2019 Holiday Service Guide by Brentwood Baptist Church

Holiday Service Guide 2019

The Gift of Giving If you ask someone what love looks like, most of the time they’ll tell you a very simple story about a gentle touch at just the right time, a cup of coffee when things were getting tough, or a friend who simply showed up and sat down. Most of us need to see love in very real and tangible ways. That’s why we’ve put together this Holiday Service Guide. If you want to engage others with the gift of love this Christmas season, turn through these pages and find your place to serve. Some of these opportunities will break your heart, and giving back is the way we can do something about it. In these pages, you’ll discover ways we can partner together to help Middle Tennessee. You’ll see opportunities to volunteer at places such as Begin Anew, Hope Clinic for Women, Men of Valor, and The Well Outreach. You’ll read stories about friends and families who answered God’s calling to serve others. You’ll learn how our Christmas Food Baskets minister to the mind, body, and soul. You’ll discover the ways our Hope for the World Missions Partners are making a real difference in the lives of people, both close to home and around the world. As Christians, we celebrate the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ—by giving, and we give more than just money. Like Christ Himself, true love demands us to give our whole selves to the work. And when we give our whole selves, we engage the whole person with the whole gospel. Today, there’s someone that needs to see the love of Christ in a very real way. In showing others the true meaning of Christmas, you’ll discover more of Him, too.

Mike Glenn, Senior Pastor

< ABOUT THE COVER The photo represents people’s longing for something better and deeper—Jesus. “Christmas Boy” was taken from and around Bethlehem, Israel, during Christmas in December, 2007. Used by permission, courtesy of IMB.org. This Holiday Service Guide is a publication of Brentwood Baptist Church. 7777 Concord Road, Brentwood, TN, 37027 | 615.342.6100 | BrentwoodBaptist.com

How to Use This Guide ‘Tis the season for lights, singing, thoughtfulness, joy, and giving to others. During this time of year, many of you reach out to us asking how you can help. In response, we’ve crafted this guide to help you identify how you can answer God’s call to support and serve the body of Christ. Connect to the Calling

Ways to Serve in Middle Tennessee

Ways to Serve from Middle Tennessee

Ways to Start a Conversation

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Learn about the power of connection and the journey. Follow the story of a person being served, one seeking to serve, and a family who has the power of connection as they serve together.

Learn about opportunities to serve in and around the Middle Tennessee area.

Learn what it means to serve from Middle Tennessee as well as how to give and pray, supporting those who are on the ground in our international communities here and around the world.

Learn how to have gospel conversations with others, sharing the love of Christ with them throughout the holiday season.

Person Being Served Comes across a person who talks about a job training class where food will be provided

START

Community starts to form Has self-awareness of gifts and sees that goals are possible

Comes from a hard place where resources are low, including healthy relationships, and is just trying to make it

Attends class (primarily for the food) but hopes something may come from it

God uses our stories, along with the people we meet, to leave a powerful impact for His glory. We can see His greater purpose for our unique journeys when looking at the whole picture. Follow these two journeys to see what happens when our stories interact with God’s story. Mentor helps to train for job interview

Sees the church body helping and walking out life with classmates

Starts to realize how to unpack and handle some trauma Children start to receive a less angry and hopeless style of parenting

Kids play with mentor’s kids and true friendship forms

Mentor calls to check in weekly

Begins to “try” church, having learned that God is trustworthy even if people are flawed

Decides it is time to give back and starts to serve, sharing the God story that has happened Celebrates this journey with supporting community formed

After 3 interviews for different companies, gets a job

STORYLINES

Realizes the ministry organization can help support family and friends

Works with mentor and ministries to figure out next steps together

Person Seeking to Serve Connects with a Group

START Discovers passions and opportunities to plug in

Takes PLACE and Coaching, wanting to get involved

Goes through DiscoverU

Learns how trauma impacts stories

Decides to invest in a person at a ministry site

Visits a Brentwood Baptist campus and asks to know more about getting connected

Talks to LIFE Groups about personal service testimony Invites a friend to serve at a local ministry together

Understands more about their own story, the power of relationship, and the cross of Christ Loses financial resources

Where does your story and Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story intersect with their story? Continues to serve, support, be supported, and love others with a new story as it displays the love of Christ

LIFE Group and those having been mentored pray, encourage, and support

Trusts God is in control Turns to a learned ministry for support but continues to serve and help others

