Calvary Church Annual Report CalvaryChurchAnnualReport20152016-REV | Page 29

Benevolence
Assisting many of our Korean
friends who are in America to fur-
ther their education in preparation
for ministry in their own country
has been a true blessing. Because
of the gifts of many of you, Benevo-
lence has been able to assist them
with expenses like car repairs and
medical emergencies, as well as
provide support through our food
pantry. Serving them has been a
joy as we have learned from each
other and hopefully they will be
equipped to “pay it forward” when
they return to Korea.
habitat house
Our benevolent team had the
hands-on experience of helping
with a Habitat Build for one of Cal-
vary’s single moms. She complet-
ed our budget coaching program,
got out of debt, and established a
workable spending plan while also
serving in the special needs min-
istry. Setting new goals for herself
led to receiving approval for a Hab-
itat Home. To support her success
a financial gift was presented to
Habitat for Humanity toward the
expense of her new family home.
Forward momentum is so nice to
watch.
stories of
and
This year, I was challenged be-
yond measure to “obey and live
by faith.” Susan Sorensen and I
discussed the need and possibil-
ity of starting a group for spous-
es whose husbands had engaged
in pornography or extra-marital
affairs. Feeling this was well be-
yond my level of expertise and
knowledge, I planned to direct the
women to an already established
group. However, it became evi-
dent that God was leading me to
facilitate a group here at Calva-
ry, Hope And Healing In Sexual
Betrayal. The group, which began
January 2016, meets monthly and
has about eight participants who
have fostered a sisterhood with
one another. Most women in the
group have “no one they can talk
to or confide in” about such a sen-
sitive subject, therefore walk this
journey alone. Many, if not all,
have found the group to be their
source of support, comfort, and
encouragement.
Secondly, the Women’s Resto-
ration Groups (Women:Restored,
Women:Redeemed, and Wom-
en:Revived) continue to bring
much healing to the participants.
The attendees have, in many cas-
es, been wrestling with God for
a while and not wanting to face
the pain and trauma of their past.
However, each one has been en-
couraged to face those difficul-
ties, extend forgiveness to those
who were “unforgivable,” develop
a deeper, personal relationship
with our Lord, identify areas in
their lives where additional heal-
ing is needed, and have their eyes
opened to the tactics and schemes
of our unseen enemy. They have
been equipped to engage in spir-
itual warfare for themselves, their
families, and deepen their faith in
God.
Lastly, on a personal note, Pas-
tor Jim challenged us during our
Joshua series to seek God regard-
ing our “Jericho Wall.” Reluctant-
ly, I followed the instruction and
asked God, what is my Jericho
Wall? Sadly, but rightfully, it was
FEAR – fear of shepherding and
leading. I had lived in what I called
“My Jonah Cave” for nearly 18
months, refusing to accept God’s
plan of leading and shepherding
and not wanting the responsibili-
ty of “caring for souls.” This past
October, God brought that Jeri-
cho Wall down with the following
verses: Psalm 139:7-12, I John
4:16-18, and Matthew 16:24-26.
He reminded me that there is no
place I can go where He doesn’t
exist, that His love – perfect love
casts out all fear, and asked “Is
anything worth more than your
soul?” How could that Jericho Wall
of fear not come down after that?
Now I’m at peace, being obedient
and following where He leads.
Joanna Gordon
Care & Counseling Coordinator
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