READ THE STONECROFT LIVE! STORY ABOUT THE GET REAL! COUPLES CONFERENCE HERE
SURF, SUN, AND SPEAKING WITH GOD
Hampton, New Hampshire—Despite promises of record-breaking heat, eight women gathered this past Wednesday morning for a prayer walk on the beach near Hampton. Since it was early, the sun and sand weren’t too hot yet, and those who walked in the water found it refreshing.
Pam Cahill, a Stonecroft Field Director who initiated the event, invited the women to break up in pairs to pray together. They were given Bible verses to read and ideas for things to pray about, such as local government leaders, the unsaved, their churches, and each other.
Besides enjoying the time with God and the beauty of nature around them, the women also got to know each other better. Pam expressed how nice it was to build relationships with women in her region.
Pam now hopes to make this a monthly event. For the summer, they will continue meeting at the beach. In the winter, they’ll move to a mall that is centrally located. “I had never participated in a prayer walk with others like this,” said Pam. “It was good because we got both physical and spiritual exercise.”share your story here
HE WAS THERE ALL THE TIME
Oscoda, Michigan—A recent Stonecroft on the Road event was so effective that it laid the groundwork for future Stonecroft Bible Studies and a local outreach group. “I believe that we now have enough people interested in leadership roles that we can start a Planning Team!” commented Stonecroft Volunteer Ann Ennis. “The whole thing was marvelous. We had 63 reservations and 63 people came. The speaker, who shared about her relationship with Jesus Christ, was wonderful.”
The luncheon, which was held at a yacht club, not only inspired the attendees but others at the meeting place as well. “Three people who were dining at the restaurant came up to me afterwards,” explained Ann. “They told me that they had been listening and wanted to be added to our mailing list! God is so good—you could tell that He was there the whole time.”
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EVERY LIFE HAS A STORY
Coos Bay, Oregon—One of the great joys for Stonecroft speakers is to have the opportunity to tell others about their life story and how they began a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. But, speaker Penny Brandon was encouraged recently when a member of a Planning Team shared her story with Penny.
Penny wrote, “I wanted to share a special little testimony about the healing power of God and how He uses Stonecroft’s outreach groups. While I was speaking recently, I met a woman on the Planning Team and asked her how she had become involved with Christian Women’s Club. She said twelve years ago, she had a nervous breakdown. When she went to see her doctor, he gave her a unique prescription. He recommended that she begin attending the local Christian Women’s Club luncheon because those ladies had something special going on that would be good for her. She began attending the local group and, within six months, started attending Stonecroft Bible Studies, also. She was impressed with how the women genuinely cared and prayed for each other—and that they didn’t gossip. She accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior and has been involved with Christian Women’s Club ever since!”share your story here
DOABLE EVANGELISM THROUGH ORDINARY ATTEMPTS
Kansas City, Missouri—The Stonecroft Ministries Couples Conference, Get Real! ended with a bang! To the audiences’ surprise, speaker Jim Henderson and Couples Director, Chuck Stophel invited an unbeliever of Jesus Christ to the stage and asked him his point of view of Christianity. The audience listened intently to the interview, asked questions, and then gave Alex a standing ovation at the end of the session.
“There is something in him we should all really see. I give that young man a lot of credit,” said Larry Wyman, Clare, MI.
The mission of the conference was to “get real,” which taught couples how to share the Gospel and to share their faith in Jesus Christ through “Doable Evangelism.” Other sessions included, “Why I Resigned From Witnessing,” “Ordinary Attempts,” “Sharing One-on-One in 3-5 minutes,” and workshops for “Strengthening Stonecroft Couples” and “Impacting Lives Through Stonecroft Couples.”
Here is what some of the couples had to say:
“The best part was seeing through the eyes of an unbeliever.”— Jackie Kielb, Elma, IA
“Networking with all the people here and watching the interview with Alex. It was so helpful to hear from those who Jesus misses most.”—Pat Bos, Fort Myeers, Fl
“I appreciate the new model and strategy of evangelism from Jim Henderson’s doable approach to sharing your faith. It isn’t threatening but, comfortable. You don’t have to be someone different, God wants to use you just the way you are!”—Jonathan Mwania, Libertyville, IL
“Where would I start? The event as a whole is the best part! The networking, the speakers, it’s all great!”—Everett Stone, Clinton, IA
“It’s nice to know that even if I can’t see the rewards on earth, it counts in the Kingdom of God.” Sara Stophel, Broken Arrow, OK
“The interview with Alex was the best. It opened our eyes to another world and a different point of view. I appreciated it very much.”—Elisabeth Hostetler, Broken Arrow, OK
“I enjoyed Jim Henderson and the whole concept of witnessing and recognizing that planting the seed counts. You don’t have to have the harvest immediately to know its right; it’s nice knowing the attempts count.”—Nathan Hostetler, Broken Arrow, OK
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SEEDS OF HOPE
Butler, Pennsylvania—Seeds of Hope Ministry has been reaching out to recovering addicts and their families for four years. Stonecroft Bible Studies Coordinator Billie Brink has been incorporating the Life’s New Beginning study into their recovery program.