Mentee comes to know the Lord and starts to mentor, as well

STORYLINES

Ways to

BEGIN ANEW This adult education ministry serves the working poor in Middle Tennessee. Students leave the program with a strong belief in Christ and confidence in themselves to make a better life. Volunteers partner with students to encourage, pray, and help them reach their goals. S ERV I C E O P P O RT U N IT I E S: Mentoring Commit to meeting with a student and praying for them along their adult education journey at one of our locations.* Andy Dodson, a Brentwood Baptist member, led his mentee to Christ through building a relationship and having a gospel conversation. *The Church at Woodbine, Madison Church of Christ, Nashville First Baptist, and Walker Baptist Church (Franklin) Graduation Ceremony Volunteer On Saturday, December 7, help provide refreshments for graduates and their families, serve as a greeter, or help with clean-up after the event. CO N TAC T: volunteer@beginanew.org BeginAnew.org

Find out how you can get involved! Contact missions@brentwoodbaptist.com

TENNESSEE BAPTIST CHILDREN’S HOME (TBCH)

THE NASHVILLE ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING MISSIONAL COMMUNITY (NAHT)

TBCH provides Bible-based, Christ-centered residential, foster, and family care. Programs are state-approved, but TBCH does not accept funding from the government. Their ministry exists and continues because of the generosity and support of churches and private donors.

With more than 40 churches represented, NAHT is a non-profit, multi-denominational missional community bringing the hope and healing of the gospel to all who have been impacted by the human trafficking industry. Their mission is to educate, engage, and embrace.

S ERV I C E O P P O RT U N IT I E S:

Brentwood Campus There are many opportunities to give your time and resources. Just recently, volunteers have organized birthday celebrations, hosted a work day (including lunch and games with kids), and completed designer bedroom makeovers.

Collection Drive Bring storage totes* with lids that contain toilet paper, paper towels, Clorox Clean-Up or similar cleaner, Clorox/Lysol Wipes, a heavy-duty laundry bag (portable), laundry detergent, and a fun gift. *Must be large, clear, and plastic.

MealTrain.com A popular and simple way to get involved is to sign up and bring meals to campus homes.

“Friendsgiving” Celebration On Sunday, November 17, organize a Thanksgiving meal for approximately 3035 Human Trafficking survivors and help prepare gift bags with additional items.

CO N TAC T: 1.800.624.8591 office@tennesseechildren.org TennesseeChildren.org

THE WELL OUTREACH This ministry supports those in need through spiritual, emotional, and physical growth. Through their food pantry, they offer food assistance to residents of Spring Hill, Thompson Station, College Grove, Santa Fe, and parts of northern Columbia. S ERV I C E O P P O RT U N IT I E S: Volunteer Sign up to serve at the Food Pantry. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Mobile Food Pantries Join us for our next Mobile Food Pantry. More information can be found on Facebook or our website. CO N TAC T: SpringHillWell.org

Traditional Christmas Celebration In early December, assist with setting up Christmas tree, caroling, and cookiedecorating station. CO N TAC T: Mary Trapnell 615.714.2878 | marytrapnell1@gmail.com

NAHT

NASHVILLE ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING MISSIONAL COMMUNITY

WAY S TO S E R V E

FRANKTOWN OPEN HEARTS

HOPE CLINIC FOR WOMEN

PATH PROJECT FRANKLIN

Located in Franklin, this ministry serves atrisk children in Williamson County. Six days a week, school-age children (grades 1-12) are picked up from their neighborhood, tutored, fed, taught life and job skills, and mentored by Christian volunteers.

This clinic equips women, men, and families dealing with unplanned pregnancies, pregnancy loss, postpartum depression, and more. They also provide medical care, professional counseling, education classes, mentorship, and practical support regardless of age, race, religion or ability to pay.

This project works with kids (Pre-K–Grade 12) living in Franklin Estates, a mobile home community in downtown Franklin, to guide them on a path toward graduation and realizing their God-given dreams for their future.

S ERV I C E O P P O RT U N IT I E S:

After-School Volunteer Serve at our after-school homework help program, which meets three days per week during the school year.

