Poverty.... Distrust.... Honesty.

        Ruth Givens, children's director at Taylor Road Baptist and active mentor for the M&M's Bible Study at Forest Park Ministry Center, spoke to a group of pastors and church leaders last week about her experience with the girls in M&M's.  The three words that she used: poverty, distrust, and honesty - encapsulated the experience.  Ruth related how deeply mired in the cycle of poverty are the girls who frequent this Bible Study.  She also related the distrust so imbedded in their mindsets because of life experiences, abuse, and neglect. - And the honesty that they exhibit when they do finally open up and share their lives and hearts with us.  -And the joy when they find that someone really does care and love them!

        So imagine our delight this past Tuesday when one of the girls enters the room "aglow" and smiling.  Most of the girls are single, but this young woman is married, and although she has experienced much heartbreak, is determined to make it work.  She delighted in telling us about the weekend - her husband had spent an entire day with her and the children:  making a meal to eat together, going on a picnic and playing ball and other outdoor games together.  She was so happy and encouraged!  As we rejoiced with her, we encouraged her and the other girls to continue to pray for the men in their lives, whether husband, boyfriend, father of their children.  God moves mountains, and He softens hardened hearts!