Leadership
Several years ago, a dream began in the hearts of many individuals within the Church of God to provide housing, ministry, and care to widows. It was not an original idea, since Jesus commanded it in Scripture.
Pure religion and undefiled before God the Father is this; To care for the fatherless and the widows in their affliction. . .
James 1:27, KJV.
The result is the beautiful Iris B. Vest Widows Ministry Center. The Center is located on the Care Campus in Sevierville, Tennessee. This facility is more about ministry than housing or care. The widows who make the Center their home are part of an intergenerational campus along with hurting children who need mentoring and spiritual nurturing.
The Center is a spacious facility totaling 40,000 square feet of living space. An attractive design includes many wonderful, spacious lounge areas and 41 one-bedroom suites. Each suite has approximately 525 square feet of available space that includes a large bathroom, mini-kitchenette complete with cabinetry, sink, refrigerator, stove and microwave, living room, and a private balcony. Other features include carpeting and individually controlled heating and air conditioning.
We are:
- A Christian organization dedicated to ministering to widows.
- An independent living facility that provides affordable housing for widows.
- Founded by the International Church of God.
- A service ministry of Care Ministries and part of a unique Care Campus located in Sevierville, Tennessee.
- A resource to local churches on starting and maintaining a widows ministry.
We provide:
- Ministry to widows in their need.
- A safe and secure place in which to live.
- Opportunities for individual and group social interaction.
- Encouragement and empowerment of widows to find their rightful place in kingdom work; focusing on intercessory prayer and mentorship to the body of Christ.
- Training of grief support group leaders to help others through the grieving process.
- Respite Suites for short-term stay by widows in crisis.
- A role model for development of widows ministries and personal training for leaders.
- Opportunities for personal ministry within the Ministry Center, at the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home, and in the surrounding community.
