READ THE LIVE! STORY ABOUT THE GET REAL! COUPLES CONFERENCE HERE
WEEKLY STONECROFT BIBLE STUDIES
Visalia, California—Every Tuesday at 10 am, Consulting Coordinator Wilma Carrillo and her husband, Jaime, lead a Stonecroft Bible Study at Casa Grande—an assisted living facility—with about 8 men and women.
“It’s so rewarding,” states Wilma. “They don’t want to miss a lesson.” Most of the men and women in the facility are from mainline denominations, but have never had the privilege of hearing the Gospel and studying the Word of God. Recently, Wilma had the privilege of leading a woman to a saving knowledge of Christ after one of the studies.
Wilma and Jaime extend their love and care to the residents outside their planned meeting times. They faithfully visit those from their group who may be hospitalized. They also visit those at the facility who do not attend the study in hopes of being able to lead one more person to Jesus Christ.
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CAPTURE THE MOMENT
Atlanta, Georgia—This past weekend, two Stonecroft Capture the Moment events were held—one in Atlanta, Georgia and the other in Buffalo, New York. To get a personal glimpse into the happenings, we asked Susan Fruschoun, a Consulting Coordinator from Aiken, South Carolina, about her time at the Atlanta event.
“Nine women from the Aiken area attended, and we had a great time,” shared Susan. “I attended the break-out session on Stonecroft Bible Studies. It was really nice to meet other people involved in the Bible study program.” Susan also commented on how good it was to interact with the Stonecroft Ministries staff, and said of them, “They are such an example of godly women. They really helped us think more creatively about how to reach more people in our communities.”
One aspect that really stood out to Susan was the focus on prayer. In one session, each person was matched with a prayer partner and together they prayed for each other’s ministries. Another opportunity for prayer was given by having each person find a quiet place in the hotel where they could pray and listen to God. “It was strengthening, that time to focus on God,” said Susan. “I enjoyed the emphasis on prayer. It made me realize that we can’t accomplish anything without it.”
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ON HAND
Grand Junction, Colorado—“What’s in your hand?” That was a question asked at a Stonecroft leadership event this past weekend. As the leaders considered resources that are available to help them reach people for Christ, they realized Stonecroft Bible Studies are a powerful tool at hand.
“God is doing amazing things through the studies in Grand Junction,” guest speaker MeLissa Houdmann reported. “One young Hispanic woman spoke about how she started a Spanish study with her family. Many of them have learned for the first time how they can have a personal relationship with Jesus. More and more people came—and soon the studies were lasting several hours and included a family meal. When she went to visit family in Mexico, she took her Guidebook with her and shared what she had learned with people there.
“Last week, Stonecroft Regional Administrator Linda Roush presented Stonecroft Bible Studies to the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group here. They had 14 women sign up to join a study and are now looking for a Coordinator just for the MOPS group.”
Sometimes we have more resources on hand than we realize. Stonecroft Ministries, which equips and encourages women, also helps women discover untapped gifts and potential. “One young woman was asked to Guide a study and didn’t think she could do it,” MeLissa said. “She was so scared—but she went ahead anyway. Now she has guided several studies and is preparing to become a Stonecroft speaker.”
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RECHARGED
Council Bluffs, Iowa—Kathy Ranney, chair of the Council Bluffs After 5, is thrilled for the 45 women who attended the group’s latest dinner event.
“This is a huge jump for us—we normally have 28 people,” she commented. “I am so excited that we surpassed our usual number! The best part is that two women made decisions for Jesus Christ. We are also thankful that three of the first-timers were under 30. Our group is working to draw younger women.”
Kathy attributes the jump in numbers to prayer, an available nursery, and offering a lower ticket price. “A feature who attracts all age groups helps, too,” she explained. “We had a doctor who demonstrated exercises that anyone could do.”
“I’m not concerned about numbers, though,” said Kathy. “I will let God handle that. Our main goal is to find those who need Jesus and invite them. It’s amazing to see God work. We commit every detail to Him and He goes before us. We are so refreshed after this event. It’s easy to let yourself become complacent in a volunteer role, but all of us are recharged and looking forward to the next one.”
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THE WORD AT WORK
Plano, Texas—Jody Curran, a Stonecroft Regional Speaker Trainer, expected 10 women at the Why Believe? Stonecroft Bible Study started recently at a large office building in Plano.
