REKINDLED
Loudon, Tennessee—One of the training opportunities offered by Stonecroft is an event titled Keeping Watch led by Meryl Bishop, Stonecroft’s National Prayer Consultant. Meryl was recently in Tennessee, where she challenged those who attended her Keeping Watch events to always be alert to the people in need around them.
One of the people who attended was Pam Wilson. Pam loved the event and shared that Meryl rekindled in her a light to help others. As Pam made herself available to God, He almost immediately opened up an opportunity for her to shine a beacon of light to someone in need of direction.
Pam was out shopping when she met Janine*. As Pam will tell you, she’ll talk to anyone, and the two quickly struck up a conversation. Janine must have sensed that Pam was a safe person to talk to, because she revealed to Pam that she had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Pam shared her sympathy and prayed with her right there in the store.
After the prayer, Janine asked Pam questions about church and baptism. Sensing that Janine needed spiritual guidance, Pam suggested that she talk to a pastor, and the two made an appointment with a pastor at Pam’s church just days later. After much conversation, the pastor asked Janine if she would like to accept Jesus Christ as her Savior. She said she would, and Pam was able to lead her in a prayer of salvation.
“This is all because of what Meryl challenged us with,” says Pam. “I am so grateful. I have been made so much more aware of my surroundings and the people I come in contact with.”
*Name changed for privacy.
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EXTREME GIFT GIVING
Denver, Colorado—The Denver After Five took gift giving to a new level at a recent event. Their creativity paid off—90 people attended, including 35 first-timers.
“We really did something out of the box,” explained Chair Michelle Cartwright. “We had been praying about it for almost two years. It was such a breath of fresh air. Our theme was "Extreme Gift Giving Party," which we did as a fund-raiser. We went to local mom and pop shops and received all kinds of donations. Then, we took little gold jewelry boxes and put a bracelet in each one. Some of these boxes had additional prizes, such as gift certificates for massages, hair cuts, and restaurants. In one of the boxes, we placed a pair of earrings valued at $300. Our gracious God provided these through a local jeweler. At our event, we sold the boxes for $5 a piece.”
While everyone who purchased a box received a bracelet; they also had a chance of receiving a box that included other prizes. “Boy, did this draw women from all different walks of life!” Michelle commented.
“The good news of Jesus Christ was presented clearly by our awesome speaker—a professional certified personality trainer,” explained Michelle. “We had one person indicate she had received Jesus as her Savior and ten others who said they would like to know more about Jesus. We signed them up for the latest Stonecroft Bible Study, Why Believe?”
“With all this being new, we didn't know what to expect,” Michelle commented. “It was a hit! One woman wrote on her comment card that the party started outside the door. That was one of our goals—to have a party for Jesus!”share your story here
GOD IS ABLE
Pinehurst, North Carolina—“God is able.” That was the theme Stonecroft Regional Administrator Joyce Wagstaff chose for 2007. “Early in the year, I felt led to concentrate on prayer, asking God for leaders,” she said. “We try to meet quarterly as a group with our Regional Representatives, District Consulting Coordinator, Regional Speaker Trainers, Stonecroft Development Leader and Stonecroft Prayer Consultant. In January, we made a commitment to pray for new leaders in eastern North Carolina. On Friday, March 16, we met again for a day of prayer. Andi Dickson, Stonecroft Prayer Consultant, led us in a wonderful time of praise rejoicing in how God has answered.”
And what has God done? Since the first of the year, four new Area Representatives had been appointed—and one additional woman is praying about serving. An additional Regional Speaker Trainer is now serving—and several young women who are new to the ministry have expressed an interest in becoming speakers. The Stonecroft Bible Study ministry now has a new District Consulting Coordinator, two Consulting Coordinators, several new Coordinators and Guides, including some new Church Coordinators.
