Quick Tip for Sharing the Good News

I’m a big fan of evangelism! I’m a big fan of evangelism trainings and workshops, but I’m also a big fan of simplicity.  So much of our lives are complicated, but the saving power of Jesus’ name is not complicated at all, and there are some very simple ways to share the Good News of salvation!  Here is one:

…What if we simply told our story! What if the next time we are at the mall or at Starbucks, we find a new friend and share the story of how we came to know Christ and the difference it has made in our lives! What if we encouraged our girls to do the same! It’s simple, here is my story.

My life before Christ was empty.  Although I was a child I knew I was missing and important piece! I had committed sin that I knew as wrong.  That sin had made things in my life difficult. One morning during a church service, I heard the pastor talking about how sin separated us from God. In the car on the way home I asked my parents what that meant.  They explained that because I sinned I could not have a relationship with Jesus without forgiveness of that sin.  I wanted that forgiveness and relationship with Jesus so I prayed asking God to forgive my sins and lead my life.  From that moment on I felt that emptiness filled.  I knew the love and acceptance of Christ as my Savior!  I knew my sins had been forgiven and that my life would now be lived for Christ.  This relationship has led and directed my life, decisions about college, career, and relationships!  No matter what the world throws my way I don’t have to face it alone! I have a heavenly Father to go to with my hurts, pains, and questions.  Now my life is filled with joy each day that nothing can separate me from.

Your story may look similar or completely different but regardless it’s worth sharing!  The beauty of the Gospel is that the Holy Spirit is at work, seeking and saving the lost (John 6:44; John 16:8).  Our story may be one of many touches or it may be the touch that the Holy Spirit uses to lead a person to accept a personal relationship with Christ.  We aren’t responsible for that part, we just need to share! 

Use these simple steps to write your story, as well as encourage girls to write out their story.

1.    Make it short (2 to 5 minutes should be enough)

2.    Start with what life was like without a relationship with Christ

3.    Next tell about when you made the decision to follow Christ

4.    Follow it up with what your life is like now

5.    Practice with a friend, then go out and share!

6.    Have some of your favorite scriptures ready to share—if a person wants more information (I keep a spiral index card book in my purse with lots of verses to reference)

Who can you share your story with?  

SERVING TOGETHER

            On Tuesday, April 24, your TN WMU staff spent the morning at Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee packaging food.  In an effort to involve ourselves in local and community ministries, we set out on a mission to be a part of feeding the hungry! 

We were greeted by Second Harvest Volunteer Associate, Ryan Havice.  Ryan welcomed us and led us to the manufacturing department where we worked.  Four of us worked together boxing prepackaged soups while the other three prepared microwave dinner meals.  When we were finished we had boxed up 7,000 entrees that according to Ryan Stanton, Manufacturing Manager would later be shipped to a brand new food bank in Savannah, GA and  made around 500 full meals that would be distributed here in Middle Tennessee.   Ryan S. explained the food processing and packing we had just taken part in was a part of their Project Preserve program, a program that according to their website, works with food vendors and manufacturers to provide quality meals for distribution at food banks all over the United States.  (To learn more about Project Preserve visit http://secondharvestmidtn.org/project-preserve/) 

         We accomplished our tasks at great speeds and ran out of work before our allotted time was up so as a bonus we took a quick tour of the facility.  This was a great addition to our project, helping us to see the overall work of Second Harvest.  All food that enters the warehouse has an eleven day turn around!  We looked around at the massive amounts of food and were astounded at the thought of it being used so quickly! 

All this is possible when people like you and I play a part! Their ministry is dependent on volunteers.  We saw several other volunteers doing everything from food sorting to quality control.  Ryan mentioned they have volunteers of all ages work with them throughout the week and on two shifts a week they can take volunteers as young as seven years old.  That means if you want to bring your RA, GA, Acteens, or Women’s group there is a way for all of you to volunteer! 

We had a great time and would love for you to have the same experience.  If you are in the Middle Tennessee area and would like to be a part of what Second Harvest is doing, checkout the volunteer page of their website at http://secondharvestmidtn.org/act/volunteer/ or call 615.627.1570.  If you aren’t in the local area, check out food banks, or ministries like this in your area. I am sure they are in great need of volunteers just like you.

Where have you volunteered recently? Tell us about your experience!

Tell us about a project your Acteens group has done and what impact it made on you and your community.

by Alyssa Hargrove
2011-2012 Acteens State Panelists

 The most meaningful thing I’ve done in Acteens is going to the Christian Women’s Job Corp and babysitting the women’s children. It blesses my heart to be able to love on these kids while the moms are furthering their education to have a brighter future for them.

CWJC is an organization where women can go, work to get their GED, further their education, learn basic skills to get a job, and seek Godly counsel and encouragement. Basically to help these women get back on their feet and show them Jesus’ sweet love for them.

My Acteen’s group had the opportunity to go a few times. Our job was to babysit the women’s children as they attended their classes and Bible studies. We provided them with free child-care! The women were so thankful for young girls taking time out of our lives to love on their kids. At the same time we had the chance to show them God’s love and witness to them.

