Honor The Widows Sunday Is June 24
Sunday, June 24th, is recognized by the Church of God as Honor the Widows Sunday. It is the only day throughout the year where Church of God congregations are asked to do two things: 1) recognize and honor the widows in their local congregations and 2) receive an offering for the Iris B. Vest Widows Ministry Center in Sevierville, Tennessee.
Iris B. Vest Widows Ministry Center is the premier widows ministry in the Church of God, and it currently cares for 35 widows. These are the forgotten heroes of the faith. One of these forgotten heroes is Betty Corbett. Aunt Betty–as she was known–has given her life to children’s ministry as she and her husband traveled the country preaching and teaching in children’s crusades. Now, her husband has gone on to be with the Lord, leaving her alone. Having no children and one sister, Betty has only one home–the Widows Ministry Center.
Another forgotten hero is Reverend Jewel Pratt of Indiana. Recently celebrating her ninetieth birthday, pastor and prayer warrior Jewell Pratt is still ministering passionately while residing at the Widows Center. Jewell, together with her husband Edward, pastored in Indiana for many years, establishing three churches, the last of which—Peru—she pastored for more than 30 years.
“Working with the residents of the Widows Center has helped me to understand that the loss of a husband, in most cases, means loss of identity for the widow,” stated Dr. Coleman Peacock, director of the Widows Center. “It also means loss of finances, friends, and a lifestyle that has been embedded in her very being. Her entire world changes the moment of her husband’s passing, making her a forgotten hero. Replacing her familiar lifestyle is an overwhelming onslaught of fear, insecurity, anxiety, and a sense of helplessness that crushes the heart into submission to the crisis—physically, spiritually, emotionally and socially. But, she is not alone! There is a refuge, and it is called the Iris B. Vest Widows Ministry Center.”
However, Peacock explained, because of a failing economy and a downturn of benevolent giving, the Widows Center is facing a tremendous financial challenge. Although the facility is free of debt, it costs approximately $1200 per month to care for a resident. But, the average rental income is a little more than $300 per month. This leaves $900 per month per resident to be raised through free will donations. Receiving no state nor federal dollars, the Widows Center relies entirely on the contributions of businesses and church congregations for its support.
All pastors are asked take the time this Sunday to Honor the widows In their congregations. And, in support of the mandate of Scripture according to James 1:27–“to care for widows in their distress”–to receive a love offering for the Iris B. Vest Widows Ministry Center to help care for these forgotten heroes of the faith. Your gift is their HOPE.
For ideas concerning Honor the Widows Sunday, go to the website and look under resources: www.widowscenter.org
Please mail contributions to: Iris B. Vest Widows Ministry Center, 509 Park Road, Sevierville, TN 37862.
