Plug into power that can transform your life.

You can’t see electricity, but you know it’s there. Electric power – though invisible – is quite tangible. Proof lies in the results. Flip a switch and there’s light. Plug in the kettle for your morning coffee, and the water boils.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could do the same with your life? If you plug mind, body and spirit into a power source? Within moments you could receive power to fulfill your purpose, pursue your passions and express your creativity. By plugging into the power, you could be all you were meant to be.

There’s probably no personal recharge outlet in your wall, but what if, instead of electricity, your power source was a spiritual one? One of the most passionate, purposeful and powerful individuals this world has ever known – Jesus Christ – understood his spiritual power.

His life was living proof. In fact, Jesus made such an impact during his 33 years on earth that time as we know it is divided into before (BC), and after (AD) his birth.

Jesus demonstrated power as he performed miracle upon miracle. He turned water into wine at a wedding. He healed sick people, he raised the dead, and he restored many who felt hopeless or stuck.

“But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power” The Bible, Acts 1:8

Two thousand years after his life on earth people are still fascinated by Jesus. The Bible, which tells his life story, remains the bestselling book in the world.

Jesus demonstrated the principles of living life to the fullest. In fact, he said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (The Bible, John 10:10).

He talked about life – real and eternal. Life that is more and better than anyone ever dreamed. His time on earth was a concrete example of abundant life.

The way he walked. Although he had only three years in which to fulfil his task, he was never in a rush.

The way he talked. Every word that flowed from his lips was filled with truth, wisdom and life.

The way he lived his life. He regarded everyone – family, friends, children, adults, even enemies and strangers, as precious.

One of the keys to his power was keeping in constant communication with his father, God. Jesus plugged in daily. He also understood that God knew best and so he made sure he consulted God on every detail. And from day one he was committed to doing his father’s will.

This commitment resulted in the most passionate display of power known to mankind: Jesus conquered death. After being crucified and buried, Jesus walked out of his grave. He was alive. Jesus’ purpose was completed in this final powerful act. Even death held no power over him.

Power for Life

But why did he have to die? It had everything to do with the history and laws of the universe.

From the beginning, people made choices that weren’t exactly God’s idea. Every time we have chosen our way, not God’s it has affected our relationship with him. This disobedience, called sin, thwarted communication between God and humanity.

But that wasn’t the full extent of the consequences. Broken communication would ultimately lead to death – an eternal spiritual separation from God. Why? Because his perfect nature can’t co-exist with imperfection, much like pure water can’t be mixed with polluted water.

God didn’t want any person to die without knowing him. In fact, he loved people so much that from the beginning, he wanted each person to experience eternal and abundant life. He was so committed to restoring this relationship that father and son came up with a solution.

The only way people could be saved from eternal death was if someone died in their place. Somebody had to pay for every time anyone had ever been, or will ever be, disobedient. But there was a catch: the person who took on the task had to be pure and perfect. This person had to be fully human and face the same struggles and choices people have. He also had to be fully God since only God is perfect.

Jesus rose to the challenge. He knew this was what his father wanted. And despite the fact that death wasn’t easy – even for someone who was perfect, he was willing to do it.

The plan to save the world was put into action when Jesus arrive on earth. And it was completed when he walked out of the grace to return to his heavenly home.

Jesus’ death paid the price for human disobedience. His life created the possibility for anyone who believes in him to tap into the greatest power source known to humankind – God.

But just like electricity, you can’t see God. And you first have to plug in before you can experience his power.

Plug Into Power

We can pursue the noblest purpose with the greatest passion, but unless we’re plugged into the power source, we might miss out on the principal purpose for our lives – a relationship with God. How do you get there?

Attitude Check It starts with an attitude adjustment. Review where you are at right now. Do you believe that Jesus is the son of God? Do you believe that God lives you? Do you agree that Jesus’ death is enough to redeem you from all those times you resisted God’s plan?

Admit It You know you aren’t perfect. (What about all those times you did things you knew you weren’t supposed to do?) Admit it. And ask God for help to say yes to his perfect plans, and no to your won limited ideas.

Accept It Now tell Jesus “thank you.” He died, so you can live and have a relationship with God. (And he loves it when we show our appreciation.)

