Treasure | July - September

TREASURE Helping Women Fulfill the Great Commission

REVILED TO REDEEMED | TERMINAL TO TRIUMPHANT | VICTIM TO VICTOR J U LY- S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 1

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TREASURE Volume 11, Issue 3 | July-September 2022 | WNAC.ORG

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BIB L E ST U D IE S

IN EVERY ISS U E

TREASURE

Terminal to Triumphant.................6

Tidbits................................................4

Sometimes, the worst news reveals God’s best for our lives.

Are we a good reflection of Christ?

ISSN 8960038 Volume 11, Number 3

Reviled to Redeemed......................12 Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well reminds us no one is beyond the reach of grace.

Victim to Victor...............................20 Abigail reminds us to still do the right thing even in the face of abuse..

Thirtysomethings............................17 Where is the persecuted church?

Behind the Scenes............................ 5 Here is what is happening now for a featured missionary or church planting family.

Vision............................................... 27 How does God intervene in our lives?

F E AT U R E S Two Godly Men–Two Outcomes.10 2022 National Convention............ 18 Victim to Victor...............................25

TREASURE (ISSN 8960038) is produced quarterly by Women Nationally Active for Christ of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, Inc., 5233 Mount View Road, Antioch, TN 37013-2306. Copyright privileges reserved. A 2022 Member of Evangelical Press Association.

Editorial Staff Phyllis York, Editor-in-Chief Tori Matlock, Design WNAC Board Amy Johnson, Illinois Pam Hackett, South Carolina Jonda Patton, Kentucky Sarah Sargent, Ohio Tracy Payne, Oklahoma LeeAnn Wilfong, Missouri Khristi Shores, Oklahoma Jessica Edwards, Tennessee Katie Postlewaite, South Carolina Contributors Amy Johnson, Illinois Elizabeth Hodges, Tennessee Pam Hackett, South Carolina Sarah Sargent, Ohio Lee Ann Wilfong, Missouri Tracy (Wilfong) LaBruyere, Missouri Phyllis York, Tennessee

Mail questions or comments to: Treasure, PO Box 5002, Antioch, TN 37011-5002

treasure@wnac.org | wnac.org | @WNACFWB J U LY- S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 3

Thoughts From Amy

BY AMY JOHNSON

About the Columnist: Amy Johnson chairs the WNAC board of directors. She is head of accounting at Stark Enterprises, a Michigan-based general contracting company. Amy graduated from Welch College in 1998 with a B.S. in Business Administration. She is a member of Calvary FWB Church in Salem, Illinois, where her husband Harlen pastors. Amy enjoys women’s ministry, working with children, and being outdoors.

I love seasons. I am very thankful to live in an area that offers four distinct ones. The changing of seasons or the weather have become common topics we use as conversation starters. Seasons are something we all have in common.

We may experience them differently depending on where we live, but seasons affect all of us.

The same is true in life. Some seasons come and go quickly. Raising children, for example, “Seems like yesterday she was cutting her first tooth, and today I watched her drive away for her last year of high school.”

Although some days feel long, it certainly does pass swiftly. Those winter days seem to last forever, but soon time gives way to spring.

The distinction in seasonal transitions is usually easy to recognize. However, the lines between the times in our lives are not as clearly defined, especially when we are busy with day-to-day activities. It’s difficult to see when a season has completed or a new one begins. In any case, we need to take notice. Maybe we should ask ourselves: How do we fill these days, weeks, and months that cumulate to create a season of life? Are we allowing God into every moment? Are we open to His using us for our good and His glory?

Allow Him to intervene in daily life.

I love something in each season. I love the first winter snow (we usually have fall snow) and how it covers the ugly, brown ground and sticks to the trees’ bare limbs, making everything clean, bright, and calm. Watching big flakes of snow join together to blanket the earth is soothing and peaceful. But, when the calendar says it is spring, I don’t like snow at that point! However, I know the time is coming and new life will begin to spring forth as winter gives way to a new season.

The same can be said about our lives—times change. We experience happy, joyous occasions and endure moments of sorrow and pain. However, if we allow the Lord to intervene in our daily lives, we can easily look back and identify the season and see His fingerprints interwoven on each day.

4 TREASURE

BEHIND THE SCENES Cynthia & Carl Spruill

Most of my days begin at 5:15 when I decide to hit the snooze button the first time. I am not a morning person, and I often take my time before I am finally willing to get up. Once I hit the floor, it’s full speed ahead.

Fortunately, all our kids attend school within a couple of miles of our house, so getting them there in the mornings is a breeze! I have the privilege of working in the intermediate school office, where I get the bonus of meeting children and families from the community. I spend time praying and reading through devotional material during my lunch hour. I can sit a few moments with God before tackling the rest of my day. My “work days” end at 4:00, but depending on the day of the week, I head off to do a plethora of things.

On Mondays, I meet with young women for mentoring and discipleship. Carl and I often meet with a young couple for counseling and discipleship on Tuesday evenings.

On Wednesdays, I go from work to the church to meet for worship practice. Our mid-week Bible studies begin at 6:30, but we don’t typically leave church until 8:30 because many people stay afterward and fellowship. Praise God! On Thursdays, we either go on visitation, or catch up on everything from housework to admin work for the church.

Fridays and Saturdays host various events, including band concerts, football games, graduation ceremonies and parties, and helping members move. Some Saturdays we clean up the church property or do renovations at the church. Presently, we are planning our first VBS and E-Team Hawaii!

On Sundays, I’m at church by 8:45. After church, we often have lunch with various families. This past Sunday afternoon was spent at Home Depot gathering supplies for VBS, then helped with decorating.

