EMPTY NEST CURE
Americus, Georgia—With an empty nest, Special Ministries Coordinator Susan Hall asked God for another “job” since she was done with one He had given her. What God delivered wasn’t anything she would have dreamed up on her own.
God had been nudging Susan to reach out to the clients of a local drug rehabilitation center. She finally gave in and consulted the help of Lynn Everett, who has been involved with Stonecroft for many years. On Monday evenings for 3 ½ years, Susan and Lynn have lead Stonecroft Bible Studies, at the drug rehab center.
More recently, one day while Susan was standing in line at Winn-Dixie grocery store, she struck up a conversation with the local Sheriff and asked him if she could start a Bible study in the jail. He readily agreed.
So in November 2005, Susan and Friendship Bible Coffee Coordinator Ladelle Smith began leading female inmates through a Stonecroft Bible study. Four inmates have made decisions for Christ and are continuing to study the Bible while in jail.
Susan says, “I am glad that, although I am a grandmother, God didn’t let me rest and rust. This is a blast. I tell the ladies…that coming to see them is the most fun thing I do all week. And I mean it!”
Posted on Thursday, March 30, 2006TERRIFIC TENNESSEE
Nashville, Tennessee—Marilyn Hughes, Supervisor of Stonecroft Stonecroft Bible Studies, is in Tennessee this week to encourage and equip volunteer leaders there. God’s work has been evident even before her arriving flight landed.
Friday on her way to Nashville, she met a couple on the airplane who were interested to learn about Stonecroft Ministries and what God was doing through the work being done in Tennessee. Now, they hope to be at tonight’s informational meeting in Franklin, Tennessee.
Saturday, during a leadership training event titled “Spring into Action,” Marilyn and others were able to further train about 61 volunteer leaders to focus Bible studies and other events on reaching those who are unfamiliar with the Bible and who haven’t begun a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Throughout the week, Marilyn has crossed the state, holding training events and meeting with leaders and potential volunteers interested in joining the efforts of Stonecroft Ministries in the Volunteer State.
Please join Stonecroft in praying for tonight’s informational meeting in Franklin (near Nashville) and the expansion of the Stonecroft Bible Study program in Tennessee.
Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006REHABILITATION
Kansas City, Missouri—Teams of men and women from a local church volunteer at a drug rehabilitation center in downtown Kansas City. One of the team leaders, Marshelle Lyons, is on staff with Stonecroft Ministries as the Community Liaison.
Every Friday evening, Marshelle and others minister to people enrolled in a rehabilitation program. The men and women are put into groups according to gender so their spiritual and emotional needs can be met to the best ability of the volunteers.
Each meeting is opened with prayer. Currently, the groups are studying the Stonecroft Bible study Who is Jesus? While many challenges arise, the Lord continues to bless each volunteer as they see spiritual lives changed.
Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006MOVIN' AND SHAKIN' IN AIKEN
Alliston, Ontario, Canada—Once a year, the Aiken Christian Women’s Club holds a “ladies night out” to give working women in the area the opportunity to attend the group. They do their best to keep costs down, making it easier for women to bring guests.
For this year’s event, March 21, the group moved from their usual spot at the local country club to a conference center downtown. Instead of a meal, they planned a dessert night and Planning Team members supplied the goodies, keeping the ticket price to a modest $8. The team also did a great job publicizing the event. “We had 114 reservations,” Area Representative Patti Cutshall reported, “and I was thrilled to note that about 45 of those were first-timers.”
The speaker, a former television actress, did a beautiful job of presenting music for the evening and sharing the Gospel message. Six women responded to the opportunity to invite Jesus Christ into their lives.
Posted on Monday, March 27, 2006VANCOUVER VICTORIES
Vancouver, British Columbia—God is at work in the Vancouver area, reports Marg Roller, Stonecroft Speaker Consultant. The Surrey South, Vancouver Northshore, and Delta Christian Women’s Clubs reported a combined total of 14 decisions for Christ in March.
