God’ s
Plan For
Sharing
· Paul's Contact
Information
· Spartanburg County Baptist Network:
1. Physical Address: 660 Cummings Street
· Spartanburg, SC 29303
2. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 4884
· Spartanburg, SC 29305
Office Phone: 864-582-8330
Office Fax: 864-583-2001
Email: spaulmckee@bellsouth.net
Website: www.spartanburgcountybaptistnetwork.org
· This booklet is a partnership effort between the Network and its WMU to assist our churches in following “GOD”S PLAN for SHARING” (GPS) in their Jerusalem and beyond. Let us know how we can be of further assistance to you or your church in learning about or becoming more involved in missions. Below is a list of some of the services I can provide you:
1. Needs Assessments: To help you identify the needs in your community.
2. Evangelism Training: Teach or provide you with materials to train your congregations in evangelism (One Hour or One Day Training, Share Jesus Without Fear, Prayer-Walking, ICE-Intentional Community Evangelism-SCBC, Evangelism Response Center-NAMB, Block Party Trailer-IEBP).
3. Mission Studies: I am willing to teach Mission Studies for NAMB or IMB Emphasis Weeks. I have taught on Nigeria, Moldova and Venezuela.
4. Missions In General: I am willing to speak about Missions to any group or congregation.
5. Pulpit Supply: I am willing to provide Pulpit Supply when available.
· In an effort to follow “GOD’S PLAN for SHARING” (GPS) in 2009, we must remember first and foremost what Scripture teaches us about following Jesus. We are to “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33
· Now let's follow our “GPS!”
Table of Contents
|
Section
|
Page
|
Topic
|
|
I.
|
1
|
Brother Paul’s Contact Page
|
|
|
2
|
Table of Contents
|
|
|
3
|
2009 Theme: God’s Plan for Sharing (GPS)
|
|
|
4
|
Connecting Volunteers with Mission Opportunities
|
|
|
5
|
Upcoming Training Events
|
|
|
6
|
Upcoming Training Events (continued)
|
|
|
7
|
Daily Prayer Guide
|
|
|
8-9
|
Bible Reading Plan
|
|
II.
|
|
2009 Listing of Mission Project Suggestions by Month
|
|
|
10-11
|
January
|
|
|
|
· Serving Our Savior: SOS Dance Ministry
|
|
|
|
· Sports Ministry
|
|
|
12-13
|
February
|
|
|
|
· American Cancer Society: Road to Recovery Program
|
|
|
|
· Feeding the Hungry through Soup Kitchens
|
|
|
14-15
|
March
|
|
|
|
· The Journey Home
|
|
|
|
· The Security Blanket Project
|
|
|
16
|
Spring Sports Fest
|
|
|
17-18
|
April
|
|
|
|
· Christmas in Action
|
|
|
|
· Miracle Hill Children’s Home
|
|
|
19-20
|
May
|
|
|
|
· Evelyn Henderson Mission Offering
|
|
|
|
· Faith Home
|
|
|
21-22
|
June
|
|
|
|
· Diamond Minds
|
|
|
|
· Pure Water, Pure Love
|
|
|
23-24
|
July WORLD HUNGER : a 3-month emphasis
|
|
|
|
· Luke 19: 10 Ministries
|
|
|
|
· School Supplies Give-Away
|
|
|
25-26
|
August WORLD HUNGER: a 3-month emphasis
|
|
|
|
· Student Connections
|
|
|
|
· English-as-a-Second-Language Ministries
|
|
|
27
|
September WORLD HUNGER: a 3-month emphasis
|
|
|
|
· Prayer Walk for Hunger Tour
|
|
|
28-29
|
October
|
|
|
|
· Christmas in Action
|
|
|
|
· Fair Ministry Opportunities
|
|
|
30-31
|
November
|
|
|
|
· Feed the Community
|
|
|
|
· Prison Packets
|
|
|
32
|
December
|
|
|
|
· Homebound/Servicemen and Women Ministry
|
|
III.
|
33-34
|
Other Kingdom Connection Opportunities
|
|
|
35
36
|
Servant Evangelism opportunities
Nova Scotia Experience
|
2009 THEME: GOD’S PLAN FOR SHARING (GPS)
After reflecting upon the past 25 years of service as a Network in 2008, now comes the time for us to focus on the future and where the Lord will lead.
While we have never been before where we are going, God has promised never to lead us where His Grace will not protect us. In Proverbs 3:5-6 we are reminded to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not upon your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” Psalm 37:4 also reminds us to “Delight yourself in the Lord and the desires of your heart will be yours.”
This, however, is not automatic for us as sinful human beings. It doesn’t just happen because we want it to happen. It takes hard work, discipline and a determination to become a true follower of Jesus Christ.
Following GOD’S PLAN for SHARING is a three-fold process. It starts with knowing you are saved. Romans 10:9 says we are to “confess with our mouths Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God has raised Him from the dead and you will be saved.” The second part of the process is learning how we are to live. We are to live godly lives focused on proclaiming the gospel (Titus 1:1 and 2:11-14). The third part of the process is to recognize all we have belongs to God. We are His stewards given His blessings, gifts and resources to be used for His glory. (2 Cor. 9:6-9 & 1 Tim. 6:17-19).
My prayer for each of you this year is that you will rediscover the joy of your salvation, prioritize your lives according to the will of God and give of yourselves and from the abundance of blessings God has bestowed upon you as you endeavor to follow GOD’S PLAN FOR SHARING in 2009.
May ‘GPS’ lead you to take action in 2009 that will change lives for eternity.
MISSION TRIP OPPORTUNITIES
1. South Asia Mission Trip: Mar. 16-27 or April 13-24, 2009
a. Team Leader: Dr. Jim Goodroe (*Call for more details later)
2. Conyers, GA Small Church Youth Mission Trip: June 14-19, 2009
a. Team Leader: Bro. Paul McKee (call 582-8330 for more details)
b. Location: Conyers, Georgia
c. Information Meeting: January 13, 2009 at Network
d. Commitment Deadline: February 27, 2009 w/$100 Team Deposit
3. Canada Mission Trip: *Tentatively June 26-July 3, 2009
a. Team Leader: Bro. Paul McKee (*Call for more details later)
b. Information Meeting & Cost Breakdown: January 8, 2009
c. Commitment Deadline: February 27, 2009
d. See p. 36 of this booklet for more information on Canada trips .
4. Family Mission Trips: (Pre-Packaged, Week-Long Trips)
a. Host: Family On Mission Department (NAMB)
b. Locations & Dates are as follows:
i. Southwest Virginia-June 6-11, 2009
ii. Helen, Georgia – June 13-18, 2009
iii. Bryson City/Cherokee, NC – June 20-25, 2009
iv. Broken Arrow (Tulsa ), Oklahoma –July 4-9, 2009
v. Ruston/Farmerville, Louisiana – July 11-16, 2009
vi. Columbiana, Alabama – July 18-23, 2009
c. Registration Begins November 1, 2008
d. Contact: Call 1-800-462-8657 ext 6219, email: fom@namb.net
5. Family FEST 2009: Two Trip are available in 2009
a. Natchez, MS – July 18-23, 2009
b. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin – July 20-24, 2009
i. For more dates and locations go to www.wmu.com , click on Volunteer Connections and then on MissionFEST/FamilyFEST.
