Ladies Of Virtue & Excellence
This ministry was established in October of 2007 by Mary Grindley as an outreach of Branch Ministries to women in the community. Ministries to support and encourage women are few in Botswana and Ladies Of Virtue & Excellence fills a real need to women in the community from ages 20 years and upwards. There are many women in their 40's and 50's who attend regularly. Meetings are held at hotel conference rooms or community halls so as to provide a neutral place of meeting for both Christian and non - Christian women. Women from all walks of life, regardless of their spiritual background gather once a month for solid Bible teaching, relationship building, income generating training, emotional support, encouragement, refreshments and some fun and games. Of the churched women that attend, between 40 - 50 % of them go to cultic churches based in ancestral worship and witchcraft which is so prevalent here. Between 75 to 80% of households here are single women with dependent children.
While in prayer God put in Mary's heart an overwhelming desire to make the women who come feel special, and loved. As you will notice in the pictures one of the most touching moments is when new women are personally presented with a rose (perfumed with an attached scripture), and prayed for. Many of the women break down in tears during this time as Mary expresses their individual value to God, and reinforces how special and how loved they are.
Over fifty women have been saved through this ministry, and amazing healings have taken place, both emotionally and physically. Women testify of seeing themselves differently now, and express a growing desire for more of God each year.
In 2010 at the request of women in Francistown ( a city about two hours away) we started holding monthly Ladies Of Virtue & Excellence meeting in addition to the monthly meetings we hold in Phikwe. We are expanding!
Also, this year we began forming support teams in both locations to help shoulder the growing amount of work. Ladies are stepping up to the plate so to speak and it is our prayer that they will find fullfillment in serving the Lord and using thier strengths/ giftings to further the work. We plan a special overnight trip or activity to close off the year which the ladies love and so look forward to. Praise be to our God!
A big THANK YOU to those who have helped to make all this possible thru your prayers and support. We are making a difference!. The testimonies continue to flow. Some women testify to hearing the gospel for the first time in thier lives at these meetings. There are so many more women we yet desire to reach. Additional funding is needed to help with expansion and rising costs. If you would like to help, please specify "LOVE or Ladies Of Virtue & Ex "
