2017 Revive Our Hearts Winter Newsletter by Revive Our Hearts

Winter 2017 Newsletter

magine that someone was observing your life, that they listened to your conversations and watched the way you spent your time. Would they see Christ in you? Would He be evident in your attitudes

and actions? As believers, God has placed us here on earth as ambassadors of the gospel of Christ. Our calling is to make His love and truth visible, believable, and beautiful to skeptical observers. And thankfully God never planned for us to undertake this important job alone. To help us on this journey, He has graciously given us His Spirit and His church. And for us women, God has given us a community of other believing women for inspiration and support. Older women, younger women, women who are peers—we all need each other if we are to adorn the gospel and show its beauty in our lives. Outlined in Titus 2, this biblical model of older and younger women adorning the gospel—together—is critical for both to thrive. That’s why throughout the coming year, Revive Our Hearts is calling women to “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior” (Titus 2:10). Through the recent release of my new book, Adorned, our radio series on Titus 2 airing February 6– April 11, the Revive ’17 Conference this fall, and more, we’re praying you’ll be inspired to live out this calling with both older and younger women who share this vital vision. May God use you—along with Christian women of all ages—to help the beauty of the gospel shine forth in our families, our churches, and our world.

Adapted from Adorned: Living Out the Beauty of the Gospel Together

ADORNING

THE GOSPEL

IN COMMUNITY by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

2 ReviveOurHearts.com

i gathered a group of about twenty

us to sit around with our like-minded friends, talking disapprovingly

younger women in my home—all in their late teens or

about how the young women in our church are dressing or behaving.

ne summer evening

early twenties and serving together in a ministry.

After dinner,

we arranged our chairs into a circle on the deck, and I asked each of the girls to share a short synopsis of her spiritual journey. A wide variety of life experiences and issues was represented in that circle. At points I interjected words of encouragement or insight, sometimes sharing out of my own journey. But mostly I listened, my heart warmed by their openness to share and their eagerness to receive the seasoned perspective of the oldest woman in the circle. Afterward, several of those young women expressed gratitude for the interest I had shown in them and the investment (small as it was) that I had made in their lives. One of them commented how helpful this night had been to her because, as she said, “Our generation is so prone to think we have all the answers, that there’s nothing an older person could tell us that we really need to hear.”

But how much more productive (and biblical) would it be for us to get involved in the life of one or more of those younger women. I’ve always realized that younger women need older women in their lives. But now, as an older woman, I’ve come to realize how much we need younger women in our lives. (One practical perk for me, among many others, has been help with my wardrobe!) You just don’t know what you’re missing if you don’t have these kinds of intergenerational relationships. These younger women challenge my thinking. They inspire me to press on when I’m weary. They keep me from getting cold-hearted and crusty. They motivate me to believe God for more than I can see or imagine. And they bring me such joy. Today marks another birthday for me. My phone is lighting up with sweet texts, many of them from precious young women I have known and walked with

I believe this sense is a major reason why many older women

over the years—thanking me for my friendship, encouragement, and

tend to back away from their role in younger women’s lives. The

influence in their lives. They cannot know how deeply I feel the same

younger women don’t want us, they think. If they did, they’d ask.

way about them.

So, younger woman, let me ask you: How willing are you to seek

Few things in life are more encouraging than watching God work

out and receive the involvement of older women in your life? Do you

in another’s heart through the example of your life, your thought-

have a teachable spirit? Or do you leave the impression you can figure

ful, biblical wisdom, even your humble acknowledgment of lessons

life out on your own?

learned the hard way.

