October Ministry Update

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“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 My name is Awilda, I am 66 years old. I was an alcoholic, did drugs, and smoked cigarettes from the age of 9, and have self medicated all my life. l was so tired of it, but God was there, I just didn't know how to be delivered from these things. One day I was praying for people to come into my life and help me. Then I met this man named Bob from the Niagara Falls Outreach Ministry, he was asking people to help a young lady that needed some shoes, and a coat, so l called him. At that time I also was praying for God to put women in my life that were Christian. Then I met some ladies from Niagara Falls Outreach, and God used this gospel ministry through faith in Jesus to free me from my addictions, including cigarettes for 9 months now. l go to their 1115 Tuesday Bible study on 22nd street, I also attend the set free recovery group and Ladies Night Out dinner, which are in the same building. l've attended their church and I'm free, I feel loved and blessed.

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Hi, my name is Bobbi. I want to tell you about how this amazing group has affected my life this past year. I had found myself in a dark place after my mother and my closest brother passed away. I felt that without them in my life I did not want to live. I prayed every night for my life to end and felt that my children would be better off without me. My friend Francine saw how I was struggling and asked me to join her in a group for only women. I was hesitant and yet I went to The Chapel to see what it was all about. There was a speaker that night named Terra who spoke about how God puts you where you need to be even if it’s not where you think you should be. She shared how she was a recovering addict who found Christ and how it changed her life. She said He could do that for any of us. I had been familiar with scriptures and sermons from my youth, but really had no idea that any of what was spoken was meant for me. The message was powerful and got me thinking. The next month I was directly invited to join them again and that night I met many more incredible women who all made me feel so welcomed and not so alone. Soon after that second gathering I was discouraged to find I needed a sudden surgery and I would be house bound and alone again while I recovered. Yet I was not alone. The women from this group called to check in on me, sent text messages and even a get well card signed by so many who barely even knew me. People delivered food to me and shared many conversations about my relationship with God and I began wondering if He really could make a difference in my life. I started looking forward to ladies night out every month thereafter and intently listened to every speaker. I found my life and my outlook getting better and better until suddenly my world came crashing down with the tragic news that my granddaughter Madison’s illness had become terminal. The pain was unbearable but I had this group which helped me, I was not alone. The women checked in on me, encouraged me and Erica gave me a book that spoke to me about how God wants to hear what’s in our hearts and how He loves us. I was finally beginning to see what these women and God were trying to show me. God soon answered my families prayers and gave us hope in an experimental surgery that could hugely help Madison. I organized a benefit to help pay for her medical expenses and this amazing group showed their love for Jesus and myself by letting me share the benefit info with all the group one night. Before that night was over Kathleen and others offered to make baskets to help. Many came to the fundraiser and helped make it a success. I was beyond grateful for this group and all they had done for me. I know now that I’m right where I’m supposed to be. I now know that God put me here during the worst time of my life to show me I’m not alone. He is using this ministry and these wonderful women to reach the lost and the hurting. I’m now strong enough to face the hard times and I know that my children are not better off without me. God is seeking us. He's opening doors to a whole new world with Him and He’s using the Ladies Night Out group to show us He’s with us and His messages are for all of us, every on