M&ME 2014-15 prayer guide

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship OF NORTH CAROLINA

mission AND ministry EMPHASIS

stories of transformation

prayer guide Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what the will of God is, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2

introduction The dictionary defines “transform” as “to change the nature, function, or condition of; to convert.” Though the word, “transform,” does not appear frequently in Scripture, the concept is a thoroughly Biblical one.

In a real sense, all of Jesus’s parables, like his entire life and ministry, are about transformation.

CBFNC’s ministries are shaped by guided by three Overarching Commitments: transformation, engagement, and community. Our purpose is to be agents of God’s transformation. We do this through engagement with those around us. We are not content to wait for folks to come to us, but we intentionally, proactively, assertively, but respectively, engage them, in word and deed, with the Good News of God’s Kingdom in Jesus. This process occurs not as isolationists, not as rugged individualists, but in community. Always, we seek companions on the journey of transformative engagement, for we believe that true transformation is relational.

The stories in this prayer guide provide a few concrete examples of the many ways individuals, churches and communities are being transformed through the mission and ministries of CBF of North Carolina. Thank you for studying these stories, learning about the breadth and depth of our ministries, praying for these efforts, and seeking ways to be even more engaged in our community.

In the process, may we be transformed, together, even as we seek to be agents of God’s transformation.

table of contents

story one

story two

story three

story four

story five

Transforming Victims

Transforming Communities

Transforming Students

Transforming Newcomers

Transforming the Unchurched

Transforming Victims CBF missionaries to Belize, with strong ties to North Carolina, are witnessing what happens when the body of Christ works together.

“Belize is such a melting pot of ethnicities and cultures,” explains Julie Maas, who, with her husband Eric, runs the Baptist Training Center, a conference and educational camp for local Christians that also hosts mission teams. “The diversity provides a tremendous opportunity for us to bring different people together for ministry.”

“I’ve been able to be involved in other community activities, follow where God is at work and where my heart and passions are,” says Julie. One passion is working with victims of sexual abuse and exploitation. “Many girls here are transient, or their parents sell them for profit. Older men, particularly in the tourist areas, prey on them,” she explains. The Maases partner with a Christian social justice, non-profit organization founded by an attorney from Jamaica, licensed family therapists, UNICEF, ecumenical groups, pastors, and college student volunteers to raise community awareness and reach victims, providing counseling, encouragement, and hope for new beginnings in Christ. “With a grant from UNICEF, we are able to get our ministry into Belize City, where much of the sex trade happens,” Julie says. Collaborative efforts among Christians are making a difference.

“God is doing amazing things with this ministry,” says Julie. “It really is the body of Christ working together to bring about His purposes.”

The non-profit has purchased land behind the Center to build Gomer House, its first rescue home. “We need CBFNC churches and other volunteers to help us build,” says Julie. Oakmont Church, Greenville, the Maases’ home church, now serves as their encourager church, sending a team annually. Other CBFNC congregations have also been on mission in Belize.

The Maases say the support they need and appreciate the most is prayer.

“We have been hit hard in many ways, but feel the coverage and intercession of those who pray and send us encouraging cards and email,” Julie says. “We see the importance and value of pressing in together in prayer.”

Please pray ... 路 For victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation around the world and those who share the love and hope of Christ with them. Pray for the Maases and volunteers in Belize to have wisdom and discernment as they establish Gomer House. 路 For avenues to open for Eric and Julie to adopt a little boy they have fostered since 2013. 路 That congregations will provide resources, prayer support, and teams to support mission work in North Carolina, Belize, and throughout the world.

Transforming Communities What happens when a church discovers a ministry opportunity but needs additional resources? For several CBFNC congregations, a Local Missions Engagement Grant is the answer.

CBFNC Local Mission Engagement Grants connect congregations, organizations and communities to build long-term relationships and combine assets to further the Kingdom of God. Churches are required to partner with community organizations and churches of any denomination. Grants of up to $1,500 are provided for each project based on the fulfillment of the purpose and available funds.

