WHEATLAND—Inflation is rampant.  Violence, and gun violence has turned our streets red with the blood of young people.  Millions around the world face each day without proper nutrition and clean water sources.  Whispers of the threat of nuclear war are more common than ever before.  An entire generation sees the security and the promise of a peaceful future they were raised with slipping away and they worry for their children and grandchildren.  Decency and common sense are uncommon and America is deeply divided over just about any topic of choice.  With so much negativity and frustration invading our daily lives, many are looking for some kind, any kind of comfort.  For many, that comfort comes from belief in a higher power and a relationship with a Savior who will give life eternal to those who are faithful.  

For thousands of years, people have worshipped in many ways; the great religions of the world are nothing new at all.  Worldwide, it is estimated that 2.2 billion people call themselves practicing Christians and it is the most prevalent religion in the United States with around 210 million followers of Christ.

On Saturday, nearly 200 area women gathered in Wheatland as part of a group called Sisters in Christ.  Judy Miller, one of the primary organizers of the group in this area, said she was led by her faith to create the group and with several others, has watched it become a solid success to date.  “We wanted to offer a way for people to share their experiences and promote God’s Word and all the good that can come from that.”   Miller said she wanted to be sure to recognize the help they received in putting the event together; especially the cooperation they received from St. Patrick’s congregation who also shared the use and reduced the cost of the venue Saturday.   

Following the success of their first gathering last April, organizers felt there was enough interest to warrant a second this fall.  The event was advertised throughout Platte and surrounding counties for several months in advance and held at the Platte County Agriplex building at the fairgrounds from 9-noon.  

The program featured music, including singing and a performance by the Wheatland Community Bell Choir; three featured speakers and of course, the staple of nearly any church-sponsored social event—trays full of desserts, snacks and a bottomless pot of coffee.  

Three talented local musicians furnished accompaniment for the group singing of contemporary and all-time favorite religious tunes, including Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, and Great is Thy Faithfulness.  Words for all of the songs were projected on a large screen above the stage so all could participate.  Guitarist Audrey Angle emceed the program and led the group singing.  Joining her were Summer Whelchel on keyboards and vocals and Jason Ferris who played drums.  

The bell choir, an 11-member group directed by Connie Thomas, also performed several times during the morning.  An all-volunteer group, the choir plays a number of community and church events in the area.  Thomas said they have 4.5 octaves of bells which were made by White Chapel Bells, a London, England factory that also produced Big Ben and the U.S. Liberty Bell.  The bells are played individually and each ringer knows when to play their bell based on a numbered sheet of music.  

Three featured speakers were selected to address the group, sharing stories about their own spiritual journeys.  Peggy DesEnfants, a Niobrara County ranch wife who also spoke at the April event, returned with her very unique sense of humor and “down-home” style of story-telling.  Her message emphasized the value of patience and being willing to wait for things to happen by God’s timeline for it often turns out to be the best plan in the long run.  

Kathryn Stevens, a young Platte County wife, mother and home-schooler tied her faith journey to the scriptures as did Susie True.  Susie is also a ranch woman from the Douglas area.  She and her husband run the Powderhorn Ranch, a well-known place for buying selling and training horses as well as a cattle operation.  Susie some of her quest to learn as much as she possibly could about the Bible when she decided to become a follower of Christ.

Sisters in Christ is as much an idea as it is an entity.  It exists to help anyone and everyone experience God’s love and caring, and to promote the promises found in the Bible. The local group has a Facebook page that tells more about Sisters in Christ, provides information on upcoming events and gives members a way to communicate easily.  

Sisters in Christ Worldwide was founded in 2010. Their passion for bringing healing and empowerment to women all over the world has never waned.

They are committed to fighting discouragement, and lack of self-esteem, inspire growth, motivate, heal, and help women find hope, peace, fulfillment, and enjoy the life God created all to live.