GUATEMALA - PART 1
Cantel, Guatemala—As you read this Stonecroft Live! report, Stonecroft Headquarters staffers Linda Parmer and Marilyn Hughes are teaching in this mountain town where resides a special school.
The Colegio Mark school not only teaches academics and a Christian worldview, but founder Pablo Poz has a vision to prepare native boys and girls to share their faith with Muslims around the world.
“This is a poor area but the people are beautiful and very friendly. They smile easily when we smile at them,” Linda wrote this week. “After we arrived in Cantel we were able to give a presentation about Stonecroft Bible Studies to the school administrators. There is a female doctor here who also teaches. She is very interested in missions.”
Linda and Marilyn are traveling with a missions group from Colonial Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, but are focused on equipping Christians at the school and in Guatemala with Stonecroft Bible Studies and other resources that will enhance their outreach efforts.
Look for additional reports and photos from Linda and Marilyn in Stonecroft Live! during the next two weeks. Pray for their efforts.
LUNCH WITH LIZ
Berkey, Ohio—Tucked in the greater Toledo area, the tiny town of Berkey is home to Stonecroft Regional Administrator Liz Aouad. For several years, she has been actively inviting young moms she has met through her own kids’ activities to the local outreach group’s annual auction.
At one of these meetings, after Stonecroft Bible Studies were promoted, many of these young moms wanted to begin a Bible study.
Liz volunteered to guide the study with them over lunch at a local restaurant.
“How exciting to see them growing in the Word, in prayer for one another, and becoming more than great friends,” said Liz. “Now we are sisters in the Lord!”
It has been two years since they started the study, and their waitress has even become a Guide for a group of her own friends!MOMS PRAY, KIDS PLAY
Twin Falls, Idaho—The moms from the Twin Falls Moms on the Run needed inspiration. They wanted to attend the monthly Prayer Connection, but found it difficult to do with children. Out of their brainstorming came the idea for a “Pray and Play” Prayer Connection—the moms would pray and their kids could play.
The group has held “Pray and Play” Prayer Connections the last two months, and Co-Chair Genaura Wells described them as wonderful times for all who came. At each one, Pauletta Staley, the local Field Director, shared a devotion relating to family life, then the women prayed together. “The kids played around and among us the whole time,” said Genaura. “Afterward, everyone stayed and had lunch together.”
Genaura shared how important it is for moms to have that time together with other women. She also commented on what a great example it is for the kids to see their moms praying. It’s obvious that the “Pray and Play” idea has been well-accepted—“The mothers are asking when the next one will be!” says Genaura.HOW ABOUT 100 PEOPLE IN A BIBLE STUDY?
Lake Charles, Louisiana—Here’s how Nancy Rohr, Stonecroft Bible Study Coordinator answered: “Sure. We’ll just need some more Guides.”
A new pair of Guides, friends Lillie Zaunbrecker and Michelle Falgout, wanted to expand the size of their Bible Study groups—to 80 people!
“They held it at another woman’s house—it got up to 100 at one time and now is around 60,” Nancy said. “They all meet together at the start for treats and coffee, then split up into a bunch of different studies. We approved nearly 20 Guides. It’s great!”
“They all finish Knowing God’s Will on August 7 and then they will start What is God Like? on August 14. These Guides are phenomenal and they are all mostly mothers of young children.”
The Guides are also holding Stonecroft Bible Studies at a church on Sunday night and Lillie guides a study with her teenaged daughter and her friends on Tuesday morning.
Nancy, a Stonecroft volunteer for 37 years, is also involved with the Lake Charles Christian Women’s Club. She started coordinating Stonecroft Bible Studies about three years ago after being mentored by June DeVall.CARPE DIEM
Fallbrook, California—“We can’t miss an opportunity!”
Those are words that Ginny Breier, Chair of the Fallbrook Women’s Connection, lives by. No matter where she is—at the supermarket, the big box discount warehouse, a restaurant, or even her favorite dollar store, Ginny is busy inviting people to their local outreach group.
“I figure God puts people in our paths for a reason,” she said. “And it may be so that person will have an opportunity to hear the Gospel. Besides, it gives me something interesting to do while waiting in line.”
Ginny’s example has encouraged others to be aware of their inviting opportunities as well. The Fallbrook outreach group averages around 105 in attendance each month and has around 20 first-time guests at each meeting. Besides word of mouth, the group uses local advertising to get the word out. “One woman attended last month as a result of seeing our ad in the Pennysaver—a giveaway advertising flyer,” Ginny stated. “We also put gift certificates for our brunch in packets that are given to newcomers in the community.”
