HAPPY NEW YEAR!
There is a line from the poem New Year’s Morning by Helen Hunt Jackson that reads:
All days are sacred days to wake
New gladness in the sunny air.
That sentiment is what we strive for at Stonecroft Live—waking new gladness each day we post a story. It’s our hope that your hearts are made glad as you read about all the tremendous things God is doing through Stonecroft Ministries.
Since the inception of Stonecroft Live, we have covered stories in 45 states and 13 countries, including 4 Canadian provinces. In the year ahead, we would love to include the rest of the states and even more countries. If you have a story to share, click on the "share your story here!" link below.
If you are looking for a New Beginning, you can learn more here. To all of our readers, may God richly bless you and your family in 2007!
share your story here!
THE POWER OF GOD
Thousand Oaks, California— Carol Ranschau, the Team Coordinator for the Thousand Oaks California Women’s Connection, realizes how important it is to help Christians grow in God’s Word. “I follow up with each person who makes a decision for Jesus Christ in the groups and invite them to a Stonecroft Bible Study,” commented Carol.
The group has more than 10 Bible studies going in the area, and they expect many more to take off soon! “It’s exciting—many of the women coming to the studies have been in church for years, but have never had a personal relationship with Jesus until now. I’m amazed at how many people have never studied God’s Word. We have one new Christian who is so excited that she wants to join every one going!”
Prayer also plays a key role. “Several of us meet weekly and pray for the Bible studies—this has been a big factor,” she said. “Seeing the results has been thrilling for me. You certainly receive far more than you give!”
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DETENTION CENTER BLESSINGS
Naples, Florida—Every Tuesday evening from 6 to 7 pm, Special Ministries Coordinator Dona Harris, along with Guide Victoria Casey, go into Collier County Juvenile Detention Center to share Christ with Stonecroft Bible Studies.
The teens at the center are led in separate groups through Who is Jesus?, What is God Like?, and Where is the Holy Spirit? While the group of girls is slightly smaller than the boys’, lives are being touched.
There are decisions every week. During the first lesson of Who is Jesus?, three fourths of the teen girls prayed to receive Christ! They are given a Would You Believe It? booklet as a reminder of their commitment. Each teen leaves with a Good News New Testament, too, for added help along the way.
God continues to bless Dona and Victoria. “The blessing has been that these girls haven’t heard about Jesus Christ before,” says Dona. “It’s such a blessing to see the Holy Spirit work as they learn about Jesus.”
Some of the teens end up back at the detention center after being released because for some, the detention center provides a better quality of life than their own home life.
Each teen needs our prayers to stay focused on God. Pray for the continued spiritual growth of these new Christians who have been released. Also, pray for their safety after leaving the shelter of the center.
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MERRY CHRISTMAS
The staff at Stonecroft Ministries wants to wish you a joy-filled Christmas. Your next few days may be filled with much noise—Christmas carols, stores filled with people, and happy voices of family. We hope that in the midst of it all, you will find time to spend some peaceful moments with Jesus, the One whose birth we are celebrating.
On an ordinary day 2000 years ago, a baby like no other would be born. He was God come to earth, our way to heaven. This extraordinary, miraculous event instantly began changing lives and has continued to do so ever since. Because of the birth of Jesus, Stonecroft Ministries exists and is able to provide a way for people to experience those life transformations. As one man said after responding to the Gospel at a Stonecroft Guest Night recently, “I am not the same man. You will never know how much this means to me!”
If you don’t know Jesus as your Savior and would like to know more about the new life He offers, you can learn more about finding a New Beginning. In this Christmas season, may Jesus be to you a Wonderful Counselor, a Mighty God, an Everlasting Father, and a Prince of Peace.
View a Christmas greeting from Stonecroft.
Stonecroft Live stories will continue again on December 27.
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CASTING THE NET
Sheboygan, Wisconsin—“I believe that Christmas Gatherings are one of the best tools that we have to reach people for Jesus Christ,” said Stonecroft Speaker Doris Steinberg. Christmas Gatherings, holiday events usually held in homes, offer a chance for neighbors and others to connect with one another and hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.
