M&mo prayer guide

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina

mission AND ministry OFFERING prayer guide stories

done in love 1 COR. 16:14

Let all that you do be done in love.

DAY ONE

developing relationships ...

done in love

Self-funded missionaries find support through donations and second jobs, and are bi-vocational. LaCount Anderson is a self-funded CBF missionary in Roanoke Rapids, one of eight CBFNC supports. Four years ago, he and his wife, Anna, helped begin Eastern NC Poverty Network, a group of churches, organizations, individuals, and businesses that are committed to providing physical and spiritual assistance to the homeless, the disenfranchised, and the working poor.

The Network offers recovery programs for at-risk adults, teaching life skills and spiritual concepts, as well as a thrift store, food pantry, literacy training, and community garden. Many of those assisted are women and children. Support for the Eastern NC Poverty Network is sent directly to CBFNC, where it is used for the Network’s operating expenses and to provide a counselor for individual and group support. “This ministry would not be possible without the direct physical and financial support of CBFNC,” says LaCount. “All of our support, in fact, comes from churches in North Carolina.”

For LaCount, poverty ministry is all about relationship. “We have learned that it takes more than giving out cans of food to help people in need,” he says. “They need ongoing friendship and a relationship with God.” The transforming power of God’s love is evident in the lives that have been touched by this ministry. Says one participant in the Network: “I feel that the Lord has been with me. This place provides spiritual rehabilitation.”

LaCount hopes to inspire others to do poverty ministry in their own communities by hosting mission teams and providing real experience working directly with the homeless and near-homeless. “Most of us live in a middle-class world and unless we go outside that world we will never understand the plight of the poor. We work extremely hard to make sure church missionaries who visit us connect with people. We want them to know they don’t have to go far to make a difference.”

Please pray ... · For encourager churches and individuals willing to send regular funding that will go directly to our ministry to those in poverty · That plans will continue to develop in God’s time to establish two different locations in eastern NC to minister to people in poverty · That God will open your eyes and the eyes of your congregation to practical ways to meet the needs of the homeless and nearly-homeless in your community

DAY TWO

sharing the bounty ...

done in love

Part of CBF’s spiritual and organizational “DNA” is to embrace partnership and “missional collaboration.” What, exactly, does that mean? Simply this: God’s mission is bigger than any one Christian, congregation, or organization. We are far more faithful and effective in pursuing the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) and the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40) when we work with others rather than working alone.

This philosophy underlies CBFNC’s Local Mission Engagement Grant program, which networks congregations, organizations and communities to build long-term relationships and combine assets to further the kingdom of God. From 2011-2013, 21 grants totaling $49,000 dollars were awarded across North Carolina. By the time 2013 ends, CBFNC will have distributed an additional $6,000, bringing the total to $55,000.

One great example of a Local Mission Engagement Grant is the Cleveland County Potato Project. It started with the Senior Men’s Sunday School class at First Baptist Church in Shelby who had a vision for growing potatoes and giving them away to feed the hungry. A member of the class donated land, and several agencies, from a local Methodist group to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, provided assistance. Eventually, ten churches, two businesses, one high school, several agencies, Gardner-Webb University, and more than 400 volunteers have worked together to plant and harvest over 250,000 pounds of potatoes in three seasons to feed hungry people.

Cecelia Beck, CBF Global Missions Field Personnel, notes, “I have personally delivered thousands of pounds of potatoes to my neighbors in the past couple of years, and the refrain that is heard most often from the recipients is, ‘This is a blessing.’”

Please pray ... · For the CBFNC Missions Council to be wise and discerning in awarding missional engagement grants to the most deserving ministries · For grant recipients (churches and partners) to seek innovative ways to make the greatest impact on their communities with the love of Christ · For learning to take place in our CBFNC community from these grants, that we might understand how best to partner with others for the sake of God’s kingdom

DAY THREE

christian hospitality ...

done in love

When it comes to mission opportunities, the world is coming to us in North Carolina. Every day, people from throughout the world, speaking a variety of languages, move to our great state. The largest and fastest growing group are Spanish speakers from Central and South America.

Thankfully, CBFNC is sharing Jesus Christ in a variety of ways with our Hispanic neighbors.

Leading the way is Javier Benitez, CBFNC Hispanic Leader-Coach and pastor of Iglesia Bautista Misionera Roca Fuerte, a congregation in Siler City. His ministry, which he shares with his wife, Alma, extends to the CBFNC Hispanic Ministry Network, Companerismo Christiano Emmanuel.

Like the apostle Paul, Javier disciples young men and women, helps them discern call to ministry, and develops them as leaders to launch new congregations. Under Javier’s leadership, our Hispanic friends have grown into a vital part of our CBFNC community. They start churches; hold conferences for youth, men, women, and ministers; train leaders; and engage in educational ministries.

Here are some interesting facts about Companerismo Christiano Emmanuel: · · · ·

Nine churches in the network Eight annual gatherings with a total attendance of 1,400 Seventy church pastors and church leaders have received training The network is engaging in mission work in Central and South America

Javier says, “We are grateful for the development of the Hispanic Baptist ministry in North Carolina. There are new pastors integrated in the ministry, we are starting a new church in High Point, and we are supporting the planting of new churches in Mexico and Nicaragua. All of this is possible because of the spiritual and financial support from CBFNC and the partnership with Companerismo Christiano Emmanuel.”

