Go & Make Issue #31 (May 2016)

Katarina Parsons SURVIVOR

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IN THIS ISSUE

22 THE GREATEST COMMISSION ON THE YARD Midshipman Second Class Madina Petashvili shares her journey of changing cultures and faiths, highlighting the integral role played by campus ministries at the United States Naval Academy.

26 SENT NETWORK UPDATE: ENDALK AYO Soon to plant an Ethiopian church in Silver Spring, Endalk Ayo shares his story of faith, from finding Jesus during a communist era in Ethiopia, to serving as president of a denomination and national director of a youth ministry, to coming to America to lead a church in Philly.

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16 10 ESSENTIALS FOR AN EFFECTIVE MISSIONS EXPERIENCE Aside from the obvious essentials – your passport, hand sanitizer, clean undergarments – you don’t want to leave home without these important items when headed on a global mission trip.

18 COVER STORY: KATARINA PARSONS A Bay Area family dedicated to serving others is grateful to be served by their church family after their 6-year-old daughter was seriously injured when two dogs attacked her.

We appreciate your comments and questions. Please email us at feedback@bayareacc.org and a staff member or elder will respond within 48 hours.

MAGAZINE CREDITS EDITOR Meredith Thompson ART DIRECTOR Josh Shirlen ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR Arianne Teeple ASSISTANT EDITOR Jocelyn Sacks LEAD DESIGNER Josh Burgin GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andy Smith Jake Williams CONTRIBUTORS Lia Dalpini Jennifer Ginn Steve Onken Michele Rollins PHOTOGRAPHERS Lia Dalpini Lizzy Donovan

On the cover: Sandy & Katarina Parsons Photo by Josh Shirlen

Gathering Times: 8, 9:15, 11:15am

ELDERS Brian Mallare David McPeak Don Wiley Greg St. Cyr J. Upton John Battan John Taylor Keith Riniker Peter Godfrey Rich Heath Roger Ishii Tim Dotson Tim Grossman Tom Dalpini Tom Hogan Warwick Fairfax

884 Chesterfield Rd. Annapolis, MD 21401

410.544.2222

BAY AREA LEADERSHIP Brent Squires, Student Ministry Pastor – brent.squires@bayareacc.org Brian Hopper, Missional Community Pastor – brian.hopper@bayareacc.org Casely Essamuah, Global Missions Pastor – casely.essamuah@bayareacc.org Craig Fadel, Easton Campus Pastor – craig.fadel@bayareacc.org Ed Kelley, Executive Pastor – ed.kelley@bayareacc.org Gail Wiles, Children’s Ministry Director – gail.wiles@bayareacc.org Greg St. Cyr, Lead Pastor – greg.stcyr@bayareacc.org Janet Graves, Women’s Ministry Director – janet.graves@bayareacc.org Jerry Shirlen, Financial Administrator – jerry.shirlen@bayareacc.org Jocelyn Sacks, Missional Community Coordinator – jocelyn.sacks@bayareacc.org Josh Shirlen, arts – josh.shirlen@bayareacc.org Leanne Lane, Care Network Director – leanne.lane@bayareacc.org Lynn Dutton, H.R. Administrator – lynn.dutton@bayareacc.org Meredith Thompson, Communications Director – meredith.thompson@bayareacc.org Micah Pringle, Worship Leader – micah.pringle@bayareacc.org Pat Linnell, Teaching Pastor – pat.linnell@bayareacc.org Rachel Perry, Connecting Coordinator – rachel.perry@bayareacc.org Ron Dutton, Operations Director – ron.dutton@bayareacc.org Tres Cozad, Technical Director – tres.cozad@bayareacc.org

For a comprehensive list of all BACC staff, elders and deacons, please visit bayareacc.org/leadership M AY GO&MAKE 3

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LETTER FROM THE LEAD

I love family. With the recent loss of Mary Kaye’s mom, I was reminded how important it is. Contemplating family, I’m reminded that one of the images God uses to describe the church is that of “family.” So here’s my question for you: “Is Bay Area Community Church truly your ‘family’?

Or is it more like a club or organization in which you participate?”

During the days of Jesus, society did not revolve around individual happiness or relational satisfaction. The group came first. A person’s primary identity came from the group he or she belonged to: family, religious community, ethnic group or village community. The individual gladly put the goals of the group ahead of his or her own personal desires.

Family, in particular, demanded the highest commitment of undivided loyalty and sacrifice. This is why “family” is a key relational image for the church.

Family in the New Testament world was the context in which emotional, physical and material needs were met. The bond between blood brothers and sisters reflected the strongest ties of loyalty and affection.

Thus, the shocking statements of Jesus would have left His hearers confounded: “And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, ‘Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.’ And he answered them, ‘Who are my mother and my brothers?’ And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.’” Mark 3:31-35 (see also: Mark 10:28-38) These words were culturally scandalous. Jesus challenged His followers to embrace the family of siblings He was establishing (brothers and sisters in Christ), a new faith community that would come to be known as the church.

This is why throughout the New Testament we see believers referred to by the inclusive word “brothers.” Paul used the word adelph (brothers/sisters) 139 times. For example, in the opening chapters of 1 Corinthians we read:

“For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers…” (1:11) “Brothers, consider your calling…” (1:26) “When I came to you, brothers…” (2:1) “Brothers, I was not able to speak to you…” (3:1) Jesus and the New Testament authors saw the church as a close-knit family in which there was family loyalty, the sharing of resources, interpersonal harmony and loving emotional support. One of my favorite passages that reflects this commitment is Romans 12:10-11: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”

The word “devoted” was used to express the devotion of a mother to her child. “Brotherly love” expresses the love of siblings. Note the family terms. Paul is expressing the reality that we, the local church, are to relate to each other like a close-knit family.

This is part of the vision we have for each of us who calls Bay Area our church: A vision of relating to one another as a close-knit family, connected in community, serving like Jesus, together on mission with Jesus to change the world.

Do you feel that Bay Area Community Church is truly your family?

I pray that we would be people who don’t just talk about family but who actually live like God’s family, and that each of us would experience the family life of the church that God designed.

From here to the nations,

Greg St. Cyr Lead Pastor

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By Pat Linnell

he gas station by our house has two ice slushy machines, with a tropical logo on the front, so we have affectionately dubbed that BP Station “Smoothie Island.” My kids will never turn down an invitation to Smoothie Island. So when my 8-year-old Ava rallied for a playdate with a friend recently, I wasn’t surprised that she wanted to recreate Smoothie Island with our blender at home, and then try to sell them lemonade-stand style in the neighborhood.

Ava had all the kids involved, making signs, setting up a table, finding pitchers, creating a menu (which required a trip to Safeway with mom) and making the concoctions. The stage was set for a great smoothie sale at the top of our court. The looming problem, despite the kids’ best effort to alarm the entire neighborhood with a megaphone, was the lack of customers. No traffic, no customers – apparently parents don’t count.

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Then I saw something in Ava’s spirit that I hope continues for her entire life – initiative. She took it upon herself to figure out a way for the smoothie business to grow. And the pressure was on, since smoothies in a cooler will only stay cold for so long. Ava decided to pound the pavement, take no prisoners, and go door-to-door offering strawblueberry smoothies. Her idea paid off, and she hit pay dirt when she approached a landscaping crew who couldn’t make change. Before shutting down for the day, Ava paid all of her workers and all the kids made some cold hard cash.

I bring this up because some of us need to take the initiative to figure out a way for our spiritual lives in Christ to grow.

Being a Christ follower is the greatest privilege for a human being. It means that we have been saved from spiritual death and separation from God by grace through faith. It means we are new creations empowered to walk with a

fresh wind in our sails every day. It means we can have love, joy and peace regardless of our circumstances. It means we are secure, our identity is rooted in who God says we are – loved children, we don’t need to worry about the future, and we can love sacrificially since all of our needs are met. It means we can heal, we can break free from the bonds of our past, our lives have great purpose and potential, and we can always, no matter what, have hope.

Realizing all these great things by the grace of God will require effort, initiative, even pounding the pavement.

Sometimes we need to get up from the table and figure out new ways to stir up our walks with Jesus. It’s that or wait for the smoothies to melt.

So let’s get practical and let me perhaps jumpstart an idea or two for you. Just like Ava took the initiative, perhaps you need to do the same. Smoothies up!

• Buy a new Bible with study notes and read one chapter a day • Read a book from a worldview with which you don’t agree • Learn your immediate neighbors’ names and stories • Ask: Who am I encouraging toward Jesus today?

