LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH
Denver, Colorado—One of the goals of the Denver After 5 Women’s Connection is to keep events lively and fun. Michelle Cartwright, the group’s Chair, works to keep meetings upbeat. Their speaker for May told “side-splitting” stories about her life experiences. The event, called “Live, Love, and Laugh,” also explored why we are all valuable to Jesus Christ, and how we can have a relationship with Him.
Michelle is already gearing up for July’s event, called, “The Urban All-American Country Yee-Haw Party!” Pray that God will continue to use the creativity of Michelle and the Planning Team to draw people to these events, so that they may hear about the hope that Jesus offers.
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EVANGEL HOME
Fresno, California—Evangel Home serves women and children who are in crisis. Opened in 1955, this home helps guests grow in the areas of personal development and responsibility, provides for basic physical needs, and strives to uphold and honor Jesus Christ in all they do.
While a few women go to Evangel Home voluntarily, most are there by order of the court. Ages of the women range from 18 to 60. Some are Christians, but most aren’t familiar with the Bible.
This is where Stonecroft Bible Study Coordinator Ernestine Anthony and Guide Crystal Fay come in. One hour twice a month is reserved for Bible study—a requirement to stay at the home. Ernestine and Crystal have seen women draw closer to the Lord through these studies.
The salvation message is explained during each session. “Our emphasis is on them knowing who Jesus Christ is,” says Ernestine.
The women just finished Where is the Holy Spirit?, a Stonecroft Bible Study, and are planning on beginning the next study June 7.
“We enjoy being a part of Stonecroft,” continues Ernestine. “The Bible studies are where it’s at!”
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COULD I OFFER YOU SALVATION WITH THAT?
Eastern Tennessee—At a large hair salon here, Pam Wilson is preparing to offer lunch and Stonecroft Bible Studies to each of the stylists.
She wants your prayers.
She needs your prayers.
She knows God will answer and He is good.
“I plan to feed them lunch and feed them the Word of God,” Pam said. “Ask everyone to pray for this effort!”
Pam’s been getting her hair done at this establishment since 1991. She’s become friends with the owner and gotten to know many of the stylists.
“We are going to start on a Tuesday in early June from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.—that’s when the shift changes. We hope some will stay a little later in the day and some will come to work a little early.”
Pam, a Stonecroft Development Leader and Bible Study Coordinator, plans to start with Why Believe? by offering each lesson two weeks in a row.
“I love being on the Stonecroft team. Thanks for praying,” Pam said.
Stoencroft LIVE will report on the success of these Bible studies in the future.
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COULD I OFFER YOU SALVATION WITH THAT?
Eastern Tennessee—At a large hair salon here, Pam Wilson is preparing to offer lunch and Stonecroft Bible Studies to each of the stylists.
She wants your prayers.
She needs your prayers.
She knows God will answer and He is good.
“I plan to feed them lunch and feed them the Word of God,” Pam said. “Ask everyone to pray for this effort!”
Pam’s been getting her hair done at this establishment since 1991. She’s become friends with the owner and gotten to know many of the stylists.
“We are going to start on a Tuesday in early June from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.—that’s when the shift changes. We hope some will stay a little later in the day and some will come to work a little early.”
Pam, a Stonecroft Development Leader and Bible Study Coordinator, plans to start with Why Believe? by offering each lesson two weeks in a row.
“I love being on the Stonecroft team. Thanks for praying,” Pam said.
Stoencroft LIVE will report on the success of these Bible studies in the future.
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GLOBAL DAY OF PRAYER
Around the World—Sunday, May 27, is being recognized in countries throughout the world as the Global Day of Prayer. Last year, in only the second Global Day of Prayer, approximately 250 million Christians in 198 countries joined in this movement for renewal and revival.
For the past week during the morning prayer time, the Stonecroft staff has joined together in prayer in anticipation of the day. Using prayer prompters suggested by the Global Day of Prayer committee, the staff focused on different themes such as seeking the kingdom of God, repentance, and salvation. One morning, a member of the prayer team arranged for the staff to participate in communion as they prayed for the transformation of relationships.
On Sunday, a group of Stonecroft staff will travel to a local stadium to join Christians from around Kansas City in a time of worship and prayer. Others around the world will do the same in homes, stadiums, and other public venues.
King of Glory,
Come to the nations of the world.
We welcome You to finish Your work in our cities, our peoples, and our
nations.
We now lift our voices in unison with believers from Africa and Asia, from
the Middle East and Europe, from North and South America, and from Australia
and the Pacific Islands….
Come fill the earth with Your glory as the waters cover the sea.
