Wednesday, June 9, 2010

What is Women of the Harvest?

Women of the Harvest is a ministry that serves American missionary women serving cross-culturally through online resources and retreats in various locations around the world.  (You can see all the details at my Women of the Harvest tab above.)


My role?  I have the honor to lead these amazing women in worship at their retreats!  Often we have missionary women who are in serious need of some spiritual refreshment, rest and the comfort of new friends with a common cultural background.  I have the privilege to get to know these ladies for the 3 days they spend with us and I leave filled with stories and new friendships with some pretty amazing people.


We take approximately 20-25 volunteer staff each retreat to pamper our new missionary friends.  We travel to a location in their part of the world bringing approximately 1000lbs of gifts with us!  We take things like peanut butter or Lucky Charms cereal.  Chocolate chips and brown sugar are also a highlight!  ...all things that are difficult to find outside of the US.


Our staff usually consists of hairstylists, counselors, massage therapists, pedicurists, a speaker that can speak into the missionary lifestyle and a worship leader.  We play games with them, have pajama parties with them and pamper them with massages, haircuts, pedicures and conversation.  I've seen women come completely drained and ready to return to the States because they feel they are unable to go on in ministry - and just 3 days later?  They are refreshed and have new sense of purpose and a heavy dose of encouragement to last them for the next leg of their journey.  It's amazing to see what God can do in only 3 days!


You can see my experiences below.  I traveled to Cancun in October of 2009, Chile in October of 2007 and South Africa in March of 2007.  Stay tuned for my stories from Southeast Asia in October of 2010 and drop me a note if you'd like to find out more!


To support me:  


You can make checks payable to Women of the Harvest and enclose a note with your donation designating your gift to: Tracy Meola's India trip.  Your donation is tax-deductible and will be receipted promptly.


Please send to:  Women of the Harvest, PO Box 151297, Lakewood, CO 80215-9297
Or call:  303-985-2148 or toll-free 877-789-7778 with your credit card information.


For more information, check out the website at www.womenoftheharvest.com 


Thank you!!!