• Pray out loud for your spouse if you are married • Meet with a few others for personal accountability • Download a Bible app with a reading plan • Memorize a verse of Scripture each week • Start a personal devotional time each day • Share your biggest burden with a friend Pat Linnell is the teaching pastor at • Observe the needs in your neighborhood Bay Area Community Church and a monthly contributer to GO&MAKE. • Throw a backyard party for your neighbors • Write a mission statement for your family • Practice sharing the gospel with a friend • Participate in a Learning Community • Serve somewhere at Bay Area • Join a Missional Community • Write down your prayers • Do a technology fast • Take a prayer walk • Practice a Sabbath • Learn a new song

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By Ed Kelley

My days are full of answering questions. Folks engage me for coffee, lunch, dinner, meetings and hallway chats quite often with this opening line: “Can I ask you a question?” As a general rule, they have questions about something happening in their life or a loved one’s life. Quite often they’re church polity or theology questions. I’d like to share a few that I’ve been asked lately:

Can one take communion in good conscience if they have unforgiveness in their heart toward someone?

ANSWER:

Not really. Though prescriptively there isn’t a command, there are issues raised with other Scriptures – especially Matthew 5. Jesus says you can’t even give an “offering to the Lord” if there is a block between you and your brother; it stands to reason the same would be true of communion. Offering and communion are both parts of worship just like singing. Take a look: “Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.”

Matthew 5:23-24 The principle is simple: If we are harboring unforgiveness against another person, it blocks our worship (of which communion is a part) to the Lord. Jesus (not me) says leave it – reconcile first, then partake in worship again. Another verse comes to mind as well.

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Romans 12:17-18 10 GO&MAKE M AY

So, sometimes you can’t reconcile. That releases you as long as you’ve done your sincere best to say “I forgive,” “I’m sorry” or whatever is appropriate to bring about “peace.”

One mark of the Christian is being quick to forgive no matter what was done against you. Jesus tells Peter to “forgive 7 times 70.” In other words, there is no limit to our personal horizontal forgiveness of others because there is no limit to God’s personal vertical forgiveness of us. Someone who won’t forgive doesn’t understand their own depravity and what God forgives us from/for.

Another place, Jesus says if someone “strikes you on the cheek … turn the other cheek” and do not repay with evil.

Well, that’s a metaphor of forgiveness. I don’t think it means go ahead and keep standing there getting hit; it just means don’t hold a grudge. Grudges and bitterness are like cancers: They have to be dealt with or they will encompass the whole person. If you’re having trouble forgiving someone, find a key leader and let them help you find the sweetness of forgiveness.

Am I a hypocrite? I’m a believer, so I no longer qualify as a hypocrite, right? Jesus spoke to the hypocrites pretty meanly but they weren’t Christians. Can Christians be designated as “hypocrites”?

ANSWER:

Jesus was condemning religious hypocrites who were saying one thing and doing another. Do Christians say one thing and do another sometimes? Jesus seemed to think so. In the famous Sermon on the Mount, He said in Matthew 7:3-5, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

The context shows these two folks are “brothers,” so Christians can and do “act hypocritically,” and that’s the main point. So technically, yes, just like the entire world, we are hypocrites in that we preach an ideal but our reality falls short some days.

That said, hypocrisy should never be reason to avoid an organization, because it’s everywhere! True believers try to eliminate hypocrisy from their life and choose character

Ed Kelley is the executive pastor at Bay Area Community Church and a monthly contributer to GO&MAKE.

ANSWER:

Yes. However, make sure the Holy Spirit is guiding you. Obviously, Jesus did it to Peter in public – several times, actually; Paul did it to Peter in public about the eating with Jews issue; other names called out in letters from Paul in particular include a couple ladies in the Roman Church toward the end of Romans, Alexander the Silversmith, Simon the Sorcerer and others.

We in the American church are too mushy and allow false doctrine to go unchecked and unabated just because we don’t want to appear “judgmental.” Actually, when it comes to sin, almost any mention of anything draws some to call it judgmental. However, the Biblical record is replete with just such occurrences. The bottom line is one must have the right leading from the spirit to mention names (obviously, be Biblically correct whatever the topic is) and make sure the

instead. True Christians aren’t faking it (which is a common definition of hypocrisy); we’re trying hard to be sanctified… you know, changed, transformed, different. Jesus says something to the effect of “you hypocrite” 17 times in the New Testament alone. He obviously wanted us all to work on it.

Our public, personal and private lives should match. Our “yes” should be yes and our “no” should mean no. Christians are to live what the Bible teaches. Ergo, one can’t preach being a solid Christian (following after Jesus in all His ways) and live together without being married; one can’t talk about honesty but then cheat on a spouse, one’s taxes or a test; one can’t talk about the holiness of God and yet curse, cuss and tell dirty jokes every week. It’s incongruous to the believer.

So, when we recognize hypocrisy in ourselves, we go to the Lord and ask for forgiveness and strength to make it better.

We pick ourselves up by the bootstraps and try again, this time with the convicting work of the Holy Spirit driving our life’s car.

Can one mention people by name who are teaching wrong doctrine or acting poorly?

timing is right. Also, we too must have been convicted of the issue (Matthew 7:3).

The one thing we don’t want is Matthew 7:21 coming true. Go ahead, find a Bible, look it up. From a pastor’s point of view, it’s the scariest section of the Bible. Some have followed after heresy, which has led to those kind of conversations found in the latter half of Matthew 7. Yikes! Sometimes it’s important to point out false doctrine and their purveyors for the sake of the Call.

Remember, any time you have to answer questions, keep doctrine and the Bible in mind as your only source of truth for life and faith. Your experience, feelings, tradition or family do not trump the Word as your authority.

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BOOK: Understanding End Times Prophecy AUTHOR: Paul Benware

to Dallas Theological Seminary in his pedigree (just kidding!) but he has been a professor at Philadelphia Bible University and has written several books on Old and New Testament Survey. He is considered quite sharp in his writing.

I’m teaching a short Learning Community during the first three weeks of June on Satan and angels.

I’ve encountered enough questions about the topic that Pat Linnell and I decided it would be my next class.

Well, another topic I get quite a bit of questions on (besides charismatic issues, Joel Osteen’s teachings and sin issues) is end-times prophecy. The topic is so complex it’s hard to answer most questions in a single email or article, so I thought I’d give a review for the best book I know on the topic.

Author Paul Benware is a scholar. I don’t hold it against him that he went

The book, “Understanding End Times Prophecy,” has a subtitle, “A Comprehensive Approach,” which is apropos as Dr. Benware explains interpreting Biblical prophecy, the major covenants and the major views interacting with prophecy such as premillennialism, dispensationalism, covenant theology, preterism and of course, future events.

If you’ve ever wondered what the pretribulational rapture view teaches, or you’ve had questions as to the meaning of Daniel 9, this book is for you.

book along with several appendices that explain even more in the book of Revelation. He’ll talk about death, heaven and the “intermediate state.”

The book isn’t hard to read, but it is college-level material. It’s a good read, a good reference book and a great academic volume on a very tough topic.

I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in end times. You won’t be disappointed.

Yours truly, Ed Kelley Executive Pastor

Dr. Benware’s treatment of all views of prophecy is extremely fair and balanced.

There are illustrations galore in this

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LEADERSHIP PROFILE

By Steve Onken

A

lthough Peter Godfrey grew up going to church, it was not a Bible-centered church. He believed in God, but it wasn’t until a church retreat after his college years that he fully understood his need for a personal relationship with Jesus.

Having placed his faith in Jesus, he continued to participate in his former church, seeing it as a mission field.

After a number of years, God began to encourage Peter and his wife, Allison, to seek out a church family that could encourage and equip them, and not exclusively be a mission field.

One night, while enjoying dinner with friends, they were invited to try Bay Area Community Church. Their initial thought was “anywhere but there,” because the culture was so different than that to which Peter and Allison were accustomed. Nevertheless, with a hunger for the Word, they gave it a try, and have attended and served at Bay Area ever since.

The Godfreys met at James Madison University and moved to Northern Virginia shortly after their marriage.

Peter’s career began in commercial banking, but later shifted into a focus on commercial retirement planning, advising businesses on their retirement plans for employees. About 18 months ago, Peter and five other associates decided to launch their own investment consulting business. This has proven to be a challenging, yet rewarding, new season in Peter’s life, as the six of them had to leave all their former contacts at the previous firm and start from scratch. By God’s grace, they are finding success in their efforts.