Just Do It Put God in charge. Hand over the keys of your life to him. Ask God to direct you and help you live that full life Jesus promised.

Now Say It Starting a relationship with God begins by talking to each other and spending time together. It’s just like building a friendship. You can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer. Praying is simply talking to God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. You can start by saying something like this:

Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you died on a cross to pay for my disobedience. Thank you for forgiving me of all the wrong things I have done and will ever do. Thank you for giving me eternal life. I invite you to take control of my life and to make me the person you created me to be.

And Now? If you accepted Jesus today, you’ve started an extraordinary relationship. You now have the potential to experience fulfilment like you’ve never imagined. And as you ask Jesus for his insight abut every decision you make, you’ll soon discover the power to be all you can be. God will never leave you and you now have eternal life. As you learn more about your relationship with God, and how much He loves you, you’ll experience life to the fullest.

As I dropped my seven-year-old daughter at school today, I greeted several moms. One was from Taiwan, another from India, still others from Peru, Fiji, Russia, Malaysia, Korea and of course several born and raised in Canada! I love the cosmopolitan character of my city.

The cultural diversity enriches our community and keeps my heart open to God’s heart, He who so loves the world that He gave His only Son. He, who said, “Go and make disciples of all nations …

And so the question on my heart as I see these women is, “Do they know Jesus yet?”

A great opportunity

Around the world March 8 has been designated as International Women’s day, a day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women. What a fantastic opportunity to encourage women with the news that God loves them and has a wonderful plan for their lives!

Why not consider hosting an event to mark International Women’s Day in your community or neighborhood? You can help provide a place in your city where the women God has brought from all around world can be affirmed in their value as they hear the life-changing message of God’s love and forgiveness.

You can do it by following these six steps:

1. Pray!

• a) For eyes to see the women from around the world in your community.
• b) That God will give you His heart for the lost.
• c) That God will give you His wisdom and direction to organize and host the most effective gathering possible.

2. Choose a team and share the vision!

• a) Ask God to bring women to you who have a heart to reach people from other countries.

• b) Choose women with strengths you do not have. You will need women who are strong in prayer, in ideas, in promotion, in getting the job done, in administration, in relationship skills. Remember, no one is good at everything. We need each other!

• c) From the beginning, encourage the team to be filled with His Spirit and to commit to work together in prayer, love and unity.

3. Determine the character of your event

• a) Be determined to make your event evangelistic! Your task is to provide an environment where the Holy Spirit can draw these women to Jesus!
• b) Determine the size of your event. It can be intimate – held in a home with neighbors or community wide – held in a hotel or hall.

4. Identify your potential audience

• a) Find out about the people from other countries who live in your community. Seek to learn the answers to some of these questions:
  • What countries do they come from?
  • What are their needs? Interests?
  • Who are the leaders or “who’s who” in the different ethnic groups or in the international community?
  • Where do they gather?
  • Are there ethnic churches that you can work with?
  • What other Christian or service groups are working with the international community?

• b) Host a focus group with women from other countries to find out what they would like to see in a gathering for international women.

5. Identify your resources

• a) Women from other countries will become your best promoters and your cultural guides so that you do not offend others inadvertently.
• b) Best location: Some important considerations are,
  • Is it neutral? Because you want women from other faiths to feel comfortable to attend, a church is often not the best venue.
  • Can it be decorated to be appealing within your budget?
  • Will it accommodate your program and the number of guest you are hoping to have?

• c) Funds: Because the women you are seeking to reach may not have a lot of funds, it is often necessary to raise money to subsidize the cost of the event so that more people can attend.

6. Make it happen!

• a) Date: The week in which March 8 falls is designated as International Women’s Week so any day that week works for this event. Friday evening often works well because many international women have fewer classes or other commitments that day.

• b) Time: What you decide to include in your program will dictate the length of your event, but usually two and a half to three hours is adequate to accommodate a time of eating, entertainment and sharing the gospel.

