The Thread | Issue 6

December 2013 | Issue 6

OUR MISSION To produce and release spiritual leaders who know and express the authentic Christ to Northwest Arkansas and the world.

OUR VISION To change the heart and soul of Northwest Arkansas and the world.

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CONTRIBUTORS Copy Editors: Beth Davies, Kiara Goodwin Editor: Debbie Griffin

Writers: Rachel Cox, Steve Cox, Kiara Goodwin, Sheryl Potter Video Production: Kyle Kleber

Photographers: Janina Darker, Lori Duncan, Kiara Goodwin, Christina Gross, Ashley Stone, Chasnie Vinson

Graphic Design: Arrin Black, Ashley Stone

Questions or Comments: CommTeam@FellowshipNWA.org 3

CONTENTS

Mission/Vision Spectra Photos Andrea Reyes Fellowship in Puebla, Mexico Samaritan Community Center The Herrings Pat Anderson Dawn Stephens Night of Impact Loving the Nations Among Us CR/Home Run Courtney Wrinkle Perspectives BiLD

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2 6-7 8-11 12-13 14-15 16-17 18 20-23 24-25 26-29 31 32 33 34-35

Bless the Lord

O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!

Psalm 103:1

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Photo by Lori Duncan

Photo by Lori Duncan 6

Photo by Christina Gross

Photo by Christina Gross The winter photos in this issue have been graciously provided by Spectra Artists.

Spectra is an arts ministry that seeks to create art that aligns with God’s Word and purpose; to use the Arts for Worship, Fellowship, Prayer, and Service.

s pec t ra Re ecting Christ

rough Art

Get involved with Spectra!

Email: BeDavies@FellowshipNWA.org 7

ANDREA REYES

by Kiara Goodwin

A year ago Andrea Reyes could not have imagined how different her life would be today. At the time she had no plans of taking a break from school, and she definitely didn’t envision living in Arkansas. But with an opportunity for something new and a step of faith, God turned Andrea’s plans upside down.

Andrea is a 21-year-old student from Mexico. Growing up in her uncle’s church, she had always believed in God, but didn’t have a growing relationship with Him. After her family moved to Puebla, Mexico 4 years ago, they started attending El Camino Church. It was there that she began to understand who God is.

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A few years after moving to Puebla, Andrea found herself in an unhealthy relationship. Her boyfriend had brought her to church and peaked her interest in spiritual things, but soon after he became controlling. Eventually they ended the relationship, landing her in the grips of depression. From childhood she had knowledge of the Bible, but it wasn’t until the point of crisis that she discovered that God could be all that He promised in His Word: a source of peace and true satisfaction. She wanted to go deeper and learn more about these promises. In His faithfulness, the Lord brought a great mentor into Andrea’s life.

Hayley Hill, a young woman from Fellowship, was visiting El Camino Church at the time. She reached out to Andrea and other girls from El Camino and began to meet with them for Bible studies. This discipleship relationship was key in Andrea’s life. With the guidance of Hayley and the support of the other girls in her church, Andrea truly began to grasp the character of God.

After Hayley returned to Arkansas, Andrea continued to be discipled by her pastor. It was during this time that God grabbed ahold of Andrea’s heart and she experienced real life-change. The pastor challenged Andrea to take further steps in her faith by sharing what she was learning. She began meeting with another girl in the church, discipling her. Today that young lady is discipling others.

At the beginning of this year Andrea was in a growing place spiritually. However, with school she found herself exhausted. As a sociology student, she was the only Christian among her peers. Her environment was one that could easily make someone walk away from their faith and follow the crowd. Instead it brought her closer to the Lord. This surprised and confused her classmates, but it also discouraged Andrea. She was also beginning to feel as if she had reached a plateau in her ministry with the high school and college students at the church. There wasn’t the encouragement or support she expected, and she didn’t feel like she was being pushed to grow in her work. She began to strongly desire time away from college, without distractions, to focus on her relationship with God and be challenged in new ways. It was time for something new.

