Newsjournal Of Kansas and Nebraska Southern Baptists

www.baptistdigest.com

August 2015Vol. 59 No. 8

Baptistigest

Salina Church Constructs First BuildingChrist the Lord Community Church, Salina, Kan., is constructing its first building this summer with the help of volunteers. The church has been meeting at Webster Conference Center for several years. Todd Weatherd, WCC director of housekeeping, is the churchs pastor.(Below) Kansas-Nebraska Baptist Builders is doing the electrical wiring for the project. Lloyd Stuckey of Winfield, Kan., is Baptist Builders team leader for the project. Other groups that have worked on the project this summer include East Alabama Carpenters for Christ, the Texas branch of Builders for Christ and Missourians on Mission.

2015 KNCSB Annual MeetingThe KNCSB annual meeting will be held Oct. 12-13 at Blue Valley Baptist Church, 8925 W. 151st St., Overland Park, Kan.

Look for information at http://www.kncsb.org/ministry/annual_meeting. New information is being posted as it becomes available.

Steve Dighton Elected First Vice President of SBC

Steve Dighton, retired pastor, of Lenexa Baptist Church, Lenexa, Kansas was elected First Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention. The annual meeting of the SBC was held in Co-lumbus, Ohio in June.

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GUIDING PRINCIPLES:INFORM -- Regularly share information about ongoing training, curriculum, events, support and personnel.RESOURCE -- Serve as a resource pool for practical ideas about what is working in KS-NE congregations and how it relates to all sizes of churches.GENERATIONAL -- Cast the widest net, providing sto-ries and information that will appeal to all generations of Southern Baptists in NE-KS.FAMILY-FRIENDLY -- Be family-friendly with stories, regular columns and helps for families and leaders who work with families.AGE DIVERSE -- Publish stories that address the diversity of age, ethnicity, and geographical regions of KS-NE.MISSION-ORIENTED -- Publish stories about people and congregations involved in missions and regularly publicize ministry opportunities.PART OF WIDER MISSION - Help congregations discover that they are part of the larger work of the Kingdom of God through their ministries.

To give local news:Local church and associational news may be submit-

ted by mail, phone, fax or e-mail.

Advertising:Advertising policy and rates are available upon

request Call 800-984-9092 or e-mail: tboyd@kncsb.org

STAFFEditor: Tim Boyd, PhD.

Associate Editor: Eva Wilson Printing Coordinator: Derek Taylor

Robert T. Mills, D. Min. KNCSB Executive Director

AFFILIATIONSAssociation of State Baptist PapersBaptist Communicators Association

The Baptist Digest (USPS 018-942)Vol. 59 No.7-8

Leadership Newsjournal for Kansas-Nebraska Southern Baptists is published monthly (except for January and July)

10 times a year.5410 SW 7th Street

Topeka, KS 66606-2398Phone: (785) 228-6800Toll Free: 800-984-9092

Fax: (785) 273-4992E-mail: tboyd@kncsb.org

Web site: baptistdigest.com

POSTMASTER:Periodical postage paid at Topeka, KS 66606 and additional entries. Send address changes to: The Baptist Digest, 5410 SW 7th Street, Topeka, KS

66606-2398.

By Bob Mills KNCSB Executive Directorbmills@kncsb.org

Have you ever had a dream where you feel like you are being carried away by a torrent of white water and you can do absolutely nothing about it? Its as if you are along for the ride with an over-whelming sense of helplessness and fear.

I had that dream last night, and, frankly, I was glad when I opened my eyes and realized it was just a dream. However, I have not been able to com-pletely shake that image and feeling from my mind.

As I have reflected on this experience, I see some parallels between my dream and the realities of liv-ing life as a Christian in todays world.

It seems as if the torrents of white water that press us on every side are issues that attack our Christian values and beliefs. For example, the Supreme Courts redefining marriagereally?, or radical Islam and the barbaric slaughtering of Christians and others around the world, or the selling of abort-ed baby body parts, or racial unrestetc.

It seems as if the torrent of water is an over-

whelming battering of sin and the degradation of our age. Does it sound as if we are living in a time when what is right is wrong and what is wrong is right?

In the book of Romans, Paul reveals what some described as his systematic theology. Basically, it is what Paul believes about God.

