Exciting news and a Need from CAMEO!
A few weeks ago I came into church on a Thursday morning and popped my head round the door of the Greenfield Room where the CAMEO group (Come And Meet Each Other) were meeting. Most of the 18 or so ladies were leaving at the end of the session but I saw a group of 6 or 7 ladies sat around a table, with Rachel Hill, pouring over a Bible passage together. Many of these ladies have never heard the gospel before and several come from countries where the gospel is forbidden. Yet they had chosen to stay on after their CAMEO session to study the Bible. There was a real sense of expectation in the room and it was so exciting to see their commitment to learning about Jesus.
A few weeks later I again popped in to CAMEO at the end of the Bible Study. I was greeted by one of my Toddler mums who told me excitedly “I have been learning about Jesus, Kate! I have been reading Mark’s gospel in the Bible!” The joy on her face was beautiful, as was her enthusiasm. I pray that, when she returns to her homeland, in a few months time, she will remember all that she has learnt and the community that she has been part of here at St John’s. And I pray that the Bible words sown in CAMEO will take root and grow into a personal faith, sustaining her for her future life at home.
CAMEO is an amazing ministry which welcomes, encourages and supports women who find themselves far from home, at sea in a culture that is unfamiliar to them and struggling to understand a language that they don’t speak. With kindness and empathy these ladies are welcomed and encouraged to make friends, to support each other and to make sense of living in Birmingham. Part of learning about our culture includes learning about our faith. Many of these ladies are keen to learn and ask to study the Bible. What an opportunity! One of our CAMEO ladies recently returned from visiting her family in Taiwan. When one of the leaders discovered that the Baptist Church was hosting The Womens’ World Day of prayer, and that this year the focus was Taiwan, she invited the lady to come along with her to the event. The lady accepted the invitation and is delighted to know that we are praying for her country! Praise God!
CAMEO is run by Jane Fletcher from St John’s and Rachel Hill, and her team, from Friends International Selly Oak. Please pray for CAMEO and for the team as they seek another person willing to help lead this exciting ministry with them.
Kate Diwakar
Toddler Pastor