Our Inspiration
In 1 Kings 17, the Prophet Elijah tells King Ahab of the coming drought and follows God’s instruction to flee the town and hide in a ravine, where he is fed by the ravens for a year. However, as the drought continues, the brook runs dry and God instructs him to go to the town of Zarephath and the widow there. Upon arriving and meeting the widow, he learns that she and her son have just enough flour and oil to make one final loaf of bread and have resigned themselves to their fate. Elijah instructs her to make the bread and bring him some and promises her the flour and oil will not run dry until the drought is over. Elijah stays with the widow and her son, and they eat well every day. Some time later, the widow’s son falls ill and dies, and Elijah performs the first recorded raising of the dead in the bible.
Our Application
There is so much hope at Zarephath. It is a place of safety and hiding. It is a place of rest. It is a place of God’s continued provision. It is a place of life and resurrection. It is a place of serving and being served. It is a place of miracles and a place of revelation.
As women in ministry, aren’t we often in need of our own Zarephath? Our own rest, our own safety, our own place of provision, of fulfilled promises, even of resurrection? A time to be served and healed, a time to reclaim life and joy. That is the significance of Zarephath, the place and story to remind us of the God who loves us, provides for us, heals us, and breathes life into us. It’s not about the place, it finding the promises of Zarephath that Jesus offers us here and now.
ABOUT US
The struggle for women in ministry is real. Often underpaid and under resourced church staff and volunteers become tired. Demands of ministry reach well outside the boundaries of normal work hours and normal emotional & spiritual boundaries. John 10:10 tells us that Jesus came to give life to the fullest, but too often we lose sight of our own abundant life in helping others find theirs.
The work of women in ministry is often a windy road through hurt, pain, betrayal, and exhaustion amidst the joys and victories.
Finding Zarephath holds at its core the desire to encourage & renew the women who are supporting the work of their local church. To encourage and pray for all women in ministry and to help them connect with each other and with Jesus.
Finding Zarephath seeks to be a constant reminder of the life of joy that Jesus offers. A place to refill and refresh, a place to rest and recharge – in a moment of encouragement or in a time set apart.
Life-Giving Water – Proverbs 18:4
TESTIMONIALS
Thank you so much, once again for your lovely gifts for the ladies at CCC. We appreciate you all so much and for your prayers and encouragement. You have blessed us in many ways, but especially by acknowledging us when we feel overlooked.
May God bless you and your ministry abundantly in the coming year. Thank you again for loving on us. – The ladies at CCC
Thank you for your constant encouragements. Your ministry is a true blessing. May God continue to bless you. – Cynthia
Thank you for your prayers and gifts. They were a sweet surprise during difficult days. Would love to be on list for upcoming events and sabbatical weekends. – Julie
Hi! For many months now we ladies here at NLC have been receiving your gifts and notes. Thank you so much for encouragement and care, truly! – Christy