God put it on Andrea’s heart to consider taking a break from school to work for a church. This was not something that had ever crossed her mind. After spending a lot of time in prayer about it, she took a step of faith and approached the leadership at El Camino about coming to Fellowship. For years Fellowship and El Camino have worked closely together, and the leaders of El Camino were considering sending someone on an exchange when Andrea approached them. Caroline McIntyre, another young woman from Fellowship, was in Puebla at El Camino during that time. She helped Andrea as she began the process. After months of waiting, Andrea finally got confirmation in June: she was coming to Arkansas to work with Fellowship.

Andrea’s first few weeks in Arkansas were difficult. Adjusting to so much “new” was hard: she was constantly meeting people, the language difference made everything take twice as long and living with a different family meant learning unfamiliar habits and preferences. She found herself facing a lot of the same emotions she had felt in Peubla: exhaustion, discouragement, and frustration, only compounded with new challenges.

However, with some time and support from her host family, the Segos, everything started to fall into place.

The Segos quickly adopted Andrea into the family; she instantly had two younger sisters in Taylor and Kate Sego. Her relationship with the family helped her feel at ease as the weeks went on. A Tuesday night Bible study with girls her age also allowed her to make friends. Getting together with the girls in the group, or Caroline and her friends, for coffee or dinner or to go to the movies made NWA start to feel like Puebla… like home.

At Fellowship Andrea jumped right into her work, serving with the Sunday Elementary and Early Childhood teams. “I love working with kids,” Andrea smiles as she continues, “One of my favorite things is honesty, and with kids they are always honest about what they are thinking.” On Friday Andrea also works with the Celebrate Recovery team. The first time she experienced CR was the 10 Year Anniversary Celebration, and she loved it! The people she met reminded her so much of herself, the struggles she has faced, and the joy and redemption found in a life following Christ. “I like to see clearly how God changes lives,” Andrea says, “On Friday, people go without masks and I like that. It is good to see.”

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Andrea with the Sego family Not wanting to miss an opportunity to learn, Andrea takes as many classes as possible. She has taken a Panorama of the Bible and a 1 Timothy class with the residents, as well as attended several staff training opportunities. It is a full schedule, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

A few months after arriving at Fellowship, Andrea had friends, an NWA family, and was really enjoying her work. But she felt like something was missing. Throughout much of her journey Andrea had a mentor. She still has one in Mexico, but staying connected long-distance was proving to be difficult. It was a strong desire of hers to have a mentor in NWA, one who spoke Spanish so that she could express herself better. God showed his continued faithfulness in this area of Andrea’s life. Not two weeks after lifting up this request, a woman named Paula contacted Andrea. She was a Spanish speaker who was interested in meeting with Andrea and discipling her during her time here. Their relationship has been the final piece to the puzzle.

In Puebla, Andrea was beginning to wonder if all of her hard work at school and church was worth the time. Since arriving here, every day has brought new challenges, but has also brought great lessons.

“Maybe you have a hard time sometimes, but you continue. You see how it’s all worth it and bad times pass,” Andrea says when asked what her experience has taught her. “It’s just for Jesus and for that reason alone it’s worth it.”

Reflecting about what things will be like at the end of December 10

when she returns, she says “Right now I can see a lot of things about my time here, but when I get back I know I’ll see more. I don’t have a plan (for when I get home) but I’m sure that God has one.”

Editor’s Note: Andrea’s internship has concluded and she is currently visiting family in other parts of the United States, where she will be spending the holidays. In early January she will return to Mexico to finish school.

About Andrea Age: 21 Siblings: One younger brother Studies: Sociology student at Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP) Most Thankful For: The Sego family. “They are so good to me. They make me feel like home.”

Hobbies: “I really love dance!” She took formal lessons for 8 years. Her brother is her favorite partner; she claims he is a better dancer.

Ministry in Puebla: high school and college ministry, called Zona 33. This was the most difficult thing for her to leave.

Andrea serving on Sunday morning

Where you can find Andrea at Fellowship: Monday through Wednesday with Elementary Ministries: writing curriculum, planning activities, helping with camps and weekend activities this fall, observing Thursdays with the Early Childhood team: doing a lot of curriculum and preparing for Sunday Friday working Celebrate Recovery team: serving with people of all ages, filling in wherever needed On Sunday, she can be found with Elementary or Early Childhood, doing anything from helping a small group to running tech.

