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GRAND JUNCTION–Changed lives are resulting from the Women’s Ministries; Lieutenants Daniel and Kimberly Williams recently dedicated a baby whose mother’s life has been touched through The Salvation Army.
by Lt. Kim Williams –
Sisters in Christ–that is the only way to describe the Grand Junction, Colo., Home League and Women’s Outreach Ministries.
The mission statement of the Grand Junction Corps is expressed through the sisterhood of these two ministries as they strive to meet people at their point of need and help them develop in their Christian walk.
Many of the ladies–who range in age from 18 to 93–are involved in both. Each week, they follow the four-fold purpose of the Home League with one or two women presenting a program to members. Whether it is learning about the different types of weather and tips for safety during lightning storms or celebrating quarterly birthdays, the group is always blessed by the heartfelt love that these ladies demonstrate. In the bi-weekly Women’s Outreach Ministry they learn and make different crafts that are sold at the annual bazaar. An extended hand of compassion is seen each week as cards are signed and mailed to those with birthdays, anniversaries, illness, or just to say “you are missed.”
One of the many blessings is the way in which the ladies have extended their love and faith to the women staying at our Hope House Women and Children’s Shelter. Many of the women who go through the shelter do not have a church home. The Home League and our Women’s Outreach Ministry have extended their hearts to these ladies.
In Matthew 25:35 it says “I was a stranger and you invited me in…” That is our goal. Not to point fingers, but to invite them in and share Jesus with them.
Terry (not her real name) came to the Hope House Women and Children’s Shelter by way of referral from Open Hands, a Christian mentoring program that supports unwed and teenage mothers. Terry was 25, and this was her sixth pregnancy. Her other children had been adopted out. As she struggled through homelessness and the fear of losing another child, through the combined effort of The Salvation Army and Open Hands, Terry found housing and prepared to give birth. Even at the birth of her daughter, she didn’t know if the authorities would come in and take her baby away. Before giving birth, Terry came to The Salvation Army almost daily to watch educational videos on parenting. She volunteered to answer phones. She attended classes on budgeting. Recently, we dedicated her beautiful baby daughter. The angels in heaven must have been rejoicing as Terry committed her desire to give her daughter fully to God as she herself lives for God. The Home League and Women’s Ministries programs have warmly welcomed Terry and her daughter with with open arms. Now, Terry’s mother has joined our fellowship of SISTERS IN CHRIST!
