BACK-TO-SCHOOL FUN
Norfolk, Virginia—At last month’s outreach meeting, the Norfolk/Chesapeake Christian Women’s Club used a back-to-school theme. “It was a great time,” said Vice Chair Jackie Baldwin. “We had 20 children modeling clothes, and of course their mothers and grandmothers came with them. Our Program Coordinator makes every meeting an outreach. She made a point of finding children whose mothers or grandmothers haven’t attended before.”
Mary Edna Starner, a former teacher and principal, was the speaker for the day. “She wrote a poem as the meeting was going on and used it as part of her talk,” Jackie said. “She even included the some of the names of children who were there.” Best of all, two people made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior when Mary Edna presented the salvation message.
As Jackie shared about the brunch, she wanted to be sure that we mentioned prayer. “We know how important it is to pray beforehand,” she said. “We couldn’t do all this without that power.”share your story here!
SHARING THE LOVE OF CHRIST
Kansas City, Missouri—The Stonecroft staff collected needed items this week for an area school with children who have special needs.
“It’s a chance for us to let them know that we care, and that we are willing to help,” said Community Liaison Marshelle Lyons. “I want to share the love of Christ with them.”
Marshelle called ahead for a list of items that the children needed. The staff collected more than 200 allergy tablets, 7 jars of petroleum jelly, 10 boxes of band-aids, 22 chap sticks, and one box of cotton swabs. “The school was very happy to receive them,” said Marshelle.
She also picked apples from the Stonecroft campus to take to the children. “They thought that would be something special that the kids would enjoy,” commented Marshelle.
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A SIMPLE KNOCK
Baker City, Oregon—One of the highlights of each Capture the Moment event is a session called “We Can Make a Difference.” During that time, Stonecroft volunteers share their stories of how God used one person to make a difference in their lives.
Jayne Weber’s story started with a simple knock at the front door. She and her husband Jon were newlyweds who had just moved to a new town. One night, the couple across the street came over and knocked on their door. They introduced themselves, simply said they were starting a Stonecroft Bible Study in their home, and asked if the Webers would like to join them. The idea appealed to Jayne, but she didn’t think her husband would go for it. Much to her amazement, he said yes. Neither one knew that God would use that simple Bible study in a powerful way in their lives.
“I had grown up in church, but I was just going through the motions,” Jayne said. “I didn’t know God personally. In my teen years, I decided I was too smart to believe in an old-fashioned notion like God. I decided that He didn’t even exist and I became an atheist. I lived that way all through college and my early career years. But, by now I realized what a hopeless and empty way of life that was, and I was starting to search again for the truth.”
“That’s where I was when we started the Stonecroft Bible Study on the book of Mark,” Jayne recalled. “At first, what I read in Mark seemed to confirm my thinking. I remember thinking, See, Jesus isn’t claiming to be the Son of God! But, then I began to deal with things that didn’t fit the mold. About halfway through, I realized I had to either accept it all as true or reject it all. I couldn’t keep trying to pick and choose. So, I decided to accept the whole Bible as truth. Then, the blinders fell off my eyes, and everything made sense. I was suddenly hungry for God’s Word and started reading and studying like crazy—and I haven’t slowed down much since.”
That was twelve years ago. Today, Jayne serves as a Stonecroft Bible Study Guide and Coordinator in Prineville, Oregon, helping other women with the same kinds of questions she once had.
“I have the honor of joining God as He works in other people’s lives like He did in mine,” Jayne stated. “And it all began with a knock on the door. I never would have gone to that home Bible study if I had seen it advertised somewhere—it was the personal invitation that drew me in. So, think of the women and couples in your neighborhood and ask God for the courage to go and just knock on the door. Invite them to an outreach meeting or to a Bible study in your home. It can make a difference for eternity in someone’s life and for the kingdom of God in your town and in the world.”
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PRAYING
Skaneateles, New York—Deep in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region, 48 women came together to pray.
