03/31/2025
LAST DAY OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH - DEDICATION TO A GREAT LADY ON BEHALF OF PROJECT REDEEM, INC.
HER STORY, HIS GLORY!
"True grit" signifies courage and determination, especially in the face of adversity, and the ability to persevere towards a goal despite obstacles. (Google)
This definition embodies an individual that I believe deserves recognition before Women’s History Month ends today, March 31, 2025. Faye Edwards, “a woman of Faith, Strength, and Purpose” to quote her son, Bishop Johnnie Edwards.
Today, Project Redeem, Inc. honors this great lady. In the late 90’s she served with our youth development organization assisting Co-founder Elder Larry Griffin at the former Riverside Bradley apartments in Franklinton, a neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, which housed at-risk youth and families who were at or below poverty level. It was during that time that she along with her husband Elder Johnnie Edwards were also serving at Greater Christ Temple under the great leadership of Pastor John Thompson. The church was located on McDowell, walking distance to the apartment complex. She and Elder Griffin were able to mentor, teach, feed, and clothe those youth, ages pre-k through 17 or 18 in an apartment that was supplied by the Housing Authority. Her faithfulness to this loving task did not go unnoticed, as was recognized in the local newspaper in Franklinton.
Due to her husband’s calling as a Pastor, she moved from the area to continue to serve as the First Lady of the church, working along side her husband in the ministry, serving faithfully by his side. There were triumphs and tragedies as her life changed completely when her husband became debilitated due to a massive stroke at which time she became his Caregiver for many years , without complaints. During this time, her full devotion was to the care of her husband. After Elder Johnnie Edwards’ transition, she assisted Project Redeem with our Summer Program in the Shepard Community, due to her love for the youth and her great desire to see them reach their fullest potential. She also pursued her educational interests, beginning her studies at Ohio Dominican University until she herself suffered a stroke and had to place her education on pause. BUT she was determined!
“TRUE GRIT” From wheelchair to walker to cane, through much rehabilitation and days of not knowing if she would ever recuperate, GOD showed His mighty hand, and she began to live independently once again. Quote from Lady Faye, “There is no such thing as Pain-Free Love!” Only experience can utter such words! She decided that she would not allow this “pause” in her life to stop her from fulfilling “her” passion! So, she went back to school obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Grand Canyon University!
In addition to her tireless dedication and quest for wisdom, knowledge, truth, and above all, her heart to help others, she authored a prayer journal entitled, “PERSONAL LOSS Journal: COVID-19 Season 2020” which received 5 stars on AMAZON. This journal gives comfort and encouragement from someone who has experienced loss from an early age. Another way Faye shows her compassion and caring for people as a whole.
To further quote her son, Bishop Johnnie Edwards, “Lady Faye has a unique calling from God to provide spiritual guidance to children and women who have endured mental and physical suffering. With a heart full of compassion and a spirit-led by divine purpose, she strives to bring healing, hope, and restoration to those in need.”
Taking on another task that satisfies one of the passions mentioned, she is now employed at the YMCA as an Assistant School age Teacher at Heritage Elementary 5 days a week, and I might add, she drives herself!
Thank you from Project Redeem, Inc. (a 501c3 Youth Development Organization). You ARE our WOMEN’S HISTORY Story, and we are so much better with you on this earth!!!
Larry & Linda Griffin, Co-Founders
Project Redeem, Inc.
www.projectredeem.org