In 1991, Doris hosted her first Christmas Gathering. Since that time, 900 Christmas Gatherings have been held in eastern Wisconsin and 300 follow-up Stonecroft Bible Studies have begun.
One gathering this month, held in Sheboygan, attracted 24 women. Almost all of the women indicated that they had prayed to receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, and four said that they would like to join Stonecroft Bible Studies.
“What is going on here in Wisconsin is awesome,” commented Doris. “In today’s world, how do you reach your neighbors? I love these gatherings because you can invite those next door to you, as well as cast your net even farther. I encourage hostesses to invite at least 30 to 40 people.”
“This format works well with any type of a group that has something in common,” explained Doris. “Think about involving churches, too. Churches in our area have latched onto these gatherings since they work so well. Pray about this because there are so many who need the hope of Jesus!”
If you would like to learn more about hosting a Christmas Gathering, please call 1-800-525-8627 or email biblestudies@stonecroft.org.
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PLANTING SEEDS
Madras, Oregon—Sharing the Gospel message is a lot like gardening. Sometimes, you just plant the seeds of God’s Word in a person’s life. Sometimes, you are adding a little water to help that message germinate. And sometimes, you have the joy of seeing a harvest as a person begins a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. But, no matter what stage of the process you happen to be involved in, God assures us that whenever His Word is shared, the results are never in vain.
It was planting time at a recent Stonecroft on the Road in Madras, Oregon. The weather in the Pacific Northwest has been treacherous lately, so organizers are thankful that 40 people attended. It was a wonderful, meaningful meeting. The Christian caterers who provided food for the event sat in the back and silently prayed for speaker Karen Danielson, as she shared how to know Jesus Christ personally. Although no one indicated a decision for Christ, the women seemed receptive to what they heard.
Please pray that the Gospel seeds that were planted at that meeting will take root in hearts and result in a harvest of salvation in this community.share your story here!
BANNERS HIGH
Kansas City, Missouri—Robyn Roberts prayed for her younger brother for years and years. She asked others to pray and she asked God to send people into Gary’s life who knew Him and could talk clearly about their relationship with Him.
In April this year, Robyn attended IMPACT ’06. As hundreds of others did, she wrote the names of those she knew and loved on a banner. Filled with about 2,500 names, that banner was brought back to Stonecroft headquarters and the staff began to pray for the salvation of those listed.
Gary was one of them. Earlier this month, the staff completed the project. Every person whose name was listed on the banner had been prayed for.
Robyn, a Stonecroft staffer herself, accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior in 8th grade. Her younger brother Gary had not. However, earlier this year, as he attended church with his wife, Gary heard the salvation message again. This time he was compelled to go forward and surrender his life to Jesus Christ.
Robyn says she believes in the power of prayer. She knows God honored the prayers of those who asked God to reveal to Gary the truth of His love and His gift of salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“I’m awed at the way God has used that prayer banner in the life of my family and so many others,” Robyn said. Gary is one of several who had their names written on the banner and now have begun a relationship with Jesus Christ as their Savior.
Maybe you know another.
Did you write a name on the prayer banner at IMPACT ’06? Has that person accepted Jesus as Savior? We’d like to hear about it. Use the link below to tell your story.
PRAYER WORKS
Ocean Shores, Washington—Chair Brenda Peterson is praising God for the new Stonecroft Bible Study that has started in Ocean Shores. For several months, Brenda and the volunteers from the Aberdeen Washington Grays Harbor Christian Women’s Club have been praying for a study to start in this town.
Every Wednesday at 6:30 pm, a group of women are joining together for Connecting With God: A Guide to Prayer. Guide Janet Cunningham is praising the Lord for this opportunity to lead her peers through the Word of God.
Brenda, along with other volunteers, has been praying since April for contacts and the other groundwork needed for a Stonecroft on the Road event in Ocean Shores. They praise God that in His timing, He is opening doors to reach that community.
