October - December - 2024
Courage Celebrating
“Take courage, I am here!”- Matthew 14:27, NLT
We exist to mobilize a movement of Christian women the Gospel of Jesus Christ. to pray and proclaim
Matthew14:27,NLT
But Jesus
spoke to them at once.
“Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take I am here!”
Dear Beloved Reader,
Oh, the power of one life courageously lived!
For years, a sign has hung in my home It says, “Having faith will give you courage ” How true that is
This season, we celebrate and cheer for all the stories that faith has written through brave lives
Step into the pages of this season ’ s Invited as we introduce you to women who live courageously In this issue, you’ll meet Laura, Bev, Donna, and others
Sprinkled throughout are stories of women who have courageously shared Jesus with others in their everyday lives Some have lovely, ideal finishes to their bold stories Others have endings yet to be known Both are full of the brave believers who took the risk to share the hope of the Gospel
Every woman in these pages would tell you they are only courageous because they have themselves experienced the deep, unmatched, overflowing love of God
Jesus Christ lived the most courageous life ever lived He chose to step out from the security and beauty of heaven and into the muck of our world. He made the decision to face the cross so that we might know and experience the redemption only His sacrifice could offer us. We have courage because He is with us as He says, “Take courage! I am here” (Matthew 14:27b, NLT)
When we celebrate the power of one life, we celebrate the people who demonstrate it. More than the people, though, we celebrate the giver of life and salvation, The One who is the reason we dare to do anything wildly worth the doing
Have faith, friend
Through Him YOU have the power to live courageously
May this issue inspire you,
Suzy Shepherd
GeneralEditor,DirectorofMarketingandCommunications
21 DAYS OF
This fun checklist can be used to memorize scripture and prioritize your gratitude each day!
Join the Call celebration
On November 7th at 6:30pm central
We want to celebrate with you, and we want to celebrate all that God is doing through you. Thank you, Stonecroft, and thank you, God, for more than 85 incredible years of ministry.
As we move towards the end of the year, we would like to invite you to gather for our annual celebration! Join this call on November 7th as an opportunity for us to give thanks to God for all He's doing through our incredible volunteers throughout the ministry.
When you register, we encourage you to bring someone with you Also bring your pom-poms and your loudest cheering voice as we consider how God has been doing so many amazing things from coast to coast inside of Stonecroft. We want you to be encouraged. We want you to feel inspired, and we want you to celebrate and give thanks to God with us!
From our CEO
Waiting for a
wanderer
Eliza Cortés Bast
When I think of our mission and vision, it is really easy for me to get excited Often, we think about the person who is surprised by the story of Jesus coming to Earth as a baby We delight in letting them know, for the first time, that someone is pursuing them, someone who is real. That Christmas is more than just a tree and presents Introducing Christ can be such a thrill!
For many of us, it is almost easier to think about introducing Jesus for the first time It is easy to invite a stranger at the coffee shop to an outreach. Or my favorite waitress to a longer faith conversation at my dining room table. Our hearts might get tight and our mouths get dry when it is a sister who won’t come to the party “if you bring up Jesus again”. The son who comes late to dinner because he doesn’t want to hear you praying over the meal. Your heart may feel tender and anxious, even afraid or angry making that invitation I get it
The holidays have a way of amplifying all of that We are encouraged to walk bravely across the room to the stranger yet feel immediately conflicted about inviting a wandering loved one. Do I just pray quietly if they come? Do I invite them to church? Will I push them farther away? What do I do?
We are called to the work of reconciliation, as a ministry and as followers of Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:18). It is a privilege to make places of gathering with seats at the table. However, when it’s someone we love and we fear losing them, it can be hard making a courageous invitation. We are afraid they will say no, or this might be the last holiday we see them
We want those we love to be reconciled to God. We want them to be reconciled to us too. We want them at the table.
When Jesus is asked about the tables he chose to sit at, Luke 15 tell us he responds with stories of finding three lost things: a sheep, a coin, and a son Who hasn’t lost something and turned the house, the car, their life upside down to find it? Jesus wastes no words naming the desperation, the urgency, the sacrifice of looking
The man losing the sheep goes into the wilderness to search. Finding the sheep, he joyfully carries it home on his shoulders, saying, “Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep” (Luke 15:6). The woman who has lost her coin lights a lamp, sweeps her home, carefully searches for it. Finding it, she calls her friends and neighbors over to say, “Rejoice with me, I have found my lost coin! (verse 9)” We are reminded that there is joy when one lost one “is found.” There is work to being reconciled with something that is lost, but also great joy
Then there is the lost son Disrespectful right from the beginning Foolishly wasteful It is a gripping account of an unruly and wild child who becomes poor and hungry enough to eat pig food He becomes desperate and makes his way home.
