Have
you ever had the thrill of living your dream...of stopping at some
point during the day and saying to yourself..."right now, at this
moment,; this is what I have been dreaming, praying about and planning
for years". This was my experience after I arrived in Antalya, Turkey
with my US ministry team in May, 2012. I unpacked my bags in the lovely
resort that was to be our home 
for
a week, and readied myself to launch our first ever Institute in the
Arab world. Then I went to meet the 20 women that had come from five
different Arab countries. They had all set aside a week at great
personal cost for training and relationship building. The Global
Training Institute for Women, a three-year leadership training program,
was designed for just such a purpose: to equip women both here and
abroad with the truths of their biblical identity, value and kingdom
purpose: and do so in the context of relationship. And God met us there
in a mighty way!
for
a week, and readied myself to launch our first ever Institute in the
Arab world. Then I went to meet the 20 women that had come from five
different Arab countries. They had all set aside a week at great
personal cost for training and relationship building. The Global
Training Institute for Women, a three-year leadership training program,
was designed for just such a purpose: to equip women both here and
abroad with the truths of their biblical identity, value and kingdom
purpose: and do so in the context of relationship. And God met us there
in a mighty way!
We had a wonderful time in Turkey! My prayers were answered tenfold as I saw the women who came, open their hearts as we share d
the love and wisdom of God. They were so thankful to us (and those who
prayed and provided resources) that they were often moved to tears. I
still continue to get notes of gratitude.
(one of our many teaching sessions)
Lord willing, from this point on we are going to travel to Turkey to meet with this group of
women twice a year for three years. We have developed a curriculum
program that we will teach over the course of this time to the same
group of women...thereby providing an educational experience that is
relational and deep. The attendees, excited about returning, come from
Egypt, Iraq, Israel, the West Bank and Jordan, even one from Sweden.
(The woman is a Muslim background believer from Israel. She had to move
for safety reasons.) Though our attendees are Arab nationals, they are
able to read and write in English. And they are already turning in
"homework"!
After this three year program, we hope to continue with a new group of 20 women.
Here are just a few comments from some of the women who attended:
Amal (Egypt) - When
I first came I was just fearful- everyone was hugging and kissing and I
thought you all knew each other. Then I realized you didn't know
everyone, you were just being welcoming! I am still fearful and amazed
by what you did today {we held a foot washing ceremony}. I don't know if
I can do it too. But with God's strength I can. I also learned how to
listen and encourage. I have so much love from everyone; I don't know
what to do with it!
Mira (Sweden) - I was really dry and empty before coming. Feel now my emptiness is gone. I have felt loved and cared for.
Inas (Jerusalem) - On
my way here I thought I wouldn't come back or understand. {She is just
learning English}. On the first night I understood everything. Each hug
from everyone was from God.
Magda (Egypt) - The only thing that I am sure about is that I'm not here by accident.
Salma (Egypt) - I
didn't want to just come for fun, I really wanted to come to learn. I
am going to talk a lot about this conference and teach it others.
Adele (Jordan) - I
knew that they knew our weaknesses, but they only looked at our
strengths. I learned one thing from the Lord- Not to condemn someone
else for their weakness.
Seven women besides
myself comprised the American team, helping me with logistics, teaching,
worship and prayer. And a wonderful team it was: Mary Malouf, Deb
Pirtle, Nancy Hann, Simone Lake, Janelle Wood, Stephanie Myers and a new
friend, Majda Ayoub, a Jordanian living in Peoria, AZ. Five local
Arizona churches are represented in this team. And we are all ready to
go back...as God provides.
Your continued prayers
and support in fulfilling this God-sized undertaking is deeply
appreciated! I wish I could take every one of you with me on this
ministry trip. And I can't wait to go back and be with my new sisters!
Love,
Kristin
Executive Director