Instead, 20 showed up.
The study meets on Wednesdays and tomorrow will be the second meeting.
“Pray for God’s protection,” said Stonecroft Field Director Kathy Morgan. “The enemy doesn’t want us reaching people with God’s Word in the workplace.”
Stonecroft Bible Studies have found favor with a woman in the office who has been encouraging co-workers to be involved in Bible study.
“She is new to Stonecroft Ministries and has been looking over our studies for several weeks,” Kathy said. “She gave us a great endorsement and is grateful for the support and encouragement Stonecroft, through Jody, is giving her.”
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SNOWBIRDS
Fort Pierce, Florida—Ocean Village is home to about 1,400 residents. For six months of the year, this gated retirement community is home to Stonecroft Bible Studies Coordinator and Stonecroft Speaker Kathy Baarman and her husband, along with many other fellow “snowbirds.”
Stonecroft Bible Studies have become an integral part of retirement life at Ocean Village. Over 50 women attended their last Stonecroft Bible Study Mark: Christ—God’s Perfect Servant. While many attend, many do not know Jesus Christ personally.
God is giving Kathy open doors to tell others about Him. While she may never know this side of heaven how many God has led to Himself, Kathy is confident that her efforts are not in vain. “They are hearing about the Lord and that’s what counts,” she states.
On April 16, 2007, a luncheon was held for those who attended this study. About 20 women attended. A few expressed their desire to return to the retirement village only because of what they are learning through the studies that Kathy guides.
In addition to the women’s study, a men’s Bible study is slated to begin in the fall at the village. Pray for guidance as Kathy and her husband guide the new Stonecroft Bible StudyWhy Believe? Investigate Evidence for Faith in the fall with men and women.
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ROOM FOR MORE
Indianola, Iowa—Last year, the Indianola Midday Connection had a problem—they had outgrown the place where their events were being held. Fortunately, God opened the doors for them to meet at the local country club. Now the “problem” was that they needed more people to fill all the chairs!
Michelle Bell, the Chair of the Planning Team, had an idea. She proposed that they have a “Bring a Friend” luncheon. The group averages about 55-60 people, so she thought if even half of those invited a friend, it would make a nice sized crowd. To motivate people to invite, the group advertised that everyone who brought a friend would get a small prize.
As Michelle was praying for the event, which was held this past Tuesday, she felt led to pray for 100 guests. “I almost lowered the number back down to 75,” said Michelle. “But I wanted to trust God for that amount. I called the Reservations Coordinator on the Thursday before and she told me that the count was almost to 60. By Monday, it was at 94.”
Despite a few moments when cancellations made it look like the goal wouldn’t be reached, the group had a full house of 103 guests! “There were 14 or 15 people there for the first time,” commented Michelle. “I even invited a first-time guest who brought three friends with her. We had a fantastic time!”
In telling her story, Michelle gave credit to a great Planning Team, mentioning that they really got “pumped up” after attending a Stonecroft Capture the Moment event recently. Stonecroft has two Capture the Moment events taking place this weekend—one in Atlanta, Georgia and another in Buffalo, New York. Please pray that those attending these events will be equipped and encouraged to impact their communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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THE RESCUER
Overland Park, Kansas—Drama lovers united last Monday night to enjoy The Rescuer, a short play performed by The Salt & Light Drama Troupe. The dinner theatre, hosted by the Overland Park Women’s Connection, drew 49 people, including nine first-timers. “One person heard about our event on the radio and another one picked up our invitation at the library,” commented Chair Tricia Piester. “God is using our continued perseverance to get the word out there!”
The play focuses on Lucy, a young woman who feels alone and stuck in life. She is befriended by an older woman who shares her own life experiences to let Lucy know that God can forgive her past. After the play, the cast member who portrayed Lucy explained to the audience that God’s gift of forgiveness is available to anyone, no matter what a person has done.
The positive results of this unique approach to outreach were evident in the comments of those at the meeting. “At least three women indicated they want to learn more about our group, and one woman desires to grow in her faith,” said Tricia. “As we continue to reach out to others, please join me in praying about new ways to connect. We have a wonderful and unique tool at our fingertips, and with God all things are possible. Let’s move forward with Him, as women of vision and faith!”
