Encounter: A Deeper Truth
Adult Bible Fellowship... Grow in your faith! Small Groups: A Life In Circles A Different Design: A Journey to Africa
Table of Contents An Invitation………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Page 4
ReGroup...Join a Small Group!............................………………………………………………………………………..Page 5
ABF Classes: Grow and Connect!.………………………………………………………………………....................Page 8
Wednesday Night Encounter…………………………………………………………………………………..................Page 10
Encounter Studies……………………………………………………………………………………………………....................Page 11
Men’s Ministry……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...................Page 14
Women’s Ministry……………………………………………………………………………………………………....................Page 15
Volunteer Connection……………………………………………………………………………………………….................Page 16
A Different Design……........………………………………………………………………………………………...................Page 17
An Invitation: A Letter From the Discipleship Pastor
W
e often say here at HDCC that we are “discipledriven.” That means we are committed to creating extensive opportunities to study the Bible and build lasting relationships with others who share the desire to live Christcentered lives. As you look though this publication, you will find that “disciple-driven” is more than a slogan, but rather an accurate description of our intentional efforts to equip adults to follow Christ. In this publication you’ll learn about the various adult opportunities that reflect the Discipleship Ministry core values: GROW, CONNECT, and SERVE. You’ll see opportunities to participate in systematic studies of the Bible, relationshipbuilding small groups, and learn how to find how God has gifted you to help build up your faith and the faith of others.
I hope this publication will help you in several ways. First, I hope you will find a class where you can engage in a study of God’s Word. Second, I hope you will find a community where you can join others who are seeking to become fully devoted followers of Christ. Third, I hope you find a place to use your God-given gifts to advance God’s purposes. And finally, I hope you will have a clearer understanding of HDCC and what we value as a church. When you have finished reading this publication, please pass it along to someone you know who is looking for a place to study God’s Word, to develop meaningful relationships, or to find how and where God has gifted him or her to become a positive influence in the world.
David Smith, Discipleship Pastor
“Disciples are those who have been so ravished with Christ that others want to be like them.” –Dallas Willard
Hazel Dell Small Groups Building Intentional Disciples The “church” is not a building, a denomination, or a business organization. It’s a family of people who agree about Jesus. At Hazel Dell, we believe that the family needs to gather together on Sundays in our worship, but we also believe the family should scatter around the community and meet in small groups during the week. “Life change happens in circles, not in rows,” said Andy Stanley. Every believer needs a small group of other believers for support and encouragement. We believe that spiritual growth happens as we gather regularly with a few other believers. Here are some of the benefits of being in a small group: • Your small group makes church personal. • Your small group becomes close like family. • You share hurts and triumphs with your small group. • You grow to become like Jesus faster in a small group. • You help others to grow like Jesus. • You can easily invite friends to your small group. This fall, we plan to start a number of new small groups. If you are not currently in a small group, please register online or fill out a registration card at the Small Group Kiosk. Small groups kick off on September 8, 2014. Sign up today.
“Life change happens in circles, not in rows.” -Andy Stanley
HDCC Small Groups “Being in a small group started out as a way for us to connect with others in the church, and get to know some families at the same stage as ours (with young kids). It has been that, and SO much more!”– Monica Kaufman
“We did not just “connect”, we found a small church family within our big church family! We found that the families in our group have all been through similar (yet completely different) life experiences as we have.”–Monica Kaufman
“The small group is the heart of the church. It is where true caring for one another begins in both spiritual and physical senses. This is where you begin to put the needs of another before your needs. It is a beautiful feeling.”–Jim Albrecht
“We have been able to share what we have been through, and learn from each other’s experiences by seeing God’s power and grace in each other’s lives. God picked all of us to be in each other’s lives at the perfect time. The families in our small group have jumped right into the path of our own spiritual journey. It has been awesome going down this path with our new family in Christ!”– Monica Kaufman
Why are you involved in a small group? We initially became involved in small groups to get more connected in the HDCC community, but we stay involved because of the spiritual growth opportunities, peer accountability and to fellowship as a whole family with other Christian families.
How long have you been involved? We got started in small groups two years ago. We have been with our current small group since last summer.
