pwoc keynote, april 2012

8/2/2019 PWOC Keynote, April 2012

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Keys to

KeynoteVolume 1, Issue 9 April 2012

Protestant Women of the Chapel

PWOC Fit: Meets M/W/F at 9

a.m. at the SHAPE gym parking

lot for support, encouragementand group exercise like walking

and running. Contact Dana at

[email protected] to join the

mailing list.

PWOC Fit 2: If you cannot make

it to PWOC Fit and youre inter-

ested in meeting on T/Th nights

instead, please contact Cindy

Rogers at [email protected].

Prayer: Meets Tuesdays 12 -

12:30 p.m. and Thursdays from12-1 p.m. in the West Chapel.

Contact Shirley Houin at

[email protected].

Book Club: Meets Apr. 18, 7-9

p.m. at Kory Caughies house.

Read The Midwife by Jennifer

Worth. Be ready to discuss it.

Coffee and tea provided; please

bring a snack to share. For May

16, read War Horse by Michael

Morpurgo. Meeting will be at

Lynda Hornes. For more infor-

mation, contact Christine at

[email protected].

Focus on Ministry: Project Turning PointA new initiative from Breaking Chains/Cherut

By Lynda Horne

Craft Club: If you are interested

in gathering to try different craft

projects, please contact Trisha

Raynoha during PWOC or at

[email protected].

Over the past three years, Breaking

Chains/Cherut has had the great privilege

of helping many ladies who have made

the difficult decision to leave their lives of

prostitution. The reality is that often these

women want to stop but they see no alter-

native owing to lack of compassion and

practical support for themselves and

those family members that depend on

their income, quite often their own chil-

dren. They know themselves that it is not

realistic to think they can just step into

another full-time job. However, making

the decision to quit means losing their

income, more often than not their home,

and finding themselves completely alone;

they face emotional abuse and not know-

ing what the next day will bring. Without

the right support, this difficult though life-

changing decision they want to take may

never be realized.

As an organization, Breaking Chains/

Cherut has been able to offer not just

practical help but encouragement, hope

and friendship. We have helped guide

these women through all the different

stages of building a new life. Together we

look for possibilities in each unique situa-

tion. For example, when a woman is com-

ing out of forced prostitution there is a

specific, urgent need for a safe place to

stay. All women need time and a place to

rest and think about their future. They

(Continued on page 4)

Chapel Journeys to The Hiding PlaceBy Dana Maksimowicz

Up until about two

months ago I had never

heard of Corrie ten Boom.

We had been given the

book entitled The Hiding

Place by the Chapel staff to

read. I am not much of a

reader, but the book was

one I could not put down. The chapel then

gave us an opportunity to watch the

movie created to share Corries story in a

new way. Finally, on Sat-

urday, Mar. 12, two bus-

loads of folks from the

Chapel traveled to the

Netherlands to get to know

the ten Boom family a bit

better. The storefront was

just as I had imagined

(without the modern day jewelry) and the

house was actually bigger than I had pic-


Worrying is carrying tomorrow'sload with today's strength- carrying

two days at once. It is moving intotomorrow ahead of time. Worrying

doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow,it empties today of its strength.Corrie ten Boom

World Day of PrayerBy Pam Giacomello

On Mar. 2, SHAPE International Chapel

did something different this year to once

again participate in the World Day of

Prayer. It began as dawn broke over the

islands of Tonga in the Pacific and contin-

ued across each continent, until the last

services were held back in the Pacific on

the islands of Samoa.

What is it? Its a global, ecumenical

movement of informed prayer and prayer-

ful action, organised and led by Christian


Recipe Club: Theme is Asian

Fusion on Apr. 23 at Jodi Millers.

Contact her at jodimillerpartyof5

@gmail.com


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Devotion: Entertain AngelsBy Pam Giacomello

In the 4th Century, it was written in the Life of Saint Mar-

tin, then a young soldier, that he saw a coatless beggar out

in the bitter cold of winter, near Amiens, France. When he

saw the man, he did not have any money left to give him; all

he had was his military cloak. He took out his sword, cut itin half and gave half to the beggar. Those that watched

laughed. But that night Christ appeared to him in a dream,

wearing the half of the cloak that he had given to the beg-

gar(paraphrased from Feb. 27 Daily Devotion, Lent 2012:

The Magnificat Lenten Companion).

Interesting isnt it? How many times have you walked

across the street to avoid a person begging? I live in Mons

and I ask God, shall I? The culture is very

relational here so I try to stay on the sidewalk

and then hear, Bonjour Madame! Maybe a

young guy with a dog or a man without legs in

a wheelchair, they may wear oversized

clothes with holes, but no one has been rude

or abusive. If I felt led (because evil does exist

and we have to wait on the Holy Spirits an-

swer), I may ask to pet their dog, give a coin or a hot cup of

coffee from McDonalds. Some respond with Merci, Ma-

dame, and I try to say God Bless you in return.