*If “GPS” is leading you to take a mission trip, call for more details.
UPCOMING TRAINING EVENTS
1. Women’s Lifestyle Evangelism Conference
a. Date: Jan. 29, 09 (Taylors FBC), Jan. 31, 09 (Columbia FBC)
b. Cost: $20 (Includes Lunch) on or before Jan.14, 09
i. To register, call 1-800-723-7242 or go to www.scbaptist.org/women.
c. Time: 9:30 am-3:20 pm
d. Theme: Unashamed to Proclaim the Gospel
2. State & Network Vacation Bible School Clinics
a. State Date & Location: February 14, 2009 (White Oak Conf. Ctr)
b. Network Date & Location: April 14, 2009, Time: 6:15-9:00 pm
c. Contact: Alyssa Sparks for more details & Network location
3. State Evangelism Conference
a. Date: February 23-24, 2009
b. Location: Columbia FBC, Columbia, SC
c. Cost: FREE!
i. To register, call 1-800-723-7242 or go to www.scbaptist.org/men.
d. Evangelism Time: 2:00 pm: Evangelism Workshops Begin on Feb. 23
e. Conference Time: Begins at 6:00 pm on Feb 23
4. Disaster Relief Training (*See website for time schedules)
a. Dates: March 6-7, 2009 & October 8-9, 2009
b. Spring Location: Brushy Creek Baptist Church-Taylors, SC
c. Fall Location: White Oak Conference Center, Winnsboro, SC
d. Cost: $25 for new volunteers, $20 for returning volunteers
i. To register, call 1-800-723-7242 or go to www.scbaptist.org/dr.
e. Courses Offered: Chainsaw, Childcare, Crisis Intervention, Evangelism, Mass Feeding, Mud-Out, Sheltering, earthquake preparedness and others
f. Specialty Classes Offered: Assessment, International DR, ICS 100
g. NOVA Training will be offered May 4-8, 2009 (*Ask about details)
5. SC WMU Annual Meeting (Contact www.scwmu.org for details)
a. Dates: March 27-28, 2009
b. Location: Alice Drive Baptist Church, Sumter, SC
TRAINING EVENTS CONTINUED
6. Salt & Light Men’s Ministries Conference
a. Date: April 17-18, 2009
b. Location: White Oak Conference Center-Winnsboro, SC
c. Cost & Times: TBA
i. To register, call 1-800-723-7242 or go to www.scbaptist.org/men.
7. Training On Demand
a. Dates: April 17-18, 2009
b. Location, Times and Costs: TBA
c. This event offers conferences for new and experienced leaders working with Mission Friends, GA’s and Children in Action.
d. Contact www.scwmu.org for more details
8. 2009 Senior Adult Convention
a. Dates: March 16-18, 2009
b. Location: Charleston Southern University, Charleston, SC
c. Costs: $20.00 before 3/12/09 if done Online
$25.00 before 3/12/09 if Mailed
$30.00 for walk-ins
d. Hotel Reservations and costs are your responsibility. (*Don’t forget to mention CSU when making your reservations though)
e. Features: The Singing Churchmen, Marathon Singers from Lex. Baptist Church, Mike Lewis-The Jesus Painter & our very own D. J. Horton from right here in the Network.
f. Mission Projects: Plans are being made to provide you with some awesome opportunities to share the gospel. Don’t Miss Out!
*These training events and others are offered to further equip you in the work of the Lord. I hope you will take advantage of as many as possible.
Remember to let “GPS” guide you as you faithfully seek His will in 2009.
Daily Prayer Guide
SUNDAY: Pray for those you know who are lost without a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ.
MONDAY: Pray for your pastors, church staff and their families
TUESDAY: Pray for your lay leaders (Deacons, SS Teachers, Mission Leaders,
Nursery Workers, etc…)
WEDNESDAY: Pray for your family members, fellow church members and
Christian friends.
THURSDAY: Pray for our Nation’s leaders
FRIDAY: Pray for retired and active IMB, NAMB and the self-funded MSC
Missionaries serving around South Carolina, the USA and the world.
SATURDAY: Those who protect and serve us (Military Personnel, Police
Officers, Firemen, EMT/Paramedics, Postal Workers, Medical
Personnel, School Personnel, etc…).
Other Prayer Tips
How to Pray Effectively for the Lost:
· Pray for their hearts to be deeply convicted of sin (John 16:8)
· Pray for God to draw them to Christ by His Spirit (John 6:44)
· Pray for God to open their eyes that they might see Christ (Matt. 16:17)
· Pray for God to remove any barriers to their salvation (1 Cor. 10:5)
· Pray for new birth and true repentance (2 Cor. 5:17)
Methods for Praying Evangelistically:
· Develop a Person Prayer List: Pray for them regularly and by name.
· Develop a Sunday School Prayer List: Make it an intentional part of class.
· Prayer Walk or Prayer Drive Your Neighborhoods.
· Public Prayer Contacts: As you meet people in the daily course of life, ask them if you can pray for them about something specific or in general.
How to Pray Your Church will be Missional (Acts 1:8)
· Pray your church will become a house of prayer (John 13:34).
· Pray for God to direct and empower all our Missional efforts as only He can.
January
Serving Our Savior
www.SOSDanceMinistry.com
S.O.S. Dance Ministry is a unique ministry of volunteers using their love for dance, drama and worship to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with churched and un-churched people alike.
Plastic Glasses, Icy Hot, Pretty Ugly and . . . Dance Ministry?
These words may at first seem like they don’t belong together, but look a little closer. They fit perfectly.
The pair that might be least familiar is the last one. Can dance be part of ministry? Does it even belong in church? Some say “Why, certainly” others offer an emphatic “No!” Still others can’t decide. In some circles dance is a four letter word. (Okay it’s actually five letters, but you get my point). But why? Well like so many other things created to honor and bring glory to God, sinful man used it to please himself. Man took what was once sanctified as good and honorable for himself and his glory, which is seen throughout Scripture and in our current society.
So, what does the Bible have to say about dance? Scripture repeatedly tells us to praise and honor Him with song and dance. King David danced with such abandon that he literally danced out of his clothes and into the streets!
S.O.S. DANCE MINISTRY seeks to bring glory and honor to our Heavenly Father through dance, righteous, holy and uplifting dance. Despite the presence of entertainment value we are not performers but ministers of the gospel. And we follow His command to GO! Whether it’s reaching out to a lost and dying world through inner city street ministry, providing hope to disaster victims like those left devastated in the wake of Hurricane Katrina or teaching churches and/or individuals to worship God through dance and drama, God has blessed S.O.S. with numerous opportunities to plant seeds and nurture them with their dance ministry. We have also been fortunate enough to host several backyard Bible clubs, participate in numerous festivals and events and sponsor programs for various other ministries. He has given so much! S.O.S. allows those involved a way to give back to God a portion of what He’s given to them!
