Church offers Kingdom of God’s grace, dignity and acceptance to Orlando’s forgotten women

By Barbara Denman
April 20, 2007

ORLANDO (FBC)—They are prostitutes, exotic dancers, homeless, unmarried pregnant mothers, newly released prisoners and others struggling emotionally and financially— lives that mirrored wrong choices, broken promises and disappointments.

But the moment they walked through the doors of First Baptist Church of Orlando on a recent Saturday morning the women were treated like queens—worthy of grace, dignity and acceptance into God’s Kingdom.

Seated at tables adorned with linen tablecloths, candles, flowers and tiaras, the guests were served lunch by deacons and staff wearing aprons with the words, “Shaped to Serve.” At each table two hostesses—one trained in evangelistic counseling—engaged their guests in conversation. Every detail had been considered, even down to a chocolate-covered mousse fashioned in the shape of a crown.

“There is no shame here,” said church member Christina LeBarron, her own transformed life marred by an abortion, drug use and strip-tease dancing. “Your shame was dropped at the door.”

LeBarron asked the 300 women present to stand up. “If you have ever taken your clothes off for money, sit down,” she commanded. Several of the guests took their seat.

“If you have ever been abused either sexually or physically by someone you love, sit down,” she said, continuing a list of transgressions.

Finally, she said, “If you have ever committed a sin that God cannot forgive you for, sit down.” No one remained standing and no sound was heard from the group. Jesus, she said can forgive anything.

Member Raina Metzger said the congregation “knows my story and know where I have been. And they don’t look down on me. If Jesus can restore me and heal me, he can heal anybody.”

The Jan. 27 “Queen’s Luncheon” was a collaborative effort by several ministries of the 14,000 member church, spearheaded by member Ann Combs. After the luncheon, each woman received three outfits of clothing, shoes, a pocketbook, jewelry, a facial and a hand massage.

Upon arrival, each woman was greeted at the door and escorted to her table. Child care was provided for those who brought their children.

“From the time I walked in the door, I felt special,” said Brenda, 49, who asked that her last name not be used. During a spiritual commitment time, she went forward, her emotions obviously spilling over.

“I felt a lot of brokenness,” she said. “The testimonies and the true life stories reminded me that Jesus came just for us—broken and needy—we still need to know the love of Jesus Christ.”

The “Queens” participating that day were referred by the church’s pregnancy center, restoration house ministry and jail and prison ministry. Local benevolent agencies with ties to the church, such as the Orlando Union Rescue Missions and Salvation Army also offered names from their client base. Once word of the event spread, women began calling the church asking to participate.

Church member Peggy Ament, who ministers on Orlando’s notorious and seamy Orange Blossom Trail, brought more than 100 women “from off the streets,” she said. “I want these ladies to know that the church is here for them. We are extending our arms. Hopefully they will know now that we love them.”

Organizer Combs modeled the outreach day after similar events created by her friend Patrice Puglise, director of “Stepping Out Ministries” in Morristown, Tenn.

A keynote speaker at the Orlando event Puglise, a former night club owner and singer, left a wild, New Orleans lifestyle to marry her now deceased husband. After he led her to Christ, Combs started the ministry for women who had traveled similar paths in life.

When Combs broached the idea of “Queens Day” to Pastor David Uth, he immediately embraced the concept, she said.

During the luncheon, the pastor served tables, greeting the guests and wearing an apron.

When Uth shared the ministry opportunity with the congregation, scores of members volunteered to help in a variety of ways.

“We did six months of work in three,” said Combs.

Thousands of pieces of clothes—many new and bearing designer labels—were donated, sorted and organized by size through the efforts of 25 volunteers who worked 10-eight hour days. At last count, more than 900 pairs of slacks were available for the women’s selection.

“This is totally awesome,” said Tammy Fisher, chaplain at Orlando’s female Detention Center. “What a community outreach for women in need. Some of the inmates here were just released yesterday and had no clothes or shoes. They were in true need.”

Doreen Marzlock wore a tiara as she sorted through the shoes—a souvenir from the luncheon. Having struggled through two bouts of cancer and chemotherapy, the 53-year-old said she was surprised she was still alive and acknowledged life had been tough in recent months.

“But today, I feel like a queen—that’s why I’m wearing this tiara. The dinner was so classy. It was like we had been invited guests to a wedding.”