What do we know about the dad? He sees his son far off and begins to run He’s not waiting to hear why he came, how long he will stay, or if he’s sorry He’s been watching. With a heart bursting with “love and compassion”, he runs to him and hugs him (Luke 15:20).
He
“What do we know about the
dad?
sees his son far off and begins to run. He’s not waiting to hear why he came, how long he will stay, or if he’s sorry. He’s been watching. With a heart bursting with ‘love and compassion,’ he runs to him and hugs him (Luke 15:20).”
-Eliza Cortés Bast
Searching, finding, rejoicing. All three stories were never about the thing that was lost. They were about the courageous love of those that were searching. They kept looking It is why Jesus sat with “notorious sinners” It is why he found us
It is hard to know where to start as we think of our “lost” ones However, we can lead with love. If there is anything the Christmas story tells us, it is the incredible sacrifice God made to come find us It is how He “ so loved the world” (John 3:16). He was motivated by love. I want that for my “lost” ones too
The mission of reconciliation is tough. It can feel hopeless and hard. This Advent season, if you are waiting for a wanderer, ask yourself what leading with love might look like for you.
Know we are praying with you and cheering each other on, in the hopes that one day we all can say, “Rejoice with me! The one that was lost is found!”
Eliza Cortés Bast serves as the CEO for Stonecroft. She is a passionate Jesus follower, former pastor, and sometime jewelry maker She gets most excited about leadership, stories,music,travel,andpeople ShelivesandadventuresinMichiganwithherfamily
COURAGEOUSconnections
Ways to connect with and love those who are hard to love, especially in the holiday season.
FreePrintable
CourageConfetti
I don't actually think of myself as an evangelist, though I suppose I am. I seek opportunities to share Jesus' love with others because He has loved me so much. I want others to know how He can help them with their struggles and burdens. I know that He doesn't take away all our challenges, but they are so much easier to cope with when He is in our lives. It breaks my heart to see people struggling without Him.
I once shared the Gospel with a coworker, which seemed very risky to me, since we worked together every day. She listened politely and said she understood, but she didn't need Jesus. Discouraging, but I know that I kind of forced the conversation. I think that's why I like Relational Evangelism so much -- because it's about building relationships and trusting God to let me know when the time is right to share the Gospel more naturally and organically.
-Ann
What is a time God called you to do something that took courage?
From our National Staff
calledtocourage
God called me to courage when He asked me to open my life back up to my mother who was a recovering addict and diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. I am so thankful for that opportunity as He allowed both of us to find healing and reconciliation. He also calls me to courage daily to trust Him and His will over my flesh, fear, and selfishness. God proves Himself to be faithful to me, and in turn, making the choice of dying to myself can be done with joy (most days).
-Brandy
God called me to move 15 hours from my family to serve churches (in primarily military communities) in Texas and Oklahoma alongside my husband for 8 years. I took great courage to live that far away from my family, especially in times of celebration and mourning such as weddings and funerals.
-Sage
God called my husband and I to move to Florida. I was very uncomfortable leaving my midwest area because I didn't want to be away from our families. Everything in Florida was so different to me and honestly, I didn't like it at all when we first moved. God allowed us to have impactful ministry here and I have grown to love so many parts of our life here. It wasn't the plan I dreamed for myself but it is definitely the plan God called us to. Our purpose is here.
-Ashley
Staying Courageous whentheseasonisblue
Lynne Jordan
Fall is a spectacular time of the year, especially for those who enjoy the shift in weather and anticipate the various holidays the season brings However, it can also host shadows of our past. It can remind us of people, places, and roles we have lost, health challenges we are facing, and dreams or hopes buried under difficult and challenging circumstances All of this may perhaps stir questions or doubt about our faith.
During the holidays our emotions are put on stage, but they do not have to rob our ability to enjoy pleasure in the season Choosing between joy and feeling blue is not an “either or” option, but a realization that staying courageous when the season is blue can mean we experience both simultaneously.
