Discover the JOY of Missions Joy's thoughts on missions & WMU http://www.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/ en-us Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:33:09 -0400 DiscoverJOYhttp://feedburner.google.com Home Care Kits for Africa Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:33:09 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=home-care-kits-for-africa.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DiscoverJOY/~3/bCjE7G_IAX4/home-care-kits-for-africa.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/home-care-kits-for-africa.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/home-care-kits-for-africa.htm
The home care kits will be used by our IMB missionaries to minister areas that have been ravaged by AIDS.  This includes a palliative care ministry led by the Baptist Fellowship of Zambia, a home care ministry of Sanyati Baptist Hospital in central Zimbabwe, and ministry in the district of South Africa with the highest per capita rate of HIV positive victims in the world.

Kentucky WMU and Baptist Men on Mission are working with Baptist Global Response to meet this tremendous need among the "least of these" in these three nations in southern Africa.  In case you have not yet heard about the project or filled a bucket, it is not too late but you must act quickly to participate in this year's project.
Buckets must be completed and taken to one of the Kentucky collection sites no later than Friday, July 24.  Disaster Relief trucks will pick up buckets the next week.

For a list of items requested for the 2009 project, go to www.baptistglobalresponse.org.  Click on the button that says "In Home Care Kit Materials."  There you will find a shopping list and bucket packing instructions. Please purchase only the specific products on the shopping list. Please note that the BGR web site mentions ordering labels for the buckets.  It is not necessary to order a label from BGR for the bucket.  We have plenty of labels and will attach them to the buckets when they are picked up.  

For a list of the Kentucky drop off sites, go to www.kybaptist.org/africaprojects. The KBC web page gives the drop-off locations and the hours that they are open. Please take your buckets to the nearest drop-off site during the hours specified. You may wish to call ahead to confirm that someone will be there to receive your buckets.

Coy Webb, our KBC Disaster Relief director, will be traveling to Africa later this year and will visit some of the areas where the buckets are being used.  What a wonderful opportunity for us to participate in a ministry that is so needed.
]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/home-care-kits-for-africa.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/home-care-kits-for-africa.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/home-care-kits-for-africa.htm Do you want to be a better leader? Wed, 8 Jul 2009 08:37:16 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=do-you-want-to-be-a-better-leader.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DiscoverJOY/~3/nvswPDHzPs0/do-you-want-to-be-a-better-leader.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/do-you-want-to-be-a-better-leader.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/do-you-want-to-be-a-better-leader.htm
Too often, we say that we want to grow in these areas, yet never invest the time in training.   Then we just keep on doing what we've always done and then wonder why the results do not change.

I want to challenge you to attend a training event this summer.  Go prepared to learn something.  If you come home with just one good idea or insight, it will be worth the time.  Just think of the multiplication that can take place in your group or class when you apply that one thing that you've learned.  However, I believe you will learn more than one new idea!  And the multiplication will be even greater.

World Missions Unlimited provides summer leader training for all WMU and Baptist Men leaders.  This includes age-level organizations as well as churchwide approaches to missions.  This year we are also offering a special track for pastors led by Steve Thompson.  Our east conference is July 17-18 at Central Baptist Church in Winchester.  Our west conference is July 24-25 at First Baptist Church, Madisonville.

At each location, it all begins on Friday evening with registration starting at 6 p.m. and an opening session at 6:30.  You'll be introduced to our 2009 state missions emphasis It's Harvest Time and "Find It Here," the largest evangelism effort ever attempted in Kentucky.    The general session will be followed by conferences for Associational WMU leaders and special interest conferences for church leaders. Choose from conferences such as Prayerwalking, Understanding Other Beliefs: New Age, Called to Love, and the R/6 Mentoring program, Barnga simulation game, and other conferences  (Conferences offered on Friday evening will be repeated on Saturday afternoon.  Some conferences will be offered on Saturday only.)

World Missions Unlimited continues on Saturday with an opening session at 9:00 a.m. followed by workshops for church missions leaders.  After lunch, there will be a variety of special interest conferences from 1:15-3:00 p.m.

Registration for World Missions Unlimited is $25 if registered by July 10 and $30 after that date.  There is a special registration of $5 for pastors.  The registration fee covers lunch and conference materials.  All WMU leaders will receive a copy of the 2009-10 WMU Year Book  (a $8.99 value).

A bookstore will be open during the conference and WMU, SBC resources may be purchased at 10% off the list price.  You can also purchase Kentucky WMU identity items such as shirts, coffee cups, and pins.

Learn more at www.kywmu.org/worldmissionsunlimited.  Download a brochure and register today!

So it comes down to saying "Yes, I want to be a better leader or teacher" and registering for training.  Whether you teach missions education, Sunday School, VBS, music, discipleship, or some other group, training will help you.  And each time you touch a life, the impact of your investment in training, is multiplied.  

In WMU, we say, "Change a Life. Change the World."  
]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/do-you-want-to-be-a-better-leader.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/do-you-want-to-be-a-better-leader.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/do-you-want-to-be-a-better-leader.htm Teamwork Thu, 2 Jul 2009 06:50:11 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=teamwork.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DiscoverJOY/~3/PxU6zWxhLKs/teamwork.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/teamwork.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/teamwork.htm
I want to say thank you to everyone who helped with the National WMU Annual Meeting.  Talk about teamwork!  Mary Lou Crutcher, our Local Chairperson, enlisted a team of committee chairpersons.  Each committee chair enlisted a team of volunteers for their assigned tasks.  During the National Meeting, the behind the scenes work of these teams made the meeting go so smoothly.  Cars were parked and people directed to locations at St. Matthews Baptist Church.  The tables were set up and decorated for each meal function.  The Kentucky Missions Fair was set up, operated, and taken down. Guests were transported from the airport. Missionaries and other program guests were greeted and assisted with set-ups. Refreshments were provided for guests and volunteers. The list could go on and on. Not only did the volunteers do a great job, but the staff at St. Matthews had planned every detail of their work during the week and had tables where they were needed, chairs set up, restrooms attended, etc., etc., etc.  

