The Bridge: Fall 2014

Second Baptist Church

INSIDE Hillcrest Hope Stephen Minsitry VBS Recap | Success at Sea SUMMER OF SEND 2014:

THAILAND

A Glimpse of God’s Kingdom

NEPAL

Called, not Sent

SOUTH DAKOTA

A Family Reunion

WELCOME: New Interim Team

FALL 2014

Reaching Out

Second Baptist Church

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Sharing Our Stories : Jason Edwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Partner Profile : Hillcrest HOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Stephen Ministry :

My Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

VBS 2014 : Success at Sea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

SEND STORIES Thailand : “A Glimpse of God’s Kingdom” . . . ..12

Nepal : Called, Not Sent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 South Dakota : A Family Reunion . . . .. . . . . .. . 20

Meet the Sherins | CBF Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 WELCOME : New Interim Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Pre-K HUGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 FYI: Fair Trade Initiative | Baptist Home . . . . . . . . 27

The Bridge | Connecting Our Community FALL 2014 Edition Contributing Authors Guest Author: Laurie Sutton, Executive Director of Hillcrest Hope Kathy Campbell Mazi | Gwen Phillips Blane Baker | Elizabeth Soper | Mike Lassiter Charlie & Loretta Hughes | Connie McNeill | Ashton Wells

Do you have a story you want to share?

Do you know of a story we should tell?

Do you want to be part of the Bridge Team?

Photography VBS Photography: Jen Huffman Nepal Photography: Elizabeth Soper | Dylan Rymsey Thailand Photography: Tracy & Eric Zahnd | Jason Edwards | Cathy & Blane Baker South Dakota Photography: Abby Bland | Angie & David Fuller

Contact us: Sue Wright | suewrights@att.net | (816) 781.1568 Terri Soper | tsoper@2bcliberty.org | (816) 781.2824

Special Thanks to our team: Publication Editors: Terri Soper | Sue Wright Production Design | Graphics: Kelsey Adams Editing Support: Nicole Swanson | Maggie Henderson

Welcome to the Bridge.

Jason Edwards Senior Pastor

Belong. Believe.

Become. These words have come to symbolize so much of what we’re after as we attempt life together in an ever-growing community of faith.

And we hope that they are happening among us simultaneously and sequentially.

There is purpose in the sequence. We led with belong for a reason.

We want folks at every level of church life, from newcomer to life timer, to experience belonging.

But, of course, we realize there are different levels of belonging.

Our goal is that all of us will come to experience the deepest level of belonging possible. This happens when we move from the sequential experience of that first feeling of belonging to the place where belong, believe, and become are happening simultaneously. This is what we mean in our mission statement when we say that Second Baptist Church is committed to fostering meaningful, Christ-centered community. Meaningful Christcentered community is a place where true belonging nurtures deep transformation.

In us. Through us. All around us.

But how do we get there? How do we become that kind of community?

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One of the most powerful tools we have in this endeavor is Story. We have to learn to find ourselves in the larger story of God. And we have to learn to find each other in that Story as well.

We do this by learning and sharing. By learning and sharing God’s story. By learning and sharing our stories.

At Second Baptist we have many mediums for this: worship, small groups, classes, fun events, and shared mission opportunities to name a few.

But these are not the only ways. We need to share our stories, and in this busy, on-the-go world, we’re always looking for new ways to do that.

This is one of those ways. This thing you’re holding in your hand is our second edition of “The Bridge.” It comes out 2-3 times annually. When you see it, I hope you’ll grab it, open it, and spend some time with it. Because it’s filled with stories.

Your stories. Our stories. Stories that unveil and inspire our life together. Stories that may serve as a bridge between us and others. Stories that are meant to celebrate and foster true belonging, so that deep transformation is continually being nurtured in us, through us, and all around us.

We hope you enjoy this second step onto the Bridge. May it be one of many each of us takes toward meaningful, Christ-centered community…

Stepping forward, Jason

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Meeting our partners . . .

Lauri Sutton, Executive Director,HILLCREST HOPE Hillcrest Hope Transitional Housing & Support (the former Hillcrest Transitional Housing of Clay County) has enjoyed a longstanding partnership with Second Baptist Church. In early 2014, Hillcrest Hope, in a desire to return to the roots of the founding organization, separated from Hillcrest Mid-America in order to better serve and provide support to the homeless families and individuals of Clay County. In returning to this focus, we hope to serve a greater number of families in our area.

