RENAISSANCE IN WEST VIRGINIA
Beckly, West Virginia—In the state of West Virginia, Beckley is known as the home of Tamarack, a unique showcase of arts, crafts, cuisine, and theatre billed as “the best of West Virginia.” The annual fall Renaissance Faire sponsored by Tamarack is well known throughout the state, but there is a renaissance of another sort happening in Beckley.
Last week, the Beckley Women’s Connection met for the first time in eighteen months. They held a Guest Night with 101 in attendance; four people made decisions for Christ. The group has a full Planning Team eager to continue the outreach that has begun once again. There is a new excitement in the area about the group, as evidenced by the wonderful newspaper and TV coverage their meeting received. Interest in couples’ Bible studies was also sparked as a result of the meeting.
It is a wonderful new beginning for a group that looked like it would close permanently not so long ago.
During those months when the group was on hold, God was still at work. Last November, Area Representative Delisa Massie secured a group of concerned women who met monthly for prayer. They knew their area needed this outreach ministry. When the decision was made to shift to an evening group, women who have a heart for evangelism stepped forward to serve. Soon a Planning Team was being formed and team members were trained and equipped.
I believe our group will thrive again because our focus is in the right place—on reaching others for Christ,” said Regional Representative Deb Straub. “We are looking forward to what God will do.”
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Posted on the morning of Thursday, September 29, 2005HURRICAN HOPSCOTCH, PART II
New Orleans, Lousiana—Diane and Frank Wilson, who are involved in the New Orleans Stonecroft Couples’ Club, were finally on their way home after being forced from their New Orleans area home by Hurricane Katrina. They had spent 22 nights away from home and found hospitality with a fellow Stonecroft volunteer in Texas.
The mayor declared their town safe, and the Wilson's headed south not knowing exactly what they would find. However, when they got to Alexandria, Louisiana, they received word that Hurricane Rita was bearing down. Their town was closed once again and Diane and Frank were forced again to seek shelter. Once again, the Stonecroft family came through for them.
Every hotel in the state was booked. So many people were fleeing the coastal areas, there was no place to stop. So, for seven days and nights, the Wilson's stayed with another Stonecroft volunteer who opened her home in central Louisiana and welcomed the couple.
"People everywhere were so welcoming," Diane said. "It was amazing that my Stonecroft family treated us so wonderfully. It's truly a provision from the Lord."
When Diane and Frank arrived home this past Sunday, they found trees and tree limbs down all over their yard. But their house was undamaged. There had been no water available, no power, no food for weeks. Now, two grocery stores and one gas station in town have reopened.
"We are in a generally high area, so we thought our home wouldn't suffer water damage. What we didn't know was about wind damage and the possibility of looting," Diane said. "We knew, though, that we were in God's hands. We had perfect peace about that."
Many Stonecroft volunteers were forced from their homes due to hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Some stayed with family, some found shelter with friends far from the coastal areas. Others were assisted by the greater Stonecroft family. The hospitality, warmth, and welcome the Wilsons experienced was a God-ordained response for Stonecroft volunteers and leaders. We are thankful for each one who has offered a helping hand, given funds, handed out Stonecroft Life Publications, or done myriad things to assist those affected.
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Posted on the morning of Wednesday, September 28, 2005HURRICANE HOPSCOTCH, PART I
New Orleans, Louisiana—When Diane and Frank Wilson were forced to flee from Hurricane Katrina, one of the first things they did after evacuating was let the greater Stonecroft family know they were safe.
"The Stonecroft family has been wonderful to us," said Diane, who with Frank is part of the New Orleans Couples’ Club. "From the first moment, the Lord led me through what I needed to do. He walked me through calmly. He gave me the strength needed to do what was needed."
Diane, also the Area Representative for the New Orleans area and involved in the Westbank Women’s Connection, and Frank are now home safe. But they spent a total of 29 nights away from home.
The Sunday before Katrina hit, August 28, Diane moved all the food to the deep freeze, put her family pictures up high, and packed her bags. The couple stayed in a Dallas-Ft. Worth area hotel until they were forced to move due to crowding, expense, and other factors. That's when the Stonecroft Ministries family stepped in.
It didn't take long for one of our Stonecroft Regional Administrators in Texas to come to the rescue. Patti Dunham made arrangements for Diane and Frank to stay with a Greater South Texas Christian Women's Club officer and her family.