In the office, the Kentucky WMU staff had various assignments for the meeting in addition to their regular work and our summer events.  They took on the extra assignments with grace.  KBC staff also jumped in to assist us.  Coy Webb, our Disaster Relief Director, worked with the volunteers on all the set-up details and ordered the food for the disaster relief meal that was served.  When we needed storage space for the food over the weekend, Denise Withers helped us with those arrangements at the KBC building.

I've just returned from taking children to Missions Adventure Camp.  I watched Stacy and the staff work as a team.  Each day, the staff knew what they were to do and did their assignments well.  And when there was an unexpected change of plans during Monday evening recreation (due to a mix-up beyond the control of our staff), the Mission Adventure Camp staff went into action.  They started other games on the spot and kept the kids busy until the problem could be worked out.

Good teamwork requires coordination of plans AND personal initiative.  Without people who will take the plans and run with them, the plans will not work.  So to all who have and are working with Kentucky WMU, thank you, thank you, thank you!  
]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/teamwork.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/teamwork.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/teamwork.htm Annual Meeting Reflections from June Rice Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:42:15 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=annual-meeting-reflections-from-june-rice.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DiscoverJOY/~3/ZgMKFD_ENHE/annual-meeting-reflections-from-june-rice.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/annual-meeting-reflections-from-june-rice.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/annual-meeting-reflections-from-june-rice.htm
I will write more about the WMU meeting and the SBC after I return from taking kids to camp. June Rice has already written a column and said that I could share it.  Here is what June had to say about the 2009 National WMU Annual Meeting.

    "A sunbeam, a sunbeam,/ Jesus wants me for a sunbeam!/ A sunbeam, a sunbeam,/ I'll be a sunbeam for him!" Time: Sunday afternoon, June 21, 2009. Place: St. Matthews Baptist Church, Louisville, KY. Voices: 1200 Woman's Missionary Union members who had gathered there from all over the United States for the National W.M.U. Convention. The song leader was a young (to most of us) man who had just told us that one of his father's favorite stories was that when  he (the song leader) was a child he asked the preacher if everybody would sing "the bean song. You know- a sunbean, a sunbean."
      He said, " I can't wait to go home and call my dad and tell him I led 1200 ladies in The Sunbeam Song!"
      Of course, he immediately bonded our hearts to him-- two- thirds of us had white hair (we don't dye it blue any more) and were former Sunbeams-- when we found that the music director of that magnificent church had once been a Sunbeam! The Sunbeam Band, a children's missions organization, which had been organized by the Foreign Mission Board in 1886, was adopted by the WMU in 1896. The name was changed to Mission Friends-- and a different song became its theme in 1970.
     I thought about the light that all that Sunbeam missions training  (and missions training for children, youth and adults) by WMU leaders had brought to the lost all over the world. Thousands of  preachers and missionaries point  to their early missions training that made them aware of the needs of the world.  All denominations need to put the seed of missions teaching in their young ones so that "when they are old they will not depart from it."
     We were blessed to hear reports from missionaries; we were inspired by the program honoring our own Kentucky Emeritus missionaries,  June and Gerald McNeely, who are still active in Long Run Association (Louisville) , and their family--four generations of missionaries.
     I wrote a check for $34.00, which financed WMU work for one hour, but some of the other people must have written bigger checks, as the offering totaled over $11,000.00!
     The Cowboy Preacher, whose name escapes me, had a great presentation. He is a former music and worship leader who used to wear a jacket and tie as he led  church worship services , who traded it for a guitar, a cowboy hat and boots, a horse and trailer, and started holding services at horse shows, race tracks, anywhere that groups of horse people congregate. He calls his ministry "Happy Trails Ministry," and, yes, they do sing Roy Rogers' and Dale Evans' theme song, "Happy Trails to You."  And the 1200-voice angel WMU choir joyfully sang it with him as he closed his presentation.
    I was proud to see that my daughter Cathy was following her missions training, and was recognized as one of the  20 local chairmen who organized the event. I enjoyed  being recognized as "Cathy Mattingly's mother."
     Haven of Rest Family Ministry had a display in the church gymnasium, along with 45 other Kentucky missions and ministries. Many people from all over the United States came by our display.  Eileen Mullins, her daughter Virginia, Judy Short,  and I explained  to the people who came by more about the ministry that God told Eileen to build on a strip-mined mountain-top near Inez, KY. We explained how we started with nothing except God's mandate, and now have four buildings on three acres of land, worth approximately a million dollars. God has provided land, money, services, and volunteer help to provide food and lodging to  over 750 families who come from everywhere to visit loved ones incarcerated in the Big Sandy Federal Penitentiary -- many of whom have come back multiple times. Most prison ministries minister to the prisoners. Our ministry ministers to a different group of hurting people.
     I enjoyed seeing so many of the friends I have made all over the state over the years in my terms on the WMU Executive Board, and membership in other Baptist entities. I am sure it was a foretaste of what heaven will be like.
     The "angel chorus" got to sing the missions-inspired songs like "Victory in Jesus," "I Love to Tell the Story," "We've a Story to Tell to the Nations," and many more songs that we have loved over the years.
     And the song leader did lead us in "This Little Light of Mine." My friend Judy's forefinger  automatically shot up and waved, as she had taught hundreds of children to do over the years she has taught the children the song.
    What a concentrated beam of light all those Sunbeams and all those Little Lights  have  brought  to the dark places of the world!

Our thanks to June for sharing her reflections.  What about you?  Please post a comment about your experience at the national WMU Missions Celebration and Annual Meeting.  Blessings, Joy

 

 
]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/annual-meeting-reflections-from-june-rice.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/annual-meeting-reflections-from-june-rice.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/annual-meeting-reflections-from-june-rice.htm Be sure to read the Western Recorder! Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:02:10 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=be-sure-to-read-the-western-recorder.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DiscoverJOY/~3/DbuPsO3IpKg/be-sure-to-read-the-western-recorder.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/be-sure-to-read-the-western-recorder.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/be-sure-to-read-the-western-recorder.htm Western Recorder is a great partner in telling the Kentucky missions story. Every week there are stories about the work of Kentucky Baptist churches, associations, ministry centers, and more.  The Western Recorder also gives great coverage to the Kentucky WMU Annual Meeting and and each seasonal missions emphasis.  Every Kentucky Baptist needs to be a subscriber to the Western Recorder.  (Learn more at www.westernrecorder.org.)

