Frankfort Woman Finds “Beauty for Ashes”

By Stephanie Heading

Sharon Hammond has a story to tell – a tale of “Beauty for Ashes.”

Hammond’s story began at Frankfort Baptist Church according to Cathy Pound, Executive Director of Ohio Women’s Missionary Union (WMU). “Mary Wink, the pastor’s wife, and the women from the church shared the gospel with Sharon and prayed for her for a long time,” said Pound. The Frankfort women’s group invited Sharon to attend the SCBO 2022 Women’s Spring Retreat at First Baptist Lancaster where God did a work of transformation in Sharon’s life.

“Hi, my name is Sharon Hammond. I gave my life to Christ on May 14, 2022, while attending the ladies’ retreat “Beauty for Ashes” in Lancaster, Ohio,” said Hammond. “Praise the Lord. I got SAVED!”

Hammond had lived a difficult life prior to accepting Christ. “My life was horrible. My husband had passed. I had lost a son and a daughter. I was miserable and lonely before I accepted Jesus into my heart.”

On June 26, Hammond followed the Lord in baptism. Her pastor, Paul Winks, who also was instrumental in her conversion, baptized her at Frankfort BC. “I thank my pastor for preaching the truth which helped me understand that I needed a change in my life and that change was loving Jesus and accepting him into my heart,” said Hammond.

Mary Wink sees the change in Hammond’s life. “Sharon is coming faithfully with her daughter Debbie to Bible study and worship service,” said Mary Wink.

“God showed up and He showed out with His redemptive power in action,” said Pound. “Sharon experienced God’s love and she was transformed from ashes to beauty when she surrendered her life into Christ.”