What does your small group look like? Our small group families generally meet once a week at one of our homes. We have snacks and socialize, take time to pray together and then focus on a Bible study series that we have picked out together. My favorites have been when we focus on an individual over several weeks, like David and Peter. After a study, we usually take a break while we decide our next study and have a social week with a meal together or go out to a restaurant. We also try to coordinate time together for community service projects and social outings that fit our shared interests.
Have you seen personal or spiritual growth since being a part of a small group? I have seen a real benefit in spiritual growth. My favorite thing about small group is that we all have different strengths that we bring to the group. We all bring a different knowledge base, set of skills and life experiences. I have gained new insight on so many things by participating in discussions with my small group. They are a loving group of peers who aren’t afraid to keep one another moving in the right direction in our spiritual walk. I value that accountability and support. The most personal growth comes from the fact that this group of people is real with each other. When these people ask how you are doing today, they want a real answer. It’s okay if it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. They will stand beside you in the good times and the bad. I find comfort in being part of a group where I feel so loved and supported. -Tara Covey, Member of HDCC
ADULT BIBLE FELLOWSHIP Grow and Connect!
Are you looking for a place to increase you knowledge of the Bible and make meaningful friendships? If so, an Adult Bible Fellowship community is the place to start. An ABF is a long-term community, meeting every Sunday, year-round. In fact, some of our ABFs communities have been meeting together for more than 20 years, while others have been meeting together for only a year or two. The Bible study topics change about every 6-12 weeks. If you would like to make lasting friendships for traveling through life, find an ABF that fits your age and stage. Our 17 ABF communities meet at 8, 9:15 or 11 a.m. each Sunday. Here’s a list of our ABFs with the typical age and stage of life of its members: CPRenewal–11 a.m. Room 123 Led by Cheryl Vance
Young Adult Community Group–9:15 a.m. Modular D-1 Contact Chris Dunbar for info!
This is a study for women on the book of Esther entitled, “Esther: A Woman for Such A Time as This”.
A community group for 18 to 29 year olds. This community chooses a study based off the group’s interest. All young adults are welcome.
commUNITY–9:15 a.m. Modular A-1
LIFE–9:15 a.m. Conference Room
Led by Marcus and Lindsey Gullett
Led by Brad Long
A group for 20 to 30 year olds, married with children. Meets each week to study, have community, and grow together.
An adult Bible fellowship group for anyone 25 to 40 years old, married or single.
Kingdom Class–8 a.m. Room 123
Matthew 18:11–9:15 a.m. Room 106
Led by Discipleship Minister, David Smith
Led by Shane Peterson
Is real life-change possible? “Renovation of the Heart” by Dallas Willard will help you on your way to making lasting changes in the quality of your life.
A study for those in their 30’s to 40’s, married or single with children.
Reveal–9:15 a.m. Room 123
Crusaders–9:15 a.m. Room 115
Led by Scott Metz
Led by Frank Runion
Study for those in their 30’s to 50’s, married or single.
A study for those in their 40’s to 50’s, married or single with children.
The Vine–9:15 a.m. Room 119/120
Berean–9:15 a.m. Room 107
Led by Jamie Stuber
Led by Mark McFarland
A study for those in their 30’s to 40’s, married with children.
A study for those in their 60’s to 70’s or older, married or single.
Connection–9:15 a.m. Modular D-2
Sonshine–9:15 a.m. Room 111/112
Led by Tim Marks
Led by Rich Anliker
A study for those in their 30’s to 40’s, married or single with children.
A study for those in their 50’s to 70’s or older, married or single.
Koinonia–9:15 a.m. Modular B1-2
Disciples–9:15 a.m. Room 109
Led by Mike Scholl
Led by Doug Zabonick
A study for those in their 40’s and older, married or single.
A study for those in their 40’s to 50’s, married or single with children.
Discovery–9:15 a.m. Room 114
Foundations–10:45 a.m. Room 119/120
Led by Jon Vance & teaching team
Led by Bill & Tina Barteau
A multi-generational study. A multi-generational study. We’ll be studying “Not A Fan” by Kyle Idleman through September.
Contact HDCC’s Adult Discipleship Pastor, David Smith, if you would like more information on our Sunday morning Adult Bible Fellowship classes or if you have questions on how to get involved (smithd@hdchristian.org).