Hillcrest Hope Transitional Housing’s goal is to move families from homelessness to self-sufficiency within 90 days. We provide rent/utility-free housing, as well as the following through a network of community support: auto repair/donation, food pantry, medical assistance, dental work, GED classes, haircuts, glasses, school clothes, work uniforms, etc. In return, our residents are required by written agreement to work full time, follow the program guidelines, and attend volunteer taught classes in life skills, employment, community living, and budgeting.

Second Baptist Church, we would not be able to serve as many families or serve them as well. Our own financial study shows that it takes a little over $2,500 to house a family of 4 for 90 days. In addition a few years ago, Second Baptist Church placed a retaining wall and playground on our Liberty property for our families to enjoy. This has been a blessing to our families in many ways.

Hillcrest Hope would like to thank Second Baptist Church for their support and generosity. Without you, we could not provide this much-needed service to the homeless families in Clay County.

Second Baptist Church over the years has provided much-needed financial support that helps fund many of the above-mentioned items. Without churches like

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stephen MINISTRY

My story.

Many years ago, as I sat in the sanctuary waiting for morning worship to begin, I opened the Sunday bulletin and read this quote: “In life as in dance, grace glides on blistered feet.” These words invaded my soul. I realized that ALL my life, I have been gliding on God’s grace. My life is a story of faith and blisters.

When my life as I knew it changed dramatically several years ago, when I was shaken to my core and felt like I was sinking in quicksand, I was buoyed by God’s grace.

And what did His grace look like? My Second Baptist Church family was the presence of Christ during those dark days. Their acts of

by Kathy Campbell Mazi

service and words of comfort and wisdom carried me through this time of loneliness and despair.

Many gifts of support came my way, but the greatest gift I received was the help of a Stephen Minister. She walked along beside me with empathy and understanding.

As my heart has healed over the past 10 years, I have had numerous opportunities to help others heal from similar pain. Recently I was commissioned as a Stephen Minister. God is using my blisters to share His grace with others.

Thank you, Second Baptist Church, for supporting the Stephen Ministry. It is making a difference in many lives!

ABOUT STEPHEN MINISTRY @2BC Stephen Ministry is one way our congregation provides high-quality care and outreach to hurting people in our church and community.

Whether you have lost a loved one, are going through a spiritual crisis, or simply want to talk to someone who cares, Stephen Ministers are ready to provide the confidential emotional and spiritual support when you need it most.

Give us a chance! Give us a call. You can contact Mike Lassiter, Associate Pastor (mlassiter@2bcliberty.org 816.781.2824) to learn more or to request a Stephen Minister.

Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry. The identity of those receiving care and the subject of each caring relationship remains confidential.

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2BC Vacation Bible School 2014

Success at Sea This summer for five glorious mornings, our church welcomed more than 260 children from over 131 area families for our SonTreasure Island adventure.

Our Vacation Bible School ministry has long been a staple of summer for 2BC families. The annual ministry is offered each July, and our loyal volunteers (over 127 this year!) commit hundreds of hours to the preparation and implementation of a wonderful week of sharing the Good News of Jesus and God’s love with our youngest members.

This year something special happened: the Liberty and Northland community discovered our ministry and we experienced huge growth

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in attendance and truly “reached out” from our church walls and provided an opportunity that families in our community responded to. We had over 276 children registered with an average daily attendance of 262-265.

Gwen Phillips, Children’s Pastor shared, “That’s what VBS should be about: reaching out to our community. We are so excited at the response.”

Our VBS attendance over the past several years has been on the increase, with this year offering the most dramatic jump in attendance. The combination of moving our scheduled VBS week back one full week (giving a week in between the July 4th holiday week and when our VBS started)

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VBS Annual Attendance “ . . . [an] attendance surge we were frankly not entirely expecting but thrilled to receive.”

– Gwen Phillips, Children’s Pastor

(Note: 2BC Renovation Year)

combined with a new broader social media campaign and our own church family spreading the word, “. . . really netted an attendance surge we were frankly not entirely expecting but thrilled to receive,” said Gwen.

