JOY IN JOHANNESBURG
Johannesburg, South Africa—Thirty outreach and Bible study leaders gathered at the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club for an international Capture the Moment, prepared by the traveling encouragement team from Stonecroft Headquarters. Capture the Moment is a training event that teaches and encourages women about outreach, Stonecroft programs, new ideas, and prayer.
Gail Jones, the Area Representative, told a story about a friend who led Stonecroft Bible Studies in her home for years, but never thought to invite her neighbor. So one day she made her way next door and asked if she would come.
The woman replied, “Yes. And I want you to know that I’ve seen you welcome so many women into your home. I’ve quietly gone up to the hedges and peeked through to watch you and wished and wished and wished you would invite me to join you, but you never did until today.”
Colleen Smith, the Prayer Trustee on the Southern Africa board, told of one woman who attended a Stonecroft Bible Study in her home.
“I loaned a Bible to one lady who had gone to church all her life, but had never read a Bible,” Colleen said. “We did one of the six-week studies. After we concluded it, she asked if she could come back to borrow the Bible again. Two weeks later, she died. It was such a blessing to know this woman was able to see the promises in scripture.”
At these southern Africa events, the Stonecroft team specializes in presenting aspects of the ministry:
Meryl Bishop, the National Prayer Consultant and a native of South Africa, holds an opening devotion and emcees the event.
Very Velk, a volunteer leader who serves as a speaker consultant and on the Stonecroft Board, gives a history of Stonecroft Ministries.
Geneva Vollrath, the Chief Executive Officer of Stonecroft Ministries, speaks of the present state of the ministry and new ideas that are being encouraged, such as special interest groups.
Mary Adams, a retired Stonecroft National Representative, talks about the effectiveness of Stonecroft Bible Studies and Christmas Gatherings.
Jenel Moline, a traveling trainer and special events specialist, introduces Stonecroft on the Road.
Customized training is also provided, such as learning about serving on the Planning Team, guiding Bible studies, or speaking for Stonecroft. Staying true to Southern African tradition, these Capture events have two intermissions for tea.
Stonecroft leaders in the Johannesburg area filled out evaluations on the event. Here are a few of their answers:
What has been the most beneficial part of our time together?
“I felt one with Stonecroft USA. Our goals and dreams are alike.”
“It is wonderful to hear how God is working across the world.”
“I see the extent of Stonecroft internationally.”
What are you taking home as a result of being here?
“A renewed vision, new hope, and encouragement.”
“To spend more time seeking God’s face and many wonderful ideas for our prayer meeting.”
“I’ve got new ideas to encourage people to attend Prayer Connections and a determination to pray, pray, pray.”
“I plan to have Christmas Gatherings, small group gatherings, prayer groups, Stonecroft Bible Studies, and Outreach Groups. The ministry is founded on prayer, and we will make it the pivotal part of our ministry.”
MIRACLES IN THE AIR
Radford, Virginia—Between Pietermaritzburg and Johannesburg, South Africa—This has been the smoothest flight we’ve had so far in our travels in South Africa. However, we are in the smallest plane yet, a turbo prop with just three seats across. As we boarded this plane at the one-gate airport in Pietermaritzburg, we braced ourselves for a bumpy, uncomfortable, and dangerous flight.
During the Capture the Moment training event just a few hours earlier, a tremendous thunderstorm interrupted the meeting with a powerful downpour, including hail the size of peach pits. As we checked our baggage at the airport, the storm seemed to move, but in the direction we were heading.
Early in the flight our captain warned us that we would be traveling through the storm and it could get rough. You could feel the nervousness in the cramped cabin. Across the aisle, a teenage boy named Stephen offered me a terrific smile and asked if I was American. We began talking over the roaring buzz of the engines.
Stephen was on a short holiday from boarding school. It had been five weeks since he’d been home. We talked about school, education, politics, and home. Stephen taught me about cricket and rugby. I taught him about American football and baseball. I asked him about his upbringing and his faith.