Our diversity is represented not only in our worship styles or our outreach programs, but is evidenced in the faces of our team members. Hailing from several denominations and spanning all socio-economic backgrounds we recognize giving praise to the Father is not about divisional lines or labels but is truly a reflection of the heart.
May we have the honor of worshipping with and ministering to you? Through the power of the Holy Spirit and by HIS grace we humbly believe your group stands to be blessed by the ministry of S O S.!
If you or your group/church would like to learn more about how to have S.O.S. come to your church to share the gospel through drama and music, assist you in Neighborhood Evangelism, Festivals, Fairs, VBS, Camps, Hospital and Nursing Home Representation, Teen Revivals, conduct a fundraiser or Train Your Leaders in Worship Dance and Drama, please call Kim Addis at 864-764-3997 for more details
Sixty+ Volunteers await your call to share Jesus with you through Community Dance/Worship/Drama.
If GPS leads you to explore a new & different type of worship and outreach experience, call SOS for a blessing.
Sports Ministry
A new ministry is in the works! Troy Christianson, a member of one of our Network churches has a vision for starting a new Co-Ed Softball league right here in Spartanburg county. This league will not be part of the Spartanburg Parks and Recreation league Troy’s desire is to see churches of all sizes be able to reach out to people in their congregations and communities through the sport of Softball. The new league would mix sports and fellowship together as a way of developing relationships that may lead to opportunities to share the gospel. The emphasis will be on fellowship instead of competition.
Costs: FREE!
Playing Location: Ball fields are needed (*If your church has its own softball field and is willing to allow this league to use it, please call Troy or Bro. Paul).
Estimated Start Time: Late Spring (*This will allow time to develop the league)
Additional Need: Umpires (*We need people to volunteer as an umpires too).
If your church or other denominational churches would like to include a Co-Ed team please contact Troy Christianson at 864-809-1874, email troycspg@yahoo.com or call Bro. Paul at the Network at 582-8330.
February
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
ROAD TO RECOVERY PROGRAM
The American Cancer Society is in need of volunteer drivers for its Road to Recovery program. This program provides cancer patients with transportation to and from their scheduled medical appointments or treatments. The road of life is often filled with ups and downs, but you can help make the road a little straighter
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP SOMEONE WITH CANCER?:
- Offer your time to show compassion and concern for a cancer patient.
- Donate the use of your personal vehicle and gas to provide transportation for a cancer patient to get to their doctor’s appointments or cancer treatments.
- Volunteers must possess a good driving record and a serviceable vehicle. Volunteers are asked to drive at least one morning or afternoon per month. You let ACS know when you are available to volunteer. Volunteer drivers are given at least 5 days notice.
- You are asked not to transport patients on non treatment-related errands.
- Never physically assist non-ambulatory patients (Patients unable to walk without assistance).without bringing along a friend or family member of theirs to help them.
- Do Not give medical advice.
- In the event of an emergency, you are to contact the nearest medical facility or call 911.
WHY IS THIS PROGRAM SO NEEDED?:
Because a lack of transportation often leaves some cancer patients with few options for completing the lifesaving treatments they so desperately need. Many patients need daily or weekly treatments over a period of months and simply have no way to get there. Although family and friends may be able to help sometimes, there are many times when they are not available. This is why the Road to Recovery program was started and why YOU ARE NEEDED!
For more information about the Road to Recovery Program and how you can become a volunteer driver, contact Mrs. Derinda King at the American Cancer Society Upstate Spartanburg Office at 864-414-3737, 1-800-227-2345, email her at derinda.king@cancer.org or www.cancer.org.
If GPS leads you to help with this ministry need, let me know about your experience.
FEEDING THE HUNGRY THROUGH SOUP KITCHENS
The Soup Kitchen in Spartanburg & WASK-Woodruff Area Soup Kitchen both help feed the hungry around the county from 11:30 am -12:30 pm.
The Soup Kitchen WASK
Serves 350-400 hungry persons 365 days Serves an average of 25 hungry persons every
per year from anywhere in the county. Wednesdays-Fridays in the Woodruff area.
As a result of the recent economic decline the numbers of people being served has increased at both facilities, especially at The Soup Kitchen. They are currently serving between 500-600 people daily, an average of 16,500 meals per month. Both facilities feed not only the poor and hungry, but also the working poor. The working poor are those who are employed at minimum wage or close, but still need assistance to become totally independent.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
- If you are a local business owner and would like to make a difference in your community by donating leftover food to either of these locations, please call Lou Landrum in Spartanburg at 583-6320 or Shonda Mahler in Woodruff at 595-1529.
- Churches are asked to make financial contributions to either of these two ministries, hold food drives, as well as encourage members to volunteer their time to serve the hungry and needy.
- Individuals are encouraged to contribute financially, donate food and other goods.
Below is a list of items each ministry needs on a regular basis:
The Soup Kitchen WASK
- Financial Assistance 1. Financial Assistance
- Volunteers to serve, sort, unload food 2. Volunteers to serve, sort, unload food
and clean up dishes & facilities and clean up dishes & facilities.
- Canned Meats 3. Canned Soups
- Green Beans 4. Canned Vegetables
- Fruit Cocktail 5. Fruits (Canned & Fresh)
- Packets of Cool Aid Mix 6. Evaporated Milk
- Tea 7. Sugar
- Macaroni Noodles 8. Salt & Pepper
- Creams of Soups
Someone hurting and hungry around you needs your help. Let GPS lead you to make a difference in the life of someone in need this year, both physically & spiritually.
March
The Journey Home
To use an old cliché “There’s No Place Like Home.” While at first it may seem strange to use such a cliché to refer to a church, especially one that’s a relatively new church plant, this cliché fits for several reasons:
1. For much of the congregation, the Journey Church has become a refuge from the turbulent world of crime, addictions and extreme poverty they live in daily.
2. For many of their members, the journey home has been a difficult journey from the addictions and hardships that once engulfed them to a place of recovery and hope they now enjoy as a result of the Journey’s ministry.
3. Not only has the Journey Church made the physical journey home less lonely and scary for many members, they have also helped place them on the spiritual journey home through a new hope in Christ.
This has not been an easy journey for Pastor Chris Pollard either. The Journey Church, while reaching out to the forgotten, overlooked and often unloved, has received little, if any, of the traditional funding available to other new church plants. However, they have stayed the course and God continues to bless them with new members and converts. With this increased growth comes increased expense as well. Unfortunately, most of the Journey Church’s new members have little, if any, financial resources to give due to an overwhelming majority of them being inner-city children, unemployable or disabled. Another challenge that confronts the Journey Church is a lack of mature believers to provide Sunday School leadership and discipleship areas because so many are new believers themselves.
So, this is the perfect opportunity for us to live out our motto as a Network of churches: To work together to do what none of us can do alone-including the Journey Church. The Journey has partnered with other ministries and organizations all around Spartanburg to reach people for Christ and continues to do so as a part of their daily existence. However, now they need help. They have lost their place of worship with the Baptist Collegiate ministry building being sold, which was being made available to them at minimal expense.
In the month of March, our focus will be “The Journey Home.” We are asking each pastor of each church to do THREE THINGS on behalf of a fellow pastor, his church and the Kingdom of God.
