by Donya Dunlap | May 3, 2013 | Making a Difference
In this video I attempt to communicate my vision for the women in the city of Charlotte. I say “attempt” because my faltering words come so far short of the vision in my heart. The needs in this city are great, as they are in every city. But Charlotte isn’t just any city. It’s the city where God has lead me to do a work for His glory. It’s a city where every time I look around I see hurting women in as many difficult and heartbreaking situations as there are individuals.
But that isn’t all that I can see in this city.
As I consider God’s grace overflowing in this place, I can see healing coming to the woman who has only known abuse. I can see wholeness in the one whose life has been torn apart by sin. I can see redemption for every woman crying herself to sleep tonight. I can see restoration for every teen girl being forced to stay awake to work the streets.
I know that there is hope for these women. I know that Jesus came to give His life to bring them into relationship with Him.
I know this…but they don’t.
My vision is for every single one of these women to hear the life-changing truth that Jesus loves them and has a plan for their future. (Jeremiah 29:11) Will you help me pray that my own shortcomings will not impede the message of God’s grace for this city? Will you pray that I will find away around time constraints and financial needs to do the work that needs to be done? Will you pray that I would have boldness and that I would recognize opportunities God brings across my path?
I can’t do this alone or even as part of Citylight’s team. We need you to stand with us in prayer. The vision is great. As Christ said, the fields are white unto harvest. (John 4:35) Will you be a part of reaching Charlotte for Him?
Vision for the Women of Charlotte! from Brian Norris on Vimeo.
Photo credit: James Willamor / Foter.com / CC BY-SA
by Donya Dunlap | Nov 20, 2012 | How Great is Our God, Making a Difference
I write today to give thanks and to celebrate a modern day miracle and a new adventure.
You may recall two posts that I wrote at the beginning of this year sharing what I believed God wanted to do in my life in 2012. My “resolutions” were to dream God-Sized Dreams and to have A Supernatural Testimony–essentially, to live a life that could only be explained by God and His working through me. I can honestly say that He has done much more than I could ever have asked or thought…
and He’s just getting started!
Yesterday afternoon I resigned from my position at Oakwood Baptist Church as a step towards beginning a new women’s ministry in the heart of Charlotte under Citylight Baptist Church.
Until June of 2011, I never dreamed that I would ever want to minister in a public way or be a church leader. I was content serving in my local church and ministering to women through my writing and any mentoring opportunities that came my way. But when God prompted my heart towards starting a women’s ministry in the heart of a major city, He also changed my desires. I realized that the writing of my book, which I previously felt was going to be the pinnacle of my women’s ministry, was only the start. He has a far different plan than I could have imagined and I am in complete awe that I get to take part in it. I am humbled and overwhelmed at His working in my life and so very, very thankful.
God has given me a large vision for women’s ministry and I am excited about what is to come.
For now, my plan is to get established in Charlotte as soon as possible and begin serving in my new church and getting to know the people there and in the city. I will be sharing my journey through my blog, as always, so be sure to subscribe to the updates so you don’t miss any of the exciting things God does!
I ask that you would help me by doing three things to move this new ministry forward:
1) Pray for me, for the ministry, for Citylight and for Pastor Brian and Laura Norris
2) Consider giving a tax-deductible donation to help the ministry begin as soon as possible.
3) Rejoice with me at the goodness and greatness of God and His working among the children of men! (Psalm 107)
Click here to visit the new Women’s Ministry page of this site for more information and to donate.
Click here to visit Citylight’s website.
