An exciting movement is happening in Stonecroft Military: smaller, more intimate outreaches are bringing the Gospel to bases and posts across the nation. As a result, many younger, diverse military women give their lives to Christ and new Stonecroft volunteers are engaged from the military community.
Authentic Fellowship and Sharing
The new smaller outreaches require minimal planning and financial resources, yet provide a wonderful opportunity to launch small groups.
A recent Reality Café event invited military women to explore their deepest hurts and longings. A Christian military woman shared how the pain and addiction in her family led her to run away and live on the streets, but she “met Someone” who could forgive and bring healing to anyone. Other women shared similar stories. At the close of the event, National Military Director Pauletta Staley invited the attendees to join small group Bible Studies where they could continue the conversation. Every one of the outreach group guests signed up.
Ongoing Discussions
Stonecroft’s Topical Bible Studies offer ideal follow-up groups because they bring Bible truths to bear on highly relevant issues. Each study includes a clear Gospel presentation.
Young moms love Pray & Play, a resource designed for both moms and their kids. No babysitter required. “Holy chaos” takes place as mothers and children learn and pray together.
Engaging New Military Volunteers
Before a smaller outreach begins, Stonecroft Military asks the base chaplain to identify four or five women who would like to lead the event. Stonecroft Military Consultants train these women, mostly through conference calls, and travel to the base to help them stage the event. After the event, the young women are right there on the base or post to start small groups with their friends and neighbors.
Stonecroft Military Consultants go out of their way to help train the new volunteers and mentor them in their faith. Pauletta Staley says, “One mentoring group holds conference calls at 9 p.m. so the military women can meet after their babies are in bed. … We listen, we’re accessible, and we’re trusted friends.”
Many of the young military women aren’t involved in the base chapel or a local church. They welcome the opportunity to learn about drawing closer to God.
Invited to Grow
Moving frequently is a typical part of military life. It’s also becoming a common occurrence in Stonecroft Military. When our new volunteers relocate to another base or post, they ask Stonecroft to meet them there. Pauletta Staley receives requests from all over the country.
“I’m overwhelmed by what God has done in 2015,” she says. “I’m so thankful and I see that we have such great possibilities in 2016.”
Pray with us that in this new year, Stonecroft Military will reach twice as many bases and posts. Ask God bring us many new young military volunteers eager to share the Gospel with their peers.