that’s mostly an aspiration: in a large slice of the world, girls are uneducated and women marginalized, and it’s not an accident that those same countries are disproportionately mired in poverty and riven by fundamentalism and chaos. There’s a growing recognition among everyone from the World Bank to the U.S. military’s Joint Chiefs of Staff to aid organizations like CARE that focusing on women and girls is the most effective way to fight global poverty and extremism. That’s why foreign aid is increasingly directed to women. The world is awakening to a powerful truth: Women and girls aren’t the problem; they’re the solution."

Yes! This is a powerful truth - investing in the lives of women and girls is the way to go if you want to make an impact on the world! And if something else is true these days, it's that we want to be investing our resources in those things that will bring lasting impact for good!

Raven + Lily with WOGA in East Africa!

2009-08-14T14:38:00.001-07:00

Kenya - Maasai artisans with Kirsten Dickerson, founder/director of Raven + Lily, and Judy Mbugua, WOGA Africa Director.

Raven + Lily's work began in Kenya where they met Maasai women who are supporting their families through jewelry-making. Together, they will work to enhance design and marketing and share the women's amazing stories.

Kute in Kenya! Kendra Bailey, WOGA: Colorado Springs, and Lori Fox, WOGA: LA

Kendra, who heads up communications for WOGA, captured photos and stories, while Lori, who's on Raven + Lily's design team, worked with WOGA's East African artisans.

Burundi - Lori and Kirsten strategizing with Peace Nihorimbere, WOGA's Central Africa Director

Raven + Lily will be partnering with the WOGA Sewing Cooperative in Burundi to create some wonderful things - but you have to wait until October to find out what they are! That's when their online store will be up and running (stay tuned at: www.ravenandlily.com)

Ethiopia: Emily Voorhies, WOGA Director, and Kirsten cutting yummy welcome cake in Ethiopia - Pastor Zeb Mengistu (from Beza Church - WOGA's Ethiopia partner) in background

Raven + Lily will partner with Beza's Entoto Outreach to women whose lives have been impacted by AIDS and are making jewelry as a way to earn a living and strengthen their sense of purpose.

For more exciting stories from this trip, check out the Raven + Lily website and their blog at: http://ravenandlily.wordpress.com/.

If you live in Los Angeles, stay tuned for our next WOGA: LA event which will feature Kirsten and Lori as they tell us about the blossoming partnership with our sisters in East Africa.

Opportunity to Meet with Congress Members

2009-08-08T15:57:00.000-07:00

WOGA members in California, Colorado and Florida are taking the opportunity offered by the International Justice Mission (IJM) to meet with our congress members. New legislation has recently been introduced which will increase U.S. support to eradicate child trafficking in countries that have the will to end the crime but lack resources. “The Child Protection Compact Act of 2009” will provide $50 million over three years to select “focus countries” through the U.S. Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (G/TIP); focus countries will receive support in building public justice systems that investigate crimes against children and prosecute perpetrators in numbers sufficient to deter and eventually eliminate the crime. The legislation also authorizes increased assistance for care for survivors of trafficking.

IJM has a process for training those who are willing to meet with their congress members. Two WOGA: LA members will be meeting with their congress person this month.

As bills work their way through to final passage, it is very helpful to have as many congressional co-sponsors as possible. This is the goal of IJM's current campaign - to have people meet with their congress members and ask them to become co-sponsors of the bill.

There is still a long way to go for this bill, so please pray for its passage as it moves through the many stages. And pray for many co-sponsors! For more information and for ways to get involved in the campaign, go to the IJM website at: http://www.ijm.org/justicecampaigns/cpca#learn_more

2009-08-08T15:11:00.000-07:00

WOGA: LA Summer Study on the book, Why Not Women?

This summer 18 women gathered to work through the book, Why Not Women? written by Loren Cunningham and David Hamilton. The book presents a great case for why women should use all of their gifts to the fullest extent within the church and world.

We had great discussions while looking at biblical passages that have been interpreted by some to say that women should only fill certain roles. Lots of "ah-ha's" were heard as we came to understand these passages in light of the weight of Biblical support for women in leadership. We looked at how these views on women have serious consequences in our world today and how critical it is to value, support and encourage women as they seek to pursue God's call on their lives.

