TIMELESS TRUTHS
Chester, New Hampshire—Arlene wanted to reach out to her neighbors in the retirement community where she lives. She opened her home for a study of Why Believe? and Pamela Cahill agree to guide.
After the first lesson, Pamela sent Stonecroft Live an e-mail to share her excitement. “During my preparations, I wondered if these women would relate to the study,” she commented. “I shouldn’t have been concerned. They loved it! They were so excited that they could communicate with their children and grandchildren the things they had learned and give a clear explanation of why they believe in God. The first lesson was a blast! I can’t wait to see what happens next week.”
The second lesson of this study will be held today. Please pray that God’s Word will continue to give understanding to each woman involved and that each will have many opportunities to share the truths she is learning with others.
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SWISS BLESSINGS
Switzerland—Hanni Berger, Stonecroft Ministries Representative in Switzerland, is praising God for the work He is doing in her country.
There are currently 280 Stonecroft Bible Studies going with six District Consulting Coordinators, 22 Consulting Coordinators, and 89 Coordinators. Throughout the year, Coordinator and Consulting Coordinators organize regional meetings designed to reach out to their communities.
Hanni had the opportunity to attend the largest gathering of Christian organizations in the French part of Switzerland and promote Stonecroft Ministries and Stonecroft Bible Studies. She was also given the opportunity to present Stonecroft at a large meeting for those who organize other studies native to the country. As a result, many have started attending Stonecroft Bible Studies.
Hanni requests that we pray for Switzerland’s Coordinators, Guides, and Hosts who desire to meet people in their communities who need Jesus. Thank you for praying along with us.
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BEHIND THE WALLS
Minersville, Pennsylvania—For about 6 years now, Ruby Willinsky and a few other women have been leading Stonecroft Bible Studies in a nearby prison. Recently, they have had an average of 20 women attend each week. Considering that the prison does not normally hold more than 25 women, that’s an impressive number.
“We have been shown favor at the prison,” explains Ruby. “For most people, there is a very strict ‘nothing in, nothing out’ policy, but those of us with Stonecroft are allowed to bring in the Stonecroft Bible Study materials, Would You Believe It? booklets, and the Bibles. We also have a few people who send in encouraging notes, Christmas cards, and Christian books to prisoners that they have committed to pray for.”
The women are only given an hour to meet, so the time has to be used wisely. If the study is slow to get going, sometimes the women will urge everyone to hurry up so they can start! Because of the high turnover rate, it’s not a given that any of the women will be there again the next week, so the Guides always try to fit the Gospel in each lesson.
When the women are released, the Stonecroft volunteers do their best to keep in touch. “We’ve had a few former prisoners attend our outreach luncheons,” says Ruby. “We also have someone who is praying about being in charge of following up with those who are released. She would help us continue to reach out to them.”
Ruby estimates that the Stonecroft volunteers have had contact with at least 200 women prisoners over the years, and most of them have been given the Gospel in some form. She encourages anyone who can to get involved in prison ministry, guaranteeing that they’ll leave blessed!
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MEET PAMELA
Chester, New Hampshire—Throughout the past year, Pamela Cahill has enjoyed speaking at Stonecroft outreach groups throughout the New England area. “I’ve been a Stonecroft volunteer since 1981, and now I’m having the time of my life speaking,” she commented. “It’s also been wonderful to encourage existing outreach groups as I visit. I love to tell them how much the Stonecroft staff cares about them and prays for them every day. When I tell them this, their faces get brighter and brighter. Since many volunteers never get to meet the staff, I get the chance to let them know how much they are loved.”
Pamela is also excited to soon be joining the Stonecroft staff as a new Field Director. “I can’t wait to stimulate women to reach people for Christ,” she commented. “I don’t want any woman not to have the opportunity to meet Jesus face to face in heaven.”
At one event where Pamela spoke, she was able to lead one woman to Jesus who had cancer. This was dear to Pamela’s heart, as her mother had cancer as well. “The Lord showed me that if I’m faithful and tell others about Him, He will draw them to the truth. We have to ask Him for the courage to share our faith, even as we face rejection. What a privilege I have had in my life to be able to share the hope of Jesus Christ with those who desperately need Him.”share your story here
READY FOR RAIN
Forsyth, Georgia—Maria Stewart is a woman of vision. When she saw a need for outreach to women in the middle of Georgia, she realized that a Stonecroft Ministries group could help meet that need.
