She is clothed in strength and dignity; she can laugh without fear of the future.

Proverbs 31:25

Blessings to you, Jo,

It's official. On July 20, 2022, In Their Hands officially became a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit. I wrote last month about detours in my life. This has been a dream of mine for three years. It started with asking authors to read their books on video and in October posting one each day to our Facebook page.

I asked God if he wanted me to journey in a new detour of my life, and if so, He would provide everything I required. He opened up the door to have the money required to file the paperwork with IRS and within three weeks, I received notification of our nonprofit status. Yes, I said three weeks. I will post next month about this new journey. God is good and faithful. I'm asking for your prayers.

July 2022 represents six years of Yahweh Sisterhood Book Club in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Did you know it started in 2005 when I lived in Upstate New York?

I invited some women to read a book each month, and we met to discuss it. We met at various homes and of course, there was food. Friendships that developed are still with me today.

Eventually, we met at church, Calvary Tabernacle in Schenectady, New York. One of the wonderful sisters that I met was my friend, Moira Sanderson.

I hosted some Christmas parties at our home. and we celebrated with food, friendship, and gift exchange. The love for these women still continues in my heart today.

In July 2015, we moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana. DETOUR.

In July 2016, we started meeting at my present church, The Chapel. I heard God ask me to connect with authors to come in person. DETOUR.

I said, “Who am I to ask them?” He replied, “I’m the one sending you.”

I got it.

Moira and her husband, Noel, traveled to Fort Wayne in July 2016. Moira was the first author that spoke at our book club in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Her book, “Some Trust in Chariots: Trauma and the Long Road to Recovery,” is a powerful true story of her time in Africa, trauma, and their decision to move to the United States. I’m hoping to have her with us again.

You can enjoy the interviews by checking out my YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe to the channel.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVkvmCic2EsCQEXUEiK_02A

Thank you for your precious words.

I received many emails after last month's article concerning my precious son, Jason. You blessed me.

I'm so grateful that God for what he has placed on my heart.

The memory of my son, Jason, birthed In Their Hands.

I wanted to share a note from friend and President of Word-Weavers, International Eva Marie Everson.

"What a precious little boy was he!

I can see him now, running toward you when you enter Heaven's gates. Mommy! Mommy! You finally made it! And he will introduce you to his best friend, Jesus. What a glorious picture is in my heart right now!"

Yes, tears flowed and thoughts of seeing my precious son again filled my heart.

I love to speak, and my heart is to share with women in the following ways.

Women's Retreats and Special Events

If you run a women’s ministry, do you need a speaker for an event, retreats, or small gatherings? I share how God met me in my darkest hours when I had a traumatic brain injury and my encounter with God. Losing a child and having an abortion are a time when I was living and walking on a dangerous road, but God met me and radically changed my life.

I’m available to speak in person or virtually. I bring humor, energy, authenticity, faith, and strength she found in the Word of God to her presentations. My story is about how God brought her to a relationship with the Light of the World during her darkest times.

I can offer themed messages to your group and work with your team to customize a topic you have selected. I speak before small or large groups, in churches, or wherever God leads her.

Homeschooler Parents and Kids

In the winter of 2022-2023, I will publish my first, in a series, of children’s historical fiction books. I love to share history with kids and make it fun to learn.

As a mom of five and grandmother of nine, I love to help equip moms of homeschoolers.

Conferences, Book Clubs, and Writer’s Groups

I love to speak about my writing journey and the benefits of writer’s groups. I’m President of a virtual group of Word Weaver's International in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I’m a member of Inspiration, Inc., a local writer’s group.

I’m available to speak at conferences and will tailor my talk to your needs.

In Their Hands, will start a six-week virtual summer writing group for kids in the summer of 2023. Kids will meet authors, an editor, illustrators, and much more. They will write a story and after six weeks, we will collaborate to publish the book.

I’m the founder and curator of Yahweh Sisterhood Book Club for the past fifteen years. For the past six years, we meet the author of each book we read. I am currently live on our Facebook page. You can view all videos on my YouTube channel or website.

I can use Zoom or other media to talk if you live further away.

If you would like to create a sister chapter of Yahweh Sisterhood Book Club, connect with me.

I'd love to hear from you.

Women of Faith

Patti Shene

About Patti Shene.

I met Patti through American Christian Fiction Writers a few years ago. Her warmth and encouragement for writers and those that inspire to write were evident through her ministry. I have been blessed to be on her radio program and have written some blogs.

Be sure to connect with Patti. I appreciate you woman of faith.

I was born and raised on Long Island in New York, but have made my home in colorful Colorado for over forty years. We spent almost thirty-nine years together before my husband died. We were blessed with one daughter, one son, and one granddaughter. I practiced as an RN in the field of psychiatry and retired from the VA in 2001, then worked on and off for Colorado Boys Ranch until 2010.

Like many writers, I've carried stories in my head since I was a kid. I’ve had a couple of things published in the local newspaper, a local magazine, and online. I’ve also had some experience as an editor for a small publishing company. I have three novels in progress buried on my computer hard drive that will hopefully see the light of day sometime in the next couple of years. I'm a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).

I love to encourage other writers and aspiring writers, and welcome them to guest post on my two blogs, Patti’s Porch and The Over 50 Writer.

My most exciting and recent endeavor is hosting a Blog Talk Radio show entitled Step Into the Light. This weekly interview style show hosts guests who have been in a dark place and found their way back to light or who lead others to light.

I invite you to check out my blogs and the radio show, especially if you are looking for inspirational encouragement. You’ll find a giveaway at least a couple of times a month. All you need to do is leave a comment under the post to enter.

Thanks for stopping by! Feel free to contact me. I'd love to hear from you.

Your Story - His Glory

The third edition coming out

in the fall of 2022.

Do you have a Christian-based story of hope, survival, faith, and perseverance? Would you like your story to be considered in the third edition of “The Book Lover’s Companion?” If so, connect with Jo to receive the guidelines.

All submissions are due by August 15, 2022.

Get your guidelines here.

You don't want to miss this interview.

Meet Doris Gaines Rapp

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Jo Massaro Ministries

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