Week of Prayer, Saturday, December 10

Bethany Amber's Story

When Bethany Amber, 18, shares the gospel, she leaves a mark. On this day in a Pretoria township in South Africa, children crowd around her, clamoring for her to paint henna designs on their small hands.

The fish, moons, and suns she paints illustrate Bible stories she shares. “We were learning about creation, and I wanted to do designs that [reflected] creation,” she explains.

As she holds the hands of children and women, painting on these designs, she’s sharing more than just beautiful designs and the human touch: She’s sharing gospel truth.

Through the medium of henna the IMB “missionary kid,” whose parents serve in South Africa, has a ministry of her own. Plant-based henna ink is usually used to create nonpermanent patterns for special occasions such as weddings. She and a friend have created a visual library of designs that, when strung together, represent Bible stories. It’s an avenue that provides opportunities to talk about Christ.

As she holds the hands of children and women, painting on these designs, she’s sharing more than just beautiful designs and the human touch: She’s sharing gospel truth.

1. PRAY for Bethany as she finishes her high school education. Her switch from South African schools to the American educational system requires her to squeeze two years’ work into a year and a half to prepare for college in the United States.
2. PRAY for her South African friends from the school she’s left, that their relationships would continue and she can continue to be Christ’s light in their lives.