Esthers Arise!!! A Note from Nigeria...

Dear Sisters of Mine,

What a wonderful time Pastor Ron and I have had since arriving in Nigeria! We spent the first few days in Badagry with the RTC Africa Board (see the "My Father's Heart" blog at http://heartcryinternational.com), preached at two churches, did a children's crusade and a women's conference. The conference is what I wanted to share with you...

This trip has been so moving for me personally. So many past promises from God have been fulfilled. The women's conference was an Esthers Arise event, led by Pastor Azuka Gbogboade. Pastor Ron shared a powerful word in the first session, speaking of Esther and our opportunity to be the gate through which heaven invades earth. The women were fired up! I followed with a teaching called, "Positioned for Glory."

In the message God gave me, many women in both the Old and New Testament were highlighted. These were women who positioned themselves to be used of God to manifest His glory in the earth. Their willingness to lay aside their plans and reputation, their control, their very lives positioned them to bless their people. God challenged us to arise and live our faith. It was a special time.

God gave me a special song for the women here that I'll share later. Afterwards we prayed at the altar as one family, sisters united in a bond of like-passion for God. Pastor Wole Gbogboade began to lead us in prayer. He was suddenly led to break the bonds of tradition and religion that have held the women of Nigeria back, preventing their rising up for too long. As he prayed, the room became electric with God's Presence. It was amazing. I began to weep, for God was speaking to me. He reminded me of when I was a young woman pastor, newly ordained...

My ordination at the time was not very popular. In the early years it caused many offences and I experienced painful rejection. Many times I cried out to God, questioning His leading to pursue ministry and ordination. Though I know I sometimes seen very strong on the outside, I am honestly very soft within and wound easily. Each time I prayed God would assure me of His calling and one day said, "Carla, I need you to do this right. Guard your heart from bitterness. Don't allow your heart to be calloused by rejection. Walk in integrity and let Me make a way for you. You are pioneering a path that younger women will need - you are pioneering for your daughters and grandaughters. Stay to the path." So, I did!

As women were being delivered from the bonds of religion and tradition, and released into the harvest field, I knew that the promise was being fulfilled. Suddenly a vision unfolded and I saw Sisters of Mine embracing my beloved friends of many nations...I saw an international gathering of women who knew how to be family, how to love one another; who were being used of God in various ways. I believe now with all my heart that Sisters of Mine will link all of us from Heart Cry International, The Potter's House and beyond as family, uniting us in our common pursuit of God and His will. Praise God!

Sisters of the USA, your sisters in Nigeria are praying for you already. Please pray for them as well. Who knows what God will do next???

You are all in my heart as I travel. Please post a comment below and let me know how you're doing... I can't wait to hear about the special services with Rev. Mannis at The Potter's House! Send testimonies when you can. Pastor Ron sends his greetings, too.

With Love,
Pastor Carla