An only child of divorced parents, this 15-year-old has traveled to several countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Then Stephen told me about his faith and his plans. “Everything I do is affected by my faith in God,” he said. “He directs my life. He holds my future. I trust Him with everything.”
Stephen told me about his hopes to join a traveling team of teenagers who, during their “gap year” (the year between school and university), visit schools and groups of teens to tell them about God’s love and Jesus Christ.
Two rows behind me, Vera Velk struck up a conversation with her row-mate, an East Indian woman who Vera noticed in the terminal for her beautiful dress, necklace, and general appearance.
“Monique asked me about the group I was with and I told her about Stonecroft and that I had invited Jesus in to my life at age ten,” said Vera, a Stonecroft Speaker Consultant and member of the Board of Directors. “Monique said, ‘I did that at age 13.’”
Vera commented on her exquisite cross necklace and then she and her new friend and fellow believer talked about their lives. Later in the flight, as Vera peered out the window, Monique reached over and placed the necklace into her hand. “You stepped out of your comfort zone to come to Africa,” she said. “I want you to have this.”
The necklace was a gift from a fellow Christian, but it was also a gift from God, for it was the birthday of Vera’s son Rob, and she had not been able to reach him by telephone.
“I felt like I had been with family,” Vera remembered.
Lightening shot out near the plane. It was like the storm had formed a flying doughnut and we were traveling in its hole. As we approached Johannesburg, the pilot came on the intercom once again.
“We’ve had a good flight,” he said. “I don’t understand it. It’s truly miraculous, this flight today.”
STONECROFT ON THE ROAD REVS UP RADFORD
Radford, Virginia—Angels rejoiced Monday night as two women came to know Jesus as their personal Savior at a Stonecroft on the Road event in Radford, Virginia. The event, held at a local hotel, attracted 64 women. Fourteen of these women said they were interested in joining a Stonecroft Bible Study.
Stonecroft Regional Administrator Maye Jepson comments, “God filled the room with His Spirit and blessed us in ways we never anticipated. God’s handprints were all over this meeting.”
Maye shared her testimony and how God has changed her life. However, she makes sure she receives no credit for her part. “It was all God, and that’s what we wanted,” she said.
The Planning Team from a nearby group had been praying about the area, which included two large universities—full of women who need Christ. Stonecroft volunteers blitzed neighborhoods with invitations in three nearby towns, and it paid off. Women of various ages and towns attended.
The next event in the area is being planned for July. “The women in Radford can’t wait for another meeting,” said Maye. “We are going to find a larger meeting place because we are going to need a lot more room for the next one!”
STONECROFT ON THE ROAD REVS UP RADFORD
Radford, Virginia—Angels rejoiced Monday night as two women came to know Jesus as their personal Savior at a Stonecroft on the Road event in Radford, Virginia. The event, held at a local hotel, attracted 64 women. Fourteen of these women said they were interested in joining a Stonecroft Bible Study.
Stonecroft Regional Administrator Maye Jepson comments, “God filled the room with His Spirit and blessed us in ways we never anticipated. God’s handprints were all over this meeting.”
Maye shared her testimony and how God has changed her life. However, she makes sure she receives no credit for her part. “It was all God, and that’s what we wanted,” she said.
The Planning Team from a nearby group had been praying about the area, which included two large universities—full of women who need Christ. Stonecroft volunteers blitzed neighborhoods with invitations in three nearby towns, and it paid off. Women of various ages and towns attended.
The next event in the area is being planned for July. “The women in Radford can’t wait for another meeting,” said Maye. “We are going to find a larger meeting place because we are going to need a lot more room for the next one!”
THE POWER OF PERSISTENCE
Port Shepstone, South Africa—Every day, an elderly woman named Joan would make her way to Lynnette Murphy’s lawn, climb over the fence, then hike down to the ocean to fish.
Joan would come to play a part in a simple, but profoundly life-changing event, in Lynnette’s life.
Ann Cox is the chair of the South Coast Christian Women’s Club. Ann knew Joan and invited her to outreach meetings. Soon, Joan was a regular and began to put into practice the importance and joy of inviting women to the events. One of those women was Lynnette.