Casandra, one of the study members, had this to say about her experience in the study:

"I think the amazing thing about the study for me is that for many years I read all those scriptures that seemed to indicate the Lord thought less of women than of men and felt deflated. Then I'd feel guilty for being "contrary" to His Word in any way. It was a painful loop. I strove to be obedient but I wondered how those scriptures about women being silent and apparently mindlessly submissive could mean what they seemed to mean. I wondered if I was somehow in sin for feeling conflicted and not receiving them at "face value".

"The study has been a revelation because it's presented those difficut passages in a way that confirms what I've always believed in my heart -- that God loves us all, men and women, equally, without preference. It is like a burden has been lifted from my heart! That's given me such a boost to be who He wants me to be. The study was really like a love letter from the Lord. What a gift!"

2009-04-02T10:35:00.000-07:00

By Tiffany Kunz (of Raven and Lily - who graciously allowed us to include this update for our blog)

While Sarah, Sophia, and Kirsten were in India, Amy and I (Tiffany) had the pleasure of hosting Peace from Burundi, a strong and amazing woman of God who had dedicated her life to care for her sisters in desperate need. Peace, who is the director for Women of Global Action in Central Africa, came to visit the Raven and Lily Studio with Cheryl Lovejoy (the founder of Women of Global Action: LA). She was here to raise awareness and support for the impoverished women in her country, and Raven and Lily is seeking to start a partnership with with her women’s empowerment programs. A little background on Peace…

Peace is originally from Burundi, a small country in Africa that has been plagued with genocides for the past couple of decades. (All of the terror that was publicized in Rwanda has happened in Burundi as well.) Peace, her husband and their three children fled Burundi after the third genocide began and became citizens of Canada. She stayed in Canada until she heard the undeniable voice of God calling her back to her home country.

Through WOGA, Peace teaches impoverished women how to sew and become self sufficient to support themselves and their families. At the moment there are 100 women involved in Burundi and Rwanda, and over 350 more women that are on a wait list to join her program. Their needs are great, and we are asking God to show us how best to support Peace’s work. So many stories - women who can’t pay rent for want of $5 (which is what one room’s monthly rent is!) and who can’t eat as they don’t have the $2 necessary to pay for food that day. Peace told us that she often fasts for a week - eating only dinners - so she can give the money to the women for their meals. Really desperate stories - helping these women will help their families and literally save lives.

Our weekend with Peace started with her visit to our studio on Friday where she showed us the beautiful items made by the ladies in her program. We shared our personal stories and like-minded visions to support disadvantaged women, and Amy discussed pattern ideas and different ways that we could help out and partner with Peace's sewing cooperative. Peace was then taken to Hope Gardens, a local Los Angeles based transitional housing facility for women and children that had been living on the streets of Skid Row. These “homeless” women were so touched by the story of the women in Burundi that they asked how they could help and if they could give some money. Amazing.

On Saturday, Peace was our guest of honor for a WOGA: LA brunch at the R&L studio. It was a beautiful sunny morning that was blessed by many intelligent and wonderful, strong ladies. The event came to a close with an inspiring time of prayer and then we all had fun snatching up all of the goodies Peace brought to sell. All in all, it was a huge blessing to have met Peace and an eye opening experience to hear about life in Burundi. Please be praying for her, her family, and the women in her program…that God will protect them, provide everything they need, and show Raven + Lily how we can partner with these beautiful women.

Ethiopian Jewelry

2008-11-08T16:31:00.000-08:00

At the Entoto Community Center, men and women are earning a living creating beautiful jewelry. 105 people are now being trained in this job creation program. Many of the residents of Entoto Mountain, outside of Addis Ababa, live with HIV/AIDS. They have no real way to meet their daily needs, no access to clean water, no adequate shelter, no quality health care and little means of sustaining themselves and their families. But they do have the will to create and to build on opportunities presented to them.

Beza International, WOGA's Ethiopia partner, began this jewelry-making program just a year ago and is currently working on finding both international and national markets for this creative and unique jewelry.