“God is faithful,” Joyce remarked. “We still have leadership needs, but He is answering those. There are people available to serve. We just need to pray and be on the look out.”share your story here
RICH RESOURCES
California—Taking calls and orders at the Stonecroft Resource Center puts Lana Brock in a wonderful position to hear how God uses Stonecroft materials to encourage women around the world.
“Last Friday I got a call from a lady in California who told me this remarkable story about one of our books,” Lana said. “At one point in her life, she was in deep despair. A Stonecroft Regional Administrator who knew her drove four hours to bring her a favorite devotional book. She said that book saved her life.”
Lana said the woman ordered more than 100 copies of two devotional books last week. “She wants them to give out to others. They were that important to her.”
Stonecroft offers carefully selected books and other materials that have been reviewed to ensure their quality. Many can be used as a way to introduce people to Jesus Christ.
If you are on the Stonecroft mailing list, look for the new Spring 2007 Catalog in your mailbox near the end of April. Meanwhile, please see our current catalog online.
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ON THE ROAD IN GEORGIA
Forsyth, Georgia—A Stonecroft on the Road event was held at the Holiday Inn in Forsyth on Friday. Thirty-nine women attended, with two making decisions to surrender their lives wholly to Jesus Christ.
Stonecroft Regional Administrator Delores Burkett, Regional Representative Rose Lewis, main contact Maria Stewart, along with six women from the Covington GA East Metro Women’s Connection, worked together to make the meeting a hit.
Speaker Janet McGraw from Roswell, Georgia, shared how Jesus changed her life and became her Savior and Lord. One of the two women who accepted Christ as her Savior commented to the speaker, “I've always gone to church, but I've never done that!”
Several women are interested in having a regular outreach group in the area, while others are interested in attending Stonecroft Bible Studies. New studies are scheduled to begin April 10 and 11.
Rose, who presided over the meeting, commented, “To me, it was special to see the young women and their interest in making Jesus known throughout this community.”
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SPRINGING TO LIFE
Clatskanie, Oregon—It seems that the arrival of spring has coincided with a blossoming burst of Stonecroft Bible Studies in Clatskanie, Oregon. What started as one study led by Gary and Faye Miller for their family* will soon multiply into seven studies in Clatskanie and the surrounding area.
The study groups, all of which will be using the new Stonecroft Bible Study Why Believe?, are beautifully varied in their participants. Men and women from a variety of denominations, a homeless woman, and twin girls who were introduced to Jesus by their school superintendent are among the many who will be attending.
Faye loves the new study and comments that even her pastor is talking it up around town. “We feel that this study alone is going to light the fire for revival in our nation and town,” she writes. “Why Believe? is crossing denominational boundaries and capturing all who want to make a difference in the Kingdom for God’s glory.”
*Read the Stonecroft Live! February 16, 2007 archive story for more about this study.
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LIVING RESULTS
Fayetteville, North Carolina—Stonecroft Bible Studies are taking off in the Fayetteville area. Paula Byrd, a Stonecroft Development Leader, is thrilled at how the studies are reaching people in her community.
“It is amazing to see how God is working,” commented Paula. “One woman brought two young women with her. They were very reluctant to come because they said they weren’t familiar with the Bible. It was great to see how they began to feel at ease, opened up, and participated. They kept saying how much they loved the study and that it was not what they expected. Now that they have come to my home, I am hopeful that they will feel comfortable enough to come back next week—I think they will!
“When we finished, we invited them to the next outreach event,” said Paula. “I feel there are going to be great living results from this study.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT STONECROFT BIBLE STUDIESshare your story here
'TIS THE SEASON
Baton Rouge, Louisiana—It’s spring—and the Capture the Moment special event season is back in full swing.
These 24-hour events are designed to challenge and equip Stonecroft volunteers for outreach, to motivate and equip them for service, and to help them in setting goals for their areas. But, perhaps one of the biggest benefits of these special events is the booster shot of encouragement they give attendees. “Encouragement comes as they hear how God is at work,” said Bette Fauquet, a Capture team member. “They hear individuals tell their stories of how God has changed their lives and our local groups and Stonecroft Bible Study leaders share praise reports of what God has done. Perhaps one of the most meaningful parts of the entire weekend is the quality time each woman has to spend alone with God—to listen to Him, to love Him, and to allow Him to encourage her heart.”
