For awhile now, I’ve been trying to figure out what I could do ministry-wise to get involved in my community. Having worked fulltime all my life, this is really the first time I’ve had the extra time to devote to something like this and I’m happy to say that God has opened a door for me to get involved. My friend, Debbie, told me about The Lovelady Center, a faith-based ministry that helps women coming out of prison, as well as domestic abuse, homeless women, and drug addicts. The gospel is shared with them and many of them have come to know Christ as a result and they are seeing many changed lives in the 4 short years that they’ve been open.
This is certainly not to pat myself on the back. I’ve never actively sought out getting invoved in anything like this before, nor did I really want to get out of my comfort zone, but when I walked in and heard their presentation on what the Lovelady Center is all about, my heartstrings were tugged and next thing I knew, I had signed up to be a volunteer. I’m going to use my talents to teach a class to these women, Trash to Treasure Decorating. This will be an ongoing class and I imagine that I’ll get many more signing up for the 6-week class after the first session is over with. We have just started this in the last week and I can’t wait to see what God is going to do with these ladies. I also can’t wait to how this is going to impact my life as well. I am so excited about this ministry and how Debbie and I can open our lives up to these women. We’re going to teach a Bible study together too and Debbie will help me with my decorating class.
So, this is where I’ll be every Friday afternoon. I’m going to drag some of my projects up there and show these ladies how to do things on a budget, from covering lampshades to decoupage and painting. Hopefully, one of these days they will have a home of their own. I know for a fact that all women want a home and they want to make it their own, so that’s what I hope to teach them. Many of them have never had a home. So, we want to show them hope…through God’s love and what He can do in their lives. I had 13 ladies at the first class and expect a few more next time. We are also going to sponsor a table for the women’s Christmas party. We’ll be decorating the table, providing the food and also giving each lady a special gift. I’ve got some ladies in my Bible study group who I hope will help me with my table and we will look forward to pampering these ladies for an evening. 
If you’ve ever thought about getting involved in a center like this, take a look around your city and see what is out there. You have to actively look for it, it’s not going to just jump in your lap. I think this might be one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever gotten involved in. I’ll keep you posted on it all.
If you’ve ever thought about getting involved in a center like this, take a look around your city and see what is out there. You have to actively look for it, it’s not going to just jump in your lap. I think this might be one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever gotten involved in. I’ll keep you posted on it all.
We’re going out of town again. Back to the beach in Florida this time! I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow on the next post and boy, will you be surprised! It’s a fun story.
Don't Miss a Post, join my list!
Wow, Rhoda, I love this! I bet those women just love your style, and what a blessing (for you and for them!)
Carrie
Rhoda, what a perfect thing to do. I am so grateful to know people like you through blogging. God bless you!
Look at you! Look at God! I love that you’re using your gifts to bless others and can’t wait to see how those blessings flow both ways, Rhoda.
I’m so very excited for you and for those ladies. This is the very kind of thing we’re supposed to do with that which we’re given.
You Go, Girl.
Hi Rhoda,
I got involved with a Mentoring Program here in De. and it is very rewarding, I know you’ll love passing on your talent to others. I’m sure the young girl I mentored, could have used help in other directions, but those things were taken care of by teachers, and teachers aids, as they should have been. I too wanted to teach things to others that I love doing, and try to pass this pleasure of creating on to them. I’m afraid some people just don’t understand that, and how it can benefit people in life.
Wishing you the very best, GOD BLESS.
((((((HUGS)))))))
‘D’
Ohhhhh,remember…..
You can please some of the people some of the time. And please some of the people all of the time. But you can’t please all of the people all of the time.
I’m so sorry that one of those people hurt your feelings. I loved your reply. 😉
Double ((((((HUGS)))))
Rhoda, it is so great to hear about what you are doing at the Lovelady Center. The pastor and staff of my church, Bridge Christian Fellowship in Irondale, lead the Sunday evening service there once a month and several members of my church teach classes there regularly! I think the world of Melinda who is the founder’s daughter and a former member of our church. Make sure you meet her! I pray God will richly bless you as you minister to these women.
I am a resident at the Lovelady Center. It’s so refreshing to see people wanting to get involved. This is a wonderful place and it’s done amazing things for me spiritually. I did not truely know God before coming here and I honestly do not know of a more deserving place for whatever and whoever wants to help these women. I will graduate this week, but this place will forever be in my heart. I can’t thank you enough for giving your time!
rhoda, You are my kindred spirit .I came to you via, Susan,moonlight and magnolias.I am a faithful follower of Eddie Ross, I also love black and white with touches of green.But this post really is pulling at my heart.I have recently found out about a home for elderly women that literally have nothing but the clothes on their backs.They are provided with a room, similar to an assisted living facility.they get donations and I want to volunteer to take the donations and decorate some rooms for them.For whatever reason Life has taken a lot from these ladies and I feel everyone deserves a nice enviroment they can call home.I am also a Christian and the journey my life has taken me on to get me to this spot is interesting.I would love to be able to share it with you someday.If it is possible for emailing??? Anyhow I have not yet started this process,so I believe you post is the impetus for me to make a call, Thank you, You see how God is using you yet again. Kathysue/Micasastyle.com
I love the Lovelady Center! Our teen worship group sang there last month :-)!
We try to do ministry partner stuff with them.