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Telephone (313) 341-4487
Mailing Address
Widows
With Wisdom
c/o His Lovely Wife Ministries
P.O. Box 211018, Detroit, MI 48221
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 6, 2007
MINISTER MARY EDWARDS IS NOMINATED
FOR THE EMBRACE LIFE AWARD BY STATE FARM
Dear Nominating Committee:
It is with great honor and pleasure
that I nominate Minister Mary Edwards to be a recipient of the State Farm
Embrace Life Award. She well deserves to receive this prestigious award because
she embodies the spirit of one who has endured and overcome personal loss and
tragedy to embrace life and help others to do the same.
Minister Mary Edwards and her husband
the late Reverend Eddie K. Edwards have faithfully and tirelessly served the
city of Detroit as well as the state of Michigan. Together they devoted their
lives to dedicated community service touching a wide array of community issues
such as teenage pregnancy, juvenile delinquency and health concerns. Reverend
Eddie Edwards founded the “Joy of Jesus” organization and together he and his
lovely wife, Minister Mary Edwards provided love, support, encouragement, and
empowerment for youths, families, schools, and churches of every denomination in
the city of Detroit. Joy of Jesus continues to be a beacon of light in the city
of Detroit. Their diligent and unselfish community service helped Reverend Eddie
and Minister Mary Edwards to receive the prestigious 107 Point of Light Award.
In March 2004 Minister Edwards’s life
changed. It was then that her husband was diagnosed with liver cancer. In June
2004, just four short months after receiving the diagnosis, Reverend Eddie
Edwards passed away. Together Reverend Edwards and Minister Mary Edwards worked
together as a powerful and anointed team serving the Body of Christ and the
community. However, after this tragic loss, Minister Edwards found herself
alone. Despite her tremendous loss, Minister Edwards did not become overwhelmed
with self pity. She immediately began to reach out to help others. A short time
after her husband’s death Minister Edwards founded Widows With Wisdom. Widows
With Wisdom is a ministry that provides a wide range of services for widows such
as support groups, grief, financial and spiritual counseling. Widows With Wisdom
is also the title of Minister Edwards’s radio show which is heard locally. Prior
to founding Widows With Wisdom, Minister Edwards founded His Lovely Wife
Ministries in 1998 which is a support group for pastor’s wives that educates,
encourages, and embraces women in spiritual leadership. Her compassion, courage
and strength make her an example of one who, according to the Scripture found in
Second Timothy 2:3; “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus
Christ.” Through her ministry, thousands of women have been and continue to be
touched• and encouraged to live and receive the joy of the Lord.
As a Covenant Partner of Hope
Evangelical Ministries, Minister Mary Edwards is an effervescent, beautiful and
gracious woman of God. She is an example to the women of God in the ministry.
She always exudes the love, compassion and the wisdom of God. She recently spoke
at our Daughters of Zelophehad (DOZ) Women’s Ministry meeting here at Hope
Evangelical Ministries. The women were thoroughly blessed by her powerful
teaching. She is a wonderful, anointed and powerful woman who is full of the
Word of God and is filled with the Spirit of God. She is the embodiment of the
Scripture found in Nehemiah 8:10; “For the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
She has learned how to trust and love God in the midst of extreme difficulty,
loss and pain. She also exemplifies the Scriptures found in Philippians 4:11-13:
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I
am, therewith to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound:
ever where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry,
both to abound and to suffer need. I can do ALL things through Christ which
strengthen me.”
Minister Edwards always says that the
advice that she would give to others facing a similar situation that she has
would be to absolutely love their husbands while they have them, learn and get
involved with the “business” of marriage (finances, decisions, etc.), and to
live life. Minister Mary Edwards is a well deserving recipient of the Embrace
Life Award. She is truly one that exemplifies the character and spirit that
accompanies this award. As the Senior Pastor of Hope Evangelical Ministries, I
am honored to nominate her. I have known her for many years and I have great
love and respect for her and for the God within her.
