On the last Sabbath afternoon of each month a group of women from the Glendale Church in Indianapolis visit the Julian Center, a safe shelter for abused women and children. According to Paulette Taylor, the Glendale Church women's ministries director, the Julian Center provides "phenomenal, state-of-the-art protection and assistance." The shelter temporarily houses women and their children who also receive meals, counseling services, clothing and so much more.

This is the third year the Glendale Church women will visit the Julian Center residents. "What a wonderful group of women!" remarks Paulette. "These ladies have really special needs, and we wanted to service their spiritual growth and development by initiating a monthly Bible study," shares Paulette. "We discovered, though, after a few months, that the ladies responded more to a realistic approach, so we try to reach the ladies in ways they can directly relate to."

The Glendale Church women's group follows a special theme at each session. One month they discussed "Hope in Jesus." Other topics include "Prayer Life," "The Blessed Love of Jesus," and "Real Strength Found in the Lord." Paulette says "many of the ladies already have knowledge of the Lord, but need the communion found only in study, discussion, sharing and meditation on the Lord and all He can do for them."

The visiting group of women varies each month. And some Sabbaths, violin music is provided by Somer Taylor, a Glendale Church women's ministries committee member. Other times, Paulette visits alone. She says, "That is fine, because I believe in these ladies and truly love them as my Christian sisters. I want to nurture their spiritual growth and personal development because they deserve it."

The outreach session normally begins at 3:00 p.m. and usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes. If some of the Julian Center ladies have a lot to discuss or if there are many who want to testify, the session continues longer. Paulette says a few times they stayed until dinnertime. "Sometimes the ladies just did not want us to leave. The Holy Spirit was really with us those Sabbaths, even more than usual." She adds, "The testimony and sharing time in each outreach session is priceless. ... God is doing a mighty work at the Center, and we are so pleased to be a part of it." Several ladies have asked about the church they represent and inquired about coming to services.

Participating in this outreach ministry has changed the lives of not only those at the Julian Center but also the messengers of hope from the Glendale Church. Some have expressed to Paulette that the outreach experience has strengthened them spiritually. As for Paulette, she says, "I have been blessed many, many times by the light I see in the ladies' faces and eyes as we express hope in the Lord, and assure them that no matter what they have been through He is ALWAYS there for them, no matter what."

Diane Thurber is the assistant communication director of the Lake Union Conference.