Future plans: Continue and complete college, to use her sociology degree to do “CR type work” in jails in Mexico

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Fellowship in

PUEBLA In recent months we have been blessed to see God doing great things in Mexico as we continue partnering in ministry alongside El Camino Bible Church, a church-planting church. Two of the initiatives Fellowship has been able to partner in recently have included a women’s conference and a pastors’ conference. Both had great attendance and we look forward to seeing continued fruit come from our partnership with our brothers and sisters in Puebla.

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by Rachel Cox Samaritan Community Center (SCC) was established in 1989 by Fellowship Bible Church of Northwest Arkansas as a food pantry and clothing ministry. By June 2002, the center had become a stand-alone, nonprofit legal entity with a mission to serve the hurting and hungry of Northwest Arkansas.

To show support for our initiatives, in 2003 Fellowship Bible Church gifted SCC a 19,000 square foot building (our current Rogers facility) located on four acres in northern Rogers. That same year Debbie Rambo, who had been working alongside her husband as a volunteer for many years, was hired as the first executive director, a position she still holds today.

A second location in Springdale opened in May 2004 with a primary focus of serving those in need within the Washington County area. Over the course of the last 10 years, the Center has also opened two nonprofit thrift stores – one in Springdale and one in Rogers. Net earnings from each store go to support the mission of the Samaritan Community Center. Approximately 1/3 of the organization’s revenue comes from the thrift stores.

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Last year, Samaritan supplied food to 48,174 individuals (including 22,612 children) in their Food Market (Pantry). They also served 78,323 free, warm and healthy meals in their Rogers and Springdale cafes. In addition to their hunger relief programs, Samaritan also offers a wide array of social services, from their medical and dental clinics to providing clothing vouchers and case management to those in crisis in the community.

How to Help DONATE TO THE THRIFT STORE

There is always a need to keep the thrift shops stocked with items in both Rogers and Springdale. Donations are accepted Monday - Saturday from 9am-5pm.

VOLUNTEER

SCC is reliant on volunteers to help run all of their programs. From onetime volunteer projects to ongoing support, there are opportunities for everyone. Contact the coordinator below to get plugged in: CafĂŠ Coordinator Elisa Pulido | epulido@samcc.org | 479. 636.4198, ext. 34 Health Clinic Coordinator Stacey Adams | sadams@samcc.org | 479. 636.4198, ext. 29 SnackPack Coordinator Bonnie Faitak | bfaitak@samcc.org | 479. 636.4198, ext. 28 Market Coordinator Katie Green | kgreen@samcc.org | 479. 636.4198 Thrift Store Coordinators: Rogers - Cassie Deaton | cdeaton@samcc.org | 479.246.1060 Springdale - Christine Bradley | cbradley@samcc.org | 479.751.3440 In-Kind Coordinator Shannon Green | sgreen@samcc.org | 479.636.4198 Stay Connected Visit our website, samcc.org regularly to stay updated with our latest news and needs. Samaritan keeps a running list of their most urgent needs on the front page of their website.

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The Herrings

by Steve Cox

Northwest Arkansas is rapidly approaching a population of 500,000 people. Roughly 50,000 residents were born in another country. Just in Rogers there are almost 70 different languages spoken.

These international residents come from across the globe. Many of those who move to the area don’t know anyone when they come here and have never been to the United States before. They are coming to Northwest Arkansas to be students at the University of Arkansas, NWACC, or work for some of the world class businesses in the area. Tom and Barbara Herring are a couple that works with and ministers to international students around Northwest Arkansas by inviting them into their home and sharing God with them.

The Herrings moved to the area in 1998 and immediately started attending Fellowship. Their community group leader invited them to a meeting focusing on ministering to the international students. Tom learned that around eighty-five percent of international 16

“

If you want to really get involved...

...you’re going to change the way you see people

”

students in our area are never invited into an American home. That stuck with him so he and Barbara decided to become involved and try and make a difference. They started to get plugged into various opportunities focusing on international students with churches in Fayetteville and Fort Smith. Barbara said that it was a little weird to be teaching the Bible to master’s degree and Ph. D students when they are not extremely educated themselves. “We don’t have two years of college between us,” Barbara said.

