Anchored - A Ministry of Community & Comfort
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
II Corinthians 1:3-4
In January of 2022, Lindsie Billeter lived out these verses when she started a unique ministry at Central Church in Sioux Falls, SD. I had the tremendous privilege to talk with Lindsie and hear about Anchored - Central's support group designed to empower and uplift women facing infertility, pregnancy, and child loss....a safe space to find solace, community, resources, and spiritual connection. [this is a quote off their website, should it be in quotes?]
Out of her own experience of loss, Lindsie came to realize how alone women can feel when walking the hard path of infertility, miscarriage, or the loss of a child. She desired to create a place for these women to talk together, pray together, comfort each other, and encourage each other to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus. The first Monday evening of each month, a group of women gathers at Central Church. These women come from many different churches in Sioux Falls, and their stories are all unique, but the need for community, solace, and encouragement draws them together.
For a little over four years, Lindsie has seen a redemption of these struggles, witnessing growth in the women who attend the monthly meetings. While the grief of these losses continues, the women bond together in their desire to find their comfort, their peace, and their satisfaction in our loving Savior. She and her co-leader provide an environment of safety for the women, reminding them that even though they are shaken and their world turned upside down by their painful circumstances, God is not shaken or surprised. He has already provided for them in this moment, in ways that they may not yet realize.
I learned from Lindsie that the Sunday before Mother’s Day is called Bereaved Mother’s Day, and this year it falls on May 3. Lindsie wanted to provide a place for women for whom Mother’s Day can be challenging. On May 3, Anchored is hosting Mourning Light: Grieving Mother's Day Lunch. This is the second year for this event for women who are walking through loss, no matter where they are in that journey. At this intimate lunch, the women will have the opportunity to talk with each other, hear from a speaker, and receive a keepsake gift that acknowledges the grief they feel, which is often described as an invisible loss. But to our Father, these women are not invisible. They are seen. They are known. They are loved.
To women who have experienced the loss of a child or the loss of the dream of bearing a child, Lindsie has this encouraging word - You are not alone! You probably already know someone who has walked this path before you! And most importantly, God is with you and will provide for you in this moment.
If you’re reading this and thinking, I wish my church had a ministry like this! Maybe this is your encouragement to start one! It won’t be "perfect"; there will be bumps along the way, but you can do this, too. If you would like to learn more about how Lindsie started Anchored, reach out to her; she is easy to talk to and has a beautiful heart ready to help.