Marlene experienced the difficult life transition of becoming a widow, and over time God tapped her to help other widows.

Practical ways of reaching out to widows include phone calls, meals, gift bags, home and car repair, grocery and other shopping assistance, tech coaching, prayer, and even special outreach to them on Valentine’s Day. Women who have lost their spouse need special assurance that they are not falling between the cracks—they are loved by God, not forgotten, an integral part of the body of Christ.

But widows are not just needy; they’re also needed. Marlene reminds us that these women are often untapped treasure boxes of God’s love and mercy.

Be sure to check out resources on her website at widowslink.org . And here’s a helpful quick intro to starting a widow’s ministry in your church.