Why bother? Christ tells us, Love your neighbour as

yourself." This means everyone, including people we may

not like and those who find themselves in situations they

may not have chosen even though its uncomfortable for us

to even make eye contact with them. I volunteer with the

International Church Charity Council and my image of the

poor has changed: its about families in a season of diffi-culty;" even working at the minimum wage it's hard to make

ends meet. I think about the people we hear about on the

U.S. news, someone who had a good job and the next mo-

ment, the wife left, the bank repossessed their mortgage

and theyre living in their car. Unemployment is high in Bel-

gium (minimum 20%) and welfare is just enough for the

basics. Think about it - how hard would it be for you to ask

for a coin or to go to a Soup Kitchen for a free bowl of soup,

even while looking to improve your situation?

If I call myself a Christian, the Bible commands me to

show Christs love. Showing charity to others can be in your

attitude as you show compassion for someone elses cir-cumstances; it can also be in your actions by buying some

extra groceries for the Helping Around Town HEART box

in the GB, or when you donate clothing your children have

outgrown to Tommy Temples Charity garage.

PWOC offers ways to provide charity. The group gives

fresh fruit and vegetables to a childrens home once a

month. There is a spring clothing drive for 16 children at

Foyer Home Bethleem this month. Remember, be not for-

getful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have enter-

tained angles unaware (Hebrews 13:2)."

Tripp Taylor helps Sharon Haseman with a Christmas donation to the Mons soup kitchen.

Hiding Place (Continued from page 1)

tured, although it had small rooms and a small staircase.

Wow, what an amazing experience to get to walk in the very

house where such great things happened! There is such a

presence of God in the house. The story is one that has

truly made an impact on my life and how I view the small

things. If you get the opportunity to read about her and visit

her home, it is quite an experience. Our tour guide was a

wonderful living testimony of what Corries purpose had

been during her time on earth. This home is still today a

ministry for all those who come through the doors, giving

them a glimpse of the power our God has.

Things that seem to be a problem in my eyes are de-

signed by God to help me get just where I need to be. Cor-

rie is quoted as saying There is no pit so deep, that God's

love is not deeper still. No matter what we go through, He

is ALWAYS there for us and it is all a part of His plan. He

will do whatever it takes for me to be near to him! "For I

know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to

prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope

and a future (Jeremiah 29:11)."* Editors note: Corrie ten Boom was a Christian and Holocaust survivor

whose family made it possible for many Jews to escape during the Holo-

caust. Her autobiography is called The Hiding Place.

Children from SHAPE Chapel enjoy The Hiding Place.


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Point of order

By Sarah Becking

Im tired. And when Im tired, I prefer

to stick to my routine, which is stream-

lined to be efficient and save me time

and effort. But in doing that, I confess Ihave already missed opportunities to

glorify God and serve my sisters in

Christ. I need God to open my eyes

and see what He wants done, not just

check off the next item on my list.

I think many of us feel this way at this time of year. Its

the beginning of the home stretch of the school year. Its

the end of the 31 days of March which can feel like a long

march. Pauls words to the church in Galatia are so fit-

ting:

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at

the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do

not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity,

let us do good to all people, especially to those

who belong to the family of believers" (Gal 6:9-

10).

Now, its not so much that I ignore others needs, I just

often fail to make the connection between what they need

and what I might be able to do. Make a meal, listen, pray,

say a kind word, enlist the help of someone(s) else who

can do more any of these could be such a blessing.

But only if I pay attention to the prompting of the Holy

Spirit will I even notice.

Isnt it tempting to just hang on until summer vacation?

To do the bare minimum and scrape by until the respon-sibility or the need goes away? But Gods timing is not

ours. He is not giving us barely enough help to make it to

June. He is all-mighty, eternal, and His plans are greater

than ours. I dont know His timeline, but I can make the

most of every opportunity as He gives it to me, hour by

hour and day by day. Join me?

Love,

By Ronald Beltz

Chaplains Corner: Easter

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San

Antonio, Texas. She was the patient of a doctor by the

name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who

saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith.

Edith had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello,

my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then

she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times

people would be saved. Dr. Phillips walked into that office

and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first

met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure. Edith

began by saying, "My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe

in Easter?" Beverly said, "Why yes I do." Edith replied,

"Well, what do you believe about Easter?" "Well, it's all

about egg hunts, going to church, and dressing up," said

Beverly. Edith kept pressing her about the real meaning of

Easter, and finally led her to a saving knowledge of Jesus

Christ.

