What is the purpose of Joyful Hearts Ministry?

To establish an ongoing support system that will help meet the emotional, social, and spiritual needs of the women of Eastside Baptist Church who have lost their husbands through death.

Who can be a part of this ministry?

All of the widows of Eastside Baptist Church are welcome to be part of this ministry.

When does the Joyful Hearts Ministry meet?

We meet monthly on the 3^rd Thursday of each month. This information will be placed on the church calendar and included in the weekly church bulletin. The time of day will vary based on the activity/event, ladies working, etc.

Places of meeting will vary based on the activity/event but may include:

• EBC Fellowship Hall
• Individual homes
• Restaurants, etc.

Why should I be involved in this ministry?

For those of us who have lost our husbands to death, God understands and provides many encouraging verses for us to lean on and find comfort in. Even from heaven, God looks down and takes heed of widows.

“A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in His holy habitation” (Psalm 68:5).

We are not on this journey alone. Jesus is the healer of broken hearts, and He will mend the hearts of them that depend on Him. The fog that is experienced by a new widow (and those that have been on this journey for a while) will be lifted in time, and the piercing ache in their hearts and the flood of tears will diminish.

It is our hope and prayer that the Joyful Hearts Ministry will be part of that healing process as we walk this journey of widowhood together. In time, our weeping will be turned into joyful hearts.

For more information about Joyful Hearts, please contact: Carol Smith.