One
thing leads to another
Bulgaria in the early 1990’s was a very different place
from the country it is today. Grim grey blocks of apartments dominated the
skyline and packs of dogs roamed the city streets, turned out to fend for
themselves by owners who could no longer afford to feed or look after them. But
the people were warm and friendly, with the same problems of rebellious
teenagers, and husbands who were not prepared to share their wives’ attention
with a ‘God’ whom they could neither understand, nor see any need for. Women
have the same hopes and fears the world over.
Over those ten days we visited 5 different churches, one
of which was still under construction. The highlight of my trip was the night
we spent with an old lady who had used her home out in the country for meetings
of the underground church during the Communist era. What an honour to sleep
under the same roof as someone who had risked her life for her Saviour, even if
she did wake us at 5 a.m because she had invited the leading ladies of the
church to come and have breakfast before they went to work!
The time flew past and as I said goodbye, God seemed to
put a thought into my mind that I should share with my hosts from Mission
Possible. “I’ve loved speaking to the women in your churches “I said
tentatively, “But they need so much more.
Have you thought of sending out a monthly letter [ no email then] with some
suggestions for bible studies or answers to their leadership questions?’
Daniella, who was the editor of their magazine for
teenagers, went somewhat pale but made polite noises! I flew home and for 18
months heard nothing. Then I had a letter which set both them and me on a new
path. “You suggested a Newsletter” wrote Daniella. “But God has shown us that
we should make a magazine for women. We think we will call it Leah, because
women are looked down on in many churches and in society. And Leah was the less
favoured wife of Jacob. Can you help us?”
Do you have instances in your life when God has taken you
in a totally unexpected direction? What happened? I’d love to know.
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