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Missions

Lydia Project

As a missionary to the Republic of Georgia, Shirley Swafford has observed that life is hard and sometimes cruel for Spirit-filled believers. Because of religious persecution in Georgia, evangelism and discipleship training require creativity, such as the day Shirley was approached by Tseori, the Bishop's wife.

"Shirley, if you could help me start a [beauty] salon, I would be so appreciative. Five sisters have been praying for a Christian salon." Shirley was taken aback and told Tseori she was not thinking of starting a business, but would pray about it.

After praying for two months, Shirley invited Tseori to her office to talk and God began to knit together the vision for the Lydia Women's Center, the first of what later became known as the Lydia Project.

In May 2002, the Oklahoma District Women's Ministries purchased a five-room flat, which will have a beauty salon in the front and a Women's Ministries center in the back. Profits from the salon, which will employ only Spirit-filled women, will go into a fund for the national Women's Ministries. Humanitarian aid will provide for physical needs, while women from the Bible school will be available to counsel women in crisis. Having a women's center will give Women's Ministries a tool to make a difference, not just in their church, but also in their society.

A request has already been made for a Lydia Project in another region in Georgia where a sewing shop will support a women's center there. Shirley's vision is to open five more women's centers across Georgia in the next five years.

Acts 16 describes Lydia as a woman of influence. The Lydia Project will provide Georgian women with resources to influence their world by touching lives with the love and gospel of Jesus Christ.

DAWN STORER