SINGLE MEETINGS
Gambrills, Maryland—Consulting Coordinator Jo Knipe is excited about what God is doing in her area. Her church is taking an active role in getting singles into the Word of God.
Two of the singles groups at Jo’s church are reaching out to several surrounding communities as they study Stonecroft Bible Studies.
Fourteen single parents gather each Monday evening with their children to have dinner, fellowship and Bible study. This fall the adults plan on studying the Stonecroft Bible study of James while their kids are busy doing homework. Jo is hoping to get two new Guides out of this study.
A single women’s group also meets Monday evenings with an average attendance of 30 each week. Beginning in the fall, these working women will start Knowing God’s Will with hopes of bringing in women who have recently graduated from college. They’re even planning to start eating with the single parent’s group and then break up to do study the Bible.
Jo is elated over how much these single men and women are learning about the Bible and fellowshipping together in the process. Jo states, “We hope to have an outreach group develop out of these singles groups.”
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30 YEARS OF JOY
Brookings, South Dakota—In 2008, Stonecroft Ministries will celebrate its 70th anniversary. The longevity of the ministry can in large part be attributed to its faithful volunteers. One of those volunteers is Ellen Schwenk.
More than 30 years ago, Ellen was a young teacher’s wife. Being new in town, she didn’t know many people yet. When her pastor’s wife invited her to a Christian Women’s Club, she took her two kids to the nursery, attended the luncheon, and loved it. She soon became active in the prayer groups and the Stonecroft Bible studies.
“I learned the Word and how to apply it,” says Ellen. “I also served in several capacities in the Christian Women’s Club, including the Chair in 1976. Now, 30 years later, I am Chair again—after raising 5 children, getting a master’s degree, and teaching.”
At the outreach meeting in June, Ellen reports that there were 20 women who prayed the prayer of salvation with the speaker! No doubt it’s results like those that make Ellen glad she has been a part of this ministry for so long.
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ALL BECAUSE OF PRAYER
Tulsa, Oklahoma—Joan Beaver, a Regional Administrator, is rejoicing about more than 25 decisions being made for Christ this month at Stonecroft meetings in the Tulsa area. “It has been an exciting month,” commented Joan. “God has been doing good things in this area. I believe it’s all because of prayer!”
Speaker Pam Schram from Nebraska made the rounds the week of July 10. On Monday night, she spoke at the Tulsa Christian Women’s Club, where several women accepted Christ as their personal Savior.
On Wednesday, 186 people welcomed Pam at the Broken Arrow Christian Women’s Club, including 25 first-timers. At this meeting, 22 women asked Jesus into their hearts. “This group almost always has first-timers,” said Joan. “They get out there and invite!”
More decisions for Christ were made on Thursday, as Pam spoke to the Bartlesville Christian Women’s Club. Joan is also anxiously waiting to hear the results from the Tulsa Christian Business and Professional Women’s luncheon that was held on Saturday, July 15.
“Pam is such a dramatic speaker,” commented Joan. “She talked about the struggles she faced being adopted, and how she found acceptance through Jesus and overcame her fears. Her story draws you in.”
It’s always exciting to hear about decisions for Christ, but Joan also challenges groups not to be discouraged if decisions are not indicated at a meeting. “It’s so encouraging to have that evidence, but there may be decisions that you don’t hear about,” she said. Sometimes those who hear the Gospel at a meeting don’t respond immediately, but they may invite Jesus into their lives afterwards. Joan’s advice…“Keep praying!”
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CONNECTING IN ALASKA
Eagle River, Alaska—When a child connects the dots, a picture appears. When people involved in Stonecroft make connections, a picture of another kind appears—a picture of God at work.
Pat Abernathy, a Stonecroft leader from Oregon, had a special connection to Eagle River. The town used to be her home—and Pat had the desire to have a Stonecroft on the Road there.
Pat had a connection with one woman in Eagle River—and that woman knew Joy Leedham. Joy had been involved with a Stonecroft group in Alaska and understood the purpose and goals of our meetings. Joy also knew many of the business owners in Eagle River—and a caterer.
The other key connection in Eagle River was Kim Walker. Kim worked with several churches in the area and knew many women there.
“Pat came to visit Alaska in May,” Stonecroft Development Leader Anita Bacon remembers. “She was not able to get a group together for planning at that time. But by the time I returned home from vacation, Joy and Kim had picked up the ball and had two planning meetings already!”
