In the words of one of our trainers....

Dear partners in ministry, Thank you for your prayers, in-kind and financial gifts, because of God's grace and His stirring in your hearts to partner with GTIW we witnessed His glory manifested in a powerful way in Turkey this past week.  God is faithful!  He brought 15 of our Arab Sisters safely to Turkey from Egypt, Iraq, Jerusalem, Jordan and Sweden.  Many of the women came empty and worn and left filled and renewed in their hearts and minds.  We felt the presence of our Lord and Savior with us every step of the way. To God be the glory! From the bottom of our hearts we thank you and may our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ bless you and your families!  Blessings, Janelle Wood Executive Director GTIW In the words of one of our teachers... Mary with Hanan and Lilian Thoughts from my journal, written somewhere over  the Atlantic. Mary Malouf        The ever present alarm barely got its shrill sound out before our feet hit the floor of room 1408, this time at 3:15 am and this morning our last in Antalya, Turkey.  Really?  Was 11 days of work and presentations, love and sharing, prayers and listening actually coming to a close?  Was I ready to say goodbye to my 15 Arab friends with their resilient spirits and ever ready embraces?  I am tired but more grateful than tired, more in awe of God's faithfulness than my weariness.  Bits and pieces of these days beckon my attention. Camellia, our sweet maid who spoke to us in long and hearty hugs. The passionate praying of Inas and others as she wept over the countries of her sisters with all their bombings, civil unrest and mistreatment of women. One of our single gals living in her parent's Muslim home is so anxious to get out of the oppressive situation.  Her gift from God? She was able to lead her little brother to Jesus this month. Hanaa's sadness as she told of one of her teens at camp finally admitting not only her father but uncle and brother repeatedly using her sexually.  Afraid to report all this lest she be killed for shaming the family, she buries  How sweet it was to greet our dear Arab sisters!  the story in her young soul. Oh how life giving is this camping program where they have been encouraged to tell their story. The ability of the Arab women to engage in amazing worship and even dance the dabke!  Every worship session was led by an Arab. The joy on Azza's face as she told of the faithfulness of God to spare her 8 year old son who was almost kidnapped from their car by the Muslim Brotherhood. They will return again to get him but she is trusting God for protection. She is a brave pastor's wife. To hear of the continually and fast growing church made up of MBB's (Muslim Background Believers) in Jerusalem, acting as family for one another. One of our young women is discipling them. Hanan's generosity to care for her niece and nephew as her whole family has been killed, to share every lesson we teach, to her women at church, all the while restricted to water 3 to 5 hours a day.  Her brother in law was targeted and shot in the head twice while we were together. Yet she smiles, prays fervently and loves with generosity that humbles me. What joy to hear of Bushra's group of praying women called 'Disturbing the Heavens.' This group prays for big miracles like water for Iraq and healings. She serves women all over Iraq. Lilian said that though they suffer under Morrisee's regime in Egypt, the good news is that many Muslims are seeing that Islam for many has produced violence and disrespect and they are   disillusioned. They are pouring into Christian churches and engaging, their Christian neighbors in conversation about Jesus' claims. The environments are harsh and evil.  The injustices are real. Listening to their hearts will suck the air out of your lungs and your tears will only be wiped away by the hand which has a nail piercing. But as we worked through How to Study the Bible, How to Engage in Conflict Resolution and How to Practice the Presence The women spent many hours praying for each other and their countries of God their hearts filled with excitement and they once again were blessed that we came not just to teach them but to be their friend, to enter into their story.  It didn't hurt that we brought them to a lovely resort on the Mediterranean, lush and green, with nice accommodations and good food. But we came having prayed together as a team for hours and God seemed to use that. Grateful to God and you!  Mary

Christian Women Persecuted in Egypt

Below is an article that we would like to share with you and ask that you join with us in praying for our sisters in the Middle East.

