‘My goal is to empower women in their waiting seasons’

Linda Kelechi Eronmhonsele is a dynamic leader, certified Christian counselor, and award-winning speaker, serving as President of RAINBOW Youtheens Ministry in Nigeria and Impact Youtheens Canada. She is the founder of Hope Springs Women’s Ministries, a faith-based initiative supporting women in their “waiting seasons” with guidance, healing, and hope. Linda’s impactful work in Christian discipleship and community service has earned her prestigious awards, including the SHE LEADS Award of Excellence and the Woman of Excellence Award. Her academic background, with a Master of Arts in Comparative Literature and Arts from Brock University, adds depth to her community engagement and mentorship efforts. Through Hope Springs, launched in April 2024, Linda empowers women to navigate life’s challenges with spiritual, emotional, and practical support, fostering resilience and growth. In this interview with Esther Ijewere, she shares her story.

Inspiration behind Hope Springs Women’s Ministries
Hope Springs Women’s Ministries was born from a deep calling to support women in their waiting seasons—whether for healing, motherhood, employment, or fulfilling a life purpose. It’s a spiritual sanctuary for transformation, offering faith-based encouragement and community. My goal is to see women grow in faith, break isolation, and step into their purposes with confidence, turning waiting periods into testimonies of God’s faithfulness. Hope Springs Women’s Ministries is more than just a support group; it’s a spiritual sanctuary where women can find community, spiritual nourishment, and active encouragement tailored to their specific journeys. The impact I hope for is multifaceted. Firstly, I envision Hope Springs as a place of profound personal transformation where faith is deepened and the spiritual tools necessary for overcoming life’s hurdles are shared and embraced.

The reward of leading youth organizations like RAINBOW Youtheens Ministry and Impact Youtheens Canada?
Witnessing the profound personal growth and transformation in young people is incredibly rewarding. Seeing them evolve from uncertain individuals into confident, spiritually enriched leaders is the essence of our mission. Through mentorship, education, and faith-based guidance, we ignite a passion for lifelong learning and service. Their success stories and the impact they make continually inspire me and affirm the importance of shaping future generations.

3 women Who Inspire Linda
Eno Jerry is a pastor who has dedicated her life to empowering women. What stands out about Eno is her deep commitment to nurturing and developing the potential in others. She combines spiritual wisdom with practical life coaching to help individuals achieve their highest potential. Her work in promoting mental and emotional health is particularly inspiring because it addresses often overlooked aspects of personal development. Debola Deji-Kurunmi is an empowerment coach, author, and speaker known for her transformative work in leadership development, particularly among young African women. Debola stands out due to her dynamic approach to fostering change and her ability to inspire a new generation of leaders through her various initiatives. She skillfully uses her platform to advocate for social change and economic empowerment, driving forward the agenda for women’s rights and inclusion in Africa. Priscilla Shirer is a well-known evangelist and Bible teacher who makes a profound impact through her ministry. Her ability to articulate deep spiritual truths in a relatable and powerful manner makes her a standout figure. Priscilla’s teachings encourage personal reflection and spiritual growth, making her a pivotal voice for Christians worldwide. Her commitment to faith and family, coupled with her role in Christian media, underscores her multifaceted approach to spreading her message. These three women inspire not only through their achievements but also through their resilience and dedication to their causes. They each embody a spirit of leadership that motivates others to pursue their calling with passion and purpose.

How faith shaped Linda’s approach to youth mentorship and leadership
My faith is the cornerstone of my mentorship and leadership. It drives servant Leadership: Leading with humility and empathy, putting others’ needs first. Holistic Development: Addressing spiritual, emotional, and personal growth. Hope and Resilience: Encouraging perseverance through biblical principles. Ethical Integrity: Upholding honesty and responsibility. Faith empowers me to guide young people with purpose and inspire them to impact their communities positively.

Challenges on the journey
Two significant challenges stand out: Personal: Infertility tested my faith and resilience. Leaning on God’s promises and the support of my faith community, I found strength to persevere. Ultimately, my husband and I were blessed with twins.
Professional: Leading youth organizations in Nigeria and Canada brought cultural and logistical challenges. Through prayer, wisdom from mentors, and adaptation, I navigated these hurdles. Faith and perseverance were crucial in both scenarios, providing hope and fostering a community of support that helped me overcome difficulties with gratitude and trust in God’s timing.

How Christian Counseling Enriches Her Ministry and Outreach
Counseling has helped me connect deeply with others, understanding their struggles and fostering meaningful relationships. By integrating psychological and spiritual insights, I offer holistic guidance that promotes growth and resilience. My conflict resolution skills strengthen unity within the groups I lead, while workshops on mental health and spiritual growth provide practical tools for well-being. I handle crises with composure, offering stability and direction. Prioritizing self-care ensures I’m mentally and spiritually equipped to lead and serve effectively.

A Message of Hope for Women in Waiting Seasons
To all the women in their waiting seasons, whether you are waiting for healing, a life partner, a child, a job, or any other of life’s deep desires, I want to share a message of hope and guidance that I have found vital in my own journey and in the lives of those I’ve had the privilege to counsel and mentor. Patience and Trust: Trust God’s timing as a period of preparation and growth. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that hope in the Lord renews strength, enabling us to soar despite challenges. Active Faith: Engage in prayer, worship, and scripture study, sustaining your hope and aligning your actions with faith. Community Support: Build and contribute to uplifting communities. Supporting others in their waiting seasons often brings healing and perspective. Gratitude: Shift focus from lack to abundance. Celebrate small victories, fostering peace and joy in your journey. Hold on to Hope: Hope is a confident expectation of God’s faithfulness. Keep it alive as your guiding light through every season.

Balancing Ministry, Community Service, and Family Life
Balancing ministry, community service, and family life is challenging but rewarding. Over time, I’ve learned to prioritize tasks, delegate effectively, and dedicate quality time to my family. Self-care, open communication, and the ability to decline excessive commitments help maintain balance. Above all, my faith provides strength and guidance, anchoring me through life’s complexities.