"It has been the greatest blessing to see how we are family in Stonecroft and we take care of one another," said Patti.
After three weeks in Texas, the Wilsons were ready to return home. They started south, but Hurricane Rita altered their plans once again.
Please check Stonecroft Live on Thursday for the conclusion of this story.
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Posted on the morning of Tuesday, September 27, 2005ADVENTURE IN RENO
Reno, Nevada—The city of Reno bills itself as “America’s Adventure Place.” Stonecroft leaders are excited about the adventure with God they experienced as the Women’s Connections of northern Nevada presented a Regional Guest Night in Reno on Saturday.
For months, women from the Lake Tahoe, Carson City, and Reno groups have prayed, planned, and prepared for this outreach event, held at the National Automobile Museum—an internationally known attraction. For two months, the Reno Prayer Coordinator held weekly prayer times specifically for the Guest Night. Each of the outreach groups held special fundraisers to help defray ticket costs and God blessed those efforts.
The evening of the event, 50 guests arrived early for a self-guided tour through the four large galleries of the Harrah collection—a trip through time featuring antique, classic, and one-of-a-kind vehicles. After a delicious meal, businessman Chris Davis shared his personal story of how he reached the top after hitting bottom. At least one person responded to the invitation to receive Jesus Christ as Savior.
“I always try to encourage my groups to take the next step of faith,” explains Stonecroft Development Leader Laurie Oswald. “The Reno group just started in March, so it was a big step for them to take the lead position in hosting this event. All three groups worked together beautifully and we saw God’s hand throughout the planning process. This area is a challenging place for ministry, but it is so amazing to see God at work.”
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Posted on the morning of Monday, September 26, 2005EXPO EXTRAVAGANZA
Canyon Lake, CA—The Canyon Lake Women’s Connection had a unique feature at a recent outreach meeting—a business expo. The Planning Team contacted business owners and offered them the opportunity to promote their businesses to the luncheon guests. On the day of the meeting, those who accepted—about 15 in all—set up tables at the back of the room. During the time the feature would have been presented, guests browsed the tables and visited with the vendors.
Everyone had a great time. Many guests received donated gifts and gift certificates that were given as door prizes, and of course, the vendors appreciated the publicity. Area Representative Carolyn Reese said that extra work had gone into planning the event, but ultimately it was all worth it as six individuals decided to give their lives to Jesus Christ--and four of those were vendors!
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Posted on the morning of Friday, September 23, 2005GOD'S NUDGE
Fayetteville, North Carolina—Lynne O’Quinn writes that she “sincerely felt God had wanted me to pursue Stonecroft Bible Studies” at her church.
The key to following through on that nudge from God: prayer.
As she prayed and others joined her, the doors started opening for Lynne at her church and with others. On Tuesday (9/27) a new Friendship Bible Coffee study begins. Many women have responded, including some from nearby Ft. Bragg.
“I’d love to have many young military wives be involved in studying the Bible,” Lynne said.
Lynne, the chair of the local Fayetteville After 5 outreach group, recently became a Coordinator for the Friendship Bible Coffee program.
“I see God’s hand all over this, in every way,” she said.
Pray for Lynne as she listens for God’s direction and joyfully obeys.
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Posted on the morning of Thursday, September 22, 2005A DREAM REALIZED
Gbagada, Nigeria—When God plants a dream in your heart, He brings it to pass in His perfect timing and in His way. Ebun Onabanjo affirms this truth—she has seen it happen.
In June 2004, Ebun attended the Stonecroft Leadership Summit in Kansas City with a delegation of women from Stonecroft Ministries Nigeria. A session about how to start new outreach groups captured her heart and she pledged to rise to the challenge of starting groups in Nigeria to reach more women for Christ.
After twelve months of praying and planning, an outreach meeting similar to Stonecroft on the Road events was held in Gbagada on July 11. The potential for a group was there and the first outreach dinner for the Gbadaga Christian Women’s Club is scheduled for October 27.
“Christian Women’s Clubs in Ikeja, Ogba, and Surulere are being prayerfully planned for next year, by the grace of God,” reports Ebun. And so, the dream lives on.
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Posted on the morning of Wednesday, September 21, 2005PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF
Covina, California—A few years ago, Luann Mekhail connected with a woman who she thought would enjoy the local Women’s Connection. Luann contacted her and invited her to attend that month’s meeting. The woman declined. Each month, Luann invited her again; each month, the woman declined.
