8PROPHETIC MINISTRY:
As with any ministry, the birthing process is often faced with great resistance by those who lack understanding. Such was the case with the liberation and womanist movement which were birthed out of a struggle for equality. The same holds true for the prophetic ministry. A Global Outlook
The original intent for my research was to develop a model of ministry that would speak to the needs and concerns of all women within the local congregations. Yet, in July 2016 a trip to Chennai, India would make an impression upon me and would solidify the need for this work. A delegation of seventy people from across the United States attended the 2016 A. M. E. India Annual Conference hosted by Bishop John Richard Bryant, and his wife, Reverend Dr. Cecelia Williams-Bryant. "God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform, He plants His footsteps upon the sea and rides upon every storm." This initial stanza recorded in the Hymn "God Moves in Mysterious Ways" written by Hymnologist, William Cowper, speaks volumes to the mystery by which God makes His presence known to all who seek Him.
The delegation participated in various workshops designed to empower and strengthened women living in very cumbersome situations. The women we encountered were referred to as the "untouchables" simply because of the families for whom they were born. Their voices silenced because of institutional and economic oppression known as a caste system. BBC world news defines, "the caste system is a complex social ordering grouping based upon religious purity. It originated from Brahman, the Hindu God of creation. The caste system has main categories: Brahmins- are the intellectuals (the brain of Brahman), Kshatriyas -the Rulers and Warriors (Brahman's arms), Vaishya- are the farmers and traders (Brahman's feet) menial worker and at the very bottom are the Dalits, the untouchables. This caste system mirrors the oppressive and misogynistic system that African Americans, and in particular women have endured for centuries. The various groups lived, worked, and worshipped segregated from one another.
Bondage attacks the very core of one's humanity. In an attempt to alter their current economic status, women would use lightening crème in an attempt to bleach their skin in hopes of modifying their standing within the community in which they lived and worked. The actions of these women bore witness to the various measures and methods people will often attempt in hopes of escaping the dreadful condition.
Encountering these women and listening to their stories also served as a stark reminder to me of the numerous times I, like the beautiful women of Chennai and countless others, had attempted drastic measures as a means of altering one's self-image in hopes of changing from being human commodity to becoming a beloved daughter of the Most-High God. Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of this entire process is knowing that God has entrusted me to embark upon such a monumental task of helping once silenced prophetic voices to be awakened. In doing so, I learned that despite the many obstacles, every step of freedom, regardless how small must be celebrated, even if no one else is able to celebrate. The silencing of one voice is one voice too many. The impact of the patriarchal bias as one of the forces that impacts the female voice within the church. The church is at the stage where that prophetic command is no longer asking about us but continues to ask what about God? To answer that question, a prophetic ministry of teaching and preaching leads to transformation. "True prophetic people are not just a bunch of folks going along with the latest trend. Real Christians are not fakes." It is not always easy to be honest, transparent, or open; but it is breathtakingly refreshing.