Sheila sees things differently now. Actually, these glasses were donated with the hope of helping someone in Mexico. We were glad to not find anyone with such poor vision who could benefit from them.

I have gone to Romania each of the past three years with small teams of ladies. Together, we worked with missionaries and pastors in village churches. In each place, we provided a “Ladies Tea” — a special reception in the churches where ladies were encouraged to invite their friends and neighbors.

We have watched the hard, tired faces of the ladies as they arrived and turned to us with wary glances. Soon, their faces relaxed and their countenances changed as smiles replaced the wrinkled lines.

After playing some games, serving snacks, and performing simple skits, we gave testimonies of God’s activity in our lives and presented a story of God’s love to them. We prayed with those that wanted us to and gave each one a small gift as they left.

Last October, OPEN DOORS provided a Ladies Tea in Egypt for the pastor’s wives at a conference. Because women are still quite marginalized there, they were surprised that someone would arrange something special for them. Some were still talking about it just last month when Ric returned to Egypt!

This year, October 19-29, we will take another team to Argentina. Can you guess what the ladies will be doing? If your first thought was, “Ladies Teas,” you are right! We will work with ladies and their guests from various churches in and around Buenos Aires. We will touch their lives face-to-face, hug-by-hug, and give God opportunities to work through us to show Himself huge on their behalf.

This process has wriggled its way into my heart. It takes so little to impact a life. It is so simple. No spectacular gifts or skills are required.

I have a sense that God may continue to use OPEN DOORS in this way in the future, and I just cannot get enough of watching bleakness turn into hope. We just give of ourselves and reap the rewards of encouraged lives and the giving of hope where hope and encouragement have faded away.

Thank you so much for believing in us. And thank you for giving to help us change lives around the world with the grace, love, and joy found in following Jesus wherever we go.