This week and next are no exceptions.  First, I hope that you have read the front page tribute to Kathryn Jasper Akridge, executive director of Kentucky WMU from 1970-84.  Kathryn died June 7 at Baptist Hospital.  She was looking forward to the national WMU meeting here in a few weeks and we will miss her presence.  It has been 25 years since Kathryn served as executive director, but her influence is still felt in our work. As I have read Kentucky WMU history from the years that she served, I have noted significant accomplishments during her tenure, including the decision to name our state missions offering after Eliza Broadus.  I encourage you to read and remember Kathryn with gratitude for her impact on Kentucky WMU.

Then I hope you have read the story on page 2 of the June 16 issue about the missions legacy of the McNeely family.  What wonderful role models in missions as Gerald and June not only served as missionaries to Spain during very difficult years, but to see how their legacy continues through their children and grandchildren.  The McNeely family will be recognized in the 4:30 p.m. session on Monday, June 22 of the National WMU Missions Celebration at St. Matthews Baptist Church.  It will truly be a celebration of the missions legacy of this precious couple and their family.

Also in the June 16 issue on page 10, you will find a story by Shirley Cox about a new building for the ministry of Lester & Bessie McPeek in Jenkins.  Bessie is known as the Diaper Bag lady.  Her ministry started several years ago as she began to give diapers to mothers who needed them.  The ministry has grown into "My Father's House," which provides baby items, clothing, and furniture.  Lester and Bessie teach Bible studies and work with people in the Jenkins area.  This summer they will coordinate the work of 22 missions teams that will do Backyard Bible Clubs, home repairs, nursing home ministries, and other activities.  Bessie was featured in Missions Mosaic several years ago.  The ministry has also been assisted through the Eliza Broadus Offering.

Next week the Western Recorder is publishing a special edition about Kentucky Baptists that will be distributed to messengers and visitors to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting.  I hope you can attend the SBC and see our convention at work.  The music, messages, reports, and missions emphasis are all worth the trip.  But even if you are not able to attend, be sure to read this special issue.  Look for the article about Kentucky WMU!

We appreciate the help of the Western Recorder in publishing Kentucky Notes, our quarterly Kentucky WMU newsletter.  We are also given free space on the back of the Western Recorder several times a year.  We use this to promote each missions emphasis and camp.

To the entire Western Recorder  staff, we want to express a big THANK YOU from Kentucky WMU!
]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/be-sure-to-read-the-western-recorder.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/be-sure-to-read-the-western-recorder.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/be-sure-to-read-the-western-recorder.htm Countdown to the National WMU Annual Meeting Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:00:09 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=countdown-to-national-annual-meeting.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DiscoverJOY/~3/6vgNPCWcJ6Q/countdown-to-national-annual-meeting.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/countdown-to-national-annual-meeting.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/countdown-to-national-annual-meeting.htm
It is going to be a great event that you will not want to miss.  Even if you did not order a boxed lunch on Monday, just bring a sack lunch and come on.  No pre-registration for the meeting is required and you will enjoy the speakers, displays, music, and conferences.  The meeting is free and open to women and men, children and youth.   Anyone who cares about missions needs to be there!

Parking Alert!  If at all possible, please carpool.  Parking will be tight and overflow parking is some distance away at St. Matthews Elementary School.  You might arrange to meet friends at the school (601 Browns Lane, Louisville  40207), and then just take one car over to St. Matthews Baptist Church.  If as many Kentucky folks as possible will carpool, this will leave more spaces available for our out-of-state guests.

National WMU staff  and many Executive Board members will be arriving on Thursday.  Many other guests will be arriving Friday and Saturday.  Pray for their safety in travel and for all the details of the meeting.  Learn more about the program schedule, conferences, and all the meeting details at www.wmu.com/events/annual.

Remember, as you pray for the meeting, that it's not about the meeting, but about the outcomes.  What will happen because we had this meeting?  Our prayer is that the outcomes will be felt around the world as people make new commitments to missions, pray, give, and go.  I look forward to seeing you at St. Matthews Baptist Church, June 21-22 as we host the National WMU Missions Celebration and Annual Meeting.
]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/countdown-to-national-annual-meeting.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/countdown-to-national-annual-meeting.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/countdown-to-national-annual-meeting.htm God Is At Work in Kentucky Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:57:19 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=god-is-at-work-in-kentucky.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DiscoverJOY/~3/hLS0V3AKQUQ/god-is-at-work-in-kentucky.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/god-is-at-work-in-kentucky.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/god-is-at-work-in-kentucky.htm Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby continues to be a reference point for many: "Watch to see where God is working and join Him in His work."    

David Mains had a similar idea in Daring to Dream Again, study material written for a 50-Day Spiritual Adventure. David challenges participants to go on a "God hunt," and look for evidence of God at work. He gave four things to watch for.  I wrote them down in the back of my Bible and still refer to them: (1) Any obvious answer to prayer; (2) unexpected evidence of God's care; (3) any unusual linkage or timing; and (4) help to do God's work in the world.

I've been watching the development of a string of developments that I would call "unusual linkage or timing."  For me, they are evidence of God at work in Kentucky and I pray that we all will join Him.

1. The ice storm of 2009.  As a result of the bad weather, Disaster Relief volunteers in yellow shirts and hats were spread all over this state. They bore witness to Christ as they served meals and cut down trees.  The bad weather was difficult, but God sent His messengers to share the gospel while they served.  Watch the Disaster Relief: 2009 Ice Storm video to see what I mean.  (Scroll down through the DR videos and click on the version of the 2009 Ice Storm video that you prefer.)

2. Crossover 2009.  Hundreds of volunteers are coming to Louisville next week to share Christ prior to the Southern Baptist Convention. Ministries start on Monday, June 15 and run all week.  The majority will be on Saturday, June 20.  Block parties, door-to-door witnessing and surveys, home repairs, ICE teams (Intentional Community Evangelism), and even a massive food distribution will take place.  We hope to start several new churches as the result of these ministries.  Many prayerwalks have already taken place in these communities to prepare for what God will do.

