The Struggle; Through it all, God is Still God.

                                  
What are you currently struggling with? Is it financial issues, family issues, spiritual issues? Whatever the case may be, you need to know that God is still God. We're human, it's totally normal to lose sight of God's greatness in the midst of our struggles. We let our minds get so consumed in how to find a solution that we forget God IS the solution. Have you ever wanted or felt you needed something so bad that you thought your life would be complete when you get it; all for it to not even be enough? Yea...I know the feeling, not worth it at all.
           "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33). God tells us that if we focus on Him and our relationship with Him, everything else will follow! But how often do we really do that? We go to God and pray for that job we've been dying to get or that amount of money we need to pay off those bills but we don't ask God to continue to mold, shape and lead us into the women/men that He has created us to be. That's the secret to your blessings. God doesn't PUT struggle in your life, but sometimes He allows it so that you can learn to be dependent on Him and Him alone. Money, jobs, clothes and other material things come and go but God's grace and love is eternal..AND sufficient. You'll never be satisfied chasing after everything else.
           Lets look at the story of Jacob (Genesis 32:22-32). Have you ever realized that in the Bible, God calls His people His "sheep" a lot? It's because just like sheep, we tend to stray away from the path that has already been paved for our lives. These occasional struggles help us realize, we are NOTHING without the guidance of our shepherd. God broke Jacob's hip so that he could be dependent solely on Him. Jacob complied and never let go of God until He blessed Him (Genesis 32:26). Now, I'm not saying rely and depend on God until you get your blessings then go about your way, but rely and depend on God AT ALL TIMES. When things are going great, when things are stagnant and especially when things are sour.
           Remember that through it all, God is still God. His plans are set for you, not because of what you do, but because of His greatness (Ephesians 2:8-9). HIS will is far greater than your dreams, so stop worrying, He knows what lies ahead. Rejoice in your struggle (Romans 5:3-5)...I know, easier said than done but channel that worry, that hurt, that frustration into something that will glorify God. Spend more quiet time with God, join a ministry in church, discover your God given talent and use it to your advantage! You have the potential to do so much more when you focus on God and let Him take care of the rest. Again, always remember, God is still God and I don't even have to tell you how great He is, just have faith in Him and watch Him work His "magic". He'll never do anything to harm you, He loves you way too much. I pray this has given you the courage to stand up to your struggle and push forward, God bless you. <3

What S.A.V.E.D. means to me...

       S.A.V.E.D. was created as an acronym for "Sisters After Virtue, Edification and Diligence", but it also has so many other meanings. Being SAVED is not just a “Christian thing” and the group is not just another regular bible study/prayer group. It has a much deeper meaning. S.A.V.E.D. represents a group of many young women coming together for the sole purpose to encourage and empower each other on their daily walks of life and with God. We are all “S.A.V.E.D.” by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8), but the group also represents being “S.A.V.E.D.” from addiction, from abuse, from stress, basically from any sort of negativity that we struggle to break free from in our lives. To give our supporters a better understanding, we asked a few of our S.A.V.E.D. sisters to explain what the group means to them. Happy reading!

Nana Ama Erzuah
Chicago, Illinois

       As women growing up in a superficial world where women are viewed as so many negative things and double standards play a major role in society, S.A.V.E.D. has definitely been a platform for me to surround myself with such positive, strong minded women who are able to not only empower each other but bring out the good in us and our communities we live in. Being a part of S.A.V.E.D. has helped me a lot to grow spiritually and having a deeper relationship with God. I also know that I am never alone, and someone will always be there to support me in my walk. Thank you S.A.V.E.D. for being a great support system!

Live Manuelo
Malden, Ma

      When I think about being S.A.V.E.D., it is more than being rescued from a bad relationship, a bad job, bad behaviors or bad habits. Being S.A.V.E.D. is recognizing the master of your life for who He is, the One who gave you the breath that you possess, the One who constantly protect you even when you don't deserve that protection. Once you are willingly aware and ready to accept Him as your Lord and Savior, then you are in the process of being S.AV.E.D. In John 6:35, the Lord declares "I am the bread of life. He that comes to me will not get hungry at all, and he that exercises faith in me will never get thirsty at all". As S.A.V.E.D. sisters we all have one common goal which is seeking the bread of life. With different tactics and different experiences, we unite as one to seek for His kingdom. Becoming completely S.A.V.E.D. is a journey, one that can even take a lifetime, for we are sinners who sin daily. S.A.V.E.D. sisters provides that support system that each individual seeking the kingdom of God is in need of. We are there to guide, advise and remind each other that we are not alone in this journey. Although it may get very hard at times, giving up is NOT an option. A lot of us newly born again Christians find it very difficult to stay on the right path, we often seek mentors to keep us on track.That is where S.A.V.E.D comes in. S.A.V.E.D. gives each and every one of us the best gift we can ask for on our journey: understanding, support and love. 2 Corinthians 8:7 declares "Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver". At S.A.V.E.D., the ladies share their wisdom acquired through life experiences with pure and open hearts. S.A.V.E.D. is the home for every born again or in the process of becoming born again Christians. Everyone is welcome and at no point will you EVER be judged. S.A.V.E.D. to me is a family, a family who want to help me grow as a strong women exhibiting an image of God. 

Nathalie Mukadi
Everett,Ma

        I am not a shy person,but can be anti-social.The thought of being around people that I do not know and who do not know me,usually does not settle well with me. I used to like being in my comfort zone. which would usually be with people I know and have known for years. Then the Holy Spirit revealed to me, that I cannot desire to serve God, walk and live the Christian life by being a comfortable Christian. I must become an "uncomfortable,comfortable Christian" . Meaning leaving my comfortable zone  to interact with others, being a blessings to others, sharing wisdom and knowledge through life experiences and testimonies. But also to be blessed by other people's life testimonies, wisdom and knowledge. So that is why I joined the S. A. V. E.D. ministry. I wanted to grow spiritually, to learn from other women 's life experience and challenges. But also to share my wisdom,  knowledge that God had graciously granted me and my testimonies. The ministry is a judgement free environment where everyone values the opinion of others. In my eyes, my S.A.V.E.D sisters are: Sanctified, Amazing, Virtuous, Empowered and Devoted women of God!

Ornelie Mukadi
Everett,Ma

       S.A.V.E.D. for me is a group of women who chose to unite in order to learn about living a life with God and empower each other in every way possible. It represents such great strength and wisdom. The experiences, ideas and responses shared during meetings have benefited each participant in some way. S.A.V.E.D. is my source of encouragement to keep pressing.

    

Benine Mudymba
Founder of S.A.V.E.D.
Malden, Ma

         S.A.V.E.D. means more to me than I could have ever imagined. It's my passion, not only because God placed it on my heart to start it but also because I have faith that it will help change so many young women's lives. Not every girl is blessed to have positive 'big sister" influences like I did when I first started my walk with Christ, and that is something we all need to keep us accountable to God. We need that support system to help us when we don't know what to do on our own and refuse to conform to the ways of the world. S.A.V.E.D. is a sisterhood just trying to better themselves and honor God in an extraordinary way. No stress, no judgement, just love <3

Annoucements: 
-Our next meeting is Friday, August 23rd at 5:45 pm discussing Boundaries. 
- Buy a S.A.V.E.D. tshirt to support our fundraiser at:      campaign.customink.com/savedfundraiser