“I didn’t want to come,” Lynette said of that first invitation. “I refused. I wanted nothing to do with that. But she kept asking me. Asking and asking and asking and I kept saying no.”
Once, though, about three years ago, Lynette tired of the persistent invitations and agreed to go for Joan’s sake.
At one point during the program, Joan encouraged her to sign up for a Stonecroft Bible study. Lynette hesitated, but when Joan offered to sign up for the Bible study as well, she agreed.
A few days later, Ann asked Lynette why she signed up for the study.
“I had never studied the Word of God before,” Lynette admitted. “Never. I knew of God, but I didn’t have a relationship with Him.”
Ann, Joan, and Lynette began to work through the study titled A New Beginning. Soon, Lynette understood God’s love for her and His desire to forgive her of her sins and begin a real, personal relationship with her. Lynette confessed her desire to make Jesus the Savior and Lord of her life.
“I was finding out so many new things about God and how much He loves me,” she said. “This was very important to me.”
Lynette is now a Stonecroft Friendship Bible Coffee hostess and hopes to guide her first study soon.
CAPTURING THE MOMENT ON THE COAST
Port Shepstone, South Africa—Recently, 20 area women gathered at the Shepstone Country Club for an international Capture the Moment, an event prepared by the traveling encouragement team from Stonecroft Headquarters.
The South Coast of South Africa has been compared to the lushness of Hawaii. A major industry here is the cultivation of sugar cane. The Indian Ocean, with its warm currents, lands crashing waves on its coast.
The Capture the Moment event was held at the Shepstone Country Club, which is lined with trophy cases that are dominated by a large stone fireplace. The club is similar to ones in the States except, in addition to golf and tennis, Shepstone offers cricket, bowls (lawn bowling), and squash, as well.
It is in this setting that the local Christian Women’s Club holds its outreach ministry and conducts a strong Bible study program.
Capture the Moment is a training event that teaches and encourages
women about outreach, prayer, Stonecroft programs, and new ideas. At these
southern Africa events, the team presents aspects of the ministry:
Meryl Bishop, the National Prayer Consultant and a native of South Africa,
holds an opening devotion and emcees the event.
Vera Velk, a volunteer leader who serves as a speaker consultant and on
the Stonecroft Board, gives a history of Stonecroft Ministries.
Geneva Vollrath, the Chief Executive Officer of Stonecroft Ministries,
speaks of the present state of the ministry and new ideas, such as shared
interest groups.
Mary Adams, a retired Stonecroft National Representative, talks about
the effectiveness of Stonecroft Bible Studies and Christmas Gatherings.
Jenel Moline, a traveling trainer and special events specialist, introduces
Stonecroft on the Road.
After the large group training, attendees are split into groups of specified interest, such as serving on the Planning Team, guiding Bible studies, or speaking for Stonecroft. Then, each group receives customized training. Staying true to South African tradition, the Capture event is punctuated by two tea breaks and lunch. To conclude the event, the group is brought together for a teamwork exercise. Positive evaluations by the attendees indicated that they were returning home with new energy and ideas for outreach.
CAPTURING THE MOMENT ON THE COAST
Port Shepstone, South Africa—Betty Surgeon was
first asked to sing for the South Coast Christian Women’s Club 22
years ago. It was a God-ordained appointment.
Soon after singing for this group, Betty spoke with a woman in her church who
was struggling to raise her family. The woman was not interested in help from
the church. Betty offered to lead her through a Friendship Bible Coffee from
Stonecroft Ministries. She agreed.
That one study led to another, then another. For four years, Betty led women
in the community in Bible studies, introducing them to Jesus Christ, and helping
them grow in their faith.
Now, Betty touches more lives as she takes Bible studies in Zulu into area prisons
and is allowed to enter schools and teach about Jesus Christ.
This week, Betty returned to the local Christian Women’s Club to sing at
the Capture the Moment training event produced by the traveling Stonecroft staff
from its headquarters in Kansas City, MO.
