A year ago, when I was still having a hard time accepting my new status as a single mom, I asked Marion Knirr, Women’s Ministries Director of the Baden-Württemberg Conference in Germany, if it would be possible to organize a weekend for single parents. To my surprise, she quickly found three other single moms who were willing to join her in planning and organizing such a weekend. And so from October 13-15, 2023, with the generous support of the Conference, the first weekend for single parents took place. Just over 20 single parents came with their children to spend the weekend together at Michelsberg.
Even though statistically there are more single-parenting women than men, three dads dared to sign up and enrich the weekend with their perspective. Because of the good child care, the parents were able to concentrate on spiritual topics, the strengthening input, and the common exchange and to recharge spiritually as well as emotionally. During the weekend, we were able to find a new emotional home, with much understanding, acceptance, compassion, and the feeling of not being alone. Thus it was hardly surprising if the weekend was much too short and we all would have liked to stay together longer.
Among other things, our speaker Veli Gotscheva referred to the verse in Zephaniah 3:17 ESV, “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” No matter what your situation in life, single parent or not, God is with you, He is your Savior, He delights in you, and God quiets you with His love.
Let us be a church family that carries everyone in prayer in their individual situations. For who can cope without God's help and assistance, without God's grace and forgiveness, and without the wisdom and power that He gives? And if you are also a single parent, then join us for the next strengthening weekend for single parents!
As reported by Rubina Jenkner