S ERV I C E O P P O RT U N IT I E S: Christmas Shopping Party Children can enjoy a night of food, fellowship, and giving on December 14. Sponsor a child for $150, volunteer as a “shoperone” (background check required), set-up/decorate the fellowship hall, provide/serve food, or gift-wrap the children’s packages. Franktown “Festival of Lights” Volunteer for a drive-through Christmas lights display, open from November 22– December 28. CO N TAC T: Allan Hardin 615.500.1728 allanhardin@gmail.com FranktownOpenHearts.com

WAY S TO S E R V E

Volunteer at Cider Carols Event Serve with us on December 5 for the annual Cider Carols with day-of-event preparations. Introduction to Hope Clinic The first, second, and third Wednesday of each month, come learn about Hope Clinic’s history, services, volunteer opportunities, and more ways to get involved. CO N TAC T: Megan Snell 615.627.2790 msnell@hopeclinicforwomen.org HopeClinicforWomen.org

S ERV I C E O P P O RT U N IT I E S:

Donate to After-School At our programs, we offer a snack to every child. Donate $10 to supply a healthy snack for a day of programs to the children. CO N TAC T: Margaret Jane Strelecki margaretjane@pathproject.org PathProject.org

CUL2VATE The two-fold mission is to: 1) grow food, providing produce to those who live in food deserts and helping to alleviate hunger; and 2) grow people, offering part-time jobs, job readiness and life skills training, and spiritual development to those who can use a second chance.

THE BRANCH OF NASHVILLE

PROJECT CONNECT NASHVILLE

From a foundation of Christian values, this ministry serves struggling families and individuals of any ethnicity and culture in the Antioch community by helping them find paths to self-sufficiency through food support, education, and job assistance.

This ministry builds relationships with individuals and families that are stuck in the cycle of poverty. The ministry connects them to the faith community, who will encourage and guide them, provide assistance when needed, and educate and equip them for life and opportunities.

S ERV I C E O P P O RT U N IT I E S:

Clean-Up Volunteer The farm is slightly fallow during the winter, but your help with clean-up on the farm is needed.

Food Pantry Volunteer Help distribute food to our families on Tuesdays from 4:00-6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00-11:30 a.m.

Make a Donation Tools for the farm are. A list will be provided to you after contact.

Annual Christmas Party Volunteer Help host the Christmas Party by providing décor, bringing food, and serving students on the night of the event.

CO N TAC T: info@cul2vate.org cul2vate.org

S ERV I C E O P P O RT U N IT I E S:

Nighttime English Classes Volunteer Once a month, converse with our students and allow them to practice their English. You can also provide the meal during breaktime. CO N TAC T: TheBranchOfNashville.org

Lighting of the Green Volunteer Celebrate Christmas with an impoverished apartment community on December 14. Hand out food boxes and sing Christmas carols. LIFE Groups are invited to participate by attending and/or adopting “stations.” Christmas Party Gift Cards Every year we host an “office Christmas party” for the individuals that have worked hard and are committed to PCN’s programming. Provide gifts cards and giveaway prizes for the festive night. New Year Campus Volunteer Join us at any one of our campuses to be a mentor, ally, teacher, or friend. CO N TAC T: michelle@projectconnectnashville.org ProjectConnectNashville.org

WAY S TO S E R V E

GRACEWORKS

SILOAM

This grace-driven, collaborative ministry is a dedicated community resource in Williamson County that helps people with food, rent, utilities, and other needs. It’s neighbor serving neighbor, by the power of God’s grace.

This faith-based, non-profit organization shares the love of Christ by providing low-cost, high-quality, wholeperson care to the uninsured in Middle Tennessee as well as health promotion among the immigrant and refugee communities.

S ERV I C E O P P O RT U N IT I E S: Campus Volunteer Volunteer at one of our locations. The Franklin location is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The Fairview location is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Turkey Trot Volunteer Serve at this event on Thanksgiving morning, November 28, at the Cool Springs Galleria. Serve at The Manger Help us at our annual Christmas program for eligible neighbors from December 11-14. Donate new items ($35 or less) or volunteer. Session times are at 1:00 and 6:00 p.m. each day (except Saturday, December 14, are 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 pm). CO N TAC T: Erin Saurers esaurers@graceworksministries.net GraceWorksMinistries.net

WAY S TO S E R V E

TENNESSEE ALLIANCE FOR KIDS (TAK) TAK meets the emergent and ongoing needs of children and youth in foster care, those at-risk of going into foster care, and those aging out of the system. This donor-funded organization serves as the liaison between the community and State of Tennessee.

S ERV I C E O P P O RT U N IT I E S:

Donate Hygiene Supplies The following items are need for welcome bags when refugee families first arrive in Nashville: shampoo, deodorant, and toothbrushes.