We live a busy life, but we are honestly encouraged and blessed by what God is doing here. We know He has called us to be here, and we will continue to persevere, working in love and under His guidance. Will you continue to pray for us? Our biggest encouragement has always been the church’s unwavering support through prayer and giving. We certainly cannot do this alone.

Learn more: FWBNAM.com/Spruill J U LY- S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 5

July

Terminal to Triumphant

BY ELIZABETH HODGES

— Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:24-34; Luke 8:43- 48 NKJV —

Cancer. That dreaded diagnosis when placed in the same sentence with someone you love.

I remember when my brother, Paul Creech, called to tell me of his diagnosis—esophageal cancer. Paul was pastoring the White Oak Free Will Baptist Church in Macon, Georgia, during his diagnosis, treatments, and surgery.

His positive attitude blessed and inspired our family and the many others who followed his writings. He often remarked that it was not a little ‘c’ but a capital ‘C’—not cancer but Christ. We all rejoiced with him when he went into remission. Eighteen months later, the dreaded disease returned, and at 48, God chose to heal Paul by taking him to glory.

Would that have been my choice? No. Many times I even asked the Lord why Paul instead of me. His children were young, and mine were adults. Rhoda, Paul’s wife, needed his help to raise their four precious children. God’s plan was different, and we have witnessed His undergirding strength in Rhoda as she walked this path God chose for her and the children. Has my why been answered? No, but God does not owe me an explanation. When some people are healed on earth, and others are not, He simply asks me to trust Him. Three women with diseases were healed during Jesus’ earthly ministry. The woman with an issue of blood and the woman with a fever are both found in all three synoptic gospels. The crooked woman is found only in Mark.

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The Woman With the Issue of Blood Mark 5:1-20

In Mark 5:1-20, Jesus’ sinless humanity was challenged by the demons, and He demonstrated His Lordship over the spirit world in this passage. Following this event, Jesus displayed His authority over disease and death (Mark 5:21-43). Jesus was teaching in the synagogue when Jairus, the synagogue leader, approached him. “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live” (Mark 5:23). Can you hear the desperate plea of this father’s heart?

Immediately, Jesus and His disciples followed Jairus to his home, as did a throng of other people. In this crowd was one of our sisters. Mark introduces her, “A certain woman [who] had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things from many physicians” (Mark 5:25-26). She was terminal.

According to Leviticus 15:19-27, women were unclean during menstruation. Whoever touched her during this time was unclean until the evening. Worse yet, if a woman experienced bleeding other than her normal cycle, she was considered unclean until the bleeding stopped.

Do you know what this meant? This dear lady was not allowed in the Temple section reserved for women. She was excluded from participating in the life and worship of the community. While unclean, entering the temple could result in a penalty ranging from 40 lashes to death by stoning. Doubtless, she thought twice before entering!

If she asked permission to talk to Jesus, she would be denied. She hesitated to approach Him in public due to the restrictions of the Law, so she hid amid the crowd. Did she think she could cower in the masses, quickly touch His garment, experience His healing, then slip away? Would such a plan work? Because she was unclean, would her plan be considered an assault? As an unclean person, she fully understood it was her responsibility not to contaminate others.

Was it worth risking rejection or possibly worse? Yes!

She had to get to Jesus!

Scripture is silent on the source of this woman’s livelihood. One commentator mentioned an inheritance, or perhaps she was divorced, and the dowry returned to her. We do read she was sick, weary, and broke.

“She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse” (Mark 5:26).

Luke gave the doctor’s perspective when he wrote that she “spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any” (Luke 8:43). Can you imagine the pain and compassion in his heart as he wrote those words?

“When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, ‘If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well’” (Mark 5:27-28). Had she heard of another person healed in the same way? Wasn’t she fearful of exposing her embarrassing condition amid such a crowd? Why did she reach out? She believed if she could touch the hem of Jesus’ robe, even just a tassel, she would be healed. A simple touch, and maybe, just maybe, no one would notice her as she quickly escaped.

Mark uses the word immediately twice in verses 29-30.

“Immediately, the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed …. and Jesus immediately [knew].” Jesus and the woman knew simultaneously what had happened. The woman had turned to leave. But Jesus stopped midstride and asked, “Who touched Me?” (Luke 8:45).

Luke then detailed the interaction between Jesus and Peter. Peter said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press you, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” Jesus looked at all the people crowded around Him. “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived the power going out from Me” (Luke 8:46). (This is the only time in recorded Scripture that He identified a touch of faith and mentioned it to His disciples.)

Having been discovered, this woman knew she could not allow His question to go unanswered. Full of joy, J U LY- S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 7

“Faith itself does not heal; rather, it is the proper object of that faith, Jesus, who heals.” (Nelson NKJV Study Bible) yet trembling with fear, she stepped forward, falling at Jesus’ feet in worship, and “she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him” (Luke 8:47). She spilled her story for all to hear.

In my mind’s eye, I see a crowded street with this large mass of people slowly backing away from her as they listen. If she had ‘touched’ them, they knew they were unclean until evening. Can you hear the agony in her voice as she confesses to Jesus that she spent all she had to no avail? For 12 long years, she was ostracized and rejected. Hear her pleading words, “I had to try one last thing, and I touched the hem of Your garment.” At this point, I picture her raising her head and saying triumphantly, “When I touched your garment, my bleeding stopped. You healed me!

Thank you so much. Glory to God.” Jesus did not condemn her but rather commended her. He intimately drew her to Himself. “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction” (Mark 5:34).

This is the only time Jesus addressed someone as daughter. How reassuring for this trembling woman.

For all the crowd to hear, He confirmed that her faith made the difference because she rightfully placed her faith in Him. The crowd needed to understand that His clothing was not magical. The tassels on the hem of his outer cloak only served as a reminder of God’s commandments and promises. The power of God healed this lady.