WOGA: LA's team to Ethiopia spent a day and a half at the Entoto Community Center and got to meet and spend time with these gifted men and women and their children.

If you are interested in the jewelry, some of which is made using coffee beans, contact Cheryl Lovejoy at lovejoyrc@aol.com

Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony

2008-11-08T16:12:00.000-08:00

After returning from Ethiopia, the WOGA: LA team wanted to share the joy with their friends and family. What better way to do this than to hold a traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony. Holding this ceremony is a way to communicate friendship and respect - both of which we feel towards all of those who supported and encouraged us in our trip.

And God did more than we imagined! We did our best to pull together all of the needed items for the ceremony. As we set up what we had brought, who should enter the room but Brandon, one of our team member's friends. Brandon, as it happens, is a barrista at Starbucks and has a passion for. . . the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony! So he came with all of the elements needed for the ceremony - beautiful pitcher, coffee cups and incense included! Not only did he set this all up for us, but he agreed to start off our meeting by sharing a few words on the meaning of the ceremony. Turns out he had just given a presentation on the ceremony to a group of Starbucks executives.

God also provided for a wonderful conclusion to our ceremony. When we attended an Ethiopian church service in preparation for our time in Ethiopia, we met a woman named Alem. She came to our gathering and asked if she could share a few words once we'd finished the meeting. She beautifully wrapped up our meeting by her personal sharing of all that we'd seen and experienced in Ethiopia.

Thank you, Brandon and Alem, for adding so much to our time together. We make our plans, but God always seems to have something even bigger in mind! And God is doing some BIG things in Ethiopia and we were so grateful to have seen and experienced His people at work in this nation.

Eight WOGA: LA Members Make it to Ethiopia!

2008-10-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

WOGA: LA Ethiopia Team

Thank you to the friends and family who helped us get to Ethiopia! We spent an amazing 10 days in Addis with WOGA's Ethiopian partner, Beza International. If you missed our Coffee Ceremony at Ecclesia last week, come to Silverlake Community Church on Sunday, 11/9 at 12 noon to hear about the trip.

We felt like we were in the center of a whirlwind of the Holy Spirit's activity. See our trip blog for stories: www.wogaethiopia2008.blogspot.com

WOGA's Meeting on FGM.

2008-04-26T11:03:00.000-07:00

A very big thank you to Nellie Shani and the Los Angeles chapter of WOGA goes out for a successful WOGA event on Female Genital Mutilation, (FGM.) We had a very nice turn out for the event, during which we were able to view the film "Moolade" by Ousmane Sembene, a film about FGM which is now out on DVD, and also a short demo of "Primal Cries" produced by Dee Smith and directed by Maki. Both Dee and Maki attended our meeting, in what we felt was definitely a God-connection!

Both films were an eye opening experience to many who attended, who previously had never been aware that FGM exists and is still going on in many parts of the world.

We were able to spend time in prayer with Nellie, our guest speaker, whose work throughout Africa has put her in contact with many women whose lives have been affected by FGM. We prayed together for a swift ending to this practice.

Nellie spoke of how she asked God what she could do, as one woman, to make a difference on such a huge issue. God led her to consider what was 'in her very hands,' to make a difference, and her answer was her artwork. As an artist, Nellie had not painted for 10 years and after hearing God's answer to her, she picked up her brushes and made a grouping of photos just for our WOGA: LA event in honor of ending FGM. The photo above is from this collection and they are available for sale, with a portion of the proceeds going to PACWA's work to end FGM in Kenya. If you are interested in purchasing this artwork, email Cheryl Lovejoy at lovejoyrc@aol.com.

One of the attendees was WOGA: LA member, Kathlee Roscoe, who shared with us that her team was working on forming an NGO that will draw together those who are working to fight trafficking, (more information about her group in the sidebar!). A first time attender, Maki - a young Ethiopian filmmaker/producer shared with us her short clip of the documentary on FGM that she is in the process of raising funds to complete.

