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August 20, 2007

Food For Thought

by by Wendy Murray Zoba, in Modern Missions

Susan Perlman, associate executive director of Jews for Jesus and president of the board of the Interdenominational Foreign Mission Association of North America (IFMA), once asked Billy Graham, "If a woman feels the call to mission, is gifted for ministry and leadership, and comes up against a solid wall of resistance, what advice would you give her?" He said, "If God is leading her, she shouldn't take no for an answer."

Therein lies the good news in this otherwise troubling picture. Lots of women are refusing to take no for an answer. And where front doors are being shut, they are walking around to the back and finding another point of entry. As a result, the picture of missions is changing today, and those women who seek will find that the opportunities to serve have never offered more excitement or challenge.

Posted by Caryn Rivadeneira on August 20, 2007 7:42 AM

Comments

I'm not surprised to hear that from Billy considering he once called his daighter Anne "the best preacher in the family."
God made a way for me to obtain an M. Div., be ordained, and pastor 2 churches, because I refused to take no for an answer from mere humans. If God has a call on your life, answer it and let Him take care of the details. The journey may well get rough along the way, but persevere by the power of His Holy Spirit. I am stronger and wiser because of that.

Posted By: Rev. Carlene | August 20, 2007 1:04 PM

I am called by God and as a woman I have found it less than easy, but obedience, commitment and discipline, oh, and I don't want to forget perseverance are what I live by, with God being for whom I live!
I do want to thank you for articles like this that give much needed support.

Posted By: Marita Smith | August 22, 2007 5:31 AM

I am leading a verst area but all l know is the lord is my stronghold who shall i fear. I will stand for the word of God. If there is anyone doubting you are wasting time say yes and God will do the rest

Posted By: tracey | August 22, 2007 8:46 AM

This is quite uplifting and affirming. I am a 35-year old fielding an increasingly intense and clear call to Christian leadership. In the past week, I experienced my first dose of a seminary whose roots do not support the ordination of women. My inner reaction: "Who are THEY to tell me what I can or cannot do if GOD is calling me?" The answer: "They are no one, and they cannot stop me from making disciples." It infused me with strength that I know I will need as I join your ranks.

Posted By: Michele | August 23, 2007 4:49 PM

Michele,
You go girl!!!!!

Posted By: Rev. Carlene | August 23, 2007 10:32 PM

I've been a full-time pastor for about 13 years.

After spending time looking at all the arguments, I finally decided that I would "do what I do" and stop worrying about defending it to someone who disagrees.

They are free to have their opinion. I am free to pleasantly disagree with it.

Posted By: patti | August 24, 2007 9:45 AM

I've been a full-time ordained pastor, for about 13 years.

After spending time looking at all the arguments, I finally decided that I would "do what I do" and stop worrying about defending it to someone who disagrees.

They are free to have their opinion. I am free to pleasantly disagree with it.

Posted By: patti | August 24, 2007 9:46 AM

I've been a full-time ordained pastor, for about 13 years.

After spending time looking at all the arguments, I finally decided that I would "do what I do" and stop worrying about defending it to someone who disagrees.

They are free to have their opinion. I am free to pleasantly disagree with it.

Posted By: patti | August 24, 2007 9:46 AM

I am a new missionary In North Africa. I am highly encouraged by this write-up as well as the comments. I have been pastoring for about 7 years but by God's leading I came here. More than 95% of those who heard it were against the idea but I went ahead and got my peace. Please I would like to get help on how to contact other women missionaries.

Posted By: Appolonia Stephen Okwu | August 24, 2007 12:01 PM

The problem is that some women think that they cannot serve unless they are recognized as equals in pay and stature and outward respect by MEN. There is a huge difference the demeanor of women who want the outward ambitious trappings of ministry and those who are compelled by God to do it. "Reverends" are not always serving God.

Posted By: Laluree | August 25, 2007 3:22 PM

Amen! :)

For APPOLONIA: Try Mission Data International (http://mdat.org/contact.html) and ShortTermMissions.com; I believe they have many contacts and resources regarding missionaries.

For everyone else: Last Christmas I got to read "Women: God's Secret Weapon" by Ed Silvoso. I have always loved being a woman, but through that book I have *finally* become secure as a woman as I learned how God views me. :) Not just as a daughter, but as a vital player in advancing His kingdom :)

God bless, everybody! :) All for Him! :)

Posted By: tecigurl | August 26, 2007 4:19 AM

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