Looking Back Moving Forward | January 2016

Lilies in the City - January/February 2016 - Issue 13

lilies city

TAKING SPIRITUAL INVENTORY WHAT IS YOUR PROTEST? A MYSTERIOUS BOND LOADED BAKED SWEET POTATO

A Woman's Worth: NATASHA NEBBLETT A MEDICAL MISSIONARY PART 2 ABUSE: A BITTER CUP

Looking Back

Moving Forward!

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lilies city Lily Lifestyle

6 Taking Spiritual Inventory 10 What is Your Protest 20 A Mysterious Bond

Lily Eats Practical Lily Social Lily

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Loaded Baked Sweet Potato

16 A Medical Missionary Part 2

24 Abuse: A Bitter Cup 28 A Woman's Worth:Natasha Nebblett

Unless otherwise noted, all scripture references are taken from the Authorized Version of the Bible (The King James Version) 3

Moving Forward!

EDITOR'S NOTE

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T'S OUR ANNIVERSARY! It's really hard to believe that a year has already passed, but as we look over it, we can exclaim with the Psalmist that surely, God "crownest the year with [His] goodness"! (Ps 65:11) While the world was making landmarks in ecomony, religion, and politics - we made some footprints of our own. At LIC, we had some member and structure changes, celebrated the marriage of two Lilies, gave

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you a glimpse into our history with our Meet the Staff video, watched our subscribers grow from about 25 to 243 and started studying the Bible with you every second Monday!

The book of Job counsels us that a "multitude of years should teach wisdom" (Jb 32:7); in our short year we've watched "the Inspiration of the Almighty" give us understanding (vs 8) and we have laid some exciting plans for the new year.

You'll notice each issue is now longer and filled with more food for the soul and instead of monthly, appears bimonthly.

Our family's growing too: we'd like to introduce you to our newest Lily - Angelique (read more about her on our staff page)!

Look out also for changes happening to our website, more Youtube videos via our Facebook page, and more giveaways!

With many goals and plans for this new year, there is one that we are most passionate about - to be more like Jesus.

Stay with us this year as, with God's guidance, we continue to make Bible religion practical.

In this issue we look at some Protestant history, show you how to take spiritual inventory and explore what love is not.

Be sure to read the first of our new feature A Woman's Worth on page 28.

Administrative

STAFF

Almarie Hill Almarie is the Editor-in-Chief at Lilies in the City (LIC). Of things seen on this earth, she loves only sweet potatoes and bananas more than words, writing and editing. Almarie lives for ministry and has a passion for Christ's wholistic method of healing - naturally.

Wholly Whole is her personal ministry, reflecting her journey to completeness in Christ.

Akilah Ballard As the Financial Manager at LIC, the Lord has blessed Akilah with a knack for organization and attention to detail: two skills fundamental to finance and accounting. When not analyzing numbers, she loves to admire God through His created works: gardening has become one of her favorite interests. She suspects that the same excitement she has watching seeds grow is the same that God has in watching His Word bear fruit in our hearts.

Sarah Victor Sarah is LIC’s Account Manager and she has made it her personal goal to make the service of God the most attractive thing in the world. Whether she is sharing tasty, healthful recipes, sharing object lessons while gardening, or while making her all natural hair and body butters for Jane's Butters, there is always one goal: to show that there is great peace, safety, and most of all joy in the service of our loving God!

Rochelle Mekowulu Rochelle, the Business Manager, provides strategic guidance to ministries in their marketing and development efforts. She has always had a passion for ministry and the furtherance of the gospel.

When not working on various projects, she can be found in nature, doing a bible study or writing.

Jaleesa Almarales Jaleesa, the Marketing Manager, believes that Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching people. Therefore counseling and teaching combined with a few other talents are tools that God has given her to prepare people, especially an army of youth, to meet our God. In her spare time, she can be found working on a DIY project, painting or trying to learn to play the piano.

Angelique Manning As the administrative assistant at LIC, Angelique is dedicated to using the skills the Lord has blessed her with to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. She believes that true happiness is found in unselfish ministry and with that, loves to serve whether it's by encouraging her family and friends or sharing the love of Christ with people in her community.

Have Any Questions For The Lilies Staff?

Contact us: admin@liliesinthecity.org

Associate Editor: Delnita McDavid

Photo Credits: Glenn Ballard (cover, pgs 2, 11, 28, 31, 32, 33) Layout & Design: Abiola Osinjolu 5

Taking

Spiritual Inventory – Rochelle Mekowulu

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"A Christian should always be growing."

