Slow Growth of Girls’ Study

It was in May 2023, upon my return from furlough, that I began a weekly discipleship group for several young ladies who requested my spiritual input in their lives.  Though dozens of gals have visited our study since then, with many expressing an intention to return, few have participated more than two or three times.  Even the more faithful attenders, with rare exceptions, have come only sporadically.  On many Monday afternoons, no one has come at all.

When we do meet, our format is simple.  After an opening prayer, each girl shares what she learned in her personal Bible reading that week, which sometimes elicits interesting discussions.  Then they bring any other questions that are on their minds, to examine together in the light of the Bible.  The heart of our study is reading one chapter of Scripture, with each girl in turn reading a verse and explaining — with help from others if necessary — what she understood from it.  We’ve gone through the books of John, Romans, I Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, and Philippians, and now we’re in Colossians.  Finally, we share prayer requests and pray for one another.

I’m happy to say that Zaida has come very faithfully since her conversion to Christ last November.  Though Belva‘s attendance dropped off as she adjusted to married life and then pregnancy, she is joining us more regularly again these days.  After visiting once in 2023, Lurdes returned last month and hasn’t missed a study since.  And Zura is a new girl who recently mustered up the courage to introduce herself to me after having heard about me for quite a while.  When these four were together two weeks ago, I snapped this photo to celebrate our near-record attendance!  Please pray for their spiritual growth and for the Lord to add more young women to our study.