by Leigh-Ann Brisbin, Cuyahoga Valley Church Women’s Director
And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:40
On April 1, 2017 the women of Cuyahoga Valley Church will gather together to create, connect, bless and serve those in need in some way or another. The day will be designated to exposing the needs/mission opportunities in our community, state, nation and worldwide with ways that we can, as women, get involved and help in tangible ways. The added plus is that we get to connect with one another as we serve alongside each other.
Various areas we’ll be serving:
- making drawstring bags for the boys and girls in Ghana, El Salvador (Love and Hope Children’s Home), and Pearl Island.
- Cleveland Pregnancy Center making fleece blankets and knitted hats, as well as putting together the baby bottles for their support drive.
- Care on the Square and homeless ministry with care packages
- Rahab Ministries making soup for their soup and shop
- Love and Hope Children’s Home putting together care packages
- VIP Women’s Ministry with care packages for women in need
- Youth for Christ and CVC Youth – Power Cards of encouragement
- Grief Share – cards of encouragement and sympathy
- Armed Forces – Cards of encouragement
- Local Nursing Homes making room décor with inspiriation
- And More…
Here’s a spotlight on a mission organization we will be serving that day
RAHAB MINISTRIES
In 2002, armed with nothing but homemade business cards and prayers, Becky Moreland headed out to the streets of some of the roughest areas of Akron, Ohio to share the love of Jesus with women she met. Since then, RAHAB Ministries has served tens of thousands of female victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Whether it’s through providing basic necessities, mentoring, or safe housing, RAHAB is a constant example of the Gospel to the women it serves. Their mission is to Reach, Rescue and Redeem.
REACH
The outreach teams walk the streets of Akron every week ministering and praying with the women they meet. Those outreach teams also visit all Akron-area strip clubs once a month to develop relationships with the dancers. The relationship with the Oriana House Correctional Facilities has earned them the opportunity to both bring Bible studies into the facilities, and to pick up women and bring them to their weekly program.
By partnering with Summit County Juvenile Court, RAHAB provides mentoring for minor victims through a program called Restore Court, which seeks to expunge victim’s records. Volunteers visit and write letters to women in prison to continue to show them hope in Christ amidst their seemingly hopeless situations. Through these numerous avenues RAHAB builds the meaningful, Christ-centered relationships these women are so thirsty for.
RESCUE
True rescuing requires intervention. RAHAB aids in the long-term rescuing process by being a consistent voice reminding the women that they are worth rescuing. Women begin the rescue process when a safe relationship is formed and trust is established.
From there, they are encouraged to come to the Ministry Center for weekly programming including Bible studies, hot meals, positive community, and more. Safe housing is provided for victims of human trafficking with no safe place to live. By introducing them to a network of resources and stable, supportive people, these victims begin to believe they can have a different life.
There is hope.
REDEEM
RAHAB aims to provide practical needs while always pointing the women toward a relationship with Jesus Christ. He alone is the redeemer. They encourage and support women in reclaiming their lives.
They have seen women regain custody of their children, graduate college, get stable jobs, stay clean and sober, and go from believing they are worthless to walking in confidence. But above all, they’ve seen countless women give their lives to the Lord. They attribute every success story to the redemptive power of Jesus Christ.
We invite you to be a part of this special Women’s Serve Day and join the larger body of women of Cuyahoga Valley Church and our community. Get to know someone new, create, connect and bless! Consider inviting a friend or family member and join us from 9AM-12PM.
Any Questions? Email Leigh-Ann Brisbin.