Maria sent her request through the Stonecroft website and, since her initial contact with Stonecroft headquarters in early January, she has been on the move. After getting in touch with Stonecroft Regional Administrator Delores Burkett, the two have planned an informational meeting for February 15. Maria has found a meeting place for the gathering, has 11 women who are already planning to attend, and at least 7 more contacts.
“I can hardly be still for the enthusiasm that is abundantly running through me right now,” Maria commented. A verse that spoke to her heart recently is Isaiah 30:23, “He will also send you rain for the seed you sow in the ground, and the food that comes from the land will be rich and plentiful. . . .” “I am claiming that verse for this women’s outreach in middle Georgia,” Maria stated. “Our deepest desire is that women really gain an understanding of relational value with Jesus.”
Please pray with Maria that she and the core women who are working with
her will be able to claim their shared vision and make a difference in their
world—one person at a time!
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A CHANGE OF HEART–PART 2
Somewhere in the Midwest—In this Midwestern town, a Stonecroft Bible Study Coordinator learns how the efforts of one woman to stop a strip club from opening were altered by God.
“(Renee) and a group of women began to pray for these girls,” the Stonecroft Coordinator said. “They sent them gift baskets, invited them to parties; they befriended them.”
“Then, one of the dancers expressed an interest in knowing something about the Bible. She must have sensed the love of Christ from Renee and the other women.”
(Because of the sensitive nature of this story, the Coordinator has asked that no identifying information be revealed.)
The Coordinator was contacted and trained two new Guides in this town. Soon, Renee and another woman were guiding the Stonecroft Bible Study Who is Jesus? with two of the dancers. Others showed up on occasion. During every study, the Guides arrange for other women to pray outside the restaurant where the study is held.
Now, two of the dancers have surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ, asking forgiveness and accepting God’s free gift of grace. One of them has stopped dancing entirely.
Later this month, Renee will start a second Stonecroft Bible Study, What is God Like? Three dancers have already picked up their Study books.
“The dancers really see the love of Christ in these women,” the Coordinator reports. “They were not critical or judgmental. The Stonecroft Bible Studies are absolutely perfect for this situation.”
Pray today for opportunities to take the Gospel to those who need to experience the love of Jesus Christ and the love of His followers.
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A CHANGE OF HEART–PART 1
Somewhere in the Midwest—Many Midwestern towns of this size have ‘gentlemen clubs’ at the edge of town. When construction of one began here, one woman determined to do something about it.
She began walking and praying. She would go to the construction site to circle the building, all the while praying that God would stop this business from opening in her town. But God didn’t intervene in the construction; He changed this woman’s heart.
This is a story about the way God is using a series of Stonecroft Bible Studies to change the lives and eternal destiny of a group of strippers. Because of the sensitive nature of this story, the Stonecroft Bible Study Coordinator asked that her name, the name of the Guide, and the town not be revealed.
“I’m just a volunteer who is making these studies available. I’m not directly involved, but it is so good to know that I might have a part in what God is doing here,” said the long-time Stonecroft Coordinator.
As construction of the strip club was completed, “Renee” sensed that God wasn’t going to answer her prayer the way she had asked Him to. As she saw young women visiting the club for auditions, then report for work, her heart began to change. Instead of anger at the owners, she began to have compassion for those women.
Stonecroft LIVE! continues this story Wednesday.
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TEA FOR 30
Harlingen, Texas—After becoming a Stonecroft Bible Studies Coordinator, Ladonna Harvey felt burdened to share Christ’s love through Stonecroft Bible Studies. As a result, Ladonna—along with Stonecroft Bible Studies Guides and participants—hand-delivered invitations to all 300 homes in the retirement community where she lives, inviting residents to attend an informational tea.
The event was held in mid-December 2006 in the retirement community hall. Ladonna was blessed beyond measure by the turnout. Sixty-five women attended and 30 were interested in attending in a Bible study.
Because Ladonna knew every one who attended, she was able to direct each one into an appropriate study group. As a result of her efforts, she currently has seven studies going in her community.
