Bound Together in the Word by clbcommunications

Chairs were hastily stacked, and tables appeared, while fingers deftly smoothed blue fabric over the flat surfaces, and platters of attractively arranged food were whisked into the room by efficient Edmonton and Beaumont women. Burnewood Hall was transformed from the meeting place of the CLBC Convention (Church of the Lutheran Brethren Canada) to a lovely noon luncheon room for the women of the region!

The churches of Alberta and Saskatchewan are many hours apart. But women representing both provinces and over half of the Canadian churches enjoyed this gathering with Ruth Vallevik, Director of Women’s Ministries for the CLB. They enjoyed food, conversation, camaraderie, and a chance to share about their local church ministries.

Here are some of their ideas shared:

• Have a Bible Study for women on alternate weeks with a Bible Study for men. To eliminate childcare, one week dads stay home to care for kids, and the next week moms are home!
• Try “Girlfriends Unlimited,” a monthly light supper together. After music by a worship team, break into small groups for support and prayer together.
• Use a Bible study DVD series, such as Beth Moore’s “Breaking Free.” With a large group including all ages, view the presentation together; then break into groups of six to eight. Have two co-leaders for each group to provide continuity if one is gone.
• Other ministries by Canadian women include: writing to missionaries, outreach to single moms, a Salad Night, supporting local VBS, and a “Bread Ministry.”

Ruth then shared a message of encouragement from the perspective: “What it’s like to walk in the dark?” We’re still reeling from the double disaster in Japan of earthquake and tsunami. Christians in some countries have been targeted because of their faith. Marriages are at risk even in the church.

What is it like for you in the dark? The group responded with “petty disagreements and conflicts; the economy; homes and jobs lost; marriages in jeopardy…” Ruth asked what our fears are—what is it about the darkness that makes us afraid? “Fear of the unknown; lack of control; wondering when, or if, the light will come…”

Not all darkness is the same. There is darkness of body—sickness, health problems, or intellectual darkness. There is moral darkness—we justify wrong behavior, even saying “God led me” into a relationship outside God’s boundaries. There is spiritual darkness—blinded by sin, feeling distant from God. There is personal darkness—living with guilt, darkness because of a wayward child, or even the aging process. Darkness is nothing new: consider David in the Psalms, Elijah on the run, Jesus in Gethsemane, a discouraged Martin Luther.

But it is God himself, in his Word, who gives us hope in dark days of being “renewed day by day” by the Lord of Light. In scripture after scripture, Ruth unfolded promises, encouragement, purpose, and deliverance.

Thoughts from those verses: If you are a believer in the dark, you’re not alone! Recognize the presence of God. He is yours in every encounter. Don’t be surprised. There is no testimony without a test. Our need drives us to Christ. God gives endurance, encouragement, and grace. Find the divine purpose in the darkness. Trust. Light your world. Realize that it can be dark at the foot of the Lighthouse. Keep on rejoicing. We’re part of the family of faith, here on earth and in heaven. We are one!

“Keep your nose in the Book!” she encouraged. Saturate yourselves with it. “It’s a means of grace. Unfolding the Word brings light!”

By Cheryl Olsen

Cheryl Olsen (pictured with her husband Stan) serves as the secretary of Women's Ministries of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. (www.wmclb.com)

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