Each month, widows from Colonial get together for food, fellowship and fun—more importantly, they encourage each other in their faith. Widow’s Might Care Group, a ministry of Colonial Care Ministries, is set up to encourage women whose husbands have passed away. The name of the group is based on the Bible verses in Mark 12 when a widow gives all that she has as an offering, two copper coins worth less than a penny—the widow’s mite. The play on words is meant to encourage widows to join together to encourage one another with all their might.

One group member likes meeting with the other ladies for the fun. “We enjoy visiting, relaxing, having a good time, and meeting other women in the same boat,” said Dorothy Cole. It can be a very lonely time when the love of your life dies, especially after being married for a very long time. And, because all of us have suffered the same loss, we can relate to the needs of the other ladies. Elizabeth Scales wants to give to the Widow’s Might group. “A long time ago, the Lord put it on my heart to encourage widows when I saw how discouraged many of them became when suddenly alone. Just some humor, some fun, makes such a difference,” said Elizabeth.
    
Each month we either go out to eat (Golden Corral seems to be a favorite), take a trip to a nearby town to eat and go shopping, or do something else that’s fun. We’ve been to Pullen Park for a picnic and rides on the carousel and the train; and, a few of the ladies took a paddle boat out on the lake. At one meeting we played musical chairs. A 92-year-old said: "Oh, I don't think I can do this." She came in second place! We have also met at church for a brunch or a tea; watched a movie; played games; learned how to arrange flowers; spent time knitting and scrap booking, and brought in our crafts to show off. Our numbers vary, but we always have fun. Future activities we have planned include trips to the science and history museums and offering a class on self defense.
   
Often, when we’ve had brunches, someone has given their testimony or a devotional, something to point the ladies to Christ. As the leader of this ministry, my main goal is to make every effort to let the ladies know how much Jesus loves them and that life without Him is so empty. The most difficult thing about being a widow is the loneliness. You can have a bazillion friends, a great family, be involved in all kinds of things, like clubs and Bible studies, but those special times that were spent with a spouse are gone—that leaves such an empty spot in your life. If it weren't for the Lord, I can't imagine how I could have gotten through that time. Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” (John. 14:6) He alone gives us life worth living, a life of joy unspeakable, and “turns our mourning into joy.” (Jeremiah 31:13)
    
I love to laugh, and I enjoy making others laugh. So, when we meet, I usually offer the group some humorous story or joke. “A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance.”  (Prov. 15:13a)  When I was invited to lead this group about five years ago, I didn’t know what the Lord would do. It has been encouraging to see the deep friendships that have developed.

Shortly after I remarried in 2008, I gave Pastor Ross [Pastor of Care Ministries] a couple of names of women who I thought could lead Widow’s Might. I was encouraged at a Golden Corral outing when the ladies said: "We hope you're going to continue to be our leader even though you're married now. We really appreciate all you do." So, I’m thankful that I am still part of the group. “The Lord…relieves the fatherless and the widow.” (Psalm 146:9)  He mercifully reaches out to those in need, and I’d like to be His instrument to do that for the widows at Colonial.