“Go in peace” was the usual Hebrew blessing at dismissal. Jesus reassures her that the cure is permanent when He says, “be healed of your affliction” (Mark 5:34). Everyone heard Jesus’ blessing, assuring her 8 TREASURE

that her healing was complete! What triumphant words for this woman who had suffered for many, long years!

This is one of those times I wish the biblical writers gave us a few more details. Wonder how the people reacted the first time she entered the Temple for worship? Did they accept her back into their daily lives?

Did she receive long-awaited hugs? Or did some still view her as ‘unclean’?

Peter’s Mother-in-Law Matthew 8:14-15; Mark 1:30-31; Luke 4:38-39 According to Dr. Luke, the Apostle Peter’s mother-inlaw was “sick with a high fever,” probably the kind that made her sick enough to stay in bed. Doubtless, she was an older, more mature woman and wellloved by her son-in-law. After teaching in the synagogue and casting a demon out of an attendee, Jesus came to Peter’s house with Andrew, James, and John.

Maybe it was early afternoon when fevers typically rose, and the family anxiously tended to her. After Jesus heard about this sick lady, “He took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her” (Mark 1:31). All three gospel writers record her interesting response to her healing: “she served them.” Can you imagine her gratitude? She owed her health and life to Jesus, and she chose to express her thankfulness through service to Him.

The Crooked Woman Luke 13:11-13 Luke also writes of another woman who suffered from a health issue for many years. “Behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen

years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up” (Luke 13:11). While teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath, Jesus notices this unnamed lady. He calls her over to Him and lays His hands on her, “and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God” (Luke13:13).

This action did not sit well with the ruler of the synagogue, and he reprimanded Jesus for healing on the Sabbath. Jesus reminded this man that even he would unfasten his donkey to give him a drink of water.

Shouldn’t this woman be freed from her bond? “When He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him” (Luke 13:17).

Imagine entering the synagogue as you had for 18 years; all bent over—a terminal condition. Imagine leaving the synagogue triumphantly walking upright after experiencing Jesus’ healing touch.

After being blessed by Jesus’ powerful touch, each of our friends responded uniquely. The woman with the issue of blood boldly shared her testimony before the crowd of many witnesses. Peter’s mother-in-law arose and served. The crippled woman’s healing initiated a praise session. Each lady’s journey began as terminal and ended triumphantly. With Jesus in our lives, your

story and mine can end the same way.

Jesus saw the neediness in these three women. To some people, their health issues were not considered as important as the death of a child or the casting out of a demon, but Jesus demonstrated otherwise and immediately stopped what He was doing to heal them. He cared about them individually, just as He cares about you and me. Your concerns might not be health related.

Maybe you are facing financial complications, a problematic relationship, family problems, the constant pull of the world, ongoing discontentment with your life, etc. No matter our dilemma, Jesus cares about you and me unconditionally, just as He did these unnamed women in Scripture.

Whose life will be changed because you are courageous enough to share all that God has done for you? Are the people around you observing God at work in your life?

Are you serving where He has placed you? Who is being challenged to walk more closely with the Lord because you, like my brother Paul, choose to focus on ‘C’ not ‘c’?

About the writer: Elizabeth Hodges served as director of WNAC from 2011-2021. She and her husband Eddie live in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 1. Who are the ‘untouchables’ in your world? Who is desperately reaching out for help? How can you respond with Christlikeness?

2. What glorious things has God done for you? Have you told others of His goodness to you? Have you shared about His power in your life?

3. Maybe you are like the woman with the issue of blood—treated by physicians but not cured. Do you accept that healing comes in this life or in the next, whichever is God’s perfect plan for you? Though you might have chosen differently, can you rejoice in God’s plan for you?

4. How can we walk alongside those who are struggling? Will you be like Job’s friends when they sat in silence? Or when they tried to figure things out? Can we accept that God does not owe us definitive answers in this life?

J U LY- S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 9

Two Godly Men–Two Outcomes In Honor of Bro. Bobby Bert & In Memory of Bro. Bert Tippett

Many of us who walked the halls of Free Will Baptist Bible College on West End Avenue were impacted by the lives of Bert and Dianne Tippett, through their words of encouragement, smiles, and pats on the back, but most importantly, their prayers. Bro. Bert, an ordained minister, and Mrs. Dianne spent their adult lives pouring into students who would later serve our denomination. Their influence reaches far and wide.

Some of us in Tennessee have also been impacted by the lives of Bobby and Nell Moore. My dad would describe this couple as salt of the earth. Bro. Bobby, a deacon, and Mrs. Nell touched the lives of those who worshiped with them at Randall Memorial Free Will Baptist Church in Memphis, First Free Will Baptist Church in Portland, Hendersonville Free Will Baptist Church in Hendersonville, and now in Lakeview Fellowship in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Through teaching Sunday School, sharing in the music ministry, coaching ball teams, serving meals, etc., this couple daily lives out their faith.

Through this difficult season of their lives, these two couples bonded. Both men were diagnosed with cancer at the same time. They even had the same oncologist and were given the same medications. Often their treatments fell on the same day. But their outcomes followed two different paths.

God called Bro. Bert home to glory on January 5, 2011. The following tribute was published in the February-March 2011 issue of ONE Magazine.

Reverend Bert Tippett, long-time publications editor and director of church relations at Free Will Baptist Bible College, died Wednesday, January 5, after a nearly three-year struggle with prostate cancer. He was 70. He and his wife Dianne joined the FWBBC staff in 1965 and served in numerous roles until his retirement in August 2009.

Best known for his skills as a journalist, editor, and photographer, Reverend Tippett enjoyed an extraordinary pulpit ministry, first as a pastor in New Hampshire (1963-1965) and then as an interim pastor in Middle Tennessee, and ten years as campus pastor at Free Will Baptist Bible College. He delivered the opening address at the 2010 Free Will Baptist national convention in Oklahoma City.