Living with courage is allowing oneself to be vulnerable to experiencing pain If you deny one emotion, then you numb others We need to acknowledge and process them all to heal When you address your pain, you also make room for joy to come
C.S. Lewis wrote: “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” Holidays can feel like a megaphone reminding us of our loss, challenging circumstances, and pain
So what are ways to live authentically and find paths of joy during times when shadows of grief and loss flood our memories and pain is in our hearts and minds?
Be preemptive and have a plan. By acknowledging the changes, challenges and losses, you take control rather than being ambushed in the moment.
Things to consider in your plan:
What parts of the holiday you are willing to keep and what parts you are willing to let go of?
What you will say “ yes ” to and what you will say “ no ” to?
What are some new traditions that you would like to create?
What are some old traditions that you would like to lay to rest?
How will you take care of yourself on special days or celebrations this season?
Be realistic: Holidays do not have to be a Hallmark movie Holidays shouldn’t be used to solve unresolved problems nor are holidays filled with magic that ignore your reality. Giving yourself permission to acknowledge and feel the emotion is both normal and a road towards healing
Plan for difficult days by having a list of prepared things that bring you rest, serenity, and joy and then execute this plan on those days
Consider putting in place an escape plan when you attend family or group gatherings. Inform your host in advance that you may need to leave early This allows you to give permission to difficult emotions and experiences without feeling awkward should you need to leave.
“When you address your pain, for joy to come. ” you also make room
Lynne Jordan
Postpone big decisions that can wait until after the holidays
Understand that it is a myth to believe that having faith in Christ equates to happiness True faith is often expressed in the shadows of pain, so reject the urge to believe that God is absent.
Lament. God is safe to cry out to, as He is the one that can solve whatever you are facing. To lament is to stake a claim to our faith that reminds us that God will “ never leave us or forsake us ” Be mindful that God may not reveal the answers to your questions, but He will reveal himself to you.
Be realistic regarding your loss, your pain and challenges Regret can slow your healing down Choose to live in a “what is” state, rather than “what was ”
Govern your thought life and “take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ ” 2 Corinthians 10:5 Focus on what is “true and right” (Philippians 4:8) as you will draw conclusions from what you think and base your decisions on what you conclude
Staying courageous when the season is blue is not a one-size-fits-all. Be kind to yourself as you face the day-today challenges that holidays can often bring, and remember there is a season and time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) God is an unchanging God Your identity in Christ can never be taken away regardless of how blue you may feel, but you can give your blues over to God.
Lynne volunteers as a Stonecroft speaker and is on staff with Stonecroft as a Program Specialist serving leaders in states east of the Mississippi. Lynne resides in Indiana, along with her husband, oldest daughter, and mother. She is an avid cyclist who logs between 500-600 miles each month Lynne is a Registered Nurse who holds degrees in nursing as well as human behavior. She is a certified dementia care practitioner who trains medical staff on the essentials of caregiving with those living with dementia, and is a certified health and wellness coach
CourageConfetti
A young woman in our town was introduced to Stonecroft through our Bible studies. She had been raised in a religion, but did not know Christ. The Bible studies whetted an appetite in her to learn more about God, and as she learned about Him, she realized what it meant that Jesus was her Savior, and that she needed to personally respond to ask Him to save her from her sins. She later became active in Women’s Connection for a season, but due to work commitments has not been able to for the last several years. She is still involved with Bible studies in her neighborhood, and is passionate to introduce women to Jesus.
-Marsha
Every Woman’s Bible Spread Joy:
Featuring notes, commentary, and application by women, for women, this Bible is a relevant and timely tool to reach further than ever.
This would make a beautiful gift to introduce others to the Bible and to the ministry of Stonecroft.
Courage of Christmas Courage of Christmas AdventCalendar
On December 13, begin the journey to Christmas with the Courage of Christmas Advent series.
Each day will invite you to consider how you might reflect the courage of Jesus to enter our world, as demonstrated through the Christmas Story.
Step 1:
Print page 1 and page 2.
Step 2:
Cut 3 sides of the “Day Box,” on the dotted line.
Step 3:
Carefully, glue the top, bottom, and sides, of front page to the back page.
Step 4:
Open each “door” one day at a time as you celebrate the Season of Advent!
love God’sPursuing
God, who created the universe, is full of love. And he wants you to experience that love.