Marg was also excited to tell how God is using Janet Boivin, the Area Representative of the Delta group. Janet has two children, works out of her home, and is a hockey mom. She has started a shared interest group for other hockey moms and brings them to the outreach meeting periodically. Janet’s enthusiasm has sparked three other women in the area who desire to start shared interest groups as well. “Christian Women’s Club is the highlight of my life,” Janet says.
Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006SHOWCASED BUSINESS
Vancouver, Washington—Earlier this month, Royal Oaks Country Club in Vancouver was brimming with business—literally. The Vancouver Washington Women’s Connection networked and showcased home-based businesses in the area. For only $20, any home-based business could showcase its trade.
As a result, 81 women attended with over 32 first time guests. Almost one quarter of those attending—19 women—surrendered their lives to the Lord that day!
Because of the high interest and number of people who wanted to participate, the Vancouver Washington Women’s Connection is planning on making this an annual event.
Posted on Thursday, March 23, 2006PITTSBURG PIZZAZZ
Pittsburg, Kansas—The ultimate in spiritual ailments was addressed at the Pittsburg Christian Women’s Club on Monday, held at the Mount Carmel Medical Center.
The luncheon featured local award-winning Realtor Betty Wood who described and demonstrated her skills at creating dolls from antique pillow cases. The 54 women there, which included three who had never attended a Stonecroft event, were also treated to the vocal talents of Susie Taylor.
Carrie Langford, a long-time Stonecroft Ministries staffer who works in the Special Events Department, spoke of her early love of attending church as a child, her simple belief in God, and her desire to do more good than bad while on earth. Carrie then explained the missing part of her beliefs: a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, God’s only Son. She quoted John 1:12: “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,” and invited the luncheon attendees to pray a prayer to ask Jesus Christ to come into their life. Three women indicated on their guest tickets they did just that.
“It is such a joy to visit our outreach groups and be able to speak to them about the love of God,” Carrie said.
Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006GETTING A NEW INNER LOOK
Ada, Michigan—A local beauty salon’s employees are in the process of receiving the most important kind of makeover—a spiritual one.
God has paved the way for Regional Representative Margo Chalk to have a Stonecroft Friendship Bible Coffee in this beauty salon every Wednesday at noon. Owner Belinda Stewart closes the shop, and she and six other women spend their lunch hour together in Bible study.
The group is currently delving into Who is Jesus? after beginning with the study of Life’s New Beginning.
Belinda has attended the Grand Rapids Women’s Connection for two years. In that time, she has brought each of her stylists with her. Three of those stylists have surrendered their lives to the Lord.
Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006AWESOME ALLISTON
Alliston, Ontario, Canada—A rush of new volunteer leadership offers was preceded by a special call to prayer at this Ontario town about an hour north of Toronto.
“We had eight at the Monday prayer time,” said Shirley Richardson, the Regional Field Director there. “And God answered those prayers in ways we could never have dreamed!”
Tuesday morning the Alliston Christian Women’s Club welcomed 92 women to Shilton Hall for muffins, coffee, tea, and the outreach program. Six women said it was their first Stonecroft event, and seven indicated they prayed to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior at the event.
When Shirley asked for volunteers to fill vacant and overworked leadership positions, many responded. One woman offered to chair the next outreach meeting and may continue after that—and six additional women offered to fill leadership positions or help organize and plan future events.
Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006A PEACHY EVENT
Ellijay, Georgia—This quiet community of 1,500 in north-central Georgia was buzzing with energy last Wednesday, March 15, as Stonecroft on the Road hit town. Seventy-six women attended the event, and at least five indicated they prayed with speaker Margaret Smith to invite Jesus Christ into their lives as Savior and Lord.
A number of women from outreach groups in the area attended and received a booster shot of encouragement and enthusiasm. Enough women indicated an interest in Stonecroft Friendship Bible Coffees that two studies are being started immediately, and eleven women stated they would like to help with future outreach events. Stonecroft Regional Administrator Delores Burkett will be meeting with those women on April 5 to determine the best way to continue outreach efforts.
“The energy in the room that day was incredible,” Delores stated. “Not only was the interest for a new group extremely exciting, but the women who helped who are currently involved also received so much.”