Tom said that a few years ago he asked Barbara what she would have thought if back in 1998 he would have told her that they would move to Springdale from Little Rock and be in ministry focusing on international students. “She said that I would have laughed in your face and been terrified,” Tom said. They don’t have seminary training and aren’t pastors, but God has always been able to provide the answers to the difficult questions they have been asked over the years. “We haven’t had to tell anyone that we don’t know and we’ll have to get back to them yet” said Tom.

The Herrings approach their ministry first by focusing on being a friend and family to those they are serving and bringing them into their home. “We have a guestbook that the students sign and we have them put their name, date, a greeting in their native language, and their home country. We have 68 countries in the book so far” said Tom. Barbara said their ministry is what we are called to do in the Bible. “Exodus tells us to love the alien among us as our own” said Barbara.

Getting involved is quite easy and the Herrings are willing to talk to anyone at any time about how people can get involved in international student ministry. Tom said that it has been an incredible journey thus far and it just keeps getting better and better each day. He went on to say, “If you want to really get involved […] you’re going to change the way you see people, the way you relate to people, and you’re really going to make a difference in this world.”

Click Here to see the video interview with the Herrings

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Meet Pat Anderson New Fellowship Worship Leader Age: 24

Why did you choose to be a Worship Leader?

Hometown: Greenbrier, AR

I have been called to do the ministry of the gospel and God has gifted me musically. I began serving in a volunteer role leading worship and the Lord opened doors for me to continue to grow in that role.

Married to: Hannah Anderson

What is your favorite worship song that has had the most impact on your ministry?

Education: University of Central Arkansas & Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary

I love the song “Come Thou Fount” as well as the contemporary arrangement “Come Thou Fount, Come Thou King.” The final verse is a beautiful truth that captures the hope and peace of the believer who struggles with the sinfulness of this world: “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love. Here’s my heart Lord, take and seal it. Seal it for Thy courts above!” How can one not worship when singing of the truth of God’s mercy and grace?

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P

Photo by Janina Darker

Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

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Dawn Stephens

by Sheryl Potter

“This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Jeremiah 6:16

Dawn Stephens remembers with great clarity the crossroads she found herself at nearly a decade ago and the decision that would forever change her life.

The recent college graduate had many lucrative job offers and had plans to apply for a visa to stay in South Africa where she had obtained her degree in primary education. Almost immediately, she ran into roadblocks. The Department of Home Affairs did not look favorably upon Zimbabweans such as Stephens and made it difficult for them to obtain the legal means to live and work in South Africa.

Going back to her home in Zimbabwe was not an option. Ruled by the same regime that had been in power since before her birth, the political and economic situation there had declined to the point that Stephens’ parents and siblings were compelled to emigrate to other countries.

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“It made sense for me to stay in South Africa,” Stephens reflects.

“I was trained there, and Cape Town had been my home through my college years.”

She tried every legal means to obtain the required visa without success. Potential employers heard of her struggle and offered to help, but most of the offers would have involved Stephens staying in the country illegally.

“It was really tempting,” she remembers. “The situation felt so hopeless.”

Through the long months of making regular trips to the Department of Home Affairs, Stephens became a familiar face to the guards who stood watch over the parking lots there. They realized the difficulties she was facing after so many months and offered to obtain her paperwork by bribing the appropriate officials for a fee.

It was in that moment that Stephens knew she had a monumental decision to make. Accepting their offer to bribe the government officials would mean she could live and work in South Africa for the rest of her life. Bribery was so common that it was unlikely that she or the officials would ever get caught. No one ever had to know.

“For me, that was a key point in my walk with the Lord. It wasn’t really about getting caught. Even if no one ever found out, God would know that I broke the law and didn’t trust Him enough to take care of me. I had to decide whether I was going to rely on myself and my own plans or whether I was going to rely on the Lord.” With her South African student visa about to expire, Stephens knew her options were running out.

While still a fairly new believer who had come to faith in Christ while studying in Cape Town, Stephens found herself facing daily tests of her faith as she waited on the Lord to reveal His plans for her.

In December 2009, her sister Jill encouraged her to apply for the United States green card lottery which grants permanent resident visas to people from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. Stephens completed the online application on the last day the lottery was open. That night, she offered a prayer of surrender to the Lord.

Dawn has always loved the national flower of Zimbabwe, the Flame Lily, often using it to represent herself.

