“As Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17, NASB
At seventy-seven years old, you might imagine by now many people have come and gone in my life. For most of us, some people are mere acquaintances, while others we call friends leave an indelible mark on our lives. Almost forty years ago, one such friend entered my world, and my life was changed for the better.
You may know Kim Newlen because of Sweet Monday Ministry but I would like to introduce to you my friend, Kim Newlen of many years, who I saw as the funniest, most down-to-earth woman God created, at least to me. Everyone who knew Kim loved her unique vocabulary, no doubt the result of growing up in Gaffney South Carolina: “Oh, my roodies!” “What’s down in the well comes up in the bucket.” And the squeal outbursts when she was caught by delighted surprise will ring forever in my head and heart. Kim was a girly girl through and through!
Although her life was cut far too short, the imprint of Kim’s earthly presence will have an effect that only eternity will reveal in its’ entirety. Thirty years ago, sitting on the steps in the church where Kim and I attended bible study together, she showed me her idea of how God was leading her in bringing women together for fellowship. “Simple, Sweet, and Salty,” adjectives she used to describe the centerpiece of what she called, Sweet Monday, with an emphasis on the One who defines true love and caring, Jesus Christ. In 2025, Sweet Monday Ministry is practiced around the world “Reaching one woman at a time for Christ.”
I wish I had enough time and space on this paper to express all my feelings of love and respect for Kim, but her legacy speaks for itself through the countless women whose lives she has touched. On the day I pass through the gates of heaven, I have no doubt one of the first sounds I will hear is Kim’s squealing outburst of delight at our sweet reunion; then together, along with all the saints we will “delight ourselves in the LORD” forever.