Encounter Wednesday Encounter is a wonderful opportunity to increase your understanding of God’s Word. It runs from September through May and is designed to offer short-term studies, normally 6-12 weeks in length. The studies include verse-by-verse explorations of Bible books, as well as life-skills options that focus on such areas as marriage enrichment, parenting skills and studies for men and women. This year our Wednesday Encounter theme is TRUE, which is based on 1 John 5:20:
“We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true — even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” All of the adult studies this semester are geared toward helping you understand that God’s Word is true and that through living out His Word, you can find the true and satisfying life God’s promises to His children. Take a moment to look over the electives below that will help you understand the Bible in a new and exciting way. But Wednesday Encounter isn’t just about adults! Encounter is for all ages! We provide a nursery, Children’s Ministry and Student Ministry programing each week. And to make it even easier to attend Encounter, we even offer our “No muss -- No fuss” family dinner, so mom or dad can take a night off from the kitchen. Encounter begins September 10. You can enroll in a study by going online: http://www. formstack.com/forms/?1791692-icbLzmPuSs or sign-up at the kiosks in the HDCC main foyer through September 7.
How Do I Sign Up? We’ve made it simple!
Encounter Registration Form Register for a Wednesday evening study!
iConnect Station Sign up at our new iConnect iPad station in the foyer! Click on the Formstack link and register for a class of your choice!
Online Form Scan the QR code with the QR code reader on your phone or type in the registration link above to register for a class of your choice!
Paper Form Grab a paper registration form and complete it with the class of your choice and turn it in at the kiosk in the foyer through September 7!
Encounter Studies Find Us Faithful Led by Senior Pastor, Mark Wright May all who come behind us find us faithful. No matter what stage of life you are in, look behind you. Someone is following in your footsteps. Mark Wright is the Senior Pastor at HDCC. He and his wife Sarah have been serving at Hazel Dell Christian Church for 25 years in full-time pastoral ministry. They have three adult children, and two grandchildren. Mark is a self-proclaimed gear-head and loves showing off his restored Corvette...when there’s not a chance for rain!
The Real Man Card Led by Scott Mitchell The Real Man Card is a daily reminder of what it means to be a “real man”. The Real Man Card is an accountability resource that we can carry with us at all times. Picture men across the country using this card to help them become a “real man”. As a family, the Mitchells attend and are servants at Hazel Dell Christian Church, where Scott enjoys being part of the worship team. For the past 9 years, Scott has taken on an active role in the Men’s Ministry, by leading a weekly Bible study, and assisting with the youth in many capacities.
The Girl’s Still Got It Led by Janet Smith Ruth is the most woman-centered book in the Bible, with a happilyever-after ending. In this in-depth study, based on the book by Liz Curtis Higgs, we’ll travel back in time to walk with Ruth and Naomi as they put the pieces of their broken lives back together and see what God is trying to teach us through this rags-to-riches redemption story. Janet Smith has been teaching Encounter women’s Bible studies for 10 years. She’s the wife of HDCC Discipleship Pastor, David Smith, has two adult daughters, and works at CMF International.
Christianity VS. Other Major World Religions Led by Ron Pitzer This study will compare the core beliefs of Christianity against the beliefs of the other major world religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. To gain a greater understanding of these major world belief systems, we will answer questions from each religion’s point of view. Understanding the teachings and beliefs of other religions will help you defend your faith when confronted by someone with a different belief background. Ron and his wife Nancy have been attending HDCC for five years. They have two married, adult children. Ron retired from Eli Lilly in 2010 after serving in environmental management. He enjoys golf, co-leads a community Bible study, and takes online classes in New Testament studies.
Encounter Studies The Truth Project Led by Ernie Vicars Is there one universal and objective truth? Whose truth is real truth? Can we find anything that is really true? Our culture is changing rapidly, especially in regards to the issue of objective truth. This study will help you understand these cultural questions and provide answers based on God’s design for understanding reality. Ernie graduated from the University of Kentucky, where he met, fell in love with, and married his wife Cindy. They have two great kids and two beautiful grandchildren. The Vicars started attending HDCC in 2002 and Ernie currently serves as an elder.
