Keys To Women’s Ministry Success

“The fruit of righteous is a tree of life. And he who wins souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30

Key #1: Consider Christ
Jesus ministered to masses. He molded and developed 12 men and challenged them to carry His message to the ends of the earth. The ministry of Jesus changed the world! We can learn everything we need to have a successful ministry by looking at the practical ways Christ conducted His earthly ministry.

How can we be like Christ?
* Define your purpose.
*Share your passion.
*Seek your people (develop a team of leaders).

Key #2: Converse with Christ
Jesus spent a great deal of time in prayer. He prayed for those that He was molding and building. He prayed for those who would come to know Him in the future. Prayer is the key to witnessing God’s productive power in your ministry.

How should we pray?
* Bathe everything in prayer.
* Pray for the small things and the big things.

Key #3: Compel them to come
Jesus called many to drop everything and follow Him. His invitation was clear and compelling.

How can we compel others to join us in following after God?
*Advertise your events in print and by word of mouth:  invite, invite, invite!
* Canvas the community.
* Invite other churches.

Key #4: Communicate constantly
Jesus used every opportunity to reach out and communicate with others. He not only spoke to and taught people; He was a Master at listening to their hearts.

How should we communicate?
* Write letters and newsletters monthly.
* Send cards for encouragement.
* Make calls and send emails.

Key #5: Compassionate concern
The compassion of Christ was evident in every move He made. He reached out to the poor and broken. He was patient with those who did not understand. He worked among the hurting to make a difference in their lives and to share the love of His Father in a real and tangible way. Everywhere we turn, people are hurting. We are called to minister.

How can we demonstrate compassion?
* Look for needs.
* Listen closely and actively. (Focus on the person speaking.)
* Pray immediately with them (out loud).

Key #6: Coach your leaders
Jesus worked with the twelve to give them the boldness and confidence that they needed to go out and share His message. He taught them as they walked the dusty roads together. He demonstrated how to minister as the twelve looked on. He poured Himself into these men in order to teach them to touch the lives of others for the Kingdom.

How can we develop our leaders?
* Choose prayerfully. (Ask God to help you match gifts to service.)
* Disciple diligently.
* Challenge constantly.

Key #7: Consistently teach the Word
The most important key to having ministry success is to effectively and consistently teach the Word of God. Jesus spoke the words of the Father. He spoke the message of the Gospel wherever He went.

How can we consistently teach His Word?
* Encourage individual study.
* Let every event draw people to the Word. (Use a theme verse.)
* Celebrate growth.

Stephanie Little, Guest Writer

Heart of a Servant: Ruth Bell Graham

Ruth Bell Graham was a wonderful example of the legacy that a godly woman can have as she serves her family in the sphere where God has placed her.

Ruth was born in China to missionary parents. She came to Christ at a young age and was full of zeal to reach the lost. Could Ruth’s mother have imagined the plans God had for her daughter? Ruth believed she would never marry and would stay in China as a missionary. Instead, the Lord led her to marry Billy Graham, who would become the greatest evangelist of the 20th century.

Ruth’s life was not an easy one. Billy’s work as an evangelist took him to all corners of the earth. Ruth faithfully served at home, out of the spotlight, raising their five children. Often Billy would be gone for weeks or months on end.  Many wives in Ruth’s circumstance might have become bitter.  But Ruth always seemed to think of Billy, how she might bless him and minister to him. She was not consumed with getting her husband to serve her needs. She was passionate about ministering to him as he served others.

Ruth faithfully prayed for her children, and loved them unconditionally. Two of the five Graham children were prodigals in their youth. Franklin Graham, who is now president of Samaritan’s Purse and a worldwide evangelist in his own right, credits his parents love with bringing him back to the Lord. Every one of the Graham’s five children is walking with the Lord and serving in public ministry today.  Franklin’s son Will follows in his father’s and grandfather’s’ footsteps as he preaches the Gospel at crusades around the world.

At her funeral, Ruth’s daughter said these words: “I don’t believe Mother has adequately been recognized and honored for what she had done because, without her, Daddy’s ministry would not have been possible. How does one live with one of the world’s most famous men?

“God began training my mother for this position years ago in China. Her parents exercised a profound effect upon the development of her character, and laid the foundations for who she was. What she witnessed in her family home, she practiced for herself–dependence on God in every circumstance, love for His Word, concern for others above self, and an indomitable spirit displayed with a smile.”

