In-depth Bible class
For over a year now, there have been separate Bible classes for women and men in Hammanskraal once a week, a ‘women’s class’ and a ‘men’s class’. These classes provide the opportunity to think more deeply about Biblical subjects and make it easier for women and men to speak and ask questions about subjects that can be difficult to discuss in a joint group. In this blog, we want to give you a glimpse into the women’s class.
It is Tuesday afternoon 12 o’clock. A number of women enter the classroom for a Bible class for women. In the other classroom, a number of men enter for a Bible class for men. The classroom doors close. Today, there are about 25 women in the class. Most of the women work in the garden, but there are also three women from the community. The ages are diverse: the youngest is in her early 20s and the oldest woman is about 75.
We start the Bible class by singing a number of songs, such as ‘Rock of ages’ and ‘ I once was a stranger’. After singing, we pray for God’s blessing and presence during this Bible class.
For several weeks now, we have been talking about ‘me and my children’. What does God ask of us and our children? From what age is a child a sinner? How do I read the Bible? How can I read the Bible together with my children?
For us, it is self-evident that a child is conceived and born in sin. But if you have not grown up with God’s Word, or if you go to a church where the truth is not preached, then this can be a question! Some women think from the age of 10, others from the age of 6 or 3. A few say from birth. Together we open the Bible to investigate what God says about it.
At the end of the Bible class we sing a few more songs and end with prayer.
After the class I stay to talk with a few women. While we are talking, I notice that something is wrong. After asking more questions, it turns out that there is a lot of gossip about one of the women. Painful for this woman! It makes her sad and helpless. She is considering never coming to the garden again. I talk to her for a long time. Together we try to think about what is happening. Who wants this woman to stop coming to the Bible classes? Satan combines his powers and in many ways he tries to keep people away from God’s Word. Especially when he notices that someone is listening too attentively and is becoming too serious in studying God’s Word.
Many of Satan’s wiles we do not see, but sometimes they are visible and tangible. On the one hand, that hurts and causes sorrow. Yes, if the Lord did not protect against it, it would discourage us. On the other hand, it gives us joy. After all, where the Lord builds His church, Satan builds his chapel. Then it can also give courage when you notice the battle! ‘Lord, art Thou building Thy Church? Here as well?’
Nella Verschuur