Nashville Safe Room Volunteer As a group, sort and organize the Nashville Safe Room, which provides safe places for children to come when they are removed from their homes.

Serve in The Clinic Current needs include doctors, nurses, interpreters, and prayer intercessors.

Donate TAK PAKs Fill a backpack with items of comfort or necessity for children and youth coming into foster care.

Mentoring Families or LIFE Groups can serve a refugee family, who is new to the area, for six months through Nashville Neighbors. CO N TAC T: Wes Harrell wes.harrell@siloamhealth.org SiloamHealth.org

Give to #FosterLove Make a donation to help TAK better plan for the emergent and ongoing needs of Tennessee’s children. CO N TAC T: hello@tnallianceforkids.org TNAllianceforKids.org

BETHANY CHRISTIAN SERVICES

YOUTH ENCOURAGEMENT SERVICES (YES)

This ministry brings families together and keeps families together. Safe Families for Children allows vulnerable children to be hosted by loving, Christian families for a short period of time.

Each year, YES gives hundreds of lowincome families the opportunity to shop for their children during the holidays. Each mother selects an outfit and new toys for each child in her home, and she receives a gift card and large box of groceries for a complete holiday meal.

S ERV I C E O P P O RT U N IT I E S: Become a Resource Family Provide items needed to families who are hosting children in their home for a period of respite. Become a Child Sponsor Help a child during this Christmas season by providing them with necessities. CO N TAC T: Stephanie Shivers sshivers@bethany.org Bethany.org

S ERV I C E O P P O RT U N IT I E S: Sponsor a Child Choose an â&#x20AC;&#x153;Angel Cards,â&#x20AC;? which provides specific age/gender-appropriate requests for YES children. Event Volunteer Serve the week before and on the day of the event to help set-up, work, and clean-up. To volunteer, e-mail info@ youthencouragement.org. Christmas Store Volunteer Join the 300-400 volunteers from December 10-13 to sort food, toys, and groceries. Also, assist the mothers in shopping during the event on December 14. CO N TAC T: Samantha Johnson 615.315.5333 samantha@youthencouragement.org YouthEncouragement.org

MEN OF VALOR This ministry reaches out to incarcerated men and helps them re-enter society as men of integrity. Their goals are evangelism, relationship-building, discipleship, and equipping them to become the men, husbands, fathers, and members of society God created them to be. S ERV I C E O P P O RT U N IT I E S: Share Your Time and Talents Lead worship, facilitate a small group, teach a class, mentor a man in our aftercare program, or prepare training materials. Provide Food for Christmas Bring a meal to share with the transitional living program at 504 Valor Way in Antioch. Donate Christmas Gifts Bless a child of an incarcerated parent. Email Janna at janna@movnashville.com. Provide Legal Services Businesses can provide legal advice, medical and dental care, and job placement. CO N TAC T: Tevin Patterson tevin@movnashville.com MOVNashville.com

WAY S TO S E R V E

ROOM IN THE INN This ministry serves the homeless community in the Nashville area throughout the year however over the cold weather months churches are able to help serve by hosting men, women or families overnight. S ERV I C E O P P O RT U N IT I E S: Volunteer Serve on Monday nights at our Brentwood campus by preparing beds, laundry, and meals. Visit guests, clean up, sort donated items, and drive church vans to pick up guests. Volunteer for the evening or early in the morning once, once a month, or every week. A few volunteers are needed to stay the whole night. This opportunity is family friendly and multigenerational. CO N TAC T: Lenpaulsen@gmail.com RoomInTheInn.org

MEDICAL DENTAL UNIT (MDU) MDU is a mobile unit customized to provide free, limited medical and dental care to those in need. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a ministry extension of Brentwood Baptist Church and partners with local churches to share Jesus while meeting physical needs in the community. The ministry depends fully on volunteers and has outreaches 2-4 times a month.

SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY To learn more about being supporting the Special Needs ministry and community, either as a family with Special needs or someone with a heart to serve, email Tiffany at tmccoulough@brentwoodbaptist.com or visit our website at BrentwoodBaptist.com/ ministries/special-needs. CO N TAC T: BrentwoodBaptist.com

S ERV I C E O P P O RT U N IT I E S: Dental Volunteer Dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants are needed. Medical Volunteer Doctors, nurse practitioners, and nurses are needed. Volunteer Volunteers for other areas, such as evangelism and registration, are needed. CO N TAC T: volunteer@medicaldentalunit.com MedicalDentalUnit.com

FOSTER AND ADOPTION MINISTRY (FAM) To learn more about being a part of the Foster and Adoption Ministry on all sides, as a Foster or Adoptive Family volunteer, please reach out to Vicki at a vhowell@ brentwoodbaptist.com. CO N TAC T: BrentwoodBaptist.com

WAY S TO S G EI VR EV E& P R A Y

This summer, I served with my mom, Beth Gurley, and my sister, Lauren, at Project Connect Nashville by providing lunches. Our children even came along to help! This opportunity was an example of economic, racial, and generational boundaries being stripped away as we sat together over a meal.