I wish I knew more about Ruth’s own mother. Did she live to see the fruit of her own faithfulness to the Lord as it was revealed in the character and life of her daughter, and ultimately in her grandchildren and great grandchildren?  Both Ruth and her mother spent their lives serving their families, and we see in their legacy a testimony of multi-generational faithfulness.

“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 31: 28-31

How to Cope with Chronic Pain

July’s featured blogger post is from Glenys Hicks at Sacrifical Home. If you would like to join our blogroll and become a featured blogger, click here.

God allows things to come into our lives for a reason — and often that reason is so that we may, in some way, be a comfort to others.

These are just some ideas and some things that I have found to be helpful whether it’s physical pain, or emotional pain, or really any kind of painful situation. God made each one of us differently, so what is helpful to me may not be helpful to you — but perhaps one or two of these ideas will be an encouragement — and I know for sure that anything related to the Bible will be helpful to anyone and everyone, because the Word of God never returns void — it always accomplishes a good work when put to use in any one’s life.

God has been so gracious and so good to me. Yes, every day and every night I have pain in my body that never goes away. It hurts to walk, it hurts to talk, it hurts to lay down to sleep, it hurts to fix my hair, it hurts to get dressed, it hurts to drive… it just hurts all the time, and it’s not going to go away, unless God chooses to take it away, and that’s His business. But whether or not He ever takes it away, as a wife and mother and Christian, I still need to be involved and maintain a happy spirit for those around me. By no means do I need sympathy — prayer, yes! Sympathy, no.

It is very important to focus on the goodness of God — every day — but especially when you are in constant pain or prolonged discouraging circumstances. Pain is powerful and distracting. Sometimes there is absolutely nothing that can make it better. These are the times that we need to realize that God is with us and He is truly all we need. There are times when all you can do to deal with the pain is to focus on God. That’s not a hyper-spiritual-make-ya-feel-good catch-phrase…it’s the truth.

How do I focus on God? I have a certain place where I sit, and a certain Bible that I use and a notebook beside that Bible. Again, this is just a testimony — I’m not giving advice — what works for me might be different than what works for you — but these are the things that have helped me live with chronic pain for many, many years.

First and foremost, above all else….get to know God. Get to know Him intimately. God is truly the only safe one, the only safe place to pour out your heart, without fear of rejection or consequence. Developing a close relationship with someone only comes by spending time with them. No shortcuts there! If you want to know God better, spend time with Him! You may not notice it right away, but if you continue to meet Him every day, at the same time, in the same place if possible, you will discover a closeness that is unexplainable, sustainable, and unmatched by any human relationship.

For many years, I spent time with God in the early morning hours. Eventually my health declined to where I was not able to get up in the mornings any longer. I now meet with Him as soon as I am physically able, usually by 10am. It took a few months to feel comfortable in a new place, a new time and a new way to spend time with my God. But for me personally, spending time with God is not just a sweet little daily ritual — it’s survival, plain and simple. I am the kind of person that can get off track easily and distracted by circumstances if I don’t get my time with God. It’s a necessity and it means the difference in every day between success or failure, joy or discouragement.

[When thou saidst], Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. Psalm 27:8

Glenys Hicks lives in Australia where she is a married mother/stepmother of six adult children and twelve grandchildren. She loves to encourage Christian women in their walk as wives, mothers, and homemakers. As a chronically ill woman, she has particular empathy for the struggles of others.

Rejoice!

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. ~Psalm 118:24

What are you rejoicing about today?

A Remarkable Woman: Louise Hunter

Ms. Louise Hunter helping to prepare food boxes.

“Love means giving and sharing, not just speaking hollow words,”  these words were spoken by Louise Hunter, who has 21 children, 61 grandchildren and 55 great grandchildren and who still finds time to minister to her community.

Louise married James Hunter and had her first child when she was 18.  The couple lived in Racine, Wisconsin, where over the next two and a half decades she had one child a year.  Two of the children were stillborn.  Louise who is now 74 says, “Sometimes it was confusing when they were growing up, but our house was always filled with love.”

