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GRACIOUS WOMEN MAGAZINE CALL TO MOTHERHOOD VOLUME 2/MAY 2021 www.foundbygrace.org

CONTENTS MAY 2021 3 FROM THE HEART OF THE PUBLISHER 4 MEET GRACIOUS WOMEN LEADERSHIP TEAM 5 MOTHERHOOD Builds up faith to be an overcomer 7 SEEDS OF LIFE 9 TEEN MOM 10 HOPE TO MOTHERS 12 EMPOWERING WORDS 16 THE 8 LESSONS LEARNT FROM A HEN ABOUT MOTHERHOOD 18 ADVERTISEMENT 2

From the Heart of the Publisher In my search for an older woman to stand with me as Titus 2:3-5, says; “And so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.” I was shocked and challenged when the Holy Spirit said, “be that help you are looking for”. I was not pleased at all for a while I thought this can’t be the Holy Spirit because I was just a young mom looking for some older woman. knowing that the chief commander will send me on So my argument and excuse was, Lord I am not old duty at any time. the word of God says let the older women teach the I love to hear women share their journey of faith. In younger women. this publication you will be inspired by the amazing God is gracious and He “Invest in yourselves as women who share the power of explained that an older woman grace that God gives mothers. is mature in Christ. So I cried mothers” As you read from Prosper out, Lord I still need to mature Bamford’s story and all the send me a mature woman to help me be a good other women who co-authored this magazine, I know mother , wife and true disciple of Christ. you will be inspired to know that God calls ordinary His words became very clear that he was calling me to women to become life giving individuals and the rise above my limitations. process transforms them into becoming amazing individuals I was not qualified and to this day I know that it was only by the grace of God that I started the journey My prayer for you is to be encouraged as a woman of praying with women and mothers for the past 20 and mother that you can change a generation by years. empowering your seed through faith. My teacher has been the Holy Spirit. He has Happy Mothers Day! consistently challenged me to be the change that I want to see. Tendai Togara As a mother who stands up to support other mothers ❤From the heart of the publisher. I have had to invest in myself spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, financially and physically. It has been costly but it has been worth it. I have learnt to live like a soldier, a life of discipline 3

ESTHER NJOROGE Research and Development TENDAI TOGARA NYARIE SEMU Founder & Chief Servant Treasurer MEET GRACIOUS WOMEN LEADERSHIP TEAM LORRAINE VERE ABIGAIL RUZIVE Communications & Welfare Gippsland Branch Leader Officer TEAZEL KAWOME BERNARDENE SMITH Prayer Coordinator Teac her/Trainer 4

MOTHERHOOD Builds up faith to be an overcomer By Prosper Bamford daughter started having weird ailments. It was as if the enemy had intensified the battle. I learnt to become stronger. I learnt to pray and fast for my family (Matthew 17:21 KJV). Motherhood was not as glamorous as I had thought it was going to be. Instead, it was grace filled as I live to testify. For the mother not feeling the glamour of motherhood, just remember the grace of God is with you. Ibecame a mother when I was young. When my I used to go to a church where we were not allowed friends were getting keys for their 21st birthdays, to wear make-up or even have our hair done. At that I was getting diapers for my first daughter. Not age, most of my high school friends were at University long after, my son came along. I soon learnt the or finishing their nursing courses. They were in their most important role of prime looking good changing hairstyles and putting on motherhood when I was make-up. I used to wish I could do the same but every pregnant with my son: the time I looked at my children that wish went away. I role of intercession. Once knew that I was better off fasting and praying than you start to carry a life looking good. within you, the battle for life and death begins. A mother will always make sacrifices for her children. I remember one day meeting my high school classmate There were problems and she was telling me how I was the talk of the class with the pregnancy and I for not dressing or looking my age. She also let me know had to intercede day and why my old school mates had stopped associating with night for both mine and my son’s life. When he me because they thought I was born prematurely the had really gone too far to battle crossed over to both children. My once healthy be their friend. They did not want to be associated with a loser. Motherhood taught me that friends will come and go but your children will always be there with you. My children were not seeing a misfit of a mother but someone there for them. For the mother who fills she can no longer fit in with her friends because of 5