Betty wrote this song to honor the work of the local women in the South Coast
Christian Women’s Club (CWC). It is sung to the tune of “When
Irish Eyes are Smiling.”
Did you know there is a place
Where ladies love to meet
Once a month on Fridays?
Oh, it really is a treat.
They come from all the South Coast
To Sheppie by the sea.
The young and old, the tall and short
Can belong to CWC.
They learn about different crafts
How to sew this or that.
They come to see new fashions
Pretty dresses, shirts, and hats.
They hear about our world
Nature’s wonders all around.
Birds and shells and butterflies
God’s beauty does abound.
But more important than all these things
Is they learn of God’s grace.
How He sent His Son from heaven
To suffer in our place.
He shed His blood to save us
To wash our sins away.
If we believe new life He’ll give
Won’t you come to Him today?
MEET MOLLIE WILSON
Port Shepstone, South Africa—Mollie Watson is a woman of adventure. Raised in England, as a school girl she corresponded with an acquaintance living and working in Rhodesia (now known as Zimbabwe).
As World War II came to a close and Mollie completed her schooling, she began searching out a way to go to this place that she read was so wonderful and exciting. Soon, she was able to secure a job teaching home economics, then called domestics, at a government school in Rhodesia.
She boarded a boat and, with 35 other women in her bunk cabin, began the journey around the eastern coast of Europe and Africa. Before she arrived, however, she was introduced to a young man who would become her husband. (Oh, how I wish you could have seen the joy on this 84-year-old woman’s face as she recounted that day of their first meeting on that boat.)
Mollie settled into life in Rhodesia. In 1981, however, she and her
husband retired to the South Coast of South Africa. It was in this
new land that a newspaper advertisement, here known as an advert,
caught Mollie’s attention.
“I was lonely,” she recalled. “I thought I’d go and
meet some people.”
She attended the Christian Women’s Club here in Port Shepstone and soon was involved in the outreach group—focusing her work in the Stonecroft Friendship Bible Coffee program.
For 25 years, Mollie has guided these Stonecroft Bible studies. Currently she is guiding eight other women in her home in Uvongo through the Effective Christian Leadership study.
She said she doesn’t plan to ever stop.
“I’ve seen God work through these studies in so many ways,” she said.
CAPTURE THE MOMENT
Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa—The Capture the Moment training event held here by the traveling headquarters team offered a wide overview of Stonecroft’s materials, programs, and plans for the future. But for the women involved in the Jeffrey’s Bay Christian Women’s Club, it was the times of prayer, the assurance and encouragement they received that they say will have a lasting effect.
Following the training event, Chair Anita Webster said that for the first time the women felt a part of Stonecroft. Until the Capture event, Stonecroft felt “out there somewhere,” but now it is close. She remarked about how the Holy Spirit lessened any cultural differences and brought forth the sameness we have in Christ.
The group is committed to having a dual language outreach, both in English and Afrikaans, the language of the Dutch settlers of the land. Now there is interest in adding Xhosa, the main language of the eleven major native languages.
During the event, the local women received encouragement and prayer regarding their continued outreach. They were concerned that many, if not most, who attend their group are churchgoers. However, it was stressed that churchgoing people also need to hear the Gospel clearly and plainly and begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The women were excited to tell stories of how visitors to the Jeffrey’s Bay outreach events expressed astonishment at the newness of the message they heard. The encouragement these leaders received at the training event helped put them at ease as they realized God is using their efforts to reach people’s hearts.
Pray for the Jeffrey’s Bay Christian Women’s Club as it continues to impact the community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
A SHEPHERD'S HEART FOR JEFFREY'S BAY
Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa—This summer holiday town on the southwest coast welcomes ten times its population of 10,000 to its sandy beaches each summer. Our host family assisted in the development of one community just on the edge of town. Recently, an industry has sprung up around squid fishing, with a fleet of boats and the accompanying shipping and processing facilities.