We were so glad to have these rare opportunities to share and support the work that is currently going on to end this ritual and raise awareness. Taking action on this, we raised funds for PACWA, WOGA's partner in Africa, in their Kenyan project to train young Kenyan women to say no to FGM.

A great thank you to all who participated, attended the event and gave so generously of themselves! Our continued prayers for the end of FGM! And a special thank you to Nellie Shani for helping us to process this film and answering our questions on this issue.

Contributed by Sharone Goe

Peace Nihorimbere, WOGA Director for Central Africa Region to visit US in March

2008-02-06T16:43:00.000-08:00

Peace Nihorimbere

"Thank you for making Burundi known in America and around the world." Peace to Emily Voorhies, Executive Director of WOGA

This March, WOGA's Central Africa Director, Peace Nihorimbere, will be visiting WOGA Chapters in Los Angeles, Houston and Tampa Bay.

Peace is a survivor of the genocide in her native Burundi. After living as refugees with her family in Canada, Peace was directed by the Lord to return to Burundi to help rebuild this nation.

Since then she has begun programs to nourish, both physically and spiritually, AIDS and genocide widows in Burundi and in Rwanda. In these programs, women are trained in microenterprise skills within two businesses - tailoring and hair-styling. Following is a story from one of the women in this program:

Theresa, from a slum area, had never owned more than one outfit at a time. The last thing she dreamed of was being able to make a dress for herself or for her children. Now she makes dresses for sale and can even make her own clothes. She is confident for her future. She says she was blind but now she can see.

We rejoice over the hope that these women are finding as they come to know the Lord who created them and as they learn skills to support their families. This kind of hope and healing is critical for the women of these nations.

In Burundi, the World Bank estimates that the gross national product (GNP) per capita, which is a measure of national income per person per year, is the equivalent of $90US. This means that daily, many people in Burundi are living on far less than the $1 that is the global standard for absolute poverty. Although $1 will go further in Burundi than it will in the US, it does not go far enough to take good care of a family. For instance, a 1.5 pound bag of beans in Burundi costs almost 70 cents. So if a mother is earning the national average, her income will be enough to buy less than one bag of beans a day.

If you are located in LA, Houston or Tampa Bay, come and hear Peace speak to our WOGA Chapters. The Los Angeles meeting will be held during the morning of March 8. Details will be posted in the Upcoming Events section closer to the date. If you would like to support the work with widows in Burundi and Rwanda, go to the Global Action website at: www.globalaction.nu

2008-02-05T15:19:00.000-08:00

Vision Stars Lifted up to God at WOGA: LA 2008 Kick-off Meeting

Women of WOGA: LA gathered on January 27 so that we could together offer up our dreams and visions for 2008 to the Lord. We also rejoiced in what God has done during WOGA: LA's first year and looked forward to what 2008 holds. We prayed together for our city, for other WOGA chapters in North America and across the globe, and for justice issues impacting women worldwide.

Many thanks to all of the women who made this event possible - to Kelli for coordinating the meeting and to Kelli and Lisa for opening their home, to Becky for the great star idea, to Lori for creating our local, national and global prayer stations, to Rhonda for designing our WOGA: LA letter for 2008, to Tara for sharing what it has meant to her to be a part of WOGA, to Michelle for creating our agenda for the evening and for bringing three new leaders to join us and to all of the women who made it a great meeting by coming! As you can see, it takes a whole village to make this happen!

Have you Heard? WOGA Women Speak Up

2008-02-05T15:01:00.001-08:00

From Mary, after attending her first WOGA: LA event:

It was God's perfect timing for me to come to the meeting on Sunday night. I can't wait to help network and spread the word. Is there anything else I can do for the next event? I have already invited ten friends and they are all in.

From Missy, WOGA: Houston Coordinator, after their first event:

I find myself sitting and beginning to ponder what God is doing with WOGA and each of our lives and I often have to stop for a moment and walk away. I get so overwhelmed with emotion and joy that I find myself speechless and sitting in awestruck wonder. I can't understand why He would let me be a part of this. I probably look like a crazy loon sometimes!!!

From Judy Mbugua in Nairobi, Kenya:

Over the weekend, my grandfather's family had to move to my Mom's place after their homes were completely burned down with everything. One member of the family died. Can you imagine 40 people in Mom's house?