The Spirit and the Bride say:
‘Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!’*
View Stonecroft’s 2007 Prayer Guide with prayer requests for the nations and a list of government leaders in countries where Stonecroft Ministries is active.
*Prayer taken from the Ten-Day Prayer Guide for the Global Day of Prayer
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NEW LIFE EVERYWHERE
Appleton, Wisconsin—When we make ourselves available to serve God, He sometimes surprises us with the opportunities He places in our path. That’s what Marge Hunter discovered.
Marge serves as a volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center. She is also a new Coordinator for Stonecroft Bible Studies and wondered how she would get new studies started. While working at the center, she heard the director mention her desire to have Bible studies as part of the program. When Marge let her know that she could make Stonecroft Bible Studies available, the director was delighted. She was familiar with the studies and thought they would make a great addition.
Young women who participate in the various parts of the program, such as parenting classes, receive points toward “Baby Bucks.” The Baby Bucks can be used to “purchase” needed items such as diapers, baby clothes, and cribs. Points were offered as an incentive to attend the Bible studies, but the encouragement from God’s Word that the attendees found has kept them returning.
Twelve young women attended the first study of Who is Jesus? and several grew to know Jesus personally as their Lord and Savior. Last month, three of the young women in the program attended the local Stonecroft outreach group and they loved it. And the women in the group are excited about the opportunity they have to reach out to these young women who are hungry for godly friendships.
As for Marge, she’s busier than ever—training three new Guides to help with the additional studies that are starting through the program.
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THE LEAST OF THE LEAST
Cottage Grove, Oregon—Did you know that Oregon is the least churched state per capita in the nation? Lane County, where Cottage Grove is located, is the least churched county in Oregon. But God is at work in Cottage Grove, thanks to those who faithfully pray.
Last week’s “Girls Night Out” event in Cottage Grove was surrounded with prayer. All the pastors of the town, who meet together weekly to pray for their town, had interceded for the event. A group of women from all denominations, who call themselves prayer walkers, pray daily for outreach in their community. The Stonecroft prayer team across Oregon and at Stonecroft Headquarters was also praying specifically.
Thirty-five women attended. “From the moment the women entered, there was a sense of anticipation,” commented Angela, who helped at the registration table for the meeting. “These women knew that this was something special and they were happy to be part of it!”
The response at the event was exciting. Two women indicated they wanted to know more about what it means to receive Christ and several indicated they were Christians but wanted to grow. Many others indicated they wanted to know more about how they could be involved in future ministry opportunities.
But perhaps the greatest answer to prayer was the overwhelming enthusiasm for Stonecroft Bible Studies. Sue Haberly and Norma Moore are brand new Church Coordinators in Cottage Grove. They had five new Bible studies ready to go for the many who expressed interest. Women flocked to their table after the meeting to sign up for daytime and evening studies of Why Believe? Knowing God’s Will, and Life’s New Beginning.
For Faye Marie Miller, who spoke at the event, it was a thrill to watch God do what He does best— “call His sheep and plug them in with other women who care about their souls. Women are willing to be mentors to other women through the Stonecroft Bible Studies. Our God reigns and I won’t forget it!”
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MORE CHAIRS, PLEASE
Fayetteville, North Carolina—When Melody Keefe-Inman invited those at her church to the Stonecroft Bible Study of James, a dozen people signed up.
Then 18 showed up for the Sunday night study. The following week, 22 people participated—many from Melody’s church and some from outside the church.
That was about a month ago and the study is still going strong.
It was a year ago that Melody first approached the staff at her church about adopting Stonecroft Bible Studies. Through much prayer and persistence, James started last month and is averaging about 20 people each week. One of those attending is Melody’s father, an interim pastor at another church in town.
Stonecroft Bible Studies are designed to introduce the saving gospel of Jesus Christ to participants in the study. They can be held in churches, homes, community centers, prisons, beauty salons, work places, and nearly any other venue.
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VISALIA RESCUE MISSION
Visalia, California—The women’s facility at Visalia Rescue Mission offers a six-month drug and alcohol rehabilitation program, which requires participation in Stonecroft Bible Studies. The mission’s administration reports that these studies help to accelerate the women through the rehabilitation process.
As God’s love and truth penetrates hearts, lives are being changed from the inside out. Women are getting jobs by completing the GED (General Educational Development) program. As they attend Bible-preaching churches and begin to lead godly lives, they gain confidence and learn new skills that help them rebuild relationships with their children.
