The Southern Belles: Widows' Ministry
Beth Krook, Speaking About The Southern Belles:
Just over two years ago, Pete & I felt the Lord leading us to start a Ministry for the widows in our church as well as other churches in the area. The inspiration came after hosting one of our own recently widowed friends for dinner. We started thinking of other widows we knew. I spoke to a friend and she gave us a list of about 10 women. We decided to have them come to our home for dinner once a month. It is a time for these women to enjoy a specially prepared meal, visit with one another and to share their stories of widowhood. Only someone who's been through the loss of their spouse can truly understand what they are going through. We bless them with a gift or gift card each month. Other families have participated as well, opening their homes for us to have a meal there. Though many of these women already knew each other, it's been a great opportunity for friendships to grow. They now get together on their own time, one-on-one or in small groups, to go shopping, out to eat, or just to visit.
Last spring we planned a "Spa Day." Volunteers gave massages, facials, and pedicures. They used the sauna & hot tub and an awesome lunch was prepared and served. We also put together gift baskets, and gave robes and slippers to each woman. Every year around Christmas time we put together Christmas baskets of gift cards, cookies, pastries, hams, stamps, candles, candies, calendars, socks, ornaments, CD's, books, blankets, scarves & gloves, coffee, tea, nuts, soaps and lotions. The donations for these baskets have come from business owners, and from area churches where these widows attend. We have a fund set up for through The Vine (The Vine-Southern Belles Account) for additional needs throughout the year. We've helped out with car repairs, medical and misc. expenses. If anyone is interested in helping out, serving the monthly meal or having one in their home, please contact us.
“We are so grateful for a place where mom can interact with others who understand and have experienced loneliness in a way that one cannot relate with unless experienced first hand. Mom has been able to cultivate lasting friendships through the Southern Belles. Thanks Peter and Beth for all that you do.”
-Pastor Tomas Nyblom
“Here is the way Southern Belles has impacted/blessed my mother's life: My mother now has people she can talk to who have been through the same thing as her. She has said that if there were no Southern Belles she probably would not live here. She looks forward to it every month.” –Delan Cooper
Click here to see Photos of the Southern Belles Ministry.