Egypt is home to more than 8 million Christians, the largest Christian community in the Middle East. Religious authorities declare that wearing a hijab, or veil, is compulsory for Muslim women, but no one can be forced to wear it. The Muslim Brotherhood has said they will not apply a strict interpretation of Sharia laws with regard to women’s dress.
In total disregard for human respect, a Christian woman was attacked inside Cairo, had her hair cut off by two other women and thrown from a car while being called an infidel.  As a result she also suffered a broken arm. The humiliation, evil, disrespect, hatred, and degradation suffered by this woman was carried out by veiled women who belong to the Organization of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, an underground movement that is not officially sanctioned or supported by the government.
Other such instances have also been reported. A week earlier a veiled woman cut the hair of an unveiled 13-year old riding the subway. In the southern town of Luxor, an Egyptian court sentenced an Egyptian schoolteacher to a suspended prison sentence for cutting off the hair of unveiled 12-year old girls.
Is an Islamist-dominated government fueling an Islamist hardening of Egyptian culture?  Such reported cruel acts to a few Christian women are not the only signs pointing to such domination by the government.  Deepened by fears which came as a result of President Morsi, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, declaring new presidential powers, thousands of demonstrators been rioting Tahir Square and in front of the presidential palace to protest his ludicrous decree which has been labeled as a power grab, an “unprecedented assault” on the judiciary.
Muslim Brotherhood leaders have repeatedly said they will not apply a strict interpretation of Sharia law with regard to women’s dress.  But is that true?  In a country that is going through an unstable transition period, who will decide the interpretation of the law?  So far, the Brotherhood’s actions are speaking louder than their words.
Pray for these Christian women living in a hostile nation. Pray for the peace and protection of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).  If Islamic extremist ever gain control of any or all of Israel, Jewish women will be subjected to humiliation and persecution on a much larger scale. If the Muslim Brotherhood’s plan to take over America comes to fruition, Sharia law will be the rule and American women will suffer the same.  This is not a fantasy. We need to pray.
Source material for this story is found at World Mag and Virtual Tourist.

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Dr. Michael D. Evans is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, having penned 38 books including the titles shown below. You can read his full biography on Wikipedia. Dr. Evans also runs the Israel news site JerusalemWorldNews where you can receive current intel on Israel and the Middle East, as well as the Corrie ten Boom Museum from Haarlem, Holland, found at TenBoom.org

2012.10 Middle East Training - Session 2

2012.10 Middle East Training - Session 2, photos on Facebook

Here's a link to photos from our training session that has just been completed in Turkey! Please keep these ladies in your prayers.

My Interview with Laurie Wallin

Hello friends!

Thought I'd give you a heads up that Laurie Wallin (pictured below) from the blog "Living Power - Life Coaching" interviewed me and has posted it on her blog yesterday here.

If you have a few minutes, please check it out.

Thank you for your prayers as we continue to raise funds for our upcoming training session for women in the Middle East.  We're just a few short weeks away from leaving.  Your prayers, encouragement and financial support are priceless!

Have a great week!

New Class taught by Lyn Fish!

Our very own Lyn Fish started teaching a 10-week identity class based on Kristin's book "Who Do You Think You Are?" at Scottsdale Bible Church on Tuesday and we're up in the clouds with excitement!

Women are already sharing their “aha” moments as they begin to discover how their self-view is different from God’s loving view of them. Hope is already rising! 

Please keep us and them in prayer as we help these women discover their purpose so they can impact their world for Christ by living out their unique design for His kingdom purpose. 

We realize the enemy is prowling around and would like to thwart God’s plan. We’ve been sensitive to his evil schemes and rejoice that our God is on the throne—He who is in us is far greater than he who is in the world!

May our Lord do a great work in each of them as they ponder His truths… may they embrace His truths… may the shackles that have bound in lies about their identity fall off!

Have you attended one of these classes or read Kristin's book?  We'd love to see your comments about what you learned in the process.

Or if you would be interested in attending a class like this so you can discover your purpose and impact your world, please send us an email at info@gtiw.org or sign up for our newsletter (in the right column) where we announce upcoming events.  You can also find us on Facebook!  We hope to hear from you soon.

Middle East Update

I was telling Marty Caldwell, one of the vice presidents of Young Life, about our ministry not too long ago. He was very interested! I described our plan to host no more than 20 Arab women with leader-ship potential in Turkey. “A safe place and good choice of location,” he said. We’ll meet twice a year for three years in order to help them discover their value and purpose and teach them how to impact their world, and develop deep relationships with us and others. He said “That’s a great plan! It is Jesus’ way: smaller, deeper and longer.”

It’s exciting to know that with God’s help, our goals and plans are indeed being realized: build relationships, provide education, and open the door to transformation to women in oppressed regions of the world. We are thrilled! And this is only the beginning. Can you imagine the impact when we do this over and over again with more trainers and more groups? The thought inspires me to keep moving forward.
The team that took part in the May GTIW launch in Turkey called it a “holy time” and all are eager to go back. One said, “The team really jelled and there was mutual love, respect and help.” Another said, “I love the women already and can’t wait to go back!” The GTIW training team is a strong, seasoned, gifted group of trainers who have accepted this assignment as coming from God. So yes, we are going back! Our second session will meet in early October.