Posted on Friday, March 17, 2006LADIES NIGHT OUT
East Tawas, Michigan—Sitting on the shore of Lake Huron, East Tawas was recently the host of a Stonecroft on the Road event. God used Stonecroft Development Leader Bev Tunks and three local women to put this event together.
Regional Speaker Trainer Chris Bassett spoke from her heart so others could know the love of God. Eighty-three women attended and 39 women surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ! In less than 24 hours, those 39 women had been contacted regarding participating in a Stonecroft Friendship Bible Coffee. God is good!
Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006
TRULY A TODDLIN' TOWN
Arlington Heights, Illinois—In one old song, Chicago is referred to as “that toddlin’ town.” That was certainly true on Friday, March 10, at the Moms on the Run event in Arlington Heights. There were over 90 women in attendance—with 87 babies and toddlers in the nursery!
Speaker Jan Mathers told her personal story about finding adventure in the ordinary. Thirteen moms indicated they had made a commitment to Jesus Christ that morning and fourteen expressed interest in studying God’s Word through Stonecroft Stonecroft Bible Studies.
Star Paterson, who helped coordinate this one-time event, said, “The women here were really encouraged. Everything was well-organized and went very smoothly. It was a great meeting with many positive comments and interest in doing it again. I think we may be starting a Moms on the Run on a quarterly or semi-annual basis! Very exciting!”
Posted on Wednesday, March 15, 2006
UNDERSTANDING THE TRUTH
Carson City, Nevada—Placing new believers in Christ in Bible study is critical to their spiritual growth. Recently after an outreach group meeting in Carson City, two Stonecroft Stonecroft Bible Studies were started.
One began the day after the meeting. Stonecroft Development Leader Laurie Oswald was the hostess for this study of Know the Truth. Her prayer was that God would fill every seat in her dining room. He answered—Laurie had to add a leaf in the table! Eight women currently attend this study, which has been dubbed “Soup Night,” since they meet a half an hour early to eat soup together before the study begins.
The second study started four days after the meeting. Eight women are delving into God’s Word as they study the first eight chapters of Romans.
Laurie is blown away with how God is working in northern Nevada. “I stand in worship and in awe!” she commented. Our God is mighty!
Posted on Tuesday, March 14, 2006
TAKING COLORADO BY STORM
Denver, Colorado—Colorado residents are used to snowstorms, but Stonecroft CEO Geneva Vollrath brought a downpour of a different type to the Denver area. God used her to provide a blizzard of encouragement to local groups there and, in turn, she had the joy of seeing first-hand how God is at work through Stonecroft Ministries.
On Thursday evening, Geneva spoke at the Denver After 5 Women’s Connection. A wonderfully diverse group of 107 attended the fun evening with women of all ages and ethnicities—including one table of 16-year-olds! Stonecroft national board member Rachael Crabb, who jokingly calls herself an “Oprah wannabe,” interviewed Geneva. The Gospel was presented very clearly through the question-and-answer format and several women responded to the message, placing their faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
On Friday afternoon, Stonecroft leaders from the local groups attended a “Chat Room” with Geneva at Rachael’s home. Despite the weather, twenty-four women participated in a wonderful time of interaction. Geneva shared her heart and introduced some new initiatives and materials. There was also time for questions and idea-sharing. “It was tremendously encouraging,” Rachael commented.
On Saturday evening, Geneva enjoyed the opportunity to see Stonecroft Couples in action as the Mile High Couples’ Connection had their meeting. She presented the project at the meeting and retired Army colonel Tom Greco was the speaker. Ten people gave their lives to Christ that evening, including four members of one family.
Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006
HONORING OTHERS
Canyon Lake, California—Each of us has certain people who we feel have made our lives better. When we are given the opportunity to honor those individuals, we usually jump at the chance. This month at their outreach event, the Canyon Lake Women’s Connection presented guests with one of those opportunities. Women were encouraged to invite “wonderful women in their lives” to come with them to the meeting.