PRAY: Encourage each member of your church to pray for God’s will in the life of the Journey Church daily.
GIVE: Encourage each member to give One Dollar toward a special love offering for the Journey Church
Serve: Encourage members of your church to physically partner with the Journey Church by offering to serve as a Sunday School Teacher, provide childcare, assist with an outreach event and many other ways, at least once in 2009. For more information on how to follow “GPS” and partner with the Journey Church, please call Pastor Chris Pollard at 621-9362 or email journeychris@gmail.com.
The Security Blanket Project
This ministry is a non-profit organization offering financial assistance and support to families with children facing life-threatening illnesses living in Spartanburg County. The SBP provides assistance with transportation (gas, airline fares, rental cars), lodging, meals and other expenses not covered by insurance.
SBP also provides parties, field trips, cookouts, spiritual support groups, food supplements and other relationally-based events. Why is a ministry like the Security Blanket Project so important?
1. Cancer is the #1 disease killing children today, more than Asthma, Diabetes, Cystic Fibrosis and Aids combined.
2. Each year in the USA 12,000 young people will be diagnosed with cancer, not counting other life-threatening illnesses. In South Carolina in 2003, almost 200 children were diagnosed with cancer.
3. One in three hundred children will be diagnosed with cancer before their 16th birthday.
4. Childhood cancers have shown some of the largest improvements in cancer survival during the past 20 years. Today, up to 70% of all children with cancer can be cured, if treatment is received in time
How can you and your church help?
1. Make referrals to Security Blanket on behalf of children with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses.
2. Sponsor a day at Summer Camp for children with cancer during the last week of June (Being a sponsor includes providing a bus and driver if possible to help with transportation, volunteers to assist with activities, snacks, etc.
3. Provide food for two families per month or as often as you choose.
4. Host a party or cookout for families and their children with cancer.
5. Provide monetary donations to help defray costs not covered by insurance.
For more information, contact Christina Jeffrey by email christinakfjeffrey@gmail.com or their physical location is 1855 E. main Street, Suite 14-101, Spartanburg, SC 29307 or call Bro. Paul at the Network.
April
Christmas in Action
A nonprofit organization whose mission is to come together as a community to make home repairs for elderly, disabled and disadvantaged homeowners in the Spartanburg area two days a year.
Spring Date: April 4, 2009
Location: Woodruff Area
Goal: Repair and Rebuild 40 homes
Needed: Churches/teams to host and/or sponsor individual homes (projects)
*Our Network Goal: 40 Churches/Teams (*Small or Large, your group can be partnered with another to meet the needs of a project)
**Other Volunteers Needed: To donate money to help fund projects, drinks, snack cakes and homeowner’s Goodie Baskets
Call Bro. Paul at 582-8330 for more details
Contact Information: Sandi Turner, CIA Director at 576-7101 to sign up a team or request to be partnered with another team, depending on size.
Will you pray about letting “GPS” lead you to repair a home of someone in need?
Miracle Hill Children’s Home
In 1937, a group of Greenville businessmen established a small rescue mission in response to the devastation caused by the Great Depression. That small mission eventually grew into what is known today as Miracle Hill Greenville Rescue Mission. The ministry continued to grow. Today, the ministry is known as the Miracle Hill Ministries and provides shelter, food, counseling and a variety of other services for hundreds of people each year, including homeless men and their families. It is also home to a highly successful, Christ-centered, drug and alcohol treatment program, Over-comers.
In 1957, the mission purchased land in Pickens County to be used as a rehabilitation center for alcoholics. However, there were increasing demands for the care of children who could no longer stay in their homes that took precedent. The Miracle Hill Children’s Home was born out of this increasing demand.
In 2009 as we follow “GPS,” we will focus on reaching out to the children of our Judea who live at the Miracle Hill Children’s Home during a turbulent time in their lives.
HOW CAN YOU HELP A CHILD AT MIRACLE HILL CHILDREN’S HOME? In 2009, we will be collecting small children’s suitcases with rollers for the children. You can give in the following ways:
1. Purchase Suitcases
2. Make Monetary Gifts for Suitcases
Miracle Hill also impacts the community in many other ways as well through their multiple outreach facilities. They have rescue missions in, not only Greenville, but, Spartanburg and Cherokee counties too. They also have shelters for boys, and Shepherd’s Gate for women and expecting mothers. As hungry families continued to surface, Miracle Hill started a Relief Ministry where people can come and receive food in times of crisis.
Spring Sports Fest
Men get ready for a ton of fun. Springtime is the time for Fishing, Clay Shooting and Golf. It is also a great time to spend with your children. Why not make it an outing you all enjoy and give mom the day off or at least only have the young ones to take care of for the day.
APRIL 18, 2009: Fishing Tournament at Lake Bowen
*Special Guest Speaker-Dr. Hank Williams, a Delicious Meal and plenty of Awards will be given in several categories. Come make some new friends and have a blast fishing the day away!
MAY 2, 2009: Christmas In Action Clay
Shooting Event
Fun for all ages and all skill levels. Awards given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd teams and overall Best Shooter, 100 rounds of Sporting Clays, lunch provided and tournament souvenirs.
|
May 14-17, 2009: The BMW Celebrity Golf Classic:
For those of you who enjoy watching a good golf match and seeing lots of celebrities too, this is the event for you. Patron Credentials will be sold again this year for $25.00. This will get you into the event all four days. This fee also allows you to park and bring a youth 14 years old or younger for free. *All proceeds from tickets bought from Christmas In Action goes directly to support Rebuilding Day Projects.
So mark your calendars for each theses events and watch for more details in the Newsletter in the March/April edition.
May
Evelyn Henderson Missions Offering
“OUR 2009 GOAL IS $20,000”
Each year, a new emphasis is chosen to help our churches focus on a specific ministry to financially support during this month in honor of Ms. Henderson’s many years of Christian service here in Spartanburg and beyond. A portion of this offering is also used to continue the Hispanic work among the migrants.
In 2008, our Evelyn Henderson Missions Offering was designated for Disaster Relief and a new Combo Trailer. This year our focus will be on, not one ministry, but several ministries. Due to multiple needs, our offering will be designated to:
1. Hispanic Summer Missionaries: $2,500
2. Disaster Relief: $5,000
3. Collegiate Ministry: $5,000
4. Kaleidoscope: $5,000
5. Block Party Trailer: 1,000
6. Media Technology for Network (Laptop) $1500
7. The Journey Church: Any funds above estimated offering of $20,000
*Please give generously to this offering as you follow “GPS” in 2009
MIGRANT MINISTRY
Every year, migrant workers from around the country make their way to Spartanburg to work the fields and orchards to help feed their families. Despite their willingness to work, many still struggle to provide for the basic necessities needed for their families.
How Can You Help This Ministry? Assembling and Donating Migrant Kits: Below is a list of needed items:
· 1-Toothbrush 1-Washcloth
· 1-Toothpaste (6 oz) 1-Bath Towel
· 1-Soap (4.5 oz bath size) 1-Comb
· Place all items in a 2 gallon Ziploc bag
*Deliver bags to Boiling Springs FBC by May 29, 2009, but let the Network know how many you collected and the number of helpers. For information on following “GPS” and ministering to migrants, call Ms. Evelyn Henderson at 578-0313.