A special time of prayer with the women in Turkey

And what about our first attendees, (who come from all over the Middle East)? Some of their comments say it all:
Magda: “The only thing I am sure about is that I’m not here by accident.”
Mira: “I was really dry and empty before coming. Now I feel my emptiness is gone. I have felt loved and cared for.”
Virginia: “I feel a transformation in my life.”
Hanan: “This was a blessing. I am starting to train 3 potential leaders. I realize this training is something that I can take back to them. I felt commissioned by God through the foot washing. The Lord confirmed why I am here!”

You may be aware of the political struggles going on in Egypt. The courageous Egyptian women (there were 5 of them) came at a great price, as there was gunfire outside their doors just before they came. But God provided safety for them and their families. Several of the women are from Muslim backgrounds and risk social, emotional, and physical persecution, even death for their faith in Christ.
Consult any source. Women are still some of the most exploited people on earth. Yet when you lead a woman to Christ, you effectively win her entire family—for she holds the key to heart and home. In addition to her family, all of the women in the program serve in other positions of influence as well. They come from a wide array of roles, such as speakers, ministry leaders, and pastor’s wives. These Magdas, Miras and Hanans, are going to be used by God to win others to Him in Jordan, Egypt, Iraq and beyond. Imagine the possibilities when they embrace their full value and purpose!
So why am I writing to you? We need your help to continue to realize our God-given dream of helping women become effective influencers for Christ!We need your prayers. Lots of them! For the enemy does not want us to make inroads into this dark part of the world.

 And we need your financial gifts. Our attendees can’t afford to attend this training without your aid. We assist them by providing scholarships that are sent to us by you, for them.

With your generous support, the Global Training Institute for Women can continue this great work that offers so much potential for bringing hope and meaning to women throughout one of the most violent, oppressed, and conflict-ridden areas of the world. Your support offers a practical means – through the courage and faith of these women – for sowing the seeds that may ultimately transform that region with the love and peace of Jesus Christ.

Your generous gift of $100, 200 or 300 a month, or a onetime gift, will provide help and hope to women who desperately need it. If you will send a contribution now, we can ensure that these precious women have the opportunity to continue to grow in their identity and the purpose for which God designed them!
Thank you! Thank you for praying, for giving and for sharing the vision to reach out across the world to lift women up with a message of hope that inspires and equips them to be all that God created them to be.
In Him who is able to do above all that we ask or think,

You can donate online here

Did you notice our new look? We’ll be sharing more about that in our next e-newsletter
so watch your inbox!
All contributions to Global Training Institute for Women (GTIW) are income tax deductible
and made with the understanding that GTIW has complete discretion and control over the use of all donated funds.

Powerful Words of Truth

Don't you just love this graphic with the 100 most common words in my book, "Who Do You Think You Are?"  They're sized based on frequency.  The words used more are larger.  It will give you a taste of the topics and key words covered in this book where women can learn about their true identity in Christ.

If you haven't had a chance to read it, I think it's worth your time.

Enjoy!

Pray for Egypt

Dear friends,

Please watch this short video and pray for the country of Egypt.

We have several women in our Middle East training program who live in this country and have already seen unveiled women being threatened in public places since the new government came to power.

Please pray for their protection, safety and wisdom as they live out their Christian lives in a nation that is becoming more hostile to their faith and gender with each passing day.

We know that God is in control and His sovereign plan WILL be carried out.

Thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement and support.

Living the Dream

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!

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 

WHO KNEW????

I know that you all are at various stages of knowing what Fred and I have been living with lately, so I thought I would write and fill in some of the blanks…and thank you for continuing to support me while I supported Fred and tried to carry on my duties at the ministry.




It has been just about two months now since Fred and I had a life-changing experience: his 6 artery by-pass surgery! We had no idea that this was what awaited us when we went to the hospital on February 24th for what we thought was an angiogram and then procedure for a stent, possibly two. His so-called one artery blockage, possibly two that the doctors suspected might have to be dealt with turned out to be severely blocked arteries (all of them) that could not be handled with stents. And we had plans in the evening! We were told it was out-patient! The doctors were as surprised as we were with what they found.