The group also uses what Ginny calls “sanctified bait” to promote attendance. “We have an incredible meeting place,” Ginny explains. “It’s a Victorian mansion called The Grand Tradition, located on 15 acres with a lake and gorgeous gardens. It’s the type of place you usually only go by invitation, so that attracts people.”
The group also makes it easy for military wives from nearby Camp Pendleton to attend by underwriting the cost of their guest tickets so they can attend for free. And they’ve always kept a nursery in place for the convenience of moms.
But the key to all their success is prayer.
“Our Prayer Coordinator sends out lovely invitations to our Prayer Connections and an e-mail reminder each month,” Ginny reports. “We have a core group of 10-15 women who faithfully pray for the meeting each month. That is vital. We especially pray for our hostesses. Our group has a reputation of being fun and hospitable—the women feel so welcome. You never know what hurts someone may be coming from. We want our meetings to be a place where their hearts can be ready to hear the Gospel. It’s wonderful seeing exciting things happen as God is at work.”CARPE DIEM
Fallbrook, California—“We can’t miss an opportunity!”
Those are words that Ginny Breier, Chair of the Fallbrook Women’s Connection, lives by. No matter where she is—at the supermarket, the big box discount warehouse, a restaurant, or even her favorite dollar store, Ginny is busy inviting people to their local outreach group.
“I figure God puts people in our paths for a reason,” she said. “And it may be so that person will have an opportunity to hear the Gospel. Besides, it gives me something interesting to do while waiting in line.”
Ginny’s example has encouraged others to be aware of their inviting opportunities as well. The Fallbrook outreach group averages around 105 in attendance each month and has around 20 first-time guests at each meeting. Besides word of mouth, the group uses local advertising to get the word out. “One woman attended last month as a result of seeing our ad in the Pennysaver—a giveaway advertising flyer,” Ginny stated. “We also put gift certificates for our brunch in packets that are given to newcomers in the community.”
The group also uses what Ginny calls “sanctified bait” to promote attendance. “We have an incredible meeting place,” Ginny explains. “It’s a Victorian mansion called The Grand Tradition, located on 15 acres with a lake and gorgeous gardens. It’s the type of place you usually only go by invitation, so that attracts people.”
The group also makes it easy for military wives from nearby Camp Pendleton to attend by underwriting the cost of their guest tickets so they can attend for free. And they’ve always kept a nursery in place for the convenience of moms.
But the key to all their success is prayer.
“Our Prayer Coordinator sends out lovely invitations to our Prayer Connections and an e-mail reminder each month,” Ginny reports. “We have a core group of 10-15 women who faithfully pray for the meeting each month. That is vital. We especially pray for our hostesses. Our group has a reputation of being fun and hospitable—the women feel so welcome. You never know what hurts someone may be coming from. We want our meetings to be a place where their hearts can be ready to hear the Gospel. It’s wonderful seeing exciting things happen as God is at work.”PUT ON YOUR SHOES AND CONTINUE TO FOLLOW HIM!
Tucson, Arizona—Much interest was generated by a recent story about the planned Prayer Connection in Tucson featuring the theme, “Put on Your Shoes, Step Onto The Path, and Follow Him.” For all those Stonecroft leaders who wanted to know the outcome of the event, here is a recap of how God is continuing to show His blessing to Stonecroft outreach groups.
Each woman was asked to bring a pair of shoes and the Prayer Coordinator put a number on each pair. Then the women were asked to guess which shoes belonged to whom. “For the past two years, our Prayer Coordinator has always had an ice breaker during our fellowship time that went along with the theme,” said Ruth Rehm, Prayer Consultant.
“There were new women present and this was a great way to get to know a little about each other.”
The women also enjoyed a Hawaiian breakfast together, which included scrambled eggs, Polynesian sausage, Hawaiian fruit, toasted coconut bread, juice, and Kona coffee.
In preparation for their time of praise and prayer, the Prayer Coordinator had asked the Planning Team to submit a list of all the answers to prayer for their group from the past year. She then summarized them all in a report, which was shared with the women present. “All I can say is WOW! We have such an awesome Heavenly Father,” said Ruth in response to the amazing works God has done in their lives.
“Our praise time was inspiring, grateful, and encouraging! After our prayer time, we didn’t want to leave. It was so precious—I know everyone left with a feeling of awe at how wonderfully our Lord worked and is still working in every situation.”STUDY AT HARDEE'S
Barboursville, West Virginia—Stonecroft Bible Studies Coordinator Koneta Gast is thinking outside the box. Every Monday morning at 11, she meets with 10 women at a local Hardee’s to delve into the Who is Jesus? study.
