I've decided to write this blog so we can document some of what God is doing through dolls that have been lovingly and prayerfully crafted to serve Him. The dolls have their eyes closed on one side, to represent the spiritual condition of a lost person. On the other side their eyes are open. They wear a beaded necklace and are accompanied by a coloring book that explains the plan of salvation.
Susan Bishop started the witnessing doll ministry years ago and has many inspiring stories of how God has used the dolls and how he has expanded the ministry. You can read her story and learn how to make the dolls at http://www.womenonmission.com/. You'll find the information under projects.
Here's what God's done through the dolls in my life.Last month at my sister's Global Mission group, someone shared about the dolls. My sister, Tricia, felt like God wanted her to get involved and start making the dolls. Turns out Myrtle, from the mission group, knows Susan Bishop personally. (A God thing) Another God thing is that Susan lives in the area and she graciously invited a group of us to her home to help us get started making them.
Now making dolls is right up my alley, but lately, I haven't been able to make anything. I've been struggling with health issues and just prior to going to Susan's, I was asked how I spend my days. When I answered, I realized that all I was doing was eating, sleeping, taking pain pills and doing a few exercises. I felt pretty useless. After going to Susan's, I realized there were things I could do to help make the dolls. I'm unable to sew or iron right now. But, I am able to stuff, paint faces, and make hair. I feel like my life has purpose once again. We pray for each doll we make and are excited to see how they'll be used by God to grow His kingdom.
Our group has about twenty so far. At the end of the month, we plan to send approximately 100 dolls to Brazil with a mission team from Taylors FBC.
When the team returns we are hoping one or more of them will post a blog about how things went and upload pictures of some of the children receiving the dolls.
In the meantime, I'll keep you posted on how the doll making is progressing and where they're being sent.
God Bless,
Beth Strickland