One of the other key elements that Gwen shared about our success is the emphasis we place on making sure that the missions/serving-others component of our VBS curriculum is a rich and complete offering and that it closely connects to where we are choosing to serve as a congregation.

Christy Edwards led our VBS missions focus this year.

Christy’s team featured Heifer International and added it to the SonTreasure Gospel Light curriculum.

Being able to have 2BC kiddos who actually traveled to Heifer International Ranch earlier this year share their experience offered a wonderful reinforcement. The children had the opportunity to participate in giving a daily offering (whether it was .05$ or $5.00) toward Heifer International and then heard stories and saw pictures of how Heifer helps children and families in other countries.

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VBS Participation Breakdown Member | Attender Families

(From families that consider 2BC their church home)

26% (34)

New Families | Completely New to 2BC

47% (61) 11% (15)

Current Prospect Families

(Had attended 2BC at least once prior to VBS)

Second Friends or MOPS associated families but non-2BC Church Families

16% (21) Total of 74%: Non-2BC Church Families!

Basic Metrics 131 = Total No. of Families | 276 = Total No. of Children Enrolled | 262 = Av. Daily Attendance

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The VBS leadership team has made following up with the new families a priority. Kristin Wooldridge has led the follow-up effort and plans to continue to offer connection with these families and an open invitation to future events and worship opportunities. “I think the follow-up is as important as the VBS offering itself,” Kristin said. “We need to make sure each family knows we, as the 2BC faith family, are here throughout the year and they are always welcome to join us.”

Planning for our 2015 VBS began the week after VBS 2014 by establishing the 2015 dates of July 13–17. Our VBS Ministry and the Children’s Ministry as a whole continues to provide a nurturing and rich environment for children and families to grow in Christ.

Do you want to get involved in the Children’s Ministry at 2BC? Contact Gwen Phillips at gphillips@2bcliberty.org (816) 781-2824 ext. 313 The BRIDGE | Second Baptist Church | Liberty, MO | 2bcliberty.org

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SEND

Initiative

Transformation for yourself, those you meet, and the Second Baptist faith community.

summer 2014 mission trips

THAILAND

NEPAL

south dakota

SEND The SEND Initiative in Catalyst focused on providing the opportunity for at least 200 people to serve on mission for the first time or to serve in a new mission endeavor by following a passion for marginalized or vulnerable people.

SEND provided those who participated with funding support and other resources encouraging them to experience the spiritual transformation or impact of serving others.

With still a few weeks to go, 203 people have participated in over 21 different locations.

by Blane Baker

thailand

Ed Gilliand | Jason Edwards | Bryan & Sabra Boyd | Blane & Cathy Baker | Eric & Tracy Zahnd, Benjamin, and Luke

As part of 2BC’s SEND Initiative, ten of us traveled to northern Thailand June 9–21, 2014. The trip included opportunities to learn, build relationships, and participate in several projects at Upland Holistic Development Project (UHDP) and nearby villages.

UHDP was founded to develop and implement sustainable agricultural practices and to teach those practices to local farmers. Started on barren ground that few thought could be used productively for agriculture, UHDP today boasts an agroforest that contains 80% edible plants and training facilities for numerous agricultural projects. At UHDP, we participated in building a seed bed for a research project, planting banana trees, fish-tailed palm trees,

and beans, and painting a meeting room. We enjoyed fellowship with UHDP staff through participation in these projects and shared meals. The hospitality was truly amazing!

Beyond UHDP, we helped build a low block wall and a roof for a water treatment system in the Palaung village of Huay Wai. The villagers welcomed us and made us feel right at home.

Our work involved digging holes for the support posts for the roof, mixing cement, and helping lay the block

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Ten 2BC members traveled to Thailand june 9–21.

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wall. This work, done in conjunction with local villagers, promises to extend the lifetime of the treatment system by five years or more.

At the end of this twoday project, we presented several gifts to leaders of the community. Ben presented a multi-tool to one of the leaders of the water treatment project. Bryan presented a soccer ball with a Hawgs emblem, and Blane presented several t-shirts with William Jewell College logos.

