GOD’S VISION FOR

HALF THE WORLD

Recent news reports reveal the oppression of women around the world. This workshop will consider God's

vision for women as bearers of God's image. Participants will consider ways in which they can

empower women in the church and the world.

TWO KEY RESOURCES Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into

Opportunity for Women Worldwide. Nicholas D. Kristoff & Sheryl WuDunn

Half the Church: Recapturing God’s Global Vision for Women. Carolyn Custis James

“THE GIRL EFFECT” Women comprise 70% of the world’s

poorest people Only 1% of titled land is owned by

women Women earn ¾ of pay men get for the

same work On average, women will invest 80 cents

of every dollar earned in their family Men only invest about 30 cents of every

dollar earned in family In Africa, women produce 70% of crops;

receive less training and tools than men

“THE GIRL EFFECT” Kidnapping

Slave laborSex trafficking / forced prostitution

Gender-based violence: women aged 15-45 are “more likely to be maimed or die from male violence than from cancer, malaria, traffic accidents and war combined.”Brutal (often mass) rapeHonor killings

“THE GIRL EFFECT” Factory work Lack of health care and medical

treatmentGenital mutilationMaternal mortality –

In developed countries: 14 deaths/100,000 live births

In developing countries: 290 deaths/100,000 In sub-Saharan Africa: 900/100,000

For every one who dies, at least 10 more suffered serious injuries

THREEFOLD CHALLENGE TO THE CHURCH What message does the church offer

women in the 21st century? What will the church do to address the

rampant suffering of women throughout our world?

What message are we sending to the world by how we value and mobilize our own daughters?

THE IMAGE OF GOD IN US Our relationships should reflect the

Trinitarian God. We are created in God’s image

(Genesis1:26-27) Psalm 8:5 “A little lower than…” (Elohim) “God’s image is desecrated where

violence and atrocities are rampant… also in more polite and religiously approved forms of division, dysfunction, and the tense negotiations over roles and rank” in the church and in Christian homes.

WHAT CAN I DO? Child sponsorship

More likely to complete educationBuilds hope; different view of self and future

“The best role for Americans who want to help Muslim women isn’t wielding the microphone at the front of the rally, but writing the checks and carrying the bags in the back.”KivaNCM

Political change

www.halftheskymovement.org

www.NazarenePastor.org