The “Ladies Night Out” Stonecroft on the Road event was held Thursday, July 20. Over 110 people attended. “Everything was so fun,” Anita said. “The atmosphere was bright and festive. The desserts were delicious. We invited people from various professions and we saluted each group with chocolate hugs and kisses. Sandi Ausland, who was one of the originators of Stonecroft on the Road, was our speaker. God used her in a wonderful way. Ten women asked for booklets telling how to begin a personal relationship with Christ.”
Stonecroft Bible Studies were promoted at the meeting and a follow-up study of Life’s New Beginning starts tomorrow. At least seven women will be in attendance.
“It was worth it all,” Anita said. “God affirmed us so many times, despite much opposition.”
Interest is high in having another Stonecroft event in Eagle River. A Stonecroft on the Road is also in the works in the late fall or winter for the community of Willow.
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THE BUDDY SYSTEM
Katy, Texas—Increasing the attendance at Prayer Connections is a priority for the Katy Texas Christian Women’s Connection. In June, Chair Cathie Lobpries decided to take action.
Each Planning Team member is encouraged to befriend a new outreach group attendee. The Planning Team member then invites and personally drives her new friend to the monthly Prayer Connection. They call it the “buddy system.”
Cathie’s goal when she became Chair in May was to emphasize the Prayer Connections and Stonecroft Stonecroft Bible Studies.
At the June Prayer Connection, three ladies attended for the first time. Last Thursday, at their July Prayer Connection, there were two women new to Prayer Connections. And they now this team has an FBC Team Coordinator.
“We needed to evangelize the women we lived near,” Cathie says. “I feel in my heart that we need to do everything for the glory of the Lord, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
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BIGGER THAN THEMSELVES
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe—Tapiwa Chizana is a leader in a young, vibrant church in Bulawayo, the second largest city in Zimbabwe. He is in his 20s and works as an accountant.
“Young people want to be involved or caught up in something bigger than themselves,” he said. “Church is a big family, as well as outward looking. We are trying to build cross-culturally here.”
Tapiwa, or Taps as his friends refer to him, said the church includes Africans, Indians, Caucasians, and members of several distinct tribes. “We sing songs each weekend in at least three languages,” he said.
While visiting a friend in Cape Town, South Africa, he heard of Stonecroft Ministries and the Bible studies it publishes. He met with a local Coordinator of Bible studies and attended a day-long training session held by a U.S. delegation from Stonecroft in May. Taps hopes to begin several Stonecroft Bible Studies in the area soon.
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A FORTUNATE MISTAKE
Fountain Hills, Arizona—There are not many times when we can say we’re glad that we’ve made a mistake. However, Judith Scharfenberg, a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, recently shared a story about two women who made a positive, life-changing mistake.
After speaking at the Fountain Hills Women’s Connection, Judith was standing with the Chair at the door, greeting the guests as they left. Two women approached them and explained that they had attended the meeting in error. They were members at the country club, and thought it was another club meeting.
Judith assured them that it was okay that they had attended, and asked if they had enjoyed themselves. The women replied that they loved every part of it—the lunch, the people, and Judith’s story. This gave Judith the chance to ask if they had prayed with her to accept Jesus Christ as Savior. They both nodded in agreement.
“I pulled them close and gave each one a big hug,” says Judith. “I handed them A New Beginning booklet and encouraged them to come back. I told them, ‘Believe me when I tell you that this is going to stand out as a great day in your lives.’ ”
It was a great day—a day with a mistake that turned out to be not a mistake, but an appointment made by God.
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A NEW BEGINNING
“…Whatever you did for…the least of these…you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
Kansas City, Missouri—Jesus tells us in Matthew 25 that when we visit someone in prison, it’s like visiting Him. Canaan Worship Center takes this seriously.
One Saturday a month, a group from the church visits a women’s correctional facility in the area. The first time they went, they brought a choir along, as well as a sermon and skit that presented the hope of Jesus Christ.
The Stonecroft staff had been praying that the group would be allowed to take Stonecroft Bible Studies with them. God answered that prayer. Last week, they were able to take the study Life’s New Beginning.
Fourteen women attended the Bible study. Marshelle Lyons, Stonecroft’s Community Liaison, who goes with the church group, commented that the women had all previously accepted Jesus as their personal Savior, and were excited about the chance to grow.
“They really enjoyed Life’s New Beginning,” said Marshelle. “They loved that they were each given their own personal book and a Good News New Testament. Since not all of them are familiar with the Bible, it helps that the study tells you what page numbers to turn to in the Bible.”
“At first they were hesitant to talk, but soon they were participating and reading out loud,” she said. “They were even asking for hugs at the end.”