From Cathy, WOGA: Tampa Bay Coordinator:

It's hard to believe only our THIRD meeting is Peace coming to speak! We feel sometimes like we are on a runaway train!!! But God is the engineer so we are fine!

Pray for Kenya!

2008-01-22T15:15:00.000-08:00

Kibera Slum outside of Nairobi

WOGA (known as PACWA in Africa) works closely with those suffering in the slums of Kenya. They work with both AIDS widows and AIDS orphans in Kibera, Africa's second largest slum. A million people make their homes here and it is one of the areas where rioting is the worst as a result of the current political crisis facing Kenya.

Below is a request for prayer from Judy Mbugua, Director of PACWA:

"We really need to pray. The country is being divided in the middle. I am reminded of the story in 1 Kings 4:16-28. Just like the lady in this story was ready to give up her son, so that he could live; our earnest prayer is that we may have the real leader arise, give up power and personal ambition before we as a country are divided in the middle. Only God will cause such a thing to happen. We really need divine intervention!

Please pray specifically for the church, the divisions in the church and for the truth to come out in a way that would not disrupt peace and for tribal animosity to die in the name of Jesus!

Because of the numbers of the displaced people, we need supplies to be able to help them."

If you would like to send support that will be used to help those who are displaced in Kenya, contact Global Action at: www.global_act.org.

WOGA Houston Up & Running

2008-01-22T14:53:00.000-08:00

Bea Balbuena and Missy Barron - WOGA Houston Organizers

WOGA Houston had a great first gathering last night. 18 women gathered to learn about WOGA, to pray for the situation in Kenya and to consider their future involvement in this blossoming chapter.

They met in a local restaurant which opened its doors to them for the evening. Even the waiters got involved as one of them, watching the preparations, offered to drive home to get a black cloth for them to use as a backdrop for a video they were showing. One woman shared about a local ministry she was starting up and connections among the women began to develop as they stayed after the meeting to get to know each other better.

A leader from one of the local churches was present and invited Bea and Missy to share more about WOGA and the March visit of Peace Nihorimbere (WOGA Leader for Rwanda and Burundi) at their upcoming women's retreat. Very encouraging!

We rejoice with you on a great beginning, WOGA Houston!

First WOGA Chapter Meetings of 2008 in Houston and Canada

2008-01-08T20:07:00.001-08:00

Pray for our sisters in Houston, Florida and Canada as they hold their first meetings for 2008. Cathy Schmidt is leading the first Pinellas (Florida) meeting on January 10, Missy Barron and Bea Balbuena will lead the first meeting ever for WOGA: Houston on January 21 and Barbara Prefontaine will lead WOGA Canada's first meeting of 2008 on January 16th (they are a new chapter - began in the final months of 2007). Pray for them!

WOGA Members Going Global!

2008-01-02T13:43:00.000-08:00

WOGA: LA member, Laurie Ishii, heads to Thailand and Cambodia this Sunday. For more details, see sidebar.

Connecting Women Across Los Angeles

2008-01-01T12:58:00.000-08:00

Lori Fox, Rhonda Waller-Bautista and Kathlee Roscoe at the first Thread Foundation Event in 9/07

"In July I stumbled upon a flier about WOGA and decided to attend the meeting. I was so excited to have found people with a similar heart and passion as myself. One such person was Rhonda Waller-Bautista. I am currently a student at FIDM (The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) so Cheryl was quick to point me in Rhonda's (fashionable) direction. I am so thankful for this! Since that time I have connected with Rhonda and have had the privilege of working with her for the Thread Foundation. She is such an inspiration to me and filled with love and vision. Thank you WOGA for introducing us!" (Written by Lori Fox)

WOGA: LA joins Trafficking Outreach

2007-12-07T13:52:00.000-08:00

Last week three members of WOGA: LA joined the regular LA Trafficking Outreach group. One of the members, Kelli, shares her experience below:

It was an hour of my life that I spent walking into the problem instead of driving around it. We didn't know exactly what we were doing, but were challenged and needed to ask for God's help and guidance. All we knew was that something corrupt is happening in our city, to our sisters and to God's children, and it must stop. We talked to small business owners in massage parlors, grocery stores and restaurants. We discerned what to ask and how. Human Sex Trafficking is vaguely defined and understood in Los Angeles; a city that is home to people from more than 140 countries, who speak at least 92 different languages. Trafficking is well-hidden and no one can cure a disease that doesn't have a name. Outreach members hit the streets of several ethnic enclaves seeking to define the silent injustice of human sex trafficking and, in the process, becoming the solution. I left that evening feeling that in all the unknowns, we did exactly what God asked us to do, and I experienced a sense of purity in purpose that I haven't felt in more than 4 years living in Los Angeles.

These outreaches take place weekly - email us if you want to come.

Thread Foundation Off and Running!

2007-11-20T07:28:00.001-08:00

Thread Foundation Co-Founders, Misty and Rhonda

This past weekend, the Thread Foundation held a designer sample sale in support of putting a stop to modern day slavery.

The Thread Foundation grew from the dreams of two women formerly employed in the world of fashion-design. Misty Ulan and Rhonda Waller-Bautista (WOGA: LA member!) worked down the hall from each other. They would talk regularly about how great it would be to create something completely new together. (www.threadfoundation.com)

That dream is now reality. The Thread Foundation held its third event last weekend and will hold two more before the year ends. They have designer clothing (at greatly reduced rates), they have customers, they have cash registers ringing up sales. And they also have something that other sample sales do not: they are donating a portion of their profits to the Polaris Project (www.polarisproject.org). Polaris has been active in the fight against human trafficking since 2002 when two students from Brown University began to question what they could do to make a difference in the fight against slavery.

If you want to spend an inspiring hour or two - head down to the Garment District for the Thread Foundation's upcoming sample sale on December 7&8. Better yet, if you'd like to volunteer with them, they can use your help. Interested? Contact Rhonda at: rhonda@threadfoundation.com.

Wall Declaration as you enter Sample Sale

WOGA Brazil Conference Draws Almost 300 Women

2007-11-20T07:16:00.001-08:00

Women at Recent WOGA Brazil Conference

Women from all over Brazil gathered for three days in Brasilia to consider the theme, "Praying for Genuine Revival". Workshop topics included: Inner Healing, Rejection and Self-Esteem in Christ, Intimacy with God during Day to Day Life and Social Action as a Reflection of Revival. This conference is held every two years for women from WOGA Brazil's network.

Nancy, whose husband had died suddenly of a heart attack just two months previous, found the conference to be a real encouragement. She felt her hope restored as she was able to connect with other recently widowed women who were being used by God in powerful ways.

Another emerging leader in attendance shared with Emily Voorhies, who attended from Women of Global Action's Colorado office, that she was amazed to discover that God wants to work through her even though she considers herself young and inexperienced.

As the women met over these three days and nights, other women had been assigned to pray for them 24/7. We look forward to great things from WOGA Brazil as these women return to their cities with a renewed sense of what is possible as God works through women.

WOGA: LA Workshop on Trafficking Prevention

2007-11-10T15:50:00.001-08:00

Women at Workshop

"It's great to get information and be impacted by the hugeness of trafficking, yet be empowered at the same time to do something about it. Both of these things happened for me," said Julie Reid-Marks, Fuller student, after attending WOGA: LA's workshop on Trafficking Prevention.

The workshop was led by Bekah Cooke, formerly of the Salvation Army's Rescue Project and Charity Marquis, Director of NightLight USA (see www.nightlightbangkok.com).

They shared stories from their current work in LA and taught us how to:

*talk to business owners about trafficking,
*offer resources for where trafficking situations do exist,
*talk to potential and actual victims about their situation.

We also watched Ellen Bruno's documentary, Sacrifice, in which young Burmese girls trafficked into Thailand share their stories.

NightLight's beautiful jewelry was for sale at the event. This jewelry is made by women rescued from the bars in Bangkok's red light districts.