Faith Home, Inc. is a Christian rehabilitation ministry for alcoholics and drug addicts voluntarily seeking genuine assistance with their addictions. The ministry operates a facility in Greenwood and Abbeville for ladies and a men’s facility in Cowpens. Residents are never charged for their stay, but are encouraged to help others in need by telling them about Faith Home. Its mission is based on the fundamental belief that the solutions to problems caused by drugs and alcohol can be found through faith in God.
Residents experience a separated life for 8 weeks, close to nature and away from unsettling influences of the world. Bible study, daily morning devotions, AA, Al-Anon, and regular church services are at the heart of the program. They work with staff members and other residents to understand how they have faltered. This home is dedicated to the purpose of leading the addicted to victory through the Lord Jesus Christ.
HOW CAN YOU HELP IN THE RESTORATIVE PROCESS AT COWPENS?
1. Pray for the current residents in all the facilities, but especially Cowpens.
2. Make Monetary Contributions to support the work of this ministry.
3. Provide the Following Items:
a. Paper Goods and Cleaning Supplies
b. Bed Linens: Twin Sheets, Pillows and Cases,
c. Bath Towels and Wash Cloths, and
d. Donate furniture, clothing and toys to one of the thrift store in Cowpens & Chesnee
To follow “GPS” and learn more about how you can be a part of this life-changing ministry, call 864-223-0694, visit the website at www.faithhomegwd.net or email at faithhome_gwd@msn.com.
June
Diamond Minds
A Program of Operation Restoration
Operation Restoration (OR) is a faith-based nonprofit organization, also referred to as a Community Development Corporation. They work with poor families and neighborhoods to address poverty and its symptoms. They offer a wide range of programs, including Diamond Minds.
Diamond Minds offers adult mentors, academic enrichment, field trips, character education, counseling, and exposure to positive lifestyle choices to children and youth ages 5-18 years of age who are victims of parents who are incarcerated. Therefore, the nurturing relationship that should exist between a parent and child is missing. The primary goal of Diamond Minds is to prepare these young people to lead positive productive lives. To do this, we know that our greatest challenge is to re-educate them to function well in society, to instill good moral values, to provide guidance, and to help these young people structure a life worth living. That’s where your help is needed.
HOW CAN YOU HELP MINE DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH?:
1. Become a mentor for a child or youth-You can model good, healthy and safe life choices for them.
2. Spend 1 hour a week or 4 hours per month with the child or youth assigned to you.
3. Make a one year commitment to mentor this child or youth if at all possible
4. Submit to and pass a SCLED check. (*Required of all volunteers working with children under the age of 18).
5. Contact Mrs. Rhonda Roberson for more details or to become a volunteer mentor and lending a hand to someone in need of a little loving support and encouragement.
Call and learn about what a difference you can make in
the life of a child by following “GPS.”
PURE WATER, PURE LOVE
MINSTRY
Can you turn on the in your home and have a high expectation that the quality of water that comes out will not be harmful to you, your family, or your guests? If yes, you are more fortunate than many of our missionaries.
PWPL is a partnership ministry of WMU and the donors who help make it possible to give the gift of clean water to missionaries, their families and those they serve all around the world. This ministry has been helping meet this vital need since 1997 and needs your help to continue.
The cost of each water purification/filtration system or assistance with digging a well ranges from $250.00 to $400.00 for each item.
Imagine having to walk for miles just to get water or having to boil water before you use it to be sure it’s safe to drink. Your church can help one of our missionary families or a church/village needing a well by following “GPS” and begin raising funds to purchase these systems.
· Simply place around your church, in SS classrooms, foyers, choir rooms, etc… and ask people to give the physical gift of water to our missionaries so they might give the gift of spiritual life to others.
All proceeds are to be turned into the Network by July 2, 2009.
July
LUKE 19:10 MINISTRIES
“AFRICANS USING YOUR SUNDAY SCHOOL MATERIALS”
If your church or Sunday School class is looking for a mission project, Luke 19:10 is worthy of consideration. You can collect used materials at the end of each quarter and deliver them to Luke 19:10 in Greenville. I also encourage you to ask Steve to give you a tour on your first trip over. It will open your eyes to the impact of this ministry.
Luke 19:10 sends Sunday School literature and other materials to 21 countries around the world. About 20% of the world’s population currently reads and writes in English. This photo was taken on 9/23/08 of some of those people who were delighted to have your Sunday School materials. When you give literature listed below, you are helping people learn about Christ and others mature in their faith. Lifeway literature is preferred for doctrinal soundness.
Items Needed are:
Left-over church Sunday School, Discipleship and Devotional materials, Baptist Hymnals, Christian Books, Commentaries, tracts, Christian cassette tapes, videos & CD’s and much more. Financial donations also help with Shipping. Call Steve for a complete list at number below.
Be sure to sort your materials neatly so as not to damage it. Place material in boxes only with the lids closed, before you bring them. No plastic bags please!
Contact Person and Information: Steve Rutledge = Cell-(864) 640-1541, Home- (864) 299-6087
Ministry Center Location- 20 Martin Drive, Greenville SC
E-mail- steve@luke19-10ministries.org and Website-www.luke19-10ministries.org
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Collection Projects: Will you Gather School Supplies?
Gather up all the pencils, crayons, scissors, and other school supplies you can find!
|
Each year we gather school supplies for the children that travel with their parents to all of the fair locations and children in Spartanburg county area. They greatly appreciate the supplies and use them to enhance their education. Supplies will be divided among the Fair children and local ministries.
The supplies needed are:
- Pencils - Pens -Crayons
- Pencil Sharpeners - Notebook Paper - Rulers
- Calculators - Markers - Erasers
- 3 Ring Binders - Folders - Scissors
- Highlighters - Colored pencils - Glue
*Items are due to the Network by July 31, 2009
SC HUNTERS & LANDOWNERS FOR THE HUNGRY
This is a non-profit organization with the objective of coordinating the distribution of venison from the hunters to the hungry. How can you set your sights on helping?
1. Take your legally harvested deer to a participating deer processor.
2. When picking it up, donate a portion of the meat to the program. The processor will save it for pick up.
3. You may also donate the entire deer. Help with the processing fee is greatly appreciated, but not required. Encourage others to do the same.
*For more information, call Harold Campbell at 583-5616 or 585-9218.
Follow GPS as You Hunt and Help Feed the Hungry this Year.
August
STUDENT CONNECTIONS
Move In Days- Be available to help carry luggage, boxes, etc. for a freshman making the transition from home to school. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to meet and greet families as well as students and to offer a smile and word of encouragement.
Adopt a Student- Sometimes a student far from home doesn’t have the opportunity to get back to family as often as he or she would like. You can open up your home to have a student over for a cup of coffee and some conversation, a special meal, or simply to do a load of laundry. It means so much for them to have caregivers in their college town. If you’re interested contact the BCM at 582-4609.