“It’s the perfect study as it simply walks the addicts through an awareness of our sin nature and helps them comprehend God’s complete forgiveness,” states Billie. “This study has enabled many to understand unconditional love from their heavenly Father.”
In the fall, Billie plans to launch the Stonecroft Bible Study Colossians for those achieving long-term sobriety. She prays that this study will give them a deeper knowledge of God’s will so they can be pleasing in His sight.
It is encouraging that one participant, who has been with Seeds of Hope since its beginning, has grown spiritually and emotionally and is now able to lead others in Stonecroft Bible Studies.
Pray that Billie will follow God’s direction as she leads each recovering addict to an understanding of Jesus Christ and His grace and love for us.
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REFRESH, RELAX, RENEW
Kansas City, Missouri—Stonecroft knows how tirelessly its volunteers work to reach people for Jesus Christ. To show how much the ministry appreciates their hours of dedication, at the Pray Up! Lead Out! training events being held on campus, volunteers have the option of visiting the Stonecroft Spa.
During the first Pray Up! Lead Out! event, the Sunnyside residence building transformed into an oasis. On the doors were signs reading “Refresh, Relax, Renew.” As guests entered the foyer, lights were dimmed and soft music played in the background. Stonecroft volunteers enjoyed hand, foot, and back massages, as well as manicures and pedicures.
Tammy Hanson, a staff member who provided had massages, enjoyed giving back to volunteers. “I love spending time with our dear volunteers,” she said. “Having them here is so exciting to me, so it was a privilege to be able to encourage them in return.”
Allie Sanders, a Stonecroft intern who also assisted with the spa, enjoyed the chance to serve. “The volunteers were so relaxed,” said Allie. “They had a wonderful time. The only hard part for them was leaving!”
Pray that volunteers who attend future Pray Up! Lead Out! training events will be inspired as they learn new ways to share their faith, and that they will experience precious times of spiritual refreshment.
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"OUR WORK HAS JUST BEGUN"
Overland Park, Kansas—On Monday, June 18, one of Stonecroft’s new interns, Elizabeth, attended a health and beauty fair, hosted by the Overland Park After Five. “It was really fun!” commented Elizabeth. “You could walk around and visit the different booths. Some people were giving hand massages and some booths had information on make-up and skin care. There was even a gym there with health information.”
Fifty-five people attended the fair, including 20 first-time guests. “I loved the speaker,” commented Elizabeth. “She talked about how she overcame problems in her life with God’s help. She was amazing—the bubbliest speaker I’ve ever heard! Her testimony was great for all ages, especially for younger girls. Hearing her really helped me, since I’m working on preparing my testimony.”
Chair Tricia Piester is thrilled with the event. “Even though the meeting might be over—our work has just begun!” she wrote. “Several of our first time guests want to learn more about our group and ways to get involved. Two first-timers indicated they wanted to know more about what it means to receive Christ. So, as you can see—God's Spirit was definitely working!”
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FULL CIRCLE
Florence, Alabama— “I feel like I’ve come full circle,” says Nancy Dean. “When I first became involved in Stonecroft Ministries many years ago, the Bible studies really helped me grow closer to Jesus. Helen, the woman who guided the studies, took many phone calls from me and answered so many of my questions—and not just about the Bible. Now, I am going to have the wonderful opportunity to help other women find answers from God’s Word.”
Nancy’s involvement with Stonecroft Ministries began in Naples, Florida. She was invited to a Prayer Connection, a Stonecroft prayer event, where she met the Area Representative. Before she knew it, she was involved on the Planning Team—and there was no turning back! It was also in Naples where Nancy grew spiritually through Stonecroft Bible Studies.
When Nancy and her husband moved to Florence, Alabama in 1996, it was hard to leave her Stonecroft friends behind—but they had already paved the way for her. As the moving truck pulled into the driveway, someone from the local Christian Women’s Club was there to greet Nancy. That was the start of years of involvement with the local outreach group.