Well, guess what? It was not only NOT out-patient, Fred ended up having open heart surgery and staying one week in the hospital. And now the long recovery is almost over. Getting physically strong again is Fred’s major job (along with resuming his ministry role at SBC): mine is to ready myself and my team for a trip to Turkey. We are very much looking forward to him driving again starting this coming weekend! I have been full time nurse and chauffeur and am happy to shortly be able to give Fred his car keys. We are indeed very grateful for God’s intervention in prompting me to prompt Fred to get checked out before he tried to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro again. Every time I think about the “what-ifs” I am stunned anew and reminded how our Sovereign God leads, protects and guides. How we can thank God for having His hand on all of our lives!

We at Global Training Institute for Women (formerly Greater Reach Ministries; we are going through a name change but nothing has been officially announced yet) are about to launch our first training institute in Turkey on May 3rd- May 14th and I couldn’t be more excited. This means I and Stephanie Myers and 6 other God-picked women will be leaving to meet with the 20 women who eagerly applied and are coming from all over the Middle East and North Africa to begin a three year journey of growth together. I can’t wait to tell you more about these ladies. Many are Muslim background believers, who came to Christ at great personal sacrifice, and are eager to grow in their faith. I would so appreciate your prayers for us as we embark on this God-ordained ministry adventure.



Many volunteers (including many of you) have come alongside during this challenging time to help move this ministry forward in my absence. That is only one of the many things I am grateful for. Many of you also contribute financially to sustain me and GTIW. It warms my heart when I think of you and your gifts of love and prayers.



We are praying for more to come alongside and scholarship these precious Arab sisters. $200/month provides for one woman to attend the twice yearly training. In the meantime, thank you for your friendship, prayers and support!

If you would like to scholarship a woman please click on this link for more information https://globaltraininginstitute.missionsconnex.com/gtiw

Come Along for the Ride!

What an exciting and growing time we have going on with the Global Training Institute for Women (GTIW)!! We are in full swing to launch the first training session this May, with 21 women from five different Arab countries (Iraq, Egypt, Israel, Sudan, and Jordan).

We would love to share with you, how you can "Come Along For The Ride" and join us as we launch this program.

The Global Training Institute for Women is designed as a three-year, region-specific program, where women selected from the Arab world will meet with a small group of trainers face-to-face two times a year for three years in a neutral location. The classes are small to facilitate the building of deep relationships in a safe environment; the trainers are experienced and equipped; the training itself is focused and systematic. The Institute covers three core areas: Biblical understanding, character development, and ministry skills. The Institute training team is made up of women from the United States and the Arab world.

Did you Know?

Eighty-five percent of the world's poorest people live in a region between the west coast of North Africa and the east coast of China, an area that contains 95 percent of the world's least evangelized people. Four out of five of these least evangelized poorest of the poor are women.

The social barriers that separate the millions of women living in the Arab world from the truth of the Gospel can seem almost insurmountable.

Many Arab women are illiterate - unable to read a Bible, even in their own language. Many more live in fear of their husbands, who are encouraged by the Qur'an to beat or kill their wives if they embrace or even study any other religious faith. Cut off from any biblical understanding of their role in their home and community, Arab women often submit to a slave-like identity born out of Islamic culture and its often brutal directives for family relationships. This situation frequently leads to feelings of isolation, loneliness and poor self-esteem.

Without the biblical understanding that comes from deep interaction with God's Word and His people, even Arab women who have converted to Christianity are utterly unaware of their value as children of God and of the unconditional love Christ has for them. They are also unaware that they have been gifted in unique ways in order to make a contribution in furthering the Great Commission. Facilitating these women's ability to discover biblical truth together, while teaching and encouraging each other to embrace their true spiritual identity, is the work of the Global Training Institute for Women.

A woman can only attend the institute if sufficient financial support is in place. Every prayer is mighty. Every dollar counts.

You can make a difference!

Would you pray with us about becoming a vital part of our growing partnership with national workers, churches and seminaries? Through your prayers and financial support God will use us together to raise up godly leaders for His glory around the world.

It's so easy to give online! Visit our website here to donate!

Grounded in the Word, these women will become world-changers ...victoriously passing on to others life, truth, and freedom in Christ!

We want to unleash influential women to impact their world. Won't you join us?

Come Along For The Ride!