The first element of Pauls discourse is the power of gospel. This blessed gospel leads to salvation from the godlessness and wickedness of mans heart to the way of life provided through faith in Jesus Christ.

Listen to Paul in Romans 1:16-17, I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is writ-ten: The righteous will live by faith.

My dear friends, the hope of the world is found in the gospel of Christ. It has the power to change lives and change our culture.

By Andy Addis KNCSB Convention President E-mail: andy@crosspointnow.net

The heat of summer does two things for me.First, it makes me thankful I live in the era of air-

conditioning. Despite all the problems with this world, thank you Jesus for letting me live in a generation of widespread air-conditioning.

Can I get an amen?Second, the heat of summer is also a time of memo-

ries. Many things jar a childhood moment, come back to life because of something the summer affords.

An old song on the radio that reminds you of the same tune playing on the backyard boombox where you camped all summer long.

The sound of a revved engine in the distance bringing memories of cruis-ing Main, burning gas before we knew how much it cost.

And, sprinklers watering struggling lawns reminding

of those amazing drinks from the hose on the cool side of the house.

Wed race home from the park, the city pool, or TG&Y pedaling our bikes as fast as our junior high legs allowed.

To get there first meant you got the first drink. It meant you got a drink before Scott put his mouth all over the end of the hose. It meant you could wait until the water changed from the tepid warm liquid resting in the hose, to that cool beautiful stream coming from somewhere under the belly of the house.

We fought hard for that cool drink. Peddled fast, elbow-ing one another across the yard, and wrestling for domi-nant control of the spraying end of that fount of blessing.

Good memories...When was the last time you worked that hard?

Presidents Perspective

Andy Addis

I mean, we all think were busy, we think were tapped, were sure were the hardest working people we know.

But, when was the last time you raced after some-thing till you were breathless?

Can you remember laying down your pride for the sake of the call, not caring what anyone thought?

Do you recall being consumed by something so much it drove your actions, decisions and soaked your thoughts?

We need to start drinking from the hose again...Romans 12 has that famous if then passage on gifts

and responsibilities, and verse 8 speaks specifically to church leaders:

the one who leads, with zealIts obvious in scripture, God who gifted those with

leadership and put them in their position has an expec-tation: work hard!

The word zeal could be translated diligence, eager-ness or with much effort this is how we are to approach the work.

This summer youve had students at camp whove probably accepted Jesus, or rededicated. Have you talked to them, to their parents, or grandparents about baptism? What a great opportunity to love on that fam-

ily, to meet parents, and get into their home!The fall is coming, the most productive time of the

year. What have you done to prepare? Have you called your church to prayer, scheduled a vision meeting, made some wildly audacious goals that will never hap-pen unless God shows up? Now is the time to capital-ize on whats coming.

The kiddos dont have any school this summer, what a great time to personally disciple those closest to you. Buy them a new Bible and meet them for a Coke once a week to discuss your favorite stories. Set memory verse goals for your family, take a walk and test each other once a week. Dont let the summer slip away!

What we dont need is another program, another book or another conference.

What we do need is incredible passion, incredible desire, some might even say zeal.

May we, church leaders, become overwhelmed with a desire to see God work in peoples lives, consumed with the grace of Jesus covering the brokenness of this world, and may we pedal hard, elbow our way to the front, wrestle insurmountable odds and get a hold of that life giving water.

May this be the summer we take seriously the role God has put us in and may we lead, with zeal.

The Thought Occurred to Me

Bob Mills

Sharing & Strengthening

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By Jon Sapp KNCSB State Director of Evangelism E-mail: jsapp@kncsb.org

Headed down a gravel path with eight grandchil-dren in tow towards an overstock pond with fresh-bait, what could be better? It was time for Grandpa to take the grandkids fishing.

This summer, Priscilla and I were blessed to have our family together for summer vacation. Our daugh-ter, son-in-law, and their four children have been back in Kansas for the past seven months. They are headed back to Central Asia as they serve with the International Mission Board. However, in late June, we enjoyed being together as a complete family for our family vacation. That fishing trip was one of the experiences Ill remember and cherish for a long time

In reflection, I believe Jesus experienced the same type of feelings as I watched my grandchildren catch-ing fish. In John 4, He took his disciples on an expe-dition from Judea through Samaria and returning back to Galilee.

