Friday - “Can you see me?”

For the past two days we have heard testimony after testimony of the transforming power of the Lord in the lives of women ministered through Homecare.   There is the familiar thread to every story:  pain, rejection, being hated, scorned.  Without hope and many not wanting to live.  One said she wished she had never been born and prayed for God to take her.  Often rejected by family and left to fend on their own, these women know the cruelties of life.  It was if they didn’t exist, or shouldn’t.  And yet, in the darkest of times, God’s light penetrated each of their lives, brought them to Homecare and has turned their darkness into light.

All of their testimonies are overwhelming, deeply touching and real.  As grateful as they are for the training they have received, the daily food (when many had often not had food for days at a time), a roof over their heads, their greatest joy and treasure was receiving their own Bible!   

Each woman clutches her Bible dearly to her chest.  One woman said,” This was the first time I had ever touched a Bible.  I never dreamed I would have one of my own.”  How they treasure God’s Word that is alive in them!  What you hear over and over again is expressions of gratitude that words cannot adequately describe.  God is good!   As each one stood before us, with heads held high, huge smiles on their faces, they presented themselves as they have come to see themselves in God’s eyes, loved and precious.  It is evident in their demeanor, the way they hold themselves, and their pride in what they are accomplishing.  Most of them were wearing dresses they have learned to make for themselves, and the pride of workmanship shows!  As they showed their dresses to us, they were asking, “What do you think of what I have made?  God has made us beautiful!”  Several asked, “Can you see what God has done for me?”  The once invisible, dejected women now feel seen and heard, nourishment for the soul.

Several of the women joyfully announced to us that they were engaged!  This is particularly cause for celebration for these women prior to coming to Homecare would not have been considered marriageable.  They would not have been desired. But God’s transformation has totally changed them from the inside out, and God is blessing them with men who SEE them and value them as wives, further evidence that God is indeed doing a new thing in these women.

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We also had the joy of hearing from 22 former graduates who took time away from their work to come to Homecare to give thanks to God for His goodness displayed through those who provide for the ministry with their giving. As they praise God, they ask Him to shower blessings on those who have provided for this ministry that has changed their lives.  What a joy to hear how well they are doing!  Their businesses are growing; they are earning enough to provide for rent, food, and school fees for their children.  Best of all, they know Jesus and know He is with them.  As graduates keep in touch with their “parents” at Homecare, which is how all the women think of the teachers and helpers there, they confirm God’s faithfulness not only to get them through the training process, but to continue with them as they establish their own businesses.  It is most rare to have the high success rate that the graduates and women who have received microloans have at Homecare, far from the norm.  As we listen, it is clear that the high value of community, loving acceptance and heart nurturing in the Lord is what makes these women succeed. 

Oh, that all of us could see themselves as these have come to see themselves…..transformed; renewed; made new!  Are they beautiful?  God says, “Yes.”  Are they loved? Are they SEEN?  And our God declares a resounding, “YES.”
Beauty for ashes….new creatures.  As the Lord gazes at each one, this is what He sees, and yes, dear women, we see you……… and you are beautiful.