My family (Derek, Grayson, Macy, and Parker) serving at the Better Together event.

“I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Racial Unity Working Group for the last 18 months.” – Jennifer Bell

The Power of Connecting, Serving, & Building Bridges of Hope The Racial Unity Working Group is a committee working to serve our church and community by seeking God’s wisdom, through prayer and His Word, in the area of racial unity and reconciliation. God has and is teaching me so much through amazing people that He has brought into our group. The relationships I have formed with people who are not exactly like me (i.e. race, age, stage of life, etc.) have softened and changed me. These relationships have given me new perspective, which begins to tear down barriers. Perspective begins to make things less awkward. It begins to open more doors for the Holy Spirit to move in and through you. Perspective is powerful and healthy, and God can use it for His glory. One of the easiest and fastest ways to form and/or deepen relationships is by serving with one another. When you serve alongside others, you find yourself on the same playing field. Social, economic, generational, and racial boundaries all go away. When you focus on serving with others, you become more vulnerable. You begin to grow with one another. We have so much to offer each other, and in return, we have so much to gain.

You might be asking, “So, where should I begin?”

First—pray. Spend time, regularly (daily), asking the Holy Spirit to guide your heart and your mind to the things that He has planned for you. You have a specific personal calling. God wired you that way from the very beginning. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His creations, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.” Ask Him to reveal what He has prepared for you. Ask Him to sensitize you, slow you down, and greatly increase your awareness of His presence and movement throughout your day. He is moving in and through and around you at all times. Ask Him for the grace to see that. Then, take a look at God’s Word. What breaks His heart? Ask Him as you read. Focus on the things that Jesus spent His earthly time doing and see what the Holy Spirit stirs up in you, too. Pay attention to His nudging. If something from God’s word gets stuck in your head—think about it. It is not a coincidence. Offer yourself to Him as His servant, ready and willing to do what He is calling you to do. For me, it is orphans and widows (James 1:27). God started revealing this to me when I was in middle school on a Brentwood Baptist Mission Journey. This specific “nudging” and “breaking of my heart” is what has led us to adoption, serving families at the Tennessee

Baptist Children’s Home, serving foster kids, advocating for the “least of these,” and giving our time and talents through Both Hands, where we are privileged to work on widows’ homes to help raise funds for adoptions (BothHands.org). Pay attention to what God is already doing around you and join Him. If you do not feel strong promptings from the Holy Spirit about what ways the Lord wants you to serve right now, lock arms with someone else who is already doing God’s work. Ask someone in your LIFE Group or look for ways to serve with our Ministry Partners. Sometimes, the best way to figure out what you are called to do is to simply jump in where God is already working and allow Him to work in and through you. He will use you. You just need to be willing. Don’t let Satan steal your confidence. Don’t let him tell you lies that you’re not equipped, or you don’t have time. You do have unique gifts and talents created that were put in you before the beginning of time, and God is ready to use you. Let Him and get excited. Doing God’s work transforms all those involved—even you! To find out more about our racial unity efforts, please visit BrentwoodBaptist.com/racialunity.

My friend, Ellie Dowling, and I serve every four to six months at the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home. We collect money from friends and businesses to host a meal prep day on the campus. The Lord has used us to bless families with freezers full of delicious meals for the children at TBCH. This year, we served with Both Hands project for a beautiful widow in Franklin, who simply needed some extra love and support. We helped with yard work, cleaning, fence panting, and organizing. My children look forward to this annual event.

SERVING THROUGH RACIAL UNITY

DISASTER RELIEF In the last two years, 86 people have been deployed in 12 teams, to 3 states, and 3 countries! We’ve rebuilt 8 roofs, 1 house, 1 church, and cut lots of trees.

