Go, therefore...

Before we left Zambia almost two years ago, I began to pray for these women. I did not know them, did not even know their names (Stefani -white shirt, Melissa -brown and pink, Sharon- brown print). But God knew...
They are all wives of Officers who serve alongside Mark. During the last deployment, I invited all the wardroom wives to my home to learn more about the Bible...these gals came -and kept coming! The first night, Melissa and Stefani gave their hearts to Christ. Then Sharon came and began to grow in her faith...Together, we have studied God's Word every week for the past year.
Last weekend, Melissa and Sharon and I watched together as Stefani was baptized (and since this is California, it was in a jacuzzi!). It was a beautiful picture. Her face was radiant. My heart was filled with hope and pride...not in anything I had done, but because in Stefani's life I have seen the incredible work of the Spirit. She has embraced God's Word, grounded herself in a strong church, shared Christ with those around her faithfully and now followed her Lord in the step of faith that is baptism. I could not help but cry...with joy...with a touch of sorrow....because next week she is moving to Oregon (and later Florida). And then next month Sharon is moving to Texas. And in June, Melissa is moving to Tennessee. Such is the life of a military wife.
This week, we met for a "Going Away" celebration during our usual bible study time. We shared gifts, cards, words of encouragement and a promise to pray for one another. Stefani asked us to pray for her as she starts a bible study with friends and family members in Oregon. They have heard of her changed life and are being drawn to the things of God because of her witness.
Sharon has been a light to her family as God does his work in her. She has reached out to her daughter in law who is a troop here on base. Sharon's love and encouragement may be the thing that God uses to save her son's marriage.
And Melissa...she calls me her "spiritual mother" and it blesses me. I will never forget Melissa saying to me one day..."I am 41 years old...How I wish someone had told me about Jesus years ago!". She told me that she is "addicted" to God's Word. Her husband and mother cannot understand...but she faithfully prays and believes that one day they will. Right now, Melissa and I are studying together through Beth Moore's online study "Believing God". I marvel at Melissa's faith and her hunger for Him. She challenges me and inspires me. When she comes upon a spiritual truth that is new to her, I love that she calls to share it with me!
I will never forget these women. For all the ways that they say I have touched their lives, they can never know how they have enriched mine. It has been my privilege to share Christ with them and walk with them on this journey. And I am blessed to call them friends.
We have understood eachother in a special way, not only from being believers but also in being military wives.
But soon I will have to say Goodbye. It is bittersweet.
Just as Mark leaves for Iraq, my friends will be leaving too. "Are You sure about this, Lord?", I can't help but ask. Yet I know that His ways are not mine. And after all, He did say "Go".
So may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always my sisters...
"Remember, He Who called you is faithful..." (IThess.5:24).