STONECROFT LIVE! NEWS AND UPDATES
THE STORY GOES ON...THROUGH YOU
Kansas City, Missouri—One word seemed to prevail on the Stonecroft campus Friday evening. That word was “Wow!” as the Stonecroft Ministries staff, retirees, Board of Directors, and guests enjoyed tours of the newly renovated Baugh Center for Evangelism Training and the Manor house. Attendees were astonished at the beauty of the buildings and many were brought to tears as they recalled fond memories. "Mrs. Helen Duff Baugh, Stonecroft’s founder, would have loved this,” commented one staff member.
Many cheers and shouts of joy went up as the ribbon was cut to officially open the Baugh Center.
Just one year ago the Stonecroft Board of Directors approved plans for a campus renovation to allow for expanded evangelistic training opportunities. At the June 8th dedication service, current Board Chair Vera Velk and former Board Chair Phyllis Stern expressed their gratefulness to God for His faithfulness. “We are thankful for the opportunity to continue to use this property to impact future generations to reach our world for Jesus Christ,” Phyllis said.
Ruth Hild, Vice President of Operations, also thanked those who made the renovations possible. She expressed gratitude to Pearce Construction Company, Mantel Teter Architects, and Hampton Court Designs for their dedication. “They have been such a blessing to work with,” Ruth commented.
This week, the Baugh Center was already full of volunteers attending the first Pray Up! Lead Out! event. “Our founder influenced thousands of women to discover how God could use them to share the Gospel,” said Stonecroft CEO/President Geneva Vollrath. “Her legacy lives on as we reach out and mentor others for leadership.”
Ruth prays that those who visit the campus will be inspired to share the Good News of Christ with others. The new sign on the property, which refers to Mrs. Baugh’s book, reads: The Story Goes On…Through You. “This is Stonecroft’s desire,” commented Ruth, “to equip and encourage people to share the amazing story of Jesus Christ. This is the story that we want to see continued by all who visit Stonecroft Ministries.”
Rain, Rain, Go Away!
Kansas City, MO—Despite torrential rains and flooding in the area, renovations continue moving forward on the Stonecroft campus. “We’re excited about the next couple of weeks,” said Vice President of Operations Ruth Hild. “We hope to have everything ready for guests by early June. I am thankful for a break in the weather this week, so we can continue working on the roads. Please pray for more sunshine!”
At the Manor house, new hardwood floors are being installed in some areas, while some of the original flooring is being restored. Tile is also being installed on the front porch, which will be weather-proofed for year-round use. At the Baugh Center for Evangelism, crews have finished laying carpet in the rooms and are completing the new, stonework entry, which will coordinate the front of the building with the Manor. “It will be absolutely beautiful when it’s done,” commented Linda Parmer, a Stonecroft staff member. “And the best part is knowing that the grounds will be used for God’s glory.”
PERFECT PEACE
Kansas City, MO—As the Stonecroft staff met for morning devotions recently, staff members were asked to connect with God outside, enjoying His amazing creation. Many chose to walk around the Stonecroft campus while praying.
One thing that struck Graphic Designer Suzanne Van der Leur was the beauty of the campus, even in the midst of renovations. “The property is still so peaceful,” she said. Despite piles of dirt, construction trucks, orange cones, and roadways that have been closed, the unique beauty of the campus still left her in awe. “I savored the soft, gentle breeze, the warm sunshine, and listened to the birds chirping. On this campus, you truly know that God is always near. I am excited about what this will look like when the project is completed.”
Crews are getting closer to the end-result every day. At the Manor House, crown molding and tile are being installed. In the Baugh Center for Evangelism, carpeting and painting are in full swing. Cabinets and countertops are also being installed. “I’m a process person and seeing God work, step by step, has been an incredible experience,” commented Suzanne. “Knowing that He is in every detail always fills me with His perfect peace.” Learn more about God's peace.
MEET BRENNA
Kansas City, MO—As Stonecroft Ministries
renovates its campus, the ministry has been blessed with a talented and creative
interior designer. Brenna Ramler of Hampton Court Designs is thrilled to assist
Stonecroft with this exciting project, which she believes will have eternal
results.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working closely with Stonecroft CEO Geneva Vollrath, Vice President of Operations Ruth Hild, and Chief Financial Officer Jim Baker,” commented Brenna. “I have seen their hard work and vision for this ministry, and I share their excitement for the future use of these buildings. I also appreciate the staff I have met. One day while I was working on site, a sweet lady came up to me and told me she'd been praying for me. I was so moved that someone who had never met me before was naming me in prayer. I was so encouraged by that!