Bro. Bert’s life was celebrated at the college, and tributes poured in from all over the world from people whose 10 TREASURE

lives had been impacted by him. Mrs. Dianne still touches lives as she daily ministers in her home, church, and community. Terminal to eternal triumph!

and I thank God for answered prayer. He has given much more than we could ever ask or think. I have been blessed to have Dr. Lester Porter at St.Thomas Hospital. Blessed that our kids live across the street.

They see we have everything we need. Thank you again for your love and prayers. Please continue to keep me in your prayers. God bless.

What is not mentioned in this post is Brother Bobby’s struggle with why God took Brother Bert home when he had such a widespread impact on people. As their pastor, my husband and I walked this journey with them. This why has not been answered yet.

Brother Bobby knows and trusts that God does all things well, even when we do not understand. What an example of dealing with terminal before seeing triumph.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, To be happy in Jesus, But to trust and obey.

Bro. Bobby posted his testimony on Facebook (October 28, 2020).

About the writer: Elizabeth Hodges served as director of

Twelve years ago today, I received my Stage IV lung

WNAC from 2011-2021. She and her husband Eddie live

cancer diagnosis. October 28, 2008. I want to thank my praying friends and family for being with me ev-

in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

ery step of this journey. I have a great church family, J U LY- S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 1 1

August

Reviled to Redeemed

BY PAM HACKETT

In John 4:4-26, we read of Jesus’ divine appointment with the woman at the well. She is not aware of such an appointment, but soon finds out the basis of her encounter with Jesus. Walking to Galilee, Jesus left the city of Judea and purposefully crossed through Samaria on His journey. Because of their disdain for the Samaritan race, the Jews avoided walking through Samaria. They possessed a prejudice against the Samaritans, considering them heathens and unclean. Just walking through Samaria was an act of defilement for a man of Jewish origin. Jesus felt no such prejudice—His love covers everyone, regardless of race. In this biblical account, Jesus was physically displaying to His disciples, to us, and to the Samaritan woman that God’s love is unconditional.

This biblical record reminds me of The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. This story has several correlating points worth comparing to the Samaritan woman narrative. Hester Prynne was the protagonist in the story, known for wearing a “scarlet A” on the outside of her clothes, declaring to everyone that she was an adulteress who had birthed a child from a man who was not her husband. Wearing this scarlet A was her outward punishment.

In comparison, we could say the Samaritan woman 12 TREASURE

abstractly displays three separate letters. The first letter would be W. In John 4:4-7, we read how Jesus kept His divine appointment with this woman at the well of Jacob in Sychar. It is around noon, and He is weary and thirsty from His long walk.

During this time in biblical days, women were positioned as inferior to men, especially Jewish men. Please note the Samaritan woman came in the middle of the day to fetch water for the needs of her household. Jesus also arrived at noon, hot and exhausted from His long journey. He already knew this woman chose this time of day to come to the well to avoid the shame and ridicule she endured from the other women in her community. Meeting at the well was a social event for the neighborhood ladies, and no doubt, this woman was often the topic of their gossip.

Jesus elevates her womanhood by asking her for a drink to quench His physical thirst. Most Jews would not have talked to her because she was unclean. Jesus controlled the conversation by carefully leading her to the truth.

All Christian women can be thankful the Lord has elevated us to a place of dignity and honor through

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His salvation. An interesting tidbit: Jesus’ longest recorded conversation in the New Testament was with a woman—this Samaritan woman.

The second letter to define the woman at the well is the letter S for Samaritan. She understood the racial prejudice connected to an encounter with any Jewish man. As Jesus waited for his disciples to return from getting meat for their meal, He sat alone on the ledge or beside the well. As the Samaritan woman approached, Jesus immediately asked for water to quench His thirst. Surprised and defensive, she asked why He was asking her, a woman of Samaria, for water. In no uncertain terms, she informed Him Jews would consider themselves defiled if they had anything to do with the Samaritans (verse 9). Jesus lovingly takes this opportunity to start a spiritual conversation about His divine appointment with her.

Jesus outwardly displayed to her His love for everyone regardless of their gender, race, or sin. This encounter demonstrated that His Gospel was for everyone and not just for a select group of people. He was validated by His free salvation.

The Jewish culture usually prevented a Jew from passing this way, but not Jesus. He was on a mission of compassion. To Him, the Samaritan woman needed a Savior, and no prejudice would prevent Him from touching and changing her life. Jesus was not concerned with the opinions of the Jews but with the eternal soul of a Samaritan woman.

The woman has now challenged Jesus. “Then saith the woman of Samaria unto Him, how is it that thou, being a Jew, asked drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? For the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans’’ (verse 9). Her confrontational attitude toward Jesus changes after He explains His mission, “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water” (verse 10). A slow progression of change begins in her heart, and her tone becomes one of respect when she says to Him, “Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, 14 TREASURE

and the well is deep; from whence then hast thou that living water?” (verse 11).

As Jesus journeyed to the well of Jacob, He revealed His human need for water and physical rest. He was the Son of God, but He also existed in the body of a man. He walked on water but needed physical water to quench His thirst. “Jesus answered her and said, ‘Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again, but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life’” (verse 13).

The last letter we will use to describe the Samaritan woman is the letter A for adulteress. Respectfully, she asks Jesus (“Sir”) for the water He is offering her. Jesus responds by saying, “Go, call thy husband, and come hither” (verse 14). Truthfully, she admits she has no husband. Jesus agrees with her but also reminds her that she has had five husbands and the man she is living with now is not her husband (verses 16-18). Again, signifying her growing humility towards Him, she calls him Sir and acknowledges that He is truly a prophet (verse 19).