His discussion with the woman at the well about living water and His invitation to return with her husband had just taken place. Just then, the disciples returned with the noon meal. The disciples were encouraging Jesus to share what they had brought for lunch. However, Jesus wanted to prepare them for a new level of ministry. He knew the time was right for ministry with the people from the nearby village.

As the disciples were encouraging him to eat, Jesus replied that His food was different from what they had brought. He explained that his food was to do the will of the one who sent Him and to finish His

Gods Plan for Sharing

Jon Sapp

work. John 4:34.Not only did Jesus want

to challenge their percep-tion of what brings energy in life, he also wanted to challenge their percep-tion of what was going on around them. In John 4:35, Jesus explains he sees a ripe harvest field as opposed to the four-month wait the disciples were seeing in the green wheat field.

The ripe harvest sum-marized the crowd as they were walking toward the village well. Earlier that day, Jesus had been talking with the woman. After sharing with her of His life giving water and the worship of God in spirit and truth, Jesus shared He was the Messiah that had come to explain all things.

Jesus knew the opportunity was near as the crowd was making their way to the well. He was ready and wanted His disciples to join Him in sharing the good news with this curious group from the village.

This summer, I so enjoyed getting bait on those hooks and then into the water. Though, the high-light was when grandchildren were catching fish! Watching the excitement in their eyes and voices as they called out about their catch made my day.

As you finish the summer and prepare for fall, are you looking forward to opportunities to share the

good news of Christ? Block parties, end of summer celebrations, and back-to-school events could be on your church calendar. Lets make the most of these events. Lets clearly share the hope we have in Christ and the good news of forgiveness and new life in Him.

Going fishing with my grandchildren was a special memory. On the other hand, being with others and making Christ known is just as meaningful, if not more so. Let us go and be all we can be in our com-munities as we live out Gods Plan for Sharing.

Along the JourneyBy Tim Boyd Baptist Digest EditorE-mail: tboyd@kncsb.org

Jewel Shook was my Latin teacher, for three years. (I know that probably dates me since Latin has not been in most curriculums for years.) But, Miss Shook taught us more than Latin during those years. She was a keen observer of his-tory and current events. I remember that over and over she would tell us how much American culture was coming to resemble the worst of ancient Roman culture. Now, remember this was in the mid to late sixties. Back then, we all wondered if she knew what she was talking about.

I am now forty plus years down the road and her words seem more and more prophetic with every year that passes. With the latest rulings of the Supreme Court and the actions of our President, we seem to have reached our lowest point. Our culture may have sur-passed the Roman culture in debauchery and abandonment of traditional values that have been in place for centuries.

Most believers that I know are angry and disturbed about what is happening. My church holds an annual Festival of Freedom music program around the

fourth of July. For the first time, this year, there were suggestions that we can-cel the pro-gram in pro-test of what has been transpiring at the nation-al level. Someone in South Carolina has suggested that we should fly the Christian flag over the American flag as a protest. There are a multitude of warnings going out from denominational leaders and others about a coming attack on religious lib-erty that will imperil our cherished First Amendment rights.

I have a few thoughts related to all of this: n Take a deep breath and calm down. We are under no immediate direct attack on religious liberty. We dont know what the future holds for the United States or the church that ministers here.

Tim Boyd

n Take reasonable steps to protect your church. There are a number of sources that can give advice on what to do to protect the practices of your church. Our Executive Director, Bob Mills, received the following link a few days ago - http://tinyurl.com/pk4fd4d. It might prove to be useful.n The future of the Kingdom of God is not dependent on the United States. However, the future of the United States is dependent on the Kingdom of God. Remember who has the ultimate victory. n Remember the lesson that I learned from Miss Shook long ago. While the Roman Empire was sinking into the depths of degradation, the Church of Jesus Christ experienced some of its greatest years of evangelism and expan-sion.n The Gospel goes on in spite of the Supreme Court or any government official. The Great Commission and the Great Commandment are not depen-dent on the United States Constitution. n Dont let current events shift your focus from God. We are on the winning team. We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Hold fast to Gods truth, and focus on Him.

STEWARDSHIP QUOTESIf we belong to Christ, its logical that everything we have truly belongs to Him.

