The Mink Hat-Siberia Trip

Cathy Bytwerk and I flew together to Moscow and then transferred to Tyumen. During that second flight, God placed a woman next to us who acted like she was our hostess during that flight. Any time we had a need or a question, she responded very graciously. Thank You, Lord, for sending her to help us. Just before disembarking in Tyumen, the lady said to me, “You do not have a proper Russian hat.” I thought that was rather strange since she had been so kind to us. I was wondering what a proper Russian hat for a woman really is. It was very cold while we were there and I had brought hats that were suited for a Michigan winter. But, it never gets to 34 degrees below zero in Michigan! My last day in Tyumen, a very dear widow found my translator, Alexie, and presented me with a proper Russian hat. She told me I did not have a proper Russian hat…the same words the other woman had spoken. It is absolutely gorgeous, Mink to boot. My last day there I wore my new hat knowing that God wanted me to have a proper Russian hat. When I return to Siberia I will be sure to share this story with my widows and wear the beautiful hat a dear widow provided for me.

Siberia, February 16-25, 2007

February in Siberia is cold. It was the coldest I have ever been in my life. But, Tyumen Christian Church extended all the warmth I needed to be able to serve the widows. During our stay our team was privileged to minister at five conferences at various churches in Tyumen and two in adjacent villages.

Each of the conferences was well attended and we were prepared to present them with the love of Christ. Cathy Bytwerk and Sabrina Todd brought words of encouragement and beautiful music dedicated to encouraging the widows. Katie Beth also blessed us with her violin and she was able to film the conferences. I, of course, continued to pray for each widow and present monetary and material gifts to them. Revival has entered into one of the churches as a result of last year’s widow’s conference. These women are literally glowing, and they are so happy. Their hands are God’s hands. Since our first meeting, they are currently ministering to orphans in their community.

A representative from Novosibirsk and Omsk, cities to the north west of Tyumen, has issued an invitation for us to return in October. We are looking forward to planning that visit.

Garden Walk Fundraiser

On August 15, Mrs. May Dubuc, is opening her home to host a “Bring a Friend” garden walk to benefit Widow’s Might Ministry, International. Her garden is a replica of a portion of the sunken garden found in Bouschea Gardens in British Columbia. She refers to this garden as God’s Garden. When you come, you will see why. Not only is it breathtakingly beautiful, but she has sprinkled Scriptures throughout that encourage you in the Lord. Mrs. Dubuc’s garden has been featured with the Northville Garden Club for several years. When she was asked if she would consider a garden walk to benefit the widows of the world, her response was immediate, decisive and positive! We are thrilled to have this opportunity for others to enjoy God’s Garden as well as to learn about our ministry to widows.

If you are interested in joining us, please email us or call the number listed below.
248-349-8389

mbdubuc@wowway.com

A huge thank you goes out to all who are helping to make this fundraiser happen.

Fanny Crosby Fundraiser

Saturday, June 23, was a beautiful day in central lake. The plans had begun several months earlier for the Victorian luncheon hosted by Mrs. Lois Whitehead at her home on Central Lake.

As usual, Lois had a vision, and brought that vision to pass. The food, decorations and music were exceptional. Lois’ friend, Gail, had come from Livonia to make her labor light. Beth and Sherri, Lois’ daughters, brought their beautiful voices from Jackson and Commerce Township, to lead the women with hymns that have blessed generations of Christians.

I humbly became Fanny Crosby, the great, blind hymnist. God provided delightful ladies attired in Victorian array that enjoyed our afternoon together. They also heard many stories about God’s provision for Widow’s Might Ministry, International. And as a plea was made for further funding, they generously contributed to our W-3 project a well, a wall, and a water tower for the widow’s skill acquisition center in Onitsha, Nigeria.

A huge thank you goes out to all the women who served and attended.

National Day of Prayer

Sandy Wallace and I (Linda Hostetter) developed a prayer booklet several years ago which focuses on the National Day of Prayer. Tomorrow we have the privilege of using the prayers in that booklet to beseech the Lord. I encourage you to join with us by downloading a free copy of the prayer booklet. Go to www.startministries.com and you will find the link on the home page. Please let us know how God used you and what you think of the book.

Pamper Yourself Ladies!

Widow's Might Ministry has two fun opportunities for you ladies to support a great cause!
JUNE 23, 2007-High Tea on Central Lake
Join us for an afternoon of tea, cakes, music, and enjoyable entertainment. Tickets are $100 and all proceeds go to the development of the Nigerian Widows' Center.
AUGUST 15, 2007-Walk through the Secret Garden
Spend a few hours enjoying your friends' company while you walk through a beautiful garden, listening to classical music, sipping lemonade, enjoying God's creation. Admittance by ticket only. 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m.

For more information please contact katiebeth@startministries.com.

Update: Nigerian Widows' Center

Fall 2006

At the beginning of September 2006, Linda received word from Pastor Tony Agwaniru that the plots of land had been made available to build the widows' center in Onitsha, Nigeria. Joy sprang up in the team!

That same week Michigan State University donated over 400 desks, 200 hutches, and 40 tilt back chairs for the centers. Catch this-4,000 square feet have been chalked off in a warehouse by a man of God so that the donated furniture has housing until the future centers are prepared.

There's more! A young man who inherited land from his father in Kenya is desirous of us partnering with him to build a widows' center. Of course, we are overwhelmed by God's provision.

A few months ago, we were approached by another ministry in Mali who are also willing to donate land for the same purpose.

Now, you can see why all those desks came when they did.

Of course, plans are in the mix for raising necessary funds to raise the buildings.

Winter/Spring 2007

"W3" is our Phase II project to raise money for the widows center in Nigeria. We must build a wall, a water tower and a well before the actual building is constructed. The total cost of Phase II is $24,000. If you would like more information on Phase II or would like to donate toward the project please email linda@startministries.com.

April 2007

We are half way to our goal of raising $24,000 for the "W3" Project. We are in the process of securing the paper work for purchasing the land in Nigeria. That is in the hands of the Lord and the lawyer! Keep that in prayer.