Now Nancy has a new assignment. Her church has recently started a women’s ministry. Because the church leaders know of Nancy’s passion for God’s Word, they have asked her to head the women’s Bible studies. So, this fall, their church’s Bible study curriculum will include Stonecroft Bible Studies to promote outreach in the neighborhoods. “I have joked that my tombstone will read, ‘Get into the Word,’” Nancy commented. “These Stonecroft Bible Studies in homes will provide a great opportunity for our women to invite their neighbors. I cut my teeth on Stonecroft Bible Studies—and I am so excited about being a part of that ministry once again.”share your story here
DIEU EST BON! GOD IS GOOD!
Grand Lancy, Switzerland—Dieu est bon! God is good! Not only is the Stonecroft Bible Study “Connecting with God” taking off in the United States, this guide to prayer is gaining more interest in Europe after recently being translated to French by Association des Rendez-Vous avec la Bible. It is proof that Stonecroft is prospering in other countries to keep the word of God alive and strong.
The goals of the studies are to introduce Jesus Christ to those who do not yet know Him, to strengthen the faith of Christians, and give the opportunity for Christians to share their faith with family and friends.
As of April 2007, there were 256 Stonecroft Bible Coffees Studies in Switzerland, 116 in France, seven in Belgium and 26 in other French speaking countries. As for Bible study coordinators, there are 84 in Switzerland, 35 in France, three in Belgium, and ten in other French speaking countries, while 2,291 study books were sold during the year of 2006.
Next up on the list is to have the study of “Mark” published in French hopefully by 2008. Priez en haut! Pray up!
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REACHING OUT TO MILITARY MOMS
Sylvania, Ohio—Two years ago, Elizabeth Aouad’s son became a Marine. As she looked forward to his eventual deployment, she gained a greater understanding of what it means to be a military family. Elizabeth, a Stonecroft Regional Administrator, decided to ask her local outreach group to consider targeting military families at one of their luncheons. The Planning Team responded with enthusiasm.
Attractive invitations and posters were made, and the team invited everyone they could. Businesses in the community donated items for gift baskets. One of the team members arranged for the color guard to be the feature for the event. Local recruiting officers provided posters and decals for decorations.
As it turned out, Elizabeth was not there to attend the luncheon—she was seeing her son off for his first deployment! However, the meeting was sensational, and out of it has come a military moms Bible study. Elizabeth shares that the women meet together every week, sharing both challenging and joyful experiences. Both Elizabeth and another woman in the study have both been able to celebrate their sons’ safe returns from deployment.
Obviously, Elizabeth is thankful for Stonecroft and the way it has opened up new doors to outreach. She writes, “Through targeting, teamwork, and vision, lives are continuing to be touched in glorious ways through Stonecroft Ministries.”share your story here
GOD IS GOING TO WOW YOU!
Kansas City, Missouri—Stonecroft Ministries held its first Pray Up! Lead Out! training event on campus this week, where volunteers gathered to pray, worship, and explore new ways to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And, of course, there was also time to build new friendships, get pampered, and have a blast. Here is what a few of the women had to say:
“Pack your bags and get here! It gives you a vision and appreciation of the whole ministry!”— Helen Wilson, Ephrata, WA, Regional Speaker Trainer
“I have gained a deeper appreciation for Stonecroft, a deeper prayer life, new friendships, and some creative ideas in presenting the Gospel.”— Judy Dagraedt, Ottawa, IL, Speaker
“I have learned there is a place for everyone at every stage in this ministry, including me!”— Marilyn Finney, Lead, SD, Regional Speaker Trainer
“I’ve been encouraged. As I look around, all of us are from different places and backgrounds, but the one way we are exactly alike is that every woman in this room looks just like Jesus!”—Sandi Rogers, Lake Hughes, CA, Regional Speaker Trainer
“God is going to wow you beyond belief at these events!”—Vera Velk, Darien, IL, Stonecroft Board Chair and Volunteershare your story here
THE BEST PUPPET SHOW EVER
Buffalo, Wyoming—If a special event is effective, it provides take-home value. You go home encouraged, recharged, and equipped with new ideas to reach your community for Christ.
Anita Schuman, who is attending this week’s Pray Up! Lead Out! event, finds great take-home value from Stonecroft’s training events. She sought out Susan Collard, a Stonecroft staffer, to tell her how God used information she learned at a previous Stonecroft event to draw people to Himself in Buffalo, Wyoming.
At that event, Susan and fellow staffer Dawn Venneberg demonstrated how to use a puppet presentation to share the Gospel. Since Anita has a friend who is a puppeteer, she latched on to this idea.