Peter served in the prison ministry for a long season, extending back to before 14 GO&MAKE M AY

PETER GODFREY

joining Bay Area. He began serving at the invitation of a friend who was involved at Patuxent Institution.

The team of both men and women (including Allison) brought a worship service to the prison, where they would sing and share a message from the Bible. Peter developed a real heart for those in prison as his eyes were opened to see that “the ground is level at the foot of the cross” – that is, he’s a sinner just like they are, and they need Jesus just as much as he does. Peter shares that those in jail often feel like those outside have basically given up on them. What an opportunity to share with them the

others stepping down for sabbaticals, he has seen God do a tremendous work in bonding these gentlemen together in unity that only comes through the power of the Spirit.

Peter and his wife of 34 years have three daughters: Julia, who is in college at Grove City, Grace, who is earning her Doctorate in Physical Therapy and will complete her residency at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, and Monica, who teaches high school English at Rockbridge Academy. Although the couple is nearly at the empty-nester stage, they are looking forward to this

Peter considers it one of his greatest blessings to watch his daughters grow up as followers of Jesus, make their faith their own, and continue to walk with Jesus as they establish themselves independently. grace and truth that God has not given up on them, that Jesus died on the cross because He wasn’t giving up on them!

Peter’s current season of ministry includes serving as an elder at Bay Area. He has participated in that role for almost seven years, with his sabbatical coming up this August.

He serves as chairman of Bay Area’s finance committee and treasurer of the elder board, where his talents and gifts are exceptionally well-suited.

Beyond the matters of governance and management that go hand-in-hand with the responsibility of serving as elder, Peter has been blessed by the sweet fellowship that has become so characteristic of elder meetings. Even in the midst of annual changes in the team, due to new men coming on and

summer when all three girls will be home, either on school vacation, or to live during residency. Peter considers it one of his greatest blessings to watch his daughters grow up as followers of Jesus, make their faith their own, and continue to walk with Jesus as they establish themselves independently.

When he’s not working or serving at church, Peter loves to cook. He recently acquired a Green Egg barbecue cooker and will soon try his hand at smoking, weather permitting. Peter enjoys sports, especially mountain biking. Two of his favorite passages of Scripture are Romans 1:16 as an ongoing challenge to “not be ashamed of the Gospel,” and Galatians 2:20 as an ongoing reminder that it’s all about Jesus living through him, because he “has been crucified with Christ.”

“THE LEVEL OF

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10 Essentials For An Effective Missions Experience

By Michele Rollins

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t’s midnight on the night before I head out on a trip and I’m staring at my suitcase trying to figure out what I need to pack and what I can leave behind.

Three days in Arizona? Better find a couple swimsuits. Ten days in Ghana? Where is that packing list again?! (It’s on page 7-3 of your Short Term Missions training manual.)

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Beyond clean underwear and an unexpired passport, how do you prepare to have an effective missions experience? About 100 of us gathered in early April to consider this question and others during Bay Area’s Short Term Missions Training Day. Here are just a few of the takeaways that every traveler should pack in their suitcase:

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learner’s permit Not for driving – we want all of you to come home safely! – but do approach your trip with a license to learn. Whether you’ve traveled to 30 countries or never left Maryland, whether you are on your first missions trip or your twelfth, be ready and willing for God, the people you serve, your team and your local hosts to teach you something.

Successful missionaries are learners of culture, of the gospel and of themselves in order to align more fully with God’s plan and purpose.

This isn’t something to pack, but it’s an important part of your day while you’re on the field. Your body may not be used to the tap water in your host country, so ensure you stay hydrated (and brush your teeth) using bottled water.

Bottled water

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5

A sense of humor Things will go wrong.

The airlines will lose your luggage. The power will go out.

A member of your team will get sick.

The weather will not cooperate. Your driver will lock himself (and all of you) out of the bus. Plans will change at the last minute. You will be tired. Choose laughter over self-pity or worry, and watch the memories turn into joyful ones.

An open schedule

Going on mission is a team effort – not just the team that travels, but the team that stays behind, prays and gives. This might be your Aunt Martha’s only opportunity to be a part of God’s work in Southeast Asia.

Help her feel like part of the team – share updates along the way and invite your team to pray with you and for you before, during and after the trip.

You have access to the God of creation through Jesus Christ – our Great Commissioner. So have confidence that you can go and you can serve – not on your own authority but on His, as sent ones. Step out in obedience; leave the results to God.

A support team

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Here’s something to leave at home: your watch. Many nations we visit value relationship over punctuality, which can be a hard switch for people (like me!) who like to be on time.

Follow the guidance of your local host and team leader rather than a strict start or end time.

Confidence

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Prayer

Lots of hand sanitizer.

Because you want to experience the country and the people, not just the bathrooms.

The work that God wants to do in you, your team and your nation begins in prayer. Start now, and invite friends along. Pray with and for your team, pray for your people, pray rather than worry about all those little details of going overseas. Travelling cross-culturally will help you learn what it means to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17).

You won’t become an expert in the culture of El Salvador or Poland overnight, but learn a little about the people you will serve, a few phrases in the local language, and anything that can help stir your heart before you even get to the airport. It will not only enrich your interactions with the local people on your trip, but also broaden your view of God and what it means for the nations to worship Him.

The most important thing you can do is show up! Engage with your team, your hosts and the people you have chosen to serve.

Expect God to show up, and be present when He does. Don’t let taking the perfect picture distract you from immersing yourself in the experience and asking God to shape you through it. Be willing to expand your family as God shows you another expression of His global church.

A little culture

You

4

Hand sanitizer

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following tragedy, family with heart to serve is grateful to be served by church family

By Meredith Thompson

he heartbeat of the Parsons family is loving other people. Married for 22 years, Bay Area members Kurt and Sandy Parsons have devoted their marriage to investing in the lives of those around them through leading Bible studies, mentoring young adults, serving those in need on global mission trips – even founding a nonprofit. Retired after 21 years of service in the Navy, Kurt launched No Greater Commission while serving in Afghanistan in 2008; the organization brings aid and the hope of Jesus to some of the most impoverished, war-torn areas of the world.

Parents to four girls – Kasandra (18), Makaeli (16), Justice (14) and Katarina (6) – the Riva residents said it isn’t difficult to love people. “We just started feeding them, and they multiplied,” Kurt laughed.

The more they fed Midshipmen after moving to the Annapolis area, the more uniformed kids showed up at their house. Kurt and Sandy have mentored numerous Mids over the years (and officially sponsor one currently), staying close friends with them long after they are commissioned.

Sandy, Katarina, Justice and her friend were in Virginia spending time with one of them in December when a fun weekend away turned tragic.

The Naval Academy grad they were visiting had already left for church when Sandy closed her trunk door after loading her car to head home Sunday morning. She went back inside her friend’s house to lock up when she heard her daughter’s screams. Shoeless, she ran out the back door to find her friend’s two large dogs mauling Katarina.

She stretched herself out over her daughter, beating and

kicking the dogs as she called for the girls to get help.

Katarina cried out repeatedly, “Jesus help me!” Finally, a neighbor came and swung a shovel at the dogs, commanding them, “Be gone in the name of Jesus!”

The attack happened the day before Katarina’s sixth birthday, and left her with significant injuries including five nerves severed from her spine, a fractured skull and scrapes and bites from head to toe. Her right leg was bitten down to the bone. Her left arm was torn open, rendered paralyzed. Sandy didn’t learn until weeks later that her youngest child actually had been revived as she was airlifted to the hospital.

“Kat’s kindergarten teacher started visiting her when she got transferred up here to Hopkins,” Sandy shared. “One day she’s sitting there talking to Kat, and we had some other friends in the room, and all of a sudden I heard Katarina telling her, ‘When I was in heaven, God told me I could stay with Him, but I told him I wanted to come back and be with my mommy.’ I was baffled, because I didn’t know at that point that she had died.”

Kurt noted that Kat said Jesus was beautiful, and that heaven was very colorful. She said He gave her the choice to stay with Him or go back, and she chose to go back and help her mom.

Her parents shared it wasn’t the last time Kat recounted seeing Jesus.

Terrified of going to sleep at night, Kat was plagued by nightmares in which she could see the dogs and feel pain.

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by psychiatric doctors did nothing to help. Yet one morning, Kat woke up singing an unfamiliar tune about Jesus. Sandy asked her, “Where did that song come from?”

“Last night in my dreams Jesus came to me and asked me to take a walk with Him,” Kat replied. “When we were walking, He explained to me that He understood my pain and He was going to take it from me.”

