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Lynn Deutsch's story can inspire the most timid of us! Lynn is a member of Word of Life Church, Cebu. Six months ago Lynn had to find a job at the age of 50. But a situation that would seem unsettling has opened the marketplace up to an amazing evangelist.
In the Philippines, there is definite prejudice here where securing a job depends, not only on ability and education, but also good looks, youth, singleness and height. Yes, even height!
Lynn may be 4' 8" in high heels and weighs, at the most, 90lbs. She doesn't fit many of the cultural requirements. And her trade is in design — a very competitive industry itself.
Against these barriers she found a job — and not only a job but a great job. She works in an area called MEPZA (Macatan Export Processing Zone Authority), and designs jewelry for a well known company which sells to the European market. Lynn still praises the Lord for this incredible position.
She manages many employees which caused a great deal of jealousy among them. And to add to her lack of popularity, Lynn is a very open witness for Christ to all who cross her path.
After one week of work, she was being shunned during free time by her fellow workers.
This was Lynn's introduction to the work world never having to work outside her home before. Being avoided hurt her terribly. More, she explained, because it prevented her from sharing her faith.
Lynn brought this to the attention of our prayer group at World of Life Church.
This week Bo and I followed up on her progress at work. Lynn's grin was infectious as she shared God's desire for His Word to be heard.
Her work place is a 45 minute taxi ride away. During every taxi ride she witnesses to the driver. One taxi driver took her words seriously. Noting where she lived as he dropped her off he told her he lived another 10 minutes further down the road. If he picked her up every morning would she tell him more? Delighted, Lynn gave him a Bible on the next ride. Not wanting an accident, she reads his Bible to him and explains the meaning the entire ride.
Lynn also found two other employees who live near her and now, they too take the 45 minute ride with her and listen to the daily Bible study. She has invited them to her Saturday morning Bible study and prayer time at her home and a Friday night fellowship group. She said they are faithful in their attendance.
As Lynn talked further with us, she took delight in giving us an update about her work place.
"I miss lunch many times," Lynn says, "because I am determined that none at work will go to hell because I am unpopular or intimidated by those who dislike me. I look for small groups in the cafeteria and invite myself to sit down with them. Being superficially polite, they cannot say no to me. I then begin sharing. You know me, Cynthia, I like to say things straight. By the end of lunch, many are bowing their heads at the sorrow they have caused Jesus and praying to receive Him as Savior. I now have a Bible study at work, usually during our breaks, with 7 women and 5 men. I thank WOL's prayer group for their faithfulness in praying for me and for the lost."
Praise God for women like Lynn Deutsch.
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