Examples are few of men ruined by giving. Christian

Bove, mid-19th century American author

Your use of money shows what you think of God .

The world asks: What does a person own? God asks, How does a person use

what he or she hasbeen given?

When a man becomes rich, either God gains a partner,

or the man loses a soul.

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Since 2001, First Baptist Church, Shawnee, Kansas has sent a mission team annually to Anapra, Mexico to build houses for the poor. They work with Casas Por Cristo, an organiza-tion located in El Paso, Texas. The team usually builds one house per year. This year eighteen people went on the trip. In addition to build-ing the house, they work on the host church compound doing repairs and cleanup. They also did a one-night VBS with 80 children and families in attendance. For the last two years they have also taken an afternoon to minister in the Rivers of Mercy Orphanage in Anapra. You can find out more about Casas at www.casasporcristo.org and about Rivers of Mercy at www.riverofmercy.org.

Missions and Ministry Are the Norm for KNCSB Churches

Todd Bradrick, pastor of Central Community Church in Smith Center Kansas and of First Baptist Church in Mankato, received a call on the 8th of May asking if he could provide food for volunteers that were helping clean up the damage from the tornado that hit near Leba-non, Kansas on the 7th. Bradrick, who owns a smoker as a bi-vocational means to earn extra money, accepted the challenge. Later that day after he and his wife arrived, they helped prepare and serve a meal to 125 volunteers. There was plenty of food left to serve another meal the next day.

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20

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The Lord Claims 2 With KNCSB Ties

Retired pastor Harry Clifton and James Shope, retired di-rector of missions, recently went to be with the Lord.

Family Dispatch Church, Topeka, Kan., recently sponsored a motorcycle prayer ride called Jericho Ride. It was part of an international event where Christian bikers pray for their communities. Here, riders gather at Family Dis-patch Church before heading out. (Below) Seaman Baptist Church in north Topeka was the second stop on the Jericho prayer ride.

Western Hills Baptist Church on the west edge of Topeka was the final stop on the Jericho motorcycle prayer ride. Here, bikers get ready to place motorcycle awareness signs in memory of a local pastor who died in a wreck at that intersection.

A former Kansas pastor and a retired Kansas director of mis-sions recently went home to be with the Lord.

Former Kansas pastor Harry W. Clifton died on Tuesday, May 26.

He spent his most of his ministry career serving in Mis-souri. After retiring he pastored Emmanuel Baptist Church in Topeka for five years.

His son, Mark Clifton, is a former KNCSB staff member. Clifton now leads church revi-talization for the North Ameri-can Mission Board.

Harry W. Clifton was born Jan. 7, 1927, in Spickard, Mo. His time on earth was complet-ed on May 26, 2015.

Harry was a graduate of Spickard High school in Spickard, Mo., William Jewell College, in Liberty, Mo., and Midwestern Baptist Theologi-cal Seminary, Kansas City, Mo., where he was honored with an alumnus-of-the-year award.

Brother Harry, as he was so affectionately called, preached his first sermon in 1947. He was a preacher of the gospel for nearly 70 years, participating in leading a funeral only a few weeks before he died.

He served as pastor of Spick-ard Baptist Church in Spick-ard, Mo.;First Baptist Church, Princeton, Mo.; Calvary Baptist Church, Chillicothe, Mo.; and Immanuel Baptist Church in In-dependence, Mo. In retirement he served as pastor of Emmanu-el Baptist Church, Topeka, Kan.

He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II.

He married Fern Lucille Harris on July 18, 1949. She preceded him in death in 2013. They had three children: Martha

Wenger, Mary Colston and Mark Clifton; seven grand-children and 11 great-grand-children. He was also loved by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The memorial service was held Saturday, May 30, at Sycamore Hills Baptist Church, Independence, Mo. Burial with

military honors was at the Shel-burne Baptist Church cemetery in Grundy County, Mo.

Memorials may be given to the North American Mission Board or the building fund of Sycamore Hills Baptist Church.

James Shope, a retired Kansas director of missions, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 14, at Freeman Neosho Hospital, Neosho, Mo.

James was born Oct. 14, 1933, on the old Rogers place located 5 miles west of Welch, Okla., the son of Fred McGhee and Mae (Chaney) Shope. James attended Prairie Center District School, Welch High school, Northeast-ern A&M, Oklahoma Baptist University, Southwestern Bap-tist Seminary and Midwestern Baptist Seminary.

