Women Connect: 'Til Death Do Us Part — Marlene Craft

Ponder

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. —James‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬ ‭English Standard Version

We talked about orphan responsibility in a recent women connect. In this issue we'll focus on reaching out to widows. I trust we will each be inspired to be more intentional in reaching out to this growing segment of our population.

Meet

Marlene Burrow Craft.

Wes + I had the joy of meeting Marlene at a ministry conference in Missouri several years ago. I think you will appreciate her story.

At the age of twenty, Marlene spent her summer serving at a youth camp in Carlinville, Illinois. One evening, while serving cake, she caught the attention of Wayne Craft. As the saying goes, the way to a man's heart.…🙂. A year later, they got married and celebrated with their own wedding cake.

In their early years of marriage, Wayne and Marlene started their family. Wayne served as a pastor, while Marlene balanced homeschooling their two boys during the day and working as a waitress in the evenings.

In our recent conversation, Marlene shared that her marriage to Wayne was both challenging and enriching. Like many couples, they faced difficulties but also had moments of spontaneous romance.

One day while Marlene was seeking God's guidance for her part in the marriage, she felt strongly that the Lord was telling her to savor every day with Wayne.

She immediately had a renewal in her spirit to love her husband more intentionally. She purposed to capture heart memories of special times they had together.

Two weeks later they were enjoying a special day together when Marlene reached over and took her husband's thumb. He asked what she was doing. She recalls looking over at Wayne and simply replying, "I just love you so much!"

Eight hours later a cardiac arrest claimed Wayne's life.

At 53 Marlene found herself widowed, grieving and lonely. In her search for ministries for herself and others in similar circumstances, she came up empty-handed.

Constantly reading God's Word and listening to praise/worship music helped get her through those first years. Her sister called her every day for the first three years, another vital lifeline. She gained comfort through daily journaling - a discipline she continues, along with reading and meditating on God's Word. She also attended - and highly recommends Grief Share.

While Marlene gained inner strength and healing through spiritual disciplines…a passion began brewing in her heart to help other widows.

Marlene became a chaplain focused on widow support. Astonishingly, one month after becoming a chaplain, Marlene was diagnosed with leukemia. Eight months later she lost sight in her left eye.

Despite physical setbacks that might cause some to cancel their dreams…Marlene is making a beautiful impact in the lives of so many widows. Eventually, the Widow's Link was birthed, and she wrote a book. Through her writings, conferences and speaking engagements, the Lord has allowed her to help many churches plant ministries for their widows and widowers.

While her cancer indicators are now considered normal…please continue to pray for Marlene's health and ministry. She has a huge heart and would love to see churches of all denominations embrace ministry to widows and widowers.

For more information on starting a widows' ministry or for widows seeking additional support, please reach out to Marlene at (334) 327-8513 or visit the Widow's Link website. There, you will also find information on a widow's cruise planned for January 2025. 🙂

Thankful

for the reminder to those of us who are married to be more intentional in showering our spouse with love and kindness. And for ALL of us - even widows - to look for ways that we can reach out to those who have lost their spouse. Today, we can make a difference in a widow or widower's life…through a phone call, text, sharing a meal or coffee, or offering to run an errand. Even the simplest gestures can significantly brighten someone's day.

Heart

If you need prayer, encouragement or you or someone you are sharing HIS love with needs a Bible, please let us know.

Judy Popineau Wick