One of the most thrilling parts of our trip was spending time and interacting with the UHDP’s Center Director, Ajan Tui. Beginning his career at UHDP as a staff member, Tui showed great initiative and commitment to the mission of the project. Now as Center Director, he oversees the staff of UHDP, hosts numerous groups throughout the year, and develops plans for the future of UHDP. In response to God’s call, his current goals for UHDP are to expand its reach throughout southeast Asia, to assist hill tribe peoples in obtaining proper registration so that they can become Thai citizens, and to more actively promote the Gospel of Christ. Our group has committed to support Tui through prayer, advocacy, and financial support. We would like to encourage others to support him, too.

Our experiences of fellowship, worship, and work in Thailand gave us a glimpse of God’s Kingdom there. We are encouraged by people like Tui who are committed to their personal faiths and to developing sustainable practices to care for God’s creation.

Hopefully, their examples will help each of us to more fully commit to Christ and His Kingdom.

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Ajan Tui, UHDP’s Center Director with Jason

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THAILAND TEAM Jason Edwards Eric and Tracy Zahnd Benjamin and Luke Zahnd Cathy and Blane Baker Sabra and Bryan Boyd Ed Gilliland

“Our experiences of fellowship, worship, and work in Thailand usThomas a glimpse of Harveygave & Irene God’s Kingdom there.”

by Elizabeth Soper

NEPAL I almost wrote an article about my mission trip.

I almost wrote about how I spent a month with teachers and students in Chitwan, Nepal, modeling elementary teaching strategies with three other volunteers through Everest Outreach, a Nepal-based non-profit for socioeconomic change. I almost wrote a feel-good story about what a big impact we had on the schools and how the trip transformed me, with anecdotes about playing soccer with the village kids and letting the toddlers nap in our laps.

Almost.

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Then I thought about Second Baptist’s Send initiative, whose generosity allowed us to travel so far from home. And I thought about what really happened in Nepal.

I thought about the word send.

Send implies a force pushing us from home into a place of need. In many ways, support from home is crucial. In my experience, though, the strongest force always seems to come from the other direction.

What brought us to Nepal was less a push than a pull. The teachers in Chandi Bhanjyang and Surya Nagar schools pulled us, eager to

host our program. In the isolated, agriculture-based villages, schools lack both resources and, often, support from the community.

Teachers have limited access to formal training, teaching materials, even to electricity.

The cards are stacked against them. But despite the financial and cultural barriers they daily face, some teachers believe in the potential of their students and work hard to empower them. The magnetic motivation of these teachers was the real impetus for our involvement.

I am writing to tell you about the success of the trip. But while I’m

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his fifth grade preposition lesson, his eyes and voice fervent (as fervent as one can be while reading a poem about cats in, on, and under a box). He posed questions to twelve pairs of glossy eyes, his wide gestures imploring his students to understand. Each time a child answered a question correctly, he beamed at us with satisfaction as if to say, “See? I knew they could get it!”

quite happy with what our team accomplished over the course of the program, I’m even more excited about what the teachers in Chitwan will accomplish in our absence. The real story is not of our success, but of theirs.

The real story is of Suresh, the nineteen year old English teacher in Chandi Bhanjyang, whom the kindergarteners follow around like ducklings. With such limited experience and access to training, Suresh is at a disadvantage. But where he may lack proper pronunciation, he abounds in enthusiasm. We watched him bounce around the classroom during

Suresh

The real story is of Ramchandra, who made the hour hike each morning from his neighboring village to come to our program. Though he first seemed aloof behind his Ray Ban sunglasses, precisely cut

Ramchandra

Dylan

|

Alexa

Shanti

|

Loulla

|

Elizabeth

Chandi Bhanjyang villagers with team.

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NEPAL TEAM may 30–june 26 Loulla Efstathiou Elizabeth Soper Dylan Rumsey Alexa Wilson

mustache, and starched Nepali hat, Ramchandra soon surprised us as one of the most earnest and engaged of all the teachers. He was eager to try out our strategies and to talk with us about his frustrations with the constraints of his village’s isolation. He

asked us to please visit his school, too, for his students also have potential. Each day Ramchandra reflected on our work in a notebook. His gift for hope amazed us as he shared: “The world is going to be damage-defying Like a tree die(s) from top to bottom I beli(e)ve it is not spoilt all the world One day being green.”