One location where that encouragement is especially needed is Louisiana. Not only did many Stonecroft leaders there take personal hits during the devastating hurricane season of 2005, but outreach groups did as well. Three groups had to close and recovery efforts have been slow. Eighteen months after Katrina, efforts to restart a group in New Orleans have been hampered by the lack of meeting places and women to serve.
Please pray for God’s special grace, strength, vision, and encouragement for the 50 women who are gathering in Baton Rouge this weekend with a desire to capture their state for Jesus Christ.
LEARN MORE ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
LEARN MORE ABOUT SPRING 07 CAPTURE EVENTS
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EXCEPTIONAL EXPO
Grand Rapids, Michigan—More than 30 Stonecroft women volunteered to staff a booth at the Women’s Expo here that drew nearly 20,000 women on the weekend of March 9-11.
Margo Chalk, Regional Representative in the Grand Rapids area, sent a report to Stonecroft Headquarters about the event. She reported that invitations were handed to 5,350 women. About 3,000 women received gift bags which included a Stonecroft pen, a Connect Card, a piece of chocolate, information about outreach programs for four area groups, and a tea bag encouraging each woman to take some time to look over the material. And at least five women said they wanted to start a Stonecroft Bible Study.
In addition, Stonecroft volunteers met a variety of people who expressed interest in getting involved with outreach. One woman expressed delight that Stonecroft offered an outreach that could be used by her church. Another had just moved and was glad to learn that Stonecroft was in the area. A group wondered about Stonecroft’s Spanish-language materials. They are praying now about using one of the Stonecroft Bible Studies published in Spanish.
The booth, one of 350 at the Expo, was also featured on a local television news broadcast of the event. “We can only imagine what seeds were planted and watered because of the information given out to women,” Margo wrote. “We are already receiving calls from women who attended the Expo: some asking about the groups and reservations, some wanting to network with their businesses, some wanting specific information, some needing Christ in their lives.”Continue to pray that what God started through the Stonecroft Ministries booth at this event would continue.share your story here
PARADISE STUDIES
Kauai, Hawaii—For two months during the winter, the paradise state of Hawaii is home to Diana Huizinga. Diana enjoys basking in the sun, but her real passion is Stonecroft Bible Studies.
And Diana isn’t the only one who can’t wait to start Bible studies in Kauai. Kay Silverman and Susan Tsao—former volunteers with outreach groups on the mainland—attend church with Diana and have decided to introduce Jesus to Hawaiians through Stonecroft Bible Studies.
A week ago today, Diana trained Kay and Susan to serve as Guides, and they are planning to start a study in early May. Diana also led Kay and Susan through a lesson of Why Believe? Investigate Evidence for Faith. Kay and Susan immediately thought of women who would benefit from and relate to the study.
“These women are so enthused and passionate about getting Stonecroft Bible Studies started,” states Diana. “I can’t wait to see what God will do in Kauai!”share your story here
IN GOD'S HANDS
Fort Myers, Florida—“It’s exciting when you place an entire event completely in God’s hands,” commented Marilyn Southard, who chairs the Stonecroft Couples Southwest Florida group with her husband, Lee. Marilyn, who normally plans events for Stonecroft women’s groups, found herself facing a new challenge as she planned her first couples event, held Saturday, March 10. “Since I depended on God for guidance, we certainly knew Who receives the credit when it was a success!” said Marilyn. “It reminded us that He is in control.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT STONECROFT COUPLES
The evening, which included a motivational speaker and a mini-concert, drew nearly 80 people. “The speaker was so well received,” said Marilyn. “He gave an amazing presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
The best part of the night was that four people made decisions to invite Jesus into their lives as their personal Savior. Several who attended mentioned that they would like to join a Stonecroft Bible Study, and others showed interest in volunteering with Stonecroft. “We are very encouraged and are already looking forward to the next couples event!” commented Marilyn.