It doesn’t matter what has happened in your past No matter what you ’ ve done, no matter what has been done to you, no matter what you regret about how you ’ ve lived your life, God’s plan for your life is greater God understands you –your hopes, your dreams, your frustrations, your loneliness, your heartaches His love caused Him to pursue us, to leave heaven and to come to earth.
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Sone, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life God sent His son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him” (John 3:16-17)
Jesus Christ paid the penalty for sin when He died on the cross. But He did not stay dead! He came back to life; He rose from the dead And, He is ready to give new life to you
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
How do you begin this new life? Place your trust in Jesus Christ:
Confess Agree with God that none of us is perfect and name some ways you know you ’ ve fallen short
Believe That God’s son dying to set you free is enough! It covers all your wrongs, my wrongs, for all time. We can trust what Jesus did for us
Accept New life in Jesus!
When you trust Jesus Christ, He will live in your life God’s Spirit will live inside you This Holy Spirit will help you live a life that honors Him.
Do you want to begin this new life? You might pray something like this:
Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God and that you died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sin Forgive me I choose to turn away from my sin and live a life that honors you I want to follow you and make you the leader of my life Thank you for your gift of eternal life and for the Holy Spirit who now has come to live in me Amen
The God who made you longs to be in a loving relationship with you. But if you ’ re not yet ready to make this lifechanging choice, we encourage you to continue the spiritual journey you ’ ve begun If you’d like to talk about matters of faith, your leader is available and open to have those conversations with you Beloved, know that God is with you and will never stop pursuing you
From Stranger
to friend
Written by Madeline Shrode
As told by Terri Brown
In July, Stonecroft leaders from across the country had the privilege of gathering at the Kingdom Impact Zone Leadership Summit in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was a wonderful time of connection, vision casting and locking arms with each other as we move into the mission and vision that God has in front of Stonecroft. Many of the women had long days of traveling to and from the Summit, specifically on the way home when Microsoft went down, interrupting air But, inconvenience is often s opportunity to a Stonecroft wo
On Thursday when Ann, Ter other Stonecroft women flew Grand Rapids, they were met b She was there to assist Ann w wheelchair and to ensure that s to where she was going with e they were walking throug airport, it didn't take long Lisa and Ann were talking their lives. Once they got out airport to the vehicle, Lisa coul left, but she didn't She waited, with Ann, Terri and the Stonecroft women who were Once the vehicle came they sai goodbyes, the ladies went on t next stop and Lisa went back to
Throughout the Leader Summit Stonecroft’s mission and vision were presented, and it was clear that, together, there is a call to seize today’s moment, seeing people as God sees them and meeting them right where they are There is an incredible joy and boldness that comes when God’s people gather, to praise His name and do His will.
Once the summit was over Ann, Terri and the others went back to the airport, praying that they would have the opportunity to talk with Lisa again One of the ladies in the earlier flights texted the group of women, letting them know that Lisa was there and that she had found them! She had recognized that this group of women were different. Terri was excited to see Lisa again, as the two had shared in similar life situations and had taken a study to give to her Once she saw Lisa again, Terri gave her the study and Lisa sat and talked with them for hours, finding refreshment and encouragement in this group of Stonecroft women
There is no telling how God will meet us in our everyday lives. This time, for Lisa, it was at work, on the heels of a massive delay in air travel and through a group of women desperate to share God’s love with those they encounter
"There is no telling how GOD WILL MEET US in our everyday lives."
-Madeline Shrode
Madeline Shrode was born and raised in Michigan, and now lives in Kalamazoo with her husband and two children Madeline spent a few years in Tennessee and Virginia competing in and coaching collegiate equestrian She loves CrossFit, spending time with friends, and Detroit Lions football.
Invited is the quarterly magazine for women who want to be part of a movement to pray and to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
For more than 85 years, Stonecroft has existed to see women reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.
Subscribe to Invited to find ideas, inspiration, and community to move your faith outside the Bible Study and into your everyday.
Lucille Sollenberger,
CourageConfetti
Nora lived very hard life Her husband was in the military They traveled to many places and ended up in Columbus Georgia. A lady she met said to Nora that she needed to go to the Christian Women’s Club, but Nora responded that she would never step in a place with that kind of name. A telephone caller called Nora for five months, inviting her to the luncheons but always had an excuse she could not attend. The fifth month, the caller said to Nora, “Would you please come to our special Christmas luncheon and sit with me?” Nora said, “If I come, will you get off my back?” The caller agreed and told her if she didn’t like the luncheon, she would never bother her again. Nora went to the luncheon. She hated everything, especially the ladies who seem to be dressed so much better than she was. But as the speaker spoke, Nora felt like the room disappeared, and there were just two people: her and the Speaker.