Sandy said Kat doesn’t remember the pain and her nightmares ceased that day, confounding her team of doctors.

The resilient little 6-year-old has made remarkable progress toward recovery, though she has a long road ahead of her. On April 5 Kat returned to Hopkins to undergo an unprecedented 12-hour nerve transplant surgery in which doctors removed nerves from her legs in an effort to return function to her paralyzed left arm. They told the Parsons they’ve seen neck injuries in which one or two nerves were pulled off, but never five. Normally, the doctors told them, those people don’t survive.

Against those odds, Kat presented her parents with a new challenge after her surgery: Keeping her still. “She’s getting stronger, better – it’s hard to contain her!” Sandy shared with a smile 12 days after the operation, laughing at the fact that her daughter keeps trying to dance.

“We still have to be careful.” She tells Kat she’s like a piece of fine china that’s been broken: It has to be glued, held together and allowed time to dry completely.

“God’s people who have showed up have been amazing.

We’ve seen generosity poured out in so many ways.”

- Kurt Parsons The Parsons won’t know if the surgery was successful for at least six to eight months, at which point they are praying she will begin to regain feeling. Complete recovery will take two to four years, and could involve subsequent surgeries.

As Katarina was learning to hold her head up again during the early stages of recovery, she asked for help. “I need support. I feel wobbly!” she would say. Sandy shared that the Parsons family as a whole has felt the same way over the past few months, and they are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support they’ve received from their church family and friends.

Katarina’s teacher has visited often, cooking her meals and helping her keep up with her classmates. Ajoh Kuch comes over to sit with Kat, keeping her company. Seven-year-old Judah Shirlen and his brother Asher, 5, played with Kat while she was in the hospital. The Linnell family, including 5-year-old Scarlett, who went to preschool with Kat, has spent time with the Parsons, too. Amal Carter arranged a meal delivery chain for them. Kate Jones organized a fundraiser. Countless friends have covered the family in prayer, and sent Scripture and notes of encouragement throughout each of their hospital stays.

“God’s people who have showed up have been amazing,” Kurt remarked. “We’ve seen generosity poured out in so many ways.”

Sandy added, “During a time of famine, we were well-nourished by those around us.”

Prayer remains the Parsons’ greatest need, though there are physical ways to assist them as well. Funds to help cover the costs of Katarina’s surgery and care can be donated through the fundly.com page “Help with Katarina’s Recovery” (http://bit.ly/1S5XN1O).

20 GO&MAKE M AY

M AY GO&MAKE 21

DISCOVERING THE GREATEST COMMISSION ON THE YARD

BY JENNIFER GINN

A

second-class midshipman at the Naval Academy, Madina Petashvili has met every obstacle in her life head-on, consistently challenging and changing the path that she was expected to lead.

Madina grew up in the Krasnodar region of Russia, which lies just east of the Black Sea. She lived on a self-sustaining farm where her family raised cows, goats, chickens and ducks and grew tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers and a variety of other vegetables. Her Turkish heritage brought with it an onslaught of hostility, racism and the loss of civil rights in Russia, so in 2007 her family immigrated to the United States.

Madina was 13 when her family relocated to Utica, New York. “It was exciting but scary,” she shared. “Everything was new and everyone I grew up with was gone. I didn’t speak English well and had a hard time in school.”

22 GO&MAKE M AY

Madina said her school was culturally diverse, which helped ease her transition, but being raised in the Muslim religion, she was instructed to attend school and come straight home. There was no room for friends. She noted her family was not extremely devout and she did not have to wear a hijab, but she was not permitted to take part in typical high school socializing and activities.

After begging her mother, Madina was permitted to join the Navy ROTC program in her sophomore year of high school. “I was always inspired by people in uniform,” she said. “But my mother firmly said, ‘You are not going to join the military.’”

Madina’s ROTC instructor, who she considers one of her father figures, was a USNA graduate and urged her to attend. Madina talked with him at length and researched the school extensively.

Although it was against her family’s will, she attended summer seminar at the Naval Academy and was sold.

But Madina needed to be an American citizen to be accepted into the Academy, and she had not lived in the U.S. long enough to qualify. After graduating from high school, she spent a year at the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Rhode Island in order to satisfy the time requirement for her to become a naturalized citizen.

Now in her third year at the Academy, Madina is majoring in computer engineering and has challenged herself yet again by exploring and accepting a new faith in Christianity. “As a Muslim, I never had the heart pulling. I never read the full Quran and never had the desire,” she admitted. “I was always just told what I could or could not do.”

She was first introduced to Christianity in high school when she attended youth group with a friend and subsequently went to a Christmas party, unbeknownst to her mother. “I couldn’t be invested in it. It just wasn’t possible,” said Madina.

During her plebe year at the Academy, Madina said she had a lot of aspiration and drive but it wasn’t rooted in faith.

The following year, fellow mid Morgan Speight invited her to go to Bay Area and she was drawn in. At the same time, Madina fractured her back playing rugby and had to leave her team community. She was always in pain, her grades plummeted and she said she barely survived. Sidelined by

her injury, Madina had more free time on her hands. A first-class mid whom Madina greeted often in the hallway invited her to attend Navigators on the Yard. (Navigators is a national scripturebased Christian discipleship group for military members.)

“I was in continual pain but I started going to Navigators and then started going to church,” said Madina. “It was literally the only time in the week when I felt peaceful. It felt right.” Madina said she asked a lot of questions but she kept going back.

She also learned that her back condition was more serious. She had to have stemcell injections and wear a back brace for 10 weeks, but even more devastating, Madina was told that her injury might leave her uncommissionable.

“Everything I ever aspired to accomplish in life was turned around,” Madina explained. “I am a very ambitious person and it hurt a lot. I got depressed, I drank a lot, I had break downs but at the end of the day I realized I had no fulfillment.

I felt empty and angry. It was then that I realized I was idolizing accomplishments and that God threw this all into my life because He wanted me in His kingdom.”

group, which she now attends weekly.

“God was pulling me,” she said. “It was wonderfully supportive and it has helped me to grow spiritually. I am now full of joy and understand that not everything is in my control.”

This acceptance aided Madina again when she injured her ACL in February.

Now enduring the lengthy recovery from surgery, Madina’s commissioning status remains uncertain.

“I’ve stopped asking why this is happening to me because I realize it was God’s way to get into my life,” said Madina. “I have been transformed and I want to live my life for the glory of God.” During the 9:15 a.m. service on Easter morning, Madina was baptized, surrounded by friends, fellow middies, Cru leaders Kyle and Jenn Sponaugle, and her sponsors Cheryl and Kurt Mole, who also attend Bay Area.

“I am so amazed by what God can do in our lives,” she expressed. “There is overflowing joy and love that I want to share and I am able to live in the present and reach out to others.”

Madina kept attending Navigators and friends encouraged her to go to Bible study and learn more about Scripture.

Over Columbus Day weekend last semester, Madina attended her first retreat, which was hosted by Officers Christian Fellowship and attended by fellow Navigators and students from other academies. Because of her unsatisfactory grades, she had to drop a chit to the chain of command requesting leave, and thankfully, it was granted. “It was on the retreat that I finally started to grasp the idea of God and eternal life,” Madina shared. “I prayed for the first time and it was then that I realized I really need this in my life.”

Madina said this past semester has been a wonder. Two months ago she was halfway through an exam when she stopped to pray. “School is going much smoother now and my life is healthier, happier and so much better than it was before.”

“The more time I spent in my faith, the more it became evident that I needed to do this for myself,” said Madina. As the fall semester progressed, she continued to attend church and Navigators. One Tuesday night Madina said she had a pile of homework and a commitment to meet up with someone when she found herself in the gathering spot for Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ), an international ministry for college students. Madina was inspired to stay and worship and learn with the

Bay Area Community Church is committed to blessing Annapolis and Anne Arundel County through partnering with local organizations and missionaries. Local Outreach partners we support include Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ), Navigators and Officers Christian Fellowship at the United States Naval Academy. For a complete list of Local Outreach partners, or to learn how to get involved in serving the community, go to bayareacc.org/ localoutreach.

M AY GO&MAKE 23

M

MISSIONAL COMMUNITIES FLOURISH IN EASTON

By Lia Dalpini

24 GO&MAKE M AY

issional Communities are in an exciting time of launching and growing in Easton, a time of discovering what it looks like to live and grow in community,” said Stephanie Nagel, one of Bay Area Easton’s first Missional Community (MC) leaders. Bay Area’s Easton campus officially launched on Easter Sunday this year, and is already flourishing with four Missional Communities that meet regularly. In a way, the campus itself was started out of an MC. Bay Area’s Chad and Stephanie Nagel had a vision to see a church like theirs planted on the Eastern Shore. After their first conversation with Bay Area about this, they were encouraged to start an MC and and see where it would lead.

