The ministry of Dorcas
by Mary Kanene.
In this bible study we look at the value of a particular woman in God’s service – Dorcas.
Read Acts 9:36–39. Dorcas had a great love for the Lord. She took time in prayer and studying the Bible. From her love of God came this great love for others. Notice that she always helped the poor – not only when she had time and resources, but always.
- What is our ministry?
- What has God called you to do?
- Who benefits from our work – ourselves, our pride or others?
These are not easy questions to answer. Spend time thinking about your ministry.
Read Acts 9:40–42. God raised Dorcas back from the dead because he had compassion on the people who mourned her. He used Peter to bring her back to life because the women who were her friends missed her so much. Her friends were the poor – the widows.
- When we leave our area for new work will people be glad or sad?
- Who will cry if we die?
Like Dorcas, the woman who is now working with the Dorcas Club in Lusaka, Zambia, was also given a death sentence – she found she was HIV-infected. She became too weak to continue her work as a teacher. Depressed and confused, she turned to God to ask his guidance. Through him she was ‘raised up’ despite her sickness. He restored her to new life. He gave her a burden for full time ministry with poor women. Now, through the vision of this lady, the Dorcas Club trains young women to work alongside poor women – some of whom also have AIDS – in providing skills-training, love and compassion.
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:3. May this be our prayer – for those in the Dorcas Ministry, Lusaka, and similar groups around the world and for ourselves.