As the meeting ended, Nora did not fill out any cards, she did not even go by and shake the speakers hand, but as she drove away, she said to God, “God if this is real, I’ll never smoke another cigarette or drinking another alcoholic drink” (Nora was an alcoholic and a smoker) Fifteen years later, she stood at the Stonecroft Conference and said, “To this day God has helped me keep that commitment.” Nora died two years ago, and as the ladies from the group went to visit her before her death, she said “Tell the ladies 25 years later God has helped me keep that commitment.”
I think about the woman who called her faithfully for five months and did not give up. And I think about that outreach group who made a difference -- a MAJOR difference in Nora’s life
-Linda
GivingTuesday, December3rd
This December 3, your generosity will go twice as far!
Thanks to a $20,000 matching gift, every dollar you give to Stonecroft Ministries online on Giving Tuesday will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000.
Your support mobilizes a movement of women praying and proclaiming the Gospel until every woman is reconciled to God through Jesus. Together, we can provide resources, guidance, and encouragement that transform lives and strengthen communities.
Don't want to wait for the match? You can give now! stonecroft.org/donate
bestgift The Ever
Heidi Farinas
What is the best gift you have ever given? Especially during this season, many of us think of beautifully wrapped boxes under glowing Christmas trees, filled with heirloom quilts, fun toys, the newest gadgets, or sparkling jewelry. Given the nature of my job, I am often asked about the gifts I have been blessed to be a part of.
When I was too young to realize, my family received a radically generous gift. My single mom, my three sisters, and I lived in a two-bedroom apartment in a dangerous part of town A farmer’s wife, who was a regular customer at the diner where my mom worked, befriended my mom. She heard my mother’s concern for her family and offered an old farmhouse on their property for us to rent at a very low cost.
We soon moved from our rundown, small apartment to that old farmhouse in the middle of a field. From those days I remember running in the fields, digging in the dirt, witnessing the birth of calves, friendship with the farmer’s daughter, vacations to places my family could never go, days spent in their pool, hymn sings in their living room, and prayer around their table.
One courageous gift changed my life. It changed my life in a physical sense but more importantly, the farmer’s wife had the gift of listening, hospitality, and inclusion that introduced me to Jesus. I knew there was something different about that family and I wanted it too.
This led me to receive the best gift ever offered, the gift of a Savior who loved me in my darkest hour, who transformed my heart, and offered eternal life with Him.
What kind of gift do I give to a Savior who left His place on high and came to die for me? My heart overflows with gratitude and my only response is to work for every woman to be reconciled to God through Jesus.
Together, we offer life-changing gifts every day
Your courageous gift ensures that women have what they need to pray and proclaim the Gospel.
Through leader calls, Relational Evangelism, small group leader training, and Speaker training, women are equipped to make an invitation, share stories, and proclaim His story
One speaker recently shared with me: “Being a speaker is such an amazing experience. Every time a woman shares her decision for Jesus with me I am so encouraged. Stonecroft has given me an opportunity to share my faith like no other.”
Groups receive prayer guidance, support, and training for effective financial reporting and ministry from national staff.
“Onecourageousgift ” changed my life.
Heidi Farinas
“Stonecroft provides me with everything I need to do effective ministry.” – Leader from Florida
Resources such as bible studies, groups supplies (like A New Beginning!), Gospel-sharing tools, and content for the website and social media are created and updated to help you meet women where they are.
“I am working through the study What Is God Like? with a group of women. Hearts and marriages are changing” –Leader in Pennsylvania
74% of teens and adults in the United States want to grow spiritually. They are waiting and ready to hear the Gospel.
Will you partner with us this season to give the best gift ever? Give the gift of the Gospel today and your gift will be doubled thanks to courageous givers like you.
I can’t wait to meet all of the people in heaven on their best day ever.
You can give a gift online here: https://www.stonecroft.org/donate/
or by sending a check to: PO BOX 8900 KANSAS CITY, MO, 64114
If you have any questions about giving please contact Heidi Farinas, Director of Donor Engagement by email (hfarinas@stonecroft.org) or phone 800.525.8627.
