The Hookers for Christ small group began meeting in the fall of 2003. But, hold on there . . . while these ladies may meet IN the evening, they are certainly not ladies OF the evening!

The Hookers for Christ group is led by original, founding member Amy Kraieski. It is a small group of ladies - five to seven members - who meet on Wednesday evenings at the church (7 p.m. to 8 p.m.). This extraordinary group of women use their God-given gifts and talents to make hand-made crafts that can be worn, played with, or cuddled up with when times are difficult. Baby blankets for Cobb Street Ministries and the missionary hospital in the Congo, afghans for the young ladies at the Thornwell Home, and "care bears" for local police and DEFACS officials to use when responding to domestic situations are just a few of the items these ladies have crafted and distributed for those in need. The women always pray over each item before it is delivered to the recipients, asking God's grace and comfort upon those who will receive it.

When asked how the group got its start, Amy explains, "It all started when a handful of people were talking about how much they enjoyed crocheting and knitting and how wonderful it would be to make items to relieve people's suffering. Now we meet once a week to work on craft projects that can be given to those in need. It's a good feeling to do something you enjoy and have God use it to show His love and care for people."

However, the Hookers for Christ group is much more than just a "service organization". The group provides an opportunity for woman to meet in a small group where advice is offered, members feel connected, and honest support is given as souls are bared. "Our fellowship runs along the lines of a traditional quilting bee," Amy says. "Our members share their lives, including day-to-day events, worries, joys, hopes, and dreams. I have gotten to know women at Macland that I might not have met anywhere else, and I've grown very close to them. We share a joy of creative craft-making and we also share ourselves."

While the Hookers for Christ group is currently comprised of just women, from the young to the young-at-heart, Amy says she wouldn't say "no" to anyone (i.e. men!) who wanted to join the group and use their crochet and knitting talents in God's service. Also, Amy says you don't have to be a yarn veteran to be a part of this group. Current members are more than willing and able to teach their craft to anyone who is interested in learning how to knit or crochet for the very first time.