Are Your Holiday Gatherings More Prickly Than Polite? (This Week's Guest Post)

As image bearers of God, we feel that women have a voice. We thought it would be encouraging to provide a platform for more women writers to share their voices with all of you. We will begin including guest writers from time to time in our blog! I think you'll agree, once you read their thoughts, that these women have rich biblical principles and practical applications to share.

This week's featured guest writer, Samantha A. Wright, author of the blog, "a lil bird told me", is a ministry partner and friend of Greater Reach Ministries. You can read Samantha's bio at the end of this post.

Have you ever played the word association game? Lets try~I say chocolate, saliva develops as you sternly bark….’get me some!’ Or, I say ‘fruitcake’ and you say, ‘that wouldn’t even make my dog drool. Move on.’ What if I say, “family holiday gathering?” Be honest. Do you start perspiring even though it’s 65 degrees? Your eyes start to glaze over as you painfully realize Christmas is just around the corner. You are about to spend hours with people who don’t really like you. In fact, the family tree may be the only reason they gather with you at all.

At Christmas we ponder Jesus as light of the world. But, Matthew 5 states that we, Jesus’ followers, are the light of the world. Is it possible to be the ‘light of the world’ while spending time with family members? Yesterday while I was shopping, I gave the lady behind me in line 2 of my extra coupons. You would have thought I had given her a $20 bill. She was elated. That was easy. Why is it easier to be a light for Christ with a stranger? What happens to that thoughtful spirit in me when I get around my relatives? What is there about us that can be so stubborn about demanding our way when we are with family? Do I demand more from my relatives? Am I a poor communicator? Do my actions corroborate my words or discredit me?

Recently I had to answer these questions when I received a email from a family member that left me shaking. Angry. Hurt. Angry. Disgruntled. Angry. Hopeless. Did I mention ANGRY? It, however, was not a righteous anger. I had to ask myself why the letter caused so much anger within me. Perhaps it was because some of the things in the email were painfully true. Initially, I chose denial fervently building a case for myself of all the things in the letter that were not true. Not a good plan. Fortunately, after much prayer and seeking counsel, I snapped out of denial mode.

Many of the things in the email were not necessarily true, but the result of poor communication. But, regretfully, some of the things were true. My pride did not want to see where I was not being Christ like. Baggage from past interactions prevented me from loving as Christ calls me to love. But when I sought counsel and realized my actions were causing pain in the life of someone, I discovered that I needed to confess those things to God and ask His forgiveness. More importantly, I needed to ask my relative for forgiveness. That, my friend, was not an easy task. If I hear the word apologize the first thought that comes to my mind is, “Gulp, how do you eat an elephant?” Well, as I tell my girls, “you eat an elephant one bite at a time.” What do the first bites look like? Let me suggest the following.

Read Scripture. Perspective is everything and nothing provides perspective like God’s word. We need perspective when asking if there is something I have done to cause conflict in this relationship.

Go to the Person. No emails. No texts. Communication is 90% non-verbal and only 10% verbal. If distance prevents a face to face interaction, make a phone call.
Listen. Listen. Listen. Did I say listen? Our tendency is to defend ourselves. Resist this temptation. God is your defender and protector.

Admit Wrong. I had to say, “You are right. I have___, would you please forgive me?”
Make a Commitment. Tell the person you will try and not commit the offense again and take the necessary steps to back up your words. For me, the culprit was poor communication. I made a commitment to call in the future and not rely on others to communicate for me.

Does it work? A few weeks after our interaction, our families had the chance to get together. Instead of dreading the interaction, I went with hope that things would go better than they have in the past. I felt God’s peace and joy in doing what He has called me to do. Was it easy? No. Were there times I needed a breather and needed to be alone? Yes. But, I can honestly say I had a great time and am not dreading our next family get together.

What about you? Do you need to go to someone before that family holiday gathering and make things right? If so, here may be some utensils to help you eat that elephant one bite at a time~
◦ Read scripture
◦ Go to the person
◦ Listen. Listen. Listen
◦ Admit wrong
◦ Make a commitment

I would love to know how your ‘meal’ went over the holidays. Please comment or email and let me know!

About Samantha: Samantha is passionate about teaching others the truth, whether it is God’s word or every day life lessons. Samantha is a graduate of Phoenix Seminary, and her desire is to use her education, gift of writing, and the lessons God has taught her personally to help others deepen in their relationship with God . Samantha and her husband of 21 years, Tim, have two daughters, an African Grey Parrot ~ Solomon ~ and a yellow lab, AnnaBelle. Samantha uses the quirky life lessons she's learned from friends, strangers and even her African Grey parrot, Solomon, to write different stories.

