A note by email was received in the Long Run Baptist Association office.  A copy eventually found its way to me because everyone who works with Friendship International was so excited to hear from a former participant.  Friendship International is a ministry started by Long Run Baptist Association WMU.  Each year the Eliza Broadus Offering has assisted Friendship International in three locations in Kentucky with outreach to internationals living in Kentucky. This note conveys just how important this ministry can be and how it can spread beyond Kentucky. (For security, the note has been edited.)

This is a mail for friends at Friendship International (FI). I am not sure who might be reading this mail, somebody from the church or from FI…. Well, I am so excited I am able to get on your website. I am one of the ladies who had been attending FI and have been so blessed by the ministry you do for the Lord and for women like me. My husband and I with our little boy moved into Louisville Village Manor apartments in 2005. I was very sad and bored there because I was so far away from home and family. But ever since I started attending Friendship International, my life changed.  I made a lot of friends, who cared so much for me, my interests and also cared for my boy and later on BOYS!

I remember many of the volunteers who helped me, Mary (the one who had served in Japan for a long time), Mary Bolton, Phronsie Quinn, Peggy – pianist, Martha – the Bible study teacher, My cross-stitch teacher, and many others! I looked forward to meeting all my friends on Wednesdays. When we left after my husband’s studies at SBTS, I made up my mind on helping women like me in India with a similar kind of place like FI. But due to certain circumstances and a few changes in life, I was unable to do exactly what I had in mind. I still have this in mind. I am praying about it and want to help the women here in India. We are in North India … living in a village area where more than 90% of the people are Hindus and women don’t have any opportunities of working or even hearing words of encouragement. I just pray that God will give me the courage and open ways for me to do what He wants me to do. Please remember me in your prayers. Just want to say…that I still have lots of fond memories of Friendship International and I miss being there. You have a very important role in molding my life. Thank you very much. Please convey my love and regards to all our friends at FI. God Bless. Please don’t ever stop this ministry!