It was to Jeffrey’s Bay that sheep farmers Keith and Anita Webster retired. Anita, who had been involved in Christian Women’s Club in Johannesburg, prayed and received direction to start an outreach group here. She told us that most of the local women belong to and are active in the 26 churches in town, but little interest was shown in getting the Gospel to others. Soon she recruited a core group of leaders and the first outreach meeting was held nearly four years ago. God has been good to this group and decisions have been made at every outreach meeting since.
The Stonecroft leaders are grateful that their group welcomes many first-timers, but troubled by the difficulties they experience in starting Friendship Bible Coffee studies. Praise God for the Jeffrey’s Bay Christian Women’s Club and pray that women here will be convinced of the need and effectiveness of starting Bible studies for outreach.
CONSTANTIA VALLEY OUTREACH
Cape Town, South Africa—Twenty-nine women signed up to participate in Stonecroft Bible Studies following the Constantia Valley Outreach meeting in Cape Town last week. Additionally, eight women indicated they prayed to begin a relationship with Jesus Christ. The meeting was held at a local lawn bowling club and drew a sold-out crowd of 130 women.
Stonecroft Board Member Vera Velk elicited extended laughter at the meeting when she explained that, at one point in her life, she was afraid of God because He might ask her to go to Africa. “Now, here I am—and I am overjoyed to be here,” she said.
Vera told how God helped her establish proper priorities in her life. “Real life happens to everyone,” she said. She explained that God is able and willing to help each person with the things that happen in real life, but first we must accept His gift of salvation to begin a relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. Eight women did just that during the meeting, accepting Jesus as their savior.
Bright colors and fancy needlework combined in the beautiful embroidery and quilts presented as the feature by Ailsa Williamson, who serves on the South African Board of Trustees, and Minnie Theron, one of the Cape Town area representatives.
Constantia Valley is one of six outreach groups in Cape Town which have produced dozens of active Stonecroft Bible Studies.
ROLLING ALONG IN RED LODGE
Red Lodge, Montana—Stonecroft Bible studies have been alive and well this spring in this resort town of about 2,200. At the end of February, Stonecroft staffer Bette Fauquet arrived in town to help appoint Coordinators and Guides, to provide training, and to get the first studies started. Several studies have now been completed and Coordinators Alayne Nicol and Leslie Bachmann are making plans for studies during the upcoming months.
This evening, a new study of What is God Like? begins in a local business. At least five women are already planning to attend and others have been invited who have not yet been involved in Bible study. Please pray that God will use His Word to accomplish His purposes in the lives of each one.
A CONTINENT, ONE STUDY AT A TIME
Cape Town, South Africa—A series of Stonecroft Bible Studies here is anticipated to have far-reaching impact across the continent.
One woman, Joyce, who has guided Bible studies in her church and community for years, is working with her husband to guide a study with a group of men from a local technical school. These men, from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Cameroon, Congo, Nigeria, and several other African nations, are leaders in their home churches. Joyce is preparing them to take the Stonecroft Bible study program back to their home countries.
Another woman and her husband are guiding Bible studies with her sons and daughter.
Pray for the success of the Bible studies to deliver God’s living Word in Cape Town, in South Africa, and on the entire African continent.
SOUTHERN AFRICA ENCOURAGEMENT TOUR
South Africa and Zimbabwe—For more than two decades, women in these two southern African countries have partnered together with Stonecroft Ministries to impact their communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Volunteers in several outreach groups and scores of Bible studies make regular efforts to share the love of God and the truth of the Gospel from Cape Town to Durban, from Port Elizabeth to Victoria Falls, and many points in between.
This month, a team of six from the United States is traveling through South Africa and Zimbabwe to encourage, equip, support, and learn from Stonecroft leaders and volunteers there. The team consists of Mary Adams, a retired Stonecroft National Representative; Meryl Bishop, Stonecroft’s National Prayer Consultant who grew up in South Africa; Jenel Moline, a traveling representative of the Special Events Department; Vera Velk, a Stonecroft Ministries Board Member; Geneva Vollrath, Chief Executive Officer of Stonecroft Ministries; and Jeff Zogg, Communications Manager.