Currently, Guides Margaret Piirmann and Ellen Miguel are co-guiding the Stonecroft Bible Study Communication in the Family. “We are in awe of how each woman changes as she goes through the program,” Margaret states. However, the women living at the mission aren’t the only ones growing spiritually. Margaret continues, “As Ellen and I prepare for each lesson, we are growing together in our faith.”
Please pray for each woman in the rehabilitation program to follow God’s leading in her life.
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USED BY GOD
Powell, Wyoming—Angelique Raut is a young woman who asked God to use her, and He has. A few years ago, Angelique served on the Stonecroft staff. A Stonecroft Life Publications booklet was written about some of the struggles in her life, her decision to become a Christian, and the wonderful changes that came as a result. Many people have found this booklet to be a great tool, including Bette Fauquet. Bette recently was able to give Angelique’s story to a girl in the airport. As the girl thanked Bette for the booklet, she commented, “I need a new life.”
This week, Angelique is speaking in Wyoming. At one outreach event in Powell, there were 50 women in attendance, and 18 of those were first-time guests. As Angelique shared her testimony and asked the audience if they would like to pray with her to accept Jesus Christ as Savior, three people took that step.
Just last night, Angelique spoke at a brand new outreach group in Thermopolis. As an incentive for young women to come hear her speak, the high school girls were invited to attend and wear their prom dresses.
We are thankful for Angelique and so many like her who give so generously of their time so that others can come to a life-saving knowledge of Jesus Christ!
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A REASON FOR LIVING
Indianola, Iowa—On Tuesday, May 15, 66 women attended
the Indianola Iowa Midday Connection luncheon, including several first-timers.
Vice Chair Debbie McCoy is thrilled. “We had one of the best speakers—she
was awesome,” commented Debbie. “The audience was absolutely
mesmerized by her. You could have heard a pin drop! I’m praying that
the message of the Gospel got through to many people.”
After attending a Stonecroft event several years ago, Debbie accepted Jesus as her personal Savior. “Everything changed when I became a Christian,” said Debbie. “I realized that I had a purpose and a reason for living! A high school friend invited me and now she volunteers me for everything. It’s been so fun and fulfilling to serve. I just pray that I can touch lives with Jesus, just like mine was touched years ago.”
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GETTING THE WORD OUT
Portland, Oregon—The word is out about Stonecroft Bible Studies! The studies were enthusiastically embraced at the Bible Study Curriculum Faire at Western Seminary. “The conference was for women in women’s ministries and attendees were primarily from Washington and Oregon,” reports District Consulting Coordinator Karen Bernhardt. “With few exceptions, our material was new to the attendees and our fellow exhibitors. The response was overwhelmingly positive because the women could see the potential for outreach with our studies both inside and outside the church. Other curriculum exhibitors expressed interest in our studies too—especially for outreach.”
Karen and her helpers distributed all the information packets they had, as well as sample Bible study materials and brochures. They also had the opportunity to tell many women the purpose of Stonecroft outreach meetings and the locations of the groups nearest them.
“I am filled with excitement at the reception we received,” Karen concluded. “Such events offer all of us in Stonecroft Ministries one of our best opportunities to spread the word to others who are concerned about reaching the unreached within our reach.”share your story here
COUPLES MINISTRY IN COLORADO
Colorado Springs, Colorado—The Stonecroft Couples event here, held at the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame earlier this month, drew nearly 200 people.
116 of them had never attended a Stonecroft Couples event before!
After a tour of the facility, Terry Holland, a professional bull rider who owns and operates a cattle ranch, spoke of his experiences as a cowboy. He also told of salvation offered through Jesus Christ and invited those in attendance to begin a relationship with the Savior by admitting their sins and accepting His free gift of grace. At least three people responded.
Keith and Sandi King, Chair Couple of the local outreach group, were excited about the event.
“We had more first-timers at this dinner than our total attendance at our last event,” Sandi wrote. “We were thrilled.”
The group discounted tickets for first timers and publicized the event through local outreach groups.
Chuck Stophel, National Director of Stonecroft Couples, said the groups’ planning and thinking outside the box were rewarded.
“We celebrate that this group tried something new and it was a tremendous success. There was a risk that people wouldn’t respond to the venue because it was very different than the more formal settings of previous events,” he said.
Learn more about Stonecroft Couples and the free Get REAL couples event at Stonecroft Ministries by visiting stonecroftcouples.org.
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FAITH HOUSE
Visalia, California—Every Tuesday evening Tisha Arnold guides a Stonecroft Bible Study with girls at Faith House—a group home for at-risk girls from age 11 to 18.