the role she has to play for her children, I hear you too. The Lord reminded me how much he loved me, my son You are more than enough mama. and my daughters. He reminded me of how he had held One month before we migrated to Australia, my almost my hand and guided me out of depression. That he had 2yr old son was hit by a car and died on the spot. I never given up on me. That he would continue to do cannot even describe in words how I felt. My faith was it again as long as I called out to him. Psalm 145: 18 challenged. I had a myriad of emotions ranging from reminds us that ‘the Lord is near to all who call out to shock, confusion, anger, loss, despair etc. I wanted to him, to all who call on him in truth’ be buried with my son. I felt abandoned by God. I felt betrayed because I had prayed so hard so how can he In all these lessons learnt, the biggest of them was love. let this happen? My grief turned to depression which I The bible in 1 John 4:19 says ‘we love because he first battled for many years to come. loved us.’ The love I have for my children is deep, but Motherhood taught me loss and how to come out on not as deep as the love Christ has for us. Christ is there the other side. For the mother who has suffered loss of throughout those storms and he will comfort us in our a child through miscarriage, barrenness, death, drugs journeys as mothers. Isaiah 66: 13 says, ‘as one whom and alcohol, wrong company, I feel your pain. Tell it all his mother comforts, so I will comfort you’. In the book of to Jesus, he understands more than you think. Romans 8:38-39 ‘And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, Just recently was the 18th anniversary of my son’s neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today death. Isaiah 49:15 says ‘can a mother forget her nor our worries about tomorrow, not even the powers nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the borne?’ This anniversary hit me hard. I was paralysed sky above or in the earth below, indeed, nothing in all with sadness I just sat with the bible in my hands for creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of hours and cried out to God to heal me. He spoke to me God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. gently reminding me of his undying love for me. Mama, Jesus loves you so much. 6

SEEDS OF LIFE By Bernardene Smith Being entrusted with the destiny of another Trust and obey. Trust is not enough if parents have human being is something new parents neglected their duty to obey the Word of God in their rarely think about when they look into the children’s upbringing, and likewise, a lack of faith in angelic face of their newborn. Yet, that is God’s supernatural power to transform our children exactly what parenthood is. Our children are gifts will render His Word powerless. We need both. from God and we should never lose sight of the fact So where do start? that we will one day have to give account to God of our Genesis 8:22 introduces the principle of seedtime and stewardship of these gifts. harvest, and God distinctly declares that this principle will remain for as long as the earth remains. Proverbs Society today has many voices luring our children 18:21 says that the power of life and death is in the away from God and it is easy to start feeling anxious tongue, and those who indulge in it shall eat its fruit. about their future, if they will succeed in life, if they will It is clear then that our words are seeds planted in our marry the right person, or to get angry about their life children’s hearts and minds – for good or for evil. choices as they get older. But this is not the way God We need to fill up our seed bags with the Word of God! intended for us to experience parenthood. God has We need to see ourselves as that sower who carefully graciously furnished us with all the help and guidance chooses his seed, and sows according to the harvest he we will ever need – in His Word. All that is required expects. We can do this through diligently searching of us is to trust Him to bring to pass His purposes for the Scriptures for the promises pertaining to our our children, and to obey His Word when it comes to children, meditating on them and declaring them over raising them. our children from as early as possible – even before birth. And then, like any wise farmer, trust God to infuse supernatural life into the seed, and expect the seed to sprout and grow into a tree that will bare much fruit. 7