3. "Find It Here" is the largest simultaneous evangelism effort ever planned for Kentucky.  It begins this fall with prayerwalking every street and road in Kentucky. Associations are working on the street assignments.  Prayerwalking materials have been developed and are included on the 2009 state missions DVD to be distributed to every Kentucky Baptist church in July.
      "Find It Here" continues next spring when we return to the streets we prayerwalked to take a bag with a gospel presentation to every house.  We will deliver these bags to 1.5 million homes. The bags will be distributed between March 6-21, 2010 with Easter Sunday, April 4, as Harvest Sunday.  Follow-up contacts and ministries will also take place.
     Prayerwalking and taking bags with a gospel presentation to hang on door knobs is something we all can do.  Any size church can do this.  Any age person can participate.  Our efforts will be supplemented by ads on television and radio.  Even now, we can start doing acts of kindness ministries and simply hang signs that say "Find It Here." As these things come together, people will learn that they can find a new life in Christ.  Learn more at www.kybaptist.org/findithere and www.findithere.com.
     Oklahoma did a similar project, taking the bags to 800,000 homes.  They had a 1% response rate.  Now 1% does not sound like much, but if we see 1% of 1.5 million accept Christ, that will be 15,000 new believers.  We believe the response rate could be higher because we are preparing for sowing the gospel seeds by prayerwalking.

4. World Equestrian Games.  The FEI Alltech World Equestrian Games are coming to Kentucky in the fall of 2010.  We are told that this event is larger than the Olympics and will bring anywhere from 600,000 to 1 million visitors to Kentucky. Visitors will start arriving in the spring when there may be 15,000 new, excited believers in Kentucky!.   Kentucky Baptists are gearing up for ministries before and during the games in cooperation with AIM (Affliliated International Ministries.)  AIM includes churches and community groups who want to minister to our guests.  
     You can learn more on September 12, 2009 by attending Church Day at the Kentucky Horse Park.  Look for a special AIM flyer in the 2009 State Missions Packet which will allow you to get a reduced admission to the Horse Park that day.  Come learn more about AIM and how you can be a part of  ministry in Kentucky.

When I made this list and could see all of these things together, I realized the significant linkage and timing. I am sure there are more things going on that others could add to the list.  God is at work in Kentucky.  The question is now, will we join Him?  
]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/god-is-at-work-in-kentucky.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/god-is-at-work-in-kentucky.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/god-is-at-work-in-kentucky.htm Tribute to Willene Pierce Tue, 9 Jun 2009 09:03:06 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=Tribute-to-Willene-Pierce.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DiscoverJOY/~3/EvsYBYUiEdA/Tribute-to-Willene-Pierce.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/Tribute-to-Willene-Pierce.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/Tribute-to-Willene-Pierce.htm Missions Mosaic. The lead into the article says "Annie Armstrong - Her Legacy Lives in Oklahoma."   Annie's legacy lives on through Willene Pierce.

I first met Willene while living in Annapolis, Maryland.  Willene was the the WMU director for the Maryland/Delaware Baptist Convention.  I became the WMU director for the Arundel Baptist Association soon after arriving in Maryland.  This also placed me on the State WMU Executive Board.

Willene encouraged me and gave me opportunities. I served on committees, led conferences, and was involved in many ways in Maryland/Delaware WMU.  Most notably, Willene invited me to participate in my first overseas missions trip in 1992. That trip to Rwanda was a life-changing experience and a call from Willene was pivotal in my going.  The very day of her call, after struggling for over a year with some personal issues, I had prayed out loud as I drove home from work that day, "OK, God, I don't know what you are doing in my life, but whatever it is, it is OK."  When I walked in the door, the phone was ringing and Willene was on the phone asking if I would consider going with a women's team to Rwanda.  Life has not been the same since that day.

Later Willene gave me an opportunity to work part-time in the Maryland/Delaware WMU office as the Publications Consultant.  We were all learning to use computers then for various publications and I had developed some skills in my position with Arundel Baptist Association.  From that position, I was later able to move to working full-time with South Carolina WMU.

As I read about Willene's work today with Native American LINK, I was thrilled. Willene is still encouraging women, helping them to be involved in missions and evangelism. Oklahoma has approximately 200 Native American churches and Willene is indeed carrying out Annie Armstrong's passion for Native Americans. The article says that Willene "believes she has the job Annie Armstrong wanted as she travels throughout Oklahoma fulfilling the purpose of LINK."  

So, thank you Willene for your influence in my life.  And thank you for continuing Annie's work among Native Americans in Oklahoma.  You are a blessing to many!

Read more about the Native Praise Women's Choir and LINK at http://okindiansbc.org/nativepraise.html.
]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/Tribute-to-Willene-Pierce.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/Tribute-to-Willene-Pierce.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/Tribute-to-Willene-Pierce.htm What WMU Means - A Note from Clara Matthews Thu, 4 Jun 2009 14:54:24 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=what-wmu-means.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DiscoverJOY/~3/TRVoLZkYNjI/what-wmu-means.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/what-wmu-means.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/what-wmu-means.htm
Joy,
Did I ever write to you about what WMU has meant to me?  As a student at the WMU Training School in 1950-52  I was always struggling on how to pay my bills.  I remember very well that my second year was paid for by Kentucky WMU!  For my first year my parents sold a calf and paid my way.  I am trying  to remember how I deserved that scholarship. Maybe it was because I was a  'missions volunteer' coming from Georgetown college and graduated 'summa cum laude'. Anyway,  I was so grateful.  As a child I was a member of a tiny church north of Georgetown, at Sadieville.  We had no 'GA' or 'Sunbeam' but we had a WMU.  My mother always went and brought me with her from time to time.  So I heard, early on, about missions.  Then, we had an MK from Brazil, Sam Maddox, whose parents were pioneer missionaries in Brazil, to become our pastor while he was a student from Georgetown.  When his parents came home on their furlough he brought them to visit our small church and they told us about missions in Brazil. 

