It’s another interview on Hanha Hobson! This week, I am featuring Trials of the Rib, a women’s ministry founded on the campus of Western Carolina University focused on connecting women with Christ, testimonies, and sustaining faith. Funny story, I actually met one of the founders, Tari, randomly at church two weeks ago! And I think you’ll really enjoy what her and her co-founder, Amarilis, have to share. If you’re looking for a way to start a small group or women’s ministry, then this is the encouragement for you! Check out the interview below.

Hi Tari! Tell me a little bit about yourself and how Trials of the Rib came to be.

Hi there! My name is Tari, and I just moved to Charlotte, NC from the mountains where I received my Masters in Clinical Psychology from Western Carolina University. I am passionate about raising mental health awareness and possess a burning desire to fulfill the Lord’s duties assigned to me here on Earth, with Trials of the Rib being one of them.

Hello to all! My name is Amarilis. I just moved to Asheville, NC which is not far from Western Carolina University where I received my degree in Criminal Justice. I am passionate about what God has in store for Trials of the Rib. I also have a passion for substance abuse and what it does to God’s people which is all people.

Trials of the Rib was founded by one of my sisters in Christ and I a little over a year ago. Simply put, the Holy Spirit gave us both a message to begin a women’s ministry. It was laid on my heart over the summer and He confirmed it through Amarilis. She randomly stated, “Tari, I’ve been thinking about starting a women’s group.”

2. Can you talk a little bit more about the name of your ministry? Why and how did you choose it?

We struggled with developing a name for about an hour and as the greatness of God always attests to be, He gave us the name so vividly. Trials of the Rib is actually an acronym standing for “testimonies reaching intimate ambitious ladies’ souls and reasons in believing.”

3. What is the purpose of Trials of the Rib? Why the focus on sharing testimonies and breakthroughs?

The purpose of Trials of the Rib is to provide an atmosphere encouraging transparency and freedom of condemnation, but encouraging conviction. It’s definitely important that we don’t encourage complacency, but we make it clear that we are always under construction ourselves.

We focus on sharing testimonies because transparency brings deliverance. We want to hear the testimonies that no one shares because of shame and guilt, to help rid people of shame and guilt in discussing God’s work. These are the things that truly lead others to Christ.

4. You’ve shared with me that you have your own story as it relates to mental health. Tell me more about that.

Tari: I serve in the mental health profession currently and have my own experiences with mental illness. It was through my challenges with mental illness that the Lord drew me closer to Him. I had to fully surrender to Him to become healed and He made that clear. It was through my pain that He birthed something so great for His glory, Trials of the Rib.

5. Why campus ministry? With party culture being huge in college, what are some of the challenges you’ve had to face if any?

Campus ministry was convenient, being that we (Amarilis and I) were both students. I personally faced the challenges of being in the role of a professor, a counselor, and a graduate student. However, God made it possible where the overlap in roles was always transparently discussed and the Lord protected me from running into any ethical issues with TOR and my roles.

My faith and being a proclaimer of the gospel came first so God honored everything else. Amarilis, on the other hand, is in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and would attend social events from time to time to fellowship without judgment of others and showing that you can be a light in any place and any situation.

6. I see that you’ve just graduated. Congratulations! How do you plan on continuing Trials of the Rib even though you are no longer a student?

Thank you! Trials of the Rib currently uses social media as its primary platform for now, as the Lord has told us both to focus on growth rather than passing it off. We want everything to be spirit lead and believe that through social media, we are reaching not just college students, but men and women of Christ all over. (PS: we have had and will do co-ed events!)

7. Do you have any exciting projects coming up?

We are planning a mental health awareness event to launch in the next few months! As we have both relocated, we will also have socials in the Charlotte and Asheville area. Please be on the lookout! We originally met bi-weekly at WCU but due to Amarilis’ and I’s transitions at the moment, we will be planning events monthly.

8. How can my readers stay connected with you?

You can follow our Instagram page @trialsoftherib which also has a link to our website, https://tarimcox.wixsite.com/trialsoftherib We look forward to hearing from everyone and hope everyone receives all that the Lord has intended for us to share through our ministry!

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I hope this interview encouraged and inspired you! If you feel led to start your own ministry, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and be obedience as you step out in faith on what God tells you do. Has God ever asked you to do something like this? Tell me your thoughts in the comments below!