More than 12 million people entered the lottery; only 50,000 worldwide would be selected. “I told God that I knew in a worldly sense it was highly unlikely that I would win, but I also knew that nothing was impossible for Him. I told God that if He wanted me to go to the United States, then it would be an easy thing for Him to arrange for my name to be selected. If that was what God wanted for me, then I knew He would make it happen. I gave Him all my hopes and my dreams, my entire future.”

Months passed, and Stephens found herself watching the mail for a response to her application. The night it came was “surreal”, she recalls. “I started crying and called my sister to let her know.”

The letter wasn’t a guarantee of being granted permanent residency but merely permission to move ahead to the next phase. She then began a “very intense” immigration and interview process which meant gathering even more documents and travelling to Johannesburg, 12 hours away from where she was living in Cape Town.

“God blessed me and helped me to be very organized,” she states.

The first day of the interview was grueling. There were questions about all aspects of her life. On the second day, officials handed her a permanent resident visa and congratulated her with the words, “Welcome to the U.S.”.

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“It was overwhelming for me,” she remembers, laughing. “I was expecting another day of questions, and here they were handing me a thick packet of papers that couldn’t be opened until I landed in the United States. None of it seemed real. But I knew in my heart, without a shadow of a doubt, that God was holding me in His hand. I knew that He wanted me to go to the United States and that it was only by His grace and mercy that I was granted permanent residency. A friend of mine said it was like God had drawn an arrow and written a personal message for me in the sky, saying; ‘Go that way, Dawn. I want you to go to the U.S.’” The Kentucky Consular Center who administers the program requires that those selected act on their visas within a few months. Stephens didn’t have long to prepare for her move. During that time, she helped her parents emigrate to South Africa, a very emotional undertaking. They were retirees and didn’t face the same challenges with the Department of Home Affairs that their daughter had.

On the day they crossed the border, Stephens was waiting for them in Cape Town. The couple had left with only what they could pack in two cars. Four generations of life in Zimbabwe had come to an end, and the entire family felt the loss deeply. She helped her parents acclimate to life in their new home as best she could, all the while preparing for the new life that awaited her.

Her sister had studied at the University of Arkansas and lived in Springdale for a year with Fellowship family, Tom and Barbara Herring. When the Herrings heard that Stephens was coming to the United States, they offered her a place to live.

Not long after arriving in Northwest Arkansas, she met Lori Hassion, AdventureLand director. Hassion saw in Stephens a deep love for children and soon put her to work in the various weekday children’s ministries of Fellowship. Last year, she moved into a full-time position as the preschool curriculum director for AdventureLand, a role she says that is perfectly suited for her.

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“I am very passionate about sharing Christ with children and helping them be prepared for kindergarten,” she states. “I pray daily for the children we serve that the seeds being planted in their hearts and minds will bear fruit, and for their parents, that they will lead their children faithfully and instill in them a deep love of Christ and the Word.”

Stephens says that although the journey has been far from easy, God has been faithful to provide for every need she has encountered along the way. She draws comfort from the words of Christ in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

“I know that God loves me and my family, that He cares about us and the details of our lives. Even when I don’t understand why certain things happen and why certain things don’t happen, God, in His great mercy, helps me to trust Him. I know that God is good all the time, no matter what our circumstances are. There is nothing like the joy and peace we experience knowing that we are doing God’s will, even in sadness and loss,” she states. “Obedience is our grateful response to what God has done for us. 1 John 4:19 ‘We love because He first loved us’.”

It all started with a decision to do the easy thing or to do the right thing. And her decision to follow Christ, no matter where He led her, is one decision that Dawn Stephens has never regretted.

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NIGHT OF IMPACT 24

Night of Impact is an event held yearly by our high school and junior high ministries, FSM & NES. On November 24th, Fellowship families came together with their teenage students in a devoted time of worship, prayer, and giving.

In addition to bringing donations for local ministries, students spent time praying for ministries and church plants locally, nationally, and globally.

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Loving the Nations Among Us

by Kiara Goodwin

Kassie stopped before she got to the doorway, finishing her text message. She put her phone away as she went outside, got in her van, said a quick prayer out loud, and backed her vehicle out of the parking lot.

On the drive she explains that she texts five friends or family members before she goes to meet with her Indian friends. “That way I know I have friends praying for our time together while I’m there,” she continues. Kassie is part of Loving the Nations Among Us, a group of women at Fellowship who are intentionally spending time with International women in our community.