Sincerely, Bishop Frankie H. Young,
Senior Pastor Hope Evangelical Ministries
“ARISE. SHINE: for thy light is come,
and thy glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.” Isaiah 60:1
From the Desk of Lt. Colonel,
Retired, Salvation Army Clarence W. Harvey
RE: EMBRACE LIFE AWARD
Nominee: Minister Mary Edwards
Minister Mary Edwards and her late
husband, Rev. Eddie K. Edwards. have served the city of Detroit for nearly 30
years. My association of service and friendship has extended for more than
twenty-five years. Knowing her the way that I do, it came as no surprise
when she started a support group for widows — just one short month after her
husbands death! Reverend Edwards succumbed to cancer in 2004. This was
just four months after his diagnosis.
When Reverend Edwards passed, Mary
had already lost three of her close family members to cancer in 18 months
(mother, sister and brother). It was a terrible loss to her, as well as to the
city. This couple had earned the 107th Point of Light Award for their dedicated
community service work in the Ravendale Community on the eastside of Detroit. In
spite of her great loss, Mary was able to simultaneously deal with her own
grief, while reaching out to other widows. She turned her grief into gratitude
for the many wonderful years that she had with her dear husband.
Since 2004, Mary has directly and
indirectly touched the lives of multitudes of widows. At last count, more than
100 widows have either attended the monthly Widows With Wisdom support group
meetings, received a comfort basket or personal grief, financial, or spiritual
counseling. Numerous others have tuned into her weekly radio broadcast, or been
ministered to from their website, which includes tips for new widows who must
learn how to live alone without their spouses.
www.widowswithwisdom.org
WWW is an outreach of His Lovely
Wife Ministries, a 501©(3) organization which was established in 1998 as a
support group for pastors wives. The original mission of HLW was “to educate,
encourage, and embrace women in spiritual leadership.” However, when Rev.
Edwards passed, Mary found herself in a world alone, having to make major
decisions that for over 20 years of marriage were shared or handled by her
husband. It was a very traumatic, emotional, and learning experience for her.
She soon discovered that there are thousands of wives who unexpectedly find
themselves widows of men who had given their lives helping others, without the
necessity of a resourceful security plan for their spouse. Sadly, many of those
who were once members of His Lovely Wife Ministries are now widows. However,
sadness is not one of Minister Mary Edwards’ characteristics.
In 1976 this couple founded a
ministry called Joy of Jesus. True to its name, Mary’s courage comes from the
scripture, “For the Joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh. 8:10). My nominee
radiates great joy. This joy has not only given her strength throughout her many
trials, but has overflowed into the lives of those she meets. An interesting
story is told by one of Mary’s widow friends who embraced Mary at her husband’s
funeral and said, “I pray you will be alright.” Mary’s response was, “I’m sure I
will. I’m about to start another ministry. This time for widows.” Mary has
learned how to embrace life by comforting others, especially those who feel life
is hopeless.
April 5, 2007
Dr. Rev. Angela C. Redmond, president
His Abiding Presence Ministries
RE: EMBRACE LIFE AWARD
Nominee Minister Mary Darlene Edwards
“Who knows but that you have come to
[this] position for such a time as this” (Esther 4:4). In the beginning of my
widowhood journey, God sent an Angel in the person of Minister Mary Darlene
Edwards. My experience with Minister Mary started many years ago, as I witnessed
her working side by side with her late husband, Rev. Eddie K. Edwards, in the
Joy of Jesus ministries on the eastside of Detroit. Our husband’s co-labored
together in their different community settings with compassion and commitment to
rebuilds lives in the spirit of integrity and excellence.
My husband was the late Honorable
Rev. Dr. Robert L. Redmond Sr., previous pastor of Mt. Pleasant M.B.C. He passed
away in my arms of complications from a heart condition on October 9, 2003. My
life was turned up side down and inside out. We had ministered side by side in
the pastorate for 14 years, married for 28 years, and grew up on the same street
as teenage sweethearts. Before we had ministered to many. Now, it was my time to
be ministered to. The teacher needed to be taught, but who was equipped to
handle the assignment. I didn’t have that super-woman, type-E (everything to
everybody) will to continue on in ministry. I wanted to pass the mantle on to
the next person and become a support to them. My plan was to go home, turn out
the lights, draw the blinds, and not interact with anybody or anything. Instead,
I had to grieve in the public eye, even though I wanted time alone to mourn the
memory of my dear departed husband. I wanted to be “normal again,” but if you
want to make God laugh (like Sarah in the Bible) tell Him your plans.