One lady asked Marshelle for an extra book for her friend. Instead, Marshelle encouraged her to share her book with her friend and share the love of Christ with her, as well. “By encouraging her to witness, my hope is that her friend will join us next time, and realize that she needs Jesus, too. I want these women to know how to share their faith, so we can reach more people for Christ!”
Marshelle’s hope is to be given permission to visit the facility more often. “We are grateful to be able to go once a month, but my goal is to be able to visit every Saturday, so that we can make even more of an impact.”
Please pray that God will open these doors!
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AVON CALLING?
Clatskanie, Oregon—What do you get when you combine eight health and beauty representatives, one singing Avon lady, an energetic speaker, and 61 women? You get an exciting “Girls Night Out,” that’s what!
The Clatskanie Women’s Connection’s July meeting was a resounding success. As the feature for the evening, eight local business representatives from the health and beauty field pampered guests with their products and services. Each representative also gave away a gift to one selected attendee. The feature proved to be a great draw to the community—more than one-third of those who attended were new to the group.
Music for the evening was provided by Marsha Hendricks, the local Avon lady. Then speaker Faye Marie Miller shared her life story of the amazing makeover she experienced that was more than skin deep.
One sixteen-year-old guest, who was a friend of Faye Marie’s granddaughter, prayed to receive Christ that night. On her comment card, she wrote, “I have been afraid to give my life to Christ, but tonight I gave my life fully to Him!”
Within two days, this young woman and six others who had attended the meeting were in a follow-up Bible study being guided by Faye Marie. “God’s story goes on and on,” Faye rejoiced. “How often do you get to be midwife and nanny to one who comes to the Lord through His story through you?”share your story here!
BIBLE STUDY EXPLOSION IN ROMANIA
On the road in Romania—Maria and Peter Ursu make their home in California, but their hearts are captivated by Romania. Peter is a native of the country, and he and Maria have a great desire to see Romanians come to know Jesus personally.
This month, they were part of a team that provided medical ministry in a camp in Sibiu. When those two weeks concluded, they began traveling the country sharing God’s love and promoting Stonecroft Bible Studies. Thus far, interest in the Bible studies has been shown in the towns of Rosia, Timisoara, Brasov, and Sebes Alba.
Mimi, a pastor’s wife, is planning a ladies Bible study day for 30 women from several villages. Besides time to get acquainted and share a meal, the program includes time for worship, prayer, the sharing of the Gospel, and the introduction of Stonecroft Bible Studies. The women will then have the opportunity to sign up for Bible studies, which will meet in small cell groups during the week. Mimi’s vision is to hold these large events quarterly and invite women from different villages each time. She hopes to cover all the villages in Sibiu County, as well as recommend and train new Guides.
The Ursus have also visited several orphanages, assisted medical teams, and visited a care center for the blind. At an orphanage in the Carpethian Mountains, they were able to give a backpack to each child containing a hand-knitted blanket, a stuffed animal, school supplies, and Bible-related materials. When Maria spoke to the director about the possibility of holding Bible studies with the children, he was very open and interested.
Maria commented, “If all this [Bible study interest] materializes, God will have covered the Bucharest area and Transylvania. This is a Bible study explosion here in Romania!” Please pray that God will use all these seeds that have been planted to produce a great harvest for Him.
One added note of rejoicing from this trip: the Ursus had the opportunity to explain God’s gift of salvation to their driver, Marian, and he invited Jesus into his life.
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GUIDING FOR GOD
Santa Cruz, California—Guiding Stonecroft Bible Studies is a way of life for Alyce Amor, and has been for 30 years.
Alyce owns a business where she designs and sells biblical art. She also incorporates art into the women’s Bible study she guides. The group, whose ages range from 45 to 83, call themselves the “Cracker Jack Girls.”
Each time they meet, Alyce gives a prize to someone in the group. The prizes, which are created by her, coordinate with the Bible lesson. “I only require that the women commit to doing their lessons each week,” Alyce said. She has been blessed by the growth that she has seen in their lives.
Susan*, one of the many special women in the study, stood by her husband through three wars and faithfully took care of him before he passed away. Since then, she has lost two daughters, raised two grandsons, and is currently battling lymphoma. Last year, Susan trusted her life to Jesus Christ. Her grandsons, who were already Christians, were overjoyed with the news.
Alyce said, “It has always been my heart’s desire to be a Guide for Stonecroft Bible Studies. I love Stonecroft. Anybody can come and learn from the Bible. That’s what makes them so great.”