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can't believe that a new year is here. It seems like 2015 just started and it's already gone.

Its pages are now immortalized and try as we might we can't undo anything–good or bad. Yet, the chapters of our past year should not be quickly filed away in the archives: its lessons forgotten and its experiences buried. For in those pages are stories rich with lessons and poignant with meaning.

Before you throw away the old year, make sure that you have gleaned all you can from it. As a new year nears, I love to take time for reflection on the past year. In the business world, companies that trade in goods periodically "take inventory." By taking inventory a company is able to gauge their progress. There is great value in applying this concept of taking inventory to our Christian walk, and regularly conducting a "spiritual inventory."

The idea of "spiritual inventory" finds support in the Bible. 2 Corinthians 13:5 says, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith: prove your own selves."

According to Strong’s Concordance, the definition for "examine" is to "to try, make trial of, test: for the purpose of ascertaining his quality, or what he thinks, or how he will behave himself."

When was the last time that you examined yourself? Have you taken inventory to see what quality of a Christian you are? Do you have a faith that is based on evidence or on supposition?

A Christian should always be growing. Paul likens the new Christian to a babe who must feast on the milk of the word to grow (1 Pet. 2:2), and he rebukes those who should have moved on to strong meat but are still drinking milk (Heb. 5:1214). He acknowledges that it's necessary in the beginning of our experience to drink milk; however, that state should not be permanent.

At times we are unaware that we have failed to mature, assuming that we are maturing but never checking to see if we've made any measurable advancement.

Parents routinely take their children to the doctor for checkups.

During these visits the doctor monitors the child to ensure that they are developing correctly.

Do you have regularly scheduled visits with the Heavenly Doctor for a checkup?

It's in those moments of self-examination that the Lord brings you face to face with who you are. Not who people think you are, or even who you think you are, but who you really are. The realizations are never pleasant but they are necessary. Often we think that we have made progress on a particular area of our lives, and it's only when God allows the rug to be pulled out from under us that we fully understand just how far we are from the standard.

"We examine ourselves by the word of God. It is the true standard and only by using it as a measuring stick can we get a true reading of our condition."

And for the big question, "I see 7

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Examine your own heart and life in the light of God's Word and ask yourself, “What has my record been for the year that is just closing?

[1] What advancement have I made in the Christian life?

[2] What victories have I gained?

[3] And what have I done to help others, and to lead them to Christ?

[4]...have you performed your appointed tasks with cheerfulness and fidelity, having an eye single to the glory of God? [5] Opportunities and privileges have been granted you; what use have you made of these gifts entrusted to you by our Heavenly Father?

[6] Have you made yourself a blessing to those around you?

Have you done what you could to make them happy and win them to Christ?"1 Notice that we examine ourselves by the word of God. It is the true standard and only by using it as a measuring stick can we get a true reading of our condition. The questions posed are thought provoking and should

give you much food for contemplation.

I challenge you this year to make time to conduct a spiritual inventory. In fact, this should be a daily matter: - As the Lord shows you areas of deficiency write them down.

- Prayerfully ask God for help in overcoming.

- Put plans in place to work on these defects.

- Measure your progress on the points you have identified regularly

1. Ellen G. White, “Thoughts for the New Year,” Australasian Union Conference Record, January 5, 1914, 1.

"Before you throw away the old year, make sure that you have gleaned all you can from it."

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hat is Your Protest?

W

– Brittany Hodges

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"We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history."

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W

hat is a Protestant? According to Dictionary. com, an “adherent of any of those Christian bodies that separated from the Church of Rome during the Reformation, or any group that descended from them.”2

A Protestant is someone that stands on Sola Scriptura (scripture alone), Sola Gratia (grace alone) and Sola Fidel (faith alone) as the foundation of their beliefs. Since the beginning of this world, God has desired for men and women to live true to His word amidst temptation and persecution.

As the Roman system remained in control, the Scriptures were no longer reverenced or seen as an authority and the doctrine therein was trampled on.

When the Scriptures are suppressed, and man comes to regard himself as a supreme authority, we can be confident that fraud, deception, and debasing iniquity will rise and be clearly seen. “With the elevation of human laws and traditions was manifest the corruption that ever results from setting aside the law of God.”3 As a result, idol worship, the building of shrines and acts of penance were means by which men sought to pay homage to the Pope and falsely ensure the favor of God. Superstition prevailed as the influence of the Roman Church increased.