My heart and mind were opened right then and there to thinking about what God might want me to do. My dream never died.  So all the way through HIgh School and Georgetown college days, there were always opportunities to volunteer for missions. When I lived in Lexington to finish my HS, I discovered the YWA's and also found the YWA during college. Then came the summers, as a volunteer for KBC to work in Hardin County, in VBS and Youth Revivals; then with the HMB, (as it was then)  first summer after graduation from college I headed on a Greyhound bus to New Mexico to work with the Indians;  first summer after the WMUTS, to California, to work with Migrants;  then, of course, in 1957, with husband,Harold and one son, to head around the world, to serve with IMB in the Philippines for 35 years!  You didn't ask for all this history!

But, yes, I am so grateful for WMU, and now in my church at Lyndon Baptist, when we saw the younger girls, and realized we didn't have a GA organization, my heart was hurting. So, last year, we re-started our GA organization. Who knows, one of our girls, might also be touched to give her heart and life to Christ.  Already, one of our girls, has recently become a Christian and was baptized.  Our small GA group is very International.  One is from Nepal; one is Hispanic; and one African/American.  THANKS WMU for all the wonderful program materials we receive to make it easier for us to have good times learning about MISSIONS.  Thank you, Joy, and all your staff, for all you do! My best, Clara Matthews

Thank you, Clara, for sharing.  And what an inspiration you are in seeing the need for Girls in Action and taking the lead to make it happen!  Who knows where your girls may share Christ in the future.  
]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/what-wmu-means.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/what-wmu-means.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/what-wmu-means.htm Camp Registration Still Open Tue, 2 Jun 2009 07:34:51 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=camp-registration-still-open.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DiscoverJOY/~3/bc4gSxDtPJs/camp-registration-still-open.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/camp-registration-still-open.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/camp-registration-still-open.htm
It's not too late to register for one of our camps or overnights, including the three overnights at Jonathan Creek (Land Between the Lakes area), June 26-27.

With economic challenges facing many families, you can make a great impact by helping a child attend camp.  This includes helping financially as well as actually bringing children to camp as a chaperone.  Church chaperones have the great opportunity to experience camp with the kids, creating the bond of a shared experience to be remembered long after the camp is over.  Together you learn the camp songs, study the Bible, hear missionaries, and experience all that camp has to offer.  Together you can celebrate jumping off the blob or swimming across the pool.  Together you can pray and talk about what God is saying to each of us through His Word.

I'm bringing kids from my church to Express Camp, our shorter coed camp for girls and boys in grades 3-6.  There are also five-day camps for girls in grades 3-10, and mother/daughter overnights.   At Jonathan Creek we offer a Mother/Daughter Overnight, GA Overnight, and Acteens Splash.

Because of the economy, many families are not taking out of town trips this year. Help provide a special experience for kids by bringing them to camp.  For more information, visit our camp page at www.kywmu.org/camp.  The page includes downloadable registration information for camps and overnights at both Cedar Crest and Jonathan Creek.  A child is counting on you!
]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/camp-registration-still-open.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/camp-registration-still-open.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/camp-registration-still-open.htm The National WMU Missions Celebration Is Coming to Kentucky! Thu, 28 May 2009 09:52:34 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=the-national-wmu-missions-celebration-is-coming-to-kentucky.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DiscoverJOY/~3/X6oFMx5PFMw/the-national-wmu-missions-celebration-is-coming-to-kentucky.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/the-national-wmu-missions-celebration-is-coming-to-kentucky.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/the-national-wmu-missions-celebration-is-coming-to-kentucky.htm
The celebration begins on Sunday afternoon, June 21 at 4:00 p.m. with a Kentucky Missions Fair and Disaster Relief dinner.  There will be 45 Kentucky missions displays in the St. Matthews Baptist Church gymnasium.  The DR Feeding Unit and Communications Unit will be parked right outside the gym for you to visit and pick up a meal ($5.00 donation requested).  You can bring your meal back inside and enjoy visiting with others in the Fellowship Hall over dinner.

The evening session begins at 6:30 p.m. You will want to be in place early to hear the wonderful pre-session music. Dr. Mackey, Pat Reaves, and I will extend a welcome. Kentucky missions will be featured with Bill Barker and Larry Martin speaking.   Kaye Miller will share in each session from her new book Called to Love.

On Monday morning, the music begins at 8:45 a.m. and the session starts at 9:00 a.m.  Missions in North America will be the focus. Brenda Crimm, a featured missionary from the 2009 Week of Prayer for North American Missions, will be one of the missionaries.  Also, Chris Clarke, MSC Missionary serving in Kentucky with Happy Trails Equestrian Ministry, will be sharing about his work.  

We will dismiss to an awards luncheon in the Fellowship Hall.  Be sure to order your boxed lunch by June 10 ($8.00).  Click here for an order form.

During the afternoon there will be a variety of breakout sessions, including several led by folks from Kentucky.  Click here for a complete listing of the breakout sessions.  The Kentucky Missions Fair will also be open from 11-4:30.

The closing session begins at 4:30 p.m. and focuses on international missions. One of the featured music groups will be Karen Baptists from Louisville who came to America from Burma (Myanmar). The Karen Baptists trace their roots to American missionary Adoniram Judson.  You can also meet Rosalie Hunt, author of Bless God and Take Courage, a book about the Judson family and their legacy. Rosalie is president of Alabama WMU.

Another Kentucky connection in this session will be a recognition of the legacy of Gerald and June McNeely, emeritus missionaries to Spain, whose family continues to have an impact as missionaries and missions educators.

The session ends by 6:30 p.m. and will allow time for driving home that evening before dark.  Or stay over and attend the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting (Tuesday and Wednesday, Kentucky Exposition Center).  All Kentucky Baptists are welcome to attend as messengers or visitors.  The SBC meeting is an inspirational and informative meeting.

Read more about the WMU Celebration at www.wmu.com/events/annual.  I hope to see you in Louisville.  Let's have a great Kentucky crowd there to welcome National WMU.
]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/the-national-wmu-missions-celebration-is-coming-to-kentucky.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/the-national-wmu-missions-celebration-is-coming-to-kentucky.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/the-national-wmu-missions-celebration-is-coming-to-kentucky.htm Crossover 2009 Mon, 18 May 2009 16:46:11 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=crossover-2009.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DiscoverJOY/~3/nm8Rc3WSheE/crossover-2009.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/crossover-2009.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/crossover-2009.htm
Learn more about Crossover and how you can be involved at http://crossoverlouisville.com.