*Name has been changed.
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FIGHTING STRONGHOLDS
Neenah, Wisconsin—Ephesians 6:12 says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (NIV). Those who attended a recent Prayer Connection for the Neenah-Menasha Christian Women’s Club learned about that struggle.
At the Prayer Connection, a demonstration was given to illustrate the strongholds that have control of non-Christians. Taken from a presentation by Jennifer Kennedy Dean at IMPACT ’06, the demonstration shows people blindfolded, with their ears covered, and bound by rope. This represents their spiritual condition—blind, deaf, and held captive.
The visual presentation was very effective, according to Marge Tuxen, the Prayer Coordinator. Some of the comments made by others who were there affirmed that: “Target praying needs to be made a part of praying for the lost,” “We need to love the people and pray the strongholds will fall off,” and “This showed us how important this information is for the times we’re living in.”
The demonstration itself was valuable, but other things that happened made it apparent that the enemy did not want these truths known. Various distractions took place during the demonstration, including the phone ringing and someone disrupting it because she had gotten lost. In Marge’s words, “Our team decided that this message must be very important information for reaching the lost because the evil one was trying everything he could to distract us from listening.”
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TURNING TO PRAYER IN TROUBLING TIMES
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe—The engineering firm Trish Van Vuuren worked for was going through troubling times. Like people everywhere, many of them turned to prayer during the difficult period.
“People started praying at work. They began meeting over the lunch hour,” Trish said.
As Trish prayed about the situation, God led her to speak with a young man in the firm. She asked him about his relationship with God and the man responded by saying that he was searching for truth. Trish offered to study the Bible with him. The two worked through the Stonecroft Bible Studies Who is Jesus?, What is God Like?, and Where is the Holy Spirit?
As the man grew in his understanding and excitement in knowing the scriptures, he began to tell others. Soon, many people in the company wanted to take part in a Bible study.
Trish gathered the names of those who would give up their 30-minute lunch time to study the Bible. Forty-nine people signed their names.
Now, Trish is gathering materials and finding Guides to start several Bible studies. Many people, she said, don’t own Bibles and several have never seen one. Pray for God’s provision and continued movement in this situation.
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INSPIRATION
Lincoln, Nebraska—After being inspired by IMPACT ’06, the Lincoln Women’s Connection (South) is coming up with fresh ideas, and their Prayer Connections are taking off.
They now begin meetings with moving music that helps them focus on the Lord’s presence. The group also uses a handout from Jennifer Kennedy Dean, an IMPACT ’06 speaker, on how to effectively pray for the lost. “What an awesome time we have…so powerful!” Prayer Coordinator Kay Hopp commented.
Another new idea that they have implemented is to ask women to write down their personal prayer requests when they arrive and place them in a basket. After the Prayer Connection, everyone takes a request from the basket and prays for that person throughout the month. With this new system, the group is able to spend the meeting time praying for the ministry, the country, local and national leaders, Stonecroft Bible Studies, outreach groups, and those who need to hear about Jesus Christ.
The best part, Kay said, is that crucial topics are not neglected, and each woman can take comfort knowing she is being lifted up in prayer. “This way, you know that someone is praying for the things on your heart,” shared Kay.share your story here!
A HEART FOR OUTREACH
Kansas City, Missouri—Grace Point Baptist Church is thrilled to start a small group focused on the Stonecroft Bible Study “What is God Like?”
“Our pastor chose this study because he has a true heart for outreach,” said Laura Downer, a member of the Bible study, as well as a Stonecroft staff member. “His hope is to reach the lost. He feels like the material is thought-provoking, and the open-ended questions encourage discussion.”
The group began meeting this week. “It was wonderful. All eight people in the group were transparent and willing to share,” Laura said.
Stonecroft Bible Studies are created to help new Christians grow, as well as challenge mature believers.
“Those of us who have been Christians for years were asked to see God in a more powerful way,” said Laura. “The first lesson reminded us that God exists outside of time. He knows the future, and He holds every detail of our lives in His hands.”
The group will continue to meet in homes for six weeks. “We are hoping it will keep growing,” said Laura. “We have asked everyone to invite friends and family who need to know Jesus.”
ARKANSAS COUPLES
Pine Bluff, Arkansas—For three years, a core group of couples from Pine Bluff has been praying about starting a Stonecroft Couples Connection. In these three years, they have been waiting on God to work out the timing for a series of friendly and fun events where the Gospel will be explained.
