Eastern Africa Women's Conference

This letter came from a recent participant in the Eastern Africa Women's Conference, attended by more than 115 missionary women who serve in the Eastern Africa region:

We are home, seriously jetlagged and so excited about missions that we are a little goofy right now. I truly did not understand missions before I left--I always thought it was a wonderful and very serious call, but definitely not for me--but, from the minute my feet touched African soil, it became crystal clear. I doubt I will ever again have a spare dollar in my pocket--because I see now what missions is all about--home or abroad, it doesn't matter--I have just caught the bug!!!!

I had a sense of deep respect and awe of missionaries before I left--now I have added a deep love to that list. God gave us 115 missionary women to love on and pamper for a week, and I think He has given us a lifetime love for them and their kind around the world--they are a special breed--those of you reading this who are missionaries, quit giggling! You know how I feel about you!!! All went well, we had the sense of being useful jars that were poured out to total drought, then filled to overflowing over and over again several times a day--we experienced our highest highs and our lowest lows. We discovered that it's not about us, it's all about HIM, that prayer is an AWESOME commodity in the kingdom and that worship is what delights HIS heart and will fill HIS desire, whether we feel like worshiping or not. In fact, worship that comes from our place of need is beautiful to HIM. We saw awesome sights and witnessed utter poverty. We experienced miracles and had moments that we cried out for our intercessors to fall to their knees (and you did!--we know because His answers came swiftly). Over all--we are so grateful that God gave us favor with these women who came together for the first time in five years, and they ALLOWED us into their lives--they were so ready to receive, and that was my prayer, that our efforts would be welcomed and appropriate--God honored those efforts in such beautiful ways. It will take months to recount all the stories, but we will try. Thanks to each of you for your faithfulness in lifting us up in prayer when the Holy Spirit brought us to your mind. For that I am truly grateful, and will pledge myself to do the same for you.

Kathy Simpson
Richmond, VA