Arise and shine

1 "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
2 See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you.
3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
4 "Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the arm.( Isaiah 60)

This was then theme of today 's half day women 's retreat at the Seminary in which I participated. Unfortunately I forgot to take my camera along, so no photos.

The retreat was arranged for women whom the students have been working with in several outlying villages. They meet in makeshift worship centers and sometimes even under trees.About 100 women, young girls and children came for the retreat, some of them entered a regular church building for the first time in their lives. Besides them the women students ,invited guests and church leaders and elders were present.

It was amazing to see their simple faith powered by enthusiasm and joy.We had a beautiful

time of worship followed by prayer.As the senior Pastor prayed many women prayed along loudly as they have been taught to do. One woman I suspect of being under spiritual oppression started crying and weeping in a strange sort of way. She was led out by two sisters but was calm when she returned some time later.

During testimony time we heard stories of how the Lord Jesus had mended broken lives and bodies and set people free from evil possession.One teenage girl told us how she was unshackled, and now she cycles several miles to attend worship which takes place half an hour away from her home. Her name is Kiran which means a ray of light.

We heard a message about the Samaritan woman from John 4 followed by a short tea break. In the second half groups came forward to sing praise songs, some in their own dialect. There was a worship dance and puppet show.The retreat ended with a simple vegetarian lunch.

It was thrilling to see how God is moving among people.Persons from all walks of life, religious,social and educational backgrounds coming together to celebrate the love of Christ. We have to take note the boldness and courage of these women as not all of them are supported by their families and villages. They may be facing social ostracizing. But they are letting their light shine. When the speaker asked people who would be sharing the good news about Jesus in their localities to stand up for prayer, almost everyone stood up.How we rejoiced with the new creation. My prayer is that may each of these sisters grow in faith daily.

After having such a good day I felt rather down and tired as I feel a cold coming on too.Descending into the valley from the mountaintop,

I was made aware of my own brokenness - how easily I am upset by the irritations of life, and that nothing good dwells in me Romans 7.

May God keep me humble and broken always is my bedtime prayer.

It is good to remember this morning 's theme. Arise and Shine.

A beautiful thought from Nathaniel Hawthorne

"Our Creator would have never made such lovely days

and have given us such deep hearts to enjoy them,

above all and beyond all thought

unless we were meant to be immortal."