Nancy Jensen, a Prayer Consultant in upstate New York, organized the September 19 call to prayer. Women attended from as far as 250 miles away. One of them was Field Director Gail Dudley.
“Everyone was excited,” Gail said. “It was fabulous!”
The women gathered together to pray—in groups and individually, during the morning. “It was amazing to see and hear how people were praying for Stonecroft and the vision Stonecroft has to reach women,” Gail said. “Also to hear the prayers for Geneva (Stonecroft CEO Geneva Vollrath) and the prayers covering the ministry and those involved.”
After a lunch together, Gail answered questions from the volunteer leaders.
“They were asking how to involve new people and what new and different outreach ideas there were,” Gail said.
Those who attended were long-time Stonecroft volunteers. The woman there with the least tenure of service has been with the ministry 15 years. Gail said she received loads of confirmation that the volunteers are enthusiastic and fully committed to the ministry. Many used the word “revival” when talking about the ministry and their involvement.
“Everyone is excited,” Gail said. “They see a change coming and they are excited about it. There is revival taking place in this ministry! I think people are onboard for the long haul to win souls for Christ.”share your story here!
ON THE MOVE IN ILLINOIS
McHenry, Illinois—For the past few weeks, National Prayer Coordinator Meryl Bishop has been traveling through Illinois, speaking at local groups and conducting “Keeping Watch” events. Following a lighthouse theme, these special events focus on prayer and outreach. Attendees are challenged to stay true to their calling as spiritual lighthouses in a dark world. Thus far, a total of 177 women have attended in 5 different cities.
Meryl has also had the privilege of seeing God at work through Stonecroft’s local outreach groups. Fifteen women have responded to the Gospel message at the four groups where she has spoken.
Stonecroft speakers offer booklets called A New Beginning to those who indicate they make decisions for Christ. In McHenry, one woman approached Meryl after the meeting and asked for the booklet, saying, “I’m handing my life over to the Lord today if He will have me.” Meryl was able to reassure her that Jesus accepts all those who come to Him. Another woman asked Meryl for the booklet and showed her that she had picked up another Stonecroft booklet titled My Search, which shares a scientist’s personal faith journey. “I am not quite ready to make that decision yet,” she told Meryl, “but I will read these booklets and maybe make a decision then.”
Will you pray with Meryl that this woman will make that commitment to Christ, if she hasn’t already done so? Then, thank the Lord for all the opportunities Meryl has to share God’s truth with others and pray that His Word will find receptive hearts.
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THE BEST SEAT IN TOWN
New Freedom, Pennsylvania—Stonecroft Regional Administrator LuAnn Davis is in awe of what she saw God do in putting together a Stonecroft on the Road event in New Freedom, a town of about 3,500. “God has given me front row seats to the greatest production in town—and I know the Star of the show personally!” she commented.
The excitement has been building in the community in the weeks leading to Tuesday’s event. A solid foundation of prayer—and nine Stonecroft Bible Studies in the area—paved the way. But, LuAnn could hardly contain herself when 93 women (including 10 walk-ins) packed out the meeting place. (The nursery was also hopping with 20 little ones.) Best of all, that morning two women invited Jesus Christ into their lives as their Lord and Savior.
This area is ripe for outreach and the women there are eager to see it continue. LuAnn asked those in attendance to indicate on their comment cards if they would like to see this type of event on an ongoing basis. Ninety percent responded positively! So, very soon, we may be hearing about a permanent outreach group in New Freedom.
“I found myself smiling and singing all the way home,” LuAnn said. “I have not stopped reveling in God’s goodness.”
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CAPTURING THE MOMENT IN JEFFERSON CITY
Jefferson City, Missouri—Nearly 100 Stonecroft volunteers traveled to Missouri’s capital this past weekend to be energized, motivated, and to learn new ways to share their faith.
“Our hope is that those who attend come away with a deeper sense of Jesus Christ,” said Special Events Manager Bev Anderson. “We want to show them how God uses ordinary people to touch lives.”