Now that we have been trained, we are welcome to participate in Bekah and Charity's weekly prevention outreaches. If you wish to join them but couldn't attend this workshop, email us and we'll let you know when and where their next training is. What a great way to make an impact on trafficking!

WOGA Korea Conference Draws 3500 Women

2007-11-02T12:10:00.000-07:00

WOGA's recent conference in Seoul, Korea drew women from 70 different countries. The purpose was to invest in the lives of emerging women leaders in the areas of the world where Christ is least known.

Among those who spoke was the widow of one of the martyred pastors in Turkey. Her story was a good reminder of what it means to live for Christ in the face of persecution.

Helen Loong, WOGA Hong Kong's Director, brought a group of 40 women from Hong Kong to the conference. She told the story of how one among her group was touched by the wonderful Korean hospitality. One day it rained. A Korean woman took a towel to wipe the rain off of the coat of one of the women from Hong Kong. This woman began to cry and embraced the Korean woman. The woman from Hong Kong serves handicapped children. As one used to serving, she was deeply touched to be served in such a practical way.

Korean media offered two opportunities for Emily Voorhies, WOGA's Executive Director, to share about the work of WOGA. Instead of the two 15 minute slots she expected, each slot lasted a full hour!

Learn more about the conference at: www.wogakorea.org.

New Chapters in the Works!

2007-10-24T16:28:00.001-07:00

Fenny Ang

During the recent Global Action meetings in Colorado, women in the US, Canada and Singapore found themselves so encouraged both by the amazing work being done by our WOGA sisters globally and by the fact that WOGA: LA exists that they are in the process of starting their own chapters!

Barb Prefontaine in Canada has already developed their WOGA charter and their first meeting was this week! Special guest was Peace Nihorimbere, WOGA Leader for Burundi and Rwanda.

Fenny Ang, Global Action Board Member, is working on getting WOGA Singapore up and running. She is planning step one by inviting potential WOGA leaders on a vision trip to India this December.

Beatriz Balbuena and Missy Barron in Houston have a vision for WOGA Houston. They are praying and looking for women to join their leadership team.

Debbie Christian in Colorado Springs continues to feel that WOGA needs a chapter in their city. She hopes to have their introductory meeting this spring.

Pray for these women as they ask God what's next for their chapter!

WOGA fights FGM in Africa

2007-10-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

Peace Nihorimbere, Judy Mbugua

PACWA, the Pan African Christian Women Assembly, is WOGA's partner throughout Africa. One of their projects trains churches as to the harmful effects of FGM. They have put out a book and a video and are showing the video to churches and are seeing positive results.

The FGM ceremonies usually happen in December, so PACWA women go from school to school in the months prior doing camps and showing the video. They train the girls and then tell them to go home and train 7 others. PACWA women in Kenya are now raising funds to build a center so that young women who say no to FGM will have a place of refuge. So far they have raised $300,000!

For more information on PACWA, see:
http://www.aeafrica.org/commissions/pacwa/htm

Wife of V.P. of Burundi Joins WOGA meetings

2007-10-17T12:46:00.000-07:00

Marie-Claire Ndayikunda

Marie-Claire Ndayikunda, wife of the first Vice President of Burundi, is a childhood friend of Peace Nihorimbere, WOGA's Regional Leader for Rwanda and Burundi. Through this friendship, Marie Claire has come to be a member of WOGA Burundi. She and her husband were in the US attending UN meetings during the week that Global Action held our global staff conference and so was able to join us.

Marie-Claire said that the women of WOGA in Burundi have visited orphans and widows in slums where she has yet to visit. She said, "we love you, WOGA!"

Marie-Claire works with vulnerable families and says she enjoys providing children with things that she missed having as she grew up. She was raised in a poor family of 10 children and had her first pair of shoes in grade 7.

Marie-Claire asked that we pray for her for these things:

1. That God will help her to do the work He has given her to do,

2. That she would not wait, but would move forward in this work with whatever resources she has at hand.

On behalf of our chapter, Marie-Claire was given one of the beautiful little notebooks made by WOGA: LA member, Rhonda Waller-Bautista for our recent event at Descanso Gardens. Let's be sure to pray for her!