Practices and doctrines without a scriptural basis such as purgatory, indulgences and the immortality of the soul where acknowledged by men. Though many were deceived by the proposition of Rome, there were others that were faithful to the authority of the God of heaven.

Protestant Reformers such as Martin Luther faced fiery trials that tested their faith, but God gave them the power and strength to remain Martin Luther, known as the fafaithful. We are even now approachther of the Reformation, delighted ing a time in history when similar in the study of the Scriptures and circumstances will be placed G. be- (2003). took up the position of a faithful 1. Roger-Pamplona, fore us but we have nothing to fear Encyclopedia of foods and their healing if we are on power, the Lord’s (Vol. 1,side. p. 39). Hagerstown, Maryland: Review and Herald Pub. Assn.

During the early centuries of Western Europe, Rome had religious and political power. At this time, Christians were forced to yield to the dictates of Rome and its practices or be put to death. This marked the beginning of what historians know to be the Dark Ages.

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monk. One day while climbing Pilate’s staircase (Scala Pilati or Scala Sancta), a voice from heaven spoke to him saying "The just shall live by faith" (Rom. 1:17). He understood from that day forward that our works do not merit salvation, instead, our salvation is found in Christ’s shed blood for us.

At this time, by choosing to further study and live out the teachings of the Bible, Luther began to separate himself from Rome. The more Luther studied, the more clearly he recognized the false teachings of Rome and desired to share the truth. When he was met with opposition he spoke of the Bible and the Bible only. Though he was deemed a heretic, his crime was speaking only of the truth found in the Word of God. “Here is a lesson of vital importance to those who feel that God has called them to present to others the solemn truth for this time.

These truths will stir the enmity of Satan and of men who love the fables that he has devised. In the conflict with the powers of evil there is a need of something more than strength of intellect in human wisdom."4 Soon after, Martin Luther nailed a paper containing ninety-five theses against the doctrine of indulgences to the doors of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany.

The ninety-five theses spoke of God being the only one that can pardon sin and relieve the penalty for it; this power was not given to the Pope as many were led to believe.

Luther’s theses was the landmark for the great Protestant Reformation. As truths were revealed, other individuals were positively influenced and began to study for themselves the loving-kindness of 1212 10

their Savior and Redeemer.

God led Luther into a deeper study of the Bible and although threatened with death, his consistent lifestyle, faithfulness to the Truth and protest against the deception of the Roman Church brought thousands to Christ. Could God do the same for us?

If our eyes have been blinded by the customs and traditions of this world, can God help us to see? Can he give us the grace to suffer persecution for his namesake?(see 2 Cor. 12:8 and Rev. 3:18). I believe that just as God gave power and strength to Martin Luther, He can do the same for us. There is much wickedness in our world today and God is looking for a people to stand true to him no matter what may come. In Matthew 10:22 we are told that those who stand for God will be hated of all men, but God promises the one who endures to the end will be save.

Are you a Protestant? If so, what is your protest?

"There is much wickedness in our world today and God is looking for a people to stand true to him no matter what may come."

1. Ellen G. White, Life Sketches of Ellen G. White (Mountain, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1915), 196.

3. Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy (Mountain, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1911), 55.

4. Ellen G. White. The Great Controversy (Mountain, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1911), 132

– Rochelle Mekowulu

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LOADED

BA KE D

– Dorothee Louis

SWEET POTATO – Sarah Victor

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When most think of comfort food, they think of something unhealthy. But when I think of comfort food, I automatically think of sweet potatoes! This recipe is not only extremely delicious, but it is super quick and easy to put together.

Ingredients 4 medium sweet potatoes (2 per person for a main dish or 1 per person as a side dish) 2 cups of cooked chickpeas 2 bunches of spinach (can also substitute kale) 2 cloves garlic, minced ½ chopped onion 1 cup diced tomatoes 1 ½ tsp salt (or to taste) 1 TB onion powder 1 tsp garlic powder ½ tsp chipotle powder ½ tsp smoked paprika 1 TB dried Parsley Cashew Cream (Blend 1 cup of water with ¼ cup of raw cashews, 1 tsp of lemon juice and 1 tsp salt until smooth) Guacamole

texture. (Taste again and adjust seasonings as needed.)