“This project has a special place in my heart because I am able to use the gifts God has given me for His work. I have seen God at work in the details from day one. This is God's project and I am humbled and privileged to be a part. My prayer is that the Manor House and Baugh Center for Evangelism Training will be tools for untold eternal impact.
“Seeing God at work in the interior design details has strengthened my faith,” explained Brenna. “For example, on many occasions, when I've needed extra time for this project, I've seen how God rearranges my daily schedule—giving me the time to meet deadlines! It excites me to know that God cares about the interior design of these buildings—and He cares so much more about the hearts and lives of the people who will be ministered to here at Stonecroft.”
YOU HAVEN'T SEEN ANYTHING YET
Kansas City, MO— “This is exciting—it’s as busy as a beehive here,” commented staff member Linda Parmer, as she took photos of the recent renovations taking place on the Stonecroft campus. From the humming of drills to the droning of semi trucks transporting materials, the construction sites are no longer silent. “These buildings are buzzing with action now,” Linda told one construction worker. He replied by saying, “You haven’t seen anything yet. Wait until next month—it will be much busier.”
At the historic Manor house, the plumbing, electricity, and floors are now in place. This week, wallboards and the porch ceiling are being installed. The pink insulation on the exterior is now covered with cream-colored siding. In the Baugh Center for Evangelism (Morningside), many of the apartments have been painted and ceilings are being finished. In both buildings, decorating dreams come closer to reality every day.
“God has been so good to Stonecroft through this renovation process,” said Vice President of Operations Ruth Hild. “The Bible tells us that He can take us places that we can only imagine. That is our hope—that He will continue to exceed our expectations, so that this property can be used to reach more people for Jesus Christ.”
STEPPING STONES
Kansas City, MO—Mapleview and Hillside were the first residence buildings on the Stonecroft campus and have sheltered many staffers through the years. The two buildings, which are both about 50 years old and have suffered from major deterioration, are slated to come down within the next week as part of the ongoing renovation of the campus.
This farewell is bittersweet for many long-time staff members. “I have fond memories of my time living at Hillside, but I am looking forward to seeing how God will use this property for His glory in the coming years,” said Tammy Hanson, a Stonecroft staff member who is finishing her thirtieth year of service. “It’s exciting to see the changes taking place—not only on the campus itself, but also in the way God is guiding the ministry into a new season.”
Two dated cornerstones from the buildings were removed and saved for historical purposes. “We may use them as stepping stones in a prayer garden that is being considered for the future,” commented Vice President of Operations Ruth Hild. “They will be a good reminder of Stonecroft’s fascinating history, as we follow God’s plans for the future—step by step.”
HELPING HAND
Kansas City, Missouri - Stonecroft Campus
Throughout recent campus renovations, Stonecroft has been able to offer
a helping hand to those in need by passing along usable items. On Saturday,
March 3, a Missionary with
Village
Missions,
from Kansas arrived at the Stonecroft Ministries international
campus with three pick-up trucks to transport more than 30 pews. “They
were so excited to receive them,” commented Vice President of Operations
Ruth Hild. “The missionary who picked them up said that the congregation
is thankful to finally have comfortable, padded pews to sit on.”
Ruth has also been working with inner-city churches. Stonecroft recently donated toilets and cabinets to a small church that needed them. Bathtubs and doors are among items that have been salvaged by a group that assists newly released prisoners who are trying to get back on their feet.
“It’s a blessing to know that these items have gone to good use,” said Ruth. “We are glad to be able to make a difference and share God’s love.”
PRETTY IN PINK
Kansas City, Missouri - Stonecroft Campus
As the historic Manor House is covered in pink plastic awaiting new siding,
many Stonecroft staff members are reminded of fond memories. “The pink
reminds us of Millie Stamm, who worked at Stonecroft from 1955 until she passed
away in 1999,” commented Graphic Designer Suzanne Van der Leur. “She
loved pink—it was her color.”