Ministries include:
Door-to-Door - witnessing and/or taking church census in target areas.
Intentional Community Evangelism - specially trained team to share Christ in the inner city
Block Parties - will use creative ways to share Jesus with the goal of planting new churches and strengthening existing congregations
Follow-up Teams - guiding prospects to local churches
International Festival - festival featuring international dress, displays, and foods as opportunity to share Jesus
Hispanic Festival/Revival - nightly, simultaneous evangelistic meetings and a Saturday concert/festival
Church Planting - survey, plan, and develop new congregations
Prayer - praying for all volunteers and ministries through prayerwalking and other prayer events
Kindness Explosion - doing acts of kindness in targeted high traffic areas with Crossover Changers or Kentucky Builders are working to create evangelistic opportunities
Kentucky Builders - skilled workers who will complete a major building project
Crossover Changers - young people (16 or older) who will do home repairs and share Jesus
Disaster Relief - feeding teams will provide support for Changers and Builders during the week of June 15-19, 2009
Crossover Louisville Food Distribution - a trailer load of food and hygiene supplies will be distributed to 400 below poverty level families at three areas of Louisville.

I plan to prayerwalk a number of the sites where Crossover ministries will be taking place on Thursday and Friday afternoon, June 4-5.  if you would like to join me, please email Joy.Bolton@kybaptist.org.  I will provide you with the time and location to meet.  
]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/crossover-2009.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/crossover-2009.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/crossover-2009.htm Camp Promotion Video Wed, 13 May 2009 08:42:39 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=camp-promotion-video.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DiscoverJOY/~3/RFMd18MpChc/camp-promotion-video.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/camp-promotion-video.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/camp-promotion-video.htm
We are also working with three associations and taking camp on the road this year. We will have week-long day camps in Lincoln Association and Green Valley Association, and a week of residential camp at Boone's Creek Baptist Camp.  

To encourage first time campers and remind returning campers of all the fun they had in previous years, be sure to show the camp promotion video included on the 2008 State Missions DVD (Celebrate God's Love).  The camp video is included in the Bonus Section of the DVD.  It is undated and can be used any time.

For more information about camp at Cedar Crest and Jonathan Creek, visit the Kentucky WMU camp page: www.kywmu.org/camp.
]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/camp-promotion-video.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/camp-promotion-video.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/camp-promotion-video.htm HR Ministries featured in May Missions Mosaic Thu, 7 May 2009 08:09:24 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=hr-ministries-featured-in-may-missions-mosaic.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DiscoverJOY/~3/aZ6-PxVu9S0/hr-ministries-featured-in-may-missions-mosaic.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/hr-ministries-featured-in-may-missions-mosaic.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/hr-ministries-featured-in-may-missions-mosaic.htm Missions Mosaic is a part of my daily devotional time.  I often read the magazine in reverse, starting with Wanda Lee's article, "From Missionary Ridge" which is on the last page.  I read the Prayer Calendar daily and read the rest of the magazine throughout the month.  Today I realized that the Missions Focus article is about Harrell Riley, a Kentucky MSC missionary.

You may remember that Harrell was named the 2007 MSC Missionary of the Year both in Kentucky and by NAMB.  HR Ministries, which stands for "Hell is Real," was featured in the 2008 Kentucky state missions materials.  The article in Missions Mosaic is a great reminder to keep praying for Harrell and those who work with him as they reach out to Job Corps students and to prison inmates.  As you read the article, you might want to pull out the 2008 Kentucky State Missions DVD (Celebrate God's Love) and watch the segment on Harrell.  You could show just that portion for a Women on Mission or Adults on Mission meeting, then share additional information from the Missions Mosaic article.

Several ministries that are a part of HR Ministries received Eliza Broadus Offering grants this year.  Harrell will have a display at the Kentucky Missions Fair during the national WMU Annual Meeting, June 21-22 at St. Matthews Baptist Church.  Plan to attend the national meeting, and stop by to meet Harrell during the Fair.  

By the way, there will be 45 Kentucky missions displays at the Kentucky Missions Fair.  You will be able to meet many Kentucky missionaries, learn about their ministries, and find out how to get involved.  Many of those who will have displays have received Eliza Broadus Offering funds. Learn how your gifts make a difference. For more information about the national WMU Annual Meeting, go to www.kywmu.org/annualmeeting or www.wmu.com/events/annual.  I hope to see you in Louisville, June 21-22!  Joy

PS: Photos from the 2009 Kentucky WMU Annual Meeting are now posted on our website.  
]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/hr-ministries-featured-in-may-missions-mosaic.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/hr-ministries-featured-in-may-missions-mosaic.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/hr-ministries-featured-in-may-missions-mosaic.htm What Does Kentucky WMU Mean to You? Tue, 5 May 2009 07:02:59 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=what-does-kentucky-wmu-mean-to-you.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DiscoverJOY/~3/W4l-A6XSsm0/what-does-kentucky-wmu-mean-to-you.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/what-does-kentucky-wmu-mean-to-you.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/what-does-kentucky-wmu-mean-to-you.htm Western Recorder.  It will be included in a special edition to be distributed at the Southern Baptist Convention.  My biggest challenge in writing this article is what to tell.  We have a wonderful heritage which goes back to the Central Committee founded in 1878. Eliza Broadus was a charter member of the committee and served Kentucky WMU for 50 years.

In the 1880's, Kentucky was home to The Heathen Helper and The Baptist Basket, publications that shared missions stories and encouraged giving. These publications laid the foundation for the publications work of WMU today.  Unknown to many is that the real decision to form a national organization was made in Louisville in 1887 at a meeting of the women led by Mrs. Sallie Rochester Ford, a Kentucky native who was convinced that Southern Baptist women had a right to organize and that, if united, could raise more money for missions. The women met at the Broadway Methodist Church while the men met at the Broadway Baptist Church for the Southern Baptist Convention.  Many women came to that meeting ready to organize a national missions organization for women. Instead they decided to go home, build support for a national organization, and come back the next year ready to vote.  While Richmond gets the credit, the real decision to organize WMU was made in Louisville.