Last week, one woman prayed to receive Christ as her personal Savior when Koneta led her through the Stonecroft Life Publication Would You Believe It? Now the other ladies in the group want additional booklets so they can lead others to Jesus Christ.
While most of the women in the Bible study are Christians, not all are familiar with Stonecroft Ministries. “Only one had been in a previous Stonecroft Bible Study, so we’re hoping to involve new people in our local outreach group and Stonecroft Bible Studies,” states Koneta.
Pray that women involved in these studies will catch the vision to reach their friends and family for Jesus Christ through Stonecroft Ministries.
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THAT'S NOT MY CALLING...OR IS IT?
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin—When Sandy Mueller’s friend asked her to join in ministering to prisoners at a local jail, Sandy hesitated. It wasn’t her calling, she thought. Then, she agreed to go. Now, several years later, Sandy continues to take God’s Word into the jail.
At first, Sandy and others would go cell to cell, sharing the Gospel with female inmates. The practice was eventually stopped by prison authorities who said it was too dangerous. “We were given the option of talking with the women in the visitation room one-on-one over the telephone or doing a Bible study with a small group,” said Sandy. “I chose to do the Bible studies.”
Sandy found that Stonecroft Bible Studies were great for the women at the jail. Almost every week, Sandy guides a study with a group of women. Currently they are doing the Stonecroft Bible Study Who is Jesus? Just 10 are allowed to participate at one time, but Sandy knows that more would attend if they could. She encourages those who are able to do Bible study with those who cannot attend.
The turnover rate is high for the women, but Sandy still gives a study book and a Good News New Testament to everyone who attends. “You never know how God will use those books,” she says.
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YEE-HAW FOR GIRLS NIGHT OUT!
Denver, Colorado—The Denver CO After 5 Women’s Connection held their fourth annual Girls Night Out, with the theme, “The Urban ‘All American’ Country Yeehaw Party!” One-hundred two guests attended, including 48 first timers. Three women made decisions to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and eight women showed interest in joining a Stonecroft Bible Study.
The Women’s Connection posted flyers on bulletins boards at local hang-outs such as Starbucks and Panera's throughout the Denver area.
This outreach event featured an invitation to “come as you are” and enjoy good ole’ barbeque beef sandwiches, square dance performances, and music from the Mile High Blend— four fun, energetic women who gave the guests an excuse to giddy-up with upbeat, patriotic songs.
“They were wonderful, it was such a treat to have them!” said Michelle Cartwright, Co-Chair.
Audrey McClung titled her talk, "How to Find Security in an Insecure World."
“We prayed that our eyes and ears would be open that night, so that we could meet the needs of the women and be able to reach out to them,” said Michelle, “We wanted them to feel welcome and comfortable.”
BREAKFAST WITH TIFFANY'S
Sunnyvale, California—What better way to have breakfast than to have breakfast with Tiffany’s—the famous Tiffany & Co. jewelry store, that is!
The theme for the Sunnyvale, California Women’s Connection in July was “From Presidents Wives to Super Bowl Trophies, Hear the Magnificent 170 Year History and Services offered at Tiffany’s Today!”
Tiffany & Co. in San Jose sent four representatives to the meeting—including a security guard—to give a brief overview of the company’s history, from Abraham Lincoln’s gift of seed pearl jewelry to his wife to the creation of the NFL Vince Lombardi Super Bowl trophy. The best surprise of the morning was the presentation of authentic Tiffany & Co. jewelry that the representatives brought with them.
Centerpieces for the tables were silver trays with signature Tiffany & Co. blue boxes complimenting the already sparkling environment. The company also brought each guest a signature blue bag complete with a catalog and a Tiffany & Co. box inside.
“There was so much excitement and anticipation for the magnificent story behind the 170 year history of Tiffany & Co.,” said Claudia Fournier, Program Coordinator. Janet Topkins spoke about, “Soaring Above the Circumstances” and how an airplane crash led to living life on a higher plane. Fifty-four women were in attendance and one woman made a decision to accept Jesus as her personal Savior.
TRANSFORMED LIVES
Takamatsu Shi, Japan—Of the 210 woman who attended the Ladies Luncheon last month, 19 signed individual cards indicating they had responded to Jesus Christ and begun a relationship with Him as Lord and Savior of their lives.
Many of these women are attending a Friday morning Bible study now, according to Stella Cox, who helps with the outreach there.
Additionally, a mini brunch was held last week as a follow up to the June luncheon and a men’s dinner, following a cowboy theme, is planned for Saturday.