Just as Hester Prynne in The Scarlet Letter is recognized by wearing the scarlet letter A for her sin of adultery, the Samaritan woman’s sins were openly exposed by Jesus. Undoubtedly, her heart was heavy with guilt as she realized this Jewish man, for whom she had shown resentment, knew all about her personal life yet had not passed judgment on her. Jesus’ love and compassion covered all her sins.

This woman was still not ready to accept the living water Jesus offered her. Instead, she wanted to discuss religious prejudices, quickly changing the subject from her sinful lifestyle. Jesus then talks about the future—an hour that is coming when it will not matter if they worship in this mountain or in Jerusalem (verses 21-23). This Samaritan lady understood about a Messiah coming called Christ and that when He comes, “He will tell them all things” (verse 25). And Jesus’ next words: “I that speak unto thee am he.”

Jesus offered her the living water of salvation. What a thrill this must have been for her! She was so excited about hearing this truth that she left her waterpot at the well and went to tell her friends and neighbors about her encounter with the Messiah—“is not this the Christ?” (verse 29).

The Samaritan Woman manifested several unfavorable indicators as she made her trip to the well each day. She was a woman and considered lower than a second-class citizen. In His kind and respectful treatment of her, Jesus elevated her standing with no consideration of her gender.

She was a Samaritan, and her kind was frowned upon by the Jews. Jesus, however, carried no room in His heart for racial prejudice and came to earth so that

ALL may have salvation, not just the Jews.

She was an adulteress woman having been married five times and living in sin with her present mate. Yet, Jesus did not pass judgment on her for the sins in her life. Instead, He reached down and “brought her out of the miry clay; He set her feet on the Rock to stay.”

In grateful response, the Samaritan woman told others about the Messiah and how He could also bring them salvation.

This woman, full of disfavor, overcame these negative factors in her life and became a great soul winner for the Lord. Her gender was no longer a negative issue; her race was no longer a domineering influence; the weight of her sins was released, and she was set free.

APPLY IT As Christians, how are we affected by our prejudices regarding race, gender, and sin?

Do we avoid sharing the gospel with other races or ethnicities out of fear or ignorance?

How do we treat those walking into our churches from different backgrounds and races?

Do we treat individuals differently because of their sins? Are their sins worse than our sins? Do we make that comparison?

J U LY- S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 1 5

Do we take note and compare the sins of omission and commission in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ?

When they visit our churches, how do we treat unmarried couples living together? Are we welcoming, kind, and compassionate? To lead them into the right relationship with God, do we take the time to invest in them and their children without passing judgment on them?

Maybe it is time the church engage in a heart checkup regarding our compassion and how well we connect with others regardless of their racial status, ethnicity, gender, or sin? Where would any of us be if not for the compassionate love of Christ? Are we not all just sinners saved by grace? The example Christ demonstrated in this beautiful account of the Samaritan woman should be the pattern we faithfully follow in lovingly welcoming all people into our lives and our churches.

In the last part of The Scarlet Letter, the truth about Hester Prynne and her circumstances are revealed.

She is redeemed, no longer reviled by her community.

The Samaritan woman found the Living Water and was no longer reviled but redeemed and used by God as a mighty testimony of His love to win others. Just

as this woman, we have also been redeemed by the love of a compassionate Savior. Let us follow her lead and share the news of this Living Water joyfully and faithfully.

About the writer: Pam is the wife of Tim Hackett, pastor of Fairview Free Will Baptist Church, Spartanburg, South Carolina, where they have ministered for thirty years. She is the mother of three children, grandmother to five, and happily blessed with one great-grandchild. Pam serves as co-teacher of the Ladies Sunday School Class and as Mission Prayer and Mission Study Chairperson of Fairview’s Women’s Ministry. She was the South Carolina Coordinator for 14 years, and currently, serves on the WNAC Board.

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THIRTYSOMETHINGS

BY SARAH SARGENT It was a warm summer night. We were at church camp and had experienced a great worship service earlier that evening. The leadership gathered in the corner of the room, speaking in hushed tones. After they dispersed, we were split into small groups of five or six and assigned a counselor, who explained we were participating in a simulation of a persecuted church. Very quietly, we crept through the woods, attempting to avoid being discovered. When we arrived at the designated place, we went in and sat down on the floor. A few well-placed candles illuminated the room. We listened as our leaders shared real stories of persecuted Christians. With tears running down my face, I sat there in awe of the faith of my brothers and sisters in Christ.

That was the summer of 1998, and the first time I clearly remember learning about modern-day persecution. I wondered then, “Could that ever happen here in America?” The following April, the first major school shooting occurred at Columbine, and in the aftermath, we learned about multiple girls killed because of their faith. The

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. —Matthew 5:10 persecuted church reenactment at church camp has remained in my mind ever since. Columbine showed me my faith could be tested at a moment’s notice, and even here “in the land of the free,” my faith could cost me my life. But I know, like the girls in Colorado and those persecuted Christians in foreign lands, I have a Savior worth trusting, worth believing, and without hesitation, worth claiming.

When spring turns to summer, I can’t help but think about church camp. I think about all the lessons I learned, the memories I made, and the friendships that developed there. Away from the distractions of the world, we focused on growing closer to God. Seven years as a camper and 17 years as a counselor, it is time I still treasure. I am grateful for the opportunity to invest in the lives of young people. My prayer is they leave church camp with a memory like mine—one that makes an indelible mark on their lives.

About the Columnist: Sarah Sargent is a third-generation member and leader in FWB Women’s Ministries. She has been active at all levels of the ministry from an early age. She began serving on the WNAC board in 2013 and has been a member of the Shine team since its inception. She is the president of women’s ministry at Reynoldsburg FWB Church and vice president of Ohio FWB Women’s Ministries. She is a proud alumna of The Ohio State University, loves all things Disney, and her Labra-doodles Regal and Lexi, working with children, and being outdoors.

