Global Fountains

By Marleen Lieb

It has been a privilege and blessing to be involved with the Global Fountains ministry since it began. When I moved to Fort Worth, I had been involved in the Mission Odessa Apartment Ministry for 10 years. My desire was to continue to follow the Lord’s leading. I met Zoey and her family while we were in a Bible study. We found that our hearts were united in desiring to reach others for Christ. I had volunteered with the Catholic Charities ESL class at the Fountains, but my voice failed, so I had to discontinue. I had helped refugees then. When the Lord led Zoey and David to begin the ministry at the Fountains apartments, I believed this was where the Lord was leading me to serve Him. He could use my background of having lived and traveled abroad in the past plus my interest in crafts. He has given me the strength to continue despite many health issues. I am so humbled that the Lord could continue to use me in His ministry.

Prayerfully, we started offering the craft class. It was for about 2 hours each Monday when school was held. As many ladies enjoy making things by hand, this would be a way to meet the refugees in a safe place for them. We could build friendships and share the word of God in their homes privately.

I had anticipated a classroom-like setting, but soon learned to “go with the flow”-- ladies coming in and out at different times, external noise, cell phones ringing, children crying, and chatter in different languages. Whether one or twenty ladies came, I believe they are sent by God. At first I used the crafts I had done previously, but now I get ideas from the internet and others. Ladies in my Sunday School class have donated lots of crafts supplies and other items. Funds have been donated, so the Lord has supplied all our needs for each craft or art project. We purchase a certain amount, or use donated items and it is so amazing that the Lord has given us enough for each lady to do the project!

This is a team effort. Without the help of faithful volunteers like Evelyn, Diana, Joanna, Minjung, Zoey, my daughter, and so many others, this ministry would not be possible. It is such a blessing to serve along with so many faithful Christians. Many ladies have preschool children so we also have great volunteers to help care for them.

Helping these lovely ladies who have gone through so much trauma is such a joy. What fun to see them relax, build friendships and proudly show their works of art! 

We soon began a short Bible lesson using Creation to Christ study guides. The challenge in every class is communication. Usually ladies from more than one country and who speak different languages are present. Using pictures has been helpful. Some speak a little English, so these help explain the lesson. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit enable them to understand. At times we have volunteers who speak some Arabic, as does Minjung. She is sent from God!

In each class time I hope to help each learn new skills, enjoy a break from the isolation of having to stay in their apartment all day long, learn about American and Christian culture, and improve their English. We pray for their needs.  We hope to show them the love of Jesus. This class is not about “doing something.” It is about loving them and sowing seeds so they will come to Christ.

My prayer and heart’s desire is that these dear ladies become followers of Christ. What joy it is to see them trying to understand the Bible and start asking question! 

May all we do in this craft ministry be used to glorify the Lord Jesus!

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Marleen Lieb, Art/Craft Director, has been serving at the Fountains over 6 years.