Please pray ... 路 For true and blessed fruit in existing and new churches 路 For additional workers with the ability and desire to serve in the ministries of the Hispanic churches 路 For immigration reform that allows church members and leaders to be secure in their homes, workplaces and churches

DAY FOUR

global connections ...

done in love

In 2007, an American businessman set out to build a school for the village of Santa Elena, Belize. When the economy took a downturn, he withdrew and deeded the land and partial structure to the Santa Elena Baptist Church and to the Belize Baptist Association (BBA).

Trinity Baptist Church in Raleigh had been traveling to Belize as part of CBFNC’s partnership with the BBA. Manny Cowo, pastor of Santa Elena Baptist Church in Belize, said to Trinity’s associate pastor, Hal Melton, “We have been praying for over five years for someone to help us finish building the school.” Hal brought this need to CBFNC leadership, and soon construction of the school was added to the long list of ministries CBFNC-related groups had been pursuing in Belize over the past ten years, including:

· Construction of churches and homes · VBS and children’s ministries · Medical/dental clinics · Belize Baptist Bible School (training program for church leaders) · Support of the BBA executive director · Support of Eric and Julie Maas of Greenville, CBF Global Missions field personnel

Through all of these ministries, North Carolina Cooperative Baptists have been the presence of Christ and have received God’s grace through the relationships formed with Belizean brothers and sisters. Travis Russell, minister of children, youth and families at First Baptist Church in Whiteville, reported, “Not to sound cliché, but the people of Belize truly ministered to us and were the image of Christ for us just as much as, if not more than, we were to them. Thank you, CBFNC, for paving the way for us in Belize, and allowing this opportunity to be possible.”

But perhaps the relationship is best summed up by a parent in the Santa Elena community, “Are you really going to open a school here? What a blessing that will be to our family!” The blessings of partnership missions indeed flow in many directions.

Please pray ... 路 For brothers and sisters in the Belize Baptist Association, and the variety of partnership ministries in which CBFNC folks are engaged 路 For the funds and teams required to complete work on the Santa Elena Primary School 路 For the continued growth in discipleship that North Carolina mission teams experience through their involvement in Belize

DAY FIVE

learning through action ...

done in love

A learning lab “provides time to practice and a safe place devoted to learning through action.” (LL defined by MHA Institute.) Matt and Michelle Norman, CBF Field Personnel in Spain with life-long ties to North Carolina, are partnering with CBFNC to provide a learning lab “on the field” with a unique opportunity to explore learnings with North Carolina congregations.

The Normans work with local Spanish Baptist churches and provide intensive English language classes and ministry to immigrants in Barcelona, particularly students from China, Italy and India who attend the local university near their home. Michelle notes, “Our hearts have always been with those living outside their homeland.”

Matt, a missionary kid, and Michelle, who worked for NCWMU, are especially gifted to lead this innovative ministry. Combined experience in starting churches, mission field service, and education qualifies them to teach, lead and model the learning lab in Spain and provides CBFNC churches with opportunities for preparation, experience, and application. Matt states that the overall goal for the learning lab is “the holistic practice and reflection for missional living.”

“We are so excited about this partnership with CBFNC,” says Matt.

“Teams will have the opportunity to learn from people of other cultures and faiths, engage in creative missions opportunities, learn asset-based techniques through hands-on practice, think theologically about success/ failure, and discover individual and corporate giftedness that we hope will enable the team to see their own local community with fresh eyes and engage as God leads.”

Please pray ... 路 For Matt and Michelle and their two children as they continue to settle into their new home and form friendships in Barcelona 路 For a new way of thinking about how we serve others and are served by others 路 For fresh eyes to see our own communities as places to practice and reflect on missional living 路 For teams to emerge from CBFNC churches to participate in the learning lab experience

DAY SIX

affirming theological education ...

done in love

The children’s building at First Baptist Church in North Wilkesboro is “alive with excitement,” according to Stella Perrin, Minister of Spiritual Formation/Children & Families. Together, Stella and children’s leaders creatively minister to children and families with unique opportunities for spiritual formation. One of the most popular ways? A Sunday School in which children rotate to different rooms each Sunday and learn the same Bible story in five different ways, through art, drama, film, games and computers. Children are then welcomed into congregational worship, where they continue learning through active participation. Stella loves children and their families; she describes children as your children, our children and God’s children.

This and other innovative, energetic ministry occuring throughout our state might not be possible without ongoing opportunities for quality theological training and educational scholarships. A native of North Carolina, Stella is a prime example of a minister who was educated by a traditional NC Baptist College (Gardner-Webb University) and a CBFNC partner divinity school (Gardner-Webb School of Divinity). During divinity school, Stella benefitted from theological education scholarships as a CBFNC Scholar. She continues to demonstrate her commitment to God and ministry in her work at First Baptist Church in North Wilkesboro and as chair of the CBFNC Faith Formations Council.