He pastored many churches during his ministry including: Timberhill Baptist Church, Welch, Okla.; First Baptist Church, Ashland, Okla.; First

Baptist Church, Weleetka, Okla.; Welch Baptist Church, Welch, Okla.; First Baptist Church, Graham, Okla.; First Baptist Church, Weir, Kan.; Calvary Baptist, Columbus, Kan.; Carr Baptist Church, Grove, Okla.; and Swars Prairie Baptist Church, Seneca, Mo.

He was appointed by the Southern Baptist Home Mission Board in 1965 to serve as direc-tor of missions in Tri-County Baptist Association in Kansas and also served in Twin Valley Association in 1977.

He began a weekly radio ministry in 1958 at KHEN of Henryetta, Okla., and continued it with KVIN in Vinita, Okla. He taught the International Sunday School lessons for 12 years over KSEK in Pittsburg, Kan. In 1968 he began teaching the lessons over KGGF in Coffeyville, Kan., which was called The Words of Life. He concluded this ministry in 1989.

James married Maxine Jinks Oct., 18, 1953, at the home of Rev. and Mrs. V.F. Cloninger in Chetopa, Kan., and she sur-vives. James and Maxine have three children who survive: Dan Shope and wife, Tammy of Cumberland City, Tenn.; Darin Shope and wife, Melissa of Wyandotte, Okla.; and Dana Simpson and husband, Jeff of Bentonville, Ark.; and seven grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a newborn son and a sister, Margaret Sue Wynn and her husband, Ted.

The funeral was held Wednesday, June 17, at Swars Prairie Baptist Church, Seneca, Mo. Burial was in Rogers Cem-etery near Welch, Okla.

Plan Now to Attend KNCSB Annual MeetingThe KNCSB annual meeting will be held Oct. 12-13 at Blue Valley Baptist Church, Overland Park, Kan.

The Pastors Conference has been changed to a Leadership Conference for all church leaders. It will be held from 1-4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, at Blue Valley Church.

Find more information at http://www.kncsb.org/ministry/annual_meeting. New information is being posted as it becomes available.

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Gods Word Touches Hispanic Campers Hearts

Campers at KNCSB Hispanic Super Summer enjoyed playing soccer with a giant ball. God was at work during the annual camp held June 15-19 at Webster Conference Center, Sa-lina, Kan. Nearly 25 percent of campers accepted Christ as their Savior. Many other deci-sions also were recorded.

By Ester ArevaloWichita, Kan.

Super Summer Latino had an eternal impact on campers that attended this year. The size of the group didnt even reach 100. But it was the ideal size to reach deeper into the hearts of the young people.

The camp was held June 15-19 at Webster Conference Center, Salina, Kan.

Half of the campers were not regular church kids. Some of them go to church occasion-ally when they accompany their friends who invited them and paid for them to go to camp this year.

I believe the Word of God is resounding on their ears even now.

Pastor Edwin Hoagland, a missionary in Mexico, preached on the 2015 Super Summer camp theme Jesus Is. His top-ics were:n Jesus is My Saviorn Jesus is My Assurancen Jesus is My Healern Jesus Is My Lord My husband, Abraham, and

I heard what our own children were saying about how the other youth camp develops a transition from hearing the Word of God to meditate on it right after the preaching at night.

God put it so clear to us to have the youth gather in small groups after the Word had been exposed every night. These groups consisted of the same

people and they opened up as their chat was guided through a set of three questions on the big screen based on the Word given that night.

God had been leading the hearts of these young kids to talk, hear, engage and even bet-ter to come up with a response. Every sponsor, leader and pastor was in on it during this time at camp. They faithfully recorded the decisions that were made and submitted them.

Every morning at 7:15 at our staff prayer gathering we would get the names out and pray for the kids. All the glory be to God, there were 23 decisions to open their hearts to Jesus.

Fifty-three of them origi-nated their decisions based on renewing their vows. They responded to Gods call to serve Him, stay pure, practice honesty in everything they do, get deeper on their relationship with God, respect and honor those who care for them, keep the faith even in the midst of struggles and let God heal their sorrows.