All Gifts made to Stonecroft Ministries are tax-deductible to the extent the law allows.
arinas is the Donor Engagement Director at Stonecroft. God called Heidi to oft after many years of serving givers in Christian ministries Heidi and her d, Marc, have two adult children, Lily and Bella Now empty nesters, they ng in East Tennessee. Much of their free time is enjoyed outdoors in God's and playing pickleball
CourageConfetti
I have never even had to think about sharing my faith. It just comes naturally because it has helped me and my family so much. There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing someone who God has put in your path come to know Jesus, the lover of their soul.
To be effective, a Stonecroft leader must have a heart to reach out to anyone God puts in their path who is seeking or even those who are not seeking. A Stonecroft leader knows, without a doubt, that Jesus is the answer to all of life. Usually God has given that leader a vision of some sort to make her realize what it will be like for those who are lost if they do not come to Jesus. For me, it was riding through Chicago and seeing throngs of people in a vision and they were all in a darkened place with their arms raised and crying out to me, "Why didn't you tell us?"
-Lane
He was Revolutionary Results with me
Written by Suzy Shepherd
As told by Donna Lord
Not very long after I arrived, I about a group that came insi prison and offered an experience women went through an intens faith journey It was during this really experienced the love of G way that was personal and deep different than the way I had view before It was so much more real, and I began to know that He really was with me, taking care of me
who makes the difference.
We all need Him.
After that, I began to lead Bible Studies and hold prayer times with the other women Even when I changed units or was transferred, I would start more. I found out that God could use me behind bars.
I am grateful to be part of Stonecroft, helping more women to know the love of God through Jesus Christ.”
One time I was going to be transferred to another prison A mentor came to me to pray for my move As she prayed, she said she knew God was sending me to the desert I didn’t understand what she meant by that, but I would understand once I arrived in the new location The new prison didn’t have a prayer or Bible Study presence, so I began to host them The desert was the dry desperation apart from the presence of God. My mentor had inspired me to believe God sent me there to take the Living Water to those in need of it
When I was released from prison, I went to live at a halfway house. It was there I began to notice invitations from a local group of women. They had monthly luncheons and a summer get-together I wanted to go, but I wasn’t sure until one of those women came to the house, and I agreed to attend with her.
That luncheon was hosted by Stonecroft women in Gainesville, Florida
I had no idea that I would meet women who loved me so unconditionally They warmly welcomed me, they paid for my meals, and they invited me to help
They heard my story and they did not run away In fact, they came closer They were for me and for my growth as a Christian
Later, I became the prayer coordinator for the group Then I led the Stonecroft Bible Study, Prayers Worth Repeating And, eventually, they even trusted me to manage their database That was an incredible boost to my feelings that they would consider me for a role that required strong character It meant they believed in me!
I still speak for the Florida Probation and Parole Commission Each time, I tell them that the women of the Gainesville Stonecroft group have helped me feel seen, known, and loved by the way they live their faith
My journey may seem pretty unique from many other believing women, but it is also much like others in that Jesus is the One who makes the difference We all need Him I am grateful to be part of Stonecroft, helping more women to know the love of God through Jesus Christ
Courageous
SCAN HERE or visit shop.stonecroft.org
FOLLOWING JESUS THROUGH MARK
This study encourages you to courageously challenge your perspective. As readers acquaint themselves with the life of Jesus Christ as reported by Mark, their perspective will be radically and refreshingly altered Jesus, the greatest, became the least, serving every man and woman so He could bring them back to God.
GROWING IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
“What is faith?” Is it merely a mental process? Is it a type of selfempowerment? This study for small groups and individuals takes people to the book of James to find the answers they need Discover how to deal with challenging life issues and find the help you need to live the way God wants you to live The courage to live connected with Him and in harmony with others.
10 SMART THINGS WOMEN CAN DO
As women make positive changes in their lives, they’ll have more time and energy to focus on what truly makes life worth livingserving and worshiping God, loving family members, spending time with friends, helping others, overcoming trials, and achieving their dreams This study gives women the tools to examine their lives and make courageous and practical changes to life a fuller life.