To read more from Samantha, check out her blog entitled, "A lil bird told me".

Help Us Help Prisoners and Ex-Offenders Change Their Worldview with the Truth About Who They Are

Our mission is to bring a message of hope to women that inspires and equips them to be all God made them to be. We have a wonderful opportunity to assist women leaders at Along Side Ministries in the discovery of their unique identity in Christ, so they can be even more effective in their ministry to women in prison and ex-offenders. Imagine the powerful testimony of hope these leaders could have by living out their unique calling and embracing the rich truths about their freedom in Christ and value to God as they mentor women in prison and ex-offenders.
Will you help us bring the message of hope that will make a difference for them, the prisoners and ex-offenders? Training and equipping begins January 6, 2012. We have received $100 toward our goal of $500 to cover the cost for materials.
If you want to help us unleash these women to live their potential for Christ, please send a check to Greater Reach Ministries, 8283 N. Hayden Rd. #258, Scottsdale, AZ 85258. Or donate on-line and write “prison ministry training.” Funds exceeding our budget will be re-directed to the general fund for Greater Reach Ministries.

Jesus Empowers You

By the norms of the day, Christ’s actions throughout Scripture were scandalous! But He went about uninhibited. He healed and helped, forgave and lifted up, loved and blessed women. He even empowered them for a life of ministry. While society placed women among the lowest of the low and Jewish leaders often believed women to be incapable and unworthy of a religious education, Jesus intentionally included women in His Kingdom work. Reaching out to society’s outcasts made a most profound statement: Jesus freely brings personal significance to each of us, and offers eternal life for all.
As He traveled from place to place sharing the Good News, guess who joined Him and His twelve disciples? Yes, women (Luke 8:1-3). He valued their company and partnership in ministry. This was radical! Remember, women were not used to having a public presence. Their lives were lived primarily at home. Now Christ was including them in ministry partnership alongside men. He assigned both genders responsibility and influence as His partners in sharing the Good News.
He also empowered women as His witnesses. Just as the Samaritan woman ran to town shouting and testifying about Him (John 4:28-29), so too did the women tell others when they discovered He had risen from the dead. Women were the first to discover His empty tomb (Luke 24:1-12), and the resurrected Christ “appeared first to Mary Magdalene” (Mark 16:9). He wanted women to spread the greatest news in the history of time! It goes to show what a radical concept this was when we see that none of the men believed what they said (Mark 16:11, Luke 24:11). Men were accustomed to dismissing a woman’s testimony. But if Christ had agreed, He never would have entrusted women with this task.
Time and time again, as Jesus walked the earth teaching and loving, interacting with and ministering to people, He never failed to communicate significance to women. His intentions and character are consistent. While people look at the exterior, He looks at the heart. While the world may shame you for being a woman, He elevates you. While people love conditionally, He loves unconditionally. When men, women, and the whole of society degrade you, He reminds you of your priceless value.
Believe it! Own it! Act on it! Jesus loves you, values you and has come to give you life to the full (John 10:10).

This blog is an excerpt from Chapter 6 of the book “Who Do You Think You Are.” Order your copy today >>Purchase book

Hope Floats

A Sandra Bullock movie was released more than ten years ago called “Hope Floats.” Whether or not you’ve seen it, don’t you think just the title itself is compelling? You don’t need to know the storyline to resonate with the joyful buoyancy of hope.

Hope is a chest and chin lifter. It is a burst of fresh air when you’ve been trapped in a dark and stale basement. It is a lifesaver when you are floundering in the deep ocean sea.

Hope is simple … it’s not showy, it’s not dramatic. But it floats. And when you are about to be pulled under the water’s surface, it’s all you need to keep from drowning.

The Bible has much to say about hope. One passage I’ve always found interesting is 1 Corinthians 13:13: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

Because I am such a fan of hope, I used to be discouraged that it wasn’t “the greatest of these.” But then I realized that perhaps love is greatest because it is the only one that will be present with us through eternity in heaven (“for if you already have something, you don’t need to hope for it” (Romans 8:24, NLT)).

In heaven, where believers in Jesus Christ will spend eternity, faith and hope will not be present. Faith will not be necessary because we will be living in the presence of the One in whom faith is currently required. And hope will not be there because we will lack nothing; we will have no reason to grasp for the buoyancy of hope … we ourselves will be buoyant!