This was a huge faith step for Chad and Stephanie because they did not know if many would even be interested in

coming. At their first meeting more than 50 people attended including children!

Chad explained, “God has been at work since day one in ways we could not have imagined and certainly could not have orchestrated on our own.”

MCs at Bay Area focus on loving God back (UP), loving each other (IN) and loving the community (OUT). Chad shared that the initial focus of their MC was largely IN as they spent time building relationships.

Their group of 35-40 people meet every other week. Stephanie noted it’s a mix of singles, couples and families at various stages of life and different places in their faith journey.

“It’s a sacred space to share and be known, it’s a place for people I love to care for one another. God’s Word is shared in a safe, transformative way,” Stephanie said, illustrating the group’s

highlights. “My children love the fellowship and the connectedness of this larger family, and the opportunity for God to connect our lives with others in ways that are unexpected.”

Intentionality has played a huge role in Easton’s MCs. Donna Roser, a single mother of four who came to know Jesus about 10 years ago, has been an active member of Chad and Stephanie’s MC from the beginning. She noted it’s been a source of support, trust, encouragement and unconditional love without judgement.

“Many live or have lived in dysfunctional homes, believing lies that have diminished who they are as a person.

MC offers the opportunity to break these and many other generational curses, teaching us how to rewire ourselves to learn to trust a new extended family – a

church family – and begin believing that God created us in our own unique way and that He loves each and every one of us just where we are.”

this journey was to see strong leadership in their new campus. “The core team who have been stepping up to lead MCs are a huge answer to prayer,” he said.

The MC became markedly OUT focused as it eventually helped birth a new church campus with over 200 in attendance at the official launch on Easter. Chad and Stephanie agree that the incredible growth they have seen in such a short time is confirmation of what God put on their hearts several years ago. “For the last couple of years God had given us a burden for this community to have a church campus and we had that unifying hope and prayer,” said Chad.

Their first collective OUT opportunity will be picnic on May 6 at a park in the heart of Easton. Stephanie explained that their heart and hope for the gamefilled gathering is that “it will be a time to fellowship together in a larger space and further cultivate relationships with people as we live out our faith.”

The power of prayer has reigned strong and true in the dreams and now realities of Bay Area Easton. Easton Campus Pastor Craig Fadel expressed that one of his major prayer requests throughout

With a fifth MC in the planning stages, it is evident that Bay Area’s Easton campus has been meeting an obvious need for intentional, Christ-like community on the Eastern Shore. What started as a desire to see the community of Christ present on the Eastern Shore has now created a culture of an extended family of believers living missionally for God. M AY GO&MAKE 25

ETHIOPIAN CHURCH PLANTER

Endalk Ayo Ayo C

ommunism reigned in northern Ethiopia throughout Endalk Ayo’s childhood. Born into a highly religious family in a Coptic Orthodox-dominated city void of evangelical churches, he grew up with heavy questions. What they taught in the orthodox church and what he read in the New Testament didn’t line up. The theological discrepancies left him ravenous for truth.

In college, Endalk found it.

Walking to his aunt’s house one weekend, the freshman student passed by the Ethiopian Orthodox pope’s home. He ran into a priest he had known from childhood and pleaded, “Tell me the truth about salvation – what’s the right way to go to God?” The priest looked around, said, “Don’t ask these questions here,” and led Endalk by the hand into his small, old office. Tears streaked down the young man’s face as the priest shared the gospel of Jesus with him in just four verses: Romans 3:23, John 1:12, Romans 6:23 and John 3:16. Endalk knelt and prayed when the priest extended an invitation: “Do you want to receive Christ?”

He left in search of a fellow student who had wrestled with the same questions, and Endalk led him to Christ. Together, they sought another friend who was hungry for the truth and shared about their newfound relationship with Jesus.

Endalk continued attending his orthodox Sunday School class to share what he had learned with his peers. Through campus ministries, he found Christian community, and used their Bible study materials to feed himself and his friends.

Though the communist era continued, they

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BY MEREDITH THOMPSON were able to lead over 300 people on campus to Christ – all underground.

The orthodox church began to question his allegiance to the denomination, and before he could be expelled, Endalk left voluntarily. He and a group of young people began praying, and soon launched Ethiopia’s New Covenant Baptist Church. He served as the denomination’s president for nine years. Affiliated with the Southern Baptist denomination, it has grown to over 100 local churches today.

An economist by profession, Endalk worked for Ethiopia’s Ministry of Transport and Communications while he served the church voluntarily. Sensing a nudge toward full-time ministry, he left government work to teach computer classes for destitute children through an NGO. The nonprofit organization was wellfunded, and Endalk earned a high salary: He built a house and a bought a car as he worked, planted churches, and served as secretary of the board for the Evangelical Church Fellowship of Ethiopia after the fall of communism.

Despite the lucrative pay, Endalk dropped a resignation letter in the mail in 1995 while 4,000 miles away from home. Attending a month-long evangelism training in Singapore, he learned more about world religions and the urgent need to spread the one true gospel. He again felt challenged to enter full-time ministry. Afraid he might change his mind before he returned home, Endalk sent his boss the letter right then and there.

Back in Ethiopia, two letters awaited Endalk that would confirm his decision. Youth For Christ and the Evangelical Students Union of Ethiopia both wanted him to come on staff. He prayed, chose

the first offer, and served as Ethiopia’s founding national director of Youth For Christ (YFC) for six years. Four years removed from the end of communism, YFC freely focused on youth evangelism through citywide crusades and one-on-one street encounters.

“God gave us amazing, phenomenal fruits – thousands of young people came to Christ,” Endalk recalled.

He and his wife Betty, a popular Ethiopian gospel singer, were invited to come to the United States to preach and sing at conferences.

They toured the country, and Endalk received requests from three Ethiopian churches in America to come be pastor. He prayed with Betty for a year before relocating halfway around the world in 2002 to pastor a faltering Philadelphia church. Over the years, the congregation grew from 20 to 200 members; 23 people were baptized on one day.

One-hundred and forty miles to his southwest, the burgeoning Ethiopian population in the Washington, D.C. area tugged at Endalk’s heart. It’s estimated that over a quarter-million Ethiopians live in the D.C.-metro area, with a large concentration in Silver Spring. Again, Endalk felt a prompting to relocate and plant a new church.

Through the SENT Network, he and Betty are now preparing to launch an Ethiopian church in Silver Spring in fall 2016. God has already provided a location, Endalk shared enthusiastically: They have 24/7 access to an old Methodist church, where they have a sanctuary for Sunday service and space for children’s ministry – even an office for him. They are building a core team of leaders who meet regularly for prayer and Bible study. Betty and Endalk plan to move over the summer.

“Ethiopians started coming and settling here 42, 43 years ago.

When they come, they go after work, work, work to get more money – the American Dream – and they lose their faith. We want to see lives transformed,” Endalk explained. “There are also false teachings creeping into Ethiopian churches, so we want to be a gospel-preaching, Jesus-centered, Holy Spiritempowered influential church.”

As they build a team of financial supporters, Endalk noted their greatest need at the moment is prayer – for their children as they part with friends and change schools, for the sale of their home, and for the Lord to send the right people to complete their core team.

To learn more about their churchplanting journey, or the SENT Network, go to sentnetwork.org.

M AY GO&MAKE 27

EL

S

E

ach year, over 100 members of our church family commit to Make The Trade – trade one week of vacation to serve for a week on a short term mission trip. Many have gone before, but for others, filling out an interest form in February was step one toward going on their first global mission trip with Bay Area.

The GO&MAKE editorial team reached out to a half dozen first-time global missionaries as they prepare with their teams to serve overseas to find out why they’ve decided to become Trade-Makers.

We asked each of them these questions: This is your first global missions trip – how did the Lord lead you to go this year, and why do you want to go to your chosen country? What great things are you expecting God to do in and through you while on this trip?