3. Once the potatoes are ready, cut them in half lengthwise. Top them with the spinach-chickpea mixture, cashew cream and guacamole (optional). Pair with a side of soup and/or salad for a delicious yet filling, healthy meal, for one of those cold winter days.

Enjoy!

“Sweet potatoes are one of the best sources of vitamin A

States, sweet potatoes also come in white, yellow, pink and purple varieties.”

Many think that becoming a plant based vegetarian means that they will be confined to a life of just salad, but that’s not the case! God has provided us with so much amazing variety of fruits and vegetables so that we not only receive all of our nutrients and vitamins, but so that we never get tired of eating the same thing. How thoughtful of Him?! :)

A large one contains more than 100 percent of the daily recommended intake. Vitamin A is an antioxidant powerhouse, and is linked to anti-aging benefits, cancer prevention and the maintenance of good eyesight.

Although the orange variety is the most common in the United

Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a fork, poke multiple holes into sweet potatoes and place in the oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until tender.

2. In a saucepan, add garlic and onions and cook for a couple minutes, until fragrant but before it browns. Add spinach and toss to coat. Next add the chickpeas, tomatoes, and all of the seasonings. Add 1/3 cup water and cover for five minutes. Remove cover, toss mixture, reduce heat, and cook until spinach is desired 15

A Medical

Missionary – Nigele McCoy

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Part 2

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n part 1, we laid a foundation for medical missionary work by looking at Christ’s biblical example. We understand that sin is the root of the majority–if not all–of our health problems and that sin is the transgression of the law; therefore, the keeping of the law gives us health.

This the Bible plainly states: “And [God] said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.” (Ex. 15:26) What law combined with obedience brings health?

“For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.” (Rom. 7:14) We see from the text that the law is spiritual. This means that sin is a spiritual problem and that physical health has a spiritual aspect as well. When we have a spiritual problem we go to the spiritual law to see what’s wrong. This spiritual law is found in Exodus chapter 20:1-17.

What about when we have a physical problem? We go to the physical law to see what’s going on in the physical. Now, this doesn’t mean that the physical problem isn’t rooted in a spiritual problem and solution. For although the spiritual law is primarily for spiritual problems, the violation of the spiritual law leads to physical issues. We shall look at this further in our study. First, let’s take a closer look at the physical law.

The physical law given by God

is outlined throughout the Bible. We use an acronym called G.O.D.S P.L.A.N. to make it easy to remember.

Godly Trust- “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isa. 26:3) Open Air - “And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them.” (Job 37:21) Daily Exercise - “The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.” (Ecc. 5:12) Sunshine - “O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.” (Isa. 2:5) Proper Rest - “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

(Matt. 11:28) Lots of Water - “And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” (Rev. 21:6) Always Temperate - “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” (1 Cor. 9:25) Nutrition - “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.”

(Gen. 1:29) Jesus as a medical missionary wants us to be sinless; therefore, He presents these laws of health. The physical law is composed of God’s health laws.

This law is the standard for

"Our focus is to help people understand the laws of health, to exercise faith in God’s Word and to obey His principles."

healthy living and when obeyed promotes and maintains health.

Jesus’ work as a medical missionary is not only to give the law but also to give power to keep it.

When an individual has a habit of doing something that isn’t right, the mind must change; the mind must be renewed to do something better. As medical missionaries we must present both the law and the power to carry out that law. From where does this power come? “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” (Jn. 1:12) The power is in Jesus.

There is another point that must be addressed; we can have the law and we can have the power 17

yet they can still have no effect on the sick person. The last thing a medical missionary must do as they present the laws and the power to carry them out is to help people to make a decision to follow God’s program.

When people make this decision then Jesus will support them, granting them not only the power to keep the laws of health but the strength and ability to stick with the program. The Bible says, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” (Deut. 30:19) The Bible also says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (Jm. 4:7) When the sick submit, God can heal the sickness.

As medical missionaries our focus is to help people understand the laws of health, to exercise faith in God’s Word and to obey His principles. The focus of the medical missionary is to renew the mind by bringing it into contact with Christ. The mind that is renewed by Christ seeks to do His will in all things.

To become a medical missionary, look to Jesus and follow his plan as outlined in the Bible. A medical missionary needs to study the laws of health and the physiology of the body (the temple of God), to understand how the body functions. These are the general and fundamental principles of medical missionary work, however, there is still much more that can be said in regards to the laws of health.

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"The power is in Jesus."

"We must present both the law and the power to carry out that law."