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The real story is of Shanti, one of three English teachers in Surya Nagar school. With eyes that crinkle behind perfectly erudite half-frame glasses, Shanti radiates a sort of warm authority. Her students jump to their feet when she enters a room, yet aren’t afraid to speak up in her class.

The school building itself is a monument to Shanti’s dedication to her students. Her colorful, hand-painted pictures and words line the walls of her classrooms; little singing voices drift into the courtyard during the morning songs; the ever-growing library, which Shanti and her colleagues recently compiled, embodies her personal investment in the school.

her own. I pray that the progress we have seen over three years in Surya Nagar is a harbinger for the future of Nepal’s government schools.

Like these teachers, we see the challenges faced by public schools. Like these teachers, we celebrate the progress that has been made. And like these teachers, we believe that poor education should never stop a child from living the life he wants. But unlike these teachers, we leave. Certainly I believe that the time we spent in Nepal was important, that exposing the teachers to new strategies is crucial to progress. I believe that we can do a lot to help.

We had met and worked with Shanti twice before our most recent trip. When Shanti confidently took control of her classes this year, Loulla recalled with a chuckle how Shanti had insisted that Loulla teach every class on her first visit in 2010. It is inspiring to see the changes Shanti has made since our relationship with her school began. She has taken the methods and materials we developed for Everest Outreach and made them The BRIDGE | Second Baptist Church | Liberty, MO | 2bcliberty.org

But I also believe that the most important work is done after we leave, by the dedicated teachers and parents who believe in their students and children and want the best for them. Nepal’s future depends not on short-term foreign missionaries, but on the commitment of Nepalese communities to their children. We are drawn to Nepal, by God and by these communities, to provide support. Real progress happens when we are called, not sent.

“Real progress happens when we are called, not sent.�

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south dakota

by Mike Lassiter

The 2BC Student Ministry went on mission to the Cheyenne River Reservation and Bridger, South Dakota with 23 parents and teenagers in June of this year. During the week of July 26–31, we also sent a full mission team (23 from Second Baptist, 4 from Tryst Falls Baptist, and 3 from Englewood Baptist Church) to serve. Both teams worked on multiple projects from maintenance on the community garden, building a new chicken run, cemetery upkeep, and repairing a few homes in the community.

In addition, the July team took items for what turned out to be a very successful rummage sale as well as an almost full trailer of school supplies and teaching tools for the Takini School. These supplies

were collected from the teachers and students in the Smithville School District, encouraged by Judy Landers.

Further, we began a pilot project with the help of Loulla Efstathiou using the teachers’ curriculum developed by the 2BC Nepal team. Loulla worked with a few of the children in Bridger this year to help us explore developing a children’s summer school experience next year for multiple age groups. A request for this type of program came from the people in the community as funding for summer school at Takini the last three years has been non-existent and they are worried about their children falling behind.

At the July community meal this year, we had approximately 30 people, one of our biggest crowds ever. There was a real sense of a larger community, people just spending time together almost like a family reunion.

30 people total from 2BC, including both adults and students, served in bridger this summer.

“. . . there was a real sense of a larger community . . .”

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M eet

Kenny&Karen Sherin

In Catalyst 2.0 the Missions Committee has included support funds for Kenny and Karen Sherin of Together for Hope—High Plains. Following is a sketch of Second Baptist’s involvement with Together for Hope—High Plains and how supporting the ministry expenses for the Sherin’s is another step in our mission in South Dakota.

In 2001 the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship determined Together for Hope would engage with the people in the 20 poorest rural counties in America for 20 years. With four of these counties in the heart of four reservations in South Dakota and with Second Baptist being one of the closest CBF churches to South Dakota, as a church, we made the commitment to engage in South Dakota.

As one of the first churches to make this commitment, in 2003 we chose the Cheyenne River Reservation, specifically the community of Bridger. The last eleven years with the Lakota people have been remarkable even with the disadvantage of distance.

We are now, for the most part, trusted in and around Bridger where we’ve been serving. The regional and national UCC Church is now recognizing what is happening in and around Bridger and asking Byron Buffalo how to develop these types of relationships and how to nuture and sustain long-term engagements.