The Stonecroft volunteers and leaders in these countries have amazing stories to tell about how God is using them and Stonecroft Ministries to change lives one person at a time for all eternity.
Stay tuned to Stonecroft LIVE! for reports from South Africa and Zimbabwe.
MANY HAPPY RETURNS
Shelby Township, Michigan—Tomorrow, the Stony Creek After 5 celebrates its one-year birthday. Stonecroft Development Leader Bev Tunks spearheaded efforts to get this new group started and they have been going full-speed ahead ever since!
The group meets every other month; average attendance is 100. At the past six meetings, there have been a total of 108 decisions for Jesus Christ. Right now, two Life’s New Beginning Bible studies are being held for those who received Christ at the group.
Happy Birthday, Stony Creek After 5—and many, many more!
FRIENDSHIPS PLANNED BY GOD
Kansas City, Missouri—One of the great things about Stonecroft Stonecroft Bible Studies is that they bring together people who might never meet in any other way. A Bible study that started last night in Kansas City is a perfect example.
Marshelle Lyons, a Stonecroft staff member, is guiding the study Life’s New Beginning. Those attending the study heard about it in a variety of ways. Two of them wrote to Stonecroft from the web site, expressing interest in getting involved in a Bible study. Another was meeting with Marshelle about a different matter and when Marshelle mentioned the upcoming study, said, “I need that!” Marshelle’s mother and another Stonecroft staff member are also participating.
When Marshelle was praying about which study to use, she felt that God was leading her towards Life’s New Beginning. It turned out that two of the women had become Christians in the last two years, making it an appropriate choice.
As these women meet during the month of May, they’ll be forming friendships that only God could have orchestrated—friendships that will have the added delight of developing through the study of God’s Word.
A WALL OF PRAYER
Kansas City, Missouri—As we were being equipped for evangelism at IMPACT ’06, the importance of praying for those who need Jesus was continually stressed.
Speaker Jennifer Kennedy Dean reminded us that those without Christ are spiritually blind, deaf, dead, and bound. But she also encouraged us that, through prayer, we can release “smart bombs” that target the enemy’s defenses and break down the barriers that hold people spiritually captive. At one powerful morning session, attendees prayed Scripture and voiced aloud the first names of those for whom they desired salvation. They were also encouraged to write down those names on a 4-foot by 10-foot banner secured on one wall of the ballroom. Hundreds of names were listed as people stopped, wrote, and prayed.
Now, the Stonecroft staff is joining in this prayer effort. After IMPACT, the prayer banner was taken to Stonecroft Headquarters and posted in the room where the staff meets daily for morning prayer. Each morning, staff members are copying down two names from the banner and praying specific, scriptural prayers for those individuals. “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3, NIV). We look forward to hearing God’s answers!
A HEART FOR MINISTRY
Kansas City, Missouri—Prior to IMPACT ’06, 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. Over the next twelve months, we will be featuring one of these honorees a month on Stonecroft Live.
Stonecroft Heart Award honoree Bev Tunks is a Stonecroft Development Leader (SDL) serving in Michigan. Bev recently played an instrumental role in the establishment of a new outreach group, the Stony Creek MI After 5. Before becoming an SDL, Bev served as a Consulting Coordinator and a District Consulting Coordinator for Stonecroft Friendship Bible Coffees.
The following quote from a nomination letter highlights why Bev was chosen as an honoree: “Bev has such a heart for the ministry of Stonecroft and is always thinking of ways to integrate the Stonecroft Bible Studies and the After 5. She has a passion and a vision that have inspired all of us. It isn’t only her big picture vision that sets her apart. She is also compassionate and caring on the individual level. She is very giving of her time, no matter what the issue. She is dedicated to seeing women grow as they serve the Lord in this wonderful ministry. For me, Bev Tunks personifies the mission of Stonecroft Ministries: her heart is truly for equipping and encouraging women to impact their communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
JOYFULLY SERVING
Jasper, Indiana—The April meeting for the Jasper IN Dubois County Christian Women’s Club was an inspiration to Chair Melody Saylor. Speaker Linda Sill clearly presented the Gospel. Thirty-six women attended with eight decisions for Christ. Almost all of those who made decisions were first-timers, including the special feature guest and her mother.