Pray for the outreach efforts in Japan.LEARN MORE ABOUT STONECROFT BIBLE STUDIES
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GOD AT WORK
West Virginia—Area Representative Sharon Wright reports that God is using Stonecroft Bible Studies in a mighty way in West Virginia. Stonecroft Bible Studies are popping up right and left.
In Fairmont three months ago, a group started with six women. They now have 10! A woman and her husband are co-guiding Communication in the Family at their church with couples every Tuesday evening.
The Fairmont Rescue Mission holds Stonecroft Bible Studies too. The women from the mission also attend the Fairmont Women’s Connection. The cost for their meals is covered by women from the outreach group. Many women from the mission have prayed to receive Jesus Christ!
In addition, there are studies in Shinnston, two new Church Coordinators have been trained, and there are plans to have a Stonecroft Bible Study at Fairmont State College in the fall.
“The Lord is doing great things in this area through the studies,” Sharon states. “We love Stonecroft Ministries.”
Pray that God will continue to guide and direct Sharon and the other volunteers in West Virginia to effectively reach others for Christ.
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TO THE INNERMOST PLACES
Avon Lake, Ohio—If you are a faithful reader of Stonecroft LIVE!, you will have noticed that Stonecroft Bible Studies are used in a number of unique ways. A Stonecroft Bible Study Guide in Ohio, Wendy Getz, recently shared with us that her daughter, Megyn, is using the study Who is Jesus? in her work with inner-city children.
Wendy writes, “Megyn is using the studies with much success in her class. We are confident that reading the Bible passages aloud and then writing the answers to the questions in their own books (which they'll take home when completed), is increasing their understanding and appreciation of God's Word. Thank you so much for providing us with such excellent tools.”
Megyn is just one of many who have found that Stonecroft Bible Studies are a great tool to reach people of all ages and in all walks of life.
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LIVES TRANSFORMED
Moberly, Missouri—Jennifer, a Stonecroft volunteer, is seeing lives transformed at a local youth home where she guides Stonecroft Bible Studies. The teenage boys, who often come to the home with challenging pasts, seem to change as soon as the studies begin. “Some of them have been acting up just a few hours before—throwing chairs or hurting others—but when the studies begin they become calm and patient,” explained Jennifer. “One boy who attended recently kept asking questions as I went through Who is Jesus? When the study was over, he said that he wanted to ask Jesus to come into his life. This boy is so precious! He keeps coming back and now reads his Bible every night.”
“We have already had four boys invite Jesus into their lives,” said Jennifer. “It’s also exciting because as they leave the home, they take their study book and their Bibles with them. They may have had difficult situations to deal with in life, but they are truly wonderful kids. What a reward to be able to share Jesus with them!”
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OVER MOUNTAINS, RIVERS, AND PLAINS
White Plains, New York—Texas and Massachusetts are not states that normally have much in common. However, Stonecroft Bible Studies Coordinator Jane Robins knows otherwise.
One of Jane’s friends lives nearby in Massachusetts and travels to New York often. Another friend calls a remote town in Texas home. Jane felt God’s leading to have a study via the telephone using three-way calling. The three women are currently studying God’s Word through Knowing God’s Will.
“We are finding the study beneficial—no matter how far we are from each other,” shares Jane. “Only our creative Lord could have orchestrated this, and we continue to grow closer to Him through His Word.”share your story here
BRIGHT COLORS FOR A BRIGHT PARADE
Independence, Iowa—Parades, floats, and firecracker enthusiasm—all were part of the July 4th celebration in Independence. Thirteen women from the local Women’s Connection participated in their hometown Independence Day Parade this past week on a float representing Stonecroft and their local outreach group.
With all their needs met through monetary donation, the women were able to purchase decorations for their float with the attention-grabbing colors of purple and green. “The new, vibrant Stonecroft colors of bright green and purple made for a very eye-catching attraction and definitely caught people’s attention,” Said Beverly Juhl, Chair. The women also wore matching shirts with “Women’s Connection” printed on the front and back.
The most amazing part of the event was that the women distributed 650 Discover and Connect snapshot cards, complete with additional information about the local Women’s Connection and the next month’s event. They ran out of cards before they even reached the end of the parade route, which left the women excited about all God has planned for them.
“Our Planning Team was thrilled to be involved in this project and even more excited to see just how God will use it for His glory!” said Beverly.
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WORD ON THE WATER
Waleska, Georgia—Every Thursday evening, seven women gather on a pontoon boat on Lake Arrowhead near Waleska, Georgia, to study God’s Word through a Stonecroft Bible Study.
As twilight draws near, Stonecroft Bible Studies Coordinator Caren Danneman leads the group through the Where is the Holy Spirit? study.
