Jon Ann Frederick, who heads the Widows Connect group at Petra Church in New Holland, has vivid memories of the last mystery bus tour she took with DOsomething Ministries, a local organization that holds events for widows twice a year. "It was a really neat experience," recalled Frederick of the trip around the county that included a luncheon with speaker Erma Zimmerman, praise and worship with Chrystal Martin, a Strasburg Rail Road train ride, and ice cream.

The events are organized by Lin Fisher, founder of DOsomething, an organization working both locally and internationally. On April 25, more than 40 widows, including Frederick, gathered at Gordonville Community Bible Church at Fisher's request for encouragement, food, and fellowship. Fisher contacts leaders of widow's groups, like Frederick, at up to 10 area churches to ask them to invite their members to her events. At the April 25 gathering, the widows enjoyed appetizers, followed by a time of praise and worship and a meal of ham, red potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, applesauce, a roll, and assorted pies for dessert. The tables were covered with pastel tablecloths, decorated with geraniums in a variety of hues, and set with pink and lavender colored flickering candles.

Fisher opened the event with prayer, and then the group sang "Amazing Grace," accompanied by Jada Esh on the keyboard. "I'm so glad each of you is here," said Fisher, who spoke about the struggles the women have faced in dealing with the loss of their husbands and other family members. "It's OK," she told the group, encouraging members to be completely honest with Jesus when life feels overwhelming. "God wants to speak personally to each of you, and He knows your name," she told the women. The group also played a game, with the winner receiving a gift basket.

Fisher first organized the group about five years ago after returning from serving as a missionary in India. She began by inviting a few widows in her Intercourse neighborhood, and then she attended the free Coffee Connection program at Gordonville Community each Monday from 6:30 to 10 a.m., where she met more widows. Eventually Fisher connected with several churches, and then she began holding events. A second bus trip included a stop at September Farm, White Horse Re-Uzit, Hometown Kitchen, and Sight & Sound. More information about the ministry may be found at http://www.dosomethingforthenations.org.