In September 2015, a second Women Together arrived in the Calcutta to work with a few days with Jewels in a Crown, an outstanding ministry to women who have lost their dignity and hope. It was a moving experience to be with women who have found God, and found new life! Our lives were enriched to get to know these special women and share in meaningful discussions, training and prayer.
Our trip also included several days in Bokaro Steel City, where Women Together provides scholarship for 2 young women enrolled at Trinity Theological College. The Pentecostal Assembly School which has 1,800 students from the city of Bokaro was a never-to-be-forgotten experience. Tricia Gibb, a Student Ministries Pastor won the hearts of the students in her daily devotionals. Ruth Coghill and Margaret Gibb teamed up to provide teaching and training for the teachers of the school, community women and the theological students. Spending time with our scholarship girls was delightful! We have an on-going relationship with both Jewels in a Crown and the work in Bokaro and we will be back.
Margaret Gibb, was invited to teach, in August, at the YWAM Base in Recife Brazil to 25 students who are are preparing for their calling to serve in countries around the world. For one week, I taught on: God’s Call on Women from Bible times to today. What a privilege to engage in profitable discussion and peer learning on a critical topic in today’s world. They were keen students, ready to learn! There was a rich connection with the students and it continues through social media.
In May, Women Together held its first Pastors’ Wives Retreat with leaders of eight different denominations who had not been together before. We encouraged them to see ministry as a high calling and privilege. For three days we connected, prayed, shared life lessons, and provided requested leadership training. Tanya Ignatenko, a strong leader and pastor’s wife, said: “This is the best Pastor’s Wives Retreat I have ever attended. We needed the encouragement.” 