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Name Age Occupation

Destination

Allison Baudoin

Ghana

23

receptionist at local law firm

response

God put a missions trip on my heart last year, but the timing really opened the door for Him to teach me about patience until Make the Trade came back around this year. When picking a country, Africa was nowhere on my radar! I was approached by one of the leaders who shared a bit about the trip and I went to the Make the Trade meeting that day, thinking I was going for the Brazil presentation. But after that Sunday, God put Ghana on my heart and suddenly no other country had any appeal! On this trip I hope God opens my eyes to the world around me and helps me have a selfless, servant’s heart.

Name Age Occupation

Destination

Josh and Liz Garner

El Salvador

41, 34

sales, stay-at-home mom

response

E L S A LV OR

The decision to go this year started with a prompting that Josh had to JUST GO. With encouragement from our Missional Community, family and friends and a trip that fit with our schedule, the excuses and obstacles seemed to fade away day by day, so we decided to accept the challenge and step out of our comfort zone. We are not sure what to expect, honestly. We are trusting that God will put us in the places that we should be while working through us and on us to grow in Christ’s love. We have a heart for kids, so El Salvador seemed to be a good fit for us.

AD

Name Age Occupation Neal Schaefer

60

Retired

Destination

Poland

ND God has been leading me closer to a decision to participate in a short term mission LA trip for several years. I almost went last year but the schedule for my trip didn’t work out.

Now that I’m retired, schedule is no longer an issue! I traveled to Poland with my Dad to visit several communist countries when I was 16, so of all the short term mission destinations, it’s the one where I feel a connection (and I hear their food is fairly normal). I’m not yet sure what to expect, so I’m going with an open mind to what God wants to accomplish.

PO

response

L V A D O Name R Kelly and Alli Henderson

Age

Occupation

Destination

43, 17

teacher, student

El Salvador

response

A couple of years ago our family considered going to Ghana, but it didn’t work out. Throughout learning about short term missions, we kept hearing about El Salvador. That trip seemed to focus on children, which is something about which Alli and I are both very passionate. Two years later, Alli really felt a strong pull to El Salvador. I was still thinking about Ghana. At the first meeting for people interested in going on short term missions ... I asked Alli if she would like for me to go with her to El Salvador, and she said “Yes!” We are hoping to grow as believers and step out in faith. We hope to witness how God meets the needs of believers in other countries; to be a small part of that is exciting for both of us.

PO

Destination

The Rinikers

Poland

LA

Name Age Occupation 42,42,14,11,7

ND

engineer, mom, kid, kid, kid

response

We’ve been planning to go for several years, but had been waiting until all the kids were old enough. Also, all of us (including the kids) will be able to participate in the camp, and have opportunities to share the gospel! We’re looking forward to God using us to teach the good news of Jesus. Our prayer is that our boys, as they talk about the gospel with others, will come to know and understand the joy and the depth of His love toward us better. We hope to see God at work in us and in others, accomplishing His purposes, and to come to better know that God is a global God whose purposes are greater and larger than us or our environment.

Name Age Occupation Marsha Boehm

51

Destination

client specialist Uganda

response

GA

NDA

My husband went on mission to Uganda last January. The team debrief included stories and photographs of the country’s culture and its beautiful people. I was inspired by the 10 years of AIDS education and community building that has encouraged resilience and restoration in this rural region. I have had a desire to go on a cross-cultural missions experience for many years. I believe that God is at work in and through the details of this trip and I am dedicated to praying for each team member as we prepare for this experience. I expect that God will show up big in our team, in the people with whom we will interact, and the work that He has for us to do.

U

SA

N GHA A

M AY GO&MAKE 29

CARE NETWORK

HAPPENINGS

Are you in the midst of any of these struggles or challenges: the loss of a loved one, a serious illness, divorce, job loss, addiction, discouragement, spiritual crisis, loneliness, parenting difficulties or any other challenge? These types of experiences can happen at any time in our spiritual journey.

Perhaps you even know of someone who is struggling and could use some help right now.

God’s intention is that we engage with others and not walk alone through these circumstances. Jesus wants to see us through challenges instead of avoiding or going around them.

God is in the business of restoring and renewing all things and we believe no person is beyond His redemption and grace.

BAPTISM Wo u l d y o u l i ke t o b e b a p t i z e d ?

For more information...

• K-5th: contact gail.wiles@bayareacc.org • 6-12th: contact brent.squires@bayareacc.org

The Care Network is a free, confidential, Jesus-centered ministry that assists those seeking help by serving as a bridge to hope and healing through a variety of resources. After an assessment, we offer appropriate referrals within Bay Area and other outside resources such as Care Coaches, Missional Communities, financial assistance, Celebrate Recovery, Christian counselors, or an appropriate agency or program in the community. If you need help or have questions, email leanne.lane@bayareacc.org.

• Adults: contact deb.shipley@bayareacc.org

CONNECT WITH BAY AREA If you’re new or just have a question, we’d love to meet you and help you get plugged in. Look for a member of our connect team in a blue shirt in the lobby after each Sunday gathering or visit us online at bayareacc.org/new.

30 GO&MAKE M AY

CELEBRATE RECOVERY Celebrate Recovery is for anyone seeking a richer life through worshipping God and being in community with others. Don’t let your hurts, habits and hangups keep you isolated. Let Celebrate Recovery be a place of healing, hope and community for you. We meet every Monday night, even on holidays, at 7 p.m. for worship, a lesson/testimony, open share groups and fellowship. We share a meal together every first and third Monday of the month from 6-7 p.m. Third Mondays are potluck dinners. Stop by our kiosk in the lobby every first Sunday of the month to talk with Celebrate Recovery representatives and learn more. The need for Celebration Place, the program for children at CR, has declined; until the need arises again, there will be no Celebration Place for children. Info: Tom at tmuth57@gmail.com or leanne.lane@bayareacc.org HOSPITAL/HOMEBOUND VISITATION If you or a loved one is in the hospital or homebound we would love to serve you. Contact us so that we can learn more about how to be of assistance. Info: leanne.lane@bayareacc.org or 443-837-3718

VOCATION ASSISTANCE If you or someone you know is currently unemployed, in the early stages of determining their career path, or wanting to get a better understanding of how God has wired them for a career, perhaps meeting with a trained career coach would be helpful. Jacques Fox is equipped and called to help people better identify their vocational paths using a variety of tools and approaches (SIMA, DOMA and others). Info: leanne.lane@ bayareacc.org or neal.schaefer@verizon.net MARRIAGE MINISTRY TEAM Do you and your spouse have a deep desire to see couples start and stay strong in their marriages? Have you been married 10+ years? Come join our growing Marriage Ministry team. This team seeks to encourage existing marriages through the development and scheduling of enrichment/ educational opportunities throughout the year including Learning Communities, marriage workshops, special events and small group Bible studies. Info: leanne.lane@bayareacc. org or go online at bayareacc.org/marriageministry PREMARITAL MENTORING Are you newly engaged or thinking about getting engaged?

Premarital Mentoring is just what you need. Strong marriages are the cornerstone of a healthy, Jesus-centered family.

Bay Area’s Premarital Ministry equips future and existing marriages with the tools they need to make it in marriage.

The premarital mentor program pairs couples with marriage mentors, couples who have been married for 10+ years, to help prepare them for marriage. It doesn’t matter whether or not a Bay Area pastor is officiating your wedding, being prepared is the key. This is the best gift you can give each other as you start your life together as man and wife. Info: premarital.ministry@bayareacc.org

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY STUDENT TRAINING All students fifth grade and above serving in Children’s Ministry this year are required to attend one training session.

Join us in the Loft Sunday, May 1 at 10:45 a.m. We will discuss the policies and procedures of serving in all of our Deep Blue environments.

This summer your kids won’t want to miss Summer Jam, our version of Vacation Bible School, starting June 26 at 6 p.m.

During this action-packed week they’ll be submerged in God’s Word and discover that Jesus saw people differently. He saw people for who they were deep down, not who they appeared to be on the surface. Want to get involved? We have serving opportunities available in both elementary and preschool.

Info: bayareacc.org/summerjam SURVIVING MIDDLE SCHOOL Parents of rising sixth-graders are invited to Surviving Middle School, an event hosted by Bay Area Student Ministries Middle School Coordinator Lydia MacBride, at 11:15 a.m. held upstairs in the Deep End. Here Lydia will welcome students and parents to Student Ministry, introducing them to community group leaders and BASM’s vision. We highly encourage parents to attend this informative session. Info: lydia.macbride@bayareacc.org WAVE RIDERS We are celebrating moms this month in Wave Riders. Come join us for our Mother’s Day celebration at Bay Area on May 9 at 10 a.m. Then on May 26, we will enjoy the spring weather together at Watkins Park at 10 a.m.

