I remember looking forward to Saturday mornings. To me, that was the highlight of my week. “Why?” you ask. Growing up in a very dysfunctional home was hard for me, but little did I know that God was guiding my steps even back then. I was told that every Saturday morning there was a group of ladies meeting with little girls, and that the meetings were filled with fun, lots of activities, and above all… lots of LOVE! This awesome group, which I eventually joined, was called Girl Scouts and led by a lady that was confined to a wheelchair but full of love. She would give me much needed advice. As I entered adulthood, I thanked God for Miss Patsy and the other leaders that were willing to invest into my life, taking time from their busy schedules to guide me, instruct me, and to “Prepare Me,” the Girl Scout motto.
I always wanted and prayed for a better upbringing for my three beautiful daughters, and once again, God brought wonderful ladies that would instill the Word of God into their lives. Each one of my girls was blessed to have been part of GEMS (Girls Entering the Master’s Service). The lessons they learned were never forgotten. The spiritual aspect was rooted into their hearts. I can testify, that by the Grace of God and the sound doctrine that they received during their years in GEMS, their training paid off. I’m proud to say that my three girls are now married and have their own children. Each is serving in her local church and is using her talents for the Lord. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Little did I know, that my granddaughters would also benefit from this awesome ministry, now known as “Girls’ Ministries.” Psalm 100:5 ESV has become a reality, “For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”
As a “Nana” to seven grandchildren, four of them girls, I am so happy that back in 2009, our church “Oasis of Hope” committed to starting Girls’ Ministries. One of the things that I love about the curriculum is the fact that it speaks on relevant topics that girls are dealing with today. Girls’ Ministries is shaping our little girls into young godly ladies and is providing them the Word of God and giving them the tools that they will need in the future. I appreciate the sound doctrine this ministry provides for our girls. They learn about Salvation, Evangelism, Discipleship, and are learning to develop their God-given gifts and talents. My granddaughters will grow to become strong, capable women, because they are being instructed in the Word of God.
During Christmas, I was overtaken with such joy as I listened to a group of pre-teens singing and playing their musical instruments. The reason I was so joyful was that five of these teens were young ladies that are currently active in Girls’ Ministries. It was in the classroom that these gifts were discovered! So, if I sound a bit biased about this ministry, well… yes… I really am, because I have seen results that come from the teachings and the solid foundation that each girl receives.
*Mary Alice Treviño is the Girls’ Ministries Director for the Texas Latin Conference and serves on the IPHC Girls’ Ministries Board. She and her husband, Jaime, pastor Oasis of Hope in Webster, Texas.
