Women by Design ministry team unveils new book Friday

Good Friday 2008 will be marked by the local release of the newly-published book “A Month of Miracles: 30 Stories of the Unmistakable Presence of God,” co-authored by Lancaster’s Women by Design ministry team.

Two of the six authors –  Kimberly Sowell and Edna Ellison – will be signing copies of the book from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday at Silver & Spice Gifts, 408 N. White St.

The book features 30 heart-warming and tender devotionals.

“I’m sure that men would enjoy the book, but it will especially touch the hearts of women,” said Sowell, president and founder of the Women by Design.

The Christian women’s ministry team was formed about 7 years ago by Sowell and classmate Trisha Scribner just as Sowell was completing seminary.

When Sowell and Scribner met Ellison –  who had already written several spiritual books – they quickly realized God was binding them together into a women’s ministry team.

A gifted motivational speaker and author, some of Ellison’s stories have been published in “Focus on the Family” magazine and “Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul 2.”

Sowell said Marie Alston, Joy Brown and Cherie Nettles soon felt God’s call on their lives to join Women by Design, too.

“This book is something God laid on our hearts at the very beginning of our ministry,” Sowell said.

After the ministry team was formed, they headed to the Myrtle Beach for a retreat and work session. After spending time together indoors for most of the day, Sowell said the women ventured out to the beach for a picnic and a little relaxation.

While they were there, Sowell said they started sharing stories about amazing things God had done in their respective lives.

Sowell said these stories ranged from motherhood to God’s wondrous provision and how they had grown in faith and mercy.

It was then that the women decided to combine their stories into a book.

Sowell said that platform would give them a great opportunity to share their stories with others.

They kept their ideas in their own hearts and minds and then started writing their first book about 18 months ago after forming a partnership with New Hope Publishers, Sowell said.

While all six women have their own personal ministries, this is the first book they have co-authored.

Sowell speaks at 40 conferences or events each year with the entire Women by Design ministry team participating in about 12 annual conferences.

Later this year, Sowell said they will unveil their new theme, “Once Upon a Time” which focuses on the kingdom of God during a conference at Lancaster’s Second Baptist Church.

To learn more about the Women by Design ministry team, visit its Web site, www.womenbydesign.org.

Book signing

WHO: Co-authors Edna Ellison and Kimberly Sowell of Lancaster’s Women by Design will be signing copies of the ministry team’s new book “A Month of Miracles: 30 Stories of the Unmistakable Presence of God” ($14.99, New Hope Publishers)

WHEN: 1– 5 p.m. Friday

WHERE: Silver & Spice Gifts, 408 N. White St.

INFORMATION: 285-3249 or www.womenbydesign.com