Finally, after a year of issuing these invitations, Luann decided to ask just once more, telling herself that this would be the last time she’d bother the woman. To Luann’s surprise, the woman accepted the invitation. She enjoyed the meeting and soon became involved in a Friendship Bible Coffee at Luann’s house, even volunteering to guide a study when the regular Guide became ill.
Today, Luann excitedly shares that her friend is now the Prayer Coordinator. Looking back on her experience, Luann says, “The Lord’s timing is not always our own. But His is always the best. Don’t give up!”
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Posted on the morning of Tuesday, September 20, 2005STORMY NIGHT OPPORTUNITY
Kansas City, Missouri—Stonecroft’s International Headquarters is situated at the confluence of three major highways in Kansas City. When a motorist needs help, maintenance man Gary Molitor is always ready to assist.
Recently a man lost control of his car on a stormy night and ended in a nearby ditch. He found himself at Stonecroft looking for help where he met Gary. As Gary found out about the man’s situation, he began to ask him about his life.
The two men made their way back to the scene of the accident. Gary helped get the man’s car out of the ditch and the man offered him some money in return. Gary refused.
“If you feel you owe me anything,” Gary responded as he handed the man a Stonecroft Life Publication, “you can read this. At the end of it you will have to make a decision. That’s between you and God.”
Stonecroft Life Publications are small booklets which include a clear explanation of the Gospel.
Gary doesn’t know if the man read the booklet or what decision he made if he did. What Gary does know is that he was helpful and friendly to the man and obedient to his calling as a Christian to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Visit Stonecroft Life Publications to learn more.
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Posted on the morning of Monday, September 19, 2005MEN, MUGS, AND MUFFINS
Lynchburg, Virginia—It’s said that God has no retirement policy—and 95-year-old Jack Freese demonstrates the truth of that statement. He has served as a Host and now a Guide for Stonecroft Bible Studies at The Summit, a senior living community where he makes his home. Before her death last year, his wife, “Miss Ellie,” challenged him to start a Bible study for men there. That’s where the Men, Mugs, and Muffins Bible study group got its start.
The group began with the study of Mark. About midway through the study, the Gospel is presented. This was truly good news to Norvell, an 80-year-old attendee. He eagerly responded to God’s gift of salvation, receiving forgiveness and freedom from the guilt of sin he carried in his heart.
The changes in Norvell’s life have been evident and pronounced, both spiritually and physically. Because he is eager for others to know about Jesus, he had a desire to become a Friendship Bible Coffee Guide. He had cataract surgery so that he can read, exercises regularly at the YMCA, and carries his oxygen and Bible in a seat walker. Recently, he was approved as a Guide. “I live at The Summit and I’m at the summit of my life,” Norvell says. “I want others to know that my relationship with Jesus Christ is what saved me.”
The group has finished Mark and will begin Connecting with God—A Guide to Prayer soon. Norvell says people would pray more in public, like church, if they knew how.
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Posted on the morning of Friday, September 16, 2005ALONG FOR THE RIDE IN HAWAII
Kailua Kona, Hawaii—When Marilyn Patrick found out that she and her husband would be moving to Kailua Kona, she began praying about getting involved in restarting the Christian Women’s Club there. Almost immediately, she was put in touch with someone on the island who gave her names of other interested women. After Marilyn arrived, she started making contact with those women and the work of restarting the group began.
One major concern was finding a place to meet. In Kona, eating out is very expensive and the selection of restaurants is limited. After much prayer, God led the group to a waterfront hotel with beautiful ambiance and delicious food at a better price than other places they were considering. With a meeting location found and a Planning Team in place, the Kailua-Kona Christian Women’s Club was able to start meeting at the beginning of this year!
The women contemplated taking the summer off since many people there only stay part of the year. However, they decided to press on and are so glad they did. Even though numbers were lower during the summer, each month women have prayed to receive Jesus Christ as Savior.
Marilyn, who is now the Chair, says, “We praise God for what He’s doing here in Kona. As I often say to my Team members—this is His club, not ours. As we submit to God and allow Him to lead us, we just get to go along for the ride and enjoy being a part of the work He is doing here.”
