THE IMPACT GOES ON - PART 2
Kansas City, Missouri, and around the world—As IMPACT ’06—Equipping for Evangelism drew to a close this week, Stonecroft LIVE! polled attendees at random to discover what they were taking home from the conference. Here are just a few of their responses:
Diane Rose, Marietta, Georgia
“The highlight for me was seeing the visual demonstration of praying
for the lost from Jennifer Dean. I never, until now, thought of myself as a
conductor between God and earth. I will see myself that way from now on.”
Nancy Rictor, Westminster, Maryland
“I really liked the team-building. Without a doubt, this has been the
most phenomenal conference I’ve been to. To see the unity and the excitement,
and to see how God is using these women—it’s phenomenal.”
“I can’t wait to tell the gals back home what a great future we have together.”
Tania Rexroth, Littleton, Colorado
“The conference has made me think I need to have a two to three minute
HIStory in my life and to work on it so it comes easily when someone asks me
about the hope I have within me.”
Laurie Oswald, Carson City, Nevada
“I have been impressed with the new initiatives and the movement to try
to meet women today with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
“The goal, for me, is to put roots down and bear fruit in our lives. That’s what this conference has done for me—equipped me and all of us to serve God and be equipped for evangelism.”
See Stonecroft LIVE! Thursday (check the April 2006 archives) for Part 1 of "The Impact Goes On."
PLEASE NOTE: Click here to see a slideshow of pictures from IMPACT ’06.
THE IMPACT GOES ON - PART 1
Kansas City, Missouri, and around the world—The IMPACT ’06 conference drew to a close on Wednesday, but the impact of those three days goes on. Through powerful presentations, instructive and interactive electives, and meaningful interaction, the conference fulfilled its purpose of equipping attendees for evangelism.
Stonecroft LIVE! polled attendees at random to discover what they were taking home from the conference. Here are just a few of their responses:
T.J. Roethe, Walnut Creek, California
“I’m leaving here with a commitment to have corporate community prayer with the women in leadership back home.”
"It was a privilege to watch a pivotal turn of Stonecroft Ministries. The vision Stonecroft has to reach women and impact the world for Jesus Christ—I’ve seen it here.”
Dianne Akins, Littleton, Colorado
“One thing I learned is that the goal is not for me to do it myself. The goal is to be part of the team and do my part and God will take care of the rest of it.”
DeVonna Meyer, Morgan Hill, California
“It’s changed my paradigm for the lost—shifted my entire perspective.”
“I’ve learned more about myself and God’s call on my life.”
“I think it’s given me spiritual eyes to see beyond the position I have."
“One of my goals is to encourage the board to get to the next function. I know the impact it will have on them. They will see the big picture of what we are doing in this ministry. We are trying to get our focus off our jobs, and onto what God’s mission is for us.”
See Stonecroft LIVE! Friday for Part II of The Impact Goes On.
PLEASE NOTE: Click here to see a slideshow of pictures from IMPACT ’06.
FAITH BAGS
Sarasota, Florida—Stonecroft Ministries IMPACT '06 - EQUIPPING FOR EVANGELISM conference has truly strengthened the faith of the men and women in attendance and equipped them to effectively tell others about the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.
One hallmark of the conference was the lime green documents bags that were purchased at the resource table. Most just wanted something in which to carry their notes and program.
However, Dennis and April Vest took on an initiative with these bags and bought enough to give to the future leaders of a possible new couples outreach group in Sarasota. The group has not started yet, but the Vests are praying and trusting God to bring this group into being. April has dubbed the bags “faith bags” because they were bought in faith that God will provide the couples needed to lead this outreach.
If you could not make it to IMPACT '06 , we have you covered! Visit our IMPACT '06 website and view photos direct from the conference as it happens. You can visit our slideshow pages by clicking here.
A WOMAN WITH HEART
Kansas City, Missouri—A highlight of the first day of IMPACT ’06 was the presentation of the first-ever Stonecroft Heart Award. Board Chair Phyllis Stern announced Julie Skillman as the recipient and presented her with a custom-made pin featuring a 14-carat gold cross nestled in a sterling silver heart.
In January, Stonecroft volunteers were invited to nominate those who exemplified the heart of Stonecroft Ministries. Criteria for nomination included someone currently serving as an appointed volunteer leader, faithful in equipping and encouraging others to share the Gospel, and living out the Stonecroft mission by impacting others through her godly example and fruitful life. Eighty-five people received nominations. Stonecroft’s National Board members made the final choice from a field of thirteen selected by Stonecroft staff.
Julie has been a Stonecroft leader in Wyoming since 1972, serving as a Regional Administrator for the past 14 years. She is known and loved as a mentor, role model, and encourager—and a woman with a great heart of love for those without Jesus. Julie has waged a courageous, long-term battle with cancer and faced serious health problems but, through it all, she has continued to serve, support, and inspire those around her. Her heart’s desire is for God to be glorified and that she will use the moments of her life to count for eternity.