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TEATIME IN TEXAS
Frisco, Texas—It was a storybook setting. On a bright spring day, women in colorful attire and their prettiest hats strolled on a patio overlooking a brilliant green lawn. Tables decorated with jewel-toned silk runners and a variety of dainty teapots sat waiting for the guests.
That was the scene at last Thursday’s Ladies Tea, sponsored by the Greater Collin County Christian Women’s Club. The women nibbled on scones and Devonshire cream, finger sandwiches, and dainty desserts. Three different teas were served—with the Special Feature guest describing each one and giving a brief history on how teatime originated in England. Jimmie Porterfield presented lovely music to dine by and Qujette Cone presented the story of her faith journey with Jesus Christ.
It was especially encouraging to see how God answered prayers for this event. The weather, which had been horrible the rest of the week, was beautiful on the day of this outdoor event. “God did that for us,” said Chair Tina Faine.
Their group averages about 75 people each month. Attendance at this meeting was 113—with many new people there. “We’ve been encouraging women to invite, invite, invite—I call it an invite-a-thon,” Tina added. “We really didn’t do any extra publicity—it was mostly personal invitation.”
The Planning Team was thankful that several women expressed interest in attending Stonecroft Bible Studies and the monthly Prayer Connections.
“The response to this event was amazing,” Tina commented. “It was a great way to bring in new people. The women were so excited—some of them just hugged and hugged me. I think the little girl in all of us enjoys a really cool tea party. We’re going to make this an annual event.”
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SOWING SEEDS
Fairbanks, Alaska—A local Missions Fest drew nearly 1,000 women from the area to learn more about what God is doing in the 49th state.
Stonecroft Ministries was there.
“We talked to a lot of women,” wrote Joanne Klaver, a Regional Representative for two Fairbanks outreach groups. “Many of them said they had friends who are not interested in church, but might come to our meetings. Pray that they will follow through.”
Indeed, those are the two components of appearing at a ministry fair or conference: Connecting with those who are passionate about sharing the knowledge of Jesus Christ and praying for effective follow-up.
Distributed at the Fairbanks Missions Fest were 200 invitations to May outreach meetings, 230 Prayer Journals (these may be ordered through our Summer 2007 Book Catalog. Please see page 11), 210 brochures introducing Stonecroft Bible Studies, many copies each of Talking with God, Stonecroft Today, and Longing to Escape (a Stonecroft Life Publication, also available in the Stonecroft Catalog), and other Stonecroft materials.
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BLESSING
Solvang, California—Former Stonecroft Bible Studies Coordinator Lois Price guides three one-on-one Stonecroft Bible Studies. The average age of the women in these studies is 90!
The studies began as the daughters of these three women called Lois individually requesting a study with their mothers. Because of Stonecroft Bible Studies, Lois is able give these seasoned women an opportunity to learn about God’s grace and His love for them. At the end of the study of First John, a 91-year-old woman remarked, “I always had a void and was unsatisfied. I don’t have a void now.”
Lois is praising God for the way He has opened doors for her to tell others what they’ve been missing. “As each [study participant] is blessed, I also am blessed,” Lois stated. “My husband once declared, ‘You have found your niche!’”
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EVIDENCE OF LOVE
Kansas City, Missouri—In John 15:12 Jesus says this, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” On Wednesday morning, the Stonecroft staff did their best to fulfill that command. They were participating in the monthly Morning of Prayer, and the theme was “Loving God by Loving Others.”
Prior to the morning of service, the staff was given a variety of projects to choose from. The activities included doing yard work for neighbors, visiting a care center, spending time with kids at a nearby children’s and family services facility, and writing notes of encouragement to Stonecroft outreach groups.
The morning turned out to be cold and rainy, prompting some of the yard work to be postponed. Other activities went on as planned, though, bringing smiles to the faces of both the staff and the recipients of their kindness. Carrie Langford was one of those who visited the kids, most of whom are dealing with tough personal and/or family issues. When asked about her experience, she said, “What a blessing. I was able to have lunch with three charming 11-year-old gentlemen who always said ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’ One drew me a picture of a flower. One asked me to pray that God would give him a mother. I wanted to take him home with me. To top everything off, I got a hug from each young man!”
Traci Jackson joined the group that went to a local care center. They spent time with the residents, including some in the Alzheimer’s unit. “It’s hard to put in words what a blessing it was to love on these people,” commented Traci. “God’s love for each one of them is SO deep.”
