“As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.”
– 2 Corinthians 9:13
God carries out His work through Stonecroft by using the talents and efforts of many, many volunteers. A faithful group of 10 women spends hours, days, even weeks throughout the year behind the scenes in service to the ministry as the National Board of Directors. Besides handling fiduciary, policy, and governance oversight responsibilities, they’re some of our biggest cheerleaders and constant prayer warriors.
Most Board members serve in addition to other Stonecroft volunteer roles. They are also wives, sisters, mothers, grandmothers, aunts, or daughters. Though some may work at home, some hold careers, or some are retired, all are dedicated in their ministry positions. Just as they bless, lead, and inspire so many others, they’ve been blessed, too. We wondered, Who has been instrumental in inspiring them in their Stonecroft work? So, we asked them, “What special woman or group of women would you like to thank for making a difference in your life through Stonecroft?”
We’re pleased to share some of their responses:
“Where do I begin? From the moment I walked into that Holiday Inn in Burnsville, Minnesota, years ago through today, my life has been profoundly changed by Stonecroft’s many choice servants who have challenged me to live more fully devoted to the things of Jesus’ heart, especially the salvation of women’s souls.”
– Emily Firnstahl, Board Chair
“I would like to thank the former National Reps and the Field Directors in our region. Actually, my story began long before I knew Stonecroft when Irma Norleman (who would later become a National Rep) worked with the youth in the church in which I grew up. She had a powerful influence on my life which culminated in my receiving Christ. When I got involved in Stonecroft, Mary Alice McGill and Geri Anderson helped instill in me a passion for women who do not yet know Christ. Following that, it was Nancy Kitchen who challenged me, and taught and modeled leadership for me. Then came our first Field Directors, Doris Thompson and Trina Pockett; the ways they ‘came alongside’ meant the world to me and they still impact my life today.”
– Char Kellogg
“As a young Christian just out of college, a new friend asked me to come and join her in attending a Christian Business and Professional Women’s Council held as a Saturday luncheon. As a working woman and new in my faith, it was a perfect invitation. That first meeting led to 35 years of participating in and supporting the ministry of Stonecroft! God used Stonecroft in my life to grow (me) in and exercise my faith as I was stretched to take on volunteer roles and then leadership roles that only God enabled me to do. He gave me the privilege to ask other women to come to Stonecroft events and they, in turn, heard the Gospel, often responding in faith to receive Jesus Christ! I am filled with gratitude that someone asked and I stepped out and went. What a blessing!
– Diane Sparks
“When the Apostle Paul was writing a letter to the believers in Philippi, he wrote that he thanked God upon every remembrance of them. Such is the case with me as I think about several Stonecroft women who have mentored and encouraged me through the years. However, there is a special measure of thanksgiving and joy in my heart whenever I think of Vera Velk. I was already involved with Stonecroft responsibilities when I first met Vera, but due to her influence I have had many amazing life experiences which include speaking at outreach events across the country and serving on the Board of Directors. Vera is a model example of what it means to love and encourage others in Christian faith. I thank God upon every remembrance of her.”
– Janis Price
These responses are just samples of how Stonecroft women have inspired others in their Christian walk through the years. Our Board members are testimonies to the power of Christian modeling and influence. We are thankful they continue the Gospel-sharing influence on the women around them.