Friday evening, volunteers received the latest Stonecroft news from Outreach
Group Supervisor Lisa Schomaker. Attendees also spent time worshipping and
praying together. Saturday morning, Field Director Nancy Israel conducted
a workshop on listening to God, and Prayer Development Coordinator Sandy
Wornock and Special Events Marketing Coordinator Christie Casey discussed
the importance of setting goals and working together as a team. One of the
most informative times included the breakout sessions, where volunteers
were able to interact and brainstorm with others in similar roles.
One volunteer said she is taking away, “More great ideas, many new friends, and a new prayer partner.” Another woman said the weekend filled her with “a sense of urgency to pray for the harvest!”
The event ended with the staff praying for the volunteers, and expressing their deep gratitude for the many ways that the volunteers selflessly give year after year.
A similar event was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania over the weekend, as well. It’s not too late to attend a Capture the Moment!
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A LIFE-CHANGING INVITATION
St. Charles , Missouri—Seven years ago, Tina Rigoni faced a parent’s worst nightmare—the death of a child. The sudden loss of her precious young daughter Aly to an E. coli infection was not something Tina had ever expected.
As she struggled to deal with her grief, a caring neighbor invited her to a Christian Women’s Club meeting. Two things stood out for Tina that day—the kind, friendly women who were there and the speaker. The speaker told how Jesus died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and raised to life on the third day. She said that Jesus is the way to heaven and encouraged the women to invite Him into their lives. “I went to church and I taught Sunday school,” Tina remembered, “but I don’t remember ever having the opportunity to invite Jesus into my heart. I did not have a personal relationship with Him. That day, I made the choice to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior.”
Although Tina did not tell anyone at the group about her decision, she quickly became involved in the group’s Prayer Connections and in Stonecroft Bible studies. “God knew my pain and He knew my heart,” Tina said. “I depended on Him because I knew He was the only One who could give us the courage and strength to overcome our loss. It became so clear to me that if I trusted in God, He would be right by my side. I asked Him to fill my broken heart with His peace and hope until it overflowed—and He did.”
In the years since then, Tina has served on the Planning Team and last year she became a Stonecroft speaker. When she spoke at her home group for the first time, “I sent out an invitation to everyone I wanted to see in heaven,” she recalled. Over 250 people attended the meeting that day—and many gave their lives to Christ.
Tina often thought with gratitude about the speaker whose message had changed her life. Recently, while going through some paperwork, she found that speaker’s name and address. “She never knew the impact she made on me, so I decided to call her and let her know,” Tina said. “I think it encouraged her to hear how God had used her.” Tina will be speaking at that woman’s home group in a few weeks where she will have the joy of expressing her thanks in person.
“My life is a perfect example of why Stonecroft has outreach meetings,” Tina concluded. “You never know who will be in that audience. That invitation changed my life forever.”
SEPTEMBER SPECTACULAR
Portsmouth, New Hampshire—Three Regional Representatives took the confirmation, inspiration, and motivation they received at IMPACT ’06—Equipping for Evangelism and multiplied it Monday at a New England gathering of 170 women they dubbed “A Spectacular Event.”
“I came back from IMPACT with a reassurance that Stonecroft was still very much about outreach and about making Jesus Christ known,” said Georgia Basko, a Regional Representative from Maine and one of the organizers of yesterday’s event.
“I told the women there that I was not there just to inspire them, but to motivate them to do something in their community to impact it for Christ,” she said.
The event was held in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and drew 170 women from several states. After training in the morning, an outreach luncheon was held. “We wanted this to be different than other training times we’ve had—we wanted this to be about evangelism,” Georgia said. Pamela Cahill spoke of her encounter with Jesus Christ and the difference He has made in her life.
Training and motivation continued after the luncheon in a session with Jenel Moline, a headquarters staff member. Jenel updated the women on new initiatives, forms, and other news from Stonecroft headquarters.
