[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]
Pastor Sam with Doris Thompson (left), Vice President of Transformation, and Maddison Berciunas, Leadership Development Director.
Pastor Samuel Yilu, international partner from Nigeria, with Dr. Naomi Cramer Overton, Stonecroft President and CEO.
International Partner from Nigeria Visits Home Office
Pastor Samuel Yilu, a board member of Friendship Bible Fellowship Ministries (FBFM), Stonecroft’s partner in Nigeria, visited our Home Office in Kansas in May to share how God is using Stonecroft Bible Studies (SBS) to spread His Gospel across Nigeria. The West African country of Nigeria – Africa’s most populous nation – is home to 523 people groups, 13 percent of them unreached by the Gospel, according to Operation World.
“Pastor Sam” said one of the FBFM’s current goals is to reach the younger generation of Nigerians so they can assume the future leadership of God’s work in Nigeria. Praying and working toward that goal, FBFM leaders recently have seen SBS groups of young people spring up across Nigeria, including two groups started by young women converted through a major FBFM outreach in Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city. Those two SBS groups have since multiplied into four more groups of young women. In addition, SBS materials and other Stonecroft resources continue to be widely used in churches and schools throughout Nigeria, he said, noting that one Bible college has started 85 SBS groups in its region.
Some new developments in the FBFM’s work include the start of an SBS group among women in one of the wealthiest sectors of Lagos and multiple SBS groups in a large Catholic church. Plans are also underway for a healthy-living outreach, similar to U.S. Stonecroft’s Detox – find your balance. Attendees will be invited to follow-up SBS groups.
At the close of his presentation, Pastor Sam asked U.S. Stonecroft to join Nigerian partners in praying for these requests:
- “Pray for more young people to join us in the work,” he urged. “It’s very important that we impact the coming younger generation for Christ.”
- Ask the Holy Spirit to “ignite a spiritual revival in Nigeria and create a restlessness for Jesus Christ in the hearts of unbelievers.”
- Pray for divine intervention against attacks on Christians in Nigeria, especially in the northern states, where the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram continues to target believers.
“Individually and collectively, we must cry day and night unto God until our prayers are answered,” Pastor Sam said.
Dr. Naomi Cramer Overton
Ministry Publications Feature Articles by Stonecroft Staff
Two prominent Christian ministry organizations recently published articles by Stonecroft staff members Dr. Naomi Cramer Overton, President and CEO, and Jessica Leep Fick, Ministry Engagement Director. In a first-person story called “Canopies of Restoration,” Dr. Overton shares three life practices that shape her work as a Christian ministry leader. Click here to read her article featured in the spring issue of Outcomes, magazine of the Christian Leadership Alliance. An article called “The Power of Presence” by Jessica was published in May by the Luis Palau Association’s Next Generation Alliance, a ministry that offers mentoring, equipping, collaborative outreach events, and training for its member evangelists. Jessica’s article highlights the importance of being present to see, love, and invite people to experience Jesus’ love. Click here to read it.
SBS/Small Group Leaders: Complete Survey by June 15
To all SBS/Small Group Leaders: Before you head out on summer vacation, take a minute to let us know how God worked through your spring small groups and Stonecroft Bible Studies! Just go to the Spring Small Groups Survey. Complete by June 15 for an opportunity to be chosen at random to receive one of two “thank-you” giveaways.
Stonecroft Announces New Planned Giving Website
Good planning requires good information. We have it for you, online!
Introducing our new planned giving website: stonecroftlegacy.org. When you visit this website, you will find helpful estate planning information to assist you in creating the plan that is right for you.
Managing rising property values, growth of investments, various types of life insurance as well as changing tax laws require proper planning for the future. Without a plan, an unnecessary amount of your assets may go to state and federal government in the form of taxes. Your remaining assets may go to individuals other than those you prefer to benefit. Guardianship of minor children may be left for the laws of the state to determine.
Log on to stonecroftlegacy.org to learn how to avoid undesirable outcomes and create your plan. It’s easy!
Sign up for our weekly planned giving enewsletter, too! Visit stonecroftlegacy.org.
Copyright ©2015 Crescendo Interactive Inc. Used by permission.
‘Who is Jesus?’ Bible Study Available in Spanish
A redesigned Spanish edition of the Stonecroft Bible Study Who is Jesus? (¿Quién es Jesús?) is now available at the Stonecroft store. This popular study, suitable for small groups as well as one-on-one use, helps participants discover who Jesus is and how they can know Him personally. The Spanish version includes both a study book and a guide book. These two products are currently sold only as a downloadable PDF (one download per purchase) and are available for worldwide purchase. To order, go to stonecroft.org/store or call 888.819.5218.
Large-Print Scripture Reference Guide Offered for ‘Who is Jesus?’ Study
Our popular Stonecroft Bible Study Who is Jesus? now has a reference guide available with Scriptures keyed to page numbers in the large-print edition of The Abundant Life Bible (New Living Translation). Click here to download a free PDF of this reference guide. The English edition of Who is Jesus? is available in softcover or as an ebook at stonecroft.org/store. We also have large-print Scripture reference guides available for Stonecroft Bible Studies on Philippians, Colossians, and Ephesians. To download PDFs of these reference guides, go to stonecroft.org/bible-studies and scroll to the section called “Other resources.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]