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NORTH TO THE FUTURE
Soldotna, Alaska—Richard Peter, the creator of Alaska’s state motto, “North to the Future”, said this about the motto: “. . . [It] is a reminder that beyond the horizon of urban clutter there is a Great Land . . . that can provide a new tomorrow for this century’s ‘huddled masses yearning to be free.’ ”
Stonecroft leaders in Alaska, preparing the way with prayer, are truly moving beyond that so-called urban clutter, trying to reach those in the remote areas of their state with the freedom that they know only Jesus Christ can provide. For more than two years, leaders have used a map of Alaska to pray for Alaskan villages—places mostly populated by Alaskan natives and often only accessible by plane or boat. Every day they pray for a different village by name, asking God to help them reach the people living there.
Someone whom God is using to answer those prayers is Susan Lockwood, a Stonecroft Bible Study Coordinator in Soldotna. Susan, impassioned with the idea that God could use the Stonecroft Bible Studies to transform Alaskan villages, is working with other leaders to get the studies to missionaries in these locations. She says, “I feel that the native people could really learn and feel comfortable with these wonderful, powerful, but simple studies.”
Susan and the other Stonecroft leaders in Alaska are certainly heading north, and any other direction God leads, to the future, trying to ensure that many more people will find a hope and a future in God’s kingdom.
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THE KEY TO LIFE
San Antonio, Texas—During Stonecroft Field Director Paulette Staley’s 25 years of service within women’s ministry, one event in particular stands out the most to her.
“As a Stonecroft speaker, I developed a presentation that explains how Jesus is the key to life,” said Paulette. “About a year ago, I gave that speech at a girl’s detention center.” The girls, ages 11-17, had been deemed unfit for society. Many had been abused and neglected. “They couldn’t be left by themselves because many were suicidal,” she commented. “One girl’s mother dropped her off in downtown Dallas and said she was going to get a newspaper. She never came back.”
As Paulette spoke, she explained to the girls that God could be the Father they never knew. “I told them that they were daughters of the Most High God, and that they were precious. I explained that through Jesus they could have a relationship with their Heavenly Father. I offered each one of them a key and told them it represented the free gift of salvation, but they had to ask for it.” All 65 girls stood in line to receive the key. “They needed to hear that God’s door is always open—it’s never locked. It was one of the most precious days of my life.”
Please pray for Paulette as she begins her new adventure as a Stonecroft Field Director.
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BUBBLING ENTHUSIASM
Thermopolis, Wyoming—Nestled among the foothills of the Owl Creek Mountains and resting beside the Big Horn River lies the town of Thermopolis, Wyoming. As the name might suggest, it is the home of the world’s largest mineral hot spring. But healthful water is not the only thing bubbling up in Thermopolis on these frigid January days. Enthusiasm for outreach is rising to the surface as well.
When Valerie Mead attended a speaker training workshop in another part of the state, she came home with a desire for an outreach event in her community. Last fall, a group of seven women began praying with her and plans were made for a Stonecroft on the Road event. With support from women in the Worland and Powell groups, that event was held on Monday. More than 100 women attended—and half responded in some way—either expressing interest in Stonecroft Bible Studies, offering to help with the next meeting, or indicating a decision for Christ.
“It was so exciting to see their enthusiasm,” said Area Representative Georgia Leithead. “It was a frigid night, but people showed up anyway.” Plans are already in the works for the next meeting to be held on March 19. When asked about the possibility of this becoming an ongoing group, Georgia responded, “They are rearin’ to go. This is going to be the answer for a lot of families there.”
In one of God’s sweet serendipities, Bertie Eastman was the speaker for the evening. She was the woman who invited Valerie to the speaker training workshop where this whole idea was born. “I didn’t know who was going to be the speaker,” Valerie said. “When I found out it was Bertie, I was just amazed at how God works.” Best of all, around 20 women responded to the message Bertie shared about how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
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CHILDLIKE FAITH
Riverton, Wyoming—This past Christmas season was brighter for some of the kids in Riverton. Julie Stewart, who serves as Chair for the Riverton Women’s Connection, opened her home to hold a relaxed version of a Christmas Gathering designed just for kids. Julie and other volunteers from the Riverton group pooled their resources to ensure a memorable evening.
Eighteen children and 10 adults celebrated the holidays by caroling, snacking on cookies, and sipping hot chocolate by the fireplace.
Vice Chair Tracy Myers read an inspiring Christmas story and five children indicated that they wanted to accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord. What better way to add joy to the celebration of Christmas!