In His wisdom, God has made a gracious provision that you can’t

I realize you may be busier than you ever thought you would be

afford to do without. So my challenge to you is to take the initiative.

at this stage of life. Many women I know in this post-child-rearing

Seek out an older woman who seems to possess the qualities you’d

season are working hard to help cover college costs or supplement

like to embody one day. Ask if she’d be open to visit with you on oc-

retirement savings. Others find themselves caught in a whirlwind

casion, fielding your questions and allowing you to learn from her

of volunteerism—activities they always wanted to try but never had

experiences and—together—from God’s Word.

time for, as well as new expectations placed on them “now that you

Don’t be surprised if she says she doesn’t know what she could offer you. But don’t be surprised either if she’s delighted that you asked. When you meet, it might help to ask her questions like,

have the time.” But these years—when our circumstances and commitments begin to change and we face new decisions about how to fill our days—can also bring rich opportunities to lean in to our Titus 2 calling. So before dusting off your résumé as an empty nester or filling up

• “Have you ever struggled with ____?”

your calendar with new commitments, why not consider whether you

• “How have you handled _____?”

could be of greater kingdom usefulness by freeing up more of your

• “Would you pray with me about ____?” Don’t expect perfectly formulated answers. But do expect to learn from and be encouraged by the experience and hard-earned wisdom of this older sister/spiritual mom. I believe I can guarantee that, as your relationship grows, you will glean so much from this older woman that you’ll wonder how you ever got along without her friendship, prayers, and input. Hopefully you will be inspired to become the older woman in another woman’s life—and to never stop pouring yourself into others. I would offer a challenge as well to those who, like me, have

time for a different kind of responsibility? I sometimes want to say to those moms who are trying to figure what’s next now that their kids are out of the nest: “Look around! You are needed now more than ever. There are younger women who desperately need your love, time, encouragement, and wisdom!” And what if no one is coming out of the woodwork to sit at your feet? Why not begin asking God to bring a hungry-hearted younger woman across your path. Ask His Spirit to show you how to fulfill this clear, biblical mandate. And as He works, be obedient to follow through, confident that He’s paired you with someone who needs what you and your love and life experiences can provide her.

reached that older-woman season of life. It’s easy (and tempting) for Winter 2017 3

Q&A

REVIVE ’17 SPEAKERS TALK TITUS 2 MENTORING

HOW DOES BEING “ADORNED” FACTOR INTO TITUS 2 MENTORING?

D A M A R I S C A R B A U G H : I think selfishness

is a huge roadblock. The problem, however, is that we don’t see our lack of concern for others as

N A N C Y D E M O S S W O L G E M U T H : Our calling

selfishness. We see it as just being too tired or overworked. It

as Christ’s followers is to make His love and truth

takes time and effort to mentor someone, and many times we

visible, believable, and beautiful to skeptical

just don’t feel like we have the energy, time, or stamina to do it.

observers. But in order to adorn the gospel and let it adorn us in our mundane or agonizing realities, we need help. Lots of help! The biblical model of older women living out the gospel and training younger women to do the same—of women adorning the gospel together—is vital for all of us to thrive. Living our lives as Titus 2 women enables us to fulfill the purpose for which we were created. It helps our families and churches flourish and the beauty of the gospel shine forth in

M A R Y K A S S I A N : Two roadblocks are

insecurities, and a lack of time. Insecurities, because women don’t think they have anything to offer and don’t know where to start. And a lack of time, because women’s lives are so full of commitments that they hesitate to commit to one more thing. The solution? Reach for a good

our world.

resource—like True Woman 101 or 201—and step out in faith.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS A COMMON ROADBLOCK KEEPING WOMEN FROM MENTORING OTHER WOMEN?

HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO MENTOR OTHER WOMEN WHILE SERVING YOUR FAMILY?

D A N N A H G R E S H : Busyness is the greatest

B L A I R L I N N E : To prioritize my family,

persecutor of the Christian woman’s soul. Satan

discipleship looks more like a sister observing how

might be more frightening if he persecuted us with

I train our children, homeschool, and manage the

demonic appearances and extreme persecution, but it’s far

home during the day. I’ve come to appreciate that when a sister

more effective for him to subtly just wear us out with the things

can see up-close-and-personally how I talk with my husband

of the world so we have nothing left to give for the things of the

or show patience toward my children, it’s a way to display the

Spirit.

transforming power of the gospel. I believe this is at the heart

4 ReviveOurHearts.com

of Titus 2. We cannot merely teach (as important as that is!),

women bring dishonor to God’s Word and a church where

but we must exemplify (imperfect as we are!) by God’s grace,

women honor God’s Word by submitting to its authority and

the power of Christ at work in us through how we live our lives

sharing the gospel and their lives with other women. When

in light of the gospel.

women live out the beauty of the gospel together, they cultivate a life-giving culture in the church that honors God’s Word. Nothing is more impactful than that.