“A Storied Past: The Events and People that Shaped the Church” Led by Brad Long This 12-week study will cover the history of the church from Jesus’ time until now. Each week will cover a specific set of events, people, and time period that has shaped the church over the last 2000 years. Brad Long has been attending HDCC since 2004. He is married to his wife Heather and has 2 girls, and a son on the way. Brad has been leading an ABF class since 2005 and has served as a youth leader and a deacon in the past. He’s an IT manager by profession and enjoys volunteering, traveling, photography, and spending time with family.
“The Love Dare” Led by Bob and Becky Beer This six-week study is designed to direct and strengthen marriages through many thought provoking discussions and challenges to couples, to grow spiritually and relationally! We will be searching God’s Word for HIS truth in marriage. We will enjoy movie clips and follow along with a study guide. We will challenge each couple to explore the joys of dating again, finding that you really do love each other after the wedding bells have stopped ringing! Bob and Becky Beer have shared a loving marriage for 32 years and have six children, three of which are grown and married, and two grandchildren. They share a very deep passion for marriages to be transformed from ordinary to extraordinary!
Renovation of the Heart Led by Discipleship Pastor, David Smith Is real change possible? The type of change that comes into the soul and that changes not just actions, but even your thoughts and desires? The answer is a resounding yes! This type of life change is taught as an expected outcome of discipleship by the writers of the New Testament. Renovation of the Heart will help you on your way to making lasting changes in the quality of your life. David Smith has served as HDCC Discipleship Pastor and Elder for the past 12 years. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degree from Cincinnati Christian University and Seminary. David and his wife Janet will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary this coming May and are parents of two grown daughters and one precious granddaughter. He enjoys shooting sports, tennis, and gardening.
HDCC Worship Choir Led by Music Minister, Joel Phillips Are you a talented vocalist? Do you have a passion or love of singing? You’re welcome to join the choir! We will be practicing every Wednesday evening from 6:20 to 7:30 in the choir room, just left of the stage. We welcome singers of all experience levels. Come and help prepare music for Sunday worship and be a part of a great community! Joel Phillips is the Worship Minister at HDCC and endeavors to utilize music and other arts to draw the church into worshipful experiences together. He luckly married Holli Phillips and they have four kids in middle and elementary schools.
Student Ministry Wednesday night Encounter isn’t only for the adults! “Connection Groups” will be our Wednesday night program that will focus on helping students connect with Jesus and with adult leaders and friends who care about them. It’s a chance for your student to spend dedicated devotional time in the Word of God connecting with Jesus. C-Groups are also a chance for them to gain and grow in friendships with other Hazel Dell students and adult sponsors.
Children’s Ministry The nursery is offered for infants through 23 months. Little Hazel Dell Kids Wednesdays (2’s-K)–Wednesday night programming for ages 2-Kindergarten focused on learning and celebration through scripture and music from 6:30-7:30 pm. Wednesday Hazel Dell Kids (1st-4th grade)–Wednesday night programming that offers Bible activities and Hazel Dell Kids Choir. The evening provides a wellrounded time of fun, study, and praise from 6:30-7:30 pm. ROOT 56 Wednesday Celebration (5th and 6th grade)–Wednesday night programming that includes weekly Bible studies, devotions and other experiences. Specifically formulated for our 5th and 6th grade ministry. Come at 5:30 to eat dinner in the room, play Air Hockey, the Wii or just hang-out with friends.
Week-day Study Financial Peace University Led by Isaac & Melissa Crowe Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University teaches God’s way of handling your money. Using videos, class discussions and interactive small group activities, FPU presents practical, biblical steps to get from where you are to where you’ve dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely and much more. Begins Thursday, September 18 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Melissa and Issac are both IT professionals working for the Town of Fishers. They married in 2007 and started the Dave Ramsey course in early 2008, spending their 1st anniversary in class. Using tips from class, they set the course to becoming debt free, taking odd jobs and selling various items. In 27 months, they paid off $80,000 in debt, leaving only their home mortgage.
