Building relationships at heart
of women’s ministries outreach
(February 24, 2002)
Above-average unemployment and a
high crime rate have given Albuquerque, N.M., the dubious distinction
of ranking number 326 on Money magazine’s list of "best
places to live." In nearby Rio Rancho, members of Women’s
Ministries of Grace Outreach Center are well aware of the tragic situations
that can result from crime and joblessness. They believe that building
relationships is one of the most important aspects in ministry to women
in all walks of life – including the homeless. A small bottle of
perfume, a touch of makeup, even a facial or manicure are ways that
women minister to those who have found shelter in Albuquerque Rescue
Mission’s Women’s Day Center.
"They really don’t care
what you know unless they know you care," says Women’s Ministries
President Donna Glover, who heads a 15-member leadership team.
The core of Women’s Ministries
is its Tuesday morning and Thursday evening Bible studies. This is where
discipleship and prayer bond women together so they can become a foundational
support to the church’s other ministries. The Tuesday morning Bible
study offers free child care for moms. "It’s not just a room
where someone makes sure the kids don’t hit each other," Glover
says. In Temple Builders Kid’s Club, with TB Rabbit as the mascot,
children learn about taking care of their bodies through exercise, healthy
snacks and naps. They grow spiritually through story time and "prayer
play" – using tools such as a United States flag, a globe
or a firefighter’s hat to inspire prayer. Because children are
enthusiastic about the club, mothers don’t miss the Bible study.
Appropriately named Women of Grace,
this Women’s Ministries group builds relationships by meeting the
needs of women in various stages of life. Young moms are served by a
child-care cooperative. Someone who is ill can expect to receive meals
and housecleaning services. All single moms within the church receive
Thanksgiving dinner as well as referrals in the community, especially
moms whose children attend church through the bus ministry. New Christians
are integrated into the group by personal invitations to events. Secret
sister relationships are reshuffled every six months with newcomers
being served by Super Secret Sisters, who give with no expectation of
a return gift.
About 70 miles from Rio Rancho is
Cuba, N.M., a small poverty-stricken community that has no ministry
for women. Women of Grace has extended invitations to the women of this
community to attend activities. "Cuba Connection" is an outreach
to the community with the goal of establishing an interdenominational
women’s group to meet needs.
