Thank you for visiting our web site concerning the Iris B. Vest Widows Ministry Center. As you review our site, please open the ears of your heart and allow them to hear what God is speaking to you concerning your involvement with our ministry. The United States census tells us that there are 12 million widows living in America—700,000 new widows every year. Half of the women by age 65 are widows, and 80% of married women will become widows. It also reports that 45% of women age 65 or older live on $550 per month or less, and many of these widows are sitting on church pews every service hoping and praying that someone will notice them and extend a helping hand.
Iris B. Vest Widows Ministry Center is an answer to these alarming statistics, helping to meet the needs of widows. It is a unique non-profit, independent living, residential facility unlike any other in the United States. Located in Sevierville, Tennessee on Care Campus, the Widows Center and Smoky Mountain Children’s Home model James 1:27: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure is this: to care for widows and orphans in their distress and to keep oneself unpolluted from the world.”
The Widows Center is not funded from any source, is a part of no one’s budget and receives neither state nor federal funds whatsoever. It is an independent, private, residential facility operating under the auspices of the Church of God and is dependent upon free-will offerings and gifts-in-kind for its total support.
The Center is home to many widows who have dedicated their lives to servant ministry. For many years, they have daily blessed many with their love and compassion. These widows are a treasure that will be nurtured and encouraged at The Center. Our priority is to provide an opportunity for widows to build a new life and utilize their ministry strengths and talents.
The Church of God is proud that God has blessed our widows with such a beautiful facility.