In 20041 received an invitation to
come to a monthly Widows With Wisdom meeting, which convened at Minister Mary’s
home. To my surprise, I learned that our husbands had common vision. Thus,
Minister Edwards and I quickly began a beautiful relationship. I am impressed
with this awesome woman of God whom I have seen up close and personal. Even
though she had lost her husband, as I had, to this day I have never seen her
burdened down with grief. Minister Mary’s name is famed all across the country,
yet she remains humble and focused on ministering to hurting widows and other
women. She has served as an excellent role model and I wanted to become a part
of her vision to help encourage other widows who face the same day-to-day
challenges of having to live alone.
Through Widows With Wisdom, founded
by Minister Edwards, I’ve learned not to become a “weeping widow,” but rather to
dismiss the hurt and embrace the memory and legacy of my husband. I found the
grace to push past the pain, as Minister
Mary did, and celebrate life day by day. Minister Edwards is a voice of
transition. A quintessential woman. A spiritual thinker. A gate keeper. A
conductor for justice. A friendly face. Minister Mary pulls together the essence
to propel us into a new dimension of “contagious excitement”, pressing us beyond
the veil of tears. Minister Mary teaches how to laugh with grief, not using the
excuse of our loss to limit our potential. She enlightens and inspires us to be
equipped to pick up and carry on as matriarchs.
At each meeting, Minister Mary shares
resource tools, guidance, writing skills, self expression, health information,
funny stories, community news events, testimonials, self improvement, survivor
stories, creative arts, etc. I thank God for Minister Mary being a visible force
of change and healing in my life. Often in times of great trial in ministry I
hear the words “if you need me call me” or “If I can do anything for you just
call,” but when there is a need the number is changed or the person can’t be
found. Minister Mary avails herself to the Call with not only words but with
action to these words, putting feet to the promises made. She hears. She listens
and she cares. God has a plan apart from our husbands. She stresses that we have
our own identity. As God opens new doors, we can journey on into fulfillment
-despite lost dreams and hurts.
I am a personal witness of Minister
Mary touching widows from various walks of life, ethnic and social structures,
layperson, as well as women in leadership. Widows who are suddenly single,
facing an uncertain future of despair, seeking hope in confusion; widows who
were loved by their husbands and also those who were estranged from their
husbands; widows in their youth and widows in their golden years. Her ministry
touches us all.
God rewards, teachers, seekers,
chasers, runners, finders and finishers. I’ve found a special treasure in
Minister Mary Edwards. From ashes, she is a beautiful example of holiness. She
is a garment of praise to pull off the robe of heaviness. From her alabaster box
of wisdom she lavishes us with oil of joy for mourning. What an awesome
privileged to be chosen to pen these words for such a most worthy vessel of
honor! It’s funny to me how our husbands walked together in their lifetime in
ministry. Now, Minister Mary and I walk together in ministry as widows.
The Word of God says, “Those who
labor in the vineyard should eat of their own fruit”. It’s time for her to enjoy
the fruit of her own hands. Therefore I gratefully nominate Minister Mary
Darlene Edwards to receive the EMBRACE LIFE AWARD. Agape’ love in Christ Jesus
Name!
Dr. Angela Redmond
Wanda J Burnside, President The
Called And Ready Writers and Founder Write To The Vision Ministries
RE: MINISTER MARY EDWARDS A WORTHY
NOMINEE
It is my delight to recommend the
nomination of my dear friend, Minister Mary Edwards, for this prestigious award.
She is deserving of your consideration because of her decades of service and
dedication to communities around our city and across our state, churches of
various denominations, helpful youth organizations, concern for urgent women
issues, building esteem in clergy leaders’ wives, the plight of teenagers who
become pregnant, finding bone marrow matches and marrow donations, motivating
scores of writers to write their stories and meeting the desperate needs of
widows.