One morning Dr. Phillips went to his office with a heavyheart because of Edith. When he walked into the waiting

room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap ear-

nestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her. Dr. Phil-

lips said, "Beverly, don't call Edith into the office quite yet. I

believe there is another delivery taking place in the waiting

room."

After being called back in the doctor's office, Edith sat

down and when she took a look at the doctor she said, "Dr.

Will, why are you so sad? Are you reading your Bible? Are

you praying?" Dr. Phillips said gently, "Edith, I'm the doctor

and you're the patient." With a heavy heart he said, "Your

lab report came back and it says you have cancer, and

Edith, you're not going to live very long." Edith said, "Why

Will Phillips, shame on you. Why are you so sad? Do you

think God makes mistakes? You have just told me I'm going

to see my precious Lord Jesus, my husband, and my

friends. You have just told me that I am going to celebrate

Easter forever, and here you are having difficulty giving me

my ticket!" Dr. Phillips thought to himself, "What a magnifi-

cent woman this Edith Burns is!"

Do YOU believe in Easter? Happy Easter! ALLELUIA, He

has risen!

Dana Maksimowicz and the PWOC Fit group pose for a picture during one of their three

weekly exercise meetings. The group meets M/W/F at the SHAPE Gym at 9 a.m. to run,

walk and encourage one another in fitness activities. The group welcomes people of all

fitness levels at anytime, as often or infrequently as youd like. Join them today and get fit!


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women on the first Friday in March each year to observe a

common day of prayer.

It dates back to the 19th century when Christian women in

the USA and Canada initiated a variety of cooperative ac-

tivities in support of women's involvement in missions at

home and abroad. After the Second

World War, the rapid growth of the

movement made it necessary to have

an International Committee to oversee

the work of the movement worldwide.

This year, instead of holding a tradi-

tional service, the SHAPE WDP team

extended an invitation for those who wanted to pray spe-cially written prayers by this years host country, Malaysia.

Beginning on Sunday, Feb. 26, families were given a can-

dle and prayed for issues identified such as social justice,

just payment for goods, human trafficking and for the poor

or homeless. Their prayers were translated into German,

Polish, French and Italian for the international congrega-

tions who may not read English, so they could participate if

they wished!

On Friday, Mar. 2, a drop-in service was held to invite

Turning Point (Continued from page 1)need to answer questions such as "What goals do I want to

set for myself?" and "Do I want to stay in Belgium/Holland

or return to my home country?"

Project Turning Point is a sponsorship program that

aims to offer these women the help they need to take that

step, leave prostitution and build a new, brighter future forthemselves. Stepping out of prostitution is a big step. It is a

real turning point in their lives.

Women in Project Turning Point will be guided by

Cherut, or in some cases by a partner organization. Cherut

will then oversee the guidance. During the first month the

woman will work on a personal plan that will be a guideline

for the next three months. Guidance will include working on

self image, coming to terms and coping with the past and

concentrating on the future. Training and working towards

finding a job is also included. The possible return to their

home country will be prepared and guided by partners in

those countries.

No little girl ever grows up dreaming of becoming a prosti-

tute! Do you think you could help one of these women build

a new future? Discuss it with your friends and motivate peo-

ple around you to help support them for 4 months. Together

you can give the gift of hope and the chance to make a new

start, a turning point in her life.

If you would be interested in finding out more about Pro-

ject Turning Point and sponsoring somebody, please con-

tact Lynda Horne at 065346914 or [email protected].

How it works:

Each woman will be sponsored for 4 months at a cost

of250 per month

Sponsorship can be done individually or by a group,

i.e. family, friends, prayer or Bible study group, church,

work colleagues, etc.

Each sponsor or group will receive a picture, a per-

sonal story and a monthly update

Each group will have one contact for communication

with Cherut

Christian groups will also be asked to pray for the

woman

For your information:

Sponsorship money for Project Turning Point is

transferred to a separate account used only for the

project

A one-time or smaller monthly donation is welcome but

donors will not receive a personal story or updateIf the sponsored woman terminates her guidance from

Cherut before the end of the 4-month period, Cherut

will immediately notify the sponsor or group

Sponsorship money will cover basic needs but another

income is vital. This can come, for example, from the

project Blessed 2 Bless and/or a cleaning job. A stay in

a shelter is also possible by sponsorship through Pro-

ject Turning Point

those to come back and put their candles together on the

altar to honour the prayer requests from the people of Ma-

laysia. Taize music played softly as a sermon was read by

Chaplain Annegret Wirges (DE) and the prayers from the

week were recounted. A WDP bookmark was provided as a

thank you for those who participated.

Thank you to all who helped SHAPE take part in this spe-

cial World Day of Prayer event. Please join us next year, no

matter where you are in the world!

World Day of Prayer (Continued from page 1)


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