Southern New England Conference (SNEC) pastors’ spouses spent part of their annual camp meeting luncheon working together to create care bags for at-risk women in the city of Worcester, SNEC’s evangelism focus for 2023. To fund part of this outreach, the SNEC Ministerial Spouses Association received a Hope and Compassion Evangelism Grant from the North American Division (NAD) Ministerial Spouses Association, making this project one that truly illustrates how the entire Adventist church is working “Together in Mission.”
This diverse group of ladies doesn’t get together often, nor do they all know each other well, but they all have something in common — all are married to pastors and have hearts that want to serve others. As Helen Keller said, “The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.” Maybe that’s why these women had such a good time as they filled 50 bags with shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other self-care items. These bags were taken to a YWCA in Worcester, MA, where transitional and emergency housing is provided for women and children. Also, a considerable supply of non-perishable food, all donated by our pastors’ wives, was taken to Abby’s House in Worcester, MA. Abby’s House provides shelter, affordable housing, advocacy, and support services to homeless, battered, and low-income women, with or without children.
The feedback from these women’s shelters was heartfelt. In a thank-you card we received, which was covered with signatures, this message was written: “Dear Angels, we are deeply grateful for the gift bags. Your generosity was an unexpected yet wonderful surprise.” Coordinating the event and gathering the gifts required time and work by Southern New England Conference’s Ministerial Spouses Coordinator, Lionnys St. Natus, and her team, but it was worth the effort! Not only did the pastors’ wives appreciate a delicious meal and building friendships, but they also enjoyed the fulfillment of serving others.
The NAD Ministerial Spouses Association Hope and Compassion Evangelism Grant is offered as a reminder and motivator for pastor’s wives to engage in meeting the needs of our communities. With this impetus and support, at least eight pastor’s wives have identified ways in which they would like to serve their communities and help those in need.
Please pray for the Ministerial Spouses Association as we encourage and support one another in honoring God’s unique callings. Pray we will fully submit our hearts so we can be used to the utmost to love and serve those in need.
Audrey Folkenberg, Director
Southern New England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Stewardship | Planned Giving & Trust Services
Ministerial Spouses Association, Sponsor
