The Fatherless and Widows ministry Is entering it’s 10th year of service on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It has served mostly locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. The origins of the ministry are founded on a Bible verse that states “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction…” James 1:27. This Bible verse has its own roots digging deep into the pages of scripture showing G-d’s special encouragements and warnings pertaining to the manner in which we treat fatherless and widows. One might think that more Christian ministries around the world would be called “Fatherless and Widows” than any other name because that is the very definition of “pure religion”, with the inclusion of the rest of that verse “…to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” We are aware that there are some widows organizations and orphanages around the country/world, but until the creation of this organization, the founder had never seen one titled “Fatherless and Widows”. All through the Bible, fatherless and widows are found together. There are some stories of widows that seem set apart, but many areas of instruction to treat them both well are found together. This name and ministry remained on the founders’ heart for over a decade until the harvest of 2012, while standing on the Mountain of Blessing in Israel, he felt a release to get this ministry started and did so. The organization is currently incorporated and is in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) non-profit status. For people wanting to donate to the Fatherless and Widows organization, they may receive tax credit by donating to the 501 (c) (3) organization titled Disability Connection and writing “For Fatherless and Widows” on the check or requesting that option if donating goods, cash or by credit card. The organization’s mission is to serve widows, and also children who do not have an active father figure in their lives. The founder prefers the word fatherless, not only because that is the name used in Bible, but because the use of the name “orphan’s” does not include the vast majority of children without a father or close father figure in their lives. The mission of the ministry is to listen to the needs of the fatherless and widows in our community and respond with practical help that comes from a place in the heart. Services may be provided on the basis of need and may be adapted to the needs of the individual. Services for the fatherless may include but are not limited to mentoring, field trips such as career and agricultural tours, educational classes, special events and activities. In addition to educational activities, widows’ services may include anything from a simple phone call or visit on a regular basis to more specific needs like fixing a toilet or helping with an electrical problem. We aspire to have a long list of widows to call prior to an incoming hurricane to help to ensure that their needs are taken care of, i.e., transportation out of town, a place to stay, yard clean up, windows taped/covered, etc.. Following up after hurricanes is also planned for those who may need yard clean up or other necessities. Training people in nursing assistant services with the aim of having approved nursing home visits is planned. We know that the needs of the fatherless are tremendous, and we hope to move forward slowly with guidance. We expect that the doors will continue to open in the process of responding to needs and with volunteers who have creative ideas in how to serve in a fun, positive, and rewarding way. It is not our intention to promote or deny today’s situation of tithing. However, it is a fact that the Bible historically mandated a special tithe to be set aside for fatherless and widows. The Fatherless and Widows organization is thankful to the following organizations for having received positive advice, helpful interventions, beneficial partnerships, &/or generous donations from/with Disability Connection; Youth for Christ, Hope Haven, The Salvation Army, The Humane Society, Gospel Singers of America, Keesler Federal Credit Union, Tuesday Mornings, www.1213Jewelry.com, Kona Ice and many more. Kona Ice [(228) 297-7669] and 1213 Jewelry [(228) 493-3939] have both decided to continually donate portions of their sales to Fatherless and Widows, Inc.. 1213 Jewelry is a home-based business of hand-made jewelry. By supporting them you are supporting us. Box 77, Long Beach, MS 39560.