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SOMETHING NEW IN NEW FREEDOM
New Freedom, Pennsylvania—We all like new things, don’t we? Newly fallen snow, new babies, the start of a new year. There’s something pure and cheerful and hopeful about them. It’s the same when a new outreach group starts—there’s excitement and anticipation for what the future holds. That’s what’s going on in New Freedom, where a new group just had its second meeting this week.
As Stonecroft Regional Administrator LuAnn Davis talked about this second meeting, she couldn’t help but mention the potential she sees for the group. Even though the number of women who came was fewer than the first meeting, there were still 11 who offered their assistance with future meetings. A good variety of women attend, with their average age somewhere in the 30s. Two-thirds of the Planning Team is already in place, and the group meets in a great location that graciously provides a room for a nursery free of charge.
“There was definite fruit from this meeting,” LuAnn explains, sharing that those involved have great vision for outreach. “We had one woman sponsor a table of women last time and two tables this time. When she had a couple empty spots, she invited women from Wal-Mart and Wendy’s to come! Without a doubt, God is going to be doing something amazing in New Freedom!”
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ONE MORE TIME
Clatskanie, Oregon—Faye Miller, a Stonecroft District Consulting Coordinator, knows how intimidating it can be to invite someone to an outreach event. At a recent Christmas event, held by the Clatskanie Oregon and Woodland Washington Women’s Connections, she stepped out of her comfort zone to invite family members who needed the hope of Jesus Christ.
“I had to overcome the fear of asking them one more time, but I did,” commented Faye. “The day went by and they finally called me back and said yes! That night, the speaker started by asking, ‘Have you ever felt hopeless?’ I could see them …straining to hear every word.”
Not only were they inspired by the event, they also agreed to join a Stonecroft Bible Study to learn more about God.
The evening reminded Faye how important it is to continue inviting people to events, so that they can hear about the Good News of Jesus Christ. “I sent out an e-mail blast with an appeal to go the second mile and invite—even at the last minute,” said Faye. “Our reservations went from 75 to 90. Beside couples, 15 teens attended—some brought by grandmas and moms!”
In Faye’s e-mail, she stressed that we may be the only Jesus that people will ever see. “There are some who may live next door, some we may work with, others we pass in the grocery store who have never heard that there is One who loves them and misses them,” wrote Faye. “They are the ones Jesus is missing most! If you are thinking of someone who fits that category, I want to nudge you to make a call and invite them. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!”
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GROWING AND GLOWING
Bradford, Pennsylvania—Pastor Ed Hillard is thankful for the way God has used Stonecroft Bible Studies as a small group ministry for his congregation. Last week, all the small groups met together for a time to share stories about what God has done and to pray and praise Him together.
“It was a delight,” Pastor Ed reported. “Many told how God’s Word gave new insights into their walk with the Lord. Several Guides are grateful for the ease of leading Stonecroft studies. Many commented that they learned more than those in their groups. As a direct result of these studies, at least one person prayed to receive Christ as Savior. Another woman, who is growing in her faith, led her ex-husband to faith in Christ. Less than two weeks later, this man entered the presence of his newly found Savior. Wow!”
The groups are taking a break for the Christmas holidays, but most plan to start again in the new year with the expectation of reaching others with the truth of God’s Word.
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A BANNER DAY
Kansas City, Missouri—This week, the Stonecroft staff completed a prayer project that began at IMPACT ’06 in April.
IMPACT participants were invited to write on a four-foot by ten-foot banner the names of friends and family who had not begun a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. For eight months, the Stonecroft staff has included in their morning prayer time those people who had their names written on the banner. As each was prayed for, the name was highlighted.
“This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3, NIV).
Now, every name on the banner has been highlighted and prayed for. There are about 2,500 names on the banner; about 18 people were prayed for each day.
“The staff is dedicated to praying for our volunteer leaders, outreach groups, and other events each day,” said Traci Jackson, Prayer Development Assistant. “It was a privilege for us to partner with our friends from IMPACT and pray for the salvation of their family and friends by name.”