Disaster Relief The Middle Tennessee Initiative has two dimensions—as we reach out to Middle Tennessee, we also send from Middle Tennessee. As the Holiday Season approaches, we want you to know how you, your family, and your friends can make a difference right here at home. We also want you to know how we make a difference around the world together. God is doing some wonderful things: • Churches are started and strengthened. • Missionaries are equipped and loved. • Families are reunited and encouraged. • The hungry are fed and restored. • The traumatized are healed and comforted. • God’s Word is translated and shared. On these two pages, we are highlighting some specific ways this is happening:

Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel. Through your prayers, your service, and your financial generosity, hope comes to our neighbors and nations.

Over the last 14 years, our church has mobilized hundreds of volunteers, multiple teams, and significant financial resources in response to multiple natural disasters, such as the Southeast Asia Tsunami in 2004, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and the Haiti Earthquake and Nashville Flood in 2010. Over the last 2 years, we have distributed over $500,000 in disaster relief funds for rebuilding efforts in Texas, Florida, and on the Caribbean islands of Dominica and Puerto Rico.

“Mamma’s” roof was completely torn off her house, and everything in the house was lost. Mamma is now back living in her home. We visit with her and buy soda’s from her when we are back in her village.

MAMMA’S ROOF BEFORE:

Missionary Sending We have an increasing number of members who are answering God’s call to take the Gospel to the nations. We now have approximately 40 units (a unit can be a single person, married couple or family), representing over 100 men, women, and children serving in over 25 countries around the world.

MAMMA’S ROOF AFTER:

Medical/Dental Unit For the last 8 years, our MDU has traveled thousands of miles throughout Tennessee— bringing free medical and dental care to thousands of patients at no charge. More importantly, we boldly share the gospel. We’ve seen hundreds commit their lives to the Christ.

DOMINICA HOUSE BEFORE:

DOMINICA HOUSE AFTER:

Find out how you can get involved! Contact missions@brentwoodbaptist.com

PRAYER REQUESTS FROM OUR GLOBAL WORKERS JESSICA IN EAST ASIA

FORREST IN EUROPE

Please pray for... • me as I journey to a place I’ve never been before. I know that God will provide. He called Abraham to a place he had never been before and provided all that he would need. • the children and families that I will encounter. Pray that God would lead me in His love to those around me that need to know Him. Pray that, by reaching children with the gospel, generations of families would be impacted with the love of Christ. • the divorced women that I will build community with. Pray that I would be used as a vessel to encourage them and support them. Pray that my story will be used to help them see God’s faithfulness in their own stories. • my family during this time. Pray that they would trust in God’s plan for my life.

Please pray for... • me as I continue to journey along the path that God has called me to. Pray that God will continue to draw me into an ever-deepening relationship with Himself and craft His image in me. • the men, women, and students that I will engage with. France is a place of deep spiritual darkness, anger, and hopelessness. Pray the God will go before me to soften hearts and open doors to relationships and conversations where His grace and truth can be shared. • my family and friends during this process as they prepare for this transition and new chapter in my life. • me as I work to develop ministry partners, who will come along side me to support me in prayer and funding. • the skeptics as I work to engage them with the love of God, the truth of Christ, and the grace of the Cross.

FAMILY UNIT IN THE MIDDLE EAST Please pray for... • God’s love to abound in us. • growth in wisdom and holiness. • perseverence in language learning. • alertness to the doors God opens. • ability to share Christ with boldness and clarity. • protection and deliverance from evil. • God’s kingdom to advance here.

FAMILY UNIT IN SOUTH ASIA Please pray for... • favor and openness with the ladies I will be working with and that the Holy Spirit would provide opportunities for gospel conversations and discipleship relationships. • favor with government officials as I apply for a visa and enter the country. • opportunities for gospel conversations with neighbors, auto and taxi drivers, and others who I will meet and encounter in the city. • that I would find a healthy local church in the city that will both help me grow in my walk with Christ and provide discipleship opportunities.

MEDICAL DENTAL UNIT A few weeks ago, a man came to a MDU Outreach. He had isolated himself at home, depressed because of recent deaths of family members and was contemplating taking his own life because of the pain and despair he felt. As he began to write a suicide note, his tooth began to hurt. He remembered a flyer he had received about the MDU Outreach and decided to get help for his tooth. He came to the church, and in the process of waiting for the dentist, he began talking to an Evangelism volunteer. Through that conversation, he shared his story and God began to work on his heart as he heard the gospel. He decided that he was going to live and not die and that God had a purpose for his life. A tooth pain literally saved this man’s life!

