Luke 8:1-3

New International Version

After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

For Meditation

You have committed yourselves to the ministry of the church, all you wonderful women in Christ worldwide. I take this opportunity to acknowledge you this morning before our Father in heaven, in the name of Jesus. I recall your invaluable services to Christ and the propagation of His word in diverse ways. They have found their fitting places in sacred scrolls in heaven, where your ultimate recognition awaits you. So, continue to prosper in His vineyard and let your sweet fruits delight the hearts of an uncountable number of people across the global Christian landscape.

Heaven counts you among the women who surrounded our Lord Jesus Christ in His earthly ministry—those gallant women who helped “to support His work out of their means (Luke 8:3).

You shine among the faithful women in Paul’s ministry, like Phoebe, the courier of the book of Romans to Rome, Pricilla, Euodia, and Syntyche, for the Red Carpet of heaven.

Heaven has numbered you among godly mothers like Lois and Eunice, who nurtured their children in the Lord, passing on their faith and instilling morals in them. Your labor of love is never in vain.

We acknowledge your self-sacrificing engagement in the mission field worldwide over the years. Your many contributions in diverse ways can never fade from the history of missiology. They tower among Christian testimonies in glory before our King Eternal. 

Finally, I tip my hat to all you beautiful women who have labored with my dear wife and me at IBC of Dakar for the past eighteen years. Many of you gallant women in the faith have moved on and are fruitfully serving in other fields elsewhere. Wherever this finds you, in Dakar or elsewhere worldwide, receive our heartfelt gratitude and the blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ. You have been magnificent with your dedicated services to the congregation of IBC over the years. Only eternity will measure your contributions to the building of God’s kingdom on earth.

As they say in my language, Ayekoo! (Congratulations!).