Isaiah 54:13 provides a timeless promise to us as Never let the facts of your situation determine the parents: “And all thy children shall be taught of the truth of God’s Word. Let God’s eternal truths change Lord, and great shall be the peace of thy children” the temporary facts. Being a mom of two young men, (KJV). The Strong’s (NAS Exhaustive Concordance) I can testify that God’s Word never fails in any area or defines “peace” as “completeness, soundness, welfare”, aspect. And no child is ever too old or wayward to be in other words, nothing missing, nothing broken, transformed by the Word of God. He is faithful, and everything complete in every area. Isn’t that what we what He promises, He will deliver! as parents desire for our children? And it is not only possible but secured for us through the price that Jesus So start building up your seed bank today! Start filling paid for it – 2 Corinthians 1:20: “For all the promises of up your mouth with God’s promises! And start sowing God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of for a Godly harvest in your children! Then trust Him God through us” (NKJV). to breathe His life into that seed and to grow your children into mighty oaks of righteousness. 8

TEEN MOM By Teazel Kawome When I first found I had to get an abortion. What other option did I have; out I was I had just finished high school, I was making plans to go study abroad; I had plans and this baby was now an pregnant inconvenience. at 18 years old I remember I didn’t end up having an abortion. I believe God the fear that set in. I can protected me and my baby from my plan. My next plan honestly say that is the first was to give the baby up for adoption. real impact and time I faced it. I remember one Friday morning waking up and planning to go the doctor to find out how I could arrange this. At My first thought was “how that stage I had not been to any prenatal visits, I had do I fix this mistake I have no clue how far along I was in my pregnancy. I found made?” I remember sitting out I was seven months pregnant and advised to have with my friend at the a scan. doctor’s office who had just confirmed my pregnancy. The doctor’s voice faded I remember the sound of my baby’s heart beating. It out and all I could think was, “what have I done?” It was so strong, almost vibrant. I saw little fingers and started like a quiet soft whisper but that phrase began toes and was informed it was a girl. My thoughts to scream louder and louder in my head. Tears started then were of amazement and joy; “look at what I have rolling down my face and didn’t stop done.” It was no for many months longer a question after that, “what but a statement had I done?” for the first time in months. For a brief I didn’t feel moment I allowed equipped mentally myself to enjoy the or emotionally to beauty that I saw look after another before me on that human being that screen. was going to be fully dependant on My countenance me. I was gripped had not changed with so much fear though; I was the accompanied with same little girl guilt for disappointing my family and myself. If I am to scared and alone be honest, I didn’t feel joy at all about having this baby. My friends were all planning their next phase in their not knowing how or what to do. I ended up having and keeping that baby with the help of my amazing family. lives; universities, jobs, moving countries and here I Today I have a beautiful seventeen year old daughter was feeling stuck with no prospect for the future that who lights the room with her smile. She has the voice I had envisioned. of a songbird when she sings and an infectious laugh. 9

When she sneezes, it is both the loudest and annoying HOPE TO MOTHERS sound together at one time. She is kind and thoughtful, her generous soul and soft heart amazes me each and _ Mama continue to believe in your dream every day. I am excited to see her life journey play out This Mother’s Day is a special celebration after a year and blessed to be part of it. in which we can all acknowledge that the parenting pressures were enormous. Through love and I managed to go to university obtain a qualification perseverance we conquered. The greatest people in the and job, house, car, moved to different countries and history of time, have attributed their success to their had another baby, a handsome young son. mothers. I believe it is because they spent most time with their mothers. We should never underestimate I thought I had my life plan all mapped out. Over the the influence and role that we impact in shaping our years, I learnt and grew from being a young lady to children’s future. We are blessed to be given this a woman. I believe having my daughter saved me. It phenomenal role and yet there is no manual for it. As saved me from selfishness, making excuses and has led a gracious woman we are always encouraged to seek me to taking responsibility and knowing myself. I am wisdom from the Bible. I have grown so much from still a work in progress. these teachings. As Mothers we are often discouraged when we forego certain opportunities for ourselves My comfort seventeen years ago was a major factor in because of our motherly duties which take away one of the biggest decisions of my life. I’m grateful that certain flexibility in time. I would like to encourage today I chose discomfort for a greater purpose that will every mother to look positively at the fulfilment we probably carry on for generations as my daughter one get for what we do for our children. We should not day will have children of her own (in the very distant completely erase our dreams as it is still possible at future). any stage to achieve them. Always remember even the tiniest of effort you put towards your own dreams will God never rules us out, we tend to that all on our own. one day add up to bring out the achievement. Your life is not over based on your mistakes or short -PATIENCE comings. Your past doesn’t have to determine your future. 10

