I believe that where the breakdown in communication comes is that many women think that they have to attend WM special events to "belong" to WM. While these events are fun and provide much needed fellowship among women of all ages, they alone don't define ISBC WM. To better define what WM is, we should consider reversing the letters to MW, aka Ministry to Women. This is what we are all about. Women helping women! When we look at the ministry in these terms, we come to a better understanding of our purpose as Christian women.
The ways we can reach out and help other women are limitless. We can do it as individuals, in small groups, or as one large body of believers. Our recent restructure is the perfect example of ways we are trying to raise awareness of the needs of women and implement ways to meet them. YOU ARE a part of this. You don't have to serve on a leadership team to minister to women. Some examples immediately come to my mind:
- Most of us know a woman who is lonely or hurting. Or, maybe you have noticed someone coming to church that you don't know. Approach her and get her phone number. Call her and invite her to lunch, shopping, or to see a movie. Time is the most valuable thing we can share with someone and it means so much to them.
- Church e-mail provides many opportunities for us. When you see the name of someone who is sick or has lost someone close to them, drop them a note. In this day of technological birthday wishes and condolences, a hand-written note has special meaning. Keep note cards and stamps on hand so that when you see the need come across e-mail, stop right then and write the note.
- Do you know a young mom who could use a couple of hours without kids to shop, go for a run, or even catch up on some much needed sleep? Offer to keep the kids for a morning or afternoon, or go help her fold laundry and take a lunch with you. It's like a vacation for her to have another adult to talk to and laugh with while she works.
- Are you a good cook? Cook a meal for someone! There doesn't have to be a death, illness, or surgery to take them a new recipe you have tried, or a cake, or some fresh bread. Make two of what you are making and pray for the Lord to let you know who to share it with, or freeze it for when a need arises.
- Are you a good organizer? It's Spring Cleaning time and many women would love help making better use of the spaces that they have. Offer to help them paint that room they have posted about on Facebook. Build friendships.
- If you don't know very many of the ladies, the events and Bible study classes are perfect ways to meet them. Attend them!
- Need a friend? Be a friend!
- Are you aware of needs? Get a group of women together to work as a team to help someone who needs help.
- Get some ladies together for a walk in the park, a picnic, a book club, a game night; be creative!
God Bless You!
Pam Archer, Director
Ministry to Women
