Betty Huizenga - Gifts of Gold: Gathering, Training, and Encouraging Mentors

Apples of Gold mentors are making a differenceone life at a time. Here are some of the comments made by young women in the program:

The best part of the program for me was the mentors and all the sharing that was done. I love the wisdom from the mentors and what they have to offerknowledge, compassion and a warm hug. I couldnt wait for Wednesday to roll aroundloved it all!

It was incredible to be on the receiving end of the mentors generosity. To think they would put so much time, energy and some dollars into investing in our lives touched my heart deeply. They are wise, humble, open and honest and very genuine.

The best part of the program was being able to interact with these godly mentors on a personal level. I treasured the time with them and listened expectantly for whatever any of them had to say. Alsothe wonderful mix of beautiful table settings, the fabulous food, resources, tips, book recommendations, HUGS, and the way God spoke to my heart through the lessonsin other words, everything!

The whole program was fabulous. The Bible and cooking lessons were so helpful and inspiring. However, the best part for me was the wisdom and sharing from the mentors. I felt that I couldnt write fast enough to get it all down. I also loved how nurtured I felt every time.

For me, the entire program was such a fabulous, pampering treat! However, Id have to say the best part was meeting all of the mentors. To spend time with all of you who have so obviously, so lovingly, so unselfishly dedicated your lives to the Lord and to His service, was the greatest gift to me. Every mentor was so willing to openly share the highs and lows, the good times and struggles of living in Gods Word.

As a new Christian who struggles daily with changing my life so that I am living His word obediently, this was extremely refreshing. I now know that I am not alone in my journey. To all of you, thank you for your devotion and time to this program. Because of all of you, my faith has been strengthened immensely. May God bless all of you.

I was so blessed to be a part of this ministry. My husband often says how he feels blessed because of the encouragement it brought to me. Thanks for listening to the Lord.

My prayer for you is that the Lord would continue to use Apples of Gold for women such as myself who need a mentoring program thats so well rounded to remind us of Gods design and desire for wives and mothers.

Gifts of Gold is written for all the lovely Golden Women of Apples of Gold, A Nurturing Program for Women

Contents

Thanks to the Most High God for initiating this plan in Titus 2 and then inspiring the plan for Apples of Gold in this servants heart. It is the adventure of a lifetime and joy beyond measure.

I thank Cook Communications for publishing Apples of Gold, and Gifts of Gold, and for believing in this unique and growing ministry to young women around the world.

Janet Lee, Senior Editor at Cook and Editor for Gifts of Gold, has taken the words of this book and ordered them in a way that will help you better understand and enjoy them. Thanks, Janet, for your loving and kind spirit and for the encouragement you are to my heart.

I thank Focus on the Family and the ministry of Renewing the Heart for bringing the ministry of Apples of Gold to women around the world. God has used these Focus ministries to bless this ministry far beyond anything I could ever imagine. What a blessing Focus on the Family is to the people of God! The hopes and dreams of women in South Africa is much the same as those in America and other countries.

It would be impossible to perpetuate this program without the loving and obedient mentors of Apples of Gold. Your enthusiasm and love for the young women in your churches has blessed young hearts and showed them an example to follow. Though I have either written or spoken to many of you, I have not met most of you. Yet, I pray faithfully for you and long to meet you one day. We do have a common interest and bond because of Apples of Gold. Thank you for your service to Christ.

Finally, I must again thank the mentors in the class in which I serve in Holland. They have been such faithful partners. The young women in our classes are so blest to know them and call them friend. These women are most precious to me and I thank each of them: Carol Berens, Mary De Witt, Dee Horne, Jinny Nash, Ruth Slenk, Linda Topp and Irene Zoodsma. Youre the best!

If youre among the young at heart,

theres work for you to do;

No time to waste

the younger generations calling you.

They seek and need your loving care,

advice and wisdom too,

because your hair is turning gray,

theyll listen well to you.

I pulled the covers higher,

and snuggled in my bed.

This time is mine, for things I like,

and books I havent read.

Ive worked so hard these many years,

as you can understand;

This time is now for me, Lord,

for long walks on the sand.

The kids are grown, my times my own

Ive earned it fair and square.

and now I hear you calling me

Your kingdoms work to share?

And then because I love you, Lord,

I read Your Word and see

that never do You rest or sleep

and how You care for me.

I also read Your words that say,

If you love Me, youll obey.

And, in pain I realize

Ive followed my own way.

So eagerly Ill follow, Lord.

Give me strength each day;

Give me wisdom, kindness, love.

Teach me what to say.

Help me pass the joy Ive found

to those who follow after,

that they may learn to fill their lives

with joy and love and laughter.

And as I watch them grow in You

my spirit will revive;

And every day Ill thank You, Lord,

for keeping me alive.

BETTY HUIZENGA

COPYRIGHT 2000

Since the publishing of the book, Apples of Gold , in March of 2000, classes have started all over this land and in other countries of the world. It seems that for every class that starts there are new ideas and questions that need to be addressed. For this reason, we are offering this book to encourage the leaders of the program and to share some of the wonderful and encouraging ideas other class leaders have used to enhance their classes. We are indeed learning from one another and growing together.

I have made so many new friends through the Apples of Gold ministry. The website applesofgold.org introduces me to new women and classes literally every day. What a joy and blessing to hear from you and receive ideas and encouragement from you. Some of those ideas are shared on the website. We want Apples of Gold to honor God and that happens best as we listen to Him and to one another.

I have also met many of you through my travels and speaking about Apples of Gold at various meetings and churches. Visiting classes is the best! Seeing firsthand how other classes are setting up their meetings, decorating their tables, and meeting the personal needs of each woman is a continuing education for me.