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Theda Dawson-
Director of women's ministries
As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
John 17:18-23
Some years ago I was in a Bible study that used a practice called ‘read until.’ The idea was that when given the assigned scripture we would divide up and read that scripture over and over until God stopped us on a verse or portion or whatever. At first it seemed He would never speak but the instructions where to keep reading it until He did assuring us He would speak. And He did indeed. When we were given the 17th chapter of John to read this one seemed the hardest to me. About the third time through, though, I began to feel a great stirring in my heart. I became astonished and then humbled at what I was reading. Tears began to flow. Here was Jesus about to go to the cross and there He was praying for me!!! ME! All those years ago. Yes, He was praying for me and you. It has been my favorite scripture ever since. The whole chapter but especially the verses that showed me He was praying for those of us to come after His death.
Working with ladies has been a desire of mine from that time until now. And never mind how long ago it was! It was a while ago. He has taken me through many lessons since then and all of it was preparation for where I am now. I am humbled and excited He has chosen me to serve Him in serving the ladies of the Church of the Valley and the community around us.
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