Men’s Ministry Guys like hanging out with other guys! It can be over coffee, at a sporting event, sharing interests and using skills. That is why we offer a variety of Men’s Ministry opportunities at HDCC. We have men’s groups that study the Bible, attend men’s Christian conferences, meet to discuss life, share hobbies and interests, and play sports. While all of that is taking place, friendships are created and lives are made fuller. Check out some of these opportunities that will help you grow in your faith, use your skills, and share common interests!
Discipleship Groups Napkins Notes meets each Friday, 6:307:30am, in Café 2:42 in the HDCC Adult Center. Mark Wright leads this informal discussion and breakfast is provided. For more information, email Mark (wrightm@hdchristian. org).
Man Card Band of meets weekly Brothers from 6:30-7:30 meets the p.m., during first and third the Encounter Thursdays of semesters. This each month, group of guys 6:30 to 7:30 is seeking to a.m., at Steaklive each day as n-Shake in faithful men for Westfield. Join Christ. For more David Smith for information about this men’s group, breakfast and a discussion about see the Encounter section of this what God seeks to bring into our publication. lives. For more info, email David (smithd@hdchristian.org).
Service Groups Grounds Crews
Prison Ministry
Do you like to mow grass, The HDCC Prison Ministry care for landscaping, and helps change the lives of snow removal? Yes, some those incarcerated at the guys really enjoy being Hamilton County Prison. outside and serving God. Our This group conducts Grounds Crew Ministry keeps Sunday worship services HDCC looking beautiful in for the inmates as well the summer and safe in the as teaches the ALPHA Course that introduces inmates to the life-changing winter. If you enjoy working outside with a group of guys, Word of God. For more info, contact Randy Brake contact Mike Daily (mdaily@auctionbroadcasting.com). (rabrakes@comcast.net).
Sports Groups
Golf
Skeet Shooting
Bowling
Fantasy Football
The HDCC Golf League meets at Fox Prairie Golf Course for great games and great fellowship. You can be a regular, a sub, or even a walk-on. For info, contact Bill Deppert (bcdepp@att.net).
If you like things that go “BANG”, join the HDCC Skeet Shooting Fellowship that meets monthly at the Indiana Gun Club. For more info, contact Burt Krehbiel (thekrehbiels@ att.net).
The HDCC Bowling League is a great way to meet other adults and pass the winter months by developing warm and lasting friendships. For more info, contact Mike Workman (hoosier35@att. net).
Create your own fantasy football team and then compete against others at HDCC. For info, contact Mike Matthews (jkm. noplacelikehome@gmail. com).
Women’s Ministry Friday W.O.W. (Women of the Word) The Book of Acts Led by Tina Hood A Bible study of the Book of Acts will be starting Friday September 5th at 9:00 a.m. We will be meeting on Fridays at Always in Stitches in Noblesville at 1808 Conner Street. It is located behind McDonald’s. Contact Tina for more info (sandthood@comcast.net). Tina Hood and her husband Steve are both Purdue graduates, graduating with degrees from the School of Agriculture with horticulture majors. The Hoods keep busy with their greenhouse/ nursery in Noblesville called Hoods Gardens. They have two grown children. Tina loves jumping into the Bible and has learned the importance of being in His Word and listening to Him.
Wednesday W.O.W. Breaking Free by Beth Moore Led by Heidi Siitari and Jane Parente This Wednesday morning Bible study will kick off on September 10 in room 111/112! We’ll start our morning at 9:15 a.m. with snacks and begin the lesson at 9:30. Child care is available! Contact Jane Parente or Heidi Siitari for more information! Jane has been a follower and servant of Christ for 44 years. Have also attended and led numerous women’s studies. Jane is married, the mother of 3 children, and grandmother of 8 grandchildren. Heidi is so grateful to have grown up in a Christian home, gave her life to Jesus when she was 10 and has tried to be the hands and feet of Jesus since. She has a husband of 20 years and 3 kids. She has a heart for watching kids and their families grow in faith and love for Jesus. This is the best job in the whole world!!
Women’s Tea An elegant time for women and guests of HDCC to fellowship and make new friends. Women’s Tea is also an outreach opportunity–women are encouraged to invite their friends to this warm and inviting event. Tables are beautifully decorated by hostesses who use their own table settings and decorations from their homes. Special music is presented and an inspirational speaker shares at the conclusion of the tea. The 2015 Women’s Tea is still in the works and the date will soon be announced!
