As we have prayed for direction for our women’s ministry this year, we have felt that we need to help women to pursue their purpose in a greater way. We know that we need to help women to find Christ, to get healing from the Lord and to break free from the chains that hold them back. We will always be there to help women do that. However, the Lord has been putting this thought on my heart…”We don’t get free just to be free… We are set free to fulfill the purposes that God created us for.” What does that mean for us in our ministry? One of those purposes that God has planned for us is to share Christ with others. On a personal level and as a ministry leader, I am asking the Lord to help me to share the gospel with more women this year than ever before. I also feel that we need to inspire and equip our women to go into their worlds and to be courageous and brave to share their stories. Could it be that this year, God could bring about a harvest of souls… of lives changed… an army of women who are praying for revival and harvest that will start to see God fulfill His purpose in each of their lives. Whatever role we play, however God has gifted us…If we have said “yes” to God…We are stakeholders in the Great Commission!

“Dear Lord, As we begin this new year, May we see the world the way You see it and see people the way You see them. May we get free and completely healed so that we can serve You wholeheartedly. May the things that have disheartened us fade into the distant past because of the new thing that You are doing in our lives. May the chains that have held us down be broken so that we can run with abandon to fulfill the purpose that You have called us to. May we not get distracted by people who have critical spirits. They will always be there…But we are on Your team and we rejoice that we are running in Your race! Please strengthen and encourage our friends in ministry to believe that You have great things planned for them and will fulfill Your purpose for each of us!”

Cindy Lyons: Founder of Friends In Ministry Women’s Ministry & Senior Pastor’s Wife at High Street Baptist Church