In 2008 Kenny and Karen Sherin, also part of the Together for Hope network, were commissioned by CBF to be Self-Funded Field Personnel. They began as Together for Hope consultants and about two years ago were appointed to serve the High Plains.

The Sherins are originally from North Carolina, and have two boys, Matthew and Caleb. Kenny has a BA degree in Natural Resources and Ecosystems Assessment, a Master of Divinity from Campbell University Divinity School, and a PhD in Rural

“Living and working in a rural community makes us long for ways to better minister to the people.”

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CBF: Together for Hope-High Plains Sociology and Community Development. As SelfFunded Field Personnel for CBF, he is a Community Development Specialist with South Dakota State Extension.

Karen has a BA in English and English Education, and a Master of Divinity from Campbell University Divinity School. They both have served churches in North Carolina and worked for the Raleigh Baptist Association.

Regarding the opportunity in South Dakota, Karen says, “Since childhood, Kenny and I have had a love for rural communities.

Over time that love has evolved into a call to minister in rural settings. We love rural communities, rural churches and, most importantly, the people that make up the community and the church.”

As a strengthening step in our engagement with Together for Hope—High Plains, the 2BC Missions Committee has recommended funds in the Catalyst 2.0 ministry plan to cover ministry expenses for the Sherins. These funds will offer them the opportunity to develop relationships on all of the reservations in South Dakota and continue to support the work happening on the Cheyenne River Reservation. The Sherins have already joined our annual all-church mission trip the last two years and bring extensive qualifications for community development and a passion for the people of these counties in South Dakota.

The Sherins’ expertise and proximity (though in central South Dakota they still live three hours from three of the reservations) will only increase the possibilities to help churches engage in healthy and respectful ways. We are excited about the potential of this new support commitment to further our engagement with the community of Bridger and the Together for Hope—High Plains initiative.

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Kenny & Karen Sherin

As part of Together For Hope, CBF’s rural poverty initiative, the Sherins have been involved in research focused on community development.

Kenny served as community and development adviser, assisting with community development research. He is interested in empowering communities through entrepreneurship and developing holistic ministry strategies. Karen served as a grant adviser, as well as using her skills and training to study community development techniques and methods.

"Kenny and I enjoy serving in the local church," Karen said.

"Living and working in a rural community makes us long for ways to better minister to the people. We feel called to minister in rural communities and to equip and encourage churches and faith groups to assist with the improvement and development of their communities."

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welcome CONNIE McNEILL

Interim Pastor for Spiritual Formations

“One of my passions is helping people learn what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.”

What a privilege to bring a lifetime of serving the church through several different ministry settings. My connections included the Missouri Baptist Convention, Central Seminary, and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. My experience has relied on gifts and expertise in administration, leadership and management, and a love for the local church.

This community of faith has shaped my life and calling. They saw gifts in me that they affirmed through ordination, when ordaining women was not something common in Baptist life. Yet, clearly, it was in the hearts and minds of this congregation! Whether it was a commitment to missions, giving leadership to needed ministry and services in the community, or taking courageous stands because they believed it was the right thing to do— this church has been and continues to be faithful to the Lord it loves and serves. When I returned to Liberty after almost nine years, there were many questions to be answered, but not one about where I would again plant my life to serve the local church. It would be Second Baptist.

As the interim pastor of spiritual formation, I get to serve in a way that brings deep joy to my life. One of my passions is helping people learn what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. That's what spiritual formation is for me —being re-formed like Jesus, so the world is trans-formed by our projected image of Christ into the world. I am privileged to grow and serve with you.

Constance McNeill (Connie)

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New Second Baptist Church Interims

JORDAN GROVES Interim Co-Pastor for Student Ministry

“I’ve been a member of Second Baptist all my life . . . “ I have been a member of Second Baptist all my life, making a profession of faith here in 1988. I grew up amid the student and mission activities here which has developed a desire in me to become invested in missions as an adult and an eager participant in the growth and development of students. I currently teach Business Ed at Ft. Osage High School where I also serve as a tennis coach. My life has revolved around outreach and support. I thoroughly enjoy playing the guitar which has served me well on mission trips as well as student outings, and I love to travel.