HOW HAS ANOTHER WOMAN’S EXAMPLE INFLUENCED YOUR OWN MENTORING? N A N C Y D E M O S S W O L G E M U T H : I knew

Vonette Bright from the time I was a little girl. She captured so much of what is beautiful about a godly woman—full of the Word, full of faith, full of spiritual vitality—all the way to the finish line. It gave me great hope to witness the still-full-of-life spirit and never-ending growth and

B E T S Y G O M E Z : If more women embraced Titus

2, the church would be revitalized, women would honor God’s design in the way they love their families, and men would respond to their wives’ submission and respect by stepping up as servant leaders. The gospel would shine in a brighter way, and unbelievers would glimpse a true, redemptive testimony of Jesus.

devotion of this woman more than three decades my senior. She offered living proof of what God’s grace can bring about in us—in me—as we continue to run the race He has set before us.

D A N N A H G R E S H : My friendship with Nancy

has impacted me like a meteor pressing into the side of the earth—in the way I seek to be joyful in difficult circumstances, nurture and care for guests, read the Word, and so on. For example, the first time I stayed in her home I noticed she had little more than yogurt in her fridge (it should be noted she took me out for dinner), but she knelt by the bed and prayed with me at bedtime. From that I learned that spiritual nurturing of our guests is far more impactful than

ADORNED: WOMEN MENTORING WOMEN THE TITUS 2 WAY

nutritional nurturing. Nancy prioritized the spiritual encounter over how perfectly her house was appointed with food and beverage.

AS YOU’VE GOTTEN OLDER, HOW HAVE YOUR TITUS 2 RELATIONSHIPS CHANGED? S U S A N H U N T : Women I have spiritually

mothered for fifteen or twenty years still look to

When women mentor other women, the Church grows in Christ-like beauty, the beauty of the gospel is shown to the world, and Christ receives all the glory! But what does mentoring look like practically? Find out when you join us in Indianapolis, September 29–30, for the Revive ’17 conference. • Compelling messages from several speakers based on each chapter of Nancy’s book, Adorned.

limitations and are increasingly protective of me. One of the

• Fourteen entertaining skits complementing the messages.

joys of getting older is seeing spiritual daughters “walking in

• Practical take-aways you can implement right away.

me for guidance, but they’re aware of my physical

the truth” (3 John 4) and being the recipient of their life-giving ministry.

WHAT WOULD BE THE IMPACT IF MORE WOMEN EMBRACED TITUS 2?

• Networking with like-minded leaders from across the country. • Spiritually energizing prayer and refreshment for your soul. • Encouragement and equipping for your ministry.

S U S A N H U N T : Paul answers this question for

us—“that the word of God may not be reviled” (v. 5). Imagine the contrast between a local church where

Forgiveness: SEARCHING FOR

MYRNA’S PATH TO FREEDOM FROM HER PAST

By Leanna Shepard

hen Myrna Ortiz typed the words “teachings

gladly died for her and forgave her own sins. Understanding this

on forgiveness” into her Google search bar, she

truth and releasing her deeply-rooted bitterness brought great peace

could not have guessed the life answers she would find. God had big plans in store for her, and it was no coincidence that Myrna’s search led her to the Revive Our Hearts homepage.

to her heart. Today Myrna continues to be a regular listener of Aviva Nuestros Corazones and is now one of the first Spanish Ambassadors for

Myrna’s hurt and pain from a divorce kindled her pursuit of for-

Revive Our Hearts. She played an intricate role in both the Spanish

giveness. While she listened to a message by Nancy, the Lord began

translation of True Woman 101 and in bringing next month’s Mujer

to work in her heart, convicting her of past abortions and hidden sins.