God has truly brought the nations to Northwest Arkansas. The population in our little corner of the world is much more diverse and colorful than it was 15 years ago, or even 7 years ago, and it’s a beautiful thing! One of the largest groups of people to move to NWA are from India. Approximately 80% of Indian families are Hindu.

They are moving from places with very little, if any access to the Gospel.

We are saturated with the Gospel here. So what hinders so many of us from reaching out? It is typically two things: American christians are busy and they are afraid. Unfortunately that often keeps the church from accepting Internationals and doing our part to love and befriend them. However, the ladies in Loving the Nations have witnessed that once American women get past those things and get involved “their eyes are opened to the nations.”

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Kassie pulled into the driveway of her friend Nada’s house. The two women met almost three years ago when Kassie visited the local mosque, hoping to meet some Indian ladies. Today the two women are planning a baby shower for their friend, another Muslim woman who is new to the community.

After the plans were set, Kassie asked Nada to tell her what she had been learning about creation from the Bible, and see if the Koran was similar. Kassie told Nada about the story of Adam and Eve. Nada then explained what she believed. They agreed that sin separated people from God. Kassie asked Nada “what if all of our good works aren’t enough?” Nada paused. Kassie then told her friend how the sacrifice of Jesus redeems us of our sin and what a freeing gift that is. Before Kassie left the ladies chatted about their families and how friends were doing, and made plans to meet again.

These interactions are completely friendship based. But, just like many friendships, they naturally get deeper over time and spiritual things are discussed. The Loving the Nations Among Us group gathers every other Wednesday morning in a classroom setting to study the scripture so that they can share with their friends, ladies who have never studied the Bible before. The other two Wednesdays of the month they then meet and connect with Indian women in the community.

The women view their role in these relationships as that of a learner. “We have to go with an open heart,” Melody, one of the American women, says, “We’re not going to convert people; we’re going to love them, learn about their culture and beliefs, plant seeds and open doors.” The basis for this group is to “love the foreigner among us”, and that means loving them in word and deed. As the women do things with their Indian friends, they demonstrate the love of God. It’s easy to go and be the salt and light when your only goal is to make a friend.

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“Let’s just see if she’s home,” Kassie said. She knocked on the apartment door. When Prisha answered, introductions were exchanged. Kassie had only met Prisha once, briefly, and today she brought her friend Sara with her. Prisha welcomed the ladies in and offered them refreshments. They sat and talked for a little over an hour. During that time they got to know a lot about one another’s families, hobbies, past, cultural differences and similarities. Faith naturally came up, and again, Kassie had the opportunity to tell an Indian friend about Jesus. Before they left, Prisha let the ladies sample her cooking. Prisha and Sara made plans to meet again to exchange recipes and try one another’s cooking.

It’s incredibly easy to make the first connection. The ladies in the group will often do what Kassie did, introducing her friends.

Once introductions have been made there are many ways to keep developing the friendship.

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The ladies in Loving the Nations say that driving is one of the most popular activities during the day.

Many of the Indian women have never learned how to drive, so the ladies in the class will take them to a parking lot to teach them. Others have expressed that they want to practice English with a friend or have someone help their children practice. Some women in the group have also taken their friends shopping at Walmart, as this is often a new experience for them and can be overwhelming.

Jesus lived life with others and, in that act of love, showed them how we are to live. That is what this group does. “This isn’t another ministry,” Kassie explains, “It’s a whole lifestyle shift of reaching out. This is life and how we’re [called to] live it.”

Loving the Nations Among Us is focused on ladies, but entire families in our community are getting involved. Sharing the Gospel with our neighbors isn’t intended for a small group of people, it takes the whole body of Christ.

Kassie sits in her van, taking a quick moment to reflect on her morning.

She says a prayer, thanking God for opening up doors in unexpected ways. “You just give Him some of your time and let God move,” she explains. And it doesn’t take a lot of time or effort either. In two hours she had connected with and shared the Gospel with two friends, one a Muslim and the other a Hindu. We often say, the Gospel travels on the road of relationships, and Loving the Nations is a perfect example.

