We had a powerful time ministering to young ladies in the nations of Liberia and Ivory Coast.  Rana and I used the life of Esther to  give hope and encouragement.  The recurring theme in each of our messages was “leaving your past and fulfilling your destiny”.  We encouraged them to not let your past determine your future.  Esther did not come from the best background, yet despite her circumstances she became queen.  Rana pointed out that if Esther had not entered the competition, she would have never been chosen.  This may seem like a simple enough revelation, but how many times do we not enter because we have decided that we will lose before we even begin.  Don’t quit before you get started, but believe that despite what you feel, God will use you for His glory!

One thing in Esthe,r’s life that challenged me, and that I shared in the conference was that when Esther was given the chance to choose whatever jewelry she liked, she decided to chose only what Hegai suggested.  With Hegai representing the work of the Holy Spirit in oulives, we have to shoos what the Holy Spirit is telling us, for He is showing us what pleases the King.  We may be choosing things for our life that pleases us, or it looks real good to the people, maybe even looks real “spiritual”; but, it is not pleasing the King.  We have to make the decision to not choose what only looks good, or just what pleases us; but we have to choose only that which pleases the King.

There was so much that was shared in these conferences, I wish that I had the time to share everything with you.  Many were challenged and encouraged that God will use them in His harvest.  There is so much need in West Africa, and it was an honor for us to be a part of encouraging and equipping the laborers.