For a complete list of Women’s Ministry opportunities, log on to www.hdchristian. org! There are plenty of places for women to connect, grow deeper in their faith, and fellowship together!
Volunteer Connection You are gifted by God to change the world. That might be by using your gifts inside or outside the walls of HDCC. We have dozens of places for you to use your gifts in meaningful and fulfilling ways that will benefit both you and the world around you. The most frequent questions we receive are, “But how?” “How do I discover my gift?” “Once I discover my gift, where can I serve?” “Who can help me?” Don’t worry–the Involvement Ministry’s goal is to help you discover and use your gifts in ways that glorify God. Do I have a gift? Yes, everyone has at least one God-given gift. Your giftedness is as unique as your DNA or fingerprints. God’s Word promises us: “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.” (Romans 12:6 NIV) How do I discover my gift? If you aren’t sure how God has gifted you, we provide a free online gift assessment tool that will help. To take your gifts test, visit this address: http:// www.assessme.org/login.aspx?m=1708. Then create your personal user name and password and then you will be on your way to learning your spiritual gifts. Once you have discovered or confirmed your gifts, you are ready to start serving God. Where can I use my gifts? You can discover how to use your gifts by going to the HDCC website or logging into your “My Hazel Dell” account and clicking “Search Opportunities”. If you would like to have a paper copy of our ministry opportunities, you can pick up a copy of “Volunteer Connection” at The Hub in the main foyer. Volunteer Connection will assist you to link your gift, area of ministry interest, and your availability. Can I contact someone? Absolutely! Our Involvement Ministry is just an email away. If you need more information about how to discover and use your gifts, just drop an email to hdccinvolvement@gmail.com and one of our team members will be in contact with you.
Find your gift! Find your place! Find your calling! Change your life!
VC
A Different Design
U
pon meeting Linn Asbury for the first time…I can say I already love her. She has one of those go getter personalities who is truly one of a kind. Linn is one of those women that encourage your soul to the depths by the way she lives, loves, and speaks about what Jesus is doing in her life. She’s one of those people who sees a need, prays about it, and does something about it. All of that said, that is just what she is doing. Linn has surrendered herself fully to Jesus. She found herself on a journey that led her to selling all she owns, including her comfortable home in the suburbs, and moving across the ocean to be the hands and feet of Jesus in Kager, Kenya working with the Jubilee Village Project at 66 years old. Her story is unique and so off-the-wall in one of those ways that only God could piece together so beautifully. Linn grew up not knowing Christ, not ever saying “Jesus”, and living most of her adult life climbing the uphill battle of the corporate world. Linn and her husband were business executives in Chicago and traveled the world pursuing corporate success with little concern for the person of Jesus Christ. After they moved into the area, Linn’s husband passed away and she realized how lost she was. Her motivation in life wasn’t there and she didn’t have a support system. She and her husband had lived so involved in the business world that they didn’t have many friends or family to support her.
was baptized into Christ and grafted into His grace. God fast tracked her into a position on staff at a church doing missions and outreach. “I thought I had no qualifications to do mission work because I wasn’t a teacher or a nurse.” God had a different design for her. She began to lead small groups to Africa after realizing the pull on her heart for that place. As Linn talked, I began to see a pattern in the story God had woven for her. She talked of her experiences sitting with African women in their huts, listening to their stories, and learning of their needs. “My heart has always been pulled toward women and girls that are in dire circumstances.” Linn heard of the Jubilee Village Project after meeting the founder through a friend at CMF. He told her to check out their village the next time she found herself in Kenya. So that’s what she did...In September 2009, Linn rented a car and driver and rode the 8 hours to the remote village in Kenya. As she sat in the mud hut on the mud floor with a group of women, she knew there was something special about them.