The Kentucky WMU story, however, is not just a story of the past, but it continues today as Kentucky WMUers teach missions and challenge churches to pray, give, and go.  I'd like to hear from you.  What does Kentucky WMU mean to you?  Post a comment. Or send me an email: Joy.Bolton@kybaptist.org.  As I tell the Kentucky WMU story while speaking in churches or writing articles, sharing current testimonies is a reminder that our work continues to impact lives.
]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/what-does-kentucky-wmu-mean-to-you.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/what-does-kentucky-wmu-mean-to-you.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/what-does-kentucky-wmu-mean-to-you.htm An Open Prayer for (My Church) Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:32:01 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=an-open-prayer-for-my-church.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DiscoverJOY/~3/HUEdGrWIh90/an-open-prayer-for-my-church.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/an-open-prayer-for-my-church.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/an-open-prayer-for-my-church.htm
An open prayer for (MY CHURCH):
Dear God,
Thank you for all of your blessings, for health, and strength, and love, for family, and friends, and jobs, for (MY CHURCH), (my town), Kentucky and the USA.

I pray especially for (MY CHURCH) at this time. I pray that each member and potential member will pray for your guidance in their life. Deliver (MY CHURCH) from EVIL. Bar satan from having a stronghold on (MY CHURCH). Help (MY CHURCH) to love, honor, praise and rely on you for guidance and strength. You know what is best. I pray that your will be done. Help us to know how to rely on you and have faith that you are in control. Help (MY CHURCH) to join you in your work in the (my town) area. Heal our broken hearts and help us to repent of our sins and turn to you for leadership. We can sure mess things up when we try to take control. Help me to listen to your voice and "Be still and know that you are God."

God you know the direction that you want for (MY CHURCH). Please touch the hearts and minds of all Christians at (MY CHURCH). Help each one to cry out to you for guidance and listen to your answer. Help us to go forward with your plan for our church. Reveal that plan to us. Remove all obstacles including people who are not working for you. Please convict hearts that need to change and create revival in "DEAD" Christians.

I pray for every worker who is doing service for you. I pray that you will help each one to know "It is a sin to be good, when God calls us to be great."

I pray that all Christians in our church will be compelled to tell others, who are unaware of your love, about your love for them. Please wake up the sleeping Christians and help them to realize how precious you are in their lives. Help them to be compelled to tell one other person each week that you love and are caring for them and that you want to be in the center of their lives. I pray that you will prepare the hearts of those who will be talked to and that they will realize their need for you and the peace that comes from worshiping the ONE and ONLY TRUE GOD. Please help these new Christians to be excited and tell their friends about your love for them. Please help (MY CHURCH) reach out to those in our area and show your love to our community.

Please remove all of the evil influences in out congregation and help us to become a true lighthouse of hope for those who need your love. Help us to be open to you leadership. Fill us with your love for others so that we cannot help but tell them about your holy love for them.

Thank you for what you can do in the lives of people in the (my town) area.
In Jesus name I pray, AMEN
]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/an-open-prayer-for-my-church.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/an-open-prayer-for-my-church.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/an-open-prayer-for-my-church.htm Facebook, Twitter, & Me Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:15:54 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=facebook-twitter--me.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DiscoverJOY/~3/rjzNCYAwbWA/facebook-twitter--me.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/facebook-twitter--me.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/facebook-twitter--me.htm
I began first with Facebook. In Facebook, the general public cannot see your profile unless you give the OK through friend requests.  I established a profile and it has been amazing the friend requests that have come my way.  I've connected with some folks from the past and enjoyed catching up with them via the pictures and other information they post on their page.

But the thing I've resisted until recently was the "What are you doing now?" feature in Facebook.  People on Facebook post short blurbs about what they are doing at the moment.  Because many folks access their Facebook profile from a cell phone, it is easy to do on the go.  For those who are in my circle of Facebook friends, I receive notices on my Blackberry whenever they post an update.  

Initially, my reaction was, "I can't believe people put that stuff on the internet."  But when I started posting a few "what am I doing" notes, and got responses, I realized that people are really reading and keeping up with one another.  I'm still cautious.  I do not want people to think that I have so much time on my hands that I can keep up with Facebook all day.   I'm also cautious about all the "causes" people have and want me to join.  But I have become a fan of Kentucky WMU on Facebook, and become friends with Annie Armstrong and Lottie Moon on Facebook.   Let me encourage you to become a fan of Kentucky WMU.  Visit the Blogs and Facebook page on our website for more information and links (www.kywmu.org).

I have encouraged some young women to form a Women on Mission group via Facebook.  Utilizing material from myMISSIONfulfilled or Missions Mosaic, the women in a Facebook Women on Mission group could share missions stories and ideas with one another.  Someone in the group could be responsible for sharing links to missions information and members of the group could go to those sites and post comments, thus learning from one another.  I think that a Facebook group still needs a "face to face" meeting, but the group can be in touch all the time via their Facebook connections.  

After venturing into Facebook, I've recently set up a Twitter account.  I'm not sure this one will work as well for me because I do not text message on my phone which seems to be the medium of choice for most Twitterers.  (Note: I email but do not text.  They are different functions on the Blackberry with separate charges. ) Twitter is defined on Wikipedia as "a free social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read other users' updates known as tweets. Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 characters in length which are displayed on the user's profile page and delivered to other users who have subscribed to them (known as followers)."  Like Facebook, folks on Twitter let others know what they are doing and post comments about current events.  Just watch CNN.  They even scroll Twitter comments on the bottom of the screen sometimes.

