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.
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Rhoda, I just bet that ladies will flock to your class. They are probably just dying for something fun! It will be easy for you to incorporate many blessings into that class. Way to go!!
This looks like a worthy cause Rhoda, and you have the talent for it!
Have fun at the beach.
Diane
What a great way to minister in the community! When God gives us talents, it is because we are to use them to help show His love to others. You are doing this in such a great way. Best of luck…I am sure they will love you and your class.
Hi Rhoda –
How will this ministry impact your life? I’m positive you will never be the same again. You will find that you are the one who is truly blessed as you give yourself and your talents to the ladies there. I’m sure as you get to know them and they come to love and trust you, you will leave each week feeling that they have touched and blessed your life in ways you never imagined possible. That’s what happens when God leads us to the ministry where HE wants us – our lives are richer because of it. Thanks for sharing this ministry with us. I will be praying that you will have lots of opportunity to love the ladies and show them Christ’s love through practical ways they can take with them to their homes.
~Adrienne~
Rhoda–your class title is perfect and I wonder if you could tie the title of the class into the Bible studies?! “Trash to Treasure”…eg even though sometimes we all feel like trash, the Truth is that we’re a Treasure to God. Plenty of women in the Bible (Rahab, Mary Magdalene) to use as illustrations. Plus the whole idea of Christ’s bride…God’s kingdom and we’re royalty…oh the ideas! Exciting new God-adventure you’re on 🙂
Rhoda good for you, I am sure you will get just as much out of it as those your helping.
So are you the mystery dog-sitter for Kat in Fl ???
Have fun,
Kathy 🙂
That’s is great! Have a Blessed day, 🙂 Vanessa
I love the idea of this type of “prison ministry” which is how I think of it.
I bet I know your secret Fla. destination….sh-h-h, I won’t tell (can a sweet little dog be in the picture?)
Judy
good for you, Rhoda! what a great idea, and a great way to combine your God-given talents and your desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
This is a fabulous idea. As you say, all women want a real home. These ladies will have so much fun at your classes as what you will teach is certainly something new and special for them. Bringing beauty, and hope, into their lives will assist them in following the right path. You are a special person to give of your time Rhoda.
Rhoda, what a perfect fit for you! And what a blessing you will be to those ladies! I think this will truly give them hope for the future. What woman doesn’t want to add beauty to her life in any way she can? I’m so glad God led you there and I hope you will continue to update us on your new ministry.
What a wonderful gift you are giving to these ladies, Sometimes it is just the thing that could turn someone life around. I have helped a lady that, had got an office job, but had no clothes, shoes, ect, after being in prison. I gave her 3 hate to say trash bags full. But they were great clothes for office, dinner, home, ect. I still hear from her through a third party, and she is doing well. I never met her, but it touched my heart, I am glad she has her life on the good road. You are doing a wonderful gift of love.
Rhoda, I know you’ll be blessed by your new ministry. I believe, too, that others want to have a lovely home, but they have no idea how to do it on a budget. With your talent, you’ll be able to teach them how to do that.
Blessings,
Wanita
My very best wishes for this wonderful project! I think all women are nesters, and I know these women will love your class.
This is so awesome!
Rhoda, that is a wonderful thing you are getting involved in. You will reap many rewards.
Rhoda, this sounds like a wonderful opportunity to use all your talents. What a wonderful organization!
Manuela
Rhoda, this is so wonderful! I have always wanted to be involved with prison ministry, and what you’re doing is great! I had thought about trying to teach (if they needed it) some sort of life skills semniar like writing a resume or public speaking, but I had never thought about decorating. What a fun thing to offer at the center, and the fact that you had so many sign up is proof positive.
This is well worth some prayerful considertation. The Lord is very specific about us not foretting those who are in prison along with widows and orphans, so I commend you highly.
This is my favorite thead on your blog! 🙂
XO,
Sheila
Hi, Rhoda! WHAT AN AWESOME MINISTRY!!! Not only do you get to do what you LOVE to do, but you get to show people the love of Christ THRU you! My dad is a director for Prison Ministry and i know he would be so thrilled and the after care these ladies are recieving after getting out of prison. If you wish to have more ladies who are just released come to this wonderful place, i am more than happy to get you the name of my dad who works for Prison Fellowship Ministries and he can get ahold of someone in your area who could direct these ladies to you! Bless you for blessing others! – Kat
How great that you're using your gifts to help other women! Fantastic things happen when we follow God's leading :)!! I'm sure these women will be eager to learn your tips, and will be grateful for the Christ-like love you and the others show them! I'm sure you'll be ministered to as well!! 🙂
Hope you have fun at the beach!!!
If you don't mind, I've got a decorating advise question on my blog & I'd love to get your opinion!
Blessings,
Stacey