Im sure there were many more decisions that we didnt get to hear about. We pray that God will give the means and wisdom to the churches to keep working with these kids and their families.

Praise God for KNCSB for helping us get into the hearts of Hispanic youth and into their homes with the Word of God.

Small-group discussions after evening worship helped Gods Word to sink into the lives of campers at KNCSB His-panic Super Summer.

Hispanic Campers Learn about Who Jesus IsBy Alma SotoSouth Sioux City, Neb.

Its the last of Hispanic Super Summer. Sister Ester Arevalo and I are walking toward the chapel. We can see an uncount-able number of cicadas; some are ummm well, lets just say sleeping forever on the ground, and some are flying all around us. That unforgettable high-pitched buzzing sound, which will forever stay in my memories.

As the conversation goes on Ester mentions how at the beginning of the week, we were running away, avoiding, walk-ing around and over all, freak-ing out as soon as one poor, harmless little cicada touched us. But now at the end of the week, we were just walking among them and generally had became friends with the little bugs.

With such a bountiful teach-ing from God during camp, I truly understood in my mind

and in my heart. Much like the youths reaction to these bugs, there was a noticeable change, not only when it came to the ci-cadas, but from some, a change from deep within themselves.

At first we saw how some of the youth were startled, ran away from, hid, and walked around Gods truth and His message. But the word of God is alive and active. (Hebrews 4:12 NIV). It is able to change our hearts from stone to flesh.( Ezekiel 36:26 NIV) We saw such a wonderful transforma-tion throughout the week as we talked and pondered on who Jesus is.

Some of the teachings of the week shed light on:n Jesus our Savior not by

works so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:9)n Jesus our Healer the

realization that we are broken and need to be healed.n Jesus our Lord the dif-

ference between Jesus being our

Savior and our Lord.My prayer is that we encour-

age and keep that energy going throughout the year and to years to come, that our youth grow to be strong in the faith, that they give the best of them-selves to God through the seeds that are planted at camp.

At this time I would like to ask YOU, whoever God intends to read this, to pray for our Hispanic youth, for the won-derful staff at Webster Confer-ence Center and for the camp facilities so they are used for God and by God to their full potential.

Please make a commitment with God to pray throughout the year for the youth who at-tended Hispanic Super Summer, and the ones that will attend, so they may NEVER forget who JESUS truly IS.

(Hispanic Super Summer will begin the KNCSB summer youth camps again in 2016. It will be held June 20-24 at WCC.)

Put in, dig, hard forward, pull back, double oar turn, trust me, push back, push forward, take outall foreign words to my husband Dave, as he was learning to navigate a raft on vacation. Even with one or two dicey situations, with our friend who was teaching Dave jumping in to the rescue, we had a great time on the Rio Grande River.

Daves confusion wasnt just with the new terms, but in executing the orders. Push forward required push-ing down on the oar handles to bring the paddle ends out of the water so he could pull back on the handles to get the oars forward then pull up on the handles to get the oars down in the water then push forward on the handles to get the raft to go forward. Geez!

As I sat in the front of the raft listening to all this, I began comparing our rafting expe-rience to my communication with God. How many times do I get it wrong because I dont

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Maria Christensen KN Womens Leadership Women4Him Team

The time is quickly approaching for the Wonderful Weekend for Women registration dead-line. I hope you are all as excited as I am about our speaker, Sophie Hudson, and worship leader, Lori Morrison.

At the end of our WWW retreat last year, the Women 4 Him team played a video clip of Sophie Hudson, providing us with a glimpse of her fun and loving personality. Since then, I have been looking forward to this year! It has been too long of a wait, but the wait is soon over.

On September 11 and 12, I invite you to gather all of your friends and come join us at WWW. This is going to be a great opportunity to catch up with those long-distance friends, make new friends, and also minis-ter to your nonbeliever friends all while laughing, relaxing, and having great conversations about what God is doing in our lives.

Whether you are going through a spiritual drought, morning mist rains, or monsoon season, at WWW you will have the chance to rees-

tablish, or continue to strengthen your relationship with God. For those in a monsoon sea-son, my praises to you, as you may be just the right person for the Christian woman going through a drought. I invite you to come and pamper your spiritual body in Christ at WWW!

