About
Vision
Mission
Board of Directors
Front: Rena Weaver, Virginia “Nadine” Williams, Clara Bell
Back: Jean Dake, Sarah Widner, Patty Clemons, Myra Mansfield
The History of Anna’s Gate International
In 2011 a ministry for widows and single women was founded by Dr. Carol Marie Smith and first called it He’s My Husband. The first annual banquet was held that year. Dr. Smith came to understand God’s powerful promises for all widows apply to women without a spouse and their orphan children who have no father according to these scriptures:
- Isaiah 1:17
- 1 Timothy 5:3
- Psalm 146:9
- Exodus 22:22-24
- Psalm 68:5
- James 1:27
- Malachi 3:5
- Deut. 14:29; 27:19
- Psalm 82:3
- Jeremiah 49:11
- Zechariah 7:9-10
In 2012 Anna’s Gate was chosen as the official name and formally registered as a 501c3 non-profit organization. With a vision to support widows who often feel lost and alone Anna’s Gate opened sewing centers in Nepal and India to support widows with a skill so they could work toward establishing independence. Anna’s Gate sponsored their own representative to live in the State of Israel for the next seven years. Through a cooperation with the Jerusalem House of Prayer for all Nations Anna’s Gate purchased and placed 12 mysterious Biblical harps in the hands of widows around the border of Israel with a commission to pray for Israel.
The harp strings are the alphabet of Hebrew, and when it is played it is creating words released into the atmosphere for protection, peace, and God’s will. In 2023 Anna’s Gate began looking for American widows with which to partner for the playing of harps and prayer around USA borders.
Empower Hour
Anna’s Gate expanded to radio and public television in the Knoxville area.
Wonder Widow Mascot
Anne Mintz appointed Wonder Widow mascot.
At the 2020 Valentine’s Banquet the Anna Dotes singing nuns made their debut, a play on the word anecdote which means an amusing story about a real person. Dr. Smith retired that year, but the organization has continued. The Valentine’s Banquet for widows and friends is the keynote annual event held in Knoxville, Tennessee. Ushers give each widow a rose and escort them to their seat. Attendees are encouraged and inspired by music and speakers. Sponsors contribute toward the event in the hope that widows may attend at no cost during this sometimes lonely time of year.
2024 – Coming February 10th, the 14th annual Widows Valentine Banquet
For Such a Time: Bold but Humble (Matthew 18:19-20)
It’s a new season for Anna’s Gate!
We are expanding our reach to widows and their friends throughout the United States. “Friends” may be married persons or men. Together we are a team who understand the plight of the widow and the power of her special anointing. Will you help us? The borders of every state in the USA will be protected by a nationwide network of the widows’ prayers and the songs of the mysterious Biblical harp!