McGill Baptist Church, Concord, is one example of a congregation using a grant to expand its ministry. Six years ago, McGill collaborated with an organization in Charlotte serving individuals with HIV or AIDS to become care partners for two people. Members visit the partners, provide transportation for errands and medical appointments, and supply nutritional supplements, cleaning supplies, and other necessities. The congregation has built relationships with the partners over time and earned their trust, welcoming them at church when their health allows them to attend.

“They know that we are dependable and trustworthy, and they have not always found people to be that way,” explains Winfrey Whicker, a member at McGill. “It’s really important to have that relationship. They have found that Christians care about them, and our members have learned that people with an HIV diagnosis really aren’t any different from anyone else. We don’t have to be fearful. They are not bad people.”

When McGill was asked to help seven additional patients, they applied for a CBFNC Local Missions Engagement Grant. “It really makes a difference to have partners,” says Whicker. “Trinity Church of Christ now also collects supplies, and the CBFNC grant stretches our budget to serve more and do more. It especially helps us purchase the costly nutritional supplements that are so important for the patients,” explains Whicker. “The CBFNC Local Mission Engagement grant helps keep us going.”

Please pray ... · For McGill Baptist as they serve, and for those who are served to know the assurance of God’s love and presence in their lives. Pray for all grant recipients to make an impact in their communities. · For the CBFNC Missions Council to be wise and discerning in awarding missional engagement grants to meaningful and effective ministries · For fresh eyes in your own congregation, to identify innovative ways to share the love of Christ in your local setting.

Transforming Students As the son of a Baptist pastor, faith had always been a part of his life, but college senior Will Raybon says that pursuing a life of full time ministry was not on his radar when he entered Appalachian State University.

“People always connected me with my dad and his ministry but I was determined to make my own path separate from full time ministry,” says Will, a criminal justice major. “I knew I would always be involved in church, but never considered full time ministry as a possibility,” he explains. Encountering intentional collegiate ministry changed all that.

While at Appalachian, Will began attending First Baptist, Boone. “I’m there all the time, for the Tuesday free lunch provided to students, for Bible study, to play in the church band and help out with youth,” says Will. “College is such an interesting time in one’s life. It’s a time when you are open to new things and eager to learn, so it’s really important to find ways to reach students at that point in their lives. I found it really helped to have a Bible study that asked deep questions, a church family to offer support, and a great base of Christian friends to help form a firm foundation to stand on while in school,” he says.

Attending a CBFNC college retreat was a pivotal point in transforming Will’s sense of call. “CBFNC is where I find a sense of identity,” he says.

“My generation is the CBFNC of the future, and my hope is that we will help our ministries and missions grow and thrive.”

Will now feels led to attend seminary and would like to work in full time student ministry. “It would be great to help others learn about God in the way that was so important for me,” he says.

Please pray ... · For Will and other students as they discern God’s call for their lives. · For the six CBFNC collegiate ministers who provide ongoing ministry on campuses throughout our state, offer student retreats and missions opportunities, and partner with local churches for student ministry. · That additional resources will expand college ministry to more campuses, reaching young adults in such a transitional and formative life stage. · That churches will consider how they might provide intentional student ministry in their own settings, offering care and a community to students in there area.

Transforming Newcomers CBFNC’s Hispanic Ministry Network, Companerismo Cristiano Emanuel, is thriving. Last year, the network of nine churches ordained four new pastors and planted four new church starts, each partnering with an established CBFNC church.

One such collaboration is between Companerismo Cristiano Emanuel, Primera Iglesia Bautista de Sanford (a 25-year-old Hispanic congregation), and Woodhaven Baptist Church, Apex. Pablo Ernesto Hernandez, pastor of the Sanford church and Apex church start, says the ministry began as a home Bible study and fellowship to reach people wary of church. “We do a lot of evangelism through marriage enrichment and family studies, helping people see that the Bible has practical application to real life issues,” explains Pablo. “We bring food, and people like gathering with other Hispanics in a home setting.” In addition to providing Bibles and childcare, Woodhaven Church purchased translation equipment to facilitate couples’ Bible studies when only one spouse is fluent in Spanish.