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A Mysterious

Bond

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Late nights, a mysterious bond drew us

depths of sin and death,

together.

How dare I not forsake all, even until my

In your mind you had to get her,

last breath?

And that you did.

So avoiding you was easy - God knows that

Not knowing anything about courtship we

wasn't true;

dated for fun,

Should I call him, no text him, no call him...

And by a certain time I made up my mind that

those thoughts invaded my mind.

you were "the one."

But it got easier through prayer, distance

See, I met you before I knew Him,

and time.

And as we both continued, we fell into sin.

However, currently thoughts of you invade

We both know the ups and downs that this

my mind,

relationship has brought,

And yes I mentioned that it got better with

The way we took each other's heart and tore

distance and time,

it apart!

But even the infrequent conversations we

The lying, cheating, those selfish acts we did,

have is too much.

Which brought me to my knees begging God

It has become a temptation because I'm

to forgive.

drawn away by my own lust.

Maybe you don't know this, but God has

Because my focus now is on God showing

given me a glimpse of His forgiving power

me the woman He needs me to be,

through you

So one day I can be the wife to "the one"

It is only the Holy Spirit that allowed you to

He has for me.

forgive me as you say you do.

Now this is another tough part, where I

So as God showed me the forgiving power of

must wait on The Lord.

the cross,

Jeremiah tells me my heart is deceitful

It broke my heart to consider our whole

and desperately wicked, so when it keeps

friendship had to be lost.

telling me "the one" is you, I have to keep

But when I saw how He saved me from the

guard.

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Because currently you are not the "the one" He did that because He knew that Heaven I am waiting for, because we are unequally will be undesirable without you there. yoked.

Do you see that if we never sinned Jesus You can't be the "the one", since you don't would not have had to die? spend enough time in the Bible How does it feel to know that we commit You can't be the "the one", because the world murder as easy as a blink of the eye? still has your heart Yet knowing people would reject Him, He still You can't be the "the one", because your pride died knowing some is in the way Will get to hear the words from our Father, And the priest of my home will know how to “thou good and faithful servant well done!” humbly lead following Jesus, "the Way." Some like me and you if you come home to Therefore, now I ask The Lord to draw you Him-prodigal son. with His loving kindness, And when you come home that doesn't mean To awaken in your heart a desire to serve Him me and you will be joined as one and set you free from Satan's blindness.

But it does guarantee we will spend eternity I pray that He would send His Holy Spirit to together in our Father’s throne! convict you of your sins, To give you no peace in mind, body and spirit until you have made peace with Him. And I know it's according to His will that no soul shall perish, so He will do His part But the only thing He will not do is force you, you must surrender your heart.

Surrender, because He died the curse for sins He did not have to bear.

How would you feel if you died for someone and they treated your sacrifice as if they didn't care?

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23

Abuse: A Bitter Cup

– Naomi Dufraine

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I

t is an amazing thing to know each day when you awake, that it is only through the grace and mercy of God and His perfect plan for your life, that you are still alive. When life afforded you many opportunities to breathe your last breath, it's sobering to know that the Lord had His hands on you and has very directly kept you from certain destruction: that is my testimony. My testimony is one of severe abuse: physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, and sexual. I'm sharing about sexual abuse specifically. Not because it's easy to be vulnerable but because my sisters in Christ are dying.

First, let me apologize to anyone who has been sexually misused or violated and has not found the church to be a safe place to heal.

My apology isn’t a minimization or a justification for further mistreatment claiming ignorance but an acknowledgement that healing begins with the knowledge and revelation that God is the one who loves you with an everlasting lovenot people (Jer. 31:3).

Sexual abuse creates a black hole in a person's heart and soul in a way that no other kind of abuse can. Although, it's unfair to expect a person to understand the desperate destitution it causes, I praise the Lord for the saints of God who try their best to sympathize. Only God has the antidote for such far-reaching evil, which challenges the very basic truth of what it is to be created in God's image. Anything that challenges the image of God in you, inevitably, challenges your ability to obey the law of God: His character ultimately is violated.

"God created man in His own image...male and female created He them" (Gen. 1:27). At our very core we are male or female-cre-

ated to give God glory. When this truth is violated and challenged by the lie that we are created for the glory of someone's selfish, debase pleasure against our free will, a door is opened and spirits are transferred, innocence is lost, and confusion begins.