Verdadera Conference to her hometown of Queretaro, Mexico.

As she listened to the truth of God’s goodness and grace proclaimed, she came to understand that this same goodness and grace extended to her. In Jesus she could find freedom from sin! She joyfully surrendered to the Father and received the forgiveness offered to her through Jesus Christ.

She credits much of her spiritual growth to women in her church who welcomed and embraced her when she needed it most. These same women continue to encourage her in her walk with the Lord. In turn, Myrna has had the privilege of reaching out to other sisters in Christ in her community, both younger women and her peers.

Myrna’s journey did not end there. She soon discovered a pleth-

She considers it a joy to be living life with these women who carry

ora of Spanish resources available to her through Aviva Nuestros

each other’s burdens, pray together, and even share delicious recipes

Corazones and eagerly soaked up program after program. Over time,

together. They are a beautiful picture of walking life’s journey

God softened her heart toward those who had wronged her, and she

side-by-side in Christian fellowship.

realized forgiveness wasn’t something she could muster up on her own. Instead, the Lord had to produce it in her. “What I had to forgive was not as serious as what the Lord forgave me of,” she said. She saw the hypocrisy in not being willing to forgive others for little things done against her when her Savior 6 ReviveOurHearts.com

Rather than regretting past mistakes or resenting the consequences she’s left to face, Myrna rejoices in knowing she is serving her Savior. “Today I am a spiritual mother, I am the wife of my Maker, and I live in unconditional love.”

When You Partner with Us . . . Does Myrna’s story evoke memories of a time when

Also, do you remember the emotions bubbling inside

you, too, were reeling from pain and in search of answers?

you the opening night of your first conference? Relive

What or who offered you hope? For Myrna, finding a

those memories September 29–30 with your free ticket

Christian woman as a mentor was crucial for her spiri-

to Revive ’17 when you become a Ministry Partner.

tual growth. Nancy talks about the power of woman-towoman relationships in her brand-new book, Adorned: Living Out the Beauty of the Gospel Together, which you can request a complimentary copy when you sign up to become a Ministry Partner.

Ministry Partners commit to giving $30 or more each month and praying regularly for Revive Our Hearts. Partnering financially with us is not merely a way to invest in our ministry. By filling out the enclosed card and returning it to us by mail, you will touch a woman’s life with the same gospel hope that transformed your own.

TRUE WOMAN GOES TO MEXICO: Our Second International Conference In a little over a month, 5,000 Spanish-speaking women will descend upon Queretaro, Mexico for our second international True Woman Conference. Speakers Mary Kassian, Dámaris Carbaugh, Dannah Gresh, and Pastor Carlos Contreras will join Nancy on March 23–25. The main focus of Mujer Verdadera ’17 is Seeking Him (En Busca de Dios). Would you pray with us that God uses this time to strengthen these ladies in the Word and that He would knit their hearts to His?

Winter 2017 7

ou already know

nancy wrote a new book on titus 2. but did you know that before the book there was an entire

radio series on the first five verses of

titus 2? the

full series,

“god’s beautiful design

for

women: living

out titus 2:1–5,” will air february 6–april 7. Download the Revive Our Hearts app or tune in to your local station to join Nancy as she digs deep into this passage and uncovers God’s beautiful design for you as a woman. Along the way, you’ll learn how to mentor younger women in their own journey toward godliness. Here’s a snippet of what you’ll hear in the series:

“If we have sound, healthy doctrine, we’ll

“Mentoring is really just giving friendship,

“As older women we’re to model the

have sound, healthy believers and sound,

counsel, encouragement, and exhortation

beauty of an ordered life that’s lived

healthy churches. That is what will make a

by your example and your words. It’s living

under the control and the Lordship

difference in our culture.”

one-on-one in the context of everyday

of Jesus Christ. May our lives create

life.”

thirst and hunger in the lives of younger women.”