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2022 NATIONAL CONVENTION Go The Extra Mile JULY 24 - 27 | BIRMINGHAM, AL

Celebration Service Tuesday, July 19 10:00 a.m.

Shannon Little is an IM missionary serving in a suburb of Tokyo, Japan, at a small church plant alongside Donnie and Ruth McDonald. She teaches English classes as a means of introducing Japanese people to Christ. She also teaches Sunday School in Japanese to a group of adorable Japanese kids! When not teaching, she loves to spend time with her Japanese friends, reading, and crafting. Shannon will challenge us to look at circumstances as God’s interventions instead of interruptions.

Keeping It Real Monday, July 18 2:00 p.m.

Believers can shine the light of the gospel in a social media driven world through counter-cultural decisions. We must resurrect face-to-face relationships in the wake of fear and isolation that crippled the church during the last two years. A return to biblical truth about relationships can free us from our filters and renew our desire to share God’s love effectively. Fawn Gibson will challenge women to cultivate authentic relationships that thrive on encouragement, accountability, and love.

Real Parsonage Conversations Monday, July 18 3:00 p.m.

Amy Johnson and Tracy Payne come with a combined 50 plus years of parsonage experience. As life goes, so does ministry life.

There are seasons of abundance and drought, so is it worth the effort? The answer is yes! God always provides. Geared toward encouraging ministry wives, nuggets of hope, encouragement, wisdom, and laughter will be shared.

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Cumplir el Propósito de Dios Tuesday, July 19 @ 2:00 p.m.

Maday Rodriguez

Como mujeres cristianas, no hay objetivo mejor y más noble en nuestra vida que reconocer y cumplir el propósito de Dios para nosotras. Cumplir el propósito de Dios requiere reconocer cómo Él interviene en todas nuestras relaciones, numerosas funciones y eventos de la vida. Al mantenernos enfocadas en la provisión, el amor y el poder de Dios, podremos cumplir Su propósito y transmitir todos Sus asombrosos atributos y magníficas obras a nuestras esferas de influencia.

Manejo de Emociones

Tuesday, July 19 @ 3:00 p.m.

Karelys Veliz-Perez Las emociones en sí mismas son algo bueno y útil. Sin embargo, hay formas piadosas y formas impías de manejar nuestras emociones. ¿Qué sucede cuando Dios interfiere en nuestras emociones?

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September

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Victim to Victor

BY LEE ANN WILFONG

1 Samuel 25:1- 42; Key Verse: 1 Samuel 25:3

Before discussing the unassuming ‘star’ of this story, let’s review the background. David was mourning the great judge Samuel’s death while hiding from maniacal King Saul, who wanted him killed. He and his men were suffering from sorrow, weariness, fear, and hunger. David sent his young men to ask for food from Nabal, the property owner in the wilderness where they were hiding. No doubt David had heard about this rich man who, according to verse two, had great possessions. Unfortunately, Nabal also possessed a nasty personality. His wife, Abigail, however, had a very different countenance.

Verse three gives an overview of the two people in this household.

Nabal: Churlish (a bear of a man, harsh, rude, and brutal; a drunk, unmanageable, stubborn, and ill-tempered). His name means “a fool.”

Abigail: A woman of good understanding and beautiful countenance. (She had brains as well as beauty!) Her name means “cause of joy.”

What an ill-matched couple! Given the traditions of

that time, Abigail was very likely part of an arranged marriage. With all his riches and possessions, Nabal was a great catch to a father seeking a husband for his daughter. But, soon after the wedding, Abigail discovered a very different husband than her father had imagined. She suffered pain and sorrow from the man who should have been her protector. However, Abigail did not bemoan her lot in life; she knew God, and although she lived in an unhappy home, she remained a saint who honored her marriage vows.

When David’s ten young men peaceably approached Nabal to ask if he would share some food with them, his response was rude and abrupt, “No!” He did not attempt to hide his selfish, brutal nature!

Seeing Abigail, one of Nabal’s servants related the incident to her, revealing the miserly nature of her abusive husband. This was probably not the first time she had heard of Nabal’s brutish behavior toward others; she was not surprised since she had also witnessed and received his reviling ways. Historian Charles J. Ellicott made this observation: “Having J U LY- S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 2 1

often acted as peacemaker between her intemperate husband and his neighbors, on hearing the story and how imprudently her husband had behaved, saw that no time must be lost, for with a clever woman’s wit, she saw that grave consequences would surely follow the churlish refusal and the rash words…”

Ellicott’s perspective reminded me of one word that isn’t found in the Bible but certainly describes Abigail: enabler. Though a common word in our culture, it wasn’t used in biblical times, but that doesn’t mean enabling didn’t exist! Abusive men are usually drawn to loving, helpful women who want to care for them.

While that is an admirable characteristic in a God-ordained, mutually loving marriage, unfortunately, it is destructive in a marriage where one partner is an abuser. Abusers need mild-tempered and loving women (to put up with their wicked ways!). This is just what Abigail was. When she had taken her marriage vows, she had meant them— “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health—till death do us part.” An abused woman believes she must cover for her husband’s ways, smoothing things over with those he has wronged while appeasing her abusive spouse. Abigail immediately extended hospitality, kindness, and generosity to these men who sought help. Hiding her actions from Nabal, she gathered food supplies and drinks for their guests. Knowing it was the right thing to do, she took the gifts to David.

not dictate her life; she persevered, and God rewarded her with another husband and a child. She was not content to settle for victim. She endured her persecution and abuse and became a victor! Even if she had perished at the hands of her abuser, Abigail was still a victor because she trusted in God to protect her and love her.

