November 2003

Presbyterian Pastors’ Wives Conference

In the African culture, women often work harder than men. The pastor’s wife is no exception. She is expected to attend every function at the church, be available for grief counseling and attend the many funerals that occur weekly, feed people who come to her door, house traveling visitors, care for her own family, be the spiritual leader of the women of the church, meet the needs of her husband, and accept the fact that the property in the manse is always accessible to church members for meetings, meals, and socials. The expectations and demands are very high.

Last year as I met with a group of these precious servants of God my heart ached for them. They were in deep need of fellowship and support from each other. The idea of a conference just for pastors’ wives came into being. We felt that it would be especially meaningful to bring the Zambian and Zimbabwean Presbyterian pastors’ wives together. As I wrote and spoke to a number of friends in our supporting churches many caught the vision and before long we had sufficient funds contributed to begin making plans for this event.

Last Friday, 32 pastors’ wives traveled to Lake Kariba Conference Center near the Zambian border bearing heavy burdens of severe financial difficulties, marriages in trouble, family members dying of AIDS, loneliness and frustration. Despite these problems they arrived with enthusiasm and excitement to see how the Lord would minister to each of us. We spent four days together rejoicing, sharing, studying Scripture, praying, and enjoying getting to know each other.

The theme, “Equipping A Woman of God For The Lord’s Service,” was a timely topic. The speakers shared about “Becoming A Woman of God,” God-Centered Marriages,” and “Supporting Your Husband In Ministry.” The days began at 6:00 a.m. with an hour of prayer, followed by studying the Word of God, sharing, joyous singing and praising the Lord until 11:00 p.m.

Sunday morning we worshiped together and celebrated Holy Communion. Two of the pastors’ wives are also ordained ministers. It was decided that everyone would wear the women’s fellowship uniform for the service. Uniforms are very significant in this culture, as the uniform symbolizes identification and unity.

Before we departed the women expressed feelings about the weekend and wrote thank you letters to the churches and individuals in the States who contributed money for this first-time Pastors’ Wives Conference. Some of the testimonies were: “I feel a heavy load has been lifted from my life and God has given me new strength,” “It has been a long time since I was filled with so much joy and laughter in my life,” “My marriage was in difficulty but I thank God he has spoken to me and shown me the next steps to take to have a God-centered marriage.”

The Lord brought healing in all of our lives and we are so grateful to Him and our brothers and sisters who made it possible for this conference to take place. Thank you for your partnership in the gospel.

In His Love,

Bobbi

The 2003 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 51