The closer that this ministry is coming to its destination, the more questions I am asked and I am very happy to answer because they are very valid questions. I need to prepare myself for this responsibility as well as set expectations for the community.
Most recently, I have been asked, “What if they some of the ladies are a different religion or don’t believe at all. What if they are homosexual? Will you not allow them to join?”
Butterfly Ministries will not discriminate anyone on the basis of race, ethnicity, cultural beliefs, sexual preference, religion or the lack thereof.
I have a very clear and specific purpose. To spread God's love by empowering young ladies to take a stand and to encourage others to get know Him personally, not to judge them.
Encourage - To inspire with hope, courage, or confidence; contribute to the progress or growth of.
We will not push them, force them, scare them nor will we withhold our services if they don't commit their life to Christ.
We will advocate, educate, empower, encourage, inspire, motivate; take a genuine interest in them. Kindness will lead them to God. Not fear. Fear does not encourage Faith but discourages it.
“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3
We all fall short in the eyes of God and have our own sins to account for. After they make the choice to bond with God, He will instill something in that person that is between Him and them. Even if they choose not to, it is still between them and God. My mission is to encourage that bond with God, not to play God.
"For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” Matthew 7:2
Another important and very valid question is, “How will you deal with issues such as:
• mental disorders
• teen pregnancy
• addictions
• suicidal thoughts
• physical, sexual or emotional abuse
• express the desire to harm themselves or others
I currently work in non-profit and during the past 5 years that I have worked there, I have grown both personally and professionally. They have put me in situations that challenged my leadership quite often. They made me a more well rounded person overall. I have learned so much from them and because of my experience there, I am equipped to take on this ministry.
I have learned that many non-profits and ministries fail by trying to take on things that they are not staffed, equipped, trained or experienced to handle. They attempt to duplicate efforts that already exist in the community. This is where successful partnerships are very vital to the growth and success of your organization. I have program areas that I will focus on and when the bulleted issues above arise, I will have partnerships with natural alliances in the community that I will make referrals to such as Therapists, Pastors, Social Workers, Healthcare Professionals and Child Protection Agencies.
They will specialize in children’s needs and be fully equipped to intervene as needed.
This reminds me of a partnership that our organization has had with another non-profit for the past 5 years. They build homes for low income families with a mortgage at zero interest making their home affordable and safe. The Family Services Manager and I started both companies around the same time. We contacted one another because we saw that there was a gap that needed filled and our partnership needed strengthened.
We work together to make sure that the families that we serve do not fall through the cracks. If they apply for a home and are denied because they have barriers keeping them approval, she refers them to me and our program helps them with financial literacy, education, resolving their credit issues and budgeting to help them remove those barriers. After those barriers are removed, we then refer them back for approval. She doesn’t try to take on that burden and responsibility, she refers them to us, a trusted partner because she knows that partnerships are what make a non-profit or ministry successful.
In that aspect, she doesn’t just deny a family, stepping on their dream and just let them walk away confused and discouraged. She instills hope and faith in the family and let them know that they aren’t denied, it’s just that they have some work to do before they are approved. We also attend one anothers events, serve on committees and support each others fundraisers.
It is a wonderful partnership.
"To all of you, be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit." 1 Peter 3:8
I feel absolutely blessed to walk the path that God has put me on. Despite ALL of my challenges, I have learned more than I ever thought I would but realize I have alot more to learn. I have met some amazing people that inspire me but have many more to meet. I have overcame and accomplished more than I ever thought possible but God requires more and I am His humble servant!
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2
"Above all, continue to love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8
Be Blessed this Weekend!!!
© Copyright – All rights reserved
November 2009
Katrina Green
President
Butterfly Ministries, Inc.
"It is the mission of Butterfly Ministries, Inc. to empower and inspire positive transformation in girls and young women by encouraging them to take a stand against gender exploitation and to give rise to a historic revolution."
COMING SOON! Join the Butterfly Movement!
Launching Spring 2010!
"Strength and honor was her clothing" Proverbs 31:25
