God Makes House Calls
By Betty Corbett, WMC Resident
I am very blessed. For more than 25 years I worked as a children's
evangelist in Kid's Krusades across the United States, conducting children's revivals.
Later I married a minister (Rev. Loyd Corbett) and served along side him for
16 years before his death in 2000.
After his death, I often found myself wondering about God's plan for my life.
In 2001, I moved from Indiana to the Widows Ministry Center. Here, I
enjoyed the fellowship of other widows, yet struggled to understand what I was
supposed to do ministry-wise.
Eventually I begin working as a volunteer managing our Market Place. I
thought about what the ?purpose? of my job was and realized it was a love that
began to move on me. I felt responsible to do my very best for the residents, and
especially, the Lord who had opened the door and given this responsibility to
me.
God began to speak to me of the responsibility of being in charge. One night
I awoke around 2 AM and could not go back to sleep. Putting on my slippers I
made my way to the living room, not knowing I was about to receive a
wonderful blessing.
Suddenly, goosebumps began to run up and down my arms. All I could do was
begin praying and I heard a voice saying, ?I'm making a house call tonight.?
The Lord was at the door and in the Spirit I said, ?Come in,? and heard the
door open and close. Automatically, my arms lifted as I began praising, crying
and worshipping the Lord. As I continued this way, I felt many answers to
prayer?especially, concerning my purpose as it related to the Market Place. The
reply I received was, Daughter, it is to minister to all the residents and let
your light shine for me. I accepted the reply and began to understand this
was the work He had planned just for me. Now I have a new passion for my job
and feel so blessed to know God trusts me to do it.
I asked the Lord if He would make another house call to me and He answered He
would return again soon. God is so faithful to keep His promise. I was
blessed to have Him pay me another visit one month later in May and again in June.
Three visits! The last time the Lord visited me, I began singing the chorus
"The blessing comes down as the prayers go up." I knew I was in His
presence when I began to feel goosebumps running up and down my arms.
Being a prayer warrior, I knew for sure the Lord was answering many of my
prayers. This was confirmed the following day when a friend in another state
phoned to share they had an answer to the prayer they had asked me to pray about.
I'm so glad my God still makes house calls. I trust you will open the door
when He comes to your house.
When I first heard of the Widows Center, it was from Dr. Nichols as he shared his vision at the Park West Church in Knoxville where I attended. He spoke of a facility to be built where widows could live in a safe environment with other believers that shared similar experiences. A place where ministry could flow out of as it does with the children of the Smoky Mountain Children's Home, living out James 1:27. My heart (and pocketbook) responded, not ever thinking I would be living there, even though I was a widow at the time.
Five months later the Lord led me to sell my home, quit my job and go into the mission field. I had been fasting and praying and knew I had heard from the Lord, but had no idea where I would live between mission trips.
I've always had a heart for widows, so when I was invited to tour the Center, I went right away. Walking through the building, the Holy Spirit told me this was where I belonged. My home sold right away, without my ever putting up a sign, and the next month I had moved to the Center. The following month I left for Africa where I watched God move in awesome ways as I prayed for widows and talked with pastors about empowering their widows to minister. Without planning it, I was being an ambassador- an extension of our ministry here! I am now preparing to go to Ecuador and later Australia. Before each mission trip, my sisters here at the Center cover me in prayer, send me off with their blessings and even help me raise my funds! Truly, this is a Widows Center that ministry flows out of - to all over the world - and I am proud to be a part of it." - CarolMarie Smith
I had been a widow for almost 18 years. In February 2003 I became ill for a two-week period. During that time in order to occupy my mind, I would sit and either crochet or read a lot. During one on my periods of reading the Church of God Evangel, an add caught my eye which told about a new widows ministry center that was under construction on the campus of the Church of God Home for Children. There was a number you could call to get more information. I made the call and spoke with the director Judith Moore who invited me to come during their "hard hat" day to look at building.
I made the trip and after walking through the building I thought how beautiful it was. Mrs. Moore said, "Pick you out an apartment while you're here." While thinking about what she had just said I thought to myself, well I'm on my way to Heaven, so I think I’ll stop off here for a little while before I make my final journey to my final eternal home. I thought this would be the next thing to Heaven.
That was two years ago. I can truly say, after being here that it is the next thing to Heaven.
The staff are so kind to us and try to see that we have the best of everything. We find many ways to minister here at the Center as well as the Children's Home and at the campus church, but I feel their ministry to us has far outweighed ours.
When we're sick, the staff and children from the campus come over and visit us. They bring little gifts, cards, cookies or candies, and they let us know they are praying for us.
The Parkway Church on the campus has also enriched our lives and minister to us in many different ways.
This is truly a wonderful place to live. - Ruth Williams
Near to the midnight hour of July 13, 2003, my world was turned upside down. My husband unexpectedly went to be with the Lord.
The emotional pain is eased by the knowledge that he is no longer suffering, but rejoicing around the throne with friends and loved ones gone on before. I have found the faithfulness of God is without measure. He indeed has become my husband, and sees that my every need is met.
I have found I not only grieve the loss of my dearest friend ever but also my lifestyle. The rides, the cups of coffee, games, sitting around the pool or just talking. The sense of security he gave me.
Thank God for the Iris Vest Widows Ministry Center where my life has taken on a new meaning. In Hebrews 13:5 Jesus said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Thank God he is true to His Word.
I live among widows who are on this same journey. We understand each other and care for each other’s needs. There is always someone ready to go for coffee, a short trips, play a game, pray, or just sit and talk.
If you feel your ministry gifts have been cut short there are many opportunities available. Hospital visitation or volunteering. . .Right to Life Clinic. . .the Children's Home needs mailroom assistance, tutoring, etc.
We have many times of fun-filled celebrations, joy and laughter. Our chapel services are filled with the presence of the Lord.
When we choose to have quiet time we can retreat to our apartment where we then have our world to ourselves again.
My grandchildren love to visit Grandma’s big house. Now there are many Grandmas to give them hugs and attention.
When the day ends I feel so secure knowing we have a Spirit-filled security guard on duty for our protection during the night hours. He watches our going out and coming in as well as our vehicles.
Here at the Iris Vest Widows Ministry Center we often say, "God has given us a bit of Heaven here on earth, until we receive our eternal mansion. We are blessed women. - Doreen Smith
