Since 2019, the Center for Leadership Excellence, in partnership with COSROW, has been lifting up the voices of lay and clergywomen in ministry through Encouragements—monthly emails designed to inspire, encourage, and offer practical ways for women in ministry to support one another. This month, we’re honored to share words from Casey Mursten, pastor of St Paul UMC and Duke’s Chapel UMC in Durham.

Anyone can sign up to receive Encouragements—and the full archive of past emails is available for you to explore. Please share this link with lay and clergywomen in ministry who might be interested.

Read: Isaiah 43:18-19
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Imagine having to miss a week of school every month. Now imagine persevering and completing school even years after your peers because of these missed days. This is the story of many girls in Kenya because they don’t have access to menstrual products. Every school in Kenya requires fees for tuition and uniforms. Beatrice Wangai began the program called “Girls’ Raising Hands” so other girls didn’t have the same barriers to school that she did. It’s named Girls’ Raising Hands because girls need to be present, seen, and participating fully in school. Women supporting each other is empowering.

At the end of August, I traveled to Embu, Kenya, and met alumni and current students in the program. The hope and joy are palpable. I am filled with gratitude to witness their work. Securing employment in Embu is a problem for many. The women are learning sewing and tailoring skills to find suitable jobs and business opportunities. They currently have five sewing machines that they share. Girls’ Raising Hands is changing lives. God is doing a new thing in the life of these precious girls.

Take Action:
Is there a “period pantry” in your community with free supplies? Find out how you can get involved. How can you mentor and empower girls in your community?

In partnership,
Center for Leadership Excellence and the Commission on the Status and Role of Women