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TOGETHER IN HIS NAME
North Hampton, New Hampshire—From young moms to grandmothers, reaching out is nothing new to Coordinator Lane Henderson. She is reaching women through Stonecroft Bible Studies with the grace and love of Jesus Christ.
Each Tuesday morning, a Stonecroft Bible Study is held at a local Christian bookstore and café—Together in His Name. Lane guided the first study of Who is Jesus? with nine women and has passed the baton to newly approved Guide Elaine Flynn. The group began the study of What is God Like? on March 6.
Represented in the group are women who are at all different stages in their spiritual journeys. One is from Lane’s church, one heard about the study through an ad in a local newspaper, three are from the Planning Team of a local outreach group, and four are brand new to Bible study.
“Things are happening in New England,” states Lane. “People are getting hungry for the Word of God.”
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BLOWOUT IN THE WINDY CITY
Arlington Heights, Illinois—What do you get when you combine 84 moms, 74 children, 27 child care providers, and 12 volunteers? Those in the greater Chicago area know the answer—a Moms on the Run event that would blow your socks off!
Stonecroft Regional Administrator Star Paterson has a heart for young moms to know Jesus. This is the second time leaders in her area have worked together to put on this type of event—and the results have left her rejoicing. “Our God is so totally awesome,” she commented. “What a blessing it was for me to be a participant in this event—both as a cheerleader and as the speaker. I truly believe we need to try these Moms on the Run events in every area at least once! Moms are hungry for this.”
The morning gathering on March 9 provided a much needed boost for many in attendance. “This was really fun!” one commented. Another remarked that “moms need to be together like this.” Most exciting was the fact that ten of these women indicated that they prayed that day to receive God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
“Those who worked hard and gave so generously of their time and talents were encouraged to see God work,” Star said. “One young woman had invited enough guests to fill two tables. She was moved to tears at the end when she realized two of those moms received the Lord. These women are ready to do this type of event again—as God directs.”
Please pray for the follow-up Stonecroft Bible Studies that are slated to start in April. Thirteen people expressed an interest, so they are hoping to begin two study groups.
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A TRUE WINNER
Clarksburg, West Virginia—If you are up on pop culture in the United States, or even if you aren’t, you’re probably familiar with the singing competition American Idol. As attested to by the thousands of young people who try out, the chance to become a contestant on the show is a highly desired prize. Getting your face seen and your voice heard on national television, even if you don’t end up winning, is an opportunity many would-be singing sensations long for.
Last month, when Nancy Williams was speaking at an outreach event in Clarksburg, she learned that the talented young man who was providing the music for the evening had been an American Idol contestant. He actually made it as far as Hollywood, but didn’t make it into the final rounds.
After Nancy was done speaking, she greeted guests at the door as they left. This young man came up to her and told her that he had never heard anything like what she had just shared. He told her “it was awesome” and went on to say that he had prayed the prayer of salvation with her at the end!
“I found out that his mother prayed with me, too,” said Nancy. “I’m just a simple person with a simple story, but I love being able to do what I do.” And because of Nancy’s simple story, this young man and his mother are winners—not of a singing competition here on earth, but of eternal life in heaven.
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PLANTING SEEDS OF HOPE
Butler, Pennsylvania— Through a program called Seeds of Hope, Coordinator Billie Brinks is actively reaching out to recovering drug addicts through Stonecroft Bible Studies.
Currently, Billie’s group of 10 has grown to 20 who are beginning their sobriety. Now they’re getting “hooked” on the Bible and are already excited about doing another study.
“Life’s New Beginning helps unfold for them the depth and breadth of God’s healing grace,” says Billie. “Now they are ready to grow spiritually and to give back to other addicts just starting their sobriety.”
Pray with us for Billie and her team as they continue to minister to those recovering from addictions.
