Brightening Up Brighton

Brighton, Michigan—Robin Reese is enthusiastic about Stonecroft Bible Studies and her excitement has been contagious in her neighborhood.

At a recent luncheon in her subdivision, women were asked to share their interests. When Robin talked about Stonecroft Bible Studies, her energy and zest captured the attention of several women there. Last week, six women joined Robin to begin the study Who is Jesus? Already, the ripple effect is being felt as women are thinking about how to share what they are learning with others and new women are interested in joining.

Robin’s vision for these studies reaches far beyond her neighborhood. Today, Brighton; tomorrow, Michigan—wherever God leads her, Robin is determined to make a difference for Jesus Christ.

Wounded Heart

Cortaillod, Switzerland—Growing up, Florence Pellet had a hard life. But God has softened her heart and is using Florence to tell others about His love through Stonecroft Bible Studies.

Throughout her sister’s battle with breast cancer, Florence noticed her sister’s inner peace and strength in this difficult situation. Soon after, Florence was invited to a Stonecroft Bible Study, where she learned of Christ’s love. She soon accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord.

“I understood that Jesus loves me as I am—without conditions. I can come to Him just as I am,” shares Florence.

She is now looking forward to starting Stonecroft Bible Studies in her own neighborhood.

Learn more about Stonecroft Ministries in other countries.

First Class Travel

Santa Cruz, California—Recently, the Santa Cruz County Women’s Connection has reached out by hosting some of their outreach events in the evening. Their goal was to connect with some of the women who work during the day. An unexpected bonus is that a few men have come, too. “We don’t ever want to turn anyone away,” said Chair Vicky Becker. “The last two times we’ve had men who accepted the Lord.”

The most recent outreach event was titled, “Traveling in Style Without Breaking Your Budget.” To help people break the ice, Vicky usually shares some trivia relevant to the event’s theme and gives them a subject to talk about at their tables. This time she asked them to share their favorite vacation, which sparked lots of conversation. “We try to make it fun so people will want to come back,” Vicky shared.

“The event was first-class,” related Lois Ratterree, the speaker for the evening. “I could tell they had ‘prayed up.’”

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.

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!”

Could I Offer 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.

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

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!”