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THE HIGHLIGHT
Indianola, Iowa—At a recent Capture the Moment event, Ministry Development Coordinator Bette Fauquet had the privilege of meeting Debbie, who came to know Jesus Christ through a local Stonecroft event.
“Debbie was invited by a friend to a Women’s Connection luncheon,” said Bette. “At her second luncheon, she prayed to accept Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. Debbie indicated that she would like to learn more about God through the Bible, so she joined the Stonecroft Bible Study, Prayer: Connecting with God. She had never been in a Bible study before and was thrilled that it was so easy to comprehend. In fact, she joked, ‘It’s like that insurance commercial on television—even a caveman could understand this!’”
Debbie is so passionate about God that she is now serving as Vice Chair of the Indianola, Iowa Midday Connection and is a Stonecroft Bible Study Guide. “She has grown so much through the Bible studies,” Bette commented. “Getting to see first-hand how God is touching people’s lives through this ministry is the highlight of these events.”
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BLOOMING BIBLE STUDIES
Springview, Nebraska—Although spring growth has been halted in much of the Midwest because of the recent chill, one thing is blossoming in north central Nebraska—Stonecroft Bible Studies!
In the town of Springview, four women have finished Connecting with God: A Guide to Prayer, guided by Cristy Ludemann. Village Missionary Mary Courts and her group of six are winding up the study, Knowing God’s Will.
Down the road in Bassett, 11 women are having a wonderful time studying Who Is Jesus? And over in Ainsworth, Lavonne Leman is guiding a group that includes one new Christian in the study What Is God Like?
“The other Guides and I have gained as much from the studies as the participants,” writes Cristy Ludemann. “They are a blessing to be part of.”
Want to learn more about Stonecroft Bible Studies?
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GULF COAST OUTREACH
Sarasota, Florida—Pam Santner’s involvement and leadership of her northern Illinois outreach group gave her the experience she needed to step in and be a part of the Gulf Coast Stonecroft Couples outreach.
“We’re snowbirds,” she said of herself and husband Bob. “We were in a Bible study here in Florida and learned of this couples outreach. We wanted to be a part of it.”
Pam, who is also a Stonecroft speaker, and Bob serve as administrative assistants. On Monday night more than a dozen couples gathered for planning and prayer for the group’s April 28 outreach.
The group is publicizing the event from Sarasota to Bradenton to Venice, said Fred Loskamp, who with his wife Irene served at Stonecroft Headquarters for years. They now help out with the couples outreach group.
“We’ve got a terrific plan for follow-up with several Bible studies planned,” Fred said.
Several area businesses have agreed to sponsor a dozen tables.
Pray with Pam, Bob, Fred, Irene, and others for the following:
* For more than 100 people to attend the outreach
* That God would draw to Himself those who need to respond to His gift of salvation
* For God to uniquely prepare speaker Chuck Stophel, Stonecroft Couples National Director
* That several young Christian couples would catch the vision for outreach and join the efforts of Stonecroft Couples
Watch for a follow-up story to the April 28 event at Stonecroft Live!
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THE CENTRAL FOCUS
San Jose, Costa Rica—Stonecroft Bible Studies Coordinator Erick Cordova, his wife Blanca Rose, and their two teenage children—Erick and Isabelita— serve in San Jose, Costa Rica with a ministry called The Family Project, International, which focuses on healing people through the Word of God.
Recently, they have started to use Stonecroft Bible Studies with the women in the area. In turn, these women take what they have learned about Jesus to their families. According to Erick, “People always come to Christ.”
In addition to planting churches, training pastors and Christian leaders, speaking to students about Christ, and assisting with seminars, Erick focuses on preparing the next generation to make Jesus famous. “God is looking for a generation of fire—the fire of the passion of Christ.”
However, above all else, Erick knows without a doubt that his main priority in life is his family. “They are my responsibility, my main treasure, my priority.”
Pray with us that Erick, Blanca Rose, and their children will have open doors as they share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Central America.
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INTENTIONAL
Kansas City, Missouri—Through Stonecroft Bible Studies, volunteer opportunities, special events, local workshops, and a new internship program, Stonecroft Ministries is committed to global leadership training. Stonecroft is so dedicated to developing leaders for Jesus Christ that it is offering a series of classes on the topic to Stonecroft staff members.