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KIDDING AROUND
LaPine, Oregon—The LaPine Women’s Connection got a little smaller at the last outreach event—in height, that is! The theme, “Kids’ Night Out,” brought people of all ages, including more than 30 young people under the age of 18.
The evening was planned with kids in mind from beginning to end. There was lots of candy, a fun table game, and music provided by a woman who works at the local middle school. The speaker, Lori Henry, brought her 12-year-old son Josh and interviewed him at the beginning of her talk. Josh recently had brain surgery to remove a tumor, and he shared about his feelings regarding the diagnosis and surgery.
In spite of some snow before the event, 65 people attended. There were a few families with three generations present, and one boy came who had the same surgery as Josh two months earlier. Best of all, two people clearly indicated that they had invited Jesus Christ to be their Savior that night. Pat Abernathy, a Stonecroft Development Leader, summed it up by saying, “It was an amazing night!”share your story here
MIRACULOUS RESULTS
Fayetteville, North Carolina—Paula Byrd, a Stonecroft Development Leader, has seen miraculous results with her latest Bible study group! She wrote Stonecroft recently to share her encouraging news:
“Exciting news about my Stonecroft Bible Study! At our first study, we had the Guide, two others, and myself. At first, I was disappointed, but then one of the girls began to cry and tell about her family struggles. She would have never shared if the group had been larger. The other woman, who was originally from a foreign country, came to the United States with three children and no money. She has a great story of how she found a spiritual booklet in a telephone booth and came to Jesus Christ and how God provided for her needs. She wants to bring someone new next week—maybe two people. She is in real estate and says these studies would be great for her clients. They were both absolutely thrilled with the study.”
Paula’s group is studying the newest Stonecroft Bible Study Why Believe? Investigate Evidence for Faith. Please pray for Paula, as she seeks to reach people for Jesus Christ and help them grow in God’s Word!
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CAMPUS MINISTRY
Kansas City, Missouri—If you close your eyes and listen carefully, you may hear the rush of traffic on the nearby freeways. But, if you open your eyes and look around, you might wonder how such a tranquil, pastoral setting could be located on the edge of a large city. That is the beauty—and the paradox—of the Stonecroft Ministries campus. Besides being the location of the international headquarters office, the campus has several residence buildings where many of the staff members live.
CEO Geneva Vollrath commented, “I wasn’t at Stonecroft long before I began to envision women visiting the ministry campus in Kansas City—not just as sightseers, but in a way that is truly life-changing.” One aspect of that dream included providing a place on the campus where Stonecroft volunteers could connect with each other and with Stonecroft’s history, and where they could discover the important role they have today in Stonecroft’s global outreach. God is bringing that dream to fruition this summer. In June, the first of six special events in 2007 for Stonecroft volunteers will be held on the newly renovated campus.
Read more about Pray Up! Lead Out!
Another dream was to introduce an internship program to build in young women a foundation and passion for evangelism. Stonecroft Ministries Internships will be launched this summer for young women who are juniors and seniors in college or recent college graduates. Interns will have the opportunity to work side-by-side with seasoned professionals, experience live ministry, and use their skills in building God’s kingdom. “I believe this program will make a significant difference in our ministry and will enable us to make a profound impact on generations of Christian leaders,” Geneva said.
Read more about Stonecroft Internships
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SHEZAM!
Cottage Grove, Oregon—The 500 women who attended the annual Shezam (Sisters Humbly Excited About the Master) got multiple doses of Stonecroft this weekend at a local high school.
“The weekend was just like we prayed it would be,” said Sandi Ausland, a Stonecroft Development Leader in Oregon who attended the event. Four churches host the gathering of women to encourage them. Throughout the program Friday and Saturday, Stonecroft outreach programs, Bible Studies, and other materials were featured.
“I took 500 Life Publications with me,” said Faye Marie Miller, a Stonecroft Bible Studies District Consulting Coordinator. “I came home with just 70!”