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TO THE FARTHEST CORNERS
Skagway, Alaska—According to www.alaska.com, more than a century ago, thousands of prospectors flooded through Skagway, Alaska, on their way to the Klondike gold fields of Canada. Today, thousands of people visit Skagway every year because of its popularity as a cruise ship stop. However, this is a town that, until now, had not been reached by Stonecroft Ministries. Just recently, a woman named Cheri discovered Stonecroft Ministries online. She was searching for discipleship materials for women in her church and came across the Stonecroft Bible Studies. She contacted Stonecroft for information and things moved quickly. Cheri has already been appointed as a Stonecroft Bible Study Coordinator and will start her first study this month. Anita Bacon, the Stonecroft Regional Administrator in Alaska, shares that God is doing great things in her state. Two years ago, He impressed on her heart a desire to reach more of the outlying villages in Alaska. Anita said that many people have been praying, and Skagway makes the fifth “out-of-the-way” place to open up to some kind of Stonecroft activity since then. (Out-of-the-way usually means that ferry or plane is the only way to get there!) Praise God that no place is out of the way for Him, and that He continues to use Stonecroft to reach people in even the farthest corners.
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YOU NEVER KNOW WHO'S LISTENING
Brackenfell, South Africa—God promises that whenever His Word goes out, it always accomplishes His purposes. At each Stonecroft outreach meeting, the speaker shares the Gospel with an audience of invited guests—but you never know who else might be listening.
Stonecroft Regional Administrator Pam Craemer shared this exciting report. “At a recent outreach meeting, a waiter at the restaurant approached the Chair following the meeting and asked how to accept Jesus as his Savior. He had been attentive to the guest speakers for several meetings. At the last meeting, all the restaurant staff stood around the perimeter of the room to listen—and this man responded.” Please pray that God’s Word will find receptive hearts at every outreach meeting—in restaurant staff as well as invited guests.
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FIXING EYES IN OKLAHOMA
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” —Hebrews 12:2-3, NIV
Sulphur, Oklahoma—The Stonecroft Ministries Resource Center received an order this week for 42 Stonecroft Bible Studies for use in three jails in southern Oklahoma.
Coordinator Doris Row requested the studies and, with three friends, will continue the ministry to inmates she started more than 25 years ago.
Weekly, these women go to the Ardmore, Madill, and Tishomingo county jails and lead groups of women through Bible studies.
“Sometimes they don’t do their lesson at all, and sometimes they have the whole study book done the next time we see them,” Doris said.
Her mission to reach those in prison began in 1979 when she visited a friend’s son in a Kansas jail. As she prayed about what to do next, Doris was led to start a Bible study for women in the jail.
Now living in Oklahoma, Doris focuses most of her energies on helping women adjust to getting out of prison. Friends of hers go weekly to hold the Bible studies.
“These studies are just perfect,” she said. “We are so full of joy when God’s Word does a work in one of these women. We see a lot of failures, but we focus on scripture and do not get weary of doing good.”
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STEPPING OUT
Morristown, Tennessee—Stepping Out, Inc., founded and directed by Patrice Puglise, reaches out to the less fortunate in Morristown. Many are illiterate or live in a low-income situation. Stepping Out offers workshops on sewing, adult education, increasing self-esteem, and more. Many people are coming to Christ because of the vision of Patrice and her team. Because of her past involvement with Stonecroft outreach groups, Patrice was interested in using Stonecroft Bible Studies* to help these new Christians grow.
One of Stepping Out’s clients is Cemille**, who at 45, had not dealt with anger and the feelings of rejection she had faced throughout her life. During the course of one Stonecroft Bible Study, Cemille was asked to assist the Guide of the group.
Under this new responsibility, Cemille has flourished. She is not only learning more about Jesus, “but she is learning to like herself,” says Patrice. Cemille no longer feels like an outsider, but like a valued member of the group, which has increased her self-esteem and given her a more positive outlook.
Currently, Stepping Out has five Stonecroft Bible Studies groups going with 23 people participating. According to Patrice, “[The participants] are excited about their studies and [are] always inquiring what the next study is about.” Patrice and her team hope to start more studies this year.
*Stonecroft Bible Studies are available at no cost to those who cannot afford to pay. For more information, please contact the Stonecroft Bible Studies Program at biblestudies@stoneroft.org or (800) 525-8627.
**Name has been changed.
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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.
Maye Jepson, the January Heart Award honoree, has made an impact on the Stonecroft volunteers she serves with. A Stonecroft Regional Administrator and Regional Speaker Trainer, Maye is highly thought of, as revealed in her nomination letters.
