FRANKFORD, W.Va. (WVDN) – The Ladies of the Henning Church of God held their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 14, in the church fellowship hall.
Carole Spencer presided and shared about another name for Jesus, which is redeemer. A redeemer saves, rescues, buys back, and delivers from bondage. What does redeem mean today? It could mean buying groceries and redeeming coupons when you purchase something. In Biblical times, it meant paying off a debt, paying an obligation, or buying something back. The redeemer is usually a family member. For instance, in the book of Ruth, Naomi’s husband and sons died. The sons’ wives were from Moab. Ruth did not leave Naomi’s side on her return to Bethlehem. After reaching Bethlehem, Ruth gleans in Boaz’s fields. Boaz is the “kinsman redeemer,” and marries Ruth and also redeems Naomi. They have a son, Obed, the grandfather of King David, and a direct ancestor of Jesus. Jesus is our “kinsman redeemer,” and his blood is the new covenant. (Matthew 26:28) In Isaiah 44:6, the Lord is identified as our redeemer and rock. Nothing can redeem us but God’s Son. (Jesus) He is just a prayer away. Marty Burns led in prayer.
Dyan Hefner presented the devotion, “Summer Kind of Wonderful.” We are starting into spring. (Psalm 107:8) Praise for the Lord’s wonderful works is repeated throughout this Psalm. The Lord gives us many things. He gives us the Sun. Most people look forward to spring and summer, especially after the winter we had. The sun lights up the whole world, heats it, is a source of vitamin D, helps crops grow, and improves our mood. It also gives us pep in our step. The sun is hot and full of gases. In Psalm 74:16, God is the creator of the sun and the moon. The Lord also gives us fruits and vegetables, which benefit our health. (Genesis 1:29) He created trees and fruit-bearing trees. The Lord gives us flowers and trees. Many bloom in spring. This is part of God’s creation. (Genesis 1:11-12) The Lord gives us ponds, rivers, and the seas. He created the oceans and the creatures contained within. (Genesis 1:21-22) The Lord also created bugs, bees, and creepy insects. We need to appreciate how each one has a part in creation. Everything he makes is “after their kind.” (Genesis 1:24-25) Psalm 107 praises God for his wonderful works. Psalm 40: 5 declares that God’s wonders and plans for humanity are too numerous to count. This summer, we need to concentrate on renewal and gratitude, including rest, reflection, and restoration.
Debbie Sammons gave the missionary education report on Phyllis Newby, a missionary to Haiti since 1972. Haiti is 700 miles from Miami. As of 2026, they have approximately 12 million people living on 10,714 square miles of land. It has 73 square miles of water. It is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and has the highest poverty rate. Voodoo is practiced there. The country has political instability, and many children are sold for child labor just so the parents can make ends meet. Phyllis has been there for over 50 years, and she is 87 years old now. In 2019, there was a humanitarian crisis with widespread hunger and starvation. This situation is dire, with many cartels taking over. Phyllis oversees 200 churches, and she played a key role in having a hospital built in 2005. There are 33 schools that are now open. The people of Haiti enjoy what they have and not what they need. Phyllis is responsible for the construction of a compound. The compound has gates that were locked in the beginning. Phyllis did not want to lock the gates in case needy people needed to come in. A man named Dean Sherman has prayed continuously over these gates to remain open and for the compound to be safe. They have bandits come in occasionally, and Phyllis feeds them, and they leave them alone. Pastors have remained faithful despite difficulties. There are gangs setting homes on fire, and when residents run out, they are shot. We need to pray for Haiti and Phyllis Newby. They need to stay strong and have the courage to continue. We also need to pray for Christians in Nigeria. Many were killed and some were kidnapped on Easter Sunday when they worshipped. In the United States, we take worship for granted. In Canada, they have passed legislation that if certain verses are read from the Bible, it will be considered a hate crime. In Iran, Christians are meeting in secret. One account shared of a Christian being set on fire. We need to pray for all missionaries and Christians. Pray for miraculous results!
Pauline Perkins read last month’s minutes.
The group will be serving the Maxwelton Ruritans on April 23. The group paid their dues and joined. The yard sale will be on Saturday, May 16, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. in the church fellowship hall. There will be baked goods and hot dogs with homemade chili, coleslaw, and other toppings. The group has already collected many items for the sale.
The next meeting will be on May 5, and Barb Seldomridge dismissed in prayer.
Attending were: Barb Seldomridge, Blanche Perry, Carole Spencer, Cindy Fleshman, Debbie Sammons, Donna Scott, Dyan Hefner, Fran Spencer, Joan Vance, Marty Burns, Michelle Carpenter, Patty Owens, Pauline Perkins, Peggy Seldomridge, and Sue Hunt.