In the welcome packets, each Shezam participant found information about Stonecroft and a special invitation to the Cottage Grove outreach event hosted by local Stonecroft volunteer leaders May 17.
More than 250 women stopped by the Stonecroft booth at the event. Many picked up a Stonecroft pen and all were directed to the website where they could learn more.
Is there an event near you where women should hear about Stonecroft Ministries? E-mail marketing@stonecroft.org about it today.
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AT THE YMCA
North Carolina—District Consulting Coordinators Norma Dougherty and Joyce Chadwick are hot on the trail of promoting Stonecroft Bible Studies throughout their state of North Carolina. Among the many avenues they are pursuing, local YMCAs are top on the list.
Currently, a study at the Siskey YMCA has 10 to 15 attending. This study originally started with interested women from the same swimming class. Although Coordinator Margie Chamberland is currently guiding this study, she is constantly on the lookout for potential Guides among those who attend. Positive changes are taking place in the lives of these women and their families.
In addition to all that God is doing through the Siskey YMCA, He has opened the door for Stonecroft Bible Studies to start in one of the largest YMCAs in the southeast—Harris YMCA. Flyers advertising the studies have been put up and schedules have been posted. This facility is even willing to pay for all the Study Books and Bibles needed.
Join us in praying that the Harris YMCA will “catch on fire” for God through Stonecroft Bible Studies.share your story here
STONECROFT HEART AWARD HONOREE
Kansas City, Missouri—Prior
to IMPACT ’06 (April 24-26), the Stonecroft Ministries board and
staff asked volunteers to send in nominations for a “Stonecroft
Heart Award” recipient—someone who exemplifies the heart of
Stonecroft. Because so many good nominations were received, it was decided
that in addition to the Heart Award recipient, there would be twelve other
honorees. Every month, we feature one of these honorees on Stonecroft
Live.
This month our Stonecroft Heart Award honoree comes from the big state of Alaska. Her name is Anita Bacon, and she serves as a Stonecroft Regional Administrator. One of the women who nominated Anita for this award said this: “The state of Alaska is so vast and the distances between groups so far, yet Anita loves, encourages, and mentors ladies from all over the state.” Even in the harsh Alaskan winters, Anita “drives icy mountain passes in freezing weather to make sure Stonecroft lunches are successful and on schedule.”
Two qualities that stood out in the nominations are Anita’s commitment to prayer and good listening skills. Sometimes those qualities work together, as one nominee mentioned that “she has spent numerous hours on the phone in prayer with me.” Whether someone is dealing with personal struggles or ministry-related issues, Anita “always has time to pray with and share words of encouragement with those needing her support.”
As one woman said, and many others would probably echo, “Anita is a rare, irreplaceable person and she has a beautiful, abundant life that exemplifies the nature of Jesus.”
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MEET NANCY
Nancy Reimann, from Arden Hills, Minnesota, recently joined Stonecroft’s
Board of Directors. Nancy took a few moments to share with us why she
was drawn to the ministry and why she believes Stonecroft is an excellent
tool for sharing her faith.
Nancy first learned about Stonecroft by visiting the website. “I was looking for Bible studies for women that were biblically sound and also doable for someone who is busy,” Nancy said. “A couple of people referred me to Stonecroft’s website. After learning about the ministry, I read The Story Goes On by Stonecroft’s founder, Mrs. Baugh. I was drawn by her vision to reach people for Jesus Christ and her methods, which are still relevant today. I knew that Stonecroft’s ideas for outreach could be a tool for me to lead people to Jesus. I’ve taken neighbors and friends to church, but I needed a way to reach those people who won’t visit a church.”
Now, six years later, Nancy is assisting her husband with their web-based business, as well as settling in to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, where they recently moved. “I’m so excited to be a part of Stonecroft,” said Nancy. “I have a background in marketing and sales, so I think this will be helpful as I serve on the board. I’m also looking forward to working on the ministry’s outreach strategy—coming up with new ideas that will work in the years to come!”