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Posted on the morning of Thursday, September 15, 2005FRINGE BENEFITS
Moreno Valley, California— The restaurant where the Moreno Valley Christian Women’s Club holds their Saturday morning breakfast is open to other customers during their meeting. In the past few months, the Planning Team has noticed something interesting. Diners who are “on the fringes” and enjoying breakfast with their families have been affected by the group meeting there. Some have listened to the speaker and prayed to receive Jesus Christ. Others have asked to know more about the local group. God is working!
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Posted on the morning of Wednesday, September 14, 2005THE GOOD NEWS TRAVELS
Toms River, New Jersey—God gave a boost to the Planning Team for the Toms River Women’s Connection this summer with the addition of women to serve as Administrative Assistant and Publicity Coordinator. “Although our group still lacks a Chair and Vice Chair, we have a strong core team,” says Regional Representative Roxanne Kamichoff. “We are prayerfully looking to God to continue to bring leadership and a greater impact to our community.”
Holly, the new Publicity Coordinator, immediately ran with her assignment, working hard to get the word out. At the last meeting, about twenty percent of the attendees were first-timers. In addition, the local newspaper sent a reporter and photographer to cover the brunch. Of course, the group was pleased with this additional publicity for future events.
But the best result of all was that five people made decisions that day to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. One was the newspaper reporter.
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Posted on the morning of Tuesday, September 13, 2005ENCOURAGING CONNECTIONS
Gretna, Louisiana—Gretna sits on the south bank of the Mississippi River where it makes its last few bends before discovering the Gulf of Mexico. Across the river: New Orleans proper.
When Angela Schwall, the Administrative Assistant for the New Orleans Westbank Christian Women’s Connection, heard late last month that Hurricane Katrina was moving toward the Crescent City, she and her husband John made quick plans, then evacuated.
“We were planning on going to Oklahoma anyway. We just left a day early and decided to choose to enjoy the time,” Angela said.
From Oklahoma, Angela and John drove to the Dallas-Ft. Worth area to meet their daughter. When their daughter flew home to Seattle, Angela and John had nowhere to go.
“We really were wondering what to do next. We had no place to go. It started to sink in what was going on back home. For several days we couldn’t even watch the television–it was too heart wrenching,” Angela said. The couple found out their house in Gretna did not suffer severe storm damage, but with no electricity or water, it would be weeks before they could return home. Angela’s father-in-law and sister-in-law were not so fortunate. Their homes were completely under water.
As Angela and John began to think about what to do next, the Stonecroft network kicked in. A local Stonecroft leader and volunteer invited them over for a Labor Day picnic and another offered to drive Angela to a relative’s home in Oklahoma.
“It’s amazing to have the connections through Stonecroft,” she said. “It was so encouraging.”
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Posted on the morning of Monday, September 12, 2005FROM THE SOUTH TO THE NORTH
Port Elgin, ON—Barbara Moss, a Stonecroft Regional Administrator from Florida, spends time in Ontario each summer. While she’s there, she continues her work with Stonecroft Ministries by speaking for outreach groups in the area.
This summer, Barbara was given permission to speak about Stonecroft at the local church she attends. Two of the women who heard her presentation were very interested about the possibilities of Stonecroft Bible Studies. They contacted Shirley Richardson, a Stonecroft National Representative who lives nearby, and set up a meeting with her.
Shirley reports that the women are full of enthusiasm for starting Stonecroft Bible Studies. A Coordinator is in place, study books have been ordered, and they are now looking for people to guide the studies. What a great example of Stonecroft volunteers working together!
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Posted on the morning of Friday, September 9, 2005ACCENT ON SPAIN
The conversations may need translation, but the warm smiles and hugs are universal. This week, Susan and Don Sweet, Carmen Exposito, and Maria Luisa Castejon from Madrid traveled to Stonecroft Headquarters for training.
Susan, who serves as the leader and interpreter for the group, started the first Stonecroft-style outreach group in Spain in 1992. The group is called “Café y Algo Más,” which translates into “Coffee and Something More.” Although the number of outreach groups throughout Spain has fluctuated throughout the years, Susan estimates there are about a dozen groups that are currently active. Both Carmen and Maria Luisa serve on the Planning Team for the Madrid group.
Though there may be some cultural differences, the groups in Spain share common challengesstruggles with their American counterparts. The Spanish delegation asked prayer that their group would be able to find a more centralized meeting place at an affordable price.