Provide a meal for students- Sunago, a worship experience for college students, is held each Thursday evening during the school year. A free meal is offered at each Sunago event. This is a wonderful tool to bring out students and give them an opportunity for fellowship around the table before diving into the Word. All paper products and utensils are provided, so all you have to offer is a meal for 40-60 students. Contact Suzanne at 582-4609 to get a date to bring a meal.
Get to Know an International Student – Maybe you have a special place in your heart for internationals. Why not have one or some of these students over for a meal! You simply have to be a friend and strike up a conversation. Remember that building a good relationship is key. Don’t force it, just be yourself. You will likely learn a lot in the process. Prayer: Above all else, pray for students, that their hearts and minds would be open to building relationships with Christ followers and that through these relationships, the Holy Spirit would be at work. Pray also for students who have already accepted Christ as Savior, that they would not loose heart in the stresses of student life and with the situations that they face on the campus. God loves students and wants us to show them by our actions.
Will you follow “GPS” in 2009 and reach out and connect with students in your Jerusalem?
English-as-a-Second-Language Ministries
in the Spartanburg County Baptist Network
Teaching English Language Learners The Good News
The purpose of ESL Ministry is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ as we teach English Language Learners. Sharing our faith is the major difference between Literacy Missions Ministries and community-based literacy programs.
Classes are held from September – May in the following churches:
Boiling Springs First Baptist
3600 Boiling Springs Road, Boiling Springs
Thursday afternoons from 3:30 - 5:00
Director: Mrs. Evelyn Henderson - 578-0313 or 680-6321
Morningside Baptist Church
897 South Pine Street, Spartanburg
Wednesday evenings from 6:00 – 7:30
Thursday mornings from 9:30 – 11:00
Sunday mornings from 9:45 – 10:45 (English Bible Class meeting year round)
Directors: Mrs. Jana White - 587-2277
Mrs. Ann Ellis - 576-8049
Southside Baptist
316 South Church Street, Spartanburg
Monday mornings from 9:00 – 11:00
Director: Mrs. Becky Slayton - 595-3619
United Baptist Church
7319 Valley Falls Road, Spartanburg
Reaching the World for Christ in Spartanburg County
|
Sunday afternoons from 4:00 – 5:30
Mrs. Mary Hensley - 583-0455 or 590-2742
If GPS (God’s Plan for Sharing) is Literacy Missions for you and/or your church and you are interested in being trained to teach ESL and/or beginning a ministry in your church, call the Network Office at 582-8330 or Mary Hensley (Certified by the North American Mission Board) at 583-0455.
September
Hands On Project: Prayer Walk for Hunger
Mark Your Calendars now folks ! This will be our Second annual walk to help end hunger in Spartanburg County. This event will be open to the entire community. Since hunger is an issue that penetrates every fabric of society in some way or another, it simply makes sense that we all share in the responsibility of helping alleviate its effects
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2009
Time: 8:00 am until Finished
Location & Details: TBA
*We plan to walk on one of the college or university campus’ and invite 5 agencies to set up a booth each year. Walkers are asked to gather at least 5 pledges and a canned good.
Who Can Participate?:
1. Businesses-Board Members, Management, Employees, Clients
2. Ministries-Directors, Staff and consumers
3. Civic Organizations-Officers and Members
4. Government Entities-Mayor’s Office, Public Servants, Administrators, etc…
5. Universities and Colleges-BCM’s, Athletic Groups, Faculty, etc…
6. Churches-Mission Groups: Challengers, Acteens, RA’s, GA’s & Mission Friends, Youth Groups, Men & Women’s Bible Study Groups/Clubs, Senior Adult Groups/Circles, Choirs, Staff Members & Laypersons.
Stay tuned for more information as the date approaches, but begin making plans to follow “GPS” by walking and praying away hunger. Call Bro. Paul at 582-8330 if you are interested in participating as a walker or volunteering in some capacity.
October
Hands On Project: CHRISTMAS IN ACTION
A nonprofit organization whose mission is to come together as a community to make home repairs for elderly, disabled and disadvantaged homeowners in the Spartanburg area two days a year.
Spring Date: October 10, 2009
Location: City-Wide Shotgun Approach
Goal: Repair and Rebuild 30 homes
Needed: Churches/teams to host and/or sponsor individual homes (projects)
*Our Network Goal: 30 Churches/Teams (*Small or Large, your group can be partnered with another to meet the needs of a project)
**Other Volunteers Needed: To donate money to help fund projects, drinks, snack cakes and homeowner’s Goodie Baskets
Call Bro. Paul at 582-8330 for more details. Contact Information: Sandi Turner, CIA Director at 576-7101 to sign up a team or request to be partnered with another team, depending on size. Will you pray about letting GPS lead you to repair a home of someone in need?
2009 FAIR MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
The Piedmont Interstate Fair is rapidly approaching, which means plenty of opportunities to minister to the 225 fair workers and staff who help make this special event possible here in Spartanburg, as well as the countless number of fairgoers. The Reithoffer Shows will roll into Spartanburg on Sunday Oct. 11, 2009 and be here until the following Sunday Oct. 19, 2009. Once again, the fair workers are looking forward to returning to Spartanburg because of the warm, loving and generous treatment they continually receive from us each year.
· ALERT: Due to the success we had in 2008 with collecting items, we plan to try this same method again with your help. To simplify the process, we will be asking each of the churches involved in past years to assist with donating specific items. We will still assemble them here unless you choose to fill your own buckets. I will be contacting each church by June 1, 2009 to allow plenty of time for collecting items. As always, monetary donations are welcome. If your church has never helped, but would like to do so, please call Bro. Paul at 582-8330
Pre-Fair Ministry Opportunities
1. Our 2009 Goal: 225 Bucket of Love filled with the items listed at the bottom of the page.
i. The theme for 2009 will be announced later
ii. I hope your church will join us in following“GPS” at the Fair this year.
b. How Can You Help?
i. Collecting Buckets and/or donations assigned to your church, which are due into the Network office by September 18, 2009 by noon. *This allows us time to order the remaining items that we run short on, if necessary.
ii. Volunteering in the Creative Arts and Literature Booths the week of the Fair, as well as help prayer walk the Fairgrounds at a specific time.
iii. (*Please remember to call Bro. Paul at the Network 582-8330 to indicate your interest in helping with the buckets or booths. The sooner the better!)
Bucket of Love Items: (*I will be calling to request your help collecting specific items)
* Bath towels * Shaving Cream *Combs/Brushes
* Wash clothes *Razors *Bottled Water (47 cases)
*Shampoo * Pack of Crackers (6-8 Packs) *Individually Wrapped Candy
*Soap (bar or body wash) * Pack of Pens * Blankets (Wal-Mart-$5 each)
*Deodorant * Notebook * Home-Baked Goodies
* Toothbrushes *Toothpaste * Bible
November
FEED THE COMMUNITY
Every year for the last 19 years churches, community organizations and individuals join together to ensure that everyone in Spartanburg County enjoys a hearty, home-cooked Thanksgiving Day meal.
In 2007, we served approximately 6,100 meals. In 2008, we served close to 7,000 meals using multiple churches, businesses, the Soup Kitchen and help from Red Lobster and Bi-Lo as corporate sponsors. As you can see the Need continues to rise for various reasons as does the need for more volunteers, donations and prayers.