_ Don’t give up mama _ A call to become an IT mum Stormie Omartian in her book “The Power of Praying My name is Phillipa Bere and I have been working for Your Adult Children” says that “there’s no adult in ICT as a Business Analyst for over 20 years – yes child so good that they don’t need to be saved. And that’s correct! I like what I do because the industry there’s no adult child so bad that they cannot be saved. never stands still, there is always something to keep The Bible says that God did not forsake the Israelites up with, learn a new trend of skills that are of value. I even though their land was filled with sin against the like providing solutions that make business processes Holy One of Israel” (Jeremiah 51:5). So if God didn’t more efficient and more economical and above all forsake His people after all the terrible things they did, ensuring end-customers safety through tight data He is not going to forsake your child no matter what (information) management. she/ he has done.” Did you know there is a ‘women problem’ in ICT? For mothers with children who have gone astray to Estimates show that less than 25% women hold jobs in the point of being imprisoned, God is not going to ICT in developed countries. Here in Australia diversity forsake your child especially when you are going to is being promoted in most companies and thus fervently pray and knock on heaven’s door everyday in addressing the under-representation of women in IT is intercession for your child (2 Peter 3:9 John 15:7-8) part of their plan to develop a diverse and sustainable IT workforce for the future. Now here is an opportunity There’s hope in your child coming back to the Lord as for you sis and for you girl child! By the way ICT is long as you continue to love them. When they see the not all about coding; there are lots of opportunities love in you for them, they will open up and let you in in various areas like project management, analysis, their lives and share their concerns and needs with testing, architecture, networking, hardware, security. you. By so doing when they hear about God’s love for ICT skills are required in all industry types. them they will open up to Him and by so doing they are healed. Our children are now exposed to technology and so it’s imperative that mums become tech savvy. Love and family support is a very important protective factor for people that are in prison. -ABIGAIL 11

EMPOWERING WORDS TEAZEL NYARI “We aren’t called to be perfect as “Mothers are pillars of the mothers but rather we are to call household! “She watches over on He who is perfect . We are to the affairs of her household and lean on the Holy Spirit to help us does not eat the bread of idleness. fulfil our role as mothers; the Helper Her children arise and call her (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor— blessed; her husband also, and he Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) praises her:” John 16:7.” -Prov. 31:27-28 HANNAH SERINA “I thank God for my mother, “No Matter how efficient or God placed me in my mother’s effective the hands of men womb. She cared for me the best contribute to Gods work, the way she knew. My prayer is that one thing that gives meaning may God give strength, long and and purpose is the glory of God healthy life to all the mothers.” resting on it.” ESTHER OPPA “Don’t count the days. Make the “A slack hand causes poverty, but days count.” the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.” -Proverbs 10: 4 -5. 12

PATIENCE WADZI “Knowing that God prepareth a “When God gives you dream table before my enemies, gives me or a vision take note because so much peace in all situations” even though it might not make sense at the time or might seem unachievable, it will happen. Nothing is impossible with God. Remember Joseph.” TAIWO EMOLEUM “Thanks be unto God who always “Jesus, The Son of God, left causes us to triumph in Christ.” behind the “He Is The True Vine” legacy. Now, mothers it’s your time to create and build “Life-giving LEGACY” by raising godly children. REVESAI LORRAINE “I am thankful for my struggle, “Spirit lead me where my trust because without it i wouldnt have is without boarders.” stumbled accross my strength.” 13