Area Representative Carolyn Reece reported that the meeting was a great success. About 100 people were in attendance, including more than 20 first-time guests. Jennifer Strickland, a new speaker, shared her testimony—a story that listeners could easily relate to, according to Carolyn. Jennifer introduced the guests to the Person who had made the biggest difference in her life—Jesus Christ. And because she did so, God used her to bring 15 people into His Kingdom.
Posted on Friday, March 10, 2006
SURRENDERING
Northern Nevada—On the fast track to becoming a young general, Kara Miller was placed in charge of aircraft and their maintenance while based in Kuwait during Operation Desert Shield. She was self-driven and a high achiever. After becoming a civilian and coming to know Jesus Christ personally, Kara became a speaker for Stonecroft.
Recently, Kara spoke at the Women’s Connections in Reno and Carson City. In Reno, 17 of the 32 guests were attending for the first time. Nine people surrendered their lives to the Lord.
In Carson City, 41 of the 55 guests were first-timers with five people deciding to follow Christ.
Former military women were honored at these two outreach groups and were given certificates for laying their lives on the line for the freedom and safety of every US citizen.
Posted on Thursday, March 9, 2006ALIVE AND WELL IN NEW BERN
New Bern, North Carolina—You’ve probably heard the expression “firing on all cylinders.” The Cambridge Dictionary of American Idioms says this is when something is “operating as powerfully and effectively as possible.” At Stonecroft Headquarters, we get excited when we hear about Stonecroft outreaches firing on all cylinders.
Such is the case in New Bern, North Carolina. The triple cylinders of Prayer Connections, outreach meetings, and Stonecroft Friendship Bible Coffees are working together in powerful and effective ways. Area Representative Sandra Nystrom remarked that there is “a lot of energy” in New Bern right now.
There are four Prayer Connections being held each month, good attendance is seen at both the Christian Women’s Club and the After 5, women are accepting Christ regularly at the outreach meetings, and over 200 people are participating in 18 Friendship Bible Coffee studies. As Sandra put it, “We are alive and well in New Bern!”
Posted on Wednesday, March 8, 2006
REFRESHMENT IN THE DESERT
Desert Center, Califonia—“T.H.A.N.K.S. for a great get-together!” That’s what the women of Desert Center were saying after their “Tea, Hats, And Neighbors, Kindred Spirits” meeting on Wednesday, March 1.
Desert Center is a favorite spot for snowbirds and Stonecroft Development Leader Faye Marie Miller has wintered there for the past few years. She has spearheaded the effort for Stonecroft Bible Studies in the area, as well as an annual outreach meeting. “We have a wonderful team of 14 women who work together to make this happen,” she said.
This year’s event had the community buzzing. Billed as an “Anne of Green Gables” style tea party, women were encouraged to bring their favorite teacup and wear a hat. Fifty-seven women arrived, ready for the fun. Talented duo Ramona Burbidge and Barbara Meyer-Norton provided the music. Then speaker Sandi Rogers explained about the five love languages—ways we express our love. The gospel message was clearly woven into her presentation and 13 women responded to God’s love that day and invited Jesus Christ into their lives as personal Savior. Follow-up Bible studies began on Wednesday, March 8.
“Perhaps the most exciting result is that women have caught the vision for outreach,” Faye Marie commented. “Now many of these snowbirds are planning to take Stonecroft on the Road to other locations.”
Posted on Tuesday, March 7, 2006
REMEMBERING MARY "MO"
Kansas City, Missouri—
Mary Mahaffey, longtime staff member, corporate board member, and treasurer
of Stonecroft, Inc., slipped quietly into the presence of our Savior
on Monday, March 6, at the age of 91.
Mary joined the staff of Stonecroft Ministries in 1958, after several years of involvement with the Christian Business and Professional Women’s Council in Atlanta, Georgia. On her job application, Mary described the spiritual quest that consumed twelve years of her adult life. Although she attended dozens of churches, she never heard the gospel during that time. She stated, “I realize now how much it would have meant to me during those years if only someone had invited me to a Council where I could have heard of our lovely Lord and been introduced to Him. I know that’s the main reason why this ministry has meant so much to me. It is such an attractive avenue to reach other business women who are in the same condition I was in and to whom my heart goes out.”
