Peru Update 2 - Women's Bible Study

It all began at training camp. Who are you? It’s a hard question, especially in your teenage years. But as believers there are certain truths about our identity that are universal. We teach on our Identity in Christ during student week at training camp every year. And as a team we commit those truths to memory, reciting (sometimes very loudly) them everyday.

Fast forward to our time here in Peru. As an all girls team, we’ve had a few special opportunities for ministry that we maybe would not have otherwise. We were asked to lead two Women’s Bible Study nights at two different local churches. In the past, I may have just created a study on my own to share, but this year I really felt the Lord lay it on my heart to have our students teach. And to teach on something that has become so vital for us as a team: our Identity in Christ.

We had the first of the two women’s nights on Tuesday. We met in AnaLu’s home (one of the leaders at the church Cristianos en Acción) and began to share. Six beautiful truths, shared by six beautiful young women.

I am Deeply Loved by God. Estella shared from Romans 8:37-39 explaining how nothing in all the world can separate us from God’s deep love for us. She shared personally how Jesus has shown her His deep love. When she is sad or crying He shows up in the little things like a good worship song or a word of encouragement.

I am Completely Forgiven. Next, Katelyn stepped in and shared about the ways that God completely removes are sins from us- as far as the east is from the west. No matter what we have done, we can run to him to be washed clean and not have to allow the guilt to follow us.

I am Fully Pleasing. Winnie grew up in a Christian home, and shared about how even when she was serving the Lord, she always felt that need to do more for Him. And when she felt like she hadn’t served enough or given enough she would feel defeated and like a failure. To her this truth that she is Fully Pleasing to God, just because of who she is and what Jesus has done; has given her a freedom to continue to minister, but without the added pressure of trying to “measure up.”

I am Powerfully Equipped. Then Sarah shared about how she often worries that she won’t be able to complete the tasks that God calls her to (Kinda like speaking to a group of women she doesn’t know). But points us to the Bible where the Lord assures us that He gives us everything we need to accomplish the goals and vision He has for our lives. We don’t need to be anxious that our weak areas will disqualify us from ministry, because we have a powerful God who works through our weaknesses and empowers us.

I am Totally Accepted. God accepts us completely even when the people in our lives don’t. Ellie shared a beautiful message about how God doesn’t just see us as His servants to do His will, but that He sees us as friends.  He chooses US to be His friends and His special possession.

I am Complete in Christ! Sophie concluded the teaching sharing the gospel and pointing out how we often feel an emptiness inside before we find Christ. But that once we invite Him into our lives He will fill every broken nook and cranny and make us Complete!

We ended the evening with some discussion, snacks and a craft. The discussion among these women was so beautiful including which statement can be the hardest for us to believe and some Peruvians also sharing the ways God has been working in their lives lately. We came to serve and encourage our sisters in Christ, and I believe they were, but we also left blessed and encouraged.