One friend created an acrostic about her from the word “heart.” It was so good that we want to share excerpts of it with you!
H – Helpful. Maye increases her ability to spread the Gospel by helping other speakers to be effective. She answers every question, offers suggestions, and keeps us connected.
E – Enthusiastically Encourages. Anyone who knows Maye knows these two words are synonymous with her on most every subject. She always reminds us of the mission that she is on and her enthusiasm and encouragement take us with her.
A – Attitude. Maye always displays a positive attitude and doesn’t let us dwell on the negatives.
R – Reliable and Ready. When she decides to do something, it is not only done in a timely manner, but done very well.
T – Tough, Tender, and Tireless. She is tough enough to take whatever life throws at her, but she is always tender with others. She’s tireless, spending an enormous amount of time giving her heart to others through this ministry.
As another nominee says, “If it were not for positive people like Maye, the grassroots of Stonecroft would not be as strong today. She exemplifies the role model of a Stonecroft volunteer. The threads of kindness, patience, and positive evangelism are interwoven in the beautiful fabric of her life.”
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THE BEST PART
Toledo, Ohio—“The decisions that were made for Christ were the best part,” said Beth Renken about the Christmas outreach events that were held at her church, Westgate Chapel, last month. The events, which included dinner and a program, were held over three nights and drew 1,890 people. “We know of 44 people who prayed to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, but I believe there were even more that we didn’t hear about,” commented Beth.
Another exciting aspect was that 66 people who attended expressed interest in joining Stonecroft Bible Studies. “I love Stonecroft Bible Studies because each one of them has something in them about salvation,” commented Beth. “You also don’t have to be a Bible scholar to understand them. They work so well because they are full of truth.”
Westgate Chapel started the Christmas events five years ago, which have become very popular in the area. “I handled reservations and we were afraid we wouldn’t have enough room for everyone,” said Beth. “We didn’t want to turn anyone away. As I talked to people over the phone, I realized how much pain is out there--and I was reminded how much people need to hear about Jesus.”
Beth is extremely thankful that God blessed the events in such a miraculous way. “Everything went beautifully,” she said. “All the praise goes to Him!”
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THE GREATEST STORY OF ALL
Kansas City, Missouri—Geneva Greenfield is known around town for her animated storytelling abilities. She relays exciting stories to children in churches, libraries, and schools. Recently, she decided to pair her creative talents with Stonecroft Ministries at a Christmas Gathering that she hosted in her home. “She is very talented,” commented Community Liaison Marshelle Lyons. “At the Christmas Gathering, she was able to tell the story of the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ.”
Geneva tried to personally invite women to the gathering. Out of the 15 women she invited, 12 attended. Many came who were not familiar with Jesus Christ. Although Geneva does not know if anyone prayed to receive Christ as their personal Savior, she is praying about inviting the women to a Stonecroft Bible Study in her home.
Christmas Gatherings are often a wonderful way to start Stonecroft Bible Studies in your area. “It’s a great way to share Jesus with others and open the door to begin Bible studies,” said Marshelle. “Once someone has been in your home, they feel more comfortable coming back. I enjoy these gatherings because people’s hearts are more open to hearing about Jesus around the holidays. There is so much love in the air throughout the season.”
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BIBLE STUDY FOLLOWS CHRISTMAS GATHERING
Westport, Oregon—When Faye and Gary Miller began planning a Christmas Gathering to introduce Jesus Christ to their friends and neighbors, the names of people they wanted to invite just kept growing.
By the time Saturday, Dec. 23rd came around, the Millers had decided to make it a pot-luck and secured a local community hall.
Early that morning, the two prayed. “We asked God for His Spirit to soften hearts and to bring a sense of order and peace for everyone attending. But most of all we asked that His Gospel would pierce hearts and reach those whom He is missing most. In short, we gave the day and our much loved guests to the Lord!” Faye wrote.
The guests who arrived, including family, new friends, old friends, neighbors and others, numbered 80. As they enjoyed dinner together, each table was given a topic to discuss: their favorite Christmas memories.
After a fun game, the guests were invited to come forward and share their favorite Christmas memory. Then, Gary and Faye worked together to share the true meaning of Christmas. The Millers knew of several children and many adults who had never heard about Jesus Christ and why He came to earth.
Though the Millers don’t know how many prayed with them to begin a relationship with Jesus that night, several of those at the Christmas Gathering agreed to start a Stonecroft Bible Study this week.