According to Pablo, while most Hispanics in North Carolina hail from Mexico or Central America, the Hispanic community in Apex is unique. It hosts a variety of nationalities, including South Americans from countries like Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru, among others. “Just in the area of Apex and Cary there are approximately 12,000 Hispanics and few are Christians,” he says. At least two thirds of those attending Bible study are unchurched, with over ten nationalities represented. “We hope, in three or four years, to have a well-established church in the Apex/Cary community, consisting of Hispanics of many different nationalities.”

CBFNC obtained and recently renewed a Religious Worker Visa for Pablo to work in the States as a missionary for two more years. “I am thankful for the support of CBFNC friends so that I can work with the churches,” he says. “There are so many here who need to know the Lord. I know God wants me and others to start more churches in North Carolina.”

Please pray ... 路 For our partners in Sanford and Apex, as they share the love of Christ with Hispanics. Pray also for mission work in High Point supported by the Sanford congregation and the Hispanic Network, as well as three other church starts in Mexico and Costa Rica.

路 For additional workers to serve in Hispanic churches.

Pray that many respond and come to know God. 路 That God will open your congregation to possibilities with church starting and/or partnerships. How might existing talents and resources support new work?

Transforming the Unchurched Relational ministry is growing a church start in Clayton. Started in 2011, Mosaic draws the unchurched with missional-based affinity groups.

Groups of all ages gather regularly to enjoy their particular interest, such as hiking, movies, book discussions, and even play dates. Pastor Andy Hale explains, “People hang out, have fun, and then discover that we’re also a part of a church community together.” As a result, persons who were otherwise wary or resistant to church are now part of weekly community groups focusing on Bible study, prayer, and discipleship.

A community garden also allows members to meet locals in an informal setting. “We wanted to create a space that would tap into the physical, spiritual, and material needs of our community,” explains Hale. “The idea of the garden quickly took off.”

For some, the garden is a first step toward spiritual transformation. While working in the garden, one couple – unchurched for thirty years – formed friendships. They began to attend Mosaic on Sundays, joined a community discipleship group, and now serve in leadership. “They experienced an understanding of what it means to journey with God as they saw Christians living out the words and ministry of Jesus,” says Hale. “They found a new starting point in their life and journey with God.” Another couple brought their children to the community garden summer camp. “While the kids were introduced to Bible stories intertwined with gardening, the parents were getting to know Mosaic adults,” says Hale.

The family now attends Mosaic and discipleship groups. “They found that their need wasn’t just around learning about gardening, but in finding a place to belong. At Mosaic we literally try to live life together as a community of Christ.”

“CBFNC has been the catalyst for much of our growth,” says Hale. “We are grateful to CBFNC for providing spiritual and leadership development support, coaching, and opening venues for us to share our story.”

Please pray ... · That Mosaic will flourish as its congregation establishes ongoing relationships with those in its community.

· For the Mosaic congregation to be faithful and open to God’s vision for them as they continue to make disciples who make disciples. · For CBFNC congregations to be outward-focused and sensitive to the needs of the unchurched, providing connectivity through friendships and common interests.

ministry overview Missions New Church Starts Hispanic Network n Collaboration with CBF Field Personnel n Local Mission Engagement Grants n n

Leadership Development n Theological

Education Scholarships n Divinity School CBF Days and Scholar Relationships n Special Leadership Events and Conferences n Young Leader Training n Assisting churches and ministers in transition n Church and Clergy Coaching Collegiate Ministry CBFNC Campus Groups n Collegiate Missions n Retreats for College Students n Assisting congregations with collegiate ministries n

Faith Formation n Children

and Youth Choir Festivals n Specialized Ministry Summits n Adult, family, youth and children’s retreats n Nurturing Faith lesson plans n General Assembly workshops n Online resource library Social Ministries/ Evangelism Racial Reconciliation Wealth & Poverty n Evangelism workshops and resources n n

Partnership Development n Funding

for 28 ministry partners n Encouraging missional collaboration between partners, congregations and CBFNC

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship OF NORTH CAROLINA

mission AND ministry EMPHASIS

stories of transformation

To contribute individually or as a congregation, or to learn more about CBFNC’s mission, visit www.cbfnc.org.