James and Louise raised their children in a two-bedroom house until someone turned them into authorities.  The family was evicted and in the early 1960’s found themselves homeless.  That is when God performed a miracle.  A woman came to the couple and told them they could move into her 18-bedroom house, but there was one condition.  They had to buy the house from her for $1.  The couple gladly paid the fee and moved their family into the spacious house.  Louise was so overcome with God’s goodness that she prayed and asked God, “What will you have me to do for you?” The Lord responded with a vision for the Love and Charity Homeless Mission.

Louise began by opening the Love and Charity Club in 1970.  The group distributed food and gospel tracks.  The Widow’s Closet was the next ministry Louise founded.  This group ministered to people when their Social Security money ran out.  They raked yards, cut grass, brought food and did whatever was needed for the senior adults.  She began to open their home to latchkey kids, and then she started The Love and Charity Mission in the late 1970’s that ministered to those who found themselves destitute.  In the 80’s she opened the House of Hope, a senior citizens mission, and in 1990 she opened Love and Charity II in Memphis, Tennessee.

Over and over, Louise and James expressed thanks to God by serving others.

Louise’s life was not without tragedy.  Her 7-year-old son James died when their home burned down.  Many neighbors who had seen Louise minister to so many others stepped in and helped to find a home for the family.

At the age of 42, James died in an automobile accident leaving Louise to raise the 18 children alone.  God granted her what she needed to take care of her family.  Louise continued to help others.  She said, “Even though we did not have much, we always had enough.”

Louise is quite a remarkable woman who is a motivational speaker now, encouraging others to use what they have to make a difference in the lives of others.  In her words, “It’s about reaching out and touching people’s lives.  People don’t realize how much you get from giving.”

Tracey

Hello all! My name is Tracey, and I am the most recent addition here at Mentoring Moments. Since I am new, I want to share a bit about who I am and how I got here. I grew up in a small town with an awesome family. My parents are still married to each other and still live in the house they built in 1972. I am the oldest of their four daughters. The whole family went to church every week, and I accepted Christ at age ten. I wish I could say that from that point, I found God’s path for me and never once veered from it. However, I cannot.

This small-town girl always had big-city plans. After leaving my hometown, I made some poor choices and traveled a path that obviously was not God’s best for me. In his grace and mercy, He allowed me to turn back to him. Soon after, my high school sweetheart made a reappearance and almost 18 years and four children later we remain committed to each other. Our family has moved frequently and is currently living in rural Georgia and loving it here. It is humbling when you realize what you want is what you already had.

Today I am many things: Christian, wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. I try to play an active part in my local church and community by teaching a women’s Sunday school class, facilitating Bible studies and contributing my time and resources to causes that I feel led to support. Although I work outside the home part time, my most important job is there as wife and mother. At home, I keep the kids clean, fed and mostly on schedule for the various activities each one has chosen. I also “help” my husband with the home improvement projects we are always working to finish. In my spare time I read a lot, sing (badly) a lot and write a lot. To learn more about the Cagle crew and me, check out my blog: Reflections in a One Light Town at http://reflectionsonelighttown-tracey.blogspot.com.

Because of the fantastic work of God in my own life, I know that His love never fails. It is my hope to share that message with those whose path might have also taken a wrong turn. So many think that the mistakes of the past define their future, I am living proof that it does not have to be that way.

Talking to the Dead

Talking to the Dead

In the Christian fiction, Talking to the Dead, a young widow deals with the pain and heartache of her husband’s recent and sudden death. She grieves deeply, living in the fog of grief and memories. Kate forgets to care for herself and even how to live.

Kate’s friends and family try to reach her, but all she recognizes is the voice of her dead husband, Kevin, talking to her. In her longing for his love and life, she hangs on to every word and nuance. At the same time, each one-sided conversation with him wounds her even more deeply than the one before.

Reaching out for help in the world of medicine, science, ancient religions and show-biz Christianity, Kate has nowhere to turn. A quick game of ball, a grief recovery group and an unconventional pastor of a motley group of people seem to bring some hope and stability. That is, until she uncovers Kevin’s terrible secret.

Author Bonnie Grove, a Canadian pastor’s wife from the flatlands of Saskatchewan, brings us a realistic, down-to-earth glimpse into the life of a woman drowning in emotion and pain who desperately grabs hold of Life and all it offers. She unpacks the mystery and emotion of grief, what it’s like to go to a counselor or psychologist.  With some humor and a great deal of real-to-life emotion, Grove draws the reader into Kate’s new world.