Sharon Felts, a longtime volunteer who currently serves as Stonecroft’s training consultant, led the first class this week. “Stonecroft taught me about leadership, training, and team building,” commented Sharon. “I also gained confidence. Now, I want to help women become leaders, just like Stonecroft helped me 20 years ago.”
Participants at this session explored four basic leadership styles and when they are most effective. “I thought the class was very beneficial,” said Robyn Roberts, who works in Stonecroft’s Special Events Department. “I appreciate the opportunity. It reminded me that I need to be intentional about using the leadership gifts that God has given me to lead others to Him.”
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LISTENING EARS
Indianola, Iowa—As Stonecroft volunteers gather each month to pray for their local outreach events, they are encouraged to pray for the owners and staff at their meeting places. At a Capture the Moment event last Friday in Indianola, attendees heard the results of those prayers as Cathy and Mike Coffman shared their story.
Cathy and Mike were restaurant owners. When the local outreach group was looking for a place to meet, they were approached by Stonecroft Regional Administrator Karen Langstraat. Cathy was excited about the possibility. “I told Mike that we needed to have this group in our restaurant,” she remembers. “There had been so much that had gone on in my life that I knew we needed to be in church. By hosting this group, it seemed like this would be having church come to us.”
As Karen worked with Cathy on the arrangements, she did something most groups did not. She invited Cathy and her wait staff to feel free to sit in and listen to what was going on at the meeting. So they did. What Cathy heard changed her life.
“I knew I had done bad things, so I thought I had to work hard to be good enough for God,” Cathy said. “But as I listened to the speakers, I realized they had also done bad things in the past, but they knew God in a real way.” After several meetings, Cathy finally understood that a relationship with God is not based on our goodness, but on accepting the love and forgiveness He offers us through faith in Jesus Christ . She asked Him to forgive her sin and take control of her life.
Although Mike did not feel comfortable sitting in a room full of women, he was listening to the speakers—standing out in the hallway. After seeing the changes in Cathy’s life and hearing from the speakers how Jesus Christ makes a difference, he too invited Jesus into his life.
Today, Mike serves on the pastoral staff of a local church and Cathy enjoys being a full-time mom to their two youngest children.
As you pray for Stonecroft Ministries, remember to pray for the personnel at the places where outreach groups meet. You never know where you might find listening ears and receptive hearts!
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STONECROFT HEART AWARD HONOREE
Kansas City, Missouri—Prior to IMPACT ’06 (April 24-26, 2006), the Stonecroft Ministries board and staff asked volunteers to send in nominations for a “Stonecroft Heart Award” recipient—someone who exemplifies the heart of Stonecroft. Because so many good nominations were received, it was decided that in addition to the Heart Award recipient, there would be twelve other honorees. In the past year, we have featured one of these women each month on Stonecroft Live. Today, we present our final honoree.
Bobbie Alexander, April’s Stonecroft Heart Award honoree, lives in Vancouver, Washington, and serves as the Chair of the Vancouver Women’s Connection. At the time of her nomination, Bobbie was a Stonecroft Bible Study Coordinator. In that position, she helped coordinate Bible study groups not only for the Women’s Connection, but also with her church and with women she met at the local YWCA and women’s shelters.
An especially sweet nomination note was from Bobbie’s husband. He wrote, “Bobbie has the wonderful ability to draw people to her. Everyone is immediately comfortable around her. Bobbie is a person who takes no credit for any good that has developed with her involvement, but gives it all to the Lord. I have been blessed to live with a loving person who I am very proud to say walks with the Lord and Stonecroft Ministries.”
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FREE AT HEART
Nicholls, Georgia—Coffee County Correctional Facility is a men-only, minimum to medium security level state prison that houses about 500 inmates. The men earn the right to be moved to this facility through their behavior.
For the past year, Special Ministries Coordinator Tina Spires has had a burden for these inmates to come into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Every Thursday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, about 18 men gather to study the Bible through a Stonecroft Bible Study. According to Tina, many of the men have stated that this is the highlight of their week.
“Because of Stonecroft Bible Studies, these men know why they’re in prison—to come to know the Lord personally and to grow in His Word,” states Tina. “They know it’s important to obey God and live their lives His way. By standing on His promises and believing in His Word, these men have a better chance of making it when released back into society.”