Millie, who directed Stonecroft’s prayer ministry, lived on the third floor of the Manor for many years. “She was such a servant,” commented Suzanne. “When visitors came she would often serve them breakfast on the third floor. She loved the Manor. When she finally moved to an apartment in Morningside [soon to be called the Baugh Center for Evangelism], it was affectionately titled ‘Millie’s Pink Palace.’”
“Millie was such a joy,” said Suzanne. “She used to get up every morning and pray, ‘God, is there a room in Your heart that I could move in closer to You today?’ I used to refer to Millie as loving the three Ps: prayer, people, and pink. If she saw the Manor covered in pink today, it would certainly bring a smile to her face.”
Like New
At Stonecroft’s Morningside apartment building (soon to be called the Baugh Center for Evangelism), crews have been busy preparing the building for guests. Those who have been praying for the renovation projects will be pleased to know that things continue to move along on schedule. “Our first Pray Up! Lead Out! event is slated for June and we believe the grounds will be ready!” said CEO Geneva Vollrath. The events, which take place this summer, will be times of spiritual refreshment and leadership training for volunteers. Attendees will be able to stay in the newly renovated rooms. “All 33 rooms have new bathtubs and we are ready to start painting,” commented Vice President of Operations Ruth Hild. “The rooms will be like new.”
To ensure that guests are accommodated and safe, an elevator is being installed, as well as two handicapped rooms and a new stairway. “It will be a blessing to open up our grounds for volunteers this summer,” commented Ruth. “So many of them have served us over the years. We are excited about this opportunity to serve them.”
Eternal Purpose
Photographer Linda Parmer, who has served with Stonecroft for 35 years, had the privilege of taking photographs this week of the historic Manor house, as new plumbing and wiring were installed. She shared her insightful thoughts on the process. “It’s been inspiring to watch the changes take place,” she commented. “I feel like this represents what the ministry is going through. Although we are dedicated to the same foundation that we have had for 70 years—leading people to Jesus Christ—we realize that we need updated materials and techniques for a new day.
The Manor is
retaining its foundation and structure, but is being renovated to be made
longer lasting. That is our goal—to constantly be improving the ministry
to last for years to come. Although the building itself might not be eternal,
what goes on inside will be used for eternal purposes—to train people
to share their faith and build the Kingdom of God!”
PHOTO GALLERY
The Girlfriend's Room
There is one room on the second floor of the historic Manor House that Stonecroft CEO Geneva Vollrath affectionately refers to as “The Girlfriend's Room.”
“When this room is finished, there will be twin beds in here,” she commented. “We can fit four women in here overnight where they can have a great time of bonding and drawing close to God!”
Formerly the bedroom suite for Stonecroft Founder Mrs. Baugh and her co-worker Miss Clark, the room overlooks a peaceful green landscape. Some of the original components of this room and its adjoining bath, such as the ornate doors and antique bathtub, will be preserved to add to its beauty. When renovations are completed, the room will be used for guests for special events—most of which will focus on evangelism training and prayer. It is Geneva’s hope that the room will be filled with laughter and joy for many years to come, as women travel to the Stonecroft property to be refreshed and encouraged in their walk with God.
Uncovered Treasures- January 22, 2007
Several surprises have been discovered as crews continue with renovations to the Stonecroft property. When wallpaper was removed from the historic Manor House, several phone numbers were found on the walls. The phone numbers appeared to be for a local lumber yard, a water company, and Abernathy Bank. “As far as we know, Mr. Abernathy, who ran a bank, had the Manor built in the 1920s,” explained Vice President of Operations Ruth Hild. “These numbers were written so long ago that they only had four digits!”
Beautiful hardwood floors were also uncovered as carpet was removed in the Manor. “We may try to salvage these since they add to the charm,” commented Ruth.
In the Morningside apartment building (soon to be called the Baugh Center for Evangelism), a scenic mural was found under wallpaper in one hallway. The mural is believed to have been painted by a former Stonecroft staff member in the 1970s.
“It has been exciting to uncover the past, as we anticipate where God will take Stonecroft Ministries in the future,” commented Ruth.
View images of these uncovered treasures.
RIGHT ON TARGET —January 2007
Campus renovations are still moving smoothly. The plumbing is being torn out in the historic Manor House, and crews are scheduled to begin removing siding next week. At the Morningside apartment building (soon to be called the Baugh Center for Evangelism), crews are working on installing baseboard trim and new bathtubs.