Georgia planned the event with two other Regional Representatives, Joan Hutchins from New Hampshire, and Alison Towle from Massachusetts.
“Many of the women yesterday are in leadership with Stonecroft, but we had a lot of women there who are fairly new to Stonecroft, too,” Georgia said. “It was very exciting to see how God worked.”
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CONNECTING WITH COUPLES
Lancaster, Pennsylvania—The Susquehanna Valley Couples Connection is blossoming. Recently District Consulting Coordinator Reba Crill and her husband Richard* hosted a “Summer Couples Blast.” Guide couples and anyone who has been involved in a couple’s Stonecroft Bible Study in Lancaster were invited, along with new people that they wanted to reach through Bible study.
New Coordinator “couple” John and Donna Lucey were introduced and shared how God has drawn them closer to Himself. Stonecroft Bible Studies were spontaneously promoted throughout the group.
As a result, many of the guests are eager to attend a Bible study or even guide one. Reba is overjoyed with all God is doing through her and her husband as they desire to make Jesus Christ famous in the Lancaster communities.
*Reba and Richard are also Literature Coordinators for the Susquehanna Valley Couples Connection.
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IMPRISONED BUT FREE, PART 2
Brookings, Oregon—In June, we featured a story about Gale Lakey using Stonecroft Bible Studies to reach out to women who are in a local jail. After a few more months of conducting the studies, Gale reports that great things continue to happen. (To read the first part of the story, click here.)
“In mid-July, I started the study What Is God Like? Sometimes there were three inmates, sometimes two, and at times only one. One of these women is in for a long time and is most likely on her way to prison. I gave her the book A Case for Faith by Lee Strobel to read, and she was devouring it as well as eagerly doing her lessons. At the end of the fifth lesson, she and another inmate accepted Christ. She has continued to attend and encourages other women to attend as well. Now I have started Life's New Beginning, and one woman made a decision for Christ in that first lesson.
“There have been 11 lessons to date with six decisions for Christ. Sometimes I only see these inmates one or two times before they get out. Others are there for 30 to 40 days. On occasion, inmates can be in this jail for many months before going to a rehab facility elsewhere in the state or to prison, depending on the conviction.
“Even though I call before making the drive over, I never know what to expect when I get inside. Except for the long-term inmate previously mentioned, I never know who will walk though the door into the postage- stamp-size room we use.
“I am truly blessed to be able to be God’s messenger to the down and out. How I wish I could do more. The women love these Bible studies and are so encouraged to learn that God accepts them right where they are. They also seem grateful for the opportunity to interact with someone who doesn't judge them. I am truly humbled to be able to serve Him through this door. I praise God for these wonderful studies and how the Holy Spirit is moving as we study together.”
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PRAY AND PLAY
Santa Cruz, California—“Y’all got to join us for the next Prayer Connection,” announced Prayer Coordinator Chauncy Swartz at a recent outreach event. “No child care will be available, cause I’d like the youngins to hear the mommas prayin’!”
Chauncy had decided to go with a western theme for the Prayer Connection. For her announcement, she turned up with a cowboy hat, boots, and an accent to match. “I want you to wear western attire, and come ready to ride horses,” she instructed the group.
The Prayer Connection was a huge success. “We had so much fun,” she said. “Twenty-six people came! The prayer time was very deep. Everyone felt comfortable. You could really sense God’s presence.”
That day, Chauncy opened up her home, which is two miles from the beach. The Prayer Connection, held from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm, also included plenty of play time. “We prayed, ate, laughed, had a campfire, and rode horses. Have you ever seen the look on a child’s face the first time they get on a horse? It’s amazing!”
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BEING SET FREE
King City, Oregon—A study of Life’s New Beginning starts next week for the three women who signed up and for four additional women who prayed Monday to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord during a Stonecroft on the Road event.
