We volunteers have been changed by this week in Cape Town. One woman spent her childhood in an African country and has longed for many years to return in a ministry capacity. This was her time. During a debrief exercise where we used photos to express the emotions we feel, she chose an image of a small girl swinging, pumping ever harder to soar higher. That small girl was our global worker. The volunteer recognized that her role was to occupy the empty swing in the picture, coming alongside the global worker, encouraging her to continue swinging. This woman is returning to her home knowing that God has called her to pray more diligently and regularly for the women she met this week.

Many volunteers were surprised to discover that, although they believed they were here to minister to global women, they ended up receiving blessing upon blessing as they served, and they were ministered to themselves. Our emotions ranged from anger to joy to sadness to excitement and more. We know that the Lord is working in each situation, and we eagerly anticipate all that He will do. As we say goodbye to each other, we know we have shared a unique time. Each of us has a much clearer picture of what and how to pray for global workers. If you know one of these volunteers, ask for her story when you see her.

These women are our sisters, yours and mine, fellow pilgrims on the same road but following diverging paths. We all labor in diverse fields, but for the same purpose of advancing God’s kingdom. Will you commit to befriending a global woman and praying for her today?