Esther's Closet

The vision of Esther's Closet was revealed to me by God in June 2006. However, at that time, I did not know the significant role it would have within the ministry my family is a part of. My husband and I are Directors of Club 180 Ministry located in the small coal mining town of Cumberland, Kentucky. We have the privilege of working with kids and teenagers in an area that has little to no economic structure due to very few jobs. This Appalachian area has over a 30% poverty rate. Through working with teenagers within this ministry, God laid a burden on my heart to minister to the many teenage and young moms in this area. Being a mom is the greatest responsibility God gives to women. In todays society, it is difficult to raise children under normal circumstances. If you factor in being a teenage mom, going to school, friends, job, and the many other challenges of being mom and teenager, the struggles are enormous.

Many young moms find themselves facing all of these issues alone and scared of what the future holds for them and their baby. In May 2007, God reminded me of the vision He gave me almost a year prior and how it is time for that vision to come to pass.

In 2 Peter 5:6-7 it says, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."(NIV) Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."(NIV) God has our best interest at heart. Nothing we do surprises Him. Even when we think we have messed everything up, all we have to do is humble ourselves before Him, give everything to Him, and then watch as He gives us a hope and a future we could never have dreamed or imagined.

Blessings,

Angie Burkeen

Director