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Reaching Women Around the World “It is very difficult for many women [from other religious backgrounds] to attend Bible studies and church activities because they can’t get permission from their husbands or parents,” Ellie says. But this OM Albania team member remains committed to serving the women of Albania and creating opportunities to share the Word of God. Ellie, a talented seamstress, uses her skills as an avenue to reach women who would never be permitted to go to church. She offers sewing classes, then shares the Gospel along with her practical sewing knowledge. Bible studies spring up wherever Ellie goes! “At the meetings we traditionally start with a song or a game,” she says. “Then we have a testimony from a new believer on how she got to know Jesus. We also have someone share a message about women and families, and sometimes we hold a drama. We are able to share the Gospel, and then have some coffee or beverages and socialize.” Despite the challenges of evangelism in this country, Ellie makes sure the Gospel gets to those who want to hear it. On one special day, over 50 women came to Ellie’s Bible study, and more than half were nonbelievers. By the end of the Bible study, five women had accepted Christ! Ellie remembers a woman named Julie who said, “No one is going to change me!” But then she observed the other women at the Bible studies and believers at the church and saw the transforming influence Christ had on their lives. “They are so friendly and happy ... why?” she asked wistfully. At last, Julie turned her life over to Christ--then witnessed to her sister-in-law and mother, who followed her example. Today she lives in hope that her husband and three children will soon come to love God as she does. “It is amazing to see what Christ is doing in Julie’s life and here in Albania,” Ellie says. “I am open for what God wants me to do. I want the Bible studies to continue to grow so that one day the women of Albania will be able to lead their own Bible studies.” Please pray with us that God will continue to expand Ellie’s ministry in Albania and OM’s ministry to women worldwide!
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