United Brethren Women's Ministry
"Women Equipping Women"
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February 8, 2010


Ministering Together

Learning from those active in ministry is also a great way to get a breath of fresh air in your local ministry. Have you taken the time to prayerfully consider where God wants you to minister this year? Have you talked with others in your church that may have a similar passion? Have you sought out others who are actively involved in ministry to women? If not, we encourage you to seek God's will for your life as you seek to reach out to the women around you in practical ways.

No two Women's Ministries will look the same because no two communities or churches are the same. A little bit of creativity, a heart for the lost and a passion to watch individuals grow closer to God are the key ingredients. From there - the sky's the limit for how we can effectively reach out to other's with the Gospel message.

Is it lonely in ministry? Yes, it can be, but that doesn't change its potential effectiveness. Is it exhiliarating in ministry? Yes, it sure can be and so rewarding when you truly see someone growing in the faith. Don't let the "enemy" steal away your desire and drive to minister by the reality of loneliness that can be felt in ministry. If we truly seek God's will and continue to follow that path, God will give us the strength to continue...and maybe even partners to come along beside us along the way.

If you need a listening ear, we're here for you. If you just need a sounding board, we're here for you. If you need prayer, we're here for you. ...and even if we don't have the chance to speak or meet in the days ahead, may you know that we care, that our Heavenly Father sees your needs and cares and is preparing the way before you. May you find His path in the days ahead as you reach out to others with the saving message of Christ's love and grace!


Adjustments!

Empty nest....no more! Just when we had scaled back the grocery bill and adjusted to the carefree schedule of dinner "whenever" and "whatever".... summer has a arrived and the college students are home. Now don't get me wrong, these are the same kids I cried for as we pulled away from the dorm last August!  The house is alive again with the sound of giggles, screams, more laundry and cries of "Mom, can I borrow your hair dryer?" and "Mom, can you help me fix this torn shirt?" It's music to my ears really. It's just that it's been so quiet, and I was kind of beginning to like the quiet. They say life has "seasons." So, what season am I in? The one I have always been in...the season of adjustments!

I am adjusting to adult children. Adult children are pretty cool, really. They challenge me, sharpen me and honor me a lot. I am now the proud Mom of five college students. One is a married set, which makes me now a mother-in-law but not a grandmother - yet! This couple are in Graduate School at Azusa Pacific University in California. One just graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University with a major in Communications, and she is on the job hunt. Our baby is a sophmore nursing student at Indiana Wesleyan University. And that leads me to another adjustment...to full time work out of the home so we can keep up with tuition bills!

Talk about culture shock! I have entered a whole new world of suits, heels and challenges to learn like never before. But God is good and does prepare us for the work He has planned for us. He has not failed me here either. So I adjust to the marketplace, as the manager for the Marketing Services Department at Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company. It is here that I am adjusting to learn that a good leader is actually a good 'server.' 

Finally, I am adjusting to ministry after a demanding day on the job. As a pastor's wife at Emmanuel Community Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, I now understand the struggle it is for so many to come to church on a Wednesday night after a long day at work - and the even greater challenge to give in ministry after so much is given at work and home. I have a new empathy for the church body.

So, I am adjusting. I am thankful for God's grace and provision for all of the adjustments, and I am very grateful for His navigational skills. Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." May God help you as you adjust to whatever season of life you are now immersed in. Trust Him to carry you through!

Walking by Christ's compass,

Kathy

If you would like to contact Kathy or the team about Women's Ministry issues, please email her at ubwomen@ub.org. We'd love to connect.








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