LIVING IN GOD’S WILL
“What does God want me to do?” This study for small groups and individuals encourages people to stop being anxious about God’s will and instead turn to His Word As participants consider the courageous story of Ruth, they will come to understand that good choices come out of trusting a good God.
THE CONVERSATION SERIES
Most women today feel overwhelmed, yet crave meaningful connection Stonecroft’s Conversation Series provide a safe and authentic place for women to talk about the areas in life where they share common struggles, share scripture, and their own stories of what faith looks like in their own life Women are able to experience Jesus in a small group setting and begin to follow this Him This series helps you start courageous conversations.
people
Written by Ashley Moon
As told by Bev Childs
I remember it clearly As I walked the limestone ridge where Jesus walked to the Mount of Olives – it was like He met me right there As I walked down those steps, I heard His voice clearly say, “I’m with you.” It seemed like He was walking and talking with me there, not just with me in spirit When I returned home, I asked Him, “How can I always feel like that?” He said, “Know my people.”
I began studying the Old Testament and Jewish history I was in love with Jesus, but I had thought the God of the Old Testament was just to be feared As I studied, I fell in love with God I discovered God’s whole Word, and He revealed Himself to me as he had to Moses – “I am who I am. ” God’s steadfast love is mentioned 170 times in the Bible –how had I not seen it before?
God began giving me opportunities help others fall in love with Him as I had. I led Bible studies for women at church and taught a biblical parenting class to young couples I started a Bible study for women on our military base whose spouses were serving overseas, mentoring them and discipling them
My husband was diagnosed with cancer in 2017, so, in the years following I decided I needed to retire and move closer to family but wanted to continue to honor God’s call on my life to “know His people.”
God has been gracious and faithful to speak to me before - so again, I asked the Lord “How can I serve you?” and waited for the answer He said, “I want you to teach the Word”
A friend invited me to the Marietta Christian Women’s Connection On my first visit, a sweet woman came up to me. She had heard I had an accounting background, and before I knew it, I was not only a group member but serving as part of the Financial Coordinating team
To help me understand the mission of Stonecroft, someone gave me a copy of The Story Goes On I read it in one night and fell in love with this ministry! When I became the co-chair of our incredible group, the mission I had read about fueled the calling God had spoken over me I knew it wasn’t enough to just gather Christian women together. We needed to bring the Gospel to women who did not yet know Him. We had to figure out a way to be on mission
The Leadership Calls and updates from some other groups inspired and challenged our hearts Our planning team began talking about reaching out to the unreached
We learned of a local halfway house for women The home is a 12-month program that houses 24 women all at different stages in their lives Their Administrator has spoken at our Women’s Connection Gathering and the decision to pursue this outreach energized the whole group
“I knew it wasn’t enough to just gather Christian women together. We needed to bring the Gospel to women who did not yet know Him.”
We knew we needed to bring the Gospel to these women, and the best way to do that was through our Stonecroft community
We began visiting monthly, bringing food and spending time with the women who live there We share the Gospel and pray with them. We bought Bibles for everyone at the house. We always bring gifts for the ladies – that’s one way everyone can support this outreach, even if they can’t attend We also get prayer request cards from them each time we go, and we pray over them at our Prayer Connection
Since we started being more intentional with our outreach, our Women’s Connection group has grown We’ve increased the number of first- and second-time guests Our group is excited because they can see the impact Stonecroft is having in their own community It’s like we ’ ve put faces to the vision of Outreach.
In everything we do – the Lord leads us. We don’t always know how God is going to work, but He has always provided perfectly. We hand it all over to God and follow the calling He has for us
If you want to energize your group, pursue the mission! Listen and watch for the Lord’s leading Reach out in your community and seek those who do not yet know Him
Ashley Moon is passionate about helping women discover God's love and the many ways they have purpose. She has served Stonecroft in many ways for over two years and is currently the Administrative Project Coordinator for our Staff Ashley and her husband pastor their local church in Florida where they enjoy all of life's adventures with their 2 year old daughter, Elliana.
THE NAMES OF GOD
Create your own ornaments. Now you can display the names of God on your Christmas tree for everyone to see!
