Ten Years!

Ten years!

In the spring of 2016, God told us to bring together women. He wanted them to be in community. He wanted them to lean on each other and to love each other. He didn’t want His girls to be separated by the walls of their own churches. He didn’t want those without a church to be left alone either.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6

When I told people close to me that we were building this ministry, I got mixed reviews. Sometimes, I got blank looks that seemed to say, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Or I heard, “So, you’re starting a church?” “My church already does those things. Why is this needed?”

We knew what God wanted from us and we moved forward despite what people said. Building this new thing seemed huge and overwhelming, but we obeyed anyway. We worked hard to do everything to the best of our ability – and we did many things that we didn’t think that we were capable of. For sure, God equips the unequipped!

“Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

In September of 2016, we held the first public meeting of The Connection. More than 30 ladies came to learn about this new, one-of-a-kind ministry. They were eager for what was being offered to them. God knew what was needed!

Over the last ten years, we have had just about any type of gathering that you could think of! Some have been fertile soil for growing faith. Some have been just for fun because laughter and relationship building are also important.

Thousands of ladies have joined us since 2016. Some local and in-person. Some from far away and online. But all of them have been eager for community and the opportunity to connect with God and each other.

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrew 10:25

The last ten years have not always been easy. There have been many late nights, long meetings and frustrating circumstances.

Despite the trying times, it has been extremely rewarding to see God work through this ministry. We’ve seen so many women growing in their faith and snuggling up close to God. We’ve seen women reaching out to others that are going through a dark season. We’ve seen new friendships form and become strong. We’ve been able to give back to our community through donations, serving projects and those encouraging banners on Main Street.

The Connection has become so much more than we ever thought that it would or could be. And if I may give you one piece of advice, it would be to open your heart to God. Tell Him that you are willing to serve Him in anyway He wants. Then wait to see what mission He has hand-picked for you. Follow Him no matter what. You won’t ever regret saying, “yes” to God.

I can’t wait to see what the next ten years of The Connection brings. Please join us in praying for vision and direction as we step into the second decade of serving you and our community.

If you haven’t yet checked out The Connection, I encourage you to take a small step of faith and see for yourself what God has for you with this amazing group of women. We’d love to meet you. Our event list is HERE.

If you are already part of the TC family, we’re so happy that you found us. Why not invite a friend/sister/neighbor/co-worker to meet you there sometime? Don’t you want her to experience this unique community too?

Now, it’s time to hear from you. Comment below and tell the world what you think about TC and what it means to you. Share a praise for what God has done. Leave a prayer for the ministry’s future.

Would you like to know more about how this ministry began? Grab a copy of our book, “Let’s Get Together: The story of a unique women’s ministry” HERE. We also have a companion journal, “Let’s Make Plans: Journal to discover God’s plan for you” HERE. Both books are also available to purchase at TC Home.

 

Mandy Hood

Mandy Hood is co-founder of The Connection and serves there in many capacities. She authored the book, “Let’s Get Together: The story of a unique women’s ministry.”  It tells the story of how The Connection began.