newsletter
Summer 2024
the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:5
Missionary Gospel Fellowship
Most of you reading this newsletter are familiar with me and my story, but just in case, here’s a little background. After 3.5 years of marriage, I lost my wonderful husband, Steven, due to covid complications in 2020. He was a High School Construction Teacher and a Youth Pastor in Gallup, NM, predominately working with Native American students. He was funny, hardworking, a great listener, and trusted Jesus with a faith I still strive after. He passed away just days after we moved back to my home town. I was 35. Since then, let’s just say this journey has been anything but easy, and even 4 years later, I find myself in the valley most days. Yet, through the Lord’s loyal love and kindness, I’m learning to navigate the valley, knowing He is walking with me, and leading me through it.
About 6 months after Steven's passing, the Lord planted a seed of ministry in my heart for young widows. At the time, I didn’t know how to process it. I could barely see outside of my own pain, yet there was still a desire to step into the gaps for other women experiencing the pain and turmoil of losing a spouse. You see, widowhood isn't just a part of my story, but sadly, that of my dear friend, Janice and my sister-in-law, Staci. With 2 of the closest women in my life losing their husbands too soon, and with my own loss, I recognized the need for more widow support. I also recognized the difficult, but special calling God was leading me toward.
a little background
a difficult calling
a new opportunity
The small seed the Lord planted in my heart years ago has grown into Dwell Forever—a ministry specifically for women experiencing the heartaches of young widowhood. With the help of many family and friends, and by God's grace, an opportunity came my way to partner with Missionary Gospel Fellowship (MGF). Since July of 2023, I have been blessed to be a part this organization with nearly 50 missionaries and families dedicated to making disciples in North America. MGF has it roots in Turlock, CA, but since 1939, MGF has had missionaries from all over the world devoted to serving Jesus. Some of the ministries include church planting, church training, establishing Bible colleges, as well as outreach and support opportunities at hospitals, prisons, military bases, and universities. For more information about MGF, please visit their website at www.mgfhq.org and for more info about Dwell Forever, click here.
I am humbled and amazed how God has led me to this moment. The Lord has graciously used people (near and far) to pray for me, comfort me, and help me rebuild in the aftermath of death. I can't express my gratitude to all who've pressed-in during my time of need. The Lord has used every prayer, gift, text, call, and visit to encourage and strengthen my heart to believe that there's still light amidst the darkness (John 1:5). Thank you, truly and deeply, to the friends and family who've helped me get to "now". See below.
the road to now
Forever trusting Him,
Jackie Yoder
ways to
PARTNER
with me
PRAYER
GIVE
ENCOURAGE
Please join me in praying for the women (and their families) experiencing the heartaches of widowhood. Pray for comfort and peace as they process their grief and move forward without their husband.
See specific prayer requests for Dwell Forever by clicking the button below.
Would you consider becoming a ministry partner of Dwell Forever?
It would be such an honor if you’d join me in serving young widows. You can make a regular contribution or a one time gift by clicking the button below.
James 1 makes it clear that caring for widows and the fatherless is an assignment of God’s Church. You can encourage a widow in your life by checking on her, sending her a set of Dwell Boxes, and showing up for her
in real and tangible ways. View a list of ways you can support her by clicking the button below.
You can also donate by check—sent and payable to MGF with memo: Jackie Yoder - Project #162
Missionary Gospel Fellowship
P.O. Box 1535
Turlock, CA 95381
11
Dwell Boxes Sent
Widows
CARING FOR
2
5
Dwell Boxes are gifts of encouragement that support young widows during their first year of widowhood. In each box—a personal note of encouragement, a faith based book/devotional (to help her process her loss and suffering), items for prayer and reflection, a gift that encourages rest/relaxation, and a remembrance gift in honor of her late husband. We hope these boxes serve as reminders of God’s presence and love during the early days of devastation as well as in the days of grief that follow.
Dwell Boxes Sent
(this month)
Widows Served
Dwell Boxes (set of 4) for 1 widow cost $300.
Dwell Boxes include personalized gifts, grief resources, supplies, and shipping. Any donation amount is deeply appreciated, and helps us continue our efforts to encourage and bless young widows.
Dwell Boxes (set of 4) are valued at $300. Dwell Boxes include personalized gifts, grief resources, supplies, and shipping. Any donation amount is deeply appreciated, and helps us continue our efforts to encourage and bless young widows.
Dwell Forever's primary focus is the young widow
(50 and under), but we serve widows of all ages.
Dwell Forever's primary focus is the young widow (50 and under), but we serve widows of all ages.
One of my goals for 2024 was to create a website where churches and people can easily request Dwell Boxes to encourage young widows in their life. I am very grateful for the contributions from the women's ministry of Mitchell Community Church that has allowed this website to get up and going. In addition, I am thankful to Justin Scroggins of Salt & Lens Photography for his time and talent in taking photos of our Dwell Boxes. You can a see memory with Justin below.
DwellForever.com
Please
share!
PRAYER REQUESTS
Please pray the Lord will continue to heal, prepare, and equip my heart for this ministry.
Please pray for opportunities to make connections with churches and individuals who may want to partner with Dwell Forever.
Please pray for the Lord’s leading and timing as I explore the possibility of starting a young widows support group in the Central Valley.
Dave + Gena Larson
Kourtney Avila
Brett Avery
Chad + Sasha Burchfield
Jay + LuAnn Hyatt
The LaFollette Family
Scott + Allie Chasin
Tami Gregor
Joe + Irma Lawrence
Mark + Diann Yoder
Janelle + Dan Francis
Staci Spolar
Jennifer Lawrence
Janiece, Joey + Jadyn Sousa
Jordan + Isaac Roberts
Kim Helfenbein + Family
you honor a man by the way you treat his widow.
John Armor
thank you!
Jake + Jennah Fair
Janice Worsham
Chrissy Coughlin
Ashley Price
Annika Rogers
Phil + Angela O'Bourke
Gretchen Cardoza
Gabriella Flisram
to the many students who reached out, came to visit, and shared memories of Steven these past 4 years.
and...
Remembering Steven
May 2017
Two months after our wedding, Steven and I were blessed by Gretchen, Justin and Marin—who road-tripped from California to visit us in New Mexico. We enjoyed touring the area, catching up on life, and spending time with one another. Steven and I were humbled they traveled so far to see us!