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!

Pastors Al & Jennifer Sabin teaching at Hope Ministries

Sisters of Strength Mentoring & Support Group

Teaching on the principles from the book of Jonah - running from God out of bitterness, fear & anger. Running with God after being broken and dying to himself. Then being angry with God and finally how we suffer the consequences of doing things our way which seem right to us. Proverbs 14:12 "There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death."

Jesus suffered much, yet He did it out of love. We have to pick up our cross, crucify the flesh and follow the will of God to walk out this great gift of salvation. If we follow the two commandments He gave - To love the Lord your God with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself then we won't have to wonder if we're in His will.

His commission to us, much like Jonah is to be His messenger of the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to protect our hearts by wearing His righteousness for out of it flow all the issues of life.

Connections . . . Serving the Community & Helping Save Lives

Rescuing Women from the Darkness . . .

Sometimes you gotta get your hands dirty - that's what I've been told about serving in ministry. And it should be that way. A lot of times it seems ministry is not viewed as serving, but isn't that what Jesus did and are we not to be followers of Him? Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Ephesians 5:1-2 "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

In my simple interpretation, taking the Word of God as for what it says - Jesus gave His life, can't we at least be like Him, otherwise what we do is counted as dung (stinks)! I'm not one to boast as I am nothing without Christ, but I believe that the work of the ministry is what the Bible says - to believe in Him and reconcile others to God. How do we pull those that struggle with unbelief, addiction, past hurts or confusion from the pit? Jude 1:20-23 "But you, beloved, building yourself up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have compassion, making a distinction, but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh."

This has been our experience with years of reaching out to keep souls from dropping in eternal fire . . . some you can be compassionate with others need a shaking up. God knows how to deal with each individually - we preach the gospel. Truth - define that today. The Bible says, What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God's faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge." Romans 3:3-4 Many we have come across believe in their own self-righteousness or that their works will get them points with God. Our righteousness = filthy rags.

The greatest thing you can do for someone else is love them like God does. What does that look like? The beauty of the cross for us, shame and reproach for Jesus. All for us. Whatever keeps you from going into the dark places, getting close to the unlovable, embracing the worst of the worst - ask God to fill you with His love for them. My life has been what most may say is hard, unconventional, abnormal. From surviving family suggestion to my mom to be aborted, never knowing my father, to being molested at age six and influences of drug, alcohol, siblings in & out of jail, prison, being homeless . . . to being rescued from the darkness. It give you compassion, understanding & discernment especially being saved, filled with the spirit at age eight, then being taught by the greatest deliverance teacher and evangelist in Indiana, Dr. Lester Sumrall.

We are thankful after we look back on coming out of the flames into the light of the kingdom of God. In our quest to bring others into the light, we come across many barriers, I believe that each one keeps us from going in a direction we believe is right and guides to that narrow path. Leading others can be trying, difficult and downright frustrating, when they don't listen, think they know better or refuse to give up things. Can you imagine how our Father God feels? The blessing of connecting with others is that as the body of Christ we can come together and reach more people for Him, touch more lives, and offer more to the lost. Sacrifice of time and talent to save a life, bring them back to their savior, redeemer and healer. No better reward. To our partners, thank you for making this possible.

Daughters of Naomi Embraced Inc. is Federally recognized 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization to give women assistance.

Karen Marsh Teaching at Hope Ministries

Sisters of Strength Mentoring & Support Group

"What is the Word of God?"

Karen Marsh taught on the things that come from the Word of God: Life, Healing, Peace . . . A wonderful picture of God's love for us. His Word is who He is, powerful, almighty & never changing!

Teaching at Hope Ministries

Pastor Al sharing his testimony and teaching on the power of God in your life

Allowing God to work in your life takes commitment, surrender & obedience . . . How much do you want to give to the Lord?

To follow, serve & have intimacy with God you need to allow Him in to every area of your life. When you came to know the Lord as your personal savior you were given a measure of faith. Who took it? Did the things of life, the enemy steal your faith?

Everybody is seeking something for identity in life. For 48 years Pastor Al ran from God until he was left alone & everything was gone. At that point he fell to his knees on his living room floor and surrendered his life to Jesus Christ.

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). When life gets busy and the things of the world draw you away, the devil will steal the seed planted in you. For the backslider, who has walked away from God - if you gone so far away from Him, if you still need the seed restored, if you need the fear of God, ask Him. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 15:33)

To be a part of this teaching and if you are in need of mentoring or support - please contact us.

Kathy Davidson from Women Anchored in Hope her testimony

The storms of life . . . Sometimes He calms the storm other times He calms his child. As a little girl in her room with her Bible listening to her parents fight, Kathy knew suffering. But there was a point where she grew up and got it. Going through the hard things, realizing we're all born into sin, that we won't arrive until we cross over into heaven. The light bulb goes on and Hope is born. When you get to a place where you need something more it's through the Holy Spirit that will help you. You only need ask God for strength. He knew you when you were in your mother's womb! He knows you.

Psalms 107:23-32 "Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters, they see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep. For He commands and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves of the sea. They mount up to the heavens, they go down again to the depths; their soul melts because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end. Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble. And He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm. So that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; so He guides them to their desired Haven. Oh that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them exalt Him also in the assembly of His people. And praise Him in the company of the elders.

The journey of forgiveness with all of the feelings & emotions from making decisions that aren't in our best interest can eventually draw you in the right direction. That is hope. The faith like a mustard seed. After being displaced from her home to coming to terms with there being no greater suffering than what Jesus endured on the cross for us, Kathy's faith & hope in Him kept her. As she stated, she didn't like it, but it made her who she is today.