CourageConfetti
One neighbor named Jane was so empty and lacking purpose that even her parties made her tired. Her daughter came to our local Bible camp and asked Jesus into her life. Her daughter asked why their family didn't read the Bible to find life in Jesus. Jane began searching for life and saw our advertisement of Friendship Bible Coffees at the Post Office. She loved being around her neighbors and was the life of our Friendship Bible Coffee party! She was relieved that all the books had page numbers. It was easy for her to follow the Gospel of Mark and understand that Jesus promised life more abundant. After attending an Easter conference, she committed her life to Christ and was transformed in such a way that her husband wanted to attend a Friendship Bible Coffee, now known as a Stonecroft Bible Study.
He too, gave his life to Christ as did their son. Both their children served as village missionaries. Jane now serves as a Stonecroft Bible Study Coordinator and is one of our Stonecroft Bible Studies Radio Personalities. Does God give life more abundantly? Ask Jane; as she says, "I am fulfilled in Jesus every day. He is my Life!"
-Anita
Peanut Butter
Recipe found in the 1984 edition of the Stonecroft Family Cookbook
Ingredients
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese
½ c peanut butter
1 (8 oz) whipped topping
Pie
1 c powdered sugar
2 T milk
Baked pie shell or graham cracker crust
Mix together cream cheese and powder sugar. Add peanut butter and milk. Mix well. Fold in whipped topping. Pour into crust and chill at least one hour before serving. Cover tightly and store in the fridge up to three days, or in the freezer up to one month.
Top with chocolate, cookie crumbs, or whipped cream. Serves 6-8.
Make a courageous move and whip this up for your neighbor!
smallest
The thing
Written by Suzy Shepherd
Reliant & Resourceful
As told by Laura Wood
When I was in jail, the Christmas cards we got were such a highlight! The women who came to visit us had idea we would take the glitter and rub it over our eyes like eyeshadow It was the smallest little thing but brought us such joy in a really hard place
Our “eyeshadow” was just one reason I came to love these women
For most of us, it was the darkest time of our lives I had ended up there because of my decisions with boys and drugs. I’m not proud of it, but it’s part of my story
My bond was fairly low, and friends or family could have gotten me out but they chose not to I realized and grew to accept that it was kind of like being grounded, and this was my time out from life.
The days dragged on, with nothing to look forward to - except Wednesdays
Wednesdays were when this group of women would come to the jail and we could go meet with them We called them “the church ladies” because, along with once-a-month snacks, they always told us that God loves us and that He wanted us to know how much He loves us
Every week, they asked how they could pray for me and I know they did because they always asked me for updates. I never felt as if they were looking down on me They told us that they had plenty of things they’d done wrong and that they had no judgment for us. We knew it was true because of how they treated us These “church ladies” welcomed me every week.
Their steady influence, showing up over and over, and loving me even when I failed, showed me God’s love in a new and different way They drew me to themselves, and in doing so, to the very presence of my Creator, the God who invited me to know and love Him through Jesus
Over time, I came to trust Jesus and follow Him during my time there In spite of my mistakes they continued to love me and nurture my relationship to God, encouraging me to keep going. I saw miracles happen- for example, by every account I was going to be sentenced to prison We prayed together and my case was instead referred to drug court I had served six months by then and was released to the two-year drug court program That was a miracle.
But I still haven’t told you the most amazing part of my story
Now I am living proof of what God’s grace and redemption can do You see, I left jail with a new hope and a new direction
Once I was released, I began to attend the local outreach hosted by women from Stonecroft They welcomed me in no differently than they had when I met them at our Wednesday Bible Study I became a financial advisor Then the group asked me to be their Financial Coordinator This was such a surprise to me! I filled that role until they asked me to then lead the group! So, I am now the Co-Chair of the Bartlesville Women’s Connection
The Stonecroft women who visited me in jail are now truly my friends We text each other regularly, we pray for one another, and some are even now my professional clients I didn’t know love before, but they showed me something different
God uses faithful women like those who reached me Being faithful will sometimes mean that we have to be okay with being unsure or nervous about what He is calling us to do
My story proves that courageous obedience can create huge impact in the lives of others.
I thank God for the women of Stonecroft
This article wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the names of the women who serve at the jail where I met Jesus Debbie King, Lois Bryan, Carol Long and Helen Lewis were faithful to come and to serve each week.
I also had the privilege of getting to know the woman who spearheaded starting the ministry at the jail, Cindy Neptune She has since moved, but I count her a friend as she never gave up on me and was a integral part of my story
We are prayer-filled communities who create environments of warm welcome and gracious hospitality, where relationships and leaders are developed so the Gospel can be shared.
too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ.