More than a dozen people nominated Julie. One wrote, “When I think of Stonecroft, I think of Julie Skillman, who loves the lost right into heaven. Always raising the bar, continually teaching and mentoring, Julie is the heart of Stonecroft in this area for sure!”
If you could not make it to Impact '06, we have you covered! Visit our Impact '06 website and view photos direct from the conference as it happens. You can visit our slideshow pages by clicking here.
share your story here!
IMPACT '06
Kansas City, Missouri—IMPACT ‘06—EQUIPPING FOR EVANGELISM begins today as Stonecroft Ministries welcomes more than 825 people who desire to learn more about evangelism and build confidence in sharing their faith in Jesus Christ.
This three-day conference features keynote speakers from throughout the country, dozens of electives, worship times, and built-in opportunities for each participant to share their faith.
The Stonecroft LIVE team will be posting stories daily from IMPACT ’06. Additionally, a slide show of the conference will be posted soon on the IMPACT pages—just click on the image above and follow the link to the Slide Show.
IMPACT ’06 has welcomed participants from at least three countries, from six Canadian provinces, and 42 states. To learn more, visit our IMPACT ’06 website.
—Wish you were here!
KNOWING GOD'S WILL
Glen Allen, Virginia—The Stonecroft Bible study Knowing God’s Will focuses on learning about God’s direction for your life while studying the Old Testament book of Ruth. Recently, a group of couples participated in this study in this central Virginia community north of Richmond.
According to Friendship Bible Coffee Coordinator Cindy Riedlinger, “The host had a life-changing experience because of this study.” During the study, the Lord encouraged the host to examine her life in light of His will.
As a result, she ended one relationship and also began better relationships with her adult children. The host stated that she has been freed and is at peace.
To learn more about Stonecroft Bible studies, please visit Resources on the
menu to the left.
JUST OUTSIDE OF LOUISVILLE
LeGrange, Kentucky—In LeGrange this morning, a Stonecroft on the Road event, two months in the making, presented the Gospel to more than 80 women.
“The thing with this group is they have such a heart for reaching the young women moving to the outlying areas of Louisville,” said Jenel Moline, a Stonecroft staff member who conducted training sessions in the area in February. “That is why they wanted to have this event.”
Local women who organized today’s gathering gave out prepaid invitations, hung posters around town, and made it a practice to invite anyone they encountered. On the eve of the event, 79 reservations were in hand, and more were expected.
The brunch was held at John Black Community Center in Buckner. Martha Fellure, an international fashion designer whose clothes have been shown throughout Europe and North America, presented the special feature and spoke.
Several Stonecroft Bible studies are planned to start soon after the event. Materials and studies have already been ordered. Please pray for those who attended today.
MUSIC UNDER THE STARS
Ramona, California —This year, the Ramona Women’s Connection revived a favorite tradition—their evening dessert concert. Guests gathered at Area Representative Marlene Robershaw’s home to enjoy delicious desserts (prepared by the Planning Team members) and a grand piano concert of music by Gershwin.
The featured musician and speaker was Jack Wheaton, a composer and arranger who has written film scores, taught music at U.S.C., and now works for Steinway. “We advertised the event in six local newspapers,” Marlene explained, “and Jack’s background and talent were a big draw.” Sixty-five guests attended that evening, including 28 first-timers (19 of which were men). Best of all, three individuals whom the Planning Team had been praying for specifically made commitments to Jesus Christ that evening.
“It was such a delightful evening and we praise the Lord for what He did,” Marlene commented. “Although our Planning Team is a little short on helpers, we cannot be discouraged. Our Bible studies have really grown and we see decisions for Christ every month. God is at work.”
COUPLED WITH CHRIST
Temecula, California—Friday nights can get busy, especially when you have children. However, several couples in Temecula designate this night as a time of getting to know God and their spouses better by studying the Bible.
This Friday night study evolved from a women’s study two years ago. Two women attending that study brought their husbands to the couple’s study. One of the husbands began attending church with his wife and later gave his life to the Lord. And, a few weeks ago, one of the wives accepted Jesus Christ into her life.
God promises that as His Word goes forth, it will not return empty, but will accomplish His purposes. That promise is being fulfilled in a couples study in California.INVITATIONS, FLYERS, POSTERS
Amarillo, Texas—Invitations, flyers, and posters blanketed a portion of Amarillo for the Easter special that the Amarillo Christian Women’s Connection hosted.