“Never will I forget looking into each woman’s eyes as I was introduced to her and seeing warmth, a depth of love for a sister in Christ, and a longing to grow deeper and stronger not only physically, but spiritually. They seemed to sense that I could provide a link to resources, which would assist in their spiritual Linn decided to try out the church down the street and growth. When I asked how I could best help them, see what they had to offer her. Two months later, she
around them. Linn also works with JVP’s Freedom for Girls project. This project is a collaboration with HeartAfrica to help give young girls the proper tools they need such as education, sanitary supplies, and more. $6 gives one girl a year’s supply of sanitary napkins and four pairs of underwear. Instead of giving them all of their supplies at one time, they’ve set up a mentorship program that brings local village women and young girls together once a month to mentor them in how the body works and more. “Girl child equity with boys is not there so anything we can do to help a girl not become pregnant, stay in school, and improve selfesteem we do.” There are now over 300 girls in the program. They’re finding a rise in school attendance and grades as well! they were pleading not only for Bibles in their native Luo tongue, but for women’s Bible studies which they could use for practical application in their daily lives. What an honor and blessing it has been to play a very small part in helping provide the resources for these women.”
“A couple years ago, I was sitting with a group of women in Africa and one of the women pulled out a ball of yellow yarn and started croqueting. I wondered where she got that ball of yarn and how she had learned.” Linn put together a business plan and set to work on what is now called Jubilee Spree Ministries. Linn realized that those women could teach each This trip set things in motion including an unintentional other that creative art and she could bring them back start-up of a secondary school (high school) in the to the states and sell them. So that’s exactly what community. This year, they celebrated 37 graduates! they’re doing. Linn began volunteering with JVP and has expanded her efforts in four different programs within the village as their Education Global Partner. One of the projects is called JOY Kitchens (Jesus, Others, Yourself). This project strives to improve the lives of women and families of Kager village by introducing and providing households with six simple household solutions, including: improved stoves, fireless basket cookers, smoke hood and chimney, household water purifiers, solar lanterns, and food canning. Utilizing the concepts of Community Health Evangelism (CHE), leadership for the JOY Kitchens initiative is provided by the women of the four local churches of Kager and is accomplished in the form of “women’s empowerment groups.” These groups consist of 8-10 women and are a place for fellowship, encouragement, accountability, Bible study, discipleship and training. Training focuses primarily on family and women’s health issues including: sanitation and hygiene, health and disease prevention, and maternal health. So while improving kitchens with sanitary water, solar lighting, and chimneys that clear the huts of harmful pollutants, there is now a discipleship program in place that leads women deeper in their relationships with Christ. There are ten groups of eight women that meet every week to study. Linn sends them a Bible study once a month, which then gets translated and used by these groups. These women have shown their passion for evangelism by wanting to reach out to their communities, providing rice and beans to those
Jubilee Spree has been a growing business connecting the beautiful crafts of these African women to resources here in the states, showing them how to use their skills to provide for their families in unique ways. God provided a studio space through Broadway United Methodist church in downtown Indy for the project. Linn took her mixed media collections there and set up shop. The studio is open to anyone who wants to create works of art to sell in hopes of breaking the cycle of poverty connecting women in Africa to women here (in similar situations) in Indianapolis. “In another two years, I want to step back and let the women in Kager run the entire project in Kenya as a women’s cooperative.” In all of this, Linn has the most humble spirit and points it all to God. “It’s an amazing ministry; it’s amazing the way that God has put all the pieces together; it’s nothing I ever did.” Linn left July 15 for her global adventure and will continue to return to the states to oversee the distribution side of Jubilee Spree. Check out Jubilee Village Project to keep up with what they’re doing and will continue to do. You can also visit Jubilee Spree to see how you can take part!
Do you feel empty...guilty....full of regret? Are you tired of keeping a secret that you feel could be discovered at any moment? For years, you’ve been controlled by sex. Your mind has been filled with lustful thoughts, and pornography and masturbation aren’t strangers to you. Perhaps you’re justifying an emotional or physical relationship with someone other than your spouse, girlfriend, or fiance. It’s hard to resist, and you’ve fought to control this all on your own. You’ve lost hope after failing over and over, and you’ve given up trying. You can’t win this battle by your own strength. Only by relying on God’s strength through a daily relationship with His son Jesus Christ will you find freedom from this sexual obsession. Piercing The Darkness Ministry would like to help you gain freedom from the bondage of sexual sin. By challenging you to think differently about our Heavely Father and yourself, and training you to be a man of integrity, you will be prepared to accept the transformation that Christ desires for you. Confidential e-mail:
ptd.ministry@gmail.com
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