Stella comments, “My experience at Gardner-Webb School of Divinity prepared me practically and formed me spiritually for local church ministry. I am grateful for the theological education scholarship from CBFNC which enabled me to attend divinity school with less financial strain on my family. With the scholarship assistance, I built an ongoing relationship with CBF that has been invaluable to me personally and professionally.”

Nelson Granade, Pastor of First Baptist Church in North Wilkesboro, affirms Stella’s personal and practical ministry, saying, “Like many Ministers of Christian Formation, Stella has a gift of helping people understand God’s story. On a more practical level, however, she is able to help others understand how their stories intertwine with God’s.”

Please pray ... · For Stella, her husband and their three children, as they balance ministry and family life · For financial gifts for theological education scholarships · For churches to nurture the call of their youth and encourage them to seek appropriate theological education · For college students, divinity students, and ministers serving their “first” call

DAY SEVEN

ministry to youth and college students ...

done in love

CBFNC’s youth and college ministry is bearing fruit! Young adults are finding Christ, growing in the faith, and learning how to be Christian leaders. CBFNC sponsors several youth retreats annually, provides financial and mentor support to bi-vocational ministers on five college campuses, and sponsors statewide college retreats and Congregational Collegiate Internships.

Kelly Brown is but one example of the young Christian leaders nurtured

by CBFNC. Introduced to CBFNC at a mid-winter retreat for college students, Kelly has continued to network within the CBF family as he has discerned God’s call.

“Because of CBFNC collegiate ministry, I have found my place in ministry while serving as Collegiate Ministry Intern at Western Carolina University,” says Kelly. “I have partnered with three local CBF churches and connected with Regional Coordinator Gail Coulter. All of these connections have been helpful and enriched my ministry to students at WCU.” This past summer, Kelly also helped coordinate Greensboro Sessions, a week-long educational retreat for college students held during the CBF National General Assembly.

“I ask for your prayers as we seek to serve students across the state and as I seek to become a better minister to those I serve,” says Kelly.

Please pray ... · That God would call more young adults like Kelly into Christian service · Pray that ministers and churches would help young people discern God’s call in their lives and offer healthy ministry settings for interns · Pray that retreat-planning teams will have wisdom and creativity as they plan meaningful experiences for students

DAY EIGHT

creative enterprise ...

done in love

There are so many needs in our world ... what can one child do? The planning team for CBFNC’s Children’s Mission Days decided to find out. The day of the event, Sam Harrell, CBF missionary to Kenya, shared stories about his work helping locals establish micro-enterprises, small businesses that support their family and community. Sam also works to provide mosquito nets for children threatened with malaria.

The young participants at CBFNC’s Children’s Mission Days were encouraged to create a micro-enterprise of their own, using their gifts and talents, and to use the money earned to buy mosquito nets.

The result? More than $3,000 was raised by children to save other children’s lives.

Since that day, the children of Murfreesboro Baptist Church continue working to raise money to help others. Every fifth Sunday, the church now has a missions bazaar where children sell items they have created or baked.

Pastor Lee Canipe says, “They love doing this and the congregation really enjoys supporting them. Thus far, they have raised support for the CMD offering, Global Missions, the local food bank, and our sister church in Quebec.” Canipe’s son, Watt, creates bead necklaces that read, Church is Good. “Those necklaces get snapped up,” says Canipe. “I’ve even seen them hanging from rearview mirrors.”

Children’s Mission Days, held in November throughout the state, are one way CBFNC inspires even our youngest to serve others.

Please pray ... 路 For children who daily face challenges that threaten their well-being: hunger, disease, poverty, abuse, neglect 路 That congregations will value their children, fostering a love of missions in youngest of the CBFNC family 路 That children and adults will be resourceful and inventive in using their gifts, talents, and interests to serve others

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina

done in love

2013-2014 CBFNC Missions & Ministry Offering

The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship identity statement affirms that “we are a fellowship of Baptist Christians and churches who share a passion for the Great Commission of Jesus Christ and a commitment to Baptist principles of faith and practice.”

As an autonomous state CBF body, CBFNC’s mission is to bring Baptists of North Carolina together for Christ-centered ministry.

As CBFNC celebrates our 20th birthday, we have created this annual offering that will enhance our ability to fulfill the Great Commission and connect NC Baptists for Christ-centered ministry.

See the list below for goals achieved and celebrations in progress; then, consider the opportunity for churches, individuals and partners to expand these ministries through enhanced support.

CBFNC by the Numbers: n Affirming and resourcing 364 CBF churches in NC n Starting 33 churches in the last 20 years n Providing over $600,000 in theological education support in the last 13 years n Awarding $55,000 for local ministry initiatives in North Carolina over the last three years n Growing and supporting our Hispanic Network, which brings over 500 people to a family retreat annually n Consulting with more than 100 church search committees during the past five years, with approximately 90 calling a minister n Engaging more than 1,000 children—who learn from field personnel about being the presence of Christ — in Children’s Missions Days To contribute individually or as a congregation, or to learn more about CBFNC’s mission, visit www.cbfnc.org.