The banner will be displayed at IMPACT ’08, held October 9-12, 2008.
It was first written about in Stonecroft LIVE on
May 8. Since that time, we’ve learned that
at least four people who had their names written on it have begun a relationship
with Jesus Christ as their Savior.
Maybe you know of someone.
Did you write a name on the prayer banner at IMPACT ’06? Has that person accepted Jesus as Savior? We’d like to hear about it. Use the link below to tell your story. Summaries of these stories will be posted next Tuesday, Dec. 19.
share your story here!
VETERANS STUDY
Fayetteville, North Carolina—Last week at the Veterans Nursing Home in Fayetteville, Consulting Coordinator Lynne O’Quinn presented Stonecroft Bible Studies to the nursing home’s chaplain. Lynne was thrilled when the chaplain agreed to use these studies as a way to reach out with the love of Christ to the veterans and their wives living at the facility.
Lynne expects to have about 20 participants in the study and is excited to see how God will work in their midst. The group is starting Who is Jesus? as soon as possible. While she knows there will be challenges, Lynne is confident that the Lord has opened this door so that many more will know Jesus Christ in a personal way.
Please pray with Lynne for the veterans and their wives to respond positively to what they learn in this study. Pray also that the staff of the nursing home will also become involved in the study and come to know Christ personally.
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A MEANINGFUL LUNCH
West Des Moines, Iowa—Lunch for working women is often easily forgettable, eaten hurriedly, if at all. For about 50 women in West Des Moines on Tuesday, lunch was different. Over their lunch hour, these women attended a Stonecroft on the Road—a one-time outreach meeting in a location that does not have a group that meets regularly.
Regional Representative Jeanne Chapman and Stonecroft Regional Administrator Karen Langstraat coordinated the luncheon. Held at a fun 50’s type diner conveniently located very close to a large number of businesses, there was a festive spirit. A professional chef handed out Christmas goodies to the women as they arrived. Beautiful Christmas music filled the air as a pianist and violinist played.
Karen was the speaker for the event, and at least two women indicated that they prayed with her, asking Jesus Christ to be their Savior. A large number of other women offered to help in the future, making it a good possibility that this group will begin meeting regularly.
“We were really pleased with those who attended,” says Jeanne. “We know that some who were there came simply to support us, but most were businesswomen—those we were trying to reach. We noticed that many stayed around visiting even after the meeting was over. We have plans to meet again in January and we hope that meeting will be as good as this one.”share your story here!
THE HANDS AND FEET OF CHRIST
Kansas City, Missouri —Stonecroft staff members helped “Stuff a Truck” for City Union Mission, an area homeless shelter, on November 18, 2006. The project supplies the Mission with food that is used to feed the poor and homeless throughout the year. Volunteers handed out vouchers at local grocery stores that customers could turn in to purchase bags of groceries for those in need.
“It is Stonecroft’s desire to help those who are having a difficult time,” said Community Liaison Marshelle Lyons. “Christ was all about giving, so we need to be, too. I want Stonecroft to be the hands and feet of Christ.”
This year, “Stuff a Truck” raised nearly $80,000 for City Union Mission. The store where the Stonecroft staff volunteered raised several thousand dollars towards the total amount.
Stonecroft staffers also participated in Operation Christmas Child, collecting 83 shoeboxes filled with gifts for children in need around the world. “These shoeboxes are a tangible way to share God’s love,” commented Susan Collard, who coordinated the drive. “For many children who receive a shoebox, this is the first time they have ever received a gift. It such a joy to prayerfully plan and pack things that will be fun and useful for them. Best of all, along with the shoeboxes, each child receives a Gospel booklet that presents God’s gift of salvation through Jesus. It’s exciting to hear the stories of children, families, and even communities that have been changed for eternity because they learned of God’s love through these shoebox gifts. That keeps me motivated to participate in Operation Christmas Child!”
At this Christmas season, and all through the year, be praying about ways that you can touch those around you with Jesus, as well!share your story here!
