On a gloomy day in a busy Central Asian city, an East-West missionary set out for a routine journey. Though the weather is often gloomy and darkness is a theme of the land, there seem to be glimpses of light on the harshest of days.
The weather reminded her of the very women she was headed to meet. They are lights in the midst of Central Asia’s spiritual darkness.
Her bus fought through the gusty winds and biting temperatures of the day, and the missionary finally arrived at her destination. As she entered the apartment and shed the layers of her winter clothes, it felt as if she was laying down the burdens of the city as well.
She finally felt like she could breathe as she hugged the ten women gathered in the apartment.
They sat down together at the tablecloth on the floor, ready to break bread with one another. Though this group of women gathers together every few weeks, this was a special time to ask the missionary all kinds of questions about the faith they boldly professed, modeling the early church.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” –Acts 2:42
One thing the missionary could offer these women was her wisdom and honesty. It was God who she relied on during these times to give her the words to speak from a heart of compassion.
Though she does not have all of the answers, one thing is certain: God is using this missionary to address challenging questions about Christianity to build up the church in Central Asia.
Through these gatherings, women have deepened their relationships with the Father while growing in their own understanding of Scripture - all so they can continue being lights breaking through deep spiritual darkness.