Sharon Felts, Chair of the group, said she challenged each member of the Planning Team to personally invite a minimum of five people. Sharon invited a friend of hers, who in turn invited three additional women. All were first-timers. Sharon also invited a new neighbor, who brought her daughter. Both were first-timers. In all, there were 36 women at the meeting a week ago today who had never attended a Stonecroft event.
Speaker Patty Curl, from Oklahoma, handled the feature duties as she sang to the 128 women at the event at the Ambassador Hotel. Also attending were the new sales and catering managers at the hotel.
Amid all the fun, the true meaning of Easter was communicated clearly as Patty shared the gospel message. Twenty-one women indicated they prayed with her to begin a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.
IN AND OUT
Fort Rock, Oregon—Every Stonecroft on the Road outreach event is built on a solid foundation of prayer, but the prayer support built into Tuesday night’s event in Fort Rock was much needed and highly effective.
Just two days before the event, several women who were helping became sick and one even had to have emergency surgery. But those who were able and available carried the day! Stonecroft Development Leader Pat Abernathy, who helped organize the event commented, “Only one Planning Team member was able to go with me and that was Village Missionary Dian Wiggers, who has worked with us on Stonecroft on the Road events in the past. She was amazing! She just stepped in and did what was needed, including helping to preside with our wonderful contact person, Maria Cade. Many of Maria’s helpers were sick, but the Lord filled in the gaps. We had people from all over praying for the evening and I know this is what saved the day!”
The meeting place was packed with 70 women in attendance. Nine women made decisions to receive Christ as Savior and women from two other communities asked for Bible studies in their area.
Pat sees great potential and is excited about what God may have in store for this area. “We had a county-wide team with leaders from each of the five ranching communities in a 60-mile radius. They are wonderful women who know each other and are excited about working together with us. We will see if the Lord puts together a permanent team there.”
IN AND OUT
North Muskegon, Michigan—When you think of an 89-year-old man, what comes to mind? Someone who’s been in and out of prison? We’d like you to meet Richard Gerritson.
Richard moved to Muskegon 10 months ago to be near his daughter. In these few short months, he has lost track of how many times he’s been behind bars. However, Richard has never been arrested.
His joy is in spreading the Gospel to those in need. As a Friendship Bible Coffee Coordinator, people in a local prison, nursing home, and the Muskegon Rescue Mission come to know Jesus “with skin on” through Richard. His efforts are so well-known that he was recently featured in the Muskegon Chronicle.
The article clearly focuses on Richard’s desire to tell others about Jesus. “You’ve got to have Jesus,” he states.
For more than 25 years, Richard has been guiding Stonecroft Stonecroft Bible Studies in prisons. He has found this to be a rewarding experience—his way to show his “gratitude for all [God’s] done for me.”
Note: Richard Gerritson was featured in the November/December 2005 issue of Stonecroft Today.
HERE'S THE PITCH...
Pictured at left: Chris and Janelle Reitsma
Calgary, British Columbia—The 2006 baseball season began last week, but hometown hero Chris Reitsma, of the Atlanta Braves, took time during the off-season to speak about his faith in Jesus Christ at a Stonecroft event.
The Calgary After 5 hosted the Guest Night and invited Chris to speak. The relief pitcher delivered a clear talk about the greatest thing that ever happened to him—accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior.
“Chris's message was well received, very clearly He lifted up Jesus Christ as the best gift he ever received,” said Sharon Cragg, Chair of the outreach group. “I gave the invitation—it was another holy moment.”
A local executive donated $5,000 to underwrite the event. A trio called “The Sweettones” provided musical entertainment. And, for those not captivated by baseball, also featured was Ray Colliver, a chocolatier from Calgary who demonstrated making the delectable dessert.
The program was concluded with Chris taking part in the local "White Hat Ceremony" honoring him as an ambassador for the City of Calgary.
The event took place on the top floor of the International Hotel. Immediately following the dinner, the Calgary Babe Ruth players, parents, and coaches who were in attendance were invited to a Punch and Tidbits Reception in the 4th Avenue Cafe on the lower floor of the hotel. Chris played in the league before he was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2001.
“We rejoice at how good our God is. We were able to hand out nine Stonecroft Life Publications booklets that evening, and mail some to media people and others,” Sharon said. “Only eternity will reveal the total impact of this wonderful evening.”
ON FIRE IN THE CAROLINAS
New Bern, North Carolina—When the New Bern Christian Women’s Club needed to quickly find a new location for their monthly meetings, they called Stonecroft Ministries Headquarters and asked the staff to pray with them for God’s help and direction. Last week, Chair Sally Saggio joyfully wrote to tell us how God had provided.
Their new meeting place is a restaurant called “The Flame.” The Planning Team is excited about this new venue for several important reasons: the facility holds up to 110 people; the outreach group will have use of all areas of the restaurant, including ample parking; they will be able to lower the cost of the luncheons and they will be able to choose meals from an extensive menu.
