Bible Study Fellowship!

Bible Study Fellowship

            Oh what a blessing B.S.F. has been! When I first found out about this Bible study, my first thoughts selfishly turned to the fact that we would be giving up such a big chunk of our Saturdays – the only days we truly have for ourselves – for another ‘meeting.’ It only took one visit to realize just how wrong I really was. This was so much more than just another meeting. In fact, this was so much more than just another Bible study. I am now so thankful to be sharing in an in-depth study of The Acts of the Apostles with such a wonderful group of Christian women. Why hadn’t I heard of this before? From the first week we began in the book of Acts to where we currently are studying in Hebrews, not one week has gone by that I haven’t truly experienced growth and a greater hunger for the Word.

            My favorite part of B.S.F. is when we break off into small groups to discuss the study questions from the previous week’s lesson. I have grown to really love the women in my small group. They have encouraged me and challenged me in ways I could never imagine. My small group is made up of 13 women (including myself) from all different walks of life…different backgrounds…different cultures…ONE common purpose – to grow into the women God created us to be. Charlene is our small group leader and, besides me, she is the only American in the group. Mulu, Merkeb, Frehiwot, Enu, Genet, Tigist and Fitsum are all from different parts of Ethiopia. Natalia is from Russia and Kenya. Doreen is from Zimbabwe and Fidelity is from Burundi. Many of these women are not from Christian homes and some of them have been ostracized, persecuted and even renounced by their families and friends for their Christian beliefs. Most of them were raised with Orthodox beliefs and some even come from tribes that still worship other idols, sacrifice animals and have witch doctors. As I sit in this small circle hearing these women’s stories I can’t help but feel so convicted as I ask myself, “Now why is it that you have such a hard time sharing the Gospel with unbelieving members of your family, Kandi?” The way they hang onto every single syllable of truth in the scriptures we study just amazes me…and motivates me. I’ve never realized just how much I take for granted my freedom to learn about and worship our Mighty God.

            Please continue to pray for me and for the women in my group as we continue to dig in and mature in our faith.

“…let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:22-25