Ministering to and Through Widows: Marlene Craft
Women who have lost their spouse need special assurance that they are not falling between the cracks—they are loved by God, not forgotten, an integral part of the body of Christ.
But widows are not just needy; they’re also needed. Marlene reminds us that these women are often untapped treasure boxes of God’s love and mercy.
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
Marlene experienced the difficult life transition of becoming a widow, and over time God tapped her to help other widows.
Practical ways of reaching out to widows include phone calls, meals, gift bags, home and car repair, grocery and other shopping assistance, tech coaching, prayer, and even special outreach to them on Valentine’s Day. Women who have lost their spouse need special assurance that they are not falling between the cracks—they are loved by God, not forgotten, an integral part of the body of Christ.
But widows are not just needy; they’re also needed. Marlene reminds us that these women are often untapped treasure boxes of God’s love and mercy.
Be sure to check out resources on her website at widowslink.org . And here’s a helpful quick intro to starting a widow’s ministry in your church.
Blossoming Seed: Anh Vo
After seeking for love, belonging and approval in all the wrong places, Anh found herself in prison, serving 25 years to life. Fortunately, her story doesn’t end there.
Not only was her life transformed, Anh was able to help disciple many other women in prison. Now released, she continues to share the hope and love she has through the redemptive forgiveness of Christ.
After seeking for love, belonging and approval in all the wrong places, Anh found herself in a California prison, serving 25 years to life. Fortunately, her story doesn’t end there. Through miraculous encounters with God, the prayers of others, Christian radio, and Prison Fellowship, Anh finally found love in the arms of Jesus.
Not only was her life transformed, Anh was able to help disciple many other women in prison. Now released, she continues to share the hope and love she has through the redemptive forgiveness of Christ.
Emulating Godly Influences: Candace Gaeta
Candace reflects on the combined influences of other godly women and the heritage of her own life challenges, equipping her to impact others during life’s later decades.
Candace loves being a Nana to her and Art’s combined tribe of 23 grandchildren. And beyond that, she loves being a mom to an assortment of others.
Candace reflects on the combined influences of other godly women and the heritage of her own life challenges, equipping her to impact others during life’s later decades.
Among other truths from God’s word, she highlights from Titus 2 how older men and women still need to be taught:
Look at the heart of younger people.
Refuse to be a critic.
Give them a torch that is positive.
Wrinkles are not designed to be an obstacle to ministry.
We can all work daily on becoming more sensitive and obedient to the Holy Spirit’s promptings.