FAMILY UNIT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA WORKING WITH DEAF PEOPLES

At a recent MDU Outreach at Creekside Fellowship Church, 19 patients were served, 9 of them were unchurched and more than half of those came to church the following day. A young man decided to follow Christ that following day at church. He returned to church the following week and brought his brother and friend. He has been attending Bible Study and recently was baptized.

Please pray for... • church planting among the deaf in Southeast Asia. • contacts with deaf and persons of peace. • favor with government. • health and endurance. • wisdom and discernment. • access to Scripture for the deaf through DeafGo Bible.

The MDU is transforming lives!

Represents a single, couple, or family living and working in a location that requires extra security, so names cannot be used.

• • • • • •

572 patients served 289 volunteers 641 gospel conversations 28 decisions for Christ 898 teeth extracted $267,242 of free dental

services provided

M I D D L E T E N N E S S E E I N I T I AT I V E

WAYS TO PRAY

Pray for our mission efforts and partnership here and around the world.

1. PRAY FOR WISDOM

2. PRAY FOR STRENGTH

Our partners/workers need God’s guidance.

Our partners/workers need God’s sustenance.

EUROPE Jason & Jennifer Miette Robby David & Laura Kelly & Janice + 2 children Forrest Stephen & Tricia + 3 children

AMERICAS Nelson & Sophie Kyla Joseph & Hailey + 4 children Brandon Bereket & Becca + 1 child

DEAF PEOPLES

ORGANIZATIONS AROUND THE WORLD Southern Baptist Convention Partners: • International Mission Board (IMB) imb.org • Baptist Global Response (BGR) gobgr.org • North American Mission Board (NAMB) namb.net Shalom Foundation | Guatemala Living Hope | South Africa Messianic Congregations | Israel Transformation Nepal | Nepal Bangalore Baptist Hospital | India University Institute | India New Hope Trauma Healing | England DeafGo Bible and Deaf Theological Center | Middle Tennessee Multiple Local Partners | Middle Tennessee Mission Increase Foundation | Middle Tennessee Sweet Sleep | Africa Hope House International | Ukraine Freedom’s Promise | Southeast Asia For All Mankind Movements | South Asia Hope For Tomorrow Orphanage | Guatemala The Pointe Church | Vancouver Reborn Community Church | Chicago Final Command Ministries | North Africa

In addition to these almost 40 units, there are another half dozen or so that we hope to send out in 2020. These represent over 100 men, women, and children that are serving in over 25 countries. WAY S TO P R AY

3. PRAY FOR PROVISION

4. PRAY FOR UNITY

5. PRAY FOR REVIVAL

Our partners/workers need God’s supply.

Our partners/workers need God’s people to work together.

Our partners/workers need God’s Spirit to break through strongholds.

EAST ASIA CENTRAL ASIA

Steve & Joy + 2 children Jessica Brandon & Katie

NORTH AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST SOUTH ASIA Tiffany Thom & Linda + 1 child

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA Steve & Amy + 2 children Danielle Dustin & Carolyn + 1 child Bryan & Wendy + 3 children

SOUTHEAST ASIA Wes & Tamara + 2 children Nick & Lilian Keegan & Carla + 1 child

Represents a single, couple, or family living and working in a location that requires extra security, so names cannot be used.

Our global workers serve as evangelists, church planters, Bible translators, communication specialists, children’s workers, pastors, community development specialists, counselors, professors, and more! WAY S TO P R AY

I N T E R N AT I O N A L M I S S I O N S I N M I D D L E T E N N E S S E E

Partnering with Regional Campuses

International Leadership Center We want to thank you for your tithes and offerings, which gives support to God’s work among international peoples living in Middle Tennessee and beyond. With this support, you have helped affect the lives and disciple-making efforts among unreached people right now, as well as into the future. As we move into 2020, we are excited to continue in fellowship with our international brothers and sisters involved in on-campus ministry as we equip to encourage a heartbeat for disciples who make disciples in the everyday conversations of life. Here is what we feel God is encouraging us to pursue through your campus and among those in your community. We are glad to be on this journey with you! Working with the International Leadership Center, we hope to partner an international congregation with each of our regional campuses for the mutual benefit of equipping for disciple-making and gospel conversations toward healthy congregations. Additionally, we hope to help support and coach international church starts, planted in the heart of the international communities within our city, where the heart language of that unreached people is both spoken and sung in worship.

