The first Monday of each month brings a new excitement to the women’s HiSet program in Madison. You hear laughter and conversation as the women walk to their classroom- as if they have waited a whole month in anticipation to be in this place, at this moment. What is it that has them so excited to be away from their families and responsibilities for almost two hours on a Monday night? It’s Alumni Bible Study – of course! They share a collective journey of overcoming individual obstacles while completing both their high school equivalency and computer and job skills classes. They also share in their belief that God is the source of their strength as they continue to face challenges and celebrate victories in their lives.

The group is blessed with an awesome teacher in Mrs. Patti Garafola who loves each woman as a daughter of her own. During a lesson about the importance of conversations with God, the group was gifted prayer journals. They were encouraged to be consistent in their communication with their heavenly Father. In the typical “Mrs. Patti” style of teaching, there was a challenge and promise presented. The challenge was two-fold: (1) journal thoughts, prayers of request and praise, as well as anything that concerned them enough to bring to God and (2) make time to review throughout the year. The promise was simple: growth in faith and courage as they witness God fulfilling his promises in their lives.