But for now, while we are here on earth, I love what 1 Peter 1: 3-5 has to say about our living hope, and what we have to look forward to in heaven: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”

Are you downtrodden today? Take a firm grip on hope in Jesus Christ! This is hope that floats.

Pressures, Process and Promotion

In His priestly prayer toward the end of His mission on earth, Jesus speaks to the Father, “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.” John 17:4.

Likewise, as disciples of Jesus following His example, we glorify God by completing the work He’s given us to do. God told us in His word that we are His workmanship created to walk in the good works, which He prepared in advance. The question remains for some of us, how do we discover this ultimate purpose, which He prepared in advance for us personally? Or better yet, how do we get there?

Recently, I had the opportunity to listen to a powerful, dynamic teacher, Dr. Lance Wallnau, who has completed a lifetime of research on organizational and personal transformation. He desires to encourage others to find their purpose and fulfill that one thing God has called them to do. Since this relates to what we teach here at Greater Reach Ministries through our Who Do You Think You Are? Class, I’d like to share some highlights of his insightful and articulate teaching.
First, He mentioned a study from Fuller Seminary graduates. The study concluded that 80% of Fuller Seminary graduates, at the peak of their career, had not reached their ultimate purpose. He then defined convergence to be the place where your passion, divine gifting, and divine timing meet. It’s the place where you are at your affinity, your calling and your ultimate purpose for the Kingdom. In convergence, you will experience divine favor. This means that people will be drawn to you because of a quality of God in you. People who are given divine favor are usually those who have “an extraordinary dialogue with heaven”.

So, how do we reach this place of divine favor and maximizing our gifts and passions? According to Dr. Wallnau, it will be appointed to you by God at the right time. God is the one who puts you into the future. It’s not something you achieve, but it’s something that He does in you and for you. Dr. Wallnau feels that everyone is in a season of “process” until they reach their destiny, where they also may experience many pressures of preparation.
Are you currently in a difficult season, and anxious to arrive at your convergence? He encouraged and exhorted us by reminding us that God shakes our circumstances to refine our gifts for our purpose. You’re also defining your passion. Jesus’ passion was the sheep. He laid down His life for His sheep. In order to lay down your life, there has to be something you love more than your own life. You’re also developing your skills now, and if you’re not failing, you’re not trying hard enough.

Dr. Wallnau feels that anyone can be happy in their current circumstance if they make a connection between what they are going through now and their ultimate destiny. He shared that most people quit because they don’t understand the process. God is using your current pressures for your own promotion. He can relieve the pressure, and release you from your potential, or he can leave it and see if you crack. He feels that this process involves a stretching of who you are to give you greater identity. Dr. Wallnau provided the example of Joseph’s challenging process, which led Him to His promotion.

Obviously waiting is active, so, what can we do in our walk with God during the process to help us prepare? If, like Joseph, God has given you a vision for the future, during your season of “process”, you can look to that next level. Ask yourself what are the characteristics of those currently at the next level? Who will I have to become that I’ve never been before? You can also ask yourself, who will God have to be for me that He’s never been before once I get there? This is the character you can begin to develop with the Lord during your process. Remember, you are God’s workmanship, and He is working in you to develop you for this next level. It’s in His timing, not our own, that you will arrive. Feel like quitting? Of course, God gives grace and will love you just the same, but you will be missing out on the satisfaction of living a purposeful life for His glory!

--By Alyssa Spitale

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67% of the women in Arizona prisons return within 3 years. Christian ex-offenders need to hear that God loves them, they are significant to Jesus, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. They need to grow in understanding that their true identity is in Christ, and discover practical ways to change their thinking and behavior so they do not return to their old ways... and to prison.Your love offering will make it possible for Christian ex-offenders enrolled in the Women's Discipleship Program at Along Side Ministries to hear the good news about their identity by attending the 8-week class "Who Do You Think You Are?"Will you help us make a difference in their lives? We need to raise $50 per woman to cover materials, administrative and travel expenses.Please write "ex-offender class" in the memo section of your check and send your gift to: Greater Reach Ministries at:

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Jesus Defies Culture: The Woman at the Well (excerpt 5 of 5)

You are catching the final entry of a series of posts with excerpts from my book, “Who Do You Think You Are?” focusing on Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the water well (John 4:1-30).

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In the book, a two-column chart displays the information below. It considers what the cultural and traditional norms were at the time, and contrasts them with how Jesus, the “radical rabbi,” behaved toward the Samaritan woman.

Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: A rabbi could not speak to a woman in public.

The Radical Rabbi’s Behavior: Christ speaks to a Samaritan woman. Christ rejected Jewish teaching forbidding talking to women.

Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: Jewish leaders considered woman incapable of understanding religious teaching.

The Radical Rabbi’s Behavior: Christ though she was capable of learning.

Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: Jewish leaders considered a woman unworthy of religious teaching.

The Radical Rabbi’s Behavior: Christ thought she was worthy and wanted to include her in the plan of salvation.

Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: Women were not considered reliable witnesses in Israel.

The Radical Rabbi’s Behavior: Christ knew she would be a witness for Him.

Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: Rabbinic law stated that Samaritan women were considered unclean.

The Radical Rabbi’s Behavior: Christ defied this tradition. He rejected Jewish teaching regarding uncleanness.

Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: Religious segregation was normal for both women and Samaritans.

The Radical Rabbi’s Behavior: Christ defied this tradition.Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: A man would never drink from a woman.

Jesus Defies Culture: The Woman at the Well (excerpt 4 of 5)

You are joining in the middle of a series of posts with excerpts from my book, “Who Do You Think You Are?” focusing on Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the water well (John 4:1-30).

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We also know that Jewish leaders of the day considered a woman incapable of a religious education. Jesus engaged her on a deep spiritual level of conversation almost immediately, challenging her understanding of religious teachings. She tried to keep the conversation at the surface, asking about the proper place for worship. Jesus let her ask, then gently guided her back to a level where He could engage her heart. He taught her that what was really important was not where you worship, but whether you worship in spirit and in truth. That was pretty deep for a conversation at a well.

Not only did Jewish leaders consider a woman incapable of a religious education, they saw her as UNWORTHY. Jesus deemed her capable AND worthy of learning … worthy enough to offer her salvation. He tells her that if she knew the gift of God and who it was asking her for a drink, she would have asked Him and He would have given her living water. Jesus invited her into God’s eternal plan.

Finally, women were not considered reliable witnesses in Israel. If Jesus had wanted to spread His Good News through a “respectable” method, He would have had such an encounter with a man. Instead, He chose a Samaritan woman who so changed by their interaction that the first thing she does is witness to her community. She runs and shouts throughout the village, “Come, and see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” (verse 29). The Samaritan woman goes from avoiding people in the morning to seeking them out in the afternoon! What happened to her? Do you think her view of herself was changed? What happened to the shame she surely must have felt earlier that same day?

On so many levels Jesus defied tradition and culture in this encounter. Before they met this woman felt alienated, used, and abused. But in this one brief conversation she is given a profound message about her true value—one she had likely never heard in all her years. Through their encounter she became both a member and a messenger of God’s Kingdom. Jesus changed her life! She was liberated, His redeemed image-bearer. She received and responded to His unconditional acceptance of her. This is how Jesus Christ wants to change you today.Stay tuned for the next post with more from "Who Do You Think You Are?"

What a Great Time We Had!

Every time I teach our 8 week class based on my book, “Who Do You Think You Are?” I think, “Wow, this is a great group of women! Best ever!” Though I have taught this class many times now, each time I wonder if the next group of women is going to be as awesome as the last. Well, they are as awesome as the last class! Lyn Fish, our newest staff member, and I taught the 8 week class in May and June, and let me tell you, I am as blessed as anyone to have had the privilege of teaching women who are smart, ready to grow, and blended together into such a harmonious group of believers! Just listen to what a couple of the women said who attended:

“The class was a real blessing. I received confirmation that I am right where God wants me to be and I have already used some of the class information with my mentee. In addition, I am finalizing my Mission Statement which I would not have done without the class so that's a huge blessing.” Lynn Austin

“I know how precious I am to my Savior now. I no longer carry guilt and shame of my childhood and I am as valuable to God as my brothers are. I never knew that. I thought I was here to be their servant. In reality I am here to serve the Lord in whatever ways He calls me to.” Maria Chez

I can’t imagine anything more thrilling and fulfilling than to be able to encourage and equip these precious ones to take the next step on their spiritual journeys. I truly count it a joy, and am grateful to God that He has given me the gift of this ministry. I would love for every woman I know to learn and experience the truths that we discover ed together in 8 short weeks.

If you haven’t taken this class yet and you want to, let us know and we will keep you informed as to when and where it will be taught again. Join us! It could change your life!