While so many of us will sit down with family and friends and enjoy a nice, hot meal on Thanksgiving Day, many others will go hungry this year without your help.
So How Can You Help?
· We need your monetary donations: The cost is expected to be $25, 000 in 2008.
· We need churches to donate home-made or store bought pies to offset costs.
· We need you to volunteer at specific times throughout Thanksgiving week.
· We need your help getting the word out to those in need who may still not know about this ministry.
· We need your prayers that God will be glorified in all we do to help others.
For more details on how you can start planning now to follow “GPS” on Thanksgiving Day, call Bro. Paul at the Network at 582-8330!
PRISON PACKETS
It’s time to collection Prison Packets again, which go to bless the prisoners in our South Carolina Prisons. In 2007, we collected 1260 packets. In 2009, our Network goal is 1400 packets. We need your help. God will use each of these packets to touch the lives of men and women in prison who need a special touch this year. Thanks to all our churches who worked to make this possible in the past! I am confident, however, we can work to get the word out this year and do even better in 2009. With each church taking part, the task of meeting our goal increases tremendously. Let’s all work together to do our part to assist the South Carolina Baptist Convention in gathering the 25,000 packets needed to make sure each prisoner is touched by the love of Christ through His people this Christmas season all across the state of South Carolina.
Many of the inmates have no family or friends that show any interest in them at all. Whatever the reason(s) they find themselves incarcerated at this time in their lives, they have many needs waiting to be met. We however, have a mandate to follow “GPS” and ensure that every person hears the gospel of Jesus Christ, regardless of the circumstances. We, as Christians, have the answer to their greatest need, which is Jesus and His forgiveness.
Below is the list of needed items. All packets are due at the Network by Nov. 25, 2009. *Note: This date has been moved up to give us time to review every packet to ensure correct items are included in each bag and to purchase the extra items needed. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions (582-8330).Last year’s packets were much more correct than previous years. Thanks for your continued attention to details! Workday for Prison Packets is Dec. 1, 2009
2009 Packing List
South Carolina Department of Corrections Approved Items
- One Blue or Black non-retractable pen (no wire clip)
- One 6.0 oz or larger toothpaste
- One adult toothbrush (factory sealed)
- One 4-6 oz bar of soap
- One 50-page 5 ½ x 8 or larger writing tablet, 100 page max. (no wire bound)
- Five first class stamp-embossed #10 envelopes (Purchased at U.S. Post Office)
- Two rolls of candy (Lifesaver, Mentos type)
- *Please DO NOT substitute sizes, amounts and especially not regular stamps for the embossed ones listed. They cannot be used in this ministry!
*Put all items into a 1 Gallon Ziploc Bag
Give a gift of love to people who are often forgotten
during the Christmas season
1- Homebound members-Contact your church secretary to get a list of homebound members, their phone numbers and addresses. Then put together a small basket of “love” containing items such as lotion, Kleenex, hard candy or chocolate, fruit, foot warmer sox, homemade jams or jellies, homemade bread, pretty seasonal candles, etc. and plan to take your gift to them and spend a few minutes talking with them. They will appreciate the gift but treasure the company.
2- Military serviceman and their families- Our soldiers will be thrilled to have something from home when they have to be away. Small gift packages, Christmas cards, pictures from home of family, events, etc. are just some of the treats you could send. And their families often have less money to spend on their own celebration while their main breadwinner is away. Contact Brenda Harris at the support group for military families located in the Upstate Family Resource Center for more information-(864) 461-2892.
3- Mobile Meals-This organization provides lunches to elderly or disabled individuals on a daily basis. Their volunteers would love to take special packages of homemade Christmas cookies, candies or cake slices to give out in their rounds. Contact Mobile Meals at 573-7684 to find out how to contribute some goodies.
4- Take books and/or read to homebound individuals- Many of our homebound live alone and do not want to burden family members with their reading needs. A special program sponsored by the Spartanburg County Public Library called “Chicken Soup for the Soul” has been created to help meet that need. When a homebound person learns that there is a program in place that is strictly for them, their faces light up. To know that a volunteer will not only select the material, but will spend quality time with them reading or just taLking about what they have read you would think the homebound recipient has received an early Christmas present. To be a volunteer contact Evelyn Parks, Volunteer Coordinator, at (864) 596-3507.
Please let us know how you used “GPS” to bless someone else during the Christmas season.
Kingdom Connection Opportunities
1. Carolina Pregnancy Center: Every year CPC touches thousands of lives as the follow “God’s Plan for Sharing” the gospel. With your help, CPC served 1659 people from Jan.- Oct. 2008. Of the 1659 that were served, 42 were saved and 16 recommitted their lives to the Lord.*Volunteers are needed in the following areas:
a. Counseling: Pre and Post-Abortion issues and with other issues influencing their lives.
b. Clerical Work & Sorting Donations: Help organize.
c. Donating Needed Items: Car Seats, Diapers, Toys, baby items, etc…
d. Contact: Please call Alexia Newman @ 582-4673 for more information,
2. Souper Bowl of Caring: This is an organization started by youth to help alleviate hunger across America. Over 35.5 million Americans (12.6 million children and 22.9 million adults- mostly seniors suffer from the devastating effects of hunger. Please consider helping!
To learn more about you can help, please call 1-800-358-SOUP (7687) or visit www.souperbowl.org for your Souper Bowl of Caring folder to begin promoting this ministry in your church. You may also call Bro. Paul at the Network office at 582-8330.
3. Greater Spartanburg Ministries: This ministry is a non-profit organization striving to meet the holistic needs people throughout Spartanburg County.
a. Services: They offer support with food, clothing, furniture and financial assistance for housing and utilities
b. Financial Assistance: Offered only on Mon., Tues. and Thurs.
c. Thrift Store Hours: 9-5 M-F and 9-4 on Saturdays
d. Contact: Call Kevin Koger at 585-9371 for more details
4. The Haven: A Homeless Shelter for Women, Children and Families: Each year, The Haven serves approximately 300 individuals/families 24/7, 365 days a year on a shoestring budget at no charge to those receiving services.
a. Specific Needs You Can Help With: Food, clothing, silverware, diapers, bras, undergarments, household cleaning products, paper goods, office supplies, etc…
b. Volunteer Opportunities: Tutoring Children, Children’s Activities, Childcare Assistance for a couple of hours at a time, Adopt-A-Room and much more.