Now, fast forward about 3,000 years to our present day. Even after all these years, one sad thing is true— abusive husbands still exist.

You can follow the rest of Abigail’s story in verses 1842. Her nightmare marriage ended when her evil husband Nabal died suddenly. For too many women, the nightmare continues for years and, in some instances, can end tragically—with the victim’s death.

Thrust into a marriage full of abuse and heartache, it would be reasonable to label Abigail a victim. However, she continued to live a life that pleased God and glorified Him with her generosity, love, and endurance. Because of her goodness, she prevailed and eventually entered into a marriage with David. The Bible says David “communed with her” (verse 39) and took her as his wife. Abigail’s circumstances did 22 TREASURE

Let me tell you about Jacque, a beautiful, young woman I knew for years. Her parents are long-time, faithful members of our church. As a young girl, Jacque was saved, baptized, joined the church, and was active in the youth department. If you were to use one word to describe Jacque, it would be ‘sweet.’ She

had a sweet nature and was never accused of being a bully or brat, as far as I know. When she graduated from high school, she attended a university about an hour from her home. While there, she met a man who asked her to marry him. Married in her home church, Jacque looked so happy on her wedding day, so excited to be starting her new life with Clay.

Jacque was quite successful in the insurance field during their marriage, even moving into a management-level position. Clay, however, never held a job

She continued to live a life that pleased God and glorified Him with her generosity, love, and endurance.

for very long. Jacque’s income paid the bills and supported him. Moneywise, she could do that and still live a comfortable life. But unfortunately, they were childless. Jacque saw specialists and tried everything.

Finally, she had invitro-fertilization, and it worked— she was pregnant with triplets! She was beyond the

moon excited and successfully delivered three beautiful babies! Always ready to lend a helping hand, her family became her main supporters. Cheryl (Jacque’s sister) and her husband often babysat the three babies on weekends. During these visits, Cheryl learned that Jacque’s life was not as great as they thought.

Jacque shared with her about incidents when Clay’s temper boiled over. Finally, when the triplets were four, Jacque knew the situation had to change. Until then, she had been the target of the abuse but knew the children were suffering and might soon be victims of this monster.

Jacque did what a true, loving mother would do.

Separating from Clay, she moved away from him and his abuse, then filed for divorce. Clay had continually threatened that divorcing him would seal her death certificate. Because Jacque knew he would kill her, she had to protect her three beautiful children. Her main focus was their safety!

Jacque was intelligent enough to cover any loopholes Clay might find to evade the law and take custody of the triplets. Without giving too many details, she secretly confided in her older sister and a few close friends. She also kept a secret journal on her office laptop in which she chronicled the multiple times Clay had abused and threatened her, sometimes in the presence of the children. Because she knew Clay so well, it was almost as if she were preparing for her death. Buying some time, she continued to try to appease him as she settled everything for her children.

Tragically, Jacque’s fears proved accurate. One afternoon in June, she and Clay met at the attorney’s office to sign the Separation Agreement. To avoid more abuse, she had allowed him a short visitation with their son (one of the triplets). He told her that she had to come to their former home if she wanted to get the boy. That was not the original plan, but Jacque agreed. Clay had manipulated the whole situation, knowing she would respond the way she did.

The last image of Jacque was a security video of her withdrawing money from her bank account. Money J U LY- S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 2 3

to be given to Clay so she could get her son. He had demanded; she had acquiesced—her last act in life.

A book could be written about all the events that transpired from that point until two years later when Clay finally revealed where he had hidden Jacque’s body. I will not go into detail. Just suffice it to say that his grand finale was strangulation after a painful abuse session. Jacque could undoubtedly be labeled a victim. But, in her death, she ensured her children would be delivered from this monster; they would not have to endure his abusive nature. I believe that Jacque was repentant and remorseful for choosing this evil man as her partner in life, and she suffered the consequences of that bad choice. But I also believe Jacque pled with God to protect her babies from this man. And He answered her prayer—God was with those three children through the entire horrible

HELPING OTHERS + We must teach young women and men biblical standards for marriage.

Find Bible verses that give insights into a God-directed marriage. + Before you can help an abused woman, you must first love her and help her know you are her supporter, a mentor she can trust with her darkest secrets. This takes time and effort.

Find Scripturs that offer comfort and hope. Using God’s Word, encourage her with verses that show her God loves her and will be with her, no matter her circumstances.

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aftermath. God continually placed people who loved them and protected them in their lives, just as their mama had prayed.

Jacque was intelligent and forward thinking and left all the evidence needed to prove Clay was a liar and an evil man. She did what she could to protect her children. And she succeeded. Then, she trusted God to do what she could not do and protect them after her death. My friends, I don’t call Jacque a victim; I proclaim her a VICTOR! And now, here’s “the rest of the story.” Over ten years ago that fatally dark day tragically ended Jacque’s life. Today those triplet ‘babies’ are healthy, happy, beautiful/handsome Christian teens who know they are loved by their aunt and uncle (their adoptive parents). Every day they celebrate the life of their fiercely loving mama who gave her life for their safety as she trusted God to protect them. These teens revere the memories of their VICTOR mom!

Sadly, thousands of abused women live in the world today. They made an unfortunate choice of partners and now are imprisoned with monster spouses who make their lives living nightmares.

Do you know someone who may be an Abigail or a Jacque? As unthinkable as it is, someone reading this study has a friend or family member hiding an abusive partner’s true nature. How can we help? Visit a domestic violence shelter, research the signs of abuse victims, and be a trusted friend by a woman (or child) who might be fearful for her life and well-being. Ask what can be done to end abuse, then do your part. Ask God for discernment to recognize the signs of abuse and pray for courage to help some woman who fears she cannot help herself. Help turn victims into victors!

