Sisters of Strength Mentoring & Support Group

Dee Phenis teaching our group how not to allow the world to draw us away from the things of God! Feed your spirit!! Biblical references she gave us: 1 John 2:15-16, 2nd Corinthians 6:14-17, James 1:27, Titus 2:11-12, Psalm 101:3 & Galatians 5:16. 

Challenge Questions: 

1)Can you think of anything you do, listen to, or watch that you know immediately influences you for good? Can you think of something that influences you negatively? Can you think of one thing specifically you could start doing to pursue Jesus that will feed your spirit?

In the world we live in today we need to press beyond the culture, popular opinion and ungodly influences to the hope, calling & perfect will of God for our lives. Begin now to seek God more than things, more than temporary pleasure or relief and He will give you the desire of your heart when you are so full of Him!!

2nd Annual Banquet & Auction

Volunteering at the Right to Life Booth

Thursday, July 5th

St. Joseph County 4H Fair

Pastor Jennifer & Leigh 

While volunteering at the booth we had opportunities to speak to fair attendees. Of course there are all kinds of people we encountered. Some have political viewpoints, others just a heartfelt concern for innocent life. The education seems to be a huge factor in the realization when life begins. The Education Exhibit give a real picture of the stages of weeks to months of the development of the human offspring, otherwise referred to as an embryo. After eight weeks the developing fetus is recognizable as a baby. 

A friend of ours, who is a nurse, stopped by with two of her children. As we discussed the development and premature birth, Mellisa stated "I have seen babies born at 24 weeks and survive".  When we understand the sanctity of life and the creator that gives us children as a blessing, it's much more important than someone's inconvenience or unpreparedness to raise the child. The wonderful option of giving that precious life a chance at being adopted is an alternative to killing a life meant to be here. Mellisa is a part of the Adoption Support Center. She knows how it is to have a baby that she was not prepared to raise, but was able to give him an opportunity to live a good life with a family that loved and was able to care for him the way he needed. 

Knowing you were able to care for a life up until birth gives a lot more peace than the weight of guilt from terminating a life that could be a wonderful presence in this world. In the light of all that it take to give life to a baby, understanding that women needs support as many times they are alone and afraid, we pray that the resources available continue to encourage them to not give up but persevere.

Psalms 127:3-5 Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.

Resources

 http://www.adoptionsupportcenter.com/

http://www.womenscarecenter.org/

The Crossing and Juvenile Justice Center

We had the privilege of visiting some of the young women at the Juvenile Justice Center with the Crossing Director, Cedrick Mgwaba and several other men that visit to minister to the inmates on a bi-weekly basis. Last Wednesday myself and three other of our women went into the pod to talk to the female juveniles. It was a good evening of being able to share the truth and life of the Word of God as well as answering questions and praying with each young lady. This was our first visit and we're praying we get approved to return!

These girls need to have an understand, yet encouraging word that will help them to get through and be a better person for it. As a Women's Ministry Home, we know the troubles that lead to displacement from a home or addictions, abuse, abandonment - whatever the issue may be that prevents a woman from moving forward in life. Our focus and mission is to empower women to live free of dependence and bondage. By teaching them principles they can use in ever day life to overcome the adversity and influence of those that don't have their best interest in mind.



It will be a wonderful thing to intervene in these broken and tender lives. Seeing our women who have gone through struggles in life and turned themselves around being able to give back to the girls who are in this facility is amazing!! They can relate and know the mental and emotional scars, but that they are not too deep for God to heal. With love, hope and someone to come alongside we can make a difference in this city for the glory of our Father.

Fundraiser Sale at Sandy's Hair Design

WOMEN'S CHARITY SALE

CHIPPEWA BOWL/SANDY'S HAIR DESIGN

3775 S MAIN ST SOUTH BEND, IN 46614

 PARKING LOT

                                                        7:00 A.M. -  2:00 P.M.

GAME TABLE

FURNITURE, HOUSEHOLD GOODS, MANY MORE ITEMS!





CLOTHING

FOR MORE INFORMATION: CALL (574)360-8092

Teaching Today's Youth in Our Community

A NEW DIRECTION CLASS AT THE CROSSING 

A couple of our women have begun to step out and mentor others. We are excited when we see the fruit of our labor turn into more fruit! John 15:8 says "By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." After meeting with the Director of the school, he was delighted that a ministry group would come in to volunteer to work with the troubled students. His question to me was, "Where's the church?". I understood what he was saying. At times the church has not been very accessible or visible in our community. The objective of Daughters of Naomi Embraced is to be a light to our community and serve by going beyond ourselves to reach out and teach those that are in need. Teaching today's youth is a challenge, but they are our future.

The time we have invested in the lives that come to us is priceless! Paul said his life was poured out as a drink offering. Never will you begin to understand this saying until you begin to live it out. My husband and I often encounter those that society rejects, overlooks or doesn't want to notice. But the compassion of Christ says, you could be there or you once were there . . . love your neighbor. The quote "There for the grace of God go I" has a little deeper meaning when you've been redeemed. As we were at a local eatery last week, my husband noticed a man sitting seeming very despondent. My husband said to me, "I'll be right back" as I started to ask where he was going, he got up and walked over to the man. I knew. I knew God spoke to my husband to go and love on that man.

He introduced himself, asked the man if he was going through something, the man told my husband his name was Jeremy and that he had nowhere to go and had just been released from the hospital. He told the man he wanted to pray with him. Jeremy reached out his hand. Then after talking with him a little longer, he came back to the table. Not a few minutes went by and my husband got out his wallet, opened it up and proceeded to give the man financial assistance. I don't tell this to toot his horn, but to testify of the Word that compelled him to act - James 2:16 If one of you says to the, "Go in peace; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?

Faith without works is dead, the next verse of James chapter 2 sums up what God expects of believers. If we claim the name of Jesus Christ and identify ourselves as His followers we should show that in our actions. I am compelled by Christ's love because I know He died for all. No matter where you are or who is around you - show the love of God to others. For the greatest commandment is to love God and love others as yourself. Especially those who are hurting, need direction and without hope, we need to be the light and salt to bring healing and words of wisdom and faith to them. Encourage someone today - make your days count!!

Testimonies from our Group

Our group of ladies are available to give testimonies . . . 

We have traveled to different churches in our area (and across the state) to share our stories. The importance of testifying we find in Revelation 12:10-11. In these times we live, being able to share with those who have no hope that the God of all hope has changed my life from sin to sanctification by his blood is vital. The time is short to do our Father's work and we believe it is more important now than ever to spread the good news!

No matter the backstory, the outcome is the significance of telling what God has done in our lives. We have seen those that have been out of church, hooked on substance & in ungodly lifestyles changed by the power of testimony! When you can relate to what someone has been through it gives you sense that if they made it, I can too!!

There are many sources of walking away from God or never truly knowing who He is and how He loves us. Rejection, fear, abuse, abandonment - just to name a few. Making right decisions out of those type of circumstances can be difficult. Without a foundation in truth, many fall victim to Satan's lies. When women learn the truth, they get set free!!!

When a woman finds freedom in Christ they begin to heal from wounds that He brings to the surface and touches with His healing hands. The scripture says, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony . . . " Learning your worth according to the Word of God empowers those that never heard who they are in Him. Knowing your authority as well as how to use the spiritual weapons provided to you is key to not allowing the enemy to control your thoughts and actions.

The beauty in knowing who you are in Christ gives a hope that His promises are true. His love for us covers us and His blood redeems us. God has purpose for our lives and to know the calling on you life will direct you on the right path. If you allow the Holy Spirit to teach you there are endless possibilities. How sweet to know not only your worth, but your purpose!