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“God in Shoes” – Women’s Ministry Reaches Out to Western Nebraska

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’  ~ Matthew 25:34-36

Ladies from across our conference came to Scottsbluff, Nebraska over 10 days to participate in our first “God in Shoes” Women’s Ministry Program. Ministries included: Food Drives, Family Fun Day, Supper & Seminars, Ladies Only Free Spa Day, Organizing “Welcome Baby” Baskets & Food Boxes and Painting at the local Women’s Shelter.

God was able to use these ministries in positive ways that touched the heart!  One little guy at our Family Fun Day came up to one of our helpers and said, “Is this God in Shoes?” She said, “Yes!” He said, “I didn’t know God in Shoes could be so fun?!” Another couple expressed interest in knowing what church would do this for their community. Week day evenings the community was invited for supper and two seminars. The first seminar dealt with a practical need: Healthy Living, Helping Kids Succeed in School, Healthy, Affordable Meals, and Interviewing for a Job. The 2nd seminar was an inspirational one entitled, “Power for Living” designed to give hope in an unstable world. Resources and contact information from the local Seventh-day Adventist churches were distributed.

A steady stream of ladies came to the Carpenter Center on Friday, September 23, for our “Ladies Only Free Spa Day.” Our ladies provided facials, foot massages, manicures, chair and table massages, Finger Food Buffet,  a new pair of shoes, and a free Spa Bag filled with spa items and the book, “Surprised by Love” by Elizabeth Talbot. One lady expressed appreciation for the shoes as she said she had no money and didn’t know if her shoes would last the winter. As ladies received manicures and facials they would relax and visit with our staff about some of the challenges they were experiencing. What a blessing it was to visit, listen, and pray with them about the things they’d shared! Ladies who participated in the God in Shoes Program felt validated realizing they had something to offer their communities.   

The Scottsbluff Churches are already planning their own annual Family Fun Day as well as Free Spa Day. New Bible studies have begun and a couple of ladies have already attended church with their children. Recently my husband and I were in Scottsbluff. Checking into our hotel that Friday upon finding out that we were part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church the clerk responded, “Oh, you’re the people who do the God in Shoes Ministry! That is so awesome!”

When was the last time you heard the word “awesome” and Seventh-day Adventist Church used in the same sentence by a non-Adventist? Perhaps, this is what Ellen White meant when she said, “Christ’s method alone will bring true success when reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, “Follow Me!” Ministry of Healing p. 143

Next September God in Shoes will be in Wichita, Kansas. To learn more call Sue Carlson at: 785-478-4726 or email: scarlson@ks-ne.org.

This article and photograph are reprinted with kind permission of Sue Carlson, Women’s Ministries Director, Kansas-Nebraska Conference

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