COLEEN VICTORIA “Numbers 6:24-26 - The Lord “In spite of discouragement bless you and keep you; the Lord and adversity, those who are make his face shine on you and happiest seem to have a way of be gracious to you; the Lord turn learning from difficult times, his face toward you and give you becoming stronger, wiser and peace.” happier as a result.” -Joseph B. Wirthlin TRUDI JACKIE “A mother is she who can take the “Ladies, mothers, sisters, place of allothers but whose place no daughters, we are the very hands one else can take” and feet of Christ Jesus on -Cardinal Meymillod this earth. When we grasp this immense power in us and we live and breathe it, nothing at all will be impossible for us.” KUDZAI PHILLIPA “Without the Lord l’m nothing” “The only thing limiting you is your mindset.” HEIDI ANNAH “Praying Gods word and speaking life over your children As we trust the Lord in raising the is the greatest investment you next generation the Lord in his can make in them.” amazing faithfulness grant peace to us and our children. He said 14 that the children of the righteous will be taught by the Lord and great shall be their peace.

CONCILIA CONCILIA Sons are a blessing from God. and so are Girls! 3 Behold, children are a heritage Children are a blessing from God. from the LORD, the fruit of the Being a mum is a very rewarding womb a reward. 4 Like arrows experience. As we grow old we in the hand of a warrior are the pass the button to our children children of one’s youth. 5 Blessed and pray for Gods wisdom for is the man who fills his quiver them to be good mothers of their with them! He shall not be put to generation. shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. Psalms 127 3-5 KUDA GONDAI “Successful mothers are not the “Being a Mother is the priviledge ones that struggled. They are the to work alongside God polishing ones that never give up despite and refining the precious jewels the struggles.” intrusted to you.” -Sharon Jaynes 15

THE 8 LESSONS LEARNT FROM A HEN ABOUT MOTHERHOOD Growing up I heard my mother always As a mother we need to be sensitive praying and requesting that God to our children and knowing what would cover us with His wings as a mother hen covers her chicks. So I is happening with them. decided to study the mother hen. Here are some lessons I learnt from the mother hen; 1. Good Planning A mother hen lays her eggs and will not sit on them until she has the number of eggs she wants. As a mother it is important to plan for the future of your children. Planning is good but also know that God has the best plans for us. Study Jeremiah 29:11. 2. Discipline and Gentleness Once the mother hen sits on the eggs she minimises movement and patiently waits on the eggs, being careful not to break them. As mothers we need to adapt to this lesson as we sit with our children demonstrating discipline especially with our words. Words can build or break our children. 3. Sacrifice and Self-Denial While she sits on the eggs she loses weight due to decrease of food intake .As mothers we at times put on hold our personal desires so as to give our children opportunities. This is just for a season as our children grow and we will be able to step into those areas that we put on hold. 16

4. Faith & Hope without Discouragement our children. By bringing them together we need to be careful that we do not cause division in our children. As she sits on those eggs for 21 days, if they don’t hatch We have trained them to be united as it brings a she will lay more eggs and start again. In our journey to blessing in our homes. being mothers we need not be discouraged but have trust in God. Word of God in Psalm 133:1-3, says; 5. Sensitivity & Discernment “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil on the head, running In the time that she is waiting she detects the eggs down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down that are not fertilised and rolls them out making sure on the collar of his robes! 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, she does no harm the remaining eggs. As a mother which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord we need to be sensitive to our children and knowing has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.” what is happening with them. At times it can be so difficult but 8. Training & Mentorship the Holy Spirit will lead us if we ask for help. A mother hen does not abandon her chicks until she has trained 6. Protection and Love them and they are mature. She makes sure no one gets to I must say training is not easy. her chicks she watches over I used to wonder why I had to them with such care and is on tell my kids to brush their teeth the guard for danger, until she every morning. I felt like I was has trained them to look after missing something but the Holy themselves. Spirit said, “Tendai I said train Protection of our children in this day and age has your children, I didn’t say tell become very important. In this information age we them.” have to be vigilant making sure our children are not being deceived. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 tells us. 7. Unity That day I realised as a mother that I am called to train. All the chicks are gathered under her wings. They Training means you do the same thing again and again learn to all fit under the wings of their mother. She will until the trainee begins to do it naturally. As mothers not sleep without her chicks under her wings. lets train our children like coaches do. In this age of “selfies” as moms we are to foster unity in I hope you will apply some of these tips I got from the mother hen. 17

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