I’m an ordinary girl who just loves Jesus, whose life was changed because He pushed past my angry heart to show me His love. I’m surprised often by the fact that I get to minister and to share the powerful message that God heals.
I am also surprised that sometimes, when you are in a ministry that reaches many, some may think that it’s because of what you get.
But it’s not. It’s because of what we get to give.
When I share that I’m with the team of Proverbs 31 Ministries, sometimes people are surprised to discover that we do this for what we can give.
When our books sell at events, those funds go straight into the ministry. When a book sells through Proverbs 31 Ministries’ online shop, it circulates right back into reaching women. Devos written by the team are done for the love of reaching the hearts of women.
I delight in sharing that the founder of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa TerKeurst, shows each of us by example that our treasures aren’t here on earth, but in lives of people changed.
Her life is a sermon without words, as she serves this ministry for no pay. Hours, and hours, and hours of work.
Why? Why would anyone do that?
Because there’s a harvest (Luke 10:2). One that is comprised of people that Jesus loves.
Can I be honest with you? There are times that doing what we do seems impossible. In fact, more than not, it seems impossible.
To send out a free daily devotion that reaches 700,000 women across the world, or to create and implement a free online Bible study that ministers to 50,000+ women and more.
To create and launch a radio broadcast heard across the world, or to pay to handle daily operations that continues to mushroom in size and breadth.
This ministry started as a Bible study in Lysa’s home almost 20 years ago.
God took it and grew it.
And at the heart of P31, there remains a desire to operate a non-profit ministry with integrity, as a group of ordinary women love and lead and serve in the nitty gritty areas where women live.
Is there fruit? Is it reaching a harvest?
So much. Every day emails and letters and calls pour in.
Just last week I received a message from a pastor who serves in a remote village. He said:
Thank you for reaching us with these messages. I am sharing them with our people. Will you pray
for me that I will preach more effectively, and that God’s Word will spread?
May I ask something of you? First, will you pray with me for this pastor? That God’s Word will permeate this community and the power of God will be poured out over the lives of those who don’t know Him, and who will find healing and hope?
Second, would you consider joining Proverbs 31 Ministries to reach a harvest?
Every dollar counts. Every prayer lifted up makes a difference.
This isn’t easy for me to ask, but it’s such a privilege to ask that I cannot help but invite you to join us.
With a grateful heart, Suzie
I’ll have to see if I can give at least a little. Money is tight this year but if I can give, I gladly will! P31 is an awesome ministry.
Oh Ashley, I am so grateful. I recently read a quote that said, “why would I want to give God anything that is less than a sacrifice”, and it challenged me. I hear your heart, and it’s one of sacrifice. How beautiful is is that? Thank you so much.
Praise God for women like you and all of your partners. I look forward each morning to your daily messages and appreciate the Bible studies and prayers that you lift up continually for all of us. I will pray for you too, and the pastor in a remote area who requested prayer, as well as others who are faithfully serving. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to do the work you are doing. God bless you and may all of you have a very Merry Christmas!
Shirley, what a beautiful comment. We’re just ordinary moms, grandmas, some are single, some are married, all denominations — just women who feel compelled and privileged to lift up His name, and walk alongside beautiful sisters in Christ. Thank you for taking the time to comment today. You are a blessing.
A major life change took place in my life in 2012. I remarried and became a companion to my husband as he drives semi across the Midwest. It meant not doing hands on visits with friends and in nursing homes and other ministries I had been a part of as a lay pastor.
During this time a brother in law connected me with Proverbs 31 Ministries blog. I signed up at once and it is something I look forward to each time I can connect on line. I read and share them with others to encourage them, especially women who I know are working moms who do not have a lot of time to spend on line. I pray for them and the ministry and know that God has allowed me to feel His presence and be a prayer warrior out here on the road.
I not only get the Proverbs 31 ministries blog but several others that offer encouragement and support. I have done Bible study with Renee and read Suzie’s book which has helped me forgive people in my life.
I praise God daily for you and your work. Thank you.
When my sister died I made a donation in her memory, as sharing the message of God’s love and grace was her passion to the end. It seemed appropriate to give to Proverbs 31 in her memory.
This is a little strange. I wanted a website – http://www.daretobelieve.org. Came online and found out that it was already taken. Thats how I happened to visit this place.
I come from a nation and a timezone that is all the way on the other side of the world from the U.S. Good to see that God is working through you. Yes, to serve is truly divine.
Very, very few believers at my side of the world. Fellowship is almost impossible. But hey, God is good.