So how will your family get involved? There are many believers who are busy and don’t know how to befriend an International, but it is a lot easier and less time consuming than it may appear. There are evening activities, such as the International Cooking School. Consider inviting a family into your home for Christmas dinner. You don’t have to be in the Loving the Nations group or even have a lot of time to make a difference and make a friend.

God has given us a great opportunity by bringing the nations to Northwest Arkansas and placing International people in our lives. Now it is up to us. As a part of the body of Christ we are ALL called to love the nations among us.

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Join Celebrate Recovery this New Year’s Eve for a free screening of Home Run. It’s a great opportunity to bring friends and family and we look forward to seeing you all!

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A message from Courtney Wrinkle

Mosaic family, Thank you all, so much, for your help in purchasing this motorcycle! My teammate Simon and I went to pick it up yesterday, and I took it to our village this afternoon for the first time. I can’t tell you how nice it is to be able to be out in Naigobya and not be rushed to get home or dependent on a teammate’s schedule to leave! I’m looking forward to many more afternoons of discipleship and building relationships with these sweet people!

It is an honor to serve Jesus here in Uganda, and thank you guys for being a part of this journey with me!

In Christ, Courtney 32

Perspectives is a 15-week course that runs on four tracks (biblical, historical, cultural, and strategic) and is designed to help you know, understand, and embrace God’s mission to our world. Perspectives will help you find your unique involvement in our world, whether staying home (sender and/or reaching internationals locally) or going to the remotest areas of the earth to start church-planting movements. Perspectives is offered every spring for credit, certificate or audit level.

Fellowship is proud to be one of the local churches hosting the course this next semester and would love for you to attend.

Click here for more information about taking Perspectives this spring!

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BiLD The BiLD (Biblical Institute of Leadership Development) Training Center is a major ministry division of Fellowship Bible Church of NWA. This Training Center is the tangible expression of one of the three guiding metaphors that best describe the mission and vision of Fellowship NWA; namely, that Fellowship is a “greenhouse,” a “launching pad,” and a “training center.”

Visit the BiLD website for more information

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Upcoming Training Opportunities

Discovery | Mickey Rapier, Sam Hannon, Michael Smith Sunday | 9:30-10:30am | January 5-19 | Student Center Central Six Small Group Regional Sessions follow the large group sessions.

Discover Mosaic Sunday | January 19 - April 27/January 19 - May 4 | (Eight Sessions)

Panorama of the Bible | Gary Harrell Tuesday, 7pm-8:15pm | January 14-April 8 | AAO Classroom in Fayetteville at 1515 Burr Oak Dr., Fayetteville

Panorama Plus #1 | Robert Cupp Sunday | 9:30-10:30am | January 19 – February 23 | TC Chapel Sunday | 11am-12pm | January 19 – February 23 | TC Chapel Wednesday | 8:30-9:30am | January 15 – February 26 | TC Chapel

Panorama Plus #2 | Robert Cupp Sunday | 9:30-10:30am | April 27 - June 1 | TC Chapel Sunday | 11am-12pm | April 27 - June 1 | TC Chapel Thursday | 8am-9:15am | May 1 - June 5 | TC161

Personal Bible Study | Gary Harrell Sunday | 9:30am-10:30am | January 19 – February 23 | TC 166 Monday | 7pm-8:15pm | January 20 - February 24 | 412Annex, Springdale

Personal Bible Study II | Gary Harrell Sunday | 9:30-10:30am | April 27 - May 25 | TC161 Sunday | 11am-12pm | April 27 - May 25 | TC161

Perspectives | Register at perspectives.org Tuesday | 8:30am-11:30am | January 14 - April 29 | Lodge

We Believe (Survey of Theology) | Robert Cupp Tuesday/Thursday, 7:00-8:15am | January 21 – February 27 | TC166

Financial Peace University | Facilitated by Scott Huse Thursday | 6:15pm-7:45pm | January 16 - March 13 | 412 Annex, Springdale

C. S. Lewis: Revisited | Royce Johnson Sunday | 9:30-10:30am | January 26 – March 2 | TC161

Christian Apologetics | Don Eckard Sunday | 9:30-10:30am | March 2 - April 6 | TC166

Beyond Hard Places | Facilitated by Joetta Schork Monday | 6pm-8pm | March 31 - June 9 | TC161 35

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December 2013 | Issue 6