Dear Sis Ivy,
I am very encouraged in hearing the plans that you and Bro David have discussed.
I look forward to hearing how you progress.
Spreading the light of the gospel hope is our response to the grace we have received.
Regarding you comments about our gender roles being a deterrent to some.
I have attached an article I wrote in October and shared with the BCAF members.
No response from them.
Too often the fact that a brother can quote correct doctrine has been deemed all that is important.
And the fact his lifestyle and attitude toward women is out of sync with the character of Christ is ignored.
Actually I strongly believe that all Bereans need to re-examine the gender roles we promote.
But that is a subject for another day.
Regarding projects for sisters.
In my early years in visiting Kenya I was very eager to promote projects that would give some financial independence and improve the quality of life for our members, both brethren and sisters.
Very few achieved the hoped for goal.
And distrust and fraud increased as the church was seen as a source of income.
Many were not able to budget to keep the project going. Every shilling earned was spent, so no funds to do repairs on machinery, buy supplies for a shop, replace stolen parts, or generally make the project self supporting.
Your education and job skills may be what is needed to organize and run a project.
Do the sisters know how to make things that would sell in an overseas market?
Once in business would they be able to buy the supplies needed from any profits made, or would they look for outside funding for this?
I know their lives are so tough, and every shilling that comes into the house is needed for essentials. So it is difficult for them to budget for a project.
Trump is threatening increased tariffs on imported goods to the USA, and you would need to know if that would effect your market.
It will be a problem for Canadian exports to the USA.
My prayers and best wishes for both you and David, and Charles Leonard, as you all seek employment.
It has been so depressing for our young brethren, after doing so well in college, to not even get job interviews.
But it may be Christ has his own plans for them.
There certainly is a place for thoughtful discipleship, not just scripture quoting, in all Berean ecclesias.
May our loving lord bless and guide you.
your sister, Kaye.
Sis. Kaye