At the Stonecroft event where they gave their presentation, the special feature was a children’s fashion show. After the little ones had done their modeling, they sat right in front so they would have a good view of the puppet show. That day, after the puppets presented their version of three of Jesus’ parables, eight women invited Jesus Christ into their lives. And one of the children commented to Anita, “That was the best puppet show ever!”
This week, Anita and the other 83 attendees at Pray Up! Lead Out! are learning creative ways to share the Gospel using drama and the arts, interviews, and topical presentations. As they take home these ideas and put them into practice, please pray that God will use their efforts to reach even more women in their communities with the good news of Jesus Christ.
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TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS
Kansas City, Missouri—This week, Stonecroft welcomes nearly 80 Stonecroft volunteers, including speakers and those who work with speakers, to its first session of Pray Up! Lead Out!, held on the newly renovated campus. These volunteers, who help others prepare to present the Gospel at Stonecroft outreach meetings, will learn how to present the Good News of Jesus Christ to different generations and different cultures. They will also explore new and creative ways to share their faith.
This event has been a particularly meaningful experience for Marilyn Steele, a Stonecroft Speaker Consultant from Tucson. “My husband died unexpectedly in April,” said Marilyn. “It has been such turmoil. This morning, during the worship time, we sang ‘Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.’ As the song says, I pictured looking into His wonderful face. I thought about what it must be like to look into Christ’s eyes. Then, I realized that Doug, my husband, is able to look into His eyes right now! God gave me an overwhelming peace at that moment. I’m getting goose bumps all over again talking about it. I’m so excited—I truly believe that this is the first step of my healing.”
Please pray for these dedicated Stonecroft volunteers, as they pray, worship, and learn together this week, all to bring glory to God.
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REJOICING IN GOD'S GOODNESS
Kansas City, Missouri—Friday evening, the Stonecroft Ministries staff, retirees, Board of Directors, and honored guests gathered to dedicate the Baugh Center for Evangelism Training and the Manor. Many cheers and shouts of joy went up as the ribbon was cut to officially open the Baugh Center.
Just one year ago the Board of Directors approved plans for a campus renovation to allow for expanded training opportunities. At Friday’s dedication service, former Board Chair Phyllis Stern and current Board Chair Vera Velk expressed their awe and gratefulness to God for His faithfulness and goodness in the timely completion of this project.
“We remember the godly women who lived here and how they impacted our lives,” Phyllis commented. “And we are thankful for the opportunity to continue to use this property to impact future generations to reach our world for Jesus Christ.”
This week, the Baugh Center is full of guests attending the first Pray Up! Lead Out! event, designed for those who work with Stonecroft speakers. In her welcome to them, Stonecroft President and CEO Geneva Vollrath wrote, “It’s appropriate that you are among our first guests at the Baugh Center for Evangelism Training. Our founder, Mrs. Helen Duff Baugh, loved spending time in prayer and she influenced thousands of women to discover how God could use them to share the Gospel. Her legacy lives on as we reach out and mentor others for leadership.”
Be watching for further reports from Pray Up! Lead Out! and an online presentation of the dedication service and finalized renovation.
READ MORE ABOUT THE CAMPUS RENOVATION
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HELPING PRISONERS FIND HOPE
Raymondville, Texas—When a local federal detention facility opened its doors to Christian volunteers a few years ago, Bonnie Brown began volunteering there as a Bible study leader. For more than three years now, Bonnie has used Stonecroft Bible Studies to teach women in the facility more about Jesus Christ, His purpose for them, and the need they have for Him in their lives.
Bonnie describes that “the stark white walls in the prison ‘chapel’ are a far cry from meeting in a friend’s living room. However, the women become friends with each other as a result of participating in the Bible study, and a great deal of ‘where two or more are gathered together in His name’ goes on in their cellblocks as a result of the relationships formed.”
Many women have experienced changed lives through the studies, writes Bonnie. One woman named Jean stands out. Even though the people in the facility are not supposed to be there more than 90 days, Jean somehow slipped through the cracks and was there for over two years. That much time there, however, allowed her to participate in many studies. After Jean was released last year, she began running a successful family business and attends church and Bible study. She also has led others in her family to Christ.
Bonnie admits that it’s not always easy to go into the facility. She says that sometimes she tells the women, “There are so many Tuesdays that I come in and don’t feel prepared, or I’m tired, or something at work has caused me to be in a bad mood, but all that changes when you come in and discuss the lesson, you’ve done your lesson prior to coming, and we pray.” She also reminds them that the best education they can get is found by studying the Word of God—a good lesson for all of us to remember.
