Esita and Miriama

This morning was my last time to worship with our Church family here in Makalondi for 6 months. (It's always mind-boggling to me to think that I sit here snuggly with the women this Sunday and next Sunday I'll be sitting in my church in Georgia!) But this morning was a little more special.

What do you think that these two Jewish women had in common - Miriam and Esther. Two women from different periods of Jewish history...a nomad and a queen. What on earth did they share and what importance is that to this Sunday morning?

After church had finished and I stood up, a young mother seated just down the bench from me, tapped me on the arm and pointed to her newborn baby, asleep in her arms. I made over her and the mother handed her to me. A beautiful little girl all curled up in my arms. I went on outside to greet friends and tell others good-bye and visit with still others. Later I went inside to hand baby back to her mom, and I asked her, "What is her name?" A little discussion arose with Dama, a more mature woman...who then explained to me, "She wants you to name her baby."

Wow, what an honor. Since I wouldn't have the benefit of several days to think and pray over it, I breathed a prayer asking the Lord to give me a special name for this precious baby. The Lord brought Esther to mind, and the reasons for which I like it. I told the mother that I had chosen "Esita" and proceded to remind her of the story of Esther, in brief. I closed by telling her why I like, and chose, the name. As I stood to leave, Dama said, "You can't go yet...you need to name her sister too!" I looked at the woman beside the mother and she was holding Esther's twin sister! Now my mind was racing...whom else from Bible history did I admire? The Lord brought Miriam to mind. And for the same reasons. So I explained that I had chosen "Miriama" for baby sister and the special things about Miriam.

As God gave me those two names, the qualities that struck me about both women, was their courage and their influence. They weren't perfect women, but they allowed God to use them, and they learned to trust Him with their lives! And as a result they were indispensible to His plans for the nation of Israel...Women of influence and power, who in their courage and dependance on God, brought salvation to His people and Glory to His name! What wonderful qualities to pray upon these two new little Gourma girls... What plans does God have in store for them? How will they impact their own people and bring Glory to His name?...

Mom and the friends were all pleased and we had a little celebration over the two little girls. I kissed each of them on the cheek...the next time I see them they'll be 6 mos. old and more active! What a privilege to have a part in their lives!