For more information visit facebook.com/waveriderplaygroup or contact stacey.burkhardt@bayareacc.org.

TEMPORARY HOUSING Occasionally couples who are living together come to the Premarital Ministry. We believe strongly in the Marriage Ministry that the best way to honor God is to remain pure and physically separated until marriage. Do you have space in your home that could be used by either a man or a woman on a temporary basis in order to fulfill this desire? Info: leanne.

BABY SUPPLY DRIVE lane@bayareacc.org or 443-837-3718 Do you have baby/toddler clothes and gear that you would love to donate? The Tidal Pool and Wave Riders are partnering with Hope for All to collect donations of new and gently used LEARNING COMMUNITIES baby/toddler clothing, toys and gear, as well as diapers and baby formula. Hope for All is a Christian ministry whose Learning communities are intended to strengthen your mission is to provide basic human necessities to families and biblical knowledge, character and/or practical ministry skills. individuals without sufficient economic resources. Donations They are also an opportunity to get to know others at Bay can be dropped off in the Tidal Pool. Info: stacey.burkhardt@ Area on Sunday mornings in an environment of learning and bayareacc.org interaction. Sign up at bayareacc.org/learningcommunities DIVE 45 ANGELS & DEMONS: JUNE 5, 12 & 19 AT 9:15 A.M. All 4th and 5th grade students, save the date There is a lot of interest these days in the spiritual realm of for game night at Dive 45 on Friday, June 3 angels and demons from new TV shows and books. Everyone from 7-9 p.m. RSVP today at bayareacc.org/ has a different philosophy on these topics. Come learn from dive45.

Executive Pastor Ed Kelley about them in The Docks.

NEW DADS: MAY 4 - JUNE 22 FROM 7-9 P.M. In this Wednesday night eight-week Learning Community topics will include becoming a dad, how to love your children, what commitment looks like and much more about achieving true success as a Christ-like father. Join us in The Docks.

TAKE IT HOME Parents be sure to pick up an activity packet in each of your children’s areas Sunday, May 29. This month’s Take It Home packets will focus on the Fruits of the Spirit.

M AY GO&MAKE 31

CONNECTING MINISTRY

Would you like to connect with like-minded parents? Email Shea at SheaRiniker@gmail.com. Shea is pulling together a group of parents at Rolling Knolls to see how we might be able to better engage and resource the school and parents.

FINANCIALS Operating Budget Financial Update As of April 17, 2016 DISCOVER BAY AREA - NEWCOMER LUNCH New to Bay Area? We’re glad you are here. You may have questions about who we are or what we believe so join us on May 1 at 12:45 p.m. in the Bay Cafe for Discover Bay Area.

Enjoy a free lunch and hear from a few of our pastors and staff about our mission, values and how you can get plugged in. No RSVP necessary, kids are welcome. Hope to see you there. The next Discover Bay Area is June 5.

MINISTRY PARTNERSHIP REGISTRATION OPEN If you are part of the Bay Area church family, consider becoming a Ministry Partner. Lock arms with us as we partner together to accomplish the mission of making passionate, maturing followers of Jesus from here to the nations. Start the process by joining us for the Ministry Partnership Orientation on Saturday, May 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hear teaching from Greg St. Cyr and other pastors. KidCare and lunch are provided with advance registration. Learn more and register online at bayareacc.org/ministrypartnership.

LOCAL OUTREACH

New Fiscal Year Began September 1, 2015 Fiscal Year Giving Goal YTD Received YTD Goal YTD Actual vs. Goal ($31,033) APRIL To Date Received APRIL To Date Giving Goal

$4,417,654 $2,948,554 $2,979,587 (1.0% Behind) $255,854 $265,357

For weekly financial updates, please visit us online at bayareacc.org/financials.

For weekly financial updates, please visit us online at bayareacc.org/financials.

Please indicate any designated gifts on the memo line of your check or use the drop-down box online to select your desired giving fund.

Note: You will need to donate via a check if the fund you wish to give to is not listed online. All undesignated checks will go toward the general operating fund.

LOCAL OUTREACH SERVING OPPORTUNITIES Missional Communities often don’t know how to get involved HOW CAN I CONTINUE TO SUPPORT with serving locally. We’re here to help. There are many BAY AREA’S BUILDING FUNDS? organizations in the Annapolis area that will be blessed by your involvement; we’d love to connect you with them. Go to Giving Methods bayareacc.org/localoutreach and fill out the short involvement eCheck: Go to bayareacc.org/give to give online through your form there. checking account through a one-time or recurring donation on My Bay Area.

WALK THE WALK EVENT Join us for The Walk at Waugh Chapel Direct Debit: Go to bayareacc.com/give to download the form. fundraiser on May 12 from 6-8 p.m. Mail completed form to the BACC Finance Department and we This family-fun night starts with a will debit your checking account directly each month. short stroll through Waugh Chapel and ends with kid-friendly entertainment, Personal Check: Write “Building Fund” on the memo line and festivities, food, live music and drop it in the offering basket on Sunday or mail the check to more. Walk The Walk is behind Bay Bay Area (884 Chesterfield Road, Annapolis, MD 21401).

Area’s annual Gifts for Children and backpack packing initiatives. All Bank Check: Process through your bank’s Bill Pay service proceeds from this event will help online for a bank check to be sent to Bay Area. Be sure to note local families directly in these areas of “Building Fund” on the memo line. need. Sign up online at wtwf.org/walk SERVE THOSE IN NEED WITH HOPE Hope For All is a local Bay Area partner whose mission is to provide basic human necessities (i.e. furniture, housewares, clothing, etc.) to families and individuals without sufficient economic resources. They have several opportunities to serve at their garage sale, donate furniture, and offer your time to help engage with new guests. Email outreach@bayareacc.org to get connected. Learn more online at hopeforall.us.

ROLLING KNOLLS PARENT CONNECTION Do your children attend Rolling Knolls Elementary School?

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR We’re looking for an executive administrator who will support the lead and executive pastors by helping facilitate their leadership of the elders, leadership team, staff and Bay Area members and attenders, as well as strategic leaders outside the church family. Key skills/strengths sought include 1) exceptional administrative skills, 2) excellent writing skills and 3) the abilities to handle multiple projects simultaneously and make independent decisions. Info: ron.dutton@bayareacc.org

KIDCARE TEAM MEMBERS Our team is currently accepting new applicants for the 2016 year. Specifically, we are searching for individuals who have a heart for kids. Our workers are paid and we are consistently looking to add to our team. We provide KidCare to all ministries of Bay Area including various events throughout the year. If you are interested in joining our team, contact KidCare Coordinator Dax at dax.clinkscale@bayareacc.org or visit the Children’s Welcome on Sundays for more info.

GLOBAL MISSIONS To support any of Bay Area’s short term global mission trips, go online to bayareacc.org/stmgive. The application deadline is June 6, 2016 for the El Salvador IV, Southeast Asia II, Brazil, and South Sudan fall trips.

EL SALVADOR • CHILDREN’S MINISTRY & HOME VISITS • June 25 - July 3 • July 23-31 | college & children’s ministry • November 12-20 (Fall Trip)

GHANA • HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRY • June 2 - 12 • August 4 - 14

SOUTHEAST ASIA • ENGLISH TEACHING & RELATIONSHIP BUILDING • May 16 - 28 • October 7 - 17 (Fall Trip)

BRAZIL • MINISTRY TO CHURCH LEADERSHIP • Fall TBD (Fall Trip)

POLAND • FAMILY ENGLISH CAMP • July 20 - August 1

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE AMBASSADOR TEAM: Serve by connecting newcomers into community as an ambassador. If you have a passion for people and Jesus, and have been attending Bay Area for at least six months, the ambassador role is for you. Info: rachel.perry@bayareacc.org AUDIO/VIDEO TEAM: We’re looking for a few more passionate, committed people to partner with our Sunday production team. Info: tres.cozad@bayareacc.org BAY CAFÉ & ESPRESSO BAR: Do you love coffee? Enjoy hospitality? Join our team in the Bay Cafe and/or espresso bar. Info: sherri.raimondo@bayareacc.org CHAIR MINISTRY: Serve on the chair set-up/tear-down team. Info: chairs@bayareacc.org CHILDREN’S MINISTRY WELCOME TEAM: Welcome new families on Sunday mornings as well as assist with check-in and escorting families to their children’s age specific environments. Info: chyloe.cheetham@bayareacc.org ELEMENTARY COMMUNITY GROUP LEADERS: The Submarine Canyon is looking for committed high school and adult volunteers to lead a small group of children during the 11:15 Sunday gathering. Info: tammy. taschenberger@bayareacc.org COMMUNION TEAM: Opportunities to serve include baking allergen-free communion bread once a month or assisting with preparation or cleanup during one of the three gatherings on communion Sunday. Info: sherri. raimondo@bayareacc.org PARKING MINISTRY: Serve by directing traffic and greeting those arriving at church. Info: parking@bayareacc.org SAFETY TEAM: Are you passionate about safety or have experience in security, law enforcement, EMS or First Responders and want to serve in this area?

