Did you know that there are over 4.5 million widowers in North America, with 1,200 more each day. Did you know that only one missions organization exists in North America to reach those men? There are over 250 for widows, ONE for widowers. Did you know that 1 out of 400 men under the age of 40 commit suicide after losing a spouse, or that over 80% are clinically depressed, or that a majority of those men are unsaved and unchurched men?
So what do I envision this new ministry to look like?
First I will be connecting with local churches, pastors, funeral home directors, counseling centers, chaplains, hospice care, cancer centers, etc to build connections to find men. But what do I do when I find those men?
1. One-on-One Ministry — Weekly mentoring and prayer for widowers by providing Biblically centered grief coaching through the Word. Literally provided my presence with a man who feels alone and isolated, letting him know that I will fight for him.
2. Home-Based Bible Studies — Bi-monthly gatherings with meals, childcare, and fellowship for solo fathers rebuilding community. These are key because the majority of these men are unsaved. My heart is to get them connected through Bible studies and encourage them to visit local, Bible believing churches.
3. Retreats — Twice-yearly weekends focused on healing, faith, and brotherhood.
4. Workshops — Teaching on topics like parenting through grief, finances after loss, dating with discernment, and rediscovering joy.
5. GriefShare Groups — Leslie and I will co-lead 13-week GriefShare sessions for widows, widowers, and others walking through loss — creating safe spaces for biblical healing and hope. I'm in the process of being trained for this as we speak
6. Mentorship Network — Pairing newly widowed men with others who are further along in their healing journey.
7. Care Packages & Meal Trains — Bibles, journals, devotionals, and encouragement notes sent to grieving families, coordinated through local churches.
8. Family & Brotherhood Events — Game nights, hikes, and family connection days to strengthen community.
9. Night of Hope Service — An annual event of remembrance and worship, celebrating God’s faithfulness through testimonies of redemption.
10. Online & Printed Resources — Devotionals, blogs, and tools to help churches reach and disciple grieving men.
Our Story, Our Mission:
In 2010, Josh and Kelsey Lawrence stepped into the beautiful nation of Kenya
with a simple but powerful vision: to plant a church that would bring both
hope and transformation. What began as Calvary Chapel Eldoret quickly grew into a beacon of light — renewing lives, strengthening families, and inspiring
communities across Africa.
Over the past 13 years, our journey has taken us from the dusty plains of rural villages to the bustle of major cities. Everywhere we go, the needs are
immense — children without food or shelter, women trapped in poverty and
abuse, and entire communities without the hope of Christ. We have seen
firsthand that poverty is more than hunger or lack of clothing — it is hopelessness. And the greatest tragedy is that so many who suffer have never heard of Jesus, the Savior of the world.
That is why our mission is both physical and spiritual. We provide food, clothing, education, and shelter, but we also share the good news of Christ, who alone can bring lasting healing. Our focus is not only to rescue children and support underprivileged women but also to plant churches that will disciple, nurture, and transform. Because we believe, as Jesus promised, that “the gates of hell will not prevail against His Church.”
At GCM, we are convinced that real change only happens when the body and the soul are cared for together. This conviction shapes everything we do: building Hope Homes for orphans, creating safe spaces for women, and equipping local churches to shine as pillars of truth in their communities. Each act of service is an act of worship—an offering of love to the God who calls us to serve “the least of these.”
We remain humbled and grateful for this journey. Despite the challenges, the reward has been immeasurable: seeing lives changed, communities revived, and hope restored through the power of Jesus Christ. And this is only the beginning.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT Great Commission Ministries WEBSITE
Joel and Katya have been serving the people of Ukraine for 16 years and serving in the west for more than half that. Together with other local churches, volunteer organizations, and their community they are being the hands and feet of Jesus to the people of Ukraine.
They are missionaries called to serve the city of Mukchevo and the entire Trans-Carpathian region of Ukraine. They are a part of the Calvary Chapel network of fellowships and the Ukrainian Alliance of Independent Evangelical Churches. They seek to bring the GOSPEL to the lost, and the WORD to the found!
