Further Study:
"The Samaritan woman who talked with Jesus at Jacob's well had no sooner found the Saviour than she brought others to Him. She proved herself a more effective missionary than His own disciples. The disciples saw nothing in Samaria to indicate that it was an encouraging field. Their thoughts were fixed upon a great work to be done in the future. They did not see that right around them was a harvest to be gathered. But through the woman whom they despised a whole cityful were brought to hear Jesus."—Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 102.
"The Lord has a work for women as well as for men to do. They can accomplish a good work for God, if they will learn first in the school of Christ the precious, all-important lesson of meekness. They must not only bear the name of Christ, but possess His spirit."—Ellen G. White, North Pacific Union Gleaner, December 4, 1907.
Discussion Questions:
In some parts of the world, women rarely play any leadership roles in the church. This is often dismissed as just a cultural issue; others see it as a moral one. When do customs and cultural issues become moral issues?
Ellen G. White says that the woman at the well proved a more effective missionary than Jesus' disciples did. What special strengths can women bring to the mission of the church? Without delving into the controversial issue of women's ordination, how can we better affirm and use the women who are part of our movement and message?
As a class, talk about Jesus and the Samaritan woman. Take that story and put it into your own culture and context. Imagine Jesus ministering so readily to someone despised and hated by your own culture, someone many folk would not even talk to. What can you learn from this exercise about what the gospel commission is really all about?
Summary:
Throughout the New Testament, women appear more in background roles. However, Jesus and the apostle Paul often commended women-for their acts of love and mercy and for advancing the mission of the church. |
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| The Green Robes by ADRIAN GEORGE I grew up in Liberia, West Africa. I lived with my uncle until he died when I was a teenager. Suddenly I was on my own. In Africa it is almost impossible for a student to find work. One day I dreamed I was singing in a choir. I noticed that we weren't wearing the blue and gold robes that the choir in my church normally wore. Instead, the robes were green with gold trim. I had this same dream again a few weeks later, but I wasn't sure what it meant. I became sick and went to stay with my sister in the capital city. When I was feeling better, she invited me to attend evangelistic meetings. At first I resisted going, for I knew that my sister was an Adventist. But she kept inviting me. Finally I went with her. The pastor spoke on what happens when we die. I still remember the sermon to this day. Then the choir sang, "Now is the time, make up your mind, there is no time to wait." I felt impressed to respond to the pastor's call, but I resisted. I didn't want to become a Seventh-day Adventist. Then it felt as if someone was pulling me out of my chair. I hung on tightly to the arms of the chair. Finally I couldn't resist any longer. I stood and walked forward. I took Bible studies with the pastor and was baptized before I returned to my home to finish school. But when my friends learned that I had become an Adventist, they laughed at me. I decided I wouldn't go to the Adventist church anymore. Then I heard a voice saying, "You'd rather serve men than God?" I turned to see who was talking to me, but no one was there. That scared me. Still I didn't attend the Adventist church. School ended, and I went to stay with my sister for the summer. My sister didn't have money to take a taxi to go to her own church, so we went to the Central church, which was closer. After Sabbath School, the choir marched into the sanctuary from the back as they sung an anthem. I turned to look at them, and to my amazement, the choir was wearing green gowns, the very gowns that I had dreamed about months earlier. So this is where God wants me to be, I thought to myself. I knew then that God had given me that dream to cement me in the faith. Since then I have never gone back on my faith. Your mission offerings helped to raise up a new congregation in Monrovia, Liberia, and in 2007 your Thirteenth Sabbath Offerings are helping to build a church for this group. Thank you!
ADRIAN GEORGE shares his faith in Monrovia, Liberia. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Mission Awareness. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org |
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