Enjoy the interview with Bonnie Grove regarding this fabulous book in today’s TalkShoe podcast.  To listen, click here, then double click on the arrow underneath the words ‘Past Episodes’.  Next, click on the words ‘Talking to the Dead’.  Hit play when you are ready.

(Editor’s Note: Carla received a copy of Talking with the Dead from Ms. Groves for the purpose of review and interviewing. If you chose to click on the book link you will be redirected to Christian Book Distributors. MMCW receives a small commission (10%) from book sales to offset our operating costs.)

When Should I Pray?

Editor’s note: Diane Hale shared this moving reminder of  the power of prayer through her daily devotional Morning Light some time back. God did it before, do you believe He can move mightily in our nation once again? Would you join with MMCW and pray for revival in our nation? Follow us on Facebook as we share scriptures to  pray over our nation.

It was 1857. America had been prosperous and felt little need to call on God. In July, a church in New York City was losing members so they contacted a businessman named Jeremiah Lanphier. He was hired to visit the neighbors in an attempt to improve attendance. But his efforts were discouragingly unsuccessful.

So Jeremiah asked, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” The Lord answered with one word, “Prayer.”

In response, he rented a room and advertised a prayer meeting.

His announcement was hauntingly poetic:

When Should I Pray?
As often as the language of prayer is in my heart;
As often as I see my need of help;
As often as I feel the power of temptation;
As often as I become aware of spiritual decline,
Or if I feel the effects of an aggressive worldly spirit.
In prayer we exchange the business of time, for that of eternity.
In prayer we pause from contact with men, for contact from God.

The meeting day arrived and no one showed up. After Jeremiah prayed alone for the first half-hour, about six men wandered in. But the next week, on October 7th, forty intercessors showed up.

On October 10th, 1857 the stockmarket crashed and one of the greatest panics in American history swept away the giddy structure of speculative wealth. Banks failed, factories were shut down and vast numbers of people were abruptly thrown out of employment.

But the prayer meeting was bursting out of the building!

Within six months, ten thousand businessmen were gathering daily for prayer in New York. As a direct result, noontime prayer meetings began breaking out in cities all across the country. Every day buildings across America were jam-packed with people praying. Within two years, a million converts were added to American churches. (Only 30 million people were living in the U.S. at the time.)

The informal prayer meeting style was open for anyone to participate. They could pray aloud, encourage the others with testimony or a song…as long as they finished in five minutes or less. That five-minute limit allowed many seekers to participate. Previously, the church had usually been directed by professional ministers.

Ted Lavigne, a pastor and historian, says simply, “This ‘prayer meeting’ revival brought conviction to America, and it can happen again when the conditions are met. People prayed, God moved.”

Our hope is not for the disintegration of the financial system, but that God would bless us and make us a blessing. In light of the troubling times on Wall Street, CBN.com published a fascinating 3-minute clip. (Click on the link below. Then click play below the Fulton sign). Be inspired by this revolution that God sparked through this humble businessman. Forward it to your friends; meet and pray. Who knows? Maybe He will spark a revolution through you!

http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2007/September/Spiritual-Rally-on-Wall-Street/

Author Unknown

Mentoring Links 7.7.10

Apples of God…Beautiful mentoring program that teaches wives and mothers to cook.

Learning to Become a Mentor…Nancy Leigh DeMoss interviews Apples of Gold founder Betty Huizenga on how mentoring might be easier than you expect and more meaningful than you thought possible. Free audio download or just read the transcript.

Join Our Summer Recipe Carnival!

Do you have a favorite go-to summer recipe? Share it with us! We’re looking for your summer recipe blog posts for our Favorite Summer Recipe Blog Carnival.  The deadline for submission is tomorrow (July 7th).

It will be fun and yummy as we visit one another’s blogs to read about favorite summer recipes. This can be anything from appetizers to main dishes, dessert to beverages.

If you have never done a blog carnival before, it’s easy! Just write a post on your blog sharing your favorite summer recipe, and submit the URL of your post to mentoringmoments@aol.com. Blog post links must be submitted by Wednesday, July 7, 2010. This carnival will run on July 12, 2010.

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