What does a stay-at-home mom with a toddler do to satisfy her need for fellowship and interaction with other women? In Kim Newlen’s case, you contact all your friends and neighbors, post signs around your cul-de-sac inviting them in to your home the first Monday night of the month.
Women showed up! They laughed a lot, learned from each other, and left with new friends, a spring in their step, and a sweet message about Jesus Christ in their heart. Sweet Monday was launched in 1995 to meet the needs of a woman who felt lonely and isolated. Now in homes worldwide, this creative grassroots ministry is intentional friendship evangelism that “reaches women for Christ, one sweet invitation at a time.”
Kim’s formula was simple; so simple she never dreaded it: A serving of one dessert along with decaf coffee or tea, a dose of inspiration from God’s Word, and candy for the road. It has stood the test of time and cultures.
One thing she shared is that fun and faithfulness go together! Sweet Monday can be used in any women’s social setting and is easily adapted to the needs of any group or location. Encouraged by her husband Mark and daughter Kali, Kim put her Sweet Monday ideas down on paper and began sending them out. Inquiries multiplied. Women began taking the concept to their own neighborhoods and to their churches. Sweet Monday quickly grew into a 501(c)3 non-profit ministry.
Kim set up in a donated office space and began speaking to groups all over the country about Sweet Monday. She put more ideas down on paper, had articles written about her, and began sending Sweet Monday tool kits all over the world.
Realizing the positive influence Kim was having on women and seeing her ministry flourish, Tyndale House contracted with Kim to compile a series of her devotions in a REAL book. The One Year® Sweet and Simple Moments with God Devotional® is a must-read for anyone who wants to find a way to live a sweet & simple life and hear directly and poignantly from Kim about how to follow God’s principles and teachings found in His word. This special book was released just months before Kim’s struggle with breast cancer ended and she was called by her Father to live eternally with Him.
Kim has departed her earthly home, but Sweet Monday lives on! Today, we faithfully and lovingly carry on the mission God gave Kim to reach women for Christ, one sweet invitation at a time, for His glory.