5. Duffle Bag and Bibles for Foster Children: The Foster Care system cares for more than 8500 children and youth a year, with approximately 4000-5000 children in their custody at any given time. This ministry assists children and youth who have very little.
a. Goal for 2009: 2500 Bags/Bibles
b. Donation Due Date: July 31, 2009
c. Contact Info: Call WMU at 1-800-723-7242 or go to www.scwmu.org
Kingdom Connection Opportunities
6. Spartanburg Children’s Shelter: SCS serves hundreds of children every year with housing, meals and loving support and guidance. SCS has capacity for 40 residents, 16 long term female beds and another 24 slots used for emergency care.
a. The “Welcome Box” ministry: This continues to be a blessing for the children.
b. Items for Children and Teen Boxes Include:
i. $1.00 in quarters (Used for age appropriate items)
ii. $5.00 Wal-Mart gift card for misc. items they may need
iii. Toothbrush and Toothpaste (Small Sizes)
iv. Small bag of candy (children), popcorn (teens)-*No gum
v. Chapstick (flavored for children, regular for teens)
vi. Hair ties (children), Hair Scrunches (teens)
vii. Small Stuffed animals; bubbles or sm. Activity item (Ch)
viii. Stickers for children, Lifesavers for teens
ix. Travel size shampoo/conditioner, deodorant for teens
c. Contact: Call Tammy Noland at 583-7688 or Bro. Paul at the Network office at 582-8330 for more information or other ways to serve.
7. Harvest Family Ministries: It is a non-profit ministry serving individuals and families in School District 2. HFM relies heavily on your help in providing resources like volunteers, food, job assistance, monetary donations and most importantly –your prayers. HFM has served 10 families this week with food and 1 family with food and financial assistance. Since September 27th we have served 35 families, touching approximately 100 family members/individuals.
a. Hours of Operation: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9-12 and 1-4
b. Volunteers Are Needed: To sort and pack food items in pantry, assist with clerical needs and other miscellaneous tasks within the ministry.
c. Contact: Call Executive Director-Kelley Ezell at 864-578-1379
8. Mobile Meals: This is a ministry that serves the homebound and those unable to prepare meals for themselves. There is no age or income restriction. They rely heavily on volunteers for most everything aspect of ministry.
d. Volunteer Needs: To help prepare, package or deliver food, organize food pantry, substitute drivers, assist with fundraisers and assist with clerical and phone calls, etc…
e. Hours of Operation: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Monday-Friday
f. Contact: Call Vivian Tanner at 573-7684 for more information.
This is a small portion of the various kinds of ministries the Network continues to partner with each year. They are all ongoing ministries that would welcome your support. As you follow “GPS” in 2009, ask God how he would have you serve in these and the other ministries listed in this Mission Booklet to demonstrate His love.
Servant Evangelism
Servant Evangelism (SE) is more than a method. SE touches the heart, breaks down barriers, builds bridges and brings opportunities to change the world, one small act of kindness at a time. It may mean trying something new and stepping out of your comfort zone. Go for it.
The Following are Merely Some Ideas, but is not an Exhaustive List:
· Prayer Walk your community: Ask God to change lives & open hearts to the gospel
· Prepare a meal for the participants of a local ministry or homebound person.
· Conduct a weekly, monthly or quarterly worship service and/or crafts activity at a Nursing Home/Retirement Ctr/Assisted Living facility
· Biggie Size someone’s meal at a Fast Food Restaurant.
· Homeless Goodie Bags: Make some up, keep them in your car and “Share Them” as you see people on the streets or with signs saying “Will Work for Food.”
· Offer to clean someone’s house or yard that’s elderly or unable to do it on their own.
· Ask your waiter/waitress if you can pray for him/her about some specific need in their life. *Remember to tip well also so you won’t damage your witness.
· Do something special for a SS teacher, school teacher or principal, whether you have children or not.
· Be a Secret Pal to your Pastor and Staff throughout the year with small gifts or service.
· Bake some cookies or a meal and treat your local fire Dept. or Police precinct in honor of their service.
· On a rainy day, take an umbrella and go to your local grocery store and help people get their groceries to their cars or collect and return carts on any day for grocery stores.
· Serve a meal at a Soup Kitchen/Homeless Shelter.
· Have your children or youth clip coupons for single parents in your church/community.
· Share your garden proceeds with the needy in your church/community.
· Offer Free Gift Wrapping at a Mall or Department Store and share Jesus while they wait.
· Set Up a Hot Chocolate/Coffee Booth at a Bus Station, store, etc. & Share about Jesus.
· Help a College Student move into his/her dorm/apartment.
· Read the Bible, Newspaper or letters for someone in the Nursing Home/Hospice House.
· Volunteer to deliver books from the Library to a homebound person requesting them.
· Collect Gloves and socks for the Homeless or a ministry to the needy at Christmas.
· Have your Acteens go to the Nursing Home and paint nails and brush hair for residents.
· Become a Telephone Encourager or a Covenant Church with the Evangelism Response Center of the North American Mission Board. (Call Bro. Paul for Details at 582-8330.)
*Start with one Act of Kindness this month by following “GPS” in 2009.
Nova Scotia Experience
If “GPS” is leading you this year to be a part of a cutting edge mission experience, then the NOVA SCOTIA EXPERIENCE is for you. The Canadian National Baptist Convention is teaming up with South Carolina Baptist to reach Nova Scotia with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The goal is to plant 54 churches by the year 2020.
Why plant so many churches in one place?
Nova Scotia is a province of slightly over one million people. While there are several churches all across Nova Scotia, most either have no evangelical outreach strategy or minimal to say the least and only four are Southern Baptist Churches. Among Canada’s 31 million people, only 7% are thought to be evangelical Christians saved by grace through Christ Jesus. Thirteen of the twenty-five major cities in Canada have no evangelical church presence at all. The four Southern Baptist churches are small, but striving to reach Nova Scotia with the gospel and need our help.
How can you take part in the Nova Scotia experience?
1. Commit to praying for Canada and the South Carolina teams that will join them in their quest to plant 54 churches by the year 2020.
2. Commit to praying about becoming a Team Leader and lead a team to experience Nova Scotia.
3. Commit to being a Team Member and experience Nova Scotia personally.
4. Commit to return and share with others your experience and the need that still exist and the work to be done.
5. Commit to making a financial contribution so someone else can go and serve if you are unable to go.
What are some of the mission requests and opportunities for volunteers?
Canada Day Community Party: Dates & Leader for this trip are already set. Bro. Paul will lead this team on June 26-July 3, 2009 to Halifax, Nova Scotia. If interested, come to the 1/8/09 meeting or call Bro. Paul at 582-8330. Service will include face painting, balloon sculpturing, surveying, one-on-one evangelism and more.
Construction Teams Needed: Two teams 5-15 in size are needed for various repairs and small projects as a servant evangelism opportunity to connect with the community.
College Student Ministry: College students are needed to work with missionaries reaching out to the six campuses to locate persons of peace and start Bible studies.
a. College Students are also needed to work with a new church plant in the area of children and youth and be a catalyst for establishing a youth ministry in the community.
b. These teams of students will work through SCBC and the Current Ministry of the North American Mission Board. Assistance with funding and preparation is available.
Backyard Bible Teams: Teams will conduct BYBC once or twice per day Monday-Friday in different communities. Optimal team size is 5-8. Dates are flexible during July and August. School meets through June.
Evangelistic Meetings/Door-to-Door Visitation: Teams would visit and meet prospects, invite them to evangelistic meetings, provide preachers/evangelists. Dates and team size is flexible
Summer Missionary or Couple: This is a GREAT NEED for an individual or couple to come for three months or longer to oversee the teams and outreach activities in the Pictou/New Glasgow/Antigonish region of Nova Scotia.
