By Courtney Buzek
Betty Hodge, a director at the Center for Pregnancy Choices Metro Area, has for years felt a burden to provide more support for local single mothers. When she started noticing the lack of support, she started a single moms ministry at The Pointe Church of Brandon.
“I see that single mothers need a place, a group, and support from local churches,” Betty said. Knowing the desperate need for a community for single mothers, Betty had a vision for a single moms’ conference where women would receive free meals, childcare, and free admission to the two-day conference. With the support of her family, friends and church, Betty hosted the first She is Chosen, Too! conference in 2021. On July 19 and 20 of this year, she will be hosting the fourth annual conference at The Pointe.
She is Chosen, Too! has provided women from all over Mississippi and surrounding states with a place of community and connection to God. Part of the beautiful work that God does through this ministry is uniting women who may not share similar backgrounds or lifestyles. The women who attend come from different regions and all walks of life. While most participants are from the Jackson metro area, single mothers drive from as far as Louisiana and north Mississippi to be part of this life-changing event. Attendees even include women from trustee and recovery programs. Regardless of who they are, all of these women come to support one another and grow closer to God.
This year’s conference will delve into the theme of Belonging. Betty, along with keynote speaker Jennifer Maggio, leader of The Life of a Single Mom, will share powerful messages on identity in Christ. One of the reasons Betty chose this message is to encourage women to get fully connected to a local church where they can cultivate their relationship with God and other believers.
As part of Betty’s mission to get women involved in church, she is also helping churches prepare to take single moms into their congregation. Many churches do not provide groups specifically targeted to single mothers, so she is providing a training for pastors and leaders where Jennifer Maggio will teach the importance of this type of ministry. With the increasing number of fatherless kids in America, it is vital for churches to be equipped to minister to single moms and their families. The free training is on July 20 at 8:30 a.m. and includes breakfast. The registration information is provided below.
Betty’s team hopes to host 200 women at this year’s conference and can only do this through financial sponsorships, gift donations for prizes, and volunteers. If you would like to join her efforts for She is Chosen, Too!, contact Betty at Betty@cpcmetro.org.
Registration for the conference can be found at The Pointe Church Life Groups at thepointebrandon.com. Registration for the single mother’s ministry training can be found at https://allevents.in/brandon/200026451720401?ref=sharer.
Courtney Buzek is community relations coordinator for the CPC Metro Area. She lives in Star, Mississippi with her husband, Jonathan, and their two kids, and has been a faithful member of Restoration Church in Florence for more than 20 years.