I cant wait to see you there! So if you have not registered yet, please hurry up and do so. Dont forget to invite that one friend that could benefit from all the fun activities we all get to do while worshiping our wonderful Creator.

Sophie Hudson

ZHelloY

Sex Trafficking Awareness: The Church and the Prostitute

Shining Through His EyesTabitha McPheronShine Team

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you...You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. -John 15: 13-14,16As we are chosen by God, we have to learn to see ourselves Through His

Eyes, which is why that has been chosen as the Shine theme for the 2015 event. Shine is a week-end for teenage girls to travel to Webster Confer-ence Center to learn about Christ and grow in their relationship with the Lord. This years event will be on November 6th and 7th and will include service, growth, and fun for all who choose to attend. Blanca will be our guest musician and speaker.

Check her out at www.officialblanca.comCannot wait to see you at Shine!

The Battle of BalanceMy mind is scrambling to the 15 million things that I try to balance in my life. My last few weeks included 2 dress rehearsals, teaching Sunday

School class, dentist appointments, dog grooming appointments, 2 dance recitals, gymnastics performances, and out of town companyin addition to work, housekeeping, and parenting! As women, we strive to find that sweet spot of balance between being a wife, mother, daughter, or employee. Add in our activities, and the list grows exponentially to include teacher, mentor, school volunteer, womens ministry leader, nursery coordinator, VBS direc-tor/worker, dance mom, soccer mom, community volunteer, choir member, pastors wife, you name it. Unfortunately, the expectations (whether real or perceived) placed on us are also factored in.

So, how do we do it? The truth is, many days I dont. Some days I find that sweet spot, but most days, Im caught in the battle. Ive grown to accept the battle for balance is unending. Ive embraced the idea I must be intentionally fighting the battle. Ive also treasured the idea that this battle is not one I must fight alone. The book of Ecclesiastes teaches us there is a time for everything, a time for each of our activities and responsibilities. In ad-dition, Jesus teaches us in Matthew to seek first the kingdom of God. Lets encourage each other to be intentional about balancing our lives. Be in-tentional about seeking God first, making Him our first priority, encouraging our sisters in Christ as they fight the battle, and take it one day at a time. -Sarah Alexander, Women 4 Him Team

Blanca

understand his terms, or Im not sure how to put them into action?

Be still and know that I am God, Psalm 46:10. Still means to let go, surrender, trust. The word still is used in another verse found in Mark 4:39, Peace, be still. This time the word still, has a different mean-ing: hush, or for us today, shut up!

Then those times when I hear, Mari, trust me. But choppy waters are ahead, or theres a big rock to maneu-ver around, or that wavethat big one thats going to soak us from head to toeIm here and can handle it

God, youre so far away. Ive got this!Knowing Gods word and understanding

how to apply it is totally different. If you want to get safely from put in to take out you have to know how to execute the orders and put your trust in the one who created you!

Shiggaion,Mari

Spiritual NavigationMarca DeimundLife Session Leader-WWW

With the growing awareness of Sex Trafficking I want to challenge the Church to rethink what and how you view prostitutes and prostitution.

For centuries men have, for the most part, walked away and women have bore the judicial weight of prostitution. Around 3/4ths of the arrests are towards the prostitutes and the other 1/4th are for the Johns or the Pimps.

Every person who is bought for sex is a Human Trafficking Victim that needs our help. Terms have changed now, no longer are they prostitutes but trafficked people, and johns/pimps are now referred to as traffickers. Trafficked people are victims; if anyone cannot voluntarily walk away from what they are doing they are a victim and not a criminal. The opportunity for them to leave this life doesnt exist. They will most likely die a horrible death; murder, suicide, drug overdose or from sexually transmitted diseases.

I am not asking you to rescue trafficked people, this could get you killed. No one wants to lose a commodity that brings in from $100,000 to $200,000 per year and they will do whatever it

takes to protect their prop-erty. I am asking you to look at your heart and see these children/women/men as Jesus sees them.

Where in your com-munity could you minister to trafficked people? There are womens groups who minister in the dressing rooms of strip clubs with the owners approval, talking to these women, bringing gifts and treating them with dignity and respect. Offering them hope and a helping hand. There are churches that have active ministries to restore trafficked people, offering spiritual direction and job training, personal coaching and Biblical Instruction.

