Women's Stories for God's Glory

07/11/2020

Last year in Turkana Land!!! Two women shared their beaded collars with me and we worshiped God in dance and song!!

07/11/2020

I am missing being in Kenya this year!!! No trip with COVID-19. There is nothing quite like being with Turkana women and worshiping God together!! It has been a life change for me! We travel with Share International! We had also planned to go to Ethiopia to visit our friends in Bahir Dar with Grace Center Foundation. These are both two amazing organizations serving in Africa. As a teen I so wanted to go to Africa. It wasn’t until 2002 that the door opened for my husband and I to go for the first time. I pray that in this time of great challenge that our dear friends in both places will be protected. This time of having to put travel on hold has made our time at home even more precious. There has been much more time for prayer. I am grateful to take the time to rest in God, but do pray that we will go back to Africa in the next year. Have you traveled for short term missions? If so I would love to hear about your journeys!!

12/10/2017

Have you ever felt bone tired or weary? As I have aged I seem to go to bed earlier and get up early. I remember my Grandma Schwanz doing the same. But I also realize that I don’t want to affirm that I am tired. This week in prayer I remembered these words from Isaiah 40:28-31: “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will run and not be faint.” In this season where we tend to run fast, I pray that you will rest in the Lord and be renewed. Merry Christmas!!!!

08/06/2017

Teaching in the village!! God's Word first!!!

08/06/2017

What an amazing journey to Africa. God moved and so many came to the Lord. His mercy and grace are everything!! Father thank you for your blessings and for leading us to fulfill Acts 1:8 to the ends of the earth!! Help us to accomplish what you have for us in our Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria as well!!

08/06/2017

07/07/2017

Well sisters!! I am off to Africa for the first time in 10 years. I am so excited to be traveling with my husband Bill and to do ministry with so many brothers and sisters in the Lord!! Please pray as we bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8. Praying only to go in the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord for keeping us in your Holy grip from start to finish. May your word come alive in us!! May you bless the hearts of those we minister to. 💖🙏💖

10/14/2015

Eron and Amber on the beach this October!

10/14/2015

Blessed Fall to you all! There is nothing like the cozy chilly nights of Autumn! Great for a cup of tea, and a comfy plush throw to snuggle under. I also love the glow of the changing autumn leaves. One of the main reasons that I love October is that it is birthday month for my family. We have 6 birthdays this month, included in that is my husband, two daughters and three grand kids! And I can't forget my many friends who celebrate birthdays this month! Happy Birthday to you all! My first born daughter, Eron was born when the autumn leaves were a golden glow! I remember the evening of her first day on earth. We had been sleeping most of the day. I remember just looking at her and realizing what a miracle her life was. I was certain that God was real. I knew that she was a gift from God! That miracle repeated itself two years and six days later with the birth of my daughter, Amber. God is good! Happy Birthday Eron Lea Powers and Amber Rose Powers! I love you two!
"Children are a gift from The Lord!" Psalm 127:3

07/03/2015

Happy July 3rd! And almost 4th of July! My favorite time of the year! 22 years ago I married Bill Mitchell and had the best wedding reception on the beach with games hosted by my brother Ed and wife, Joanne. We danced in the sand and played volleyball. We had glorious fireworks. The best fireworks came from our love for each other! Happy Anniversary honey! Marilyn Mitchell.

04/03/2015

It's been way too LONG since I have written here! Forgive me sisters! On February 7th my mother passed away at the age of 93! For a while I just wanted to be quiet before The Lord and feel my feelings. I loved my mother so much and I couldn't imagine life without her on earth. I know this for sure, I look forward to seeing her in heaven, as she professed faith in Jesus Christ.

Clearly life goes on here! It's full of trials and blessings all the time. At this Resurrection season I am excited to just give thanks to The Lord Jesus and the Father God that they made a way for us through the cross and resurrection to have an eternal relationship with them. Left to my own ways, this would never have happened. I am so grateful to you Father for your love and grace! And Jesus, I will never fully grasp what you went through to make a way as the awaited Messiah by going to the cross and the grave and to rise above it all. Thank you! May we all as sisters and brothers in Christ celebrate what The Lord did for us for eternity!

01/21/2015

Hi Sisters!!!! I have wanted to write most of this month, but life has been full especially in supporting the number one person in my life, my Mom, Betty Schwanz. She has been deteriorating lately at 93 years of age and every moment with her has been so precious. I wanted to post about year end goal reflection and setting new ones for 2015. I have set my goals for the year and reflected on last year....but one thing is always clear: there are seasons of life that none of us can predict. At those times we have to be centered in the heart of God's will for our lives and as my good friend, Pastor Dan Michalek said to me one day, "Rest in God!" And that is what I am attempting to do as best I can. That and taking moments to just feel my feelings and let them go. A movie will cause me to think about Mom and the tears will come. I don't suppress them. I learned long ago it's a healthy thing to let them out. So as you reflect on last year and move more deeply into 2015, remember to Rest in God, no matter how busy life might be. He is the one to bring you through no matter what the circumstances. God bless you sisters!