GOD'S-kids - Keeping promise to God

Keeping promise to God
By ELLWOOD SHREVE
Updated 3 hours ago

Phyllis Lawlor says God helped turn her life around when she was a teenager and she promised some day she try to do the same for others.

Well, the day has arrived, and the Chatham woman - along with local residents Kirk Dawes and Theresa Nadeau - are launching God's Kids Ministry of Chatham-Kent on March 3.

"I went from being a teen mother and homeless, and an alcoholic . . . to God literally taking me into another realm to be saved," Lawlor said.

Having recently turned 50, she decided it was time to take action.

"At three o'clock in the morning, I was on my Facebook and I asked: "Is there somebody out there that can design me a website free of charge," Lawlor said.

When Dawes, who attends her church, Praise Fellowship, immediately responded, she knew it was time to get rolling.

The launch of the ministry will take place at the Shepherd's Way Inn at 260 King St. W., in Chatham, from 4:30-6 p.m., where young people, age 14-30, can enjoy some free soup and sandwiches and live music.

Dawes said the goal of the God's Kids Ministry is to be a place where young people can come and talk about their troubles, including drug and alcohol problems, and have someone listen to them in a non-condemning fashion.

"We just want to empower people who are not happy with their lives, instead of just kicking it around . . . they've got a place to come in and try to get it out of their system," he said.

Dawes added, "if they want prayer, we'll obviously give them prayer."

Lawlor hopes to see the ministry expand to help young people with job searches and preparing resumes.

She has already set up a 24-hour prayer line at 519-397-4092, which she is doing herself. If she's not available, callers are encouraged to leave a message and she will call them back.

Also, Lawlor said, the goal is to get more volunteers involved to man the prayer line 24-hours a day and assist with other projects. She said those interested are also invited to the first meeting.

She added representatives from Teen Challenge in London, a men's drug and alcohol rehabilitation program, will be in attendance on March 3 to talk with young people seeking help.

She said the ministry is about helping young people gain peace in their lives.

"Forgiveness is where it starts," Lawlor said.

A website is in the works, but there is currently a blog at gods-kids.blogspot.com.