Love is always the antidote for the damage sin causes. Love manifests itself in many ways: forgiveness, overcoming, letting go, holding people accountable for their wrong deeds, etc. God's love permeates the very depths of an identity lost through sexual violation. What does this mean practically? For me it meant that for every point of woundedness that presented itself as guilt, desperation, or shame, in God's loving presence, I find instead safety, acceptance and protection: I am hidden under His wings.

Notice, I didn’t say I necessarily felt safe although I was definitely in His safety. Learning who I am in Christ is a journey that I am still on.

With the Holy Spirit’s leading, the more lies -authored by the enemy of souls- that I confront, the less power my past has over my feelings. The only thing that hurt more than the violations themselves was admitting to myself that they hurt as badly as they did. I wanted to minimize and self-protect rather than confront and surrender. I took on the identity of my abusers by unknowingly agreeing to be their dirty little secret. As long as I could appear to "keep it together," I could ignore the deeper issues of my heart, or so I thought. The illusion of strength shattered when I finally let God in.

"God's love permeates the very depths of an identity lost through sexual violation."

I realized His view of me was very different from that of my abusers.

I allowed the Spirit of God to show 25

me that I was only who He said I was, no one else. This is where healing began: when I started to understand my identity in Christ.

Letting God inside the broken, tender spots in the heart hurts. But His love and grace gives me the courage to confront my abusers one by one and to be truly set free. The promises in God's Word will set you free of every sin, stronghold, thought pattern, point-of-view and fear. Hallelujah and praise the Lord for His countless promises! Truly we are rich beyond measure for each promise is life-changing and sincere!

In the times that seem too difficult to pass through, the pain too much to bear, I remember that God promises "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion; to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified" (Isa. 61:3) I invite you, if you have not already, to get to know the sweetness that flows from the heart of our Savior.

The sweetness that yearns to "heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds" (Psalms 147:3) My sister, do you know Him?

"Love is always the antidote for the damage sin causes."

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This is where hea to understand my

aling began: when I started y identity in Christ."

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A Woman's Worth: Natasha Nebblett – Rochelle Mekowulu

U

NASSUMING. THAT’S the word that I would use to describe her.

She spoke with simplicity but with a depth of meaning that moved me near to tears.

She didn’t know it but I was more blessed by conducting the interview than she was by giving it.

Surely the Lord had selected her to inaugurate this new feature “A Woman’s Worth.”

By her words she elevated womanhood and shone a light on the value that all daughters of God have, regardless of their occupation or station in life. I hope you too will be blessed as I was by this look into the life and heart of Natasha Nebblett – a daughter, sister, EMT, ministry leader, and soon to be wife.

I had been eagerly anticipating conducting this interview. This was our second go round after a failed first attempt, and much prayers were offered up that the Lord would allow all to run smoothly. It was clear after what happened the first time that the devil was afraid of this interviewtaking place. It caused me to wonder even more what the Lord was planning on doing through it. As the interview began, it was made evident.

To understand Natasha, we have to go back to her home life. She

is the woman she is today because of the influences that guided her from infancy. Natasha comes from a strong Christian home. The youngest of four children, she and her siblings were raised by God fearing parents, which cultivated within them a mindset to love and serve God. Yet even in the midst of such godly influences it was necessary for her to have her own experience with God at the age of 15. When she was 17 she gained a deeper love for ministry while ministering with her family in Europe. As she saw the power of God change the hearts of the young she was amazed. It was then and there that her heart became fully invested in ministry, and it’s safe to say she has not turned back, proving the truthfulness of Proverbs 22:6.

Natasha is not a stranger to many.

She just completed a two-year term as president of Generation of Youth for Christ (GYC); a youth-led movement within the Seventh-day Adventist Church committed “to serious Bible study, intense prayer, uncompromising lifestyle, and boldness in sharing with others.”

Among her duties as President, she provided strategic direction and represented the ministry within the states and abroad.

"Have a will that has been made neutral to the will of God.” was not on her radar. In fact it was not a position that she even desired. An introvert by nature, she is most comfortable out in nature taking prayer walks with her dog. There was another reason why she initially shied away from the presidency.

God has given Natasha a ministry to young women and part of that was exemplifying true biblical femininity. As a fan of true Godly masculinity, Natasha felt that this was a position that some god-fearing man should occupy.

Yet the Lord showed through many infallible proofs that this was indeed what he was calling her too.