While the maximum number of girls at Faith House is only six, Tisha has seen God work in amazing ways with each girl at the facility. “There has been consistent growth as the girls attend the study each week,” says Tisha. “God has His hand upon their lives and is drawing them closer to Himself.”
Prior to living at Faith House, thirteen-year-old Sarah* was involved in witchcraft and was confused spiritually. She didn’t see any purpose for God in her life.
After voluntarily attending a Stonecroft Bible Study Tisha was guiding, Sarah became very interested in God’s Word. She has recently become a Christian, owns her own Bible, and is amazed at how God is molding her. “I can see the changes in myself—what I say, how I act, and how I dress.”
Currently Tisha is guiding Where is the Holy Spirit? with the girls at Faith House. “It’s been really encouraging for me,” Tisha shares. “As their lives change, they’ll be reaching out to affect other people’s lives.”
*Name has been changed.
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COMING RIGHT UP!
Richland, Oregon—How fast does God answer prayer? Beverly Hendrick found that sometimes answers come quickly.
One Sunday morning, knowing that the owner of a local café wanted to do a Bible study, Beverly prayed that God would somehow arrange it. After church, she went to eat at the café and began talking with the owner as she paid her bill. The owner suggested that Beverly have the study right there at the café. She said there were times in the morning that weren’t as busy, so she would be able to join in and still take care of the customers.
“I thought, ‘Oh my goodness! I prayed this morning and God answered this afternoon,’” said Beverly. “We did have the Bible study there and it worked out really well.”
Meanwhile, as Beverly was leading the Bible study at the café, she was also attending a study at her church using the Stonecroft Bible Studies. Beverly enjoyed the Stonecroft materials and ordered some to use at the café.
Beverly explained that she likes that page numbers for the Bible verses are always given in the Stonecroft Bible Studies. People who are not familiar with the Bible do not have to be embarrassed and can easily take part. It’s also good that each person has their own study book. This is especially important for the café owner, who sometimes comes and goes during the study. She can find her place easily.
Because Richland is a tourist town and the café will be busy, the group is taking a summer break. Beverly is looking forward to starting again in the fall with her new materials, and hopes that even more people will be able to join them.
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HOPE IN ANY LANGUAGE
Kathmandu, Nepal—Stonecroft Life Publications are being used all over the world to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Pastor Tej Bahadur Rokka, who runs an orphanage in Kathmandu, recently translated the Stonecroft Life Publications booklet Would You Believe It? into Nepali. He hopes to print 4,000 copies and distribute them throughout the country.
Pastor Tej is also currently leading 15 people in a Stonecroft Bible Study. One of his goals is to translate more Stonecroft Bible Studies into Nepali to help people grow in God’s Word. Pastor Tej recently commented to a Stonecroft staff member that he appreciates Stonecroft’s resources because the hope of Jesus Christ is communicated so clearly.
Learn more about Jesus Christ here.
You can order Stonecroft Life Publications as well to help share your faith with others!
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SECONDS, ANYONE?
Clatskanie, Oregon—Looking good on a budget—it’s a goal most women can relate to. So, the Clatskanie Women’s Connection wove that theme into their “Girls Night Out” meeting on May 3. Models from age 8 to 81 shared their outstanding shopping skills and the ensembles they selected from a “second time around” shop. Two tables of girls from a local Christian school brought their moms and grandmas to watch them model. Many had never been to a Stonecroft outreach meeting before and shared that they wanted to become involved on a regular basis.
Speaker Dody Nerheim shared powerfully about how God is holding her hand through the good and hard times of life, particularly as her daughter and grandson face cancer. “Although there were no apparent decisions for Christ, the women were captivated by her story,” wrote Faye Marie Miller. “I know of some in the audience who needed the peace of Jesus that Dody described.” After the meeting, six women told the speaker they wanted to be involved in a Stonecroft Bible Study. All are now plugged in to new studies that will start in their own neighborhoods.
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GULF COAST OUTREACH
Sarasota, Florida—A month ago, Stonecroft LIVE told you the story of preparations the Gulf Coast Stonecroft Couples were making for a late April outreach event.
We asked you (see LIVE story from April 10) to join Pam and Bob Santner, Fred and Irene Loskamp, and others, in praying for more than 100 people to attend; for people who need to begin a relationship with Jesus; for speaker Chuck Stophel, Stonecroft Couples National Director; and for young Christian couples to join the efforts of Stonecroft Couples.
God answered.
The event was held Saturday and more than 130 people attended. At least three of them prayed to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.
Additionally, several people wanted more information about how to be involved in future events and many have already volunteered to help.