Church Starts

We will accomplish all of this with your support and by working together with a growing list of local churches and organizations, partnering together to help create healthy multi-cultural church starts and expressions of worship.

Partnering with Local Churches

Are you sensing a call to help in what God is doing among the local internationals in our community? Please reach out to get involved:

Fady Al Hagal

Jason Dukes

Steven Wald

ILC Director & Brentwood Baptist Internationals Minister falhagal@brentwoodbaptist.com

Brentwood Baptist Multiplication Minister jdukes@brentwoodbaptist.com

Brentwood Baptist Associate Multiplication Minister swald@brentwoodbaptist.com

The Nations of Nashville COSTA RICA ARGENTINA VENEZUELA NIGERIA HAITI KENYA

CONGO EGYPT SYRIA SOMALIA ETHIOPIA KURDISTAN

WAY S TO G I V E & P R AY

Because of your support and continued prayer, the peoples of these nations are being reached by the Gospel everyday—right here in Middle Tennessee.

UNITED STATES GHANA UGANDA INDIA SRI LANKA IRAN

PUERTO RICO MEXICO IRAQ NEPAL PHILIPPINES ECUADOR

GUATEMALA HONDURAS BRAZIL CUBA COSTA RICA ARGENTINA

EL SALVADOR COLUMBIA CHINA TAIWAN HONG KONG SUDAN PAKISTAN

G O S P E L C O N V E R S AT I O N S I N T H E H O L I D AY S E A S O N

Top Ways

to Have Gospel Conversations During the Holidays

They say “Mele Kalikimaka” is a thing to say on a bright, Hawaiian Christmas Day. But what about those of us who won’t get to the Pacific Island paradise this Christmas? What about those of us who will most likely have a tender Tennessee Christmas? How do we say “Happy Thanksgiving” or “Merry Christmas” best during the holidays? How can we have a conversation with family, friends, or co-workers about this gift—the gospel—that was delivered to our world? For a few folks, divine holiday appointments are in order. That doesn’t mean winning a free honey-glazed ham, walking in on Santa eating your plate of cookies, or getting to ride in a one-horse sleigh. It means God’s Spirit is at work before we even ask, preparing us and others so we can engage them with the whole gospel. We’re defining a gospel conversation as engaging with a person who doesn’t believe in Christ and sharing our story in the light of God’s story. This can be in a one-time encounter or an ongoing relationship.

So what might be the best environments for gospel conversations this holiday season? Here are four suggestions:

1 SERVE TOGETHER

Invite along those who have yet to believe to serve with you. Some pretty powerful conversations will occur while you serve and hang out after.

2 EAT TOGETHER

The Son of Man came eating and drinking (Luke 7:34). Shared meals are a great way to build relationships and have meaningful conversations. Many people are lonely during the holidays. A simple invitation to share a meal can mean a lot to someone else and to you.

3 SABBATH TOGETHER

Jesus often retreated to pray, rest, reflect, and worship—and He invited others to join Him. The holidays can be stressful, so it should prompt us to retreat for some soul care and invite others to join us in that.

4 LEARN TOGETHER

Those who followed Jesus learned the gospel as they served, ate, and rested with Him. You don’t have to be a master teacher like Jesus. Just be a disciple, a learner, and invite others to learn the ways of Jesus with you. Ask them questions. Value their stories. Connect God’s story and your story with their story, and watch the transformation happen.

Remember!

If you feel stifled, confused, inadequate, or just want some suggestions, submit a request in the Brentwood Baptist app for a Gospel Conversation Coach to reach out to you. We’re praying that the holiday season brings love to the lonely and hope to the hopeless. May it also be life-giving for both you and those yet to believe.

WAY S T O S TA R T A C O N V E R S AT I O N

DECEMBER 13 & 14 PURCHASE PACK

Among all campuses, we will provide over 1,000 food baskets to families in need this season. Each basket is $50; however, all donations are welcome. Join the fun as we pack these 1,000 food baskets. All ages are welcome to help. Please sign up for one or more of the times listed at the website below.

DECEMBER 13 BRENTWOOD CAMPUS DECEMBER 14 STATION HILL CAMPUS DECEMBER 14 AVENUE SOUTH CAMPUS

PARTICIPATE

Join our ministry partners this Christmas season as they distribute these food baskets through their ministries. All ages are welcome, and time frames are flexible. Check out opportunities to deliver, adopt families, participate in Christmas events, and more on our website.

BRENTWOODBAPTIST.COM/GIVEFOOD