When I asked her how did she recognize God’s leading, her soft But to hear Natasha tell the story, answer was filled with wisdom becoming the President of GYC that comes only from above. One 29

of the first principles she shared was the need to have a “will that’s been made neutral to the will of God” (See Psalms 40:8). She went on to explain that “Often times we look at our life work and say: ‘God, what do you want me to do?’ But we really want Him to say a specific thing. We want a specific direction.” Another powerful principle was the fact that God has given us all talents and gifts (see 1 Corinthians 12), and He desires to use these. We must pay attention to these, as they are indicators as to how God may want to use us in His service. It was clear that these very principles are what have led Natasha to an understanding of her own lifework, ministry to young women.

Natasha comments at the worldwide meeting of the Seventh-day Adventist Church caused many to re-evaluate the role of wife and mother. “People do recognize my work as president of GYC, and rightly so, however, they should give even more recognition when I become a wife and a mother, because those positions have even more potential, and frankly they call for much greater sacrifice.”

The position of wife and mother, according to Natasha, is more advantageous than any other position in ministry, because the potential for good or bad is greater. “The position of a wife can either make or break her husband [see Proverbs 12:4] and the position of mother can either make or break her children. I think one of the reasons why we don’t typically acknowledge those positions is because they are in many respects thankless positions.”

What does a woman in ministry look like to Natasha? “I think it looks like a characteristic more 30

than a position. A woman in ministry ultimately is a woman who understands selflessness.” I was curious for her response and this reply caused me to pause and meditate for a moment. For Natasha the core of ministry is service, and that service looks different for every woman based on her God given talents, her location and whom God has placed her around to serve.

them see how the callings on their lives were complimentary. The need for godly, mature input outside of one’s own perspective is crucial especially in relationships.

How did Natasha know that this was the man God was calling her to unite with for life? “Because of his character. Because of his dedication to God, because of his purity, because I knew he was more loyal to God than he Natasha believes that there are would ever be to me and knew specific areas of ministry that also that he was more devoted to women excel more in than do the honor of God that He would men, such as ministry to orphans ever be to an earthly relationship. and those caught in the sex The things that God has laid on industry. Her burden for these our hearts individually and the two groups shone through in the things that he has laid on both of earnestness in which she spoke. our hearts before we even got to “147 million orphans in the world know each other are essentially a today. All of them need to be match made in heaven. They are loved with the love of Jesus and made for each other and to comthey need to be reached with the plement one another. And lastly message of Jesus. There are 20 because he draws me closer to million enslaved people caught God, he always draws me higher” in sex trafficking. Not all of them are women, but most of them As she looks forward to her are women and girls.” Pointing upcoming wedding, Natasha is to what Christ said in Matthew anticipating the shift in her focus 25:31-46, Natasha sees a defini- and priorities as she assumes tion of practical ministry; “A call a new ministry as wife and furto complete self-abandonment ther down the road as a mother. and self-forgetfulness, and you “Ultimately my focus and my priorknow that’s what I really seek to ity will be Paul and his work, his do with my own life.” ministry, his business and making I couldn’t let the interview end without asking about her upcoming nuptials to Paul Dysinger in February 2016. It was beautiful to listen to how the Lord worked in bringing them together. It was even more wonderful to see what the Lord is willing to do when Biblical courtship practices are followed. Both have known each other for sometime, as their families are friends. The counsel of their God-fearing parents and mentors was integral part of the development of their relationship.

The counsel provided helped

"Because I knew he was more loyal to God than he would ever be to me."

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him a successful man in every way to the best of my ability and forwarding his life and vision and serving alongside him; learning how to draw closer to Christ together.”

As we wrapped up the interview, I asked Natasha if she would pray for us. As she petitioned God’s throne she said “Heavenly Father you know that I am small, and I am poor and needy, yet you think on me, and you think on all of us.” Indeed that line encapsulates this woman. Her favorite ministering woman in the Bible is Dorcas (see Acts 9:36-42), someone who is not given much stage time in the Bible, but was known for providing a humble and selfless ministry to widows. Dorcas was so beloved for her kindness that when she died she was resurrected by the Apostle Peter, a testament to how God esteems those who forget themselves in service for others.

Ultimately, that which I most admired about Natasha was the character of the One that she revealed. The righteousness of Christ beautifies the soul. This righteousness obtained at an infinite cost defines the true worth of a woman. For the price tag on every woman reads “worth the life of God.”

"For the price tag on every woman reads “worth the life of God.” 32

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34 Lilies in the City - February 2015

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