WWL Global Connections

CLIMBING THE MOUNTAINS OF THE WORLD TOGETHER FOR HIM

This week I had the privilege of sitting with a dear friend, Suria Shultz, from South Africa. We reminisced about the beginning of our relationship, the great work God is doing all over the world, and the many mutual friends we have and what God has accomplished through them over the last ten years. We met in 2012 when 43 women embarked on a mission to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds and awareness for human trafficking projects worldwide. I am blessed to say we broke three world records with that event: the largest group of women to climb together, the largest female group to summit the mountain, and the largest group to make it to the true summit. Why? Because when God rallies women, He shows up, shows off, and we get things done together. We are better together.

During my tenure as director of the movement, Suria and I climbed many other mountains; base camp Everest, the Alps, seven 14,000 ft peaks in Colorado, and many more. The Lord literally called us all over the world to climb, speak, and serve. Eventually, the Lord led us to other callings - me to lead Masterpiece Women, a women’s movement, and Suria and her husband to launch a mission organization. As we reminisced, we spoke of many of our friends and sisters. Our group was a beautiful reflection of God’s design and purpose. On my podcast, Masterpiece Women, I have interviewed many of these women about the bold things God has called them to do. Our mission continues: to serve God, love others well, and make disciples. I love how the Lord weaves the hearts of women from all over the world to be friends, sisters, co-laborers, and collaborators. Once again, we are praying and dreaming of doing something big together.

It is awesome to think of all the Lord orchestrates as He facilitates ministry worldwide. He is so very intentional. You see, the journey for me to say yes to that climb began many years before. I vividly remember sitting at my computer, knowing God was calling me to my first mission trip. But where would I go? What would I do? I looked at the description of one trip many of my friends were preparing for and thought how fun it would be to serve under Pastor Doug, the leader. But I felt the Lord say, That is not what I have for you. For weeks after that, God confirmed I was to go to India. I didn’t want to, but I went. He rocked my world on that trip, including giving me some incredible lifelong friends. Two years later, I said yes to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds and awareness for the projects I had seen on that mission trip. The dearest friend I made from India agreed to be my tentmate and has remained precious to me since. For years we traveled around the world and spoke at events together. The Lord works all things out for His glory. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)

Another friend, Becky, who climbed base camp Everest with us, serves in Moldova. In 2015, I was privileged to take a church there to serve the projects. Those ladies and their teams have since returned many times. I can still picture the children and the hopelessness I witnessed. One young boy’s eyes broke my heart. He looked just like my son, Joey. The difference was that his big blue eyes were so sad, and I saw such hopelessness in them. You see, Moldova is one of the poorest countries in the world. Many women leave their children in orphanages to find income and end up being trafficked; this is a beautiful people group and, therefore, highly sought after for human trafficking. And yet their hearts are extraordinary. Despite its utter state of poverty, Moldova is currently serving thousands of refugees from Ukraine. Our friend Becky, from Canada, and her team have 80 refugees living in their headquarters.

You never know how God is going to use you when you say yes. I vividly remember Becky sharing the big dreams and plans her team had to serve the people of Moldova, but they didn’t know they would be serving refugees fleeing an invasion. But God knew. So, they are trusting Him for their needed provisions. God always provides. And He equips those He calls. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) says, Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. When we trust our Savior, He always makes our paths straight. Often, it makes no sense at first, but we can trust Him and watch what He does.

There are so many beautiful stories of our sisters from around the world that God orchestrated to meet, build relationships, and heed the call. Just like Women World Leaders, Masterpiece Women has a vision of bringing women together to grow, serve and change the world. Together, I believe that we are going to accomplish great things for our Lord. Ladies, don’t hesitate to say YES if God calls you to do something. He has great plans for you, and you never know how He will use you! Our ministry is based on Ephesians 2:10 (NLT): For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. We want every woman to understand that she is a masterpiece and to provide a community that enables each woman to grow personally and professionally. So, what is God calling you to do? Is anything holding you back? The time is now! The Lord will equip you - because He equips those He calls. Join us at www.masterpiecewomen.org to learn more and join our movement. Stay tuned for the next big thing God is birthing in our team.

Tina Rains

Founder Masterpiece Women, Speaker, Author and Executive Coach www.MasterpieceWomen.org