When Christian women in Union County get together in Island City on the first Monday of the month, they are connecting with thousands of like-minded women around the world.

The women who attend Aglow meetings at The Place, 62846 Buchanan Lane, are affiliated with groups that meet in 151 nations.

"Our doors are open to any woman wanting to know more about Jesus," said Carol Rudolph, president of the local chapter.

Aglow, which recently celebrated its 35th anniversary, "is for Christian women who care about one another and encourage each other in their walk with Jesus," Rudolph said.

"We provide a safe place where women can explore and discover their gifts from God," she said.

"We can practice those giftings, and even if we fail, we’re secure enough to try again because we are loved by one another."

The women of Aglow touch the lives of an estimated 6 million people each year through prayer and personal ministry.

It’s the world’s largest transdenominational Christian women’s ministry with an international board of directors consisting of women from seven nations.

The international focus is on reconciliation of men and women and a "peaceful reconciliation through the work of Jesus for Islam and Israel," Rudolph said.

"Aglow has many groups that meet in secret because of hostility to Christianity in their nations," she said.

Aglow has a side to it that involves men and teenagers.

"Our covenant partnership is open to men, women and teens," Rudolph said.

The partnership is a "commitment to the work that God is doing through Aglow around the world. It makes an eternal difference in the lives of women in scores of countries and cultures."

Aglow follows certain topical themes in its monthly meetings, Rudolph said.

The Northwest region of Aglow will be spending the next two years teaching women about relationships.

This year’s topics include learning about God’s principles "in us, his nature and character and his purpose for us," Rudolph said.

"We’ll discover his plan, destiny and call on our lives, and God’s provision through us," she said.

"He imparts his anointing with motivation and spiritual gifts for ministry as well as meets our daily material needs."

Aglow’s local board of directors includes Rudolph; Evelyn Donnell, vice president of ministry development; Phyllis Lovins, finance secretary; Ruth Coone, administrative secretary; and Patti Thompson, public relations secretary.

Aglow has a male adviser, Ed Swartz.

"Occasionally we have a male speaker, and invite men to join us that evening," Rudolph said.

Aglow’s next meeting is at 6:45 p.m. Feb. 3 at The Place.

For information, call Rudolph at 963-0441 or e-mail her at: rudolphcarol@aol.com.