• c) Program: The most valuable input I have received from international women about the program is that they want to hear from other international women, not from “experts” from the host country.To design your program:
  
  • Choose a theme that will encourage women.
  • Find one or more speakers who can address the theme.
  • Find one speaker who can clearly share the gospel in a way that relates to the theme.
  • Find groups or individuals who can provide entertainment from a variety of countries to give the program a multicultural flavor.

• d) Promotion: In order to have a high percentage of non-believers attend this event:
  • Be clear when promoting in churches that Christians should attend only if they are bringing a non-Christian guest.
  • State clearly on the invitation that it is a multicultural celebration for women, and that the topic of faith in a loving God will be addressed. Include two or three components of the evening that will make the women want to come. Eg. Door prizes, a well-known entertainer, a particular topic.
  • Invite women from political and multicultural circles, from ethnic associations, from ESL classes, from university and high school student groups.

• e) Budget: After choosing your venue and doing some preliminary planning on program and promotion, determine your budget so that you can set your ticket price and develop any additional funds you will need to cover all your costs.

Ideas that Have Worked

Theme #1: Women Around the World – Journeys of Hope

Invitation wording:

Celebrate the diversity of women as we share food and music from our unique cultures.

Discover our similarities as we share our joys and our pain.

Receive encouragement from women as they share the hope and strength they have found through faith in a loving God.

Theme #2: International Women’s Week – come celebrate with women around the world – our passions, purpose and power to change!

Invitation wording:

Come join us for a multicultural evening of desserts, music and inspiration. Ignite your passions, clarify your purpose in life and discover how you can have the power to change through faith in a loving God. Meet us at: [specific details]

Come in your national dress if you wish.

It’s the Great Commission!

Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations… and lo, I am with you always!” The nations are coming to us. Let us reach out to them with the love of Christ and watch what God will do.

Flo is her neighborhood’s self-appointed welcoming committee. To welcome a new family into the area, Flo appeared on their doorstep with freshly baked cookies. As Flo and her new neighbour chatted, the lady began sharing some of the tragedies that had plagued her life lately. “I feel completely worn down,” she told Flo. Flo listened compassionately and then said, “Well, you know, there is hope.” The lady grabbed Flo’s arm and cried, “Where?” And so Flo shared her faith in Christ. Talking about it later, Flo said, “I never expected to share; I just wanted to meet her!”

All of us have opportunities to tell others about Christ. We can be creative in how we transition from everyday small talk to spiritual things. Here are a few transition statements you can use naturally in almost any conversation.

• With someone you are developing a relationship with: “Do you ever think about God?”
• With someone who is telling you a problem: “Where do you think God fits into all of this?”
• Another transition in these circumstances could be: “I understand how you feel. I feel that way sometimes but what really makes the difference for me is my relationship with God.”
• Or you could give someone some evangelistic material like the Women Today publication and then ask later: “Did you get a chance to read it? Did it make sense to you? Do you know what it means to know Christ personally?”

Find a transition you are comfortable with and make it your goal this month to share your faith with one person. Be alert as you talk to people. If you’re looking for opportunities to relate everyday circumstances back to God, you’ll be sure to find them!

That is one reason I am looking forward to summer–my schedule relaxes and opportunities to spend time with people increase. Over and over Jesus emphasized the importance of loving others and even went so far as to say that the mark of a Christian is the love we have for one another (John 13:34-35).

So how can I strengthen my relationships this summer?

1. Well, first I will need to make it a priority to spend time with others. I know summer days can quickly fill up with activities, so I am already planning which friends I want to spend time with and what I want to do with them. I especially want to get together with my non-Christian friends. Once I get into their world, I know God will show me how to relate His love to their situations.
2. Secondly, I will need to establish an environment of trust. I can do this by being vulnerable and not pretending my life is perfect. I will need to be honest and open about my own needs, failures and dreams. I will also need to find tangible ways to communicate that I care. Dr. Alan McGinnis in his book, The Friendship Factor, calls it taking the time to think what might bring a moment of happiness.Another key to creating this environment is deciding not to judge. Invariably as I get to know people better, I find things I think they should change. But rather than trying to change them, I want to show acceptance and respect and let them change themselves.
3. The third thing I want to commit myself to do this summer as I build relationships is to pray. I am convinced God is at work in each person’s life, so I want to talk with Him about my friends and be in tune with His purposes. I know He will enable me to “always be prepared to give an answer, with gentleness and respect, to everyone who asks about the reason for the hope that [I] have” (I Peter 3:15).

