In an increasingly unstable world,
hope is still the most important thing.
This month, we are sharing some of our “hope highlights” from the last 4 weeks.
May these short stories bring you hope.
Online Option
In spite of practicing social distancing, we continue to form new small groups and train new volunteers! This month, we've published online training portals for Life Launch and Women in Transition. Incoming volunteers can access all the materials they need to form a new Stand in the Gap small group. Although these materials are a work-in-progress, we are grateful that we'd already made the first steps necessary to make online training possible!
Creative Connections
Stand in the Gap small groups are finding creative ways to be “together” while practicing social distancing. We’ve heard about starting team cookbooks, dinner deliveries, virtual game nights, and one small group even recorded their Zoom meeting to encourage other small groups to get on the Zoom train!
Just Knowing People Cared...
Brianna shared a lovely video appreciation for her Stand in the Gap small group. Some highlights; "They were like a second family to me. A family that I'd never had before in terms of someone praying for me. Just being that spiritual family that everyone needs." And "I benefitted so much just knowing that people were there who cared about me." And "I opened up in ways that I never thought I'd be able to." Click her photo to watch.
"Out of Our Darkest Moments..."
Lori is one of our "People of Passion" for our Stand in the Gap for Widows program. She talks about her early days as a widow, "I felt alone and misunderstood." But after praying "Lord, use this time to help others" she took the first step towards starting a small group for widows. Now she says, "Out of our darkest moments, God will use that adversity and he'll shape you into the person he wants you to be. And that's going to be used for his glory." Click her photo to watch.
Tokens of Care
We partnered with other ministries and people who are passionate about Oklahoma's prison population to provide small care packages to inmates at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center. Across the state, prison populations have been feeling the effects of lockdown. Our prayers against anxiety, disease, and fear go with these care packages.
Home for Harlea
In the midst of chaos, Harlea (who has been waiting for months) received a family house through His House Ministries transitional homes. This means she's one step closer to permanent restoration with her children. She is supported by her Stand in the Gap small group.
Partnership in Pryor
First Church of God in Pryor has joined us as our newest official Stand in the Gap for Widows partner church! Their participation in our ministry will mean that widows in their community will be offered new types of support and empathetic relationships. Welcome to the team!
A Meaningful Attempt
Before the lockdown confined Oklahoma's incarcerated population to their bunks or cells, Kathy got a call from Kate Barnard Correctional Center. Three women, who have taken our Women in Transition class and graduated multiple times, were asking for permission to teach the class themselves while Kathy (and all visitors) weren't allowed on the premises. Ultimately, their efforts were thwarted by the necessary lockdown, but this was such an encouragement about the significance of our Women in Transition classes.
"Firm Foundation"
Sweet Women in Transition graduate, Betsy, shared her look back at her Stand in the Gap small group by Facebook video. Our highlight? "Having the support that I did, gave me the ability to succeed. I needed a firm foundation to start my life over and that's exactly what they gave me." Click her photo to watch.
Now Delivering Dinner...
Our widow partner programs at The Church of the Living God and Vernon AME have been delivering meals for the past 2 weeks to those in need. The widows deliver frozen dinners (supplied by Meals on Wheels) to homebound senior citizens and others who have been laid off during the COVID 19 period.