Ashton Wells Interim Co-Pastor for Student Ministry

“After serving as an intern at 2bc I realized I didn’t want to leave . . .”

I started attending Second Baptist Church while I was a student up the hill at William Jewell College. I was an active part of the college ministry and also served as a youth intern for Second Baptist during the summer of 2012. I graduated from William Jewell with a BA in Nonprofit Leadership, French, and Applied Critical Thought and Inquiry.

After serving as an intern at 2BC, I realized I didn’t want leave the student ministry and decided to stay committed as a volunteer. I am currently working on my Masters of Divinity at Central Baptist Theological Seminary in the Create program while serving as co-interim of the student ministry. I love ice cream, coffee, and the Missouri Tigers.

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H U G S

The project is called “Help Us Give Shoes.” H.U.G.S was started by a young girl named Olivia. With the help of many, many people around the country, H.U.G.S has collected over 34,500 pairs of shoes. That’s a lot of shoes!

HELP

This summer, Second Baptist Church’s very own Pre-K Sunday school class, led by Charlie and Loretta Hughes collected 67 pairs of shoes for those in need!

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The shoes have been sent to people in the Appalachian Mountains, the Dominican Republic, Uganda, Russia, and various cities in the United States.

US

GIVE

SHOES Learn more about Tennessee H.U.G.S http://www.tennesseehugs.org/

FYI: For Your Information Fair Trade Initiative

Unemployment or sustainable employment is an issue in many developing countries where people just try to survive on a daily basis. Even in countries

where budding businesses, entrepreneurs, and large corporations begin to thrive, workers are often exploited as cheap labor through unfair labor tactics. Similar lack of employment and labor issues exist on the Cheyenne River Reservation where unemployment can be as high as 80% in the winter.

As we listened to the dreams of the Lakota people, plans began to develop for selling items like Star Quilts or their beadwork off the reservation. Globally, we are finding existing organizations modeling ways to provide good fair practices for budding enterprises. One opportunity emerging in this area is to be the presence of Christ through supporting and encouraging good, sustainable fair trade practices that maintain worker dignity and remain just.

We are in the early phases of partnering with FairTrade USA, a nonprofit, international organization, whose mission is “to seek to empower family farmers and workers around the world, while enriching the lives of those struggling in poverty. Rather than creating dependency on aid, FairTrade USA uses a market-based approach that empowers farmers to get a fair price for their harvest, helps workers create safe working conditions, provides a decent living wage, and guarantees the right to organize.”

Second Baptist is excited to explore how to support these kinds of efforts appropriately, so in the near future you will hear more about our fair trade efforts in conjunction with the Together for Hope network, as we all learn good ways to encourage sustainability for families as a tool to move out of poverty.

“We seek to empower family farmers and workers around the world, while enriching the lives of those struggling in poverty.

Rather than creating dependency on aid, we use a market-based approach that empowers farmers to get a fair price for their harvest, helps workers create safe working conditions, provides a decent living wage and guarantees the right to organize.”

–FAIRTRADE, USA

The Baptist Home

The Baptist Home in Missouri reaches and ministers to the aging in three ways: Through resident care on three campuses in Missouri, by providing education and resources for individuals and churches preparing people for aging issues, and by using its expertise to assist aging ministries around the world. The Baptist Home (TBH) will accept anyone from any church background into the resident care facilities at each of the three campuses if room is available. At the end of 2013, TBH had cared for 281 individuals.

our continued support, the Mission Committee is recommending through Catalyst 2.0 ministry plan offering a one-time gift of $10,000 beyond our ministry plan’s annual support. This will affirm The Baptist Home’s mission on behalf of Missouri Baptists, and will hopefully encourage other churches to do the same. For more information

please see the Catalyst Ministry Plan available Sunday, October 5.

In 2012 work began to add a fourth care facility in the middle of the state between Columbia and Jefferson City. Land was purchased and a master plan is being developed. Second Baptist has a long-standing relationship with TBH and many from Second Baptist have been a resident of one of the care facilities. With this long-standing relationship, and to demonstrate The BRIDGE | Second Baptist Church | Liberty, MO | 2bcliberty.org

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Second Baptist Church 300 E. Kansas St., Liberty, MO 816.781.2824 | 2bcliberty.org