About the writer: Lee Ann (Ames) Wilfong lives in Park Hills, Missouri, with her husband Vernon. They have two adult daughters, Megan and Tracy, a son-in-law Kurt, and a grandson, Malachi. Lee Ann is involved at Leadington FWB Church. She serves on the WNAC Board and chairs the Missouri FWB Women’s Ministry.

Victims to Victors

BY Tracy (Wilfong) LaBruyere

If you saw them today, you would undoubtedly see three teenagers interested in everyday teenage things like sports, friends, school, and phones. But when I look at them, I still see three of the bravest kindergarteners I ever had the privilege of teaching in my decade-long career.

Long before their first day of kindergarten, I had met them, knew their story, and prayed for them. They were ‘the triplets’ who frequently attended our church whenever their mom, Jacque, visited her parents. I remember the horror we all felt hearing that Jacque was missing. Our first thoughts were of those innocent five-year-olds whose lives would be changed forever. That was in June. The family spent the rest of the summer trying to find “Justice for Jacque” and caring for three kids who had lost their amazing mom.

By August, the triplets needed to start kindergarten; and providentially, I started my first year as a kindergarten teacher at the Lutheran School. The family said Jacque wanted the triplets in a faith-filled environment because rough times were ahead. Because God has His hands in even the tiniest of details, I had already been teaching them in children’s church, and the family hoped a familiar face would be a comfort as the triplets started school.

In our area, everyone had heard what had happened; Jacque’s story was very well known. Obviously, the family wanted to protect the kids from the horror of this tragedy. The triplets only knew their “angel mommy” was gone. They were unaware of their father’s involvement, only that he was gone, too.

Before school began, I spent time with each family in our class explaining the triplets’ situation. We decided our classroom would be a safe place for them. All the parents had separate conversations with their kids to prepare them. We were united to protect and help the triplets and their family through this horrific occurrence.

Many days the three children cried because they missed their mommy; they wanted her to be there for all the family events. Often, the anger and confusion in their hearts were too much, and one or the other would yell or scream. We also experienced good days when one of them would say something with childlike faith, bringing tears to my eyes. Emotionally positive days produced laughter, learning, and sharing adventurous accomplishments with their aunt and uncle. Each triplet had a distinct personality, and each one dealt with their fear, anger, J U LY- S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 2 5

and confusion individually, but each one also possessed an unwavering faith in God. I have heard each of these children utter prayers that were wise beyond their years.

Without a doubt, they taught me more that year than I taught them.

Every time I met with their aunt, we cried together and wished Jacque could see her children and witness how well they were doing. I believe Jacque is with them. They each have demonstrated her strength and determination. Jacque only got to be

their mommy for a few years, but we recognize what an incredible mom she was, evidenced by her three amazing, smart, funny, talented, and loving kids.

Today they are teenagers, learning to drive, excelling in sports and school activities, and planning their futures. They are also active in the church youth group.

Anyone who knows them and their story can’t help but be amazed and thankful for what God has done in their lives. Their mommy would be very proud of her ‘triplets.’

About the writer: Tracy (Wilfong) LaBruyere is actively involved in many areas at Leadington Free Will Baptist Church. She lives in Park Hills, Missouri, with her husband, Kurt, and their only son, Malachi. Tracy is the leader of the District WAC, and she also teaches kindergarten in a small Christian school.

First day of Kindergarten

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(DOUBLE) VISION

BY PHYLLIS YORK

I wonder how often God intervenes in our lives, and we don’t even realize it.

Maybe traffic was delayed, which kept us from being involved in a wreck, or a sudden change in plans prevented a tragedy. We tend to growl and complain, never realizing that the hand of God just intervened and life was redefined.

This year Treasure Bible studies focus on women in Scripture whose lives changed because God intervened. Some of those women went from being fans to followers of Jesus, from victim to victor, scorned to celebrated, or terminal to triumphant. Each had different circumstances, but they all had one thing in common. Jesus intervened.

I recently experienced episodes of double vision, which led to the discovery of thyroid cancer. When the neurologist discovered the tumor, she immediately sent me to Dr. Hazely, a surgeon. When I explained I was not having any thyroid problems, and the tumor was discovered because of tests, he commented, “Our God works in mysterious ways, doesn’t He?” From that point on, I knew God had intervened, and whatever the outcome, He was in control. Throughout the journey, initial conversations with every doctor revealed, in some way, that he or she was a believer. My husband Tim always went with me to these appointments, and he and a doctor would end our visit with a biblical discussion of some sort.

I opted for a radioactive iodine treatment to destroy any remaining thyroid tissue. On the day of the treatment, I was escorted to a room by two doctors covered head to toe in protective clothing. Here I was, getting ready to swallow a radioactive pill! The doctor counted to three, popped the pill in my mouth, and I washed it down with a bottle of water. They left the room, leaving me with nothing but my thoughts. Again, God intervened; this time with Proverbs 30:5. I had not seen the verse on the wall when I entered the room, but there it was, bringing peace to my heart.

I am on the other side of this cancer journey and doing well. What little discomfort and pain I experienced pales compare to many others. I am grateful God intervened when He did and provided me with care from medical professionals who know Him personally.

Can you recall times in your life when God intervened? Have you thanked Him? If you don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus, find someone who can tell you how to get to know Him and let Him intervene in your life.

Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Proverbs 30:5

About the Colunnist: Phyllis York is the interim director of WNAC and lives in Smyrna, Tennessee, with her husband Tim. She has been a leader in Free Will Baptist Women’s Ministries since 1992. In 2010, Phyllis began working for WNAC as administrative assistant to Director Elizabeth Hodges. Spending time with her three grandboys is her favorite thing to do.

Oh, by the way, my double vision is gone!

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