Kathy Miller, the Chair of the nearby Newburg, Oregon Women’s Connection, prepared a dessert program that included Jeanenne Granger’s feature on the history and care of jewelry, and Connie Knapp’s talk on the true freedom that can only be found in Christ.
Nine women from nearby groups volunteered to help make this Stonecroft on the Road event a success.
None of the four women who prayed a prayer of salvation had ever been to a Stonecroft event before. Stonecroft Development Leader Faye Marie Miller told the group about Stonecroft Bible Studies.
Plans are already underway to hold a follow-up outreach event in King City next month.
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THE LITTLE GROUP THAT COULD
Ottertail, Minnesota—“We live in a rural area, so people are really spread out,” said Lois Christopherson, Chair of the Henning/Battle Lake Christian Women’s Club. “It can be a challenge to get good attendance.” But, this group has found that prayer and being willing to try new things pays off.
A lack of meeting places is often a struggle for rural groups. The community hall where they met was adequate, but certainly not exceptional. When a new resort was built in the area, Lois was sure that should be the new meeting place. The prices seemed out of reach, but Lois and her team prayed and persisted. By changing from a luncheon to breakfast format, they were able to meet at the resort, getting a delicious brunch buffet in a lovely setting at affordable prices. “Our attendance has doubled—and sometimes tripled—since we’ve moved to our new location. Now, we regularly run about 85 guests, and the count is often over 100,” Lois commented.
Targeting groups of women has also been a successful way to increase attendance. “At one meeting, we had a special feature on horses and targeted teens. Twenty-two teenagers attended our meeting—along with many other first-timers. Best of all, the feature guest accepted the Lord that day,” Lois recalled.
This summer, over 120 women attended their annual “Ladies’ Night Out.” That evening, 25 women indicated they made decisions to receive Christ.
“Our Planning Team is amazing and it’s been exciting to see so many people attending,” Lois concluded. “Of course, God is the One who does it all. Things don’t always go perfectly, but He works it all out. Last month, it seemed like everything at the meeting went wrong. But, there was one woman there who received Jesus. That’s what it’s all about—and that makes it worth it all.”
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MONUMENTAL MEETING
Monument, Colorado—On the edge of Pike National Forest, Monument boasts a beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains. On Thursday, September 7, a Stonecroft on the Road event was held in this quaint little town. Ninety-nine women—from young to young-at-heart—attended with about 15 children in the nursery!
International fashion designer Martha Fellure presented her clothing creations, and every model stayed to listen how God has worked in Martha’s life. Many of them said that they “had a blast” at the meeting. One even asked for more information on what it means to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
About ten women expressed an interest in attending a Bible study and many offered to help make this a regular outreach meeting.
Even though there were no known decisions for Christ, Stonecroft Regional Administrator Sandi King is praising God for how He worked out each detail of the meeting.
Pray with her for the details of their next outreach meeting in Monument set for October 5.
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GOD'S PERFECT PLAN
Lincoln, Nebraska—When Janet Smith’s cousin and her cousin’s friend, both new Christians, wanted to do a Bible study, Janet felt a little intimidated. The only experience she had leading anything was teaching children at her church. Without her knowing it, though, God had already prepared her for this study.
“My husband and I are in a Bible study group with people from several church denominations and one couple who has no church home at all. We decided to use the Stonecroft Bible Studies, beginning with Who Is Jesus?, because of their simplicity,” wrote Janet. “Since I’d already gone through that study, God prompted me to use it with my cousin and her friend.”
“I don’t know why I ever worried I couldn’t do this,” Janet says. “The studies are so easy to do because of the Bibles we use, and the Guidebook is so user-friendly.”
Janet also wrote about another way God is using the Who is Jesus? study. “Our church has a ministry called The Magdalene Ministry for dancers in local men’s clubs. These young women are mentored and ministered to by women in our church. Recently, one of the ladies felt led to call me to ask for a suggestion for a Bible study they wanted to do with the dancers. I was so happy to tell them about Who Is Jesus? The books and Bibles have been ordered and they begin their study later this month!