Going to CWJC opened my eyes in many ways. I have two parents in my life, food to eat, shelter over my head, clothing. Not all of these women and their kids do. I’m blessed to have had the chance to love on these kids and let them know there is hope in this life, to never give up, and that Jesus loves them. I hope that with my example and love for Christ these kids saw something different.  

What makes Acteens different from other things in your life?

By Sabrina Thompson
2011-2012 TN WMU State Acteens Panelist

Saying that I live on an extremely busy schedule is no understatement. Between school, work, FFA, church, and family I don't have much time for anything else. Acteens is different from all that. One of the main reasons why I love Acteens is because with just us girls we can discuss some of the problems we face daily as a Christian. Being a teenage girl is hard and to know you aren't the only one going through a certain situation takes a load off. Also through Acteens, God has truly developed my leadership skills. Before I became a Christian I wasn't using those skills to glorify God. Acteens has given me the perfect place to use those skills the right way. Not only do I use them in my Acteens group but as a panelist I can use them across the state.

Acteens is different because it gives me great opportunities to talk to people about God and all His glory. I recently had a lady contact me to come as their guest speaker to talk about missions on a Sunday morning and without Acteens I would have never received that amazing opportunity. I can honestly say that Acteens is one of the major things that stand out in my life.

How has Acteens changed your life?

By Lydia Huggins
2011-2012 TN WMU State Acteens Panelist
      Acteens has changed my life in many ways. It has helped me to grow in my relationship with God by encouraging me to spend more time with Him outside of the church. The Lord has given me a desire to pray for the missionaries and their people groups that I learn about in Acteens. It has given me the knowledge of how to pray for them and their specific requests that they might have. The Bible stories, lessons, testimonies, and the missionaries’ stories have also opened my eyes to the lost people and mission opportunities everywhere around me. My Acteens group does not just see the need; we work to see the need fulfilled. My Acteens leader, the missionaries I read about in class, and the missionaries I hear at Connection have greatly influenced my life. They have been good role models and mentors for me. I heard my second greatest call (the first was to be a child of God) when God used Connection to call me to be a missionary. I also saw at Connection, the work of the Tennessee State Acteens Panelists and now I am a Tennessee State Acteens Panelist. As a panelist, I have worked with and met some wonderful people who have encouraged and blessed me.


     Acteens has not only changed me, it has given me many opportunities to change my community and my world. It has made a huge impact on my life. But it has been God who has truly changed me. He just used Acteens to help.

Why is Acteens Important?

By Lydia Huggins
2011-2012 TN WMU State Acteens Panelist

      Acteens is important because it teaches teenage girls how to live out a missions’ lifestyle. In Acteens, we learn about missionaries and how we can support and pray for them. We read stories about courageous and bold missionaries, who are ordinary people but with God they can do anything. The missionaries’ stories encourage us to live boldly for Christ. Acteens makes us aware of the issues going on in the world and causes us to pray fervently for the people in difficult situations and the believers in Christ who could impact them. We learn about what is going on in the world and how we can make a difference. First Timothy tells us that as young believers we are important members of the body of Christ. Acteens helps us to put these words into action.


     In Acteens, we don’t just learn about missions, we do missions. We are given opportunities to serve in our community. I love being able to go to our local Baptist Center and play with the children there, tell Bible stories to them, and show the love of Christ. Our eyes are opened to the need in our area for Christ and how we can reach out to the people. Acteens teaches us that we are all, as believers in Christ, called to be missionaries in our own lives. Acteens teaches us that missions is an important part of our walk with God.


     In Missions Quest, an optional individual achievement plan for Acteens, we are given Bible studies that we can do at home so that we will be in the Word daily. It helps us to continue learning about God even when we are not at church. Acteens is an important missions education and missions opportunity for teenage girls.

Fearless

by Cindy Johnson

“ I will stand here unashamed and sing my declaration.  I will let my life display Your power and salvation-fearless-make me fearless.” 

When God gave my husband and me the task of writing the theme song for the 2011 BLUME conference, we had no idea what a journey He had in store for us.  Steve and I had been co-writing songs for years, but this particular song stretched us musically, lyrically, and artistically. Though “Fearless” was written and recorded over 9 months ago, God is continuing to reveal Himself to us each time we share this song in worship.  Just last month, at the “Connection” conference in Gatlinburg TN, we were overwhelmed to listen as 500 teenage girls lifted their voices and prayed that God would make them fearless!

2 Timothy 1:1-12 was the inspiration for “Fearless” and as we were writing the song, we literally lived in that scripture passage.  We studied Paul’s words to Timothy and several themes kept jumping off the page.  Paul wanted to remind Timothy that God had not given him a spirit of fear.  Instead, God supplied him with power, love, and a sound mind or self-discipline.  Having no fear, or being fearless, was what Paul wanted to encourage Timothy to embrace.  The Bible says that perfect love casts out fear and since the love of God is perfect, then we do not ever need to surrender to fear.  When it does well up inside, we need to immediately take it right back to the Lord in prayer.  We need to search scripture and claim the promises that God gives to us.  The promise that He will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5), the promise that He will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7), the promise that all things will work together for our good (Romans 8:28), the promise that He will supply all our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19)-and the list goes on.  Knowing that God’s promises are true and that we can claim them 24 hours a day is what makes us fearless. 

