“I Did Not Believe in Myself”

“I Did Not Believe in Myself”   “This is a special day,” Hoa*, already in her 40’s, responded with a smile that exuded joy and excitement. Seventeen other ladies regard that day on March 2012 as “special”, since it was the day that they graduated from Open Doors’ Priscilla Program, a three-year discipleship course for Vietnamese women believers. In the tribal villages of North Vietnam, pressure to recant the faith, imprisonment, interrogations, and beatings happen to believers. Husbands and pastors are often the first to suffer. When jailed for the faith, their wives—the women—are left with the charge of looking after the home and the church. The Priscilla Program is a way to prepare Vietnamese Christian women, like Hoa, for such situations. A few hours before the graduation ceremony started, some of the women could be heard practicing their graduation song. Their husbands, too, were dressed for the occasion and took pictures of their wives. Giggles, chuckles, and enthusiasm filled the room. Other women were putting the finishing touches on their faces and dresses, so that they were extra beautiful that day. “Three years ago, I did not believe in myself. But now I am much stronger,” recounted Hoa. “Now, I know the value of women. In my church, half of the 700 members are women, but there is no ministry focusing on them... but not for long." Hoa has decided to start a Priscilla class in her church. In 2012, 4,500 women attended Open Doors’ Priscilla classes in the different districts of Vietnam. Since it started in 2002, more than 6,000 women have finished the course, and many of them are holding Priscilla classes in their respective local churches.  One With Them Hoa has asked for our prayers. Please stand one with her as you pray: Father, there are many concerns on Hoa’s heart as she prepares to start women’s classes in her church; she asks for courage and Your wisdom to guide her. And Father, we pray for all Priscilla graduates, that they continue to grow in the faith, and to have the same desire as Hoa to teach other women in their communities.  In the days, months and years ahead, may the pastors in North Vietnam see the value and wisdom of providing discipleship opportunities for women, opening a door for many more to come into the kingdom, through the faithfulness of these women. Amen One With Them CHALLENGE This two-year course empowers female Christian leaders, in Vietnam, to embrace their role within family, community and the church. Through intensive training and fellowship, women grow in self-esteem, biblical knowledge, relationship skills, unity and other abilities. Open Doors aims to train 3,000 of our sisters this year-and your gift of $56 can train one of these leaders. *Name has been changed for the believer's protection 2013.05.28

He chose what the world looks down on and despises and thinks is nothing, in order to destroy what the world thinks is important. (1 Corinthians 1:28)