THINKING BIG IN TEXAS
Montgomery, Texas—Bob Ramey possesses Texas-size enthusiasm for Stonecroft Bible Studies. In promoting the Bible studies at Lakeside Bible Church, his home church, he has transmitted that enthusiasm to others.
In November, Bob presented Stonecroft Bible Studies to the entire congregation, explaining the opportunities they provide for outreach to friends and neighbors and for personal spiritual growth. So far, 20 people have signed up to be Guides. Bob is hoping that even more will join the effort as he promotes the studies two more times this month. Bob, with his wife Barb, serves Stonecroft Ministries in the Development department.
Tomorrow, an orientation meeting will be held for all potential Guides and Hosts. Those attending will receive invitations to distribute for the Bible studies in their neighborhoods.
The projected launch date for all these new studies at Lakeside Bible Church is the first week in January. Will you pray with Bob that God will use them in a mighty way in the lives of each person involved? This church is eagerly anticipating what God will do.
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SHORT SENTENCES, LONG ETERNITY
Kansas City, Missouri—In a prison near Arrowhead Stadium (the home of the Kansas City Chiefs), a group of women bring the Gospel to those incarcerated there.
Using Stonecroft Ministries Bible Study titled Life’s New Beginning, the women from Canaan Worship Center explain the saving grace of Jesus Christ to women serving short prison sentences at this facility.
“We are led down to the dormitory area where the women are hanging around and we tell them who we are and why we are there,” said Marshelle Lyons, one of the women who visits the prison. “Those who want to study the Bible with us go upstairs with us and we begin.”
Marshelle is the Community Liaison for Stonecroft Ministries Headquarters, located about 10 miles from the prison. She and the other two women visit the prison once a month. Usually, about a dozen women attend the Bible study. Often they don’t encounter the same prisoners more than once or twice, since the facility is used for those serving short sentences.
Often, the Bible study Guides don’t even get a chance to finish one lesson during their visit as the inmates have so many questions about the Bible and about God.
“Most of the women there have been in church at some point in their lives; they just have gotten away from the Lord. They want to start over and they are very grateful to hear of God’s love for them,” Marshelle said.
Pray for those in prison, that they would understand God’s grace and love for them today.
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YMCA OUTREACH
Tampa, Florida—A local YMCA has opened its doors for members and nonmembers alike to attend Stonecroft Bible Studies in its conference room every Tuesday. Along with Guide Jackie Cox, Consulting Coordinator Dinah Dees currently co-guides Connecting With God—A Guide to Prayer. (A study of Examine the Evidence has already been completed.)
Many of the twelve women in the study group do not attend church regularly. “What a tremendous outreach!” Dinah exclaimed.
The YMCA allowed Dinah to advertise throughout the facility. Many of the women found out about the study by reading an invitation on the stall doors in the restroom!
Dinah’s desire is to start another study with women who have not yet been involved. Pray that God will open the doors in His timing for this to take place.
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STONECROFT HEART AWARD HONOREE
Kansas City, Missouri—Prior to IMPACT ’06 (April 24-26), 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. Every month, we feature one of these honorees on Stonecroft Live.
“Jo’s
entire life embodies what this ministry is all about.” So begins the
nomination of Jo Knipe by a close friend. Jo, a Stonecroft
Bible Studies District Consulting Coordinator in Maryland, has long served
wholeheartedly as a supporter, cheerleader, and visionary for Stonecroft Ministries.
The nomination goes on to say, “Jo is more than just an ambassador for Stonecroft—she is a friend and mentor. She exemplifies Christlike love, wisdom, and beauty. She is giving, thoughtful, and kind. It must also be noted that she is FUN! She has an infectious sense of humor. She is generous with her time and possessions, opening her home to anyone in need. Jo Knipe is God’s woman and I am honored to call her my friend.”
It’s also important to note that Jo has not been alone in her work with Stonecroft. She and her husband Frank have been extremely influential in their work with the Stonecroft Couples ministry. Countless men and women have met Jesus and experienced changed lives as Frank and Jo have reached out to them. It is a privilege to count both Jo and Frank as part of the Stonecroft team!
