Each year, as we begin the Green Bean Project, we set our primary focus on the needs of the three overseas ministries, which the project assists. We do this because we want our primary focus to be on blessing those ministries. But, the Green Bean Project, and your part in it, has an amazing effect on the local ministry of Forbid Them Not as well. Today, I’d like to share a little about that with you!
Each year FTN’s ministry touches more lives than the year before, and I believe we touch them well. The Green Bean Project is the primary source of income for our local ministry. Often what comes in through the Green Bean Project is our budget for the year. All of FTN’s portion of GBP funds go directly to ministry to the single moms we serve and to meeting their needs. Here are a few ways your investment in Forbid Them Not has made a difference in Billings this year:
Bible Study
This is what it’s all about! Not just meeting physical needs, but meeting the deeper spiritual needs, growing together in our relationship with Christ in time spent around His Word. This year we had nine women, other than Marta and Rachel, who attended the Friday Bible study. The numbers have been up and down, rarely have they all been there at once, but we’ve been able to maintain consistent relationships with all but one of them. This year we have completed two Bible studies and are halfway through the third. We take them a little at a time and go as deep and broad as our time will allow. We’ve had some amazing, encouraging, heartfelt, life-changing conversations this year.
Clothing Exchange
The monthly clothing exchange gives us an opportunity to help meet one of life’s most basic needs. The clothing exchange is available any time by appointment, but each month we have a public day when anyone can come without appointment. God has used this as an opportunity to meet new families and to encourage and bless them. This year, a timely visit to the Clothing Exchange allowed us to fill an extra backpack with school supplies for a high schooler. It has also helped meet some of the clothing needs for the toddler of one of our Bible study moms.
Individualized Needs
At FTN we take a personalized/discipleship approach to ministry and meeting the needs of the women and children we work with. This allows us to meet specific needs that are vital in the lives of these fatherless families. Among the needs met this year are:
- Cleaning Supplies
- Hygiene Supplies
- Initial Daycare Fees and Diapers
- Clothing (items not available in the Clothing Exchange)
- Food
Each of these things help us fulfill God’s desire for us to minister to the “least of these,” and the Green Bean Project makes it possible. In essence, each time we bless the women and children we minister to it is a blessing of God sent through you. Your giving to this project over the years has made an impact on more lives than any of us know. Thank you for being a blessing both to us and to the women and community around us. We pray that God will continue to use your investment in this ministry to draw women and children to Himself and that He will bless you all for your faithful support.