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BRIGHTENING UP BRIGHTON
Brighton, Michigan—Robin Reese is enthusiastic about Stonecroft Bible Studies and her excitement has been contagious in her neighborhood.
At a recent luncheon in her subdivision, women were asked to share their interests. When Robin talked about Stonecroft Bible Studies, her energy and zest captured the attention of several women there. Last week, six women joined Robin to begin the study Who is Jesus? Already, the ripple effect is being felt as women are thinking about how to share what they are learning with others and new women are interested in joining.
Robin’s vision for these studies reaches far beyond her neighborhood. Today, Brighton; tomorrow, Michigan—wherever God leads her, Robin is determined to make a difference for Jesus Christ.
LEARN MORE ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
LEARN MORE ABOUT STONECROFT INTERNSHIPS
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STONECROFT INTERNSHIPS
Kansas City, Missouri —Stonecroft Ministries is thrilled to welcome its first group of interns. The three young women, who arrived on the Stonecroft campus Sunday, June 3, are excited about this new chapter in their lives. Lyuba, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, will intern in the outreach department. Elizabeth, from Riverside, California, will work with the Communications team, and Allie, from Richland Center, Wisconsin, will help with special events. The group will gain valuable experience, learn leadership skills, develop their walk with God, and be equipped to share their faith.
“The interns are going to be such an asset to the ministry,” commented Special Events Marketing Coordinator Christie Hammond. “All three are fantastic women with very teachable hearts. Their vigor, energy, and youthfulness are refreshing.” Christie, who is mentoring one of the interns, believes that they will offer the ministry fresh ideas on reaching the younger generation for Jesus Christ. “Having them here will be a great opportunity for us to learn from them,” she said. “It will be an amazing and memorable experience for them, as well.”
Do you know a college-age woman who would benefit from a Stonecroft internship? There is still time to apply for the fall session!
LEARN MORE ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
LEARN MORE ABOUT STONECROFT INTERNSHIPS
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SUPERSEDED BY GOD'S LEADING
Prineville, Oregon—A long-time desire to present Stonecroft’s outreach efforts to local pastors here has begun to bear fruit.
Local volunteer Anna Tracy reports this praise:
“Praise God for His faithfulness and His faithful daughters in prayer. My pastor asked me to present Stonecroft Ministries and the Prineville Women’s Connection to our two Sunday Services,” she wrote.
Anna, the Chair of the outreach group, prayed that God would stir the hearts of many women open to hearing about the ministry.
She began her presentation by playing “New Connections,” the new Stonecroft DVD. As she prepared to speak, her planned presentation was superseded by God’s leading.
“Did you come to Christ on your own?” she asked her church audiences. Many agreed they did not. Anna shared her story about how a neighbor had introduced her to Jesus Christ then told how Stonecroft outreach lunches and dinners, the Prayer Connections, and Stonecroft Bible Studies are designed to do just that for each of their neighbors.
By the end of the second service, many had taken information about the local outreach and Anna had been encouraged to give the same talk at another church.
“It is a true joy serving God!” she wrote.
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WOUNDED HEART
Cortaillod, Switzerland—Growing up, Florence Pellet had a hard life. But God has softened her heart and is using Florence to tell others about His love through Stonecroft Bible Studies.
Throughout her sister’s battle with breast cancer, Florence noticed her sister’s inner peace and strength in this difficult situation. Soon after, Florence was invited to a Stonecroft Bible Study, where she learned of Christ’s love. She soon accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord.
“I understood that Jesus loves me as I am—without conditions. I can come to Him just as I am,” shares Florence.
She is now looking forward to starting Stonecroft Bible Studies in her own neighborhood.
Learn more about Stonecroft Ministries in other countries.share your story here
FIRST CLASS TRAVEL
Santa Cruz, California—Recently, the Santa Cruz County Women’s Connection has reached out by hosting some of their outreach events in the evening. Their goal was to connect with some of the women who work during the day. An unexpected bonus is that a few men have come, too. “We don’t ever want to turn anyone away,” said Chair Vicky Becker. “The last two times we’ve had men who accepted the Lord.”
The most recent outreach event was titled, “Traveling in Style Without Breaking Your Budget.” To help people break the ice, Vicky usually shares some trivia relevant to the event’s theme and gives them a subject to talk about at their tables. This time she asked them to share their favorite vacation, which sparked lots of conversation. “We try to make it fun so people will want to come back,” Vicky shared.
“The event was first-class,” related Lois Ratterree, the speaker for the evening. “I could tell they had ‘prayed up.’”
