ARTICLE

Broken to Bloom: How God Reveals Purpose through Pain

November 6, 2025 | Andrea Cato | Meadowvale Seventh-day Adventist Church

“Pain in Purpose” was the memorable message delivered on Nov. 1, 2025, by retired Pastor Ida Smith during Women’s Ministries Day at Meadowvale Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Smith’s sermon reflected the day’s theme, Honouring Her Journey — a concept developed by Women’s Ministries leader Maxine Greenwood, who also launched a debut magazine by the same name, celebrating trailblazing women who have made significant contributions to the Meadowvale Adventist congregation.

Among those recognized were Chloe Bobb, Norma Evans, Dawna Thomas, Monica Kefentse, Carol Dunn, Viris Emily, Lucille Walters, Opal Higgins, and Delores Gardner, faithful women whose dedication and service continue to uplift the church community.

Drawing lessons from the story of Naomi and Ruth, Pastor Smith reminded listeners that pain often prepares the way for purpose.

Key takeaways included:

• “God can handle your honesty. Naomi thought her story was over because of the pain she was going through, but God was just beginning.”
• “When Ruth bent down to pick up the grain, she didn’t realize she was picking up pieces of her future.”
• “Your past pain does not cancel your future purpose.”
• “What feels like a detour may be divine direction.”
• “Even in the midst of your pain, God is still writing your story.”
• “The process of purpose is the refining journey between pain and promise.”

Sharing from her own experience of healing, Pastor Smith encouraged women to find meaning in moments of struggle. “Never believe the lie that your role is too small or your life too ordinary,” she said. “God has a purpose for your life. Your part is to be faithful in the famine, and you’ll receive His favour in the harvest.”

A dramatic skit written and narrated by Orita Walker and Desiree Donaldson featured biblical characters Naomi (Nursine Marn), Leah (Cordel Wright), Abigail (Celia Smith), and Hannah (Tamara Dias). Each story illustrated how God led these women through pain to purpose, emphasizing “there are moments in every woman’s life when her faith is tested—when she stands between who she was and who God is calling her to become.”

The gospel duet Surrendered performed “Finish Well,” echoing Pastor Smith’s closing encouragement: “Press forward and finish well. Sometimes we have to be broken to bloom.”

Dorret Bryant presented an informative segment on women’s heart health, reminding everyone that cardiac disease remains the leading cause of death among women. She shared practical tips for maintaining a healthy heart and living a balanced life.

Following lunch, life coach and social worker Mitsy Clennon challenged the congregation to deepen their faith and commitment to service, both within the church and in the wider community.

Pastor Kevin Donaldson expressed gratitude for the Women’s Ministries team and the success of the day, describing it as “a Spirit-filled celebration of faith, resilience, and purpose.” The event wrapped up with gift presentations from Maxine Greenwood and a reminder that even in times of uncertainty, when we do not understand, believers can trust God’s plan.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”— Romans 8:28, KJV.

Andrea Cato
Women’s Ministry
Meadowvale Seventh-day Adventist Church