Forever Blessed (Women of Prayer) Read Online Free

looked to Merry for guidance. Although this prayer group was rather new, all the ladies were excited to take part, especially after Merry explained the purpose of the group was praying for the salvation of their loved ones.
    “I heated up some water for tea and there are some cookies and doughnuts on the tray. I also attempted coffee, which is not my specialty. Maybe next time one of you ladies could make the coffee so it’s drinkable. Help yourselves and then let’s share what God is doing in our lives. We’ll take a few minutes to get settled.”
    All the ladies gathered around the cart, chatting with one another, thankful for the opportunity to socialize. About half of the group was widowed and those that were spent a lot of their time alone.
    After filling her plate with a couple of cookies and adding some creamer to her coffee, Ella took her seat, quietly waiting for things to get started. She took a bite of a cookie and smiled at the lady sitting next to her. She wasn’t sure, but she looked like she could be the lady who moved into the house two doors down from her own. She had the same dark skin and such a pretty smile. Her husband was real nice too. He smiled and waved at Ella when she was out sweeping the leaves off of the sidewalk the other day. She broke eye contact before the woman could start a conversation.
    Ella watched Merry flit from person to person, chatting and laughing . Lord, is there a reason you made me? Merry has such an important job. Is there anything I can do to make a difference?
    Watching the different women gathered in the room, she didn’t notice Merry approaching her.
    “Ella, could I chat with you a few minutes? There is something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”
    Surprised, Ella consented and turned toward the chair Merry was about to sit on. She waited patiently as Merry made small talk. Yes, the weather has been chilly. Yes, the leaves are beautiful, yes to all of it. She just wanted Merry to get on with it.
    Finally Merry got around to the subject she wanted to discuss. For the life of her, Ella couldn’t guess what it might be about.
    “Ella, there is a house down the street from you, that big white Victorian house. Do you know the one I am talking about?”
    “I think so. Is it the one with cornstalks and pumpkins sitting on the porch?”
    “Yes, the very one. Do you know who lives there?”
    “No, I see different people, mainly women and children coming and going. I don’t know who lives there though. It was a number of years back when they fixed it up. It used to be quite run down.”
    Merry continued, “Well, the house is called House of Hope. It is a sanctuary for abused women and children. I have been in contact with the director, her name is Sheila and she desperately needs volunteers. I have been praying about it and I feel the Lord laid your name on my heart. Is this something you would be interested in?”
    Ella took a quick breath and held it . Lord, is this how you answer my prayer? You bring my past back to haunt me? Could this possibly be you? Ella studied Merry for a moment. “Can I take some time and pray about this? What would I be doing?”
    “Yes, I would expect you would want to pray before making a commitment. Volunteers are needed in the kitchen and to help with the children while the ladies are job hunting. It is a Christian shelter and Sheila wants ladies with a strong foundation in Christ to volunteer. The women and children who live in the home need to see what unconditional love is all about. Who better to love on them than a woman of God?”
    Ella shook her head in agreement. “Can I talk to you on Sunday, or is that too late?”
    Merry smiled, “No, Sunday is perfect. I’ll talk with you then.”
    Ella settled back on her seat and Merry called the prayer meeting to order. It was time to get down to business. Each lady present had loved ones that needed to meet Jesus.
    “Ladies, it’s time we storm the gates of heaven. Jesus is waiting