Event Recap: Build Something New

Last month Stand in the Gap Ministries hosted its annual in-person event. It was so nice connecting with our supporters as we shared about our programs and heard from clients!

We are grateful for St. Luke’s in OKC and First Methodist in Tulsa who hosted us for our events. Stand in the Gap Executive Director TJ Warren welcomed everyone and spoke about the relational impact SITGM programs have on the lives of the people we serve.

This is what makes SITGM distinct from other organizations: we focus on relational connections that bring about wholistic life change for modern day orphans through our Life Launch program, those in incarceration through our Women In Transition program, and widows served through Stand in the Gap for Widows.

Stand in the Gap Women in Transition Program Director Rhonda Bear spoke about the state of female incarceration in Oklahoma. She shared the ways our Woman in Transition program is creating a significant impact through our class inside prisons and our small group support outside of prisons as women in our program integrate back into society.

Then we heard from Cherish, a former addict whose Stand in the Gap small group of mentors showed her that she (and her children) could have a different life.

One of Stand in the Gap's Life Launch Program Directors Kat Hickman spoke about the young adults from hard places (like foster care) we serve. The Life Launch mentorship model uses the healing power of safe, unpaid adult relationships to foster hope and personal agency, which are necessary for young adults to achieve independence and stability.

Then we heard from Barrett, a Life Launch graduate. Before Stand in the Gap, Barrett felt misunderstood and unknown by every man in his life, including his father. After Stand in the Gap, his story is different.

Stand in the Gap Widow Program Director Amy Woody spoke about the millions of widows nationwide, who 75% say their church has no organized widow program providing intentional care.

Then we heard from Kerry, a widow who spent two years searching for people who could help her through grief. When she found Stand in the Gap for Widows, she felt like she’d come home.