“I drive the boat into a cove, and we dive into God’s Word,” shares Caren. “The ladies are more relaxed on the boat than in a regular study setting. We have a fun time studying God’s Word out on the water and under the open sky.”
One woman in the study is especially enthusiastic to be learning about the Holy Spirit, as truths about the Trinity are coming alive for her. Pray for the women in the study to continually draw closer to God as they study God’s Word and live out its truths in their lives.share your story here
PUT ON YOUR SHOES AND FOLLOW HIM!
Tucson, Arizona—With the sun shining bright and many snowbirds flown north to escape the desert heat, the Tucson, Arizona Women’s Connection usually takes the summer off. Although the group doesn’t hold their monthly outreach meetings, they do have a “Prayer Breakfast” followed by a Prayer Connection during each summer month.
This month’s theme is “Put on Your Shoes, Step onto the Path, and Follow Him,” which includes a Hawaiian breakfast. Each attendee has been asked to bring a pair of shoes in a sack. “I’m not exactly sure why,” commented Prayer Consultant Ruth Rehm, “but I’m looking forward to discovering what our Prayer Coordinator has in mind.”
The idea of this creative meeting is to celebrate and embrace all God has done in their ministry through the year and admire the footprints He has left along the way.
“Our Prayer Coordinator asked all who attended the Prayer Connections this past year to tell how God worked in the lives of the people we prayed for,” Ruth added. “She is compiling all these and giving them to everyone who attends the July Prayer Connection so we can see how God has answered the prayers of His people. What a time of praise we will be having!”
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SANDY'S STORY
Sycamore, Ohio—Sandy, a Stonecroft volunteer, wrote to the ministry recently to share her story, and how a Stonecroft Live story brought tears to her eyes.
“My life has been full of joy this past week, as I have decided to embark on God's calling. I accepted Christ about 12 years ago—God and His Word have been my passion. I have been facilitating Stonecroft Bible Studies for about six years. God has put on my heart the last couple of years to speak boldly for Christ as a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries. Not wanting to get up in front of people, I've ignored that calling. However, within the last year, God has given me many opportunities to speak to Stonecroft groups, along with valuable training that has led me to a place to pursue His calling.
“Today, I was looking on Stonecroft’s website and while reading comments by others, I came across a story that brought tears to my eyes and gave me confirmation. The story was “Full Circle,” about Nancy Dean. Nancy was my first Stonecroft Bible Study Guide and became a great influence in my life. Eleven years ago, God moved me to Florence, Alabama, just down the street from Nancy. I was only there for a year, but she was so enthusiastic about God and so full of fun and energy that she made me want to know God in a more intimate way. I've continued to pray for her all these years. I hope she reads this and knows I love her. I plan to attend an upcoming Stonecroft speaker training event. I pray that I will learn how to instill in others the excitement of knowing Jesus, just as Nancy did for me so many years ago!”
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GOD AT WORK IN TANZANIA
Dar es Salaam,Tanzania, East Africa—God is at work internationally through Stonecroft Bible Studies around the world. Pastor Jane K. Muhegi of Tanzania is determined to spread the Word of God and seek those in need of salvation.
Those involved in the Bible study ministry have seen many thrilling and godly changes in the town of Dar es Salaam, thanks to prayer and dedication of God’s people. Pastor Muhegi reports that much praise has been given to God as they have seen broken families reunited, changes in the behavior of the youth and prostitutes, and strongholds broken by the power of Jesus Christ. The Stonecroft Bible Studies, Who is Jesus?, What is God Like?, and Where is the Holy Spirit? continue to be used throughout the country and are impacting the lives of many people.
Christians there are excited to see the work God has done and the work He will continue to do in their country.share your story here
BIBLE STUDY SNAPSHOTS
Granbury, Texas—District Consulting Coordinator Linda Eslick is praising God for the leaders she serves with in the Granbury area.
After a spring training meeting in March, Stonecroft Bible Studies Coordinators Trish Bassett and Linda Belleau set a goal to pray for four new Guides by September 2007. By the end of May, God had provided five!
A Planning Team member and new Bible study Guide from the Granbury Women’s Connection plans to start a Stonecroft Bible Study this summer. Pray for God’s choice for a Host.
Two women, who lead studies in a local jail, were looking for new material. Because one of them had been in a Stonecroft Bible Study, they contacted their local Coordinator and were able to get material from Stonecroft Headquarters at no cost. They have now added a college-age woman as Guide to their duo.
The Coordinators in Linda’s area organized a Guide and Host Appreciation event, which was well-attended. Linda states, “It was good for the attendees to see the wide scope of Stonecroft Ministries. When we get together to share what God is doing, it encourages us to do more for Him.”
