By Deaconess Lori Trinche
April 2021
Recently Genny and Dale Hertel from Zion Lutheran Church in Marengo, Illinois, visited Executive Director, Sheryl DeWitt & Program Manager, Deaconess Liz Borth at the Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries (RLOM) maternity home in Sanford, Florida. Genny is an advocate in her congregation who is tirelessly helping get the word out about this new life-saving and life-transforming ministry. A opening is planned for Fall of 2021 at a new location in Carpentersville, in the Northern IL District, with Immanuel Lutheran Church, East Dundee, serving as the church home for the moms and babies it will serve.
Genny is truly passionate about inviting others in her family and community to get involved. She said, “These women (Sheryl and Deaconess Liz) have a passion to be used by the Lord and were such an encouragement to share the beautiful facility and program with us during our visit. As we entered the home I could not help but whisper, “surely the presence of the Lord is in this place”.
It became obvious that neither brick and mortar nor structural design was holding this home together, but instead, the very Word of God with Jesus Christ as the foundation. He is The Rock, the reason Redeeming Life lives, and the reason a new maternity home will be birthed in Illinois as the first home in RLOM’s vision for ministry expansion across the country, with the help of God”.
Genny, who is a faithful life-champion and a natural mentor to many stated, “We can, with God’s help, know that as we love and mentor these young mothers and provide safe housing, education and life skills, that the Holy Spirit will come along side of us to shine that light of salvation to many. Imagine the joy to be an eyewitness and see the glow as single moms in crisis discover. Jesus Loves Me This I Know, For the Bible Tells Me So.”
As they were about to end their tour, Genny said that “a bubbly young lady with a “twinkle in her eye” caught my attention. (I shall refer to her as) “Twinkle” shared her story of rebellion and how Redeeming Life gave her a second chance. She knows she is forgiven, loved and her identity is in Jesus Christ.
Twinkle has a beautiful 10-week old baby boy who was baptized a few weeks ago. For the celebration, she invited her family who filled up three church pews at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Sanford – the Florida church home to the moms that live in the Florida house. Twinkle’s family came to witness the occasion, and in so doing, heard Rev. Edward DeWitt (Sheryl’s husband and RLOM’s Chairman) share the story of God’s relentless love. Twinkle” is just one of many women whose lives have been deeply touched by the Gospel through this ministry.
Please join them in prayer and partnership for this ministry. To become a volunteer, sneak a peak at the home in Carpentersville, or learn more, please visit rlom.org/expansion.
For Life Live Zoom Event
Mark your calendar for May 4, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. CST when Sheryl will be the special guest on Lutheran’s for Life’s “For Life Live” Zoom event.
An LFL Zoom Event
Tuesday, May 4, 2021
7:00 p.m. CDT / 8:00 p.m. EDT
Register in advance for this meeting HERE
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Join a conversation with the Executive Director of RLOM, Sheryl DeWitt as she shares:
- History – How and why we started a maternity home ministry
- Mission – Why what we do is important
- How we minister – Program and services
- Impact – Sharing stories about residents and the impact of Christ’s hope in their lives
- Growing the reach – Expansion into all LCMS districts starting with NID
- Engage – How to support women in crisis pregnancies
Motivated by God’s grace, Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries (A Recognized Service Organization of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) seeks to reach out with the love of Christ to support single expectant and postpartum mothers – by providing a safe and stable home, where women have opportunities for growth in their relationship with their Savior, as well as career, parenting, and life skills education.
Recognized Service Organizations (RSOs) are 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations that are independent of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, but they operate ministry programs that foster the mission and ministry of the church. RSO organizations reach out in mercy and love to meet the needs of those who are suffering, poor, sick or lonely. They address human, social, economic, educational and spiritual needs.