Need inspiration? Then check out this new video blog (vlog) for women https://vimeo.com/channels/todaystake.
Based on God’s Word, Bonnie Aldrich will capture your heart and attention in a bi-monthly devotion. It’s short, inspirational, and easily accessible.
Here’s what our OC women around the world are saying:
Singapore: I love your words…hopeful, enlivening, challenging, authentic…thank you, friend! I took your words with me all day today Bonnie!
U.K.: Thanks, Bonnie – ever so inspirational especially in your storytelling. Love your winsome heart!
Brazil: Only you, Bonnie, can put it together like that! I love it!!! A break for me to remember what we know and to put into practice. Can’t wait for the next!
Southeast Asia: Thanks Bonnie! I too wanna stay with Jesus with HIS view of my life.
Mexico: Beautiful, Bonnie, thank you! I’m so glad you’re doing this!
Taiwan: Great reminder to seek God’s perspective on my life!
U.S.: Thank you so much Bonnie for teaching the scriptures. You show me things I’ve missed in the Word. You always lift my spirit.
Why Start a Vlog for OC Women?
It all started with a question from the United States Mobilization Center (US-MC) Women’s Care Team: “How can we help connect our OC women around the world to each other and to the US-MC?” A mission-wide women’s survey conducted in April of 2016 helped answer that question. It indicated that while most OC women feel grounded in their relationships with the Lord, their teams, their families, and even with themselves, there was a desire for going deeper with God.
Bonnie, who was on the Women’s Care Team shares what happened next. “I had been praying, telling God I was available if the mission wanted me to address this need. I had been thinking about a vlog. But I told no one. Deanne Boesel said at our meeting, ‘Bonnie, you should do a video blog.’ I took this as from the Lord.” So, in January of this year, the video blog Today’s Take was birthed.
Meeting a Need
Bonnie began preparing 3-5 minute video devotionals. She explains, “I had no expectations of who would listen to this. I just felt I was being obedient to the Lord. I just talk about the things that God is talking to me about. If God thinks these things are important for me – they probably are for other women, too. As I share, I always speak to our OC ladies.”
Bonnie’s goal is to help our OC women serving here and abroad not miss the everyday opportunities to hear the Lord speak … and to encourage our women who may feel they have no one to encourage them or understand their journey.
She adds, “I think it is easy to let time pass without paying attention to what God is saying. I think an occasional vlog in a mailbox reminds ladies to take a moment and center on God. I think especially overseas we may not have accountability partners and need to be reminded to focus on God.”
OC-ers at the US-MC helped with filming and the Communications Team helped distribute the video messages through various channels within the organization. The vlog immediately received positive responses. Soon requests to share it beyond the OC family came in. This brought more encouraging feedback.
“My mother has been sharing your videos with me, and I wanted to tell you how much I am touched by each one. God is using you through them.”
“Thank you for making the Word so succinct and practical for my everyday life. You are a blessing.”
“As a mother of a baby and a toddler, it is a moment of refreshment for me each week. Thanks.”
“Being in your home through technology was the best and being reminded of the gift of prayer … wonderful!”
Bonnie continues to get a lot of positive feedback. She adds, “I love studying the Word. I love to see God’s consistency and creativity and challenge as he reveals His truth to me.” The Women’s Care Team is rejoicing as they see God multiply the impact of this ministry!
Join the Journey
In 2018 Bonnie plans on continuing with the vlog with monthly devotionals. She may go back to a bi-monthly schedule next fall. If you haven’t visited Today’s Take, we invite you to walk the journey together with us. https://vimeo.com/channels/todaystake
Bonnie Aldrich and her husband Steve have served with OC (One Challenge) for 44 years. Serving in Bogota, Colombia, Bonnie devoted her time assisting the Colombian church in the development of a contextual Christian education ministry. She also taught at Colegio Nueva Granada, an international school in Bogota. Bonnie recently retired after serving 22 years on the pastoral staff of Pulpit Rock Church in Colorado Springs. As an international and motivational speaker, she teaches with both enthusiasm and conviction.
I really enjoyed this video blog — it reminded me how meaningful it can be when people walk with each other through life’s ups and downs rather than just going it alone. The message about shared journeys and mutual support felt really authentic and encouraging.