When asked what they will take home from this trip, Susan replied, “Stonecroft is a ministry that speaks to women and reaches them where they are. This visit has been wonderful to help the women from Spain widen their vision. There are very few evangelicals in Spain, so it has been a treat for them to meet the staff, learn the history of Stonecroft Ministries, and receive special training. It opens their eyes to the possibilities for outreach that are available.”
Stonecroft Ministries currently has outreach groups in 13 countries and serves 52 countries with the Friendship Bible Coffee program.
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Posted on the morning of Thursday, September 8, 2005STONECROFTERS RESPOND TO HURRICAND KATRINA
Houston, Texas—Stonecroft Regional Administrator Norma MacAllister visits the shelters every evening.
“There are people here who have lost their homes and they need help,” she said this morning.
Thousands of storm victims are now temporarily housed in Houston and the surrounding areas. In the suburb where Norma and her husband Darwin live, there are several shelters set up. People there need clothing, food, and general care. Churches in the area are providing suppers on a rotating basis.
Norma and Darwin recently met Justo and his son Carlos. The men had spent 10 hours in the New Orleans water clinging to a rooftop awaiting rescue. Now, in the Houston area, they are looking to get back on their feet.
“They are carpenters and folks here have found work for them, but they have no transportation,” Norma said. She and Darwin decided to donate a truck to the men.
“There are some here who want to work, who are ready to get started again, and some who aren’t. The truck was just sitting here. It runs, but it’s old. It will help Justo and Carlos,” Norma said.
Two of Norma’s granddaughters visit a shelter every evening and take the children to the playground. The children’s mothers need a break.
An order of 2,000 Stonecroft Life Publications is on its way to Norma. She plans to hand them out to people staying at shelters.
See the Katrina update online for a list of Stonecrofters in the affected area who have reported their safety. And stay tuned to Stonecroft Live for more news of how Stonecroft Ministries volunteers and staff are responding to Katrina’s devastation.
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Posted on the morning of Wednesday, September 7, 2005PLANTING SEEDS
Lynchburg, Virginia—From Central Virginia, Marjorie Steinke and her team of Friendship Bible Coffee study Guides are reaching the world.
Marjorie, a Friendship Bible Coffee Coordinator, and Guide Wendy Miller mentor the wives of local seminary students who come to study from all over the world. The wives learn English, and, in turn, take the Friendship Bible Coffee program back to their sending countries when they return home.
Currently, there are about 17 women in English as a Second Language Stonecroft Bible Studies in the Lynchburg, Virginia area, in addition to many local men and women learning about God and His Word.
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Posted on the morning of Tuesday, September 6, 2005PRAYER WORKS!
Denver, Colorado—It’s often said that prayer changes things. Here’s a bit of proof.
Last year, the Planning Team of the Denver North Suburban Christian Women’s Club joined together for a Friendship Bible Coffee study of Prayer—Connecting with God. Their study of God’s Word— and application of what they learned— is yielding wonderful results!
At the time we began the study, our luncheon attendance ranged from the 60’s to the 80’s,” Chair Jodie Flores explained. “Since that time, attendance has grown in range from the high 80’s to 110. We regularly have 10 to 20 first-timers. But the biggest source of excitement is that in the past five months, we have had an average of five women make decisions for Christ at every meeting. God has blessed this ministry—and it all began with our desire to study His Word and improve our prayer lives.”
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Posted on the morning of Friday, September 2, 2005MIGHTY THROUGH PRAYER
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia—When they faced a dwindling Planning Team and other obstacles, the women of the Yarmouth After 5 may have been tempted to quit. But, instead, they prayed and persevered.
“Through it all, God has been ever faithful in leading us through our struggles,” said Chair Cindy Power. “Our Planning Team is growing, the attendance at our dinner meetings continues to be about 50 each month, and 28 people have accepted Christ. We continually praise and give thanks for all the Lord has done in our group during this challenging year!”
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Posted on the morning of Thursday, September 1, 2005OCALA ONLINE
Ocala, Florida—Remi Gunn reports that her groundbreaking online study of the Friendship Bible Coffee Examine the Evidence is going well.
“We’ve got a prayer team of 45 people praying and 20 people doing the study,” wrote Remi, the Bible study guide.
Participants hail from Florida to California to New York. “We’ve not let the time zones hinder us at all,” Remi wrote. “It’s exciting to get everyone’s views and input to each question.”
To learn more about Friendship Bible Studies, click here.