When we look at everyone the way Jesus looks at them we will stop pointing fingers at them and begin looking for ways we can minister to them in Jesus name.

Mankind, He has told you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 HCSB

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Church Seeks Worship PastorGrowing Southern Baptist church in Kansas is seeking a bi-vocational Associ-ate Pastor of Music Ministry to work with the Senior Pastor, be responsible for planning and leading Sunday morning worship service, working with the choir, praise team, and all instrumentalists. This position would also plan and lead music for Sunday and Wednesday evening. For more information, visit http://www.cornerstonelawrence.com/

GOAL MET: Churches and individuals were faithful and God provided the funds for the Dining Hall and WCC has been given the $100,000 Matching Grant from the Mabee Foundation. We now have the money to finish the building expansion debt free. PRAISE GOD for this gift made possible by your gifts.

PROGRESS CONTINUES: With the money in place, we now need volunteers to assist the WCC Staff in hanging dry wall and installing the outside sheeting on the Dining Hall. If you, or a group from your church, could help for a day or more, call Bill Cooke at 1-785-827-656 and help finish the building.

PICNIC PAVILION: Construction on the new Picnic Pavilion relocation project has begun and the first stage should be completed by the end of August.

SEWER PROJECT PROCEEDING: Work continues to get WCC ready to begin construction on the sewer upgrade. Easements have been signed, filed and now we await final approval from the City of Salina. When they sign off on the final plans, construction will begin immediately.

WE STILL HAVE NEEDS: Please continue to pray and give as WCC continues to upgrade the infrastructure needs before us with the sewer project and the repaving of our roads and parking lots. Thank you for your support as the WCC Staff continues to improve your facility to make ministry events more effective through a quality conference center.

Thank you for your continued support of this mission facility as we continue to reach people for Christ and train believers for the work of the ministry! The WCC Staff

WebsterUpdate

Featured VideoAvailable to churches cooperating with KNCSB by contacting library@kncsb.org or calling either 785/228-6800 or 800/984-9092. Ask for Barbara Spicer.

Hosea by Jennifer RothschildIncludes Bible study book and two DVDs with seven teaching sessions (approximately 25 to 30 min each). The book of Hosea is a deeply per-sonal and passionate love story, yet a difficult story. As an account full of harsh judgment unfolds, we find in its midst a rare and pure gem; the truest and purest of loves.

SESSIONS:

Session 1: Ingredients of HoseaSession 2: When You Say I Do to I AM

Session 3: When You Aint Got Yada, You Aint Got NadaSession 4: Lose the Gomerisms

Session 5: Share Off YouSession 6: Redeem the Idolotrinkets

Session 7: His Boundary of LoveVIDEO STUDIES ARE A MINISTRY OF THE KNCSB LENDING LIBRARY.

Funding Goals have been met and progress continues toward comple-tion of the Dining Hall renovation

NATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL DIRECTOR SEMINAR

Highly energetic, intensely focused, quickly moving, and totally devoted to Sunday School leaders!

Saturday, September 12, 2015First Baptist Church, Raytown, MO

Experience what over 15,000 other leaders have experienced.

NSSDS is designed to:

n Equip Sunday School directors to serve effectively in all areas of Sunday School workn Deliver practical tools for all aspects of Sunday School workn Facilitate opportunities to network with other Sunday School direc torsn Build team spirit among the Sunday School director, minister of edu cation, pastor, and division and department directors

Through NSSDS training, you will develop skills and plans to:

n Build a growing Sunday School focused on its mission and purposen Develop an organization and enlist leadership to build a growing Sunday Schooln Lead teachers to teach for spiritual transformationn Leave with a step-by-step strategy for leading your Sunday Schooln The day is facilitated by one of the finest faculties in the nationa team of experts wholl provide your leaders with cost-efficient, local training for only $39 per person (includes onsite lunch).

NSSDS will open your eyes to the potential impact your Sunday School can have on the Kingdom. Dont miss this unique training opportunity.

For more information or registration:lifeway.com/nssds

800.254.2022

Volunteers are still needed. If you can help, con-tact Bill Cooke at1-785-827-6565

Kansas and Nebraska Southern Baptists are in partnership with all Southern Bap-tists through the Cooperative Program.

www.KNCSB.org

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