November Devotional: Thankful for our Veterans

Every American soldier has a story.

Robert, a Korean war hero clad in a medal covered navy suit jacket, shared his story with a high school classroom - a story of unquestioned obedience, sacrifice and integrity in the line of duty. At his superior officer's command, Robert remembered picking up a machine gun and charging blindly, or climbing a muddy mountain, slipping and falling continually; or instantly crawling under fire delivering a message to the front. The students were captivated by the testimony of the older gentleman. The world map was unrolled and Robert pointed to Korea half way around the world, and declared that he was honored and proud to leave his home and serve his country in war.

As Christians, we too are solders. We are in a war against darkness. We need to remember Jesus who paid the price for our freedom. We need to follow His example and His Word with unquestioned obedience, sacrifice and integrity as we minister in our generation.

The darker the darkness the fiercer the fight. As Women of Vision we are not just a group of women raising funds for charity; we are mighty warriors against darkness and we can count on fierce opposition from the darkness. As we begin to mobilize for this year of outreach locally, nationally and globally, may we remember these promises from Psalm 121 - used in the lyrics of Casting Crowns' song "Praise You in this Storm.

"I lift my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from?
He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber, indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you - the Lord is your shad at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

May we remember not only the brave men and women in harm's way who serve in the Armed Forces, but the One who died so that all might be free. May we be inspired by the faithful men and women in the Armed Forces past, present and future, to serve Him as they serve: with integrity, sacrifice and obedience, as we stand against the darkness on behalf of marginalized women and children around us, through Women of Vision.

Watch Video Here 
Read Additional Thoughts on this Devotional Here.

Borders Gift-wrapping to benefit women & children on Sunday, November 29 - in Puyallup

Bookworm Alert!

Contribute to the support of women & children in need in Tacoma, Appalachia and Cambodia when you visit Borders in Puyallup, and have your purchases wrapped by our chapter members!

Borders graciously supplies the paper, and we supply the gift-wrapping elves. In exchange for gift wrapping, customers can donate in the amount of their choice, with their donations benefiting Women of Vision / World Vision projects.

Hours:  10am until 9pm
Date:  Sunday, November 29th

Borders Bookstore - across from South Hill Mall
3829 S. Meridian, Puyallup  MAP

Movie Screening: At the End of Slavery - Nov. 14th

Join the fight against modern-day slavery at a screening of International Justice Mission's new documentary, At the End of Slavery, narrated by actor Danny Glover. The Battle for Justice in our Time takes you inside the violent and ugly business of modern-day slavery and is a clarion call to every viewer to join the movement to end slavery in our lifetime.

Screening will be held Saturday November 14, 2009 at 6:00 pm, in Gig Harbor. All Women of Vision partners and friends are invited to attend. Call Julie at 253.905.9991 to RSVP and for location, or email wovsouthpugetsound@gmail.com

Devotions Inspire Leadership Team

Each month as the SPS Chapter Leadership Team gathers, our very first "order of business" is to seek the One who guides us. Here is a brief synopsis of devotions for the summer/fall months of 2009:

October, 2009

We are privileged to become God's answers to prayers of poor women and children, through World Vision and Women of Vision.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:  to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:29

September, 2009

With God, all things are possible! Matthew 19:26, Mark 10:27

As women of influence, what will our legacy be? We are all bursting with zeal and enthusiasm ready to do whatever it takes to raise up a group of women who can make a difference for poor and marginalized women and children and their families. Our greatest source is Jesus who makes all things possible.

August, 2009

How can we attain unity with others?

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other, and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on love which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-14

Fall sessions of The Heart of the Matter study are about to start!

What are the root causes of poverty? How are we called to respond? Where is hope for the suffering? How can love turn compassion into advocacy? Scripture, video, printed material, simulations, discussion and reflection questions contribute to a multifaceted and creative learning experience.

We would love to have you join us in The Heart of the Matter study!

This fall we have two four-week study groups available. Start time is 7pm Suggested donation for materials: $10.

• Federal Way area, Mondays beginning October 26th - email karenmarion62@yahoo.com

• Lakeland Hills area, Wednesdays beginning November 4th - email hollypennington@yahoo.com

Preview the study here.