God Provided the Perfect Means of Connecting for These Moms

When Bates first heard about Together for Good, her heart was immediately drawn to serve. She was excited about the idea of coming alongside parents and children that society often overlooked. Bates’ prayer was that she could show the love of Christ to these moms through an intentional friendship. As she began serving with Together for Good, she prayed that God would provide opportunities to build a life group with TFG moms. 

Last Mother’s Day, Bates, alongside other TFG volunteers, organized a brunch for Together for Good moms in Waco, Texas. Fifteen participant moms were invited, along with several other TFG volunteers! The brunch was a sweet time of fellowship, and as Bates left, she was struck by how open these moms were to community and how much they seemed to enjoy their time together.

Photo from the Mother's Day brunch!

Bates knew she wanted to create more opportunities for connection and deeper relationships, but didn’t know how to do so logistically. It was difficult to coordinate a time with moms who were struggling with transportation, needed childcare, and worked odd hours.

That’s when she heard that her church was offering an Alpha course on Sunday evenings with childcare and meals provided! The Alpha course is an engaging introduction to Christianity for those unfamiliar with faith or with questions about Jesus. The course provided a way for people to hear about the gospel while also connecting relationally with other believers over a delicious dinner. Bates realized this could be the perfect way to bring moms together. 

She invited all fifteen moms who attended the Mother’s Day brunch, and when five showed up, Bates considered it a win. Baylie was one of those moms. Baylie is a single mom who had just welcomed her first baby, a beautiful little boy. Both Baylie and her son have been wrapped in the TFG community from the moment Baylie found out she was pregnant to this day. Baylie's host mom even organized a baby shower for Baylie before her son was born.

For the next several months, Baylie and the four other participant moms attended the Alpha course. They heard about Jesus and the gospel, studied scripture, and had real conversations about the difficult questions of life. Throughout the entire time, they also built trusted friendships among themselves, Bates, and other TFG volunteers.  

Last fall, during an Alpha meeting, Baylie gave her life to Jesus, and earlier this month, Baylie was baptized alongside another one of her friends!

Photos from Baylie's baptism!

The Alpha course that Baylie and the other original four TFG moms attended has now finished. But the friendships built have remained strong. Bates has witnessed firsthand these moms continuing to walk in close community with one another and other believers from Bates’ church. Many of the moms regularly attend church to some degree along with their children.

At the beginning of February, another Alpha course will begin. Bates is planning to invite 13 other TFG participant moms to attend – her prayer is that at least 10 of these moms will agree to come and experience Christ and community. She’s especially excited for this new session, because the original five moms will be serving!

From the very beginning, Bates knew that God was calling her to serve by creating an environment for moms to come together, learn about Christ, and build relationships. Although she didn’t know exactly what format that would take, she faithfully followed God’s prompting, and that has led to such incredible fruit for the Kingdom and transformative relationships in the lives of each of those moms and their children.

As we step into 2026, we know everyone can do something as they serve with Together for Good. In whatever way God has gifted you or is calling you, our only ask is that you would prayerfully and faithfully follow Him. 

We know that you will have an incredible impact on the lives of vulnerable children and families.

*Photos posted with permission.