Paul also challenged Timothy not to be ashamed to share the gospel.  Once again, as we search scripture and we begin to understand the depth of God’s love for humanity, how could we not tell everyone we meet?  Why would we want to keep this beautiful truth to ourselves?  When I find a new store that I love, or an app that I can’t live without, or I find a great bargain, I tell everyone that will listen to me.  I could ramble about these things for hours.  Then I have to ask myself, how much time do I spend telling others about the ultimate Truth-the great news of the gospel.  I pray that I am never ashamed to tell what God has done for me. 

As Steve and I prayed through the writing of “Fearless”, God taught us a lot.  I will summarize it this way-when God calls you, listen to Him, take the step He calls you to take, listen again, then take the next step.  He will give you everything you need to accomplish whatever task He has set before you.  Cling to Him every moment and let His love make you fearless.

What is God calling you to do and what can you do today to live Fearlessly?

Connection Follow Up!

Hey friends!  Check out this great challenge, via video blog from Leigh Gray! 

Giving upyour donkey 

Lets keep living Not Ashamed and telling the whole world about the love of Christ!

Not Ashamed Connection 2012!

Not Ashamed!


Whew! All I can say is wow! This weekend was such a blessing! I know many of you felt the same way! I was blown away by what the Lord said to us through Leigh Gray and our time of worship with Cindy Johnson was so refreshing. I peeked my head into conferences and heard wonderful things from conference leaders, Kent and Shawnah, Jessica, Sarah, Jen and Jeff and Rachel! I am blessed to call each of these leaders friend!

I hope many of you took advantage of the Human Trafficking experience. It was eye opening to many and a reminder to others of the injustice in the world. Listen to a few excerpts from prayers lifted up this weekend for those involved in modern day slavery: "Dear Lord, I just come to you right now to end this human trafficking in our corrupt world"; thank you for looking after me, but can you help out the slaves, im okay for now...just help them"; I pray that you protect their hearts from emotional damage and put people in their lives that will show your love to them.

I am so excited about what God has in store for our partnership with Sweet Sleep! I know many of your hearts were opened to being a part of this ministry and I look forward to seeing many of you on the 2013 trip! For more information on the trip click here: Sweet Sleep and TN Acteens

Many of you have already shared how God spoke to you during the weekend. If you have not already shared your story with me, I would love to hear from you.

Mark your calendar now for March 15-17, 2013 where we will gather once again in Gatlinburg. Be sure to bring a friend!

This morning Leigh recorded a special message to her new friends! Leigh's Blog Check it out! 

Thank you for being at Connection, remember to live NOT Ashamed! To God Be the Glory!

What was your favorite part?

Connection 2012!

We are just days away from the start of Connection 2012!  I am so excited about what God will be doing in the lives of the teens, leaders, and other adult ladies that are attending our event this weekend!  As I have been praying I have been asking God to reveal to all of us ways we can live out our faith boldly, confidently, and not ashamed!  Leigh Gray has been working hard on the messages God has laid on her heart, she will challenge the girls in many ways!  Cindy Johnson and her band have such a heart to see others worship and grow in their love for the Father!  She will no doubt be a highlight of our event this weekend! 

Our 2011-2012 State Panelist have been working on several elements that I know everyone will enjoy!  Watch for boxes of chocolate, the Blues Brothers, pink shirts, crazy excitement, and a surprise video on Sunday morning!  If you see them around the building this weekend, give them a pat on the back and thank them for the hard work they have put into this year!  They have been a fabulous group of girls to work with! We are now accepting applications for the 2012-2013 Panel so if you are an active Acteen we encourage you to apply!  Leaders if you have an outstanding girl you think would be a great addition to our panel encourage them to apply as well!

This year we are again taking up an offering to support our TN WMU Missionary House that will be built in Mt Juliet, TN.  Over the last couple of years girls and leaders attending Connection have contributed $1,895 to the house, put that with other gifts and we are around the $100,000 mark!  This year we are trying to push the envelop and raise some major dough!  I will be challenging the girls on Saturday to give together $2,000! Its a big task but I know they can do it! :)

A cant miss experience this year will be the human exploitation simulation, Trafficked!  This is seriously a like changing event, as you walk through the shoes of others, experiencing what has lead to entrapment and slavery for some and experience how some have found freedom through the actions of others and see how we can play a role in helping others find freedom!

Well if you are at Connection come by and say hello!  Check our fantastic exhibitors and ministry partners in the MEGAfair and run up and down the streets of Gatlinburg with GLEE! Thats the first thing Im going to do when I get there!!

To learn more about the weekend visit: Missions Get-Together/Connection
To learn more about Cindy Johnson visit: http://www.cindyjohnson.org
To learn more about Leigh Gray visit: http://www.speakingthrume.com/