I am anticipating a great summer as I trust God to help me do some significant building in a few relationships. And I am praying He will work in and through you and your relationships as well.

Recently I bought my two sons Nike T-shirts.

It was a fraction of what I’d paid. “Ruth,” I said, “you’ve got to tell me about these sales!” And so now, Ruth lets me know what is on sale and where. I love to find a bargain and since Ruth knows where to go, I automatically ask for her advice.

A creative friend of mine always says, “If I don’t know how to do something, I look for someone I know who does it well. Then I learn from them.”

How often have you asked for advice on how to decorate, remove a stain or solve a computer problem? I’m sure you’ve come away enriched–and equipped with the know-how to do something more easily or creatively.

I have been encouraged recently to see women using this age-old tradition of partnering to get ideas on how to share the gospel. Let me share a few examples.

• In March, I attended a luncheon sponsored by the organizers of a conference called Faithlift. After sharing the purpose of the conference, they told us, “If this event would strengthen and build the women in your area of influence, we invite you to make your conference.” What an invitation! And what a response. Over 1200 women, from more than 100 mainline and evangelical churches attended.

• In April, at the Building Together conference in Vancouver, BC, Canada, 36 ministry workshops, presented by a broad spectrum of groups, dispersed excellent ideas for reaching women. As women networked, hearts were strengthened and leaders bubbled over with new courage and ideas for ministry.

Both the luncheon and the conference left me pumped! I knew God was moving in the midst of us as we learned from each other and worked together to get ideas on how to share His love with the lost.

Philippians 1:27 tells us to, “…stand firm in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel.” That’s exactly what is happening as we set aside the things that divide us and concentrate on the things that unite us in Christ.

Women Today, Canada seeks to provide contemporary resources and training and share ideas the Lord gives us. We know the Lord is giving many of you ideas, too. We want to serve the body of Christ, by being a “clearing-house” for ministry ideas that work.

Just like Ruth and I work together to get great bargains, we at Women Today, Canada want to partner with you, your church or organization to learn your ministry ideas and to share ours with you.

“The very act of preparing and serving tea encourages conversation. The little spaces in time created by teatime rituals call out to be filled with conversation. Even the tea itself–warm and comforting-inspires a feeling of relaxation and trust that fosters shared confidences.”(Emilie Barnes, “If Teacups Could Talk”)

Picture yourself and your friends seated around a table amidst dainty food, silver spoons, classical music, china cups and scented nosegays Between sips of smooth, warm tea, you chat freely about your lives.

What more non-threatening environment could there be to share the love of Christ?

For many years, Power to Change Ministries has used home-based evangelistic parties to reach women for Christ. Victorian teas are a new twist on this idea, and the Lord is really using them for His purposes.

With ideas and support from Power to Change Ministries, Christian women are getting together with a few friends to host the teas for their non-Christian friends, neighbors and co-workers. So far, the teas have been very effective in reaching women of all ages with the gospel.

Anne Feenstra of Abbotsford, British Columbia recently hosted a Victorian tea. She shares her experience in the following interview with Power to Change Ministries with the hope that you, too, will be inspired to talk and pray with your friends about hosting a tea party with a purpose.

Power to Change Ministries: Why did you decide to host a Victorian tea?

Anne: I wanted to impact my community and I love entertaining. This seemed like something I could do in my own home. It wasn’t overwhelming to me–like going out on the street preaching.

Power to Change Ministries: Who came to the tea?

Anne: There was a team of three of us that organized the tea. We invited our non-Christian friends and we also invited Christian friends to invite their non-Christians friends. We told our Christian friends to come only if they brought a non-Christian with them, as the whole purpose of the evening was evangelism. We had 31 people attend the evening, and at least half of them there were non-Christians.

Power to Change Ministries: Which part of the evening excited you the most?

Anne: Actually seeing the results! We were all trusting God that there would be some people there that would make first time decisions for Christ. There were seven people that indicated that they had prayed to receive Christ and one that had made a recommitment.

