Big Ocean Women Cottage leader Fatima Njoku in Jos, Nigeria was appalled by the news she was hearing: On 12 May 2022 a Christian college student, Deborah Samuel, had been stoned and burned alive by radical Islamists for “committing blasphemy.” Then, Fatima explained, “they proceeded to start burning, looting, and attacking other Christians in the…
It’s been a few months since I’ve written to the women of Big Ocean; oh how blessed it is to be back home with this loving sisterhood. In December, I almost lost my life. It was the Monday after Christmas, and we had just finished celebrating at my engagement dinner. Hopes and dreams for my…
From the missionary blog of President Gary Judd and Sister Julene Judd “Consider the Lilies” was recorded almost twenty years ago by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. I loved it immediately. The message of gratitude and faith and trusting in God resonated with me, even though I couldn’t actually imagine a flower like that…
I don’t like to wait. Like a stubborn toddler, I want what I want NOW! This applies to waiting in line at the store, for a delayed flight to be rescheduled, or the doctor to finally appear to discuss my medical situation. Over time I have had to agree with the adage that the best…
The woman was older, but in a way that spoke more of experience and enthusiasm and vibrant life than of age, really, her gray hair swept back from her face and held in place with ornate combs. They were interesting things, those combs, bright and colorful against the sober shades of her hair, as bright…
Recently a friend told me about a trip she had made a few years ago to a country in Europe. She thoroughly enjoyed her sightseeing. However, she was dismayed that so many of the small old churches were no longer open to the public. Fortunately, sometimes she could find a caretaker who would let her…
Many have been searching for or examining their faith as the pandemic continues to rage across the world. I have followed that pattern. Multiple evidences witness to me that we are not alone in this world nor governed by the winds of circumstance and man’s fallibility. I have felt God’s love, heard His voice in…
Posted December 11 Perspective changes in an instant. I have been busy with all the things I normally do and then I heard that my brother, Dwight, was struggling with COVID-19 and was in the hospital. From that moment on my life has been changed. The other prayers in my heart have had to move…
https://youtu.be/MP7R3jymWr8
I love that every year the first tenet we discuss as Big Ocean Women is that we are women of faith. My faith is the most important thing in my life. It is what guides every major decision I make, and I try to live it through even my smallest choices. Knowing that 83% of…