“I’m so grateful to the Lord for these wonderful Bible studies and, even more, for these opportunities to be used by Him.”
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MIRACLES STILL HAPPEN
Cambridge, Ontario—Authentic relationships can be challenging to achieve, but the Cambridge Christian Women’s Club specializes in them.
“Some of us have known each other for over 25 years,” said Prayer Coordinator Coleen Riddell. “We are there for one another. We open up, especially during prayer time.”
Coleen coordinates Prayer Connections and also sends out emails to ensure that the group is updated on urgent needs.
Although she knows that prayer produces miracles, Coleen was recently amazed at God’s goodness. “One of our good friends, who has been involved with our Christian Women’s Club in different capacities for years, was diagnosed with failed kidneys. The doctor told her she would have to go through very painful dialysis. Many of us prayed for her. Recently, she returned to the hospital for further tests. The doctor couldn’t believe it. He told her that whatever had showed up on previous tests had disappeared. Wow! It was mind-boggling.”
“Her faith is so deep,” commented Coleen. “She has been through many hardships, but her faith carries her through everything. Praise the Lord that miracles still happen!”
Coleen asks that you pray for their group. Please ask God to give them wisdom, creativity, and insight as they seek to reach the next generation with God’s love.
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A TIME TO REBUILD
Mandeville, Louisiana—Located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, across from New Orleans, the cities of Mandeville and Covington suffered the wrath of Hurricane Katrina. Severe flooding and wind damage drove many from their homes. But one year after the natural disaster, the area and its residents are continuing their path to recovery, rebuilding their lives and homes.
This season has also been a time of rebuilding for the Mandeville-Covington Christian Women’s Club. “We have seen many answers to our prayers,” wrote Chair Jennifer Cantrelle. “There has been steady and continued growth in attendance at our outreach meetings after Katrina. Also, the number of first-timers has increased steadily over the last ten months.”
In a place battered by devastation and destruction, God is bringing a rebirth of encouragement and hope.share your story here!
TRAINED AND READY IN ZIMBABWE
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe—Ten people recently were trained to be Guides for Stonecroft Bible Studies in this city, the second largest in Zimbabwe. Seven of them are from the same church.
One woman made a commitment to do a study about 40 kilometers from Bulawayo and has purchased the study books and a guidebook to get started. A couple who attended is planning to take a study to their fellowship, then follow up with additional studies.
The training on August 22 was held by Julie Caddick, Chair of Stonecroft Southern Africa, and Cathy Teasdale, a member of the Southern African Board. Both live in Bulawayo. Since four additional people wanted to take part in the training but couldn’t meet in August, Julie and Cathy are working to set up another training day.
Another new Guide is a student at a local university who hopes to start the study Connecting with God with some of his fellow students, and another study with his family.
“It was a thrilling afternoon,” Julie wrote to headquarters.
Continue to pray for Christians to have the freedom in Zimbabwe to lead others in knowing the Word of God. Thank God for the Stonecroft leaders there who make materials and training available for Bible study.
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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 will be featuring one of these honorees on Stonecroft Live.
According to one nominee, there is no one more deserving of recognition than this month’s Stonecroft Heart Award honoree, Star Paterson. Star is the Stonecroft Regional Administrator for northeastern Illinois. Here is what was written of Star for her nomination.
“Star knows and loves the mission of this ministry and lives it out. She is intentional about inviting to outreach meetings and developing relationships with the lost. She clearly and faithfully presents the Gospel [as a speaker] and has seen many, many women respond to that message.
“Star faithfully recruits others into the ministry and joins God, the master networker, in connecting people. She has a great gift of encouragement. Even though ministry can sometimes be tough and obstacles can seem never ending, Star has a perpetual positive attitude in ministry and in life. She truly has a heart for the lost, this ministry, and for others.”share your story here!