When she entered Stonecroft Ministries so many years ago, she sent our founder, Mrs. Helen Duff Baugh, a container of perfume called “Here’s My Heart.” Mary truly gave whole-hearted service to the Lord and to Stonecroft Ministries. From the day she began until her retirement in 2001, she worked diligently to make sure the staff’s needs were met and the ministry’s finances handled in a way that honored God. She was a quiet example of faithfulness and dedication who will be greatly missed.
Posted on Monday, March 6, 2006
ORDINARY PEOPLE, EXTRAORDINARY RESULTS
Red Lodge, Montana—Let’s think for a moment about the wide variety of places you can find the influences of Stonecroft Ministries. Down the street and across town. Next door and around the world. In big cities and small towns. Have you ever considered how word about Stonecroft gets spread to all these places? We know it’s through the work of people—ordinary people like you and me.
Right now, one person who is helping extend the outreach of Stonecroft Ministries is Bette Fauquet. Bette is a Stonecroft staff member and is currently working in Red Lodge, Montana, to promote and initiate Stonecroft Friendship Bible Coffee studies. Since Bette is only in Red Lodge for two weeks, her days have been packed full with phone calls and meetings with people. She’s training Coordinators, finding hosts, and lining up Guides. Most importantly, she’s generating enthusiasm, casting a vision for outreach, and connecting women with each other so the studies will continue after she returns to Kansas City.
Bette appreciates the prayer support that has been and will continue to be provided for the work in Red Lodge. Isn’t it thrilling that God, as He has done through Stonecroft for so many years, is again opening up new doors for people to study His Word?
Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006
NEW AVENUES IN INDIANA
Chesterton, Indiana—Long-time Stonecroft speaker Corrine Peterson has explored a new avenue of ministry with Stonecroft.
“I have been teaching a Sunday School class at our church this past four weeks using Who is Jesus? What a great set of lessons Stonecroft has developed! The response has been very good. This is my first time using the material for our Sunday School class.”
Pray for Corrine as she guides others through this study. And, if you are a part of Stonecroft Ministries, explore other avenues of ministry just like Corrine!
Posted on Thursday, March 2, 2006
IN THE BAG
Cotopaxi, Colorado—“Regifting” is a contemporary term for passing along new, but unused, gifts. The Howard-Cotopaxi Christian Women’s Club carried regifting to new heights at their recent “Sacks 5th Avenue” luncheon. Gifts donated by the Planning Team were set on the tables and each gift had a decorated bag alongside it. When women arrived, they were given tickets that they could put in the bags for a drawing for that gift. “There was high excitement as the women debated how to divide their tickets,” Area Representative Celeste Strid wrote. “The drawing was very fun. It’s amazing how those who ‘needed’ to win a gift did.”
The group saw a record wintertime attendance that day—72 guests, 12 of whom were visiting for the first time. Celeste commented on the appropriateness of the speaker’s topic, “What Kind of a Container Are You?” As the speaker presented the Gospel, seven women responded by praying with her to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.
Note: If you are on a Planning Team, this luncheon theme and many others can be found on the Stonecroft Leaders Online web site. Stonecroft Representatives and Planning Team members can gain access to that section by sending an e-mail to connections@stonecroft.org.
Posted on Wednesday, March 1, 2006
RAYS OF "SONSHINE" FROM ARIZONA
Phoenix, Arizona—The Phoenix Couples Club is rejoicing at what God did as a result of their brunch meeting on February 19. The meeting, held at the Luke Officers Club, had 330 in attendance—capacity for the venue.
The speaker was high-flying Lonnie McClung, a retired Navy captain and fighter pilot, who currently serves as an aviation consultant and flies Lear jets. As Lonnie shared the ultimate adventure of knowing Jesus Christ personally, ten people prayed with him to invite Jesus into their lives as their personal Savior.
Stonecroft Stonecroft Bible Studies were promoted at the meeting and two new studies of Examine the Evidence have begun as a result—one in Sun City West and one in Sun City Grand. The Steering Committee is praying that the light of God’s truth will shine in hearts as these couples study His Word together.