“No matter how old you are, there should

“The older you get, the bigger catalog of

“What you do to serve, bless, and train

never be a time when you stop flourishing,

failures you have that Satan can throw up

others flows out of who you are. You can’t

growing, and being fruitful. There’s never

in your face. Teach out of those failures—

teach others something you don’t have in

a time to retire spiritually.”

where you blew it, where you didn’t trust

your own life.”

God, what you learned through that, and where He found you. Teach out of your life, and help those who are coming behind you to be guarded and protected in their steps.”

Looking for bite-sized, daily encouragement right where you are? Follow us on:

Revive Our Hearts is an outreach of Life Action Ministries PO Box 2000 • Niles, MI 49120 • ReviveOurHearts.com • 800.569.5959

facebook.com/ReviveOurHearts twitter.com: @ReviveOurHearts pinterest.com/ReviveOurHearts instagram: @reviveourhearts

Editorial: Mindy Kroesche, Leanna Shepard, Hayley Mullins, Samantha Nieves, and Paula Marsteller Art Direction: Benjamin Hannah Design: Brittany Wong Photographers: Lightstock

Nancy, I want to invest in the ministry of Revive Our Hearts and help provide biblical encouragement to as many women as possible in 2017. My gift is enclosed. Please send me Adorned: Living Out the Beauty of the Gospel Together. (96645)

P.O. Box 2000 â&#x20AC;˘ Niles, MI 49120

My gift is enclosed. Please do not send me a copy of Adorned.

[FullName] [OrgName] [Address1] [Address2] [AddressCity], [AddressState] [AddressZip] [AddressCountry] [EntityID]

[GrpMotvCode]

I listen to Revive Our Hearts on _____ (station call letters). I listen to Revive Our Hearts on the Internet.

Donate by credit card: I authorize Revive Our Hearts to charge $ __________ to my credit card. One-time gift Visa

Monthly (on the 20th), beginning ___ /___ (month/year). This authorization remains in effect until Revive Our Hearts receives notification from me of its termination.

MasterCard

Discover

Credit card number: __ __ __ __ /__ __ __ __ /__ __ __ __ /__ __ __ __ Exp. date: __ __ /__ __ Cardholderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature: ______________________________________________________ Date: ____________________________ Print name (as it appears on your card): ___________________________________________________________________________

Donate monthly by Electronic Funds Transfer: I authorize Revive Our Hearts to withdraw $ __________ from my bank account on the 5th or 20th of each month. This authorization begins ____ /____ (month/year) and remains in effect until Revive Our Hearts receives notification from me of its termination.

Please attach a voided check. Signature: _______________________________________________________________________ Date: _____________________________

Nancy, I want to invest in the ministry of Revive Our Hearts and help provide biblical encouragement to as many women as possible in 2017. I accept your invitation to become a Monthly Partner and have completed the back of this form to reflect my monthly commitment of $30 ore more ___.

P.O. Box 2000 • Niles, MI 49120

My monthly partner gift is enclosed. Please send me Adorned: Living Out the Beauty of the Gospel Together. (96645) I can’t commit to monthly partnership at this time, but I’ll help with a one-time gift today of $_____. Please send me the Adorned book. Please do not send me the book.

[FullName] [OrgName] [Address1] [Address2] [AddressCity], [AddressState] [AddressZip] [AddressCountry] [EntityID]

[GrpMotvCode]

I listen to Revive Our Hearts on _____ (station call letters). I listen to Revive Our Hearts on the Internet.

Donate by credit card: I authorize Revive Our Hearts to charge $ __________ to my credit card. One-time gift Visa

Monthly (on the 20th), beginning ___ /___ (month/year). This authorization remains in effect until Revive Our Hearts receives notification from me of its termination.

MasterCard

Discover

Please attach a voided check. Signature: _______________________________________________________________________ Date: _____________________________

is an outreach of:

2727 Niles-Buchanan Rd. P.O. Box 31 Buchanan, MI 49107

Life Action Ministries

Adorning

the Gospel in Community

2017 Winter Newsletter Enclosed