Power to Change Ministries: What are you doing for follow up?

Anne: Each of the people who prayed have been sent a Knowing Jesus Personally magazine. In many cases, the individuals who invited them are continuing to encourage them, answer questions, invite them to church and just love them.

Power to Change Ministries: Why do you think this idea works so well?

Anne: Women love to be pampered, and the Victorian tea theme gives a certain elegance to the gathering. It rained the night of our tea. At first we were disappointed that the weather wasn’t better, but we decided to have our sons meet each woman at her car with an umbrella and escort her into the house. It really broke the ice and each woman came in laughing and feeling special. God had it all planned, right from the start.

Another part of the appeal is simply the intimacy of a home. Sometimes people are apprehensive about going to a church, but most people are pretty comfortable in a home. Having a team of neighbors host the tea also really worked well. The three of us were so excited and enjoyed such camaraderie as we worked on this. I hope they say, “Let’s do it again!” I really want to do another one!

The Sunday after the tea, we had an “angel party” with our three families and rejoiced together in what God had done. Our churches were really supportive too, praying with us, loaning us some chairs and rejoicing with us when we saw the results.

Power to Change Ministries: Any suggestions for someone who is thinking about hosting a Victorian tea?

Anne: Go for it! You’ll be blessed and you’ll bless others.

Picture yourself and your friends seated around a table amidst dainty food, silver spoons, classical music, china cups and scented nosegays Between sips of smooth, warm tea, you chat freely about your lives.

What more non-threatening environment could there be to share the love of Christ?

For many years, Power to Change has used home-based evangelistic parties to reach women for Christ. Victorian teas are a new twist on this idea, and the Lord is really using them for His purposes.

With ideas and support from Power to change, Christian women are getting together with a few friends to host the teas for their non-Christian friends, neighbors and co-workers. So far, the teas have been very effective in reaching women of all ages with the gospel.

Anne Feenstra of Abbotsford, British Columbia recently hosted a Victorian tea. She shares her experience in the following interview with Power to Change with the hope that you, too, will be inspired to talk and pray with your friends about hosting a tea party with a purpose.

Power to Change: Why did you decide to host a Victorian tea?

Anne: I wanted to impact my community and I love entertaining. This seemed like something I could do in my own home. It wasn’t overwhelming to me–like going out on the street preaching.

Power to Change: Who came to the tea?

Anne: There was a team of three of us that organized the tea. We invited our non-Christian friends and we also invited Christian friends to invite their non-Christians friends. We told our Christian friends to come only if they brought a non-Christian with them, as the whole purpose of the evening was evangelism. We had 31 people attend the evening, and at least half of them there were non-Christians.

Power to Change: Which part of the evening excited you the most?

Anne: Actually seeing the results! We were all trusting God that there would be some people there that would make first time decisions for Christ. There were seven people that indicated that they had prayed to receive Christ and one that had made a recommitment.

Power to Change: What are you doing for follow up?

Anne: Each of the people who prayed have been sent a Knowing Jesus Personally magazine. In many cases, the individuals who invited them are continuing to encourage them, answer questions, invite them to church and just love them.

Power to Change: Why do you think this idea works so well?

Anne: Women love to be pampered, and the Victorian tea theme gives a certain elegance to the gathering. It rained the night of our tea. At first we were disappointed that the weather wasn’t better, but we decided to have our sons meet each woman at her car with an umbrella and escort her into the house. It really broke the ice and each woman came in laughing and feeling special. God had it all planned, right from the start.

Another part of the appeal is simply the intimacy of a home. Sometimes people are apprehensive about going to a church, but most people are pretty comfortable in a home. Having a team of neighbors host the tea also really worked well. The three of us were so excited and enjoyed such camaraderie as we worked on this. I hope they say, “Let’s do it again!” I really want to do another one!

The Sunday after the tea, we had an “angel party” with our three families and rejoiced together in what God had done. Our churches were really supportive too, praying with us, loaning us some chairs and rejoicing with us when we saw the results.

Power to Change: Any suggestions for someone who is thinking about hosting a Victorian tea?

Anne: Go for it! You’ll be blessed and you’ll bless others.