A new platform has also been added in the dining room. “We were still able to make progress, even over the holiday season,” said Vice President of Operations Ruth Hild. “In fact, a few things are ahead of schedule. Overall, we are right on target.”
View updated photos of renovation project
Progress Being Made— December 21, 2006
The Stonecroft campus renovation project is moving along ahead of schedule. Progress is being made on the historic Manor House and Morningside apartment building (soon to be called the Baugh Center for Evangelism). Recently, the front entryway of Morningside was removed to allow room for a new entrance. Preparations have also been made for a new stairway and elevator. When the carpeting was removed in the Manor, beautiful wood floors were discovered. The project, which is projected to be completed by June 2007, will enable Stonecroft to use the grounds for training people to share the Good News of Jesus with the world. Check back later for further updates!
View updated photos of renovation project
CAMPUS RENOVATION UPDATE —December 2006
Things continue to move along on schedule for the Stonecroft Ministries campus renovation projects. The final contract with the construction company was signed on November 17. On November 20, workers were on site and began doing some of the dismantling work (removing doors, carpeting, cabinets, etc.) in preparation for renovation of Morningside and the Manor.
The Stonecroft maintenance team continues their fine job of renovating apartments in the other residence buildings for those who have needed to move. In addition to the seven apartments already completed, four others should be ready for occupancy early in December.
View updated photos of renovation project
PURSE N ALITY WORKSHOP
Stonecroft Field Director Toni Sandberg, the organizer for this event, is a woman with a vibrant personality. Toni has a background in creating new programs for women's ministries, directing and acting in drama ministries, and teaching in youth programs. She will lead the session on personality and spiritual gift analysis. Read more about her workshop.
STONECROFT MINISTRIES ANNUAL REPORT
Read the Stonecroft Ministries Annual Report to learn more about this five-star ministry.
THE STORY OF STONECROFT
Today, the outreach of Stonecroft Ministries reaches around the world and touches the lives of thousands of people each year. But the story of Stonecroft Ministries began simply—with one woman—a woman of unshakable faith, a woman of prayer, a woman with a deep concern for the eternal destiny of others. Read more about the history of Stonecroft Ministries.
NEW STONECROFT COUPLES SECTION LAUNCHED
There's a place for you in Stonecroft Couples! We invite you to join us and be a part of the excitement today. Learn more.
PERMITS GRANTED —October 2006
The permit process with the city has gone very smoothly and all permits are now in place.
Stonecroft’s Maintenance staff and some outside helpers have been busy renovating and preparing apartments in other buildings for the Morningside residents. Seven apartments have been completed and residents are moving to their new homes.
Morningside and the Manor have been emptied in preparation for work to begin.
The bid process for the renovation of the Manor, Morningside, and the site work will be finalized by November 1. Construction work by these outside companies is slated to begin in November.
The Stonecroft Ministries campus is currently undergoing a ten-month project which includes renovation of the historic Manor house, transformation of the Morningside residence building into the Baugh Center for Evangelism, as well as rerouting some of the roadways on the property.
100 VOICES
Have you ever wondered how to communicate effectively with the next generation? What makes them tick? What do they want out life? How do they view God?
Stonecroft is determined to explore these questions. We want to bridge generation gaps, and ensure that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is passed on to tomorrow’s leaders! The next generation must also be equipped to share their faith.
How do we begin tackling these issues at Stonecroft? We are creating a series of short, to the point surveys to address these questions. A select group of Christian women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s will be emailed once a month with questions that will consider their lifestyles, hopes, challenges, and aspirations.
The new project, called “100 Voices,” is set to begin in early September. The women participating have been highly recommended by Stonecroft staff and volunteers. Women from very different walks of life are represented. Some are climbing the corporate ladder, some are stay-at-home moms, and some are taking their first shot at life outside of a dorm room. Some are single, while some are married. Some have grown up knowing all about Stonecroft, while some have never heard of the ministry.
What exactly do we hope to accomplish through this? We want to know how we can better equip the next generation to evangelize. What ideas will they latch on to? What types of events would intrigue them? How can we reach out to them?
Please pray that God will reveal His visions for Stonecroft through “100 Voices,” and that effective ideas will be created. Because Stonecroft Ministries knows that no matter what age, race, or stage of life a woman is in, every woman needs other women to connect with and, more importantly, every woman needs the hope of Jesus Christ!