During the lifetime of her husband,
the late Reverend Eddie K. Edwards, they invested everything they had in their
various community projects and missions. Their organization, “Joy of Jesus
Ministries,” was a vital asset to youths, families, schools, and churches
throughout Detroit.
They stood strong and united in their
vision and work. Many lives were dramatically changed and given hope to strive.
There are tremendous success stories from those whom have been helped and
rescued from the great despair of hopelessness.
For 30 years, Joy of Jesus sustained
the lives of others. God blessed Minister Edwards to be her husband’s constant
support, as the co-founder of this ministry. She soared in finding monies and
writing non-governmental grants to aid in this work. Former President George
Bush, Sr. noticed their efforts. In 1990, they were rewarded the 107 Point of
Light Award out of 1,000 given. Their community outreach work was captured in a
documentary titled, “A Neighborhood Redeemed.”
The changes in the community and
those whom they touched were overwhelming. Many lives were turned around. God’s
hands on the Edwards led them to reach goals and new heights never imagined by
those who work with people in a deep hole in life. In October 2003, the couple
announced their plans to build a retreat center and ranch to benefit others.
They both were excited and eager to see this lifelong dream comes to pass. Their
plans were set and ready to go.
With such joy and excitement, who
would imagine that Reverend Edwards would ever speak a word of not feeling well.
He seldom complained. The couple always pressed pass challenges. They had been
without money, time, volunteers, funds for the organization, and sometimes a
staff that was willing to hang in there, but they have never complained. Yet, a
surprising change was on the horizon.
Minister Edwards noticed that
her husband, Reverend Edwards was making more efforts to do the things that he
once did so quickly. He was moving slower and looking thinner. Yet the work
continued.
However, as the days and weeks
passed, Reverend Edwards grew thinner, weaker and sicker. Thanksgiving was nice,
but Christmas was different and the New Year, 2004, brought great changes.
Reverend Edward couldn’t sleep, eat, work or do things that he loved to do. Life
continued to change, as his health declined more and more.
Minister Edwards remained there by
his side caring and loving him. She attended to everything that concerned him.
She doubled-up on responsibilities, as she prayed for him and nursed him at
home. Her hands were full all day and at night, although she was weary, she
worked on every project that called for her attention.
Her nights and days ran together, as
she cared for her husband and his needs. Her secret tears and prayers were her
constant company as she worked through it all. Yet, they both bravely faced the
crushing news from his doctor concerning his health.
In March 2004, they received the
report from the doctor that he had terminal cancer. They continued to stand
strong in faith although life around them rapidly changed. However, they stayed
focus and faced this battle with the help of the Lord.
However, Reverend Edwards’ health
quickly turned worse. In June 2004, after all the home care, prayer and
attention she could give, medical health was seriously needed. It was at the
very end of his days, when she could do no more, Reverend Edwards was placed in
the hospital. Four days later, he died.
During Reverend Edwards’ illness,
Minister Edwards started calling him, “The General.” He was brave and valiant
throughout life. He was a leader in all that he did. She lovingly built him up
and encouraged him in their 20 years of marriage. They were a team!
Now, some would believe that she would have given up or crumbled in despair.
She did not throw up her hands or run away in defeat. Instead, a few days
following his home going services, she strongly felt the need to keep running,
take the torch and not let the fire go out. She ran and has never stopped.
Within one month of Reverend Edwards death she started “Widows With Widows”
to help widows with everything they need, wanted or cried over. It is a lifeline
to women in this city of Detroit, surrounding cities, our state and soon around
our country. Widows are begging her to come to their town, city, state and even
out of the country to help them too.
Her widow’s organization is making a wonderful difference in the lives of
widows who are young and seniors. Minister Edwards has already compiled for them
a resource handbook, radio program, comfort baskets filled with special items,
social events, worship services, a website, personal phone help line, and
informational news. The widows have been greatly blessed by her concern, love,
support and understanding.
Along with her work with the widows, she continues in the work she has done
over the many decades. She loving embraces those with needs and a dream to make.
Minister Edwards endeavors to inspire and embrace others through her heart of
great compassion.
Submitted by: Wanda J. Burnside
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