(Forward: This week, for Mother’s Day, I want to honor the woman who is always my hero, Jane White-Stevens. She has so much wisdom, strength and love in her, and I hope that our readers will also appreciate hearing her voice, as I have for my entire life.—Ellie White-Stevens, Editor)

It’s a beautiful day today!  Even when it rains and rains, I am so thankful my husband and I decided to come down here.  Rain is better than snow and frigid temperatures.  Of course, the real reason we landed here is because we had grandsons that we loved in Sharpsburg.  Their mother is the editor of this paper.

In Indiana I had been pastoring a church, serving as a chaplain of a homeless shelter, doing some counseling and helping lead a regional prayer ministry.  I was used to being busy so I pondered about what I should do here in Georgia.   I envisioned getting involved helping people some way.  But I prayed about this and kept sensing that the thing I was supposed to do was pray for the region.  However, because I tend to be stubborn I checked out various not for profit ministries but nothing seemed to fit. 

 Finally, I heard of a domestic violence shelter for women.  This is it I thought, perfect for me.  When I met the director, I asked her, “What do you need the most in this ministry?”  She immediately replied, “We need people to pray for us”.   So, I surrendered my plans and set about finding groups that were dedicated to praying for the region.  I ended up even helping start a few myself.  

For fifteen years I have been praying for this area.  I am involved in Pray Georgia and Fayette County 24/7 prayer.  I also attend Emerge Prayer, Mountain Movers at Coweta Community Church, Saturday prayer with Paul Schneider and Women’s Prayer at Go Church (my local church).  I am the coordinator for this last group.  In all these ministries we pray for the region, the nation and the whole world.

Back in Indiana several years ago, I felt called to work with a downtown city church with their alcohol and drug program but I didn’t know how to get connected with them.  Then I heard that they had a group that met weekly to pray for the ministry.  Knowing prayer warriors are always welcome I just showed up.  They accepted me and it wasn’t long before I became the volunteer director of their program.  

I think that praying for something is the best way to get involved in helping.  Also it is the best way to fall in love with where you are living.  “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in Fayette and Coweta Counties as it is in heaven.” (the Lord’s Prayer)  Amen and Amen.