By Ralphine Major

This year, they have been sharing “light” in this season of despair.  Already, they have connected with women in the church and the Knoxville community with hundreds of cards, blessing bags, and phone calls.  Chelsea Murphy is the director of an encouragement ministry called Phoebe’s Closet at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.  The group includes ladies of all ages who are passionate about encouraging others, sharing God’s word, and reaching ladies for Jesus.  In the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, Chelsea shared with her team of women another opportunity for their group.

On July 15, around 50 ladies met at the church.  Their mission:  to paint with a purpose.  Concord Christian Art Teacher Krista Gaddis led the group in this new venture.  Krista is also a member of Cumberland Baptist, a sister church of Wallace Memorial.  Ordinary pieces of canvas were turned into inspiring works of art as the ladies painted beautiful crosses on them.  After the painting was finished, each lady selected the name of a homebound church member to give her cross to and delivered the specially painted gift while observing social distancing guidelines.

“We want to let them know Wallace is a place that loves and cares about them,” Chelsea shared.  “We hope the painted cross will serve as a reminder to look to the cross for peace, hope, and joy in the Lord during these challenging times,” she added.

Words of Faith:  Chelsea said that Wallace women cling to the truths in God’s word and know He can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine, referencing Ephesians 3:20 (NIV).  She added, “Our hope is that we can use the gifts and talents God has given us to be obedient in loving God and loving our community.”