September 2025 Highlights
Equipped Volunteers & Authentic Community
As we kick off the second round of Re:New Emotional Health, a 9-week class focused on grief, we are excited to share some highlights from this past month. No week is ever "boring" at 431 and many special moments happened in September.
Re:Storing Futures
Emotional Communication is a Skill
One thing we believe at 431 Ministries is that skills are taught, not innate. Knowing how to communicate emotions and communicate in emotional situations is an example of something that has to be learned. In Re:Store Emotional Communication, we talk about three points in regards to having "good conflict":
Good conflict requires someone to be a peacemaker, not just a peacekeeper.
Good conflict requires setting clear boundaries ahead of time and knowing how and when you’re going to follow up.
To get through good conflict means you need to have endurance, which takes practice. It will HURT, so you need to be prepared to build it up like a muscle.
What if you could get to a point of being trained in good conflict? Good consequences are sure to follow. Think about keeping a job. Knowing how to set boundaries and getting along well with team members and customers will greatly increase your chances of keeping that job. Keeping a job is vital to maintaining stability in your life.
These classes have a much larger impact than just the topics they teach. They extend to other areas of life, and expand our clients’ toolboxes on their journey to an independent future.
A client said: “My takeaway from class was that iron sharpens iron. I know that communication is key in all relationships. We should look at communication as a gift and when it comes to disagreements, it's best to stop talking and listen. Iron sharpens iron. We can grow from all experiences.”
SAve the date
Our Annual Fundraising Gala is fast approaching on Thursday, October 16th. Tickets are almost sold out. Get yours today!
We are looking for volunteers to help make the Gala a success! We cannot do this wonderful work without you, and that includes putting on an event like the Gala. Join one of our volunteer teams today!
Re:Building Confidence
“431 Ministries changed my life”
This past Family Meal, one of our Side-by-Side Clients (let’s call her Jenny) shared her testimony with all attendees: clients, staff and volunteers alike. She shared how 431 Ministries changed her life, how she went from an abusive relationship to a loving and supportive community and growing friendships. Many people came up to her afterwards to thank her for sharing her story. Jenny also decided to get baptized and invited that same community to join the following Sunday.
Jenny with her 431 Community
Jenny getting baptized by the pastor
She has shown such amazing growth and willingness to do what’s necessary to have an independent future. We are very proud of her and so glad she decided to get baptized. Seven women from her 431 community and other friends and family attended the service. It was such a sweet example of one of our values, Authentic Community!
Refined by Fire
Another Side-by-Side Client (Alicia, not her real name) received difficult news this past month: she was going to get evicted. Through a networking connection Rachel had, we were able to find an attorney for Alicia. After many conversations between her, her care team, and her attorney, the case got dismissed. Alicia has grown in her relationship with her mentors on a deeper level because of this hardship.
Another Successful Training in the Books
Side-by-Side Training has come a long way. Many edits have been made since the first version came out. Each training, we receive new feedback for us to improve it. It’s always a pleasure to meet new (and old!) faces who are ready to serve the women in their lives who need to know they are not alone. Here’s what a few of our brand-new mentors said about the training.
What stood out the most about the training?
The presentation with the time to practice role play. The impact of introducing someone the way the LORD sees them was incredible and humbling.
I loved how Rachel incorporated actual case studies and personal experiences into the training.
Was there anything that surprised you during training?
Us taking the [Re:Store Me Assessment]. [And] also the number of women that have been helped by 431.
Some of the situations people find themselves in and that there is this wonderful help available.
What would you tell someone thinking about committing to the next training?
You don’t have to “know it all” in order to be a mentor. You’re surrounded by a team that will support you and help you.
[It’s a] great way to gain valuable tools regardless of where they are used.
If you have the privilege of joining a training with 431 Ministries, you need to be courageous and/or obedient to do it. The blessing of being Known, Seen and Loved is for everyone.Refined by Fire
Re:Newing Hope
A new round of Re:New Emotional Health has started. This class is deeply challenging as it invites our ladies to dig into their grief and involve their community. “Grief demands a witness” as David Kessler says, and it’s something we incorporate at 431. By sharing with one another in this class, we shoulder each other's burdens. We encourage our ladies to attend every single week to get the most out of it. During this session's class, we have been joined by a brand-new client.
Is a class like this something you would like to attend as well? Our classes are open to anyone, not just our clients. Check out the calendar on our website for upcoming classes and sign up today!
THE IMPACT IN SEPTEMBER
Want to be part of this impact? Your faithful giving allows 431 Ministries to keep touching the lives of women around you.
She could be who you sit next to in church, your neighbor or maybe a mom dropping off her child at daycare. She could be anyone. You can fuel hope in their lives today!