“I know I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing. God really confirmed this to me at this meeting,” Melody states. The April meeting was her first as Chair.
Melody had been going through trials in her personal life and didn’t know if she should be stepping in as Chair. Now she has no doubts and is joyfully and excitedly serving Lord in this position.
NOT SO RETIRING
Raymore, Missouri—Brookdale Foxwood Springs is a quiet retirement community in the Kansas City metro area. But there have been new ripples of excitement here because of Stonecroft Ministries.
In January, Pat Nordin moved to Foxwood. After serving with Stonecroft Ministries for almost 50 years, Pat’s heart continues to be focused on prayer and a desire to see others know Jesus Christ personally. She saw potential for Stonecroft Stonecroft Bible Studies there and began praying for God to open the doors of opportunity.
God did that through the efforts of Don Faidley, a Foxwood resident with a desire for a Stonecroft Bible study there. His friends, Stonecroft retirees Norm and Carolyn Larsen, assisted Don as they could, but he took the opportunity of a Friendship Bible Coffee study and ran with it—searching out meeting places and beginning to invite others.
He also spearheaded efforts for Stonecroft Ministries to be presented on Foxwood’s closed-circuit television. In April, Marilyn Hughes, supervisor of the Stonecroft Friendship Bible Coffee program, was featured on a morning program. She presented the history of Stonecroft Ministries and its various avenues of outreach, including Bible studies. “When I toured the center afterwards, I really felt like a celebrity,” Marilyn said. “So many residents stopped me to say, ‘We saw you on television this morning.’”
That interview helped spark interest and, on Monday this week, the first Friendship Bible Coffee study began. Fourteen people are joining together to explore Who is Jesus? The study is being guided by Pat Sheets, another Stonecroft retiree who has a deep love for God’s Word.
We praise the Lord for these dear retirees who are not retiring from ministry, but are boldly stepping out to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
COLONIAL BEACH CONNECTIONS
Colonial Beach, Virginia—A blossoming Bible study program in this coastal town has produced life-changing results for its participants and organizers have planned an outreach event.
Karon Cross, the Friendship Bible Coffee Coordinator, said two groups in the area have completed the three-part Introductory Studies—Who is Jesus? What is God Like? and Where is the Holy Spirit? A group of high school students is currently in the second of the Bible studies.
“We are so excited to have three women [begin a relationship with Jesus Christ] and many more who have grown and become excited about studying God's Word,” she wrote recently in a letter to Stonecroft headquarters.
Karon, Stonecroft Regional Administrator Irene Hall, and others are planning a Stonecroft on the Road event for June 5.
“We have prayer every Thursday—to pray for the people in our Bible studies, our upcoming event, our community, and each other. I know that God honors our prayers and I am so grateful to Him for all of His blessings,” Karon wrote.
Pray with Karon and the others for a God-honoring event that makes known the truth of His love in the Colonial Beach community.
GIVING HOPE
Buckner, Kentucky—A Stonecroft on the Road event held at John Black Community Center drew 87 women recently. Of those, 27 women indicated salvation decisions for Jesus Christ! Stonecroft Bible study materials are on their way to Friendship Bible Coffee Coordinator Phyllis Ioos, who is ready to follow up with these women.
At the event, international fashion designer Martha Fellure shared how God lifted her out of darkness. This resonated strongly with a women whose family member recently committed suicide. When she talked with Martha after the event, the woman commented, “Now I have hope.”
Phyllis also invited her neighbor and a college friend. Both received Christ that day. Additionally, there were several young women in attendance who are excited to begin outreach in LeGrange.
To learn more about Bible studies, click here to visit the Stonecroft Friendship Bible Coffee program.