Gulf Coast Stonecroft Couples had several Bible studies planned for those who attended Saturday’s event. More than a dozen people signed up and Stonecroft Bible Studies will start soon.
Praise God for his faithfulness and for the work of the many women and men involved in outreach events and Bible studies through Stonecroft Couples.
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NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
Brentwood, California—Stonecroft volunteers took a leading role in many observations of Thursday’s National Day of Prayer—especially in California.
In Brentwood, former Chair of the Brentwood California Delta Women’s Connection Liz Beth Fletcher, lead the efforts.
The mayor, city officials, members of the public and several pastors from the community attended.
“I publicly prayed for the mayor, many others involved with the city government, and the city and its businesses,” said Liz Beth.
Brentwood’s National Day of Prayer was covered by local newspapers. Next year, Liz Beth aims to contact local news stations, so the prayer event can made known on a wider scale.
As a result of the dedication of Liz Beth, at the National Day of Prayer the mayor of Brentwood issued a proclamation that stated each future National Day of Prayer an official day in the city of Brentwood.share your story here
CHANGE OF PLANS
Ecuador—It was a year ago Letitia Hicks, a Stonecroft Area Representative in Ohio, and others from her church began planning a missions trip to Bolivia. As part of her preparations, Letitia ordered 1,100 Would You Believe It? Stonecroft Life Publication booklets in Spanish. Each team member would have 100 booklets to hand out over the course of the trip.
However, in February, as the team was ready to go, they discovered that God had a different plan. The day before they were to leave, the airline cancelled their flight due to fuel shortages in Bolivia. Amazingly, the team was able to be immediately rescheduled to Ecuador, another Spanish-speaking country.
“The objectives of our trip to Ecuador turned out to be completely different than what our objectives in Bolivia would have been, so we weren’t able to hand out the booklets like we originally thought,” said Letitia. “But we were able to leave all of them with the people who are in charge of the Jesus film project. They were thrilled to have them since they tell the Gospel so clearly.”
It’s obvious God had a plan for each person on that trip, as well as for those booklets. Please pray with us that they will get into the hands of those who will read them and accept God’s free, life-changing gift of salvation.share your story here
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER 2007
Kansas City, MO—Stonecroft Ministries staff members are partnering with the Heart of America Women’s Ministry to host a National Day of Prayer event today at a local church. The staff, along with others in the community, will spend the morning worshipping God and praying for our country.
“It’s so important for us to build relationships with fellow Christians in the area,” explained Stonecroft Community Liaison Marshelle Lyons. “Jesus Christ was all about relationships and we need to be, too. It will be a time to be still before God and focus on Him alone. We will be able to take our minds off everything else and remember that it’s not about us—it’s all about Him.
“There is so much darkness in the world today that Christians must unite and have one voice. My hope for the day is to spend time humbling myself and living out 2 Chronicles 7:14, which says, ‘And My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land (NASB).’”
Our country needs prayer. It is vital that Christians unite and seek God’s
face. Find a prayer event in your local area by visiting the National Day
of Prayer website.
(Please note: Traffic may be heavy today on the National Day of Prayer website, so it may take some time for the site to load. In the meantime, if you need a 2007 Daily Prayer Guide, please access it here.)
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HOPE AT CROSSROADS
Lake Cormorant, Mississippi—As the director of a crisis pregnancy center, Claudia meets young women who are at crossroads in their lives. Recently, she contacted Stonecroft Ministries regarding using Stonecroft Bible Studies.
“I was a Stonecroft Coordinator years ago,” Claudia wrote, “and I see your studies as an excellent vehicle to train these young women in the ways and love of the Lord through the study of His Word. I would like to conduct these studies for the convenience of the young women and perhaps even the fathers-to-be. Other family and friends could also be included as the studies develop.”
Please pray for Claudia as she pursues this outreach opportunity and for all those involved who are in need of God’s hope and healing in their lives.
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INTRODUCTORY BIBLE STUDIES
Stratham, New Hampshire—Four introductory Stonecroft Bible Studies have started in this area recently with women from 42 years old to 80 years old.
Most of the studies follow a one-on-one format, but one of them is with three women.
“To my recollection, I have never been thanked so much for doing a Bible study with someone as I have with each one of these five ladies,” wrote Lane Henderson, a Bible Study Coordinator with Stonecroft Bible Studies. “These women are ready and very hungry for God's Word and are so thankful to have this opportunity.”
Lane is praying for more Bible studies to begin this fall and for each of these women to be a part of ongoing outreach.
“I am following the Lord's leading and am having lots of joy,” she writes.