And now it is finally happening. Stonecroft Regional Administrator Mervel Brunskill and her husband Jim have played a part to help get an initial event off the ground. The first Pine Bluff Arkansas Couples Connection is slated to take place on September 22.
Many of the details are still being worked out. However, one thing is for sure. Frank and Jo Knipe will travel from Glen Burnie, Maryland so that Frank can speak at this Couples Connection outreach.
Frank and Jo are very involved with Couples Connections, speaking at various groups throughout the country, and starting Stonecroft Stonecroft Bible Studies in the communities where they live.
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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 will be featuring one of these honorees on Stonecroft Live.
This month’s Heart Award honoree is Marilyn Steele of Tucson, Arizona. The kind words of a friend who nominated her tell the story of why she was chosen:
“Marilyn is a beautiful woman of God, a woman of prayer. She is always careful to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and she is quick to acknowledge, affirm, appreciate, and accept anyone and everyone serving our Lord through Stonecroft Ministries.
“Marilyn not only equips and encourages others to share the Gospel; she empowers people to do so. This is done through her commitment to the responsibilities of Stonecroft Speaker Consultant. As she works with countless potential and current speakers, Marilyn offers guidance, wisdom, and direction through her spoken and written words—words that are gentle, gracious, and clear.
“Marilyn is a treasure to God, a treasure to Stonecroft Ministries, and a treasure to Stonecroft volunteers. She is yielded to our Lord Jesus and faithful to obey Him. It is exciting to hear how Marilyn rejoices every time she hears of hearts and lives won for Him. She definitely impacts the lives of others through her godly example and fruitful life, exemplifying the heart of Stonecroft Ministries.”
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WHAT REALLY MATTERS
Coffeyville, KS—Although the Coffeyville Christian Women’s Connection has faced obstacles, the Lord is blessing their hours of faithful prayer.
“We have really struggled because [leadership] positions are not filled, but we pray, pray, and pray,” comments Prayer Coordinator Helen Logan. “We’ve seen lots of answered prayers. At one meeting, we had close to 50 first-timers and 10 decisions for Christ! Our team was so excited.”
Problems kept popping up during the event, so Helen and the group’s Chair went to a small closet to pray. “Guess what? It got worse, but the bottom line was, none of our guests ever knew what details were falling apart,” Helen relates. “It was so worth all of the work. The 10 decisions were unbelievable.”
Despite challenges, the Coffeyville Christian Women’s Connection has found out what really matters…winning souls for Christ.
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CELEBRATING WITH THE NEIGHBORS
Kansas City, Missouri—About 200 friends and neighbors joined the Stonecroft staff on Saturday, July 1, for a community picnic at the headquarters. From 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., guests ate, enjoyed entertainment, chatted, and just relaxed on a lovely summer evening.
A band from AZ*U*R (As You Are) ministries played throughout the event. Other entertainment included the Puppets of Praise and a mime duo called “He & I.” A local drill team, the K.C. Marching Falcons, wowed the crowd with their energetic performance. There were plenty of activities for kids, including organized games, two moon walks, face painting, and a visit from local firefighters. The grill masters kept busy turning out hot dogs and hamburgers for the hungry crowd.
The picnic provided many opportunities for networking with neighbors. Several indicated interest in a Bible study, while others wanted to learn more about Stonecroft Ministries and how they could become involved. The Gospel was presented in a variety of ways and free Stonecroft Life Publications booklets and Christian literature were made available to guests.
“It was exciting to see so many people here, enjoying the campus as much as we do,” said CEO Geneva Vollrath. “We love having guests at our home and being able to share the Gospel with them through music and puppets, and with our own lives.”
View the 2006 Picnic slideshow
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PRAYER COUNTS
Cheyenne, Wyoming—Taking time out of the day to pray has really paid off for the Cheyenne After 5 outreach group. For the past two years, each person on the Planning Team has set aside time to pray for one hour on the day of the outreach meeting for the event that night.
As a result, there are first-timers at practically every outreach meeting, several have made decisions for Christ, their attendance is steadily climbing, and there is a strong bond among the Planning Team members.
In addition, Prayer Coordinator Karen Spiker has been encouraged by the attendance at the group’s Prayer Connections. They have started the Stonecroft Bible study Who is Jesus? with those who attend the connection. Some are new Christians and have never been in a Bible study. God is using these women as they study His Word and grow in their faith.
Also, at each Prayer Connection, a prayer journal is kept of requests and answered prayer. Karen states that “this has been a blessing to everyone. We love Stonecroft!”share your story here!
