I just wanted to share a testimony with you all...
As you all know, I am a contract administrative person on the side and currently I have been contracted (for about a year) by the local union. Well, as aprt of that, I have also been able to pick up additional work by doing resumes for people and have had a ton of referrals for this service through the union.
About two months ago, a couple came in and I did a resume for the husband. I knew they were Christians because I was playing Martha Munizzi and the wife commented that was one of her favorite CDs. Well, they asked me to bill them and I agreed, however, they contacted me shortly after that and confided that they were having financial difficulty and asked if I could give them a little time. I agreed of course because I have btdt and understood. I actually forgot about it.
Well, yesterday, the wife called me again and was apologizing because they had not paid me. She said they were so strapped and had planned on coming by Friday but she was doing their books and just didn't think it was possible. Again, I told her it was fine, but suddenly, I felt an urgency to encourage her.
I began to tell her that it was going to be alright and I began to quote scripture and make declarations over their situation. She suddenly broke and began to pour out her heart to me. (Mind you, I am IN the union office at this point!). Anyway, she began to tell me that early this year her sister was angry with her and her husband for not loaning her money or something like that so she made a false report to DHR that their children were being abused. Now, this woman worked for social services, so immediately it became an issue for her on the job, and literally drained them financially and emotionally. They were cleared, however, it is protocol that you remain on a "watch" list for five years. So, she is terrified to get work and leave her kids because if ANYTHING happened they may have more trouble on their hands. Her husband works, but he works out of state (we are close to the stateline), so the commute costs them quite a bit especially with gas prices. They have both been dealing with depression and frustration, feeling like they just couldn't get caught up. I began to pray for her and encourage her, declaring Jeremiah 29:11 over them. She was just floored. She said, "Everyone else is telling us we can't do it. That there is not hope. They are talking negatively to us or telling us it is our fault because we don't have enough faith."
Anyway, I invited her to be a candidate for "Destiny's Closet" an outreach we are doing. Each candidate completes an extensive application, then by appointment, comes in and is given career, educational, and spiritual counseling/guidance. Each candidate also receives a resume. They also receive resources and referrals for affordable child care, grants for education, and health recommendations (info about breast exams, hygiene, nutrition, etc.), then she is fitted with two new outfits, one that is suitable for an interview, and one that is somethign she can go to church in, or out to dinner complete with undergarments, shoes and accessories. She also receives a hair cut and styling (with pointers), makeup application with pointers, and before/after photos. Their day also includes a chair massage, sparkling cider and snacks, as well as lunch. We'll then do follow up on each candidate and coach them through the process of achieving God's destiny in their lives!
This young lady was so excited about being a candidate. When I got off the phone with her, I called my asst., Jennifer and asked her to get an application to her and make a visit if possible. Well, Jennifer KNOWS her. They used to work together (social service field). Anyway, my dh also made arrangements to bless them with groceries and some possible assistance with consolidating their bills so they can get caught up. so Jennifer delivered all this to them, and they were shocked. They said, no, we didn't want all of this. We aren't asking for hand outs, but Jennifer explained that we beleived in them and wanted to do what we could to give them a boost. They were so grateful and Jennifer said when she left they were smiling and thanking her for being so positive. They felt they had hope again. It blew me away when Jennifer told me that. This couple was desperately clawing for HOPE- just a speck of it- wow- I know they have an uphill walk ahead of them, but I know it will be easier with God and His vessels walking with them and cheering them on!
Tara: Thanks so much for this testimony. I too have a vision for something similar to your Destiny's Closet. Your definitely a woman after my own heart. Tracy
That is so exciting. I am so glad to hear this testimony. I can see why your ministry is about to blow up. I don't know how it is where you live, but there are not many ministry's in our area who are doing what you described. In essence, you are doing real ministry. You are doing what the every chuch/ministry should be about, building the kingdom of God. I really want to do that type of ministry. I want to do things that are beyond the norm, outside of the box for God. I am definitely going to share this testimony w/ dh. I want us to think big. As far as ministry is concerned, the sky is the limit. We can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Extreme Makeover - Home Edition is my favorite show (outside of Christian TV). I love how they really give hope to families whose hope was little or none. I would really like to see the church doing something like this. There is no reason why the world should "outdo" (I don't think that is a word, but you get the point) the church when it comes to giving people hope. I am reminded of the Nitty Gritty message that Deanna gave us a few months ago. She challanged us to be hope dealers. I totally agree. PT, it sounds like that is exactly what your are doing.
That is so awesome! I live in St. Louis and have also wanted to start a ministry like that for single moms. Right now we are not at that point yet. I would like to know what your education/experience is that you feel helped you to be prepared for this ministry. I know that right now is a time of preparation for us in these things and want to do everything I can to get ready for it!
By the way Lady T, there is an AG church somewhere doing the Extreme Home type makeover but with apartment dwellers... they felt they were beter able to do an apartment. Pretty neat!
PT - that is awesome, absolutely AWESOME. I love it!!!!!!!!! I think I'm going to take your idea or a variation of it and do something like this at our church. WHAT AN AWESOME THING.
