Written by Bethany Hengst on July 30, 2021.
The Word commands us to “Redeem the time for the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16). Consistent with this command, nearly 200 local women gathered this summer at ABF to study the life of Elijah.
Based on Priscilla Shirer’s Faith and Fire: Elijah, the seven-week study was intended to nurture “tenacious faith and holy fire… [enabling women to] remain steadfast in current culture.”
Reflecting this objective, a participant in the morning study, Kathy Newton, recounts, “[The Elijah study] was a reminder of our commission as Christians to give the Lord our full commitment, to stand up boldly for Him, and to be ‘His mouthpiece’ in today’s challenging times.”
Amy Todd-Paine, one of seven Thursday morning facilitators, describes how “while studying the life and times of Elijah, the women… considered what it looks like to walk in boldness and obedience, trusting God’s sovereignty in the spiritual fire of mountain top experiences as well as in quiet isolation of dry brooks and deserts.” Consequently, Amy continues, “We’ve been challenged to consider what it looks like individually…to walk as people of holy fire in the post-Christian culture around us.”
The study accommodated women of varying schedules, offering both morning and evening gatherings at Alliance as well as an evening Zoom option. Meeting each Thursday from June 10-July 22, the groups viewed a weekly video and discussed homework. Amy confides, “On any given Thursday, there is really no place I’d rather be than women’s Bible study.
The inter-generational relationships that are built around the tables as we study the Word together make this large church seem small.” She continues, “The way that the Lord knits our hearts together as we share each week is truly supernatural.
We gather as sisters in Christ, walking out our spiritual walks together, encouraging, celebrating, and even at times grieving with one another. It is truly a blessed time of worship and fellowship.” Echoing this sentiment, Kathy adds, “Bible Study at Alliance Bible Fellowship spells opportunity: To learn, to grow, to fellowship, to share, to pray…and the list goes on! It’s a day to look forward to!”