But perhaps the most exciting aspect of all is that the restaurant is renovating a facility next door which will hold 300 people. “This will give us ample room for future expansion of our club,” Sally stated. “God is faithful and we continue to be blessed by Him. All of us are looking forward to what He is going to do in the months ahead.”
PLEASANTLY SURPRISED
Crossville, Tennessee—More and more often, Stonecroft Stonecroft Bible Studies are being used in jails, nursing homes, and shelters. Last Wednesday, Guide Kathy Krause and Consulting Coordinator Shirley Stewart had the opportunity to begin a Stonecroft Bible studyat Avalon, a battered women’s shelter.
At this type of shelter, clients come and go--staying no less than one week and no longer than two months. However, Kathy and Shirley are making the most of the time they have with each woman. On Wednesday, there were four women in the study of Life’s New Beginning.
When the study was over, one woman hugged her Good News New Testament to her chest and was delighted to discover that she could keep it. Two other women were thrilled to be able to keep their Bibles, too.
More Good News New Testaments have been ordered so that more women can discover the truth found only in the God’s Word.
Going into a situation that’s so different from what they’re used to, Kathy and Shirley didn’t know what to expect, but they were pleasantly surprised at the positive response from the women. Kathy stated, “Everybody was open to the Gospel and was excited to be there. We are so blessed.”
HIGHER AND HIGHER
Rifle, Colorado—A Call to Prayer for western Colorado volunteers and leaders brought 50 participants 4,300 feet up the Rocky Mountains by tram to the summit of Iron Mountain.
Linda Roush, Stonecroft Regional Administrator for western Colorado, and Rachael Crabb, a Stonecroft Prayer Consultant and a member of the Stonecroft Ministries Board of Directors, welcomed the women Saturday for the four-hour event.
Rachael began the event with teaching and encouragement from scripture before a lunch at the Exclamation Point Restaurant. After lunch, the women participated in an hour-long concert of prayer.
“Some of these women had never taken part in a concert of prayer before,” Linda said. “It was a very spiritual event. This is the first Call to Prayer we’ve done and was over and above our monthly Prayer Connections.”
Women from the Glenwood Springs After 5, the Grand Valley Women’s Connection, the Grand Junction Women’s Connection, and Friendship Bible Coffee groups in the Cedaredge area attended.
TEACHERS LEARN MULTIPICATION
Rancho Bernardo, California—For the past two years, the Rancho Bernardo Baptist Church has been hosting Stonecroft Stonecroft Bible Studies. Five new Guides have emerged from these studies.
One of the Guides, Mary Ann Miller, recently began working at the church’s day care facility. When the teachers learned that Mary Ann was a Guide, they asked her to lead them in a study twice a month after work. They plan to begin in May.
“I’m so glad for this evidence of studies multiplying,” rejoices Margaret Canavan, District Consulting Coordinator.
NEW HOUSE
Kansas City, Missouri—New House was established for the rehabilitation of local battered women. Its aim is to help them through the difficult times of life and prepare them to live a normal, productive life.
Marshelle Lyons, Stonecroft Ministries Community Liaison, is actively involved in helping these battered women find purpose and meaning in their lives.
Every Thursday evening, teams of volunteers from Marshelle’s church visit New House. Their prayer is that they would have God-appointed opportunities to share the love of Jesus Christ. Each week, there is a time of relationship building between the volunteers and those at the facility, or a Stonecroft Bible Study is held.
Marshelle reflects, “Building purposeful relationships provides eternal results. I’ve been blessed with every opportunity to connect with each woman at the facility.”
SNOW DAYS
Springfield and Decatur, Illinois—She battled a major March Mid-western snow storm to bring the story of her Savior to those waiting in Central Illinois.
Joyce Courtney, long-time Stonecroft National Representative and former Chief Executive Officer, traveled to Springfield with Accounting Department staffer Libby Dasher in mid-March with four speaking engagements on the calendars at outreach meetings. Just behind her came a snow storm that dropped as much as 10 inches in nearby areas. In fact, the outreach meeting in Bloomington, and one of the two scheduled in Springfield, were cancelled due to the weather. But Joyce pressed on.
At the Springfield Christian Women’s Club brunch and the Decatur Christian Women’s Club, the program went on as planned. In Springfield, Joyce followed a feature about gardening and caring for outdoor plants. About 66 women attended and six said they prayed a prayer of accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior. Later that day, in Decatur, a feature about home decorating colors for 2006 prepared the way for Joyce to tell of her relationship with Jesus. There, ten people indicated they began a relationship with Jesus at the luncheon.
“It is such a privilege and pleasure to tell of what Jesus has done in my life and to share the Gospel every chance I get,” Joyce said.
