Prayer Shawl Ministry
Ardmore Baptist Church is a praying church. We deem it a privilege to pray for those in need and scripture instructs us to do so. Linda Cline heard about the Prayer Shawl Ministry, and she knew it was a project the Handicraft Ministry would embrace. When she presented it to the group of volunteers, it was enthusiastically received as a wonderful way to offer tangible evidence of our love and concern for those going through difficult and trying times.
The project began small but quickly grew to include other venues of ministry within our church. Soon it became a tool for outreach to the community beyond Ardmore. Linda recognized the opportunity to touch the lives of many who were not a part of our membership, but who were suffering because of illness, broken relationships, job loss, or the loss of a loved one. She believed it was time for the Prayer Shawl Ministry to expand to meet the growing needs and enlisted my help. I love to knit and had knitted many prayer shawls, so it was a good fit. After some encouragement and much soul-searching, I agreed to coordinate the Prayer Shawl Ministry as a spin-off ministry of the Handicrafters.
Knitting and crocheting these shawls is just one part of the ministry. The real service and blessing comes from the love, prayers, and compassion expressed each time a shawl is made and delivered. The adage "If you want to be blessed, be a blessing to someone" has taken on real meaning for those of us involved in this ministry.
Somehow the mystery of God's presence is united with the work of our hands through the prayers and yarns that are woven into the shawls. Our hands become God's tool for showing His love to those who are hurting and in need of comfort and hope. We invite you to join this team of volunteers because we know you, too, will be blessed.
- Inez White