Info: Ed at safety@bayareacc.org USHERS: Be apart of creating a welcoming environment by serving during Sunday morning gatherings. Info: Michael at mtabramo1@comcast.net HOSPITAL/HOMEBOUND VISITATION: Interested in being part of a team reaching those hospitalized or homebound?

Info: leanne.lane@bayareacc.org

INDIA • August 10 - 20 | outreach to children and ministry to pastors and local believers

UGANDA • COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT • July 13 - 23

SOUTH SUDAN • MINISTRY TO CHILDREN AND CHURCH LEADERS • September TBD (Fall Trip)

PRAYER MINISTRY Did you know Bay Area has a ministry devoted to prayer?

The Prayer Ministry comprises teams of individuals devoted to gathering in prayer for our worship gatherings, pastors, missional efforts and missionaries, the ministries of the church, those who are sick or saddened, and those who are wrestling with life’s struggles. The Prayer Ministry provides an opportunity for us to gather together and share our hearts with our Father who loves us. The prayer room is located on the second floor of Bay Area. Every Sunday immediately following the gatherings, members of our prayer team are up front and to the right of the stage if you would like someone to pray with. Info: bayareacc.org/prayer or pat.linnell@ bayareacc.org M AY GO&MAKE 33

STUDENT MINISTRY LEADERS OF THE MONTH J.T. LAGARAS serves in BASM faithfully each week by assisting with the eighth-grade boys community group. We love having students on the BASM team. He does a great job of challenging the middle schoolers thinking and sharing the gospel. He is finishing up his sophomore year at Annapolis High School, enjoys all things Lord of the Rings and could answer any trivia question thrown his way. In the future J.T. would like to be a professor of history or an author.

COLT COFFMAN joined the BASM team this year and is a welcome addition to the 12th-grade boys community group. It may surprise you to learn that Colt is not only an active member of the Coast Guard but also participated in collegiate pole vaulting and trained in ballet for nine years.

This eclectic blend of skills lends itself to be a perfect fit in the ever-changing youth culture.

BIG BEACH WEEKEND 2016 Don’t miss our third-annual Big Beach Weekend high school retreat. This amazing extended weekend will take place Friday - Monday, August 5 - 8, 2016, at Harvey Cedars Bible Conference on Long Beach Island, NJ. You can register online or at the Bay Area Student Ministry info kiosk starting on May 15.

Info: lauren.gibeault@bayareacc.org CLUB 678 is a monthly hangout for middle school students. Our next Club 678 will be Friday, May 11 from 7 to 9 p.m. We will celebrate the end of the school year with a carnival night. Students are encouraged to invite friends and can bring money for snacks.

Info: lydia.macbride@bayareacc.org MIDDLE SCHOOL ALL-NIGHTER Save the dates for Victory Jam, our middle school camp at Harvey Cedars Bible Conference in Harvey Cedars, NJ, on the beach, June 27-July 1. It is a great way to kick-off the summer. Registration will begin Sunday, May 1. Cost of the trip is $330 until May 22, and after the cost goes up to $350.

Info: lydia.macbride@bayareacc.org

MEN’S EVENING BIBLE STUDY Sundays from 6-7:30 p.m. in room 235 at Bay Area. This study is geared toward helping men draw closer to Jesus while discussing and discovering God’s answers for the challenges men face at home, work and in society. Info: bob.gregory@ bayareacc.org

MISSIONAL COMMUNITIES

MISSIONAL COMMUNITY TASTER Are you new to Bay Area and/or looking to get connected in Community? Join us for our Missional Community Taster on June 12 (May 8 Taster is canceled due to Mother’s Day) in The Warehouse at 12:45 p.m. Here we will introduce you to our version of mid-sized groups that will help you continually grow spiritually, relationally and missionally. Lunch and KidCare are provided. See you there! RSVP online at bayareacc.org/ mctasterrsvp or email us at mc@bayareacc.org for more info.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY THE WELL At Bay Area, we invite women to join us on a spiritual journey in community with others.

Like the woman at the well in John 4, Jesus meets us where we are and invites us into a deeper relationship with Him. Check out these upcoming summer studies and sign up online at bayareacc. org/women/spiritualgrowth or at the kiosk May 15 & 22. There will be no KidCare for summer studies.

SUMMER MORNING STUDIES

MEN’S BIBLE STUDIES

Road Trip by Jen Hatmaker What’s better than a road trip with a group of your best friends?

In the journey of life the Bible is the ultimate guidebook. Come learn, grow, laugh and change together as we study topics such as faith, identity, discipleship, contentment and more. Cost is $15. Study runs Wednesdays, June 1 – July 6 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Books are available at registration. Info: Laurie Gregory at thewell@bayareacc.org

MEN’S MORNING BIBLE STUDY Tuesdays from 6-7:30 a.m. in room 236 at Bay Area. Info: Dennis at dbradylaw@aol.com

The Power of a Woman’s Words by Sharon Jaynes Explore the power our words possess and learn how to positively impact others, as we reflect God’s love to them. Cost is

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$10. Study runs Wednesdays, June 8 - July 13 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Books (not workbook) available at registration. Info: Bette at bettechristian@comcast.net

GATHERINGS

SATURDAY NIGHT SINGALONG Join us for a Saturday Night Singalong on Saturday, June 4 from 6-8 p.m. You won’t want to miss this refreshing time of music, testimony, prayer, communion and resting in worship.

Friends on the Journey: There is also space in the sanctuary for children to learn how Encouraging and Equipping Women to Disciple Others Want to influence others? Sometimes we think we don’t know to worship right alongside the adults. enough to disciple another, but If you know Jesus, you can just Info: rachel.perry@bayareacc.org start there. Join us to learn from experienced disciplers how to pass on the essentials for growing in Jesus. Cost is $15. Study runs Tuesdays, June 7 - August 2 from 7 - 9 p.m. Books available at registration. Info: janet.graves@bayareacc.org SUMMER EVENING STUDIES

Four Loves by C.S. Lewis How do you love? We will use this book with other articles and passages from the Bible to learn to live a life marked by love. Join us on Tuesdays, June 7 - July 12 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Order your own book and bring to class with your Bible. Info: Meredith at meredith_battan@sil.org Practical Prayer God creates us in His image to reflect His glory. We cannot do this if we do not know Him intimately through His Word and prayer. In this four-week study we will look at God’s Word in Luke 11:1-13 to learn about prayer. The study runs Tuesdays, May 31 - June 21 from 7-9 p.m. Bring your Bible and a teachable heart and see what God will do.

Info: Kammi at fishclerk@comcast.net WOMEN OF LEGACY (55+) Join us as we encourage one another in Jesus and discuss practical ways to care for others. On Monday, May 9, Mary Kaye St. Cyr will share about her life growing up and on May 23 we will continue writing our own story and share an excerpt with the group. Info: Cedulie at luisandcedulie@gmail.com QUILTS FOR KIDS We will meet on Saturday, May 28, to sew quilts for kids from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Bay Area Community Church in room 235. You don’t have to know how to sew to help. But if you do, bring your lunch, a sewing machine and sewing supplies, and we will give you a quilting kit to sew. Info: Janet Hogan at annapolisQFK@quiltsforkids.org

EASTON CAMPUS HAPPENINGS

DISCOVER BAY AREA May 1 - Discover Bay Area happens the first Sunday of each month following the 10 a.m. Easton gathering. It’s an opportunity to hear from our Campus Pastor Craig Fadel and Worship Leader Rachel Pletts. You’ll learn about who we are as a church, our story and our vision for making disciples. It’s a great initial connecting point.

Info: easton@bayareacc.org MISSIONAL COMMUNITY TASTER May 19 - Get a taste of Missional Community through our MC Taster event. Join us May 19 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Fadels’ house to learn about Missional Communities and experience what the groups are like. Dessert and drinks will be served. Kidcare is available in most cases upon request.

RSVP at easton@bayareacc.org

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