I had the privilege recently of attending a graduation ceremony for 112 women who had completed one of the basic Pastoral Care for Women courses:  Being a Woman is Marvelous or Healthy Relationships. 

As part of the ceremony, each class was asked to do a creative presentation about a teaching that had impacted their lives.  Some dramatized about learning to break down their prejudices, including racial prejudice as well as prejudice against foreigners (especially Nicaraguans).  Others sang songs that spoke of the changes God was working in their lives.  Others demonstrated different ways to improve relationships within their families: couples spending time alone, better communication and so on.  What variety!

I had visited a Healthy Relationships class in Cartago.  Several women spoke about what this course had done for them.  Shirley said, “This course has served as a guiding light for the changes I need to make in my life.  I tend to yell a lot and I´m learning that this doesn´t help in my family relations.  Also, I´m learning to trust my own opinions.  Before, my self esteem was always affected by what other people said.”  Gabriela shared, “Learning to be firm has been helpful in my relationships with my children and I feel more peaceful.”  This group´s graduation presentation was a rap song about making healthy choices in their lives and was wonderfully creative.  

One of the side benefits of these classes is the supportive relationships the students develop.   In fact, this group wanted to continue to meet so badly that they begged the professor to give a short three-session course on “Growing with Our Adolescents”.  They´ve even added a few more members to the class!  They now want to grow as persons as well as in their relationships as a way to glorify God. 

Thank you for your prayers and financial support which make it possible for me to be part of this ministry.  Please pray for the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend retreat against Domestic Violence.