If you are a Facebook user, Twitter, or other social network user, let us know your ideas for using these resources more effectively for missions.   And while you're at it, sign up as a Fan of Kentucky WMU on Facebook!
]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/facebook-twitter--me.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/facebook-twitter--me.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/facebook-twitter--me.htm Baptist Communicators Association 2009 Awards Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:04:20 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=baptist-communicators-association-2009-awards.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DiscoverJOY/~3/2KzAxZwWLp8/baptist-communicators-association-2009-awards.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/baptist-communicators-association-2009-awards.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/baptist-communicators-association-2009-awards.htm
Each year, BCA sponsors a national awards competition to encourage professional excellence among its members and recognize members who have done exemplary work. The Wilmer C. Fields Awards Competition recognizes the best image-makers and storytellers in the Baptist Communicators Association. This year 296 entries were submitted for consideration in a variety of categories.  There were several Kentucky winners including Larry Brannin and Jonathan Johnston for the 2008 Kentucky State Missions Video Celebrate God's Love!

Larry and Jonathan received a second place award in the Video Magazine category. What a great affirmation of Larry, Jonathan, and the KBC Media Department. We are so blessed to have them work with us each year to produce our state missions materials.  Congratulations, guys.  We believe you really are WMUers - Wise Men who Understand!

Another exciting award winner is Melody Maxwell of Woman's Missionary Union for GA World.  Melody won first place in the category Magazines-6 or More Issues Per Year.  We know that WMU produces top quality missions education resources and we are proud of Melody and this recognition.

Other Kentucky winners include Robert Reeves, KBC Communications Department Director, won a first place award in the Annual Report catetory for the Kentucky Baptists Connect Progress Report.    Drew Nichter, Western Recorder News Director, won a first place award for his article "Disaster Reponse: Kentucky Baptists Active in Hurricane Gustav Relief Effort."  And Brenda Rick Smith received an Honorable Mention in the Interactive Media Divison, CD-ROM category, for the Kentucky Baptist Convention Annual CD.

Award winners in other categories included people from IMB, NAMB,  state conventions, Baptist schools and agencies.  The awards are significant and represent great achievement.

Thanks to all the KBC Communications Department and Western Recorder staff who assist Kentucky WMU in so many ways.  Thanks to national WMU for producing great materials for us to use in our churches to teach missions and challenge believers to understand and be radically involved in the mission of God. Congratulations to all of you on the 2009 BCA awards.
]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/baptist-communicators-association-2009-awards.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/baptist-communicators-association-2009-awards.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/baptist-communicators-association-2009-awards.htm Easter Report from Shirley Cox Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:54:19 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=easter-report-from-shirley-cox.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DiscoverJOY/~3/RvwsBpuE4WM/easter-report-from-shirley-cox.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/easter-report-from-shirley-cox.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/easter-report-from-shirley-cox.htm Missions Mosaic, On Mission Magazine (NAMB), and other publications.  She is branching out and now is a frequent missions speaker for churches and associations.  

I enjoy receiving email from Shirley and reports of what God is doing in her church. The SWAT Team (Servants With A Testimony) has received EBO grants several times to provide resources for their ministry.  Northside Church received an EBO evangelism grant earlier this year to assist with the expenses of their "Heaven's Gates, Hell's Flames" crusade.  I asked Shirley if I could share her Easter report (which came in two emails).

Email #1
Hello Friends: What a blessed Easter Sunday at Northside Baptist Church! A young man who had walked five miles to the church came forward during the morning service and accepted Christ. He has been sleeping in a barn.Today, he was admitted to a rehab for substance abuse.  At 2:00 p.m., we baptized sixteen from the jail: eight men and eight women. Right before this movement of God broke out, B. J. Bradley, who preaches each week in the county jail, reported a man threw a Bible at him while he was preaching. Last night, that man was at church. We also heard reports of hissing sounds in the hallways of the jail that the inmates said were demons.  When they prayed, they said they would quieten down. 
 
After the baptisms, a jailer came out and announced our "new brothers and sisters in Christ."  Many family members came to the church for the services. A small boy cried out, "Daddy," when he spotted him coming into the baptistry. One woman kept saying "I'm not worthy" before she was baptized. Several of the women and men raised their arms and praised the Lord and cried tears of joy after their baptism.  One man signed to his teenage daughter he loved her as he entered the water. When the prisoners joined their families after the baptism, fathers, mothers and grandmothers clung to their children and cried. B. J. brought me one of the tiny intricately designed crosses made by one of the inmates from trash bags. 
 
God is impressing me to write about the healing ministries in our church: SWAT, HOPE, Journey of Hope, Sunday jail services, Saturday jail Bible studies and grants we are receiving from ASAP to send people to rehabs.  Please pray He will help me know what to do with all this.  Today, I began thinking He may be leading me to use this in a grant proposal so we can expand these ministries. 
 
Tonight, Larry Brannin came and interviewed me and two of our SWAT team members for the 2009 EBO video. I praise God for extending our territories.  God is revealing His love for those that society labels "the least of these." What amazing grace! What an unspeakable gift!

Email #2
Hello Friends:  I forgot to mention that we also baptized two youth Sunday night at Northside before we had the Lord's Supper. I also wanted to explain our ministries.
 
SWAT Team-Servants With a Testimony is a Christian support group for recovering addicts, alcoholics or anyone suffering any kind of addiction.  One young man with a gambling addiction from this group has surrendered to preach.  This groups meets on Thursday evenings.  They read scripture, pray and those with years of sobriety tell how knowing Jesus has transformed their lives. Eddie Todd, who has eight years of sobriety leads the group, along with John Brown who has also surrendered to the ministry and speaks often in rehabs. The SWAT Team used an EBO grant to buy recovery Bibles, study Bibles, gospel tracts and Bible reference books, commentaries, dictionaries, etc. and Celebrate Recovery materials.  A KBC grant was used to purchase a flat screen to show the Celebrate Recovery DVD's. (Leaders-Eddie Todd and John Brown) Eddie Todd called for Bro. Chad and accepted Christ while he was in jail in Lincoln County. During a "Friend Harvest" at the church, Eddie won an award for bringing 174 friends.
 
HOPE (Hearts of Peaceful Expectations) is a support group for families.This group also meets every Thursday on the opposite side of the church.  Families of SWAT Team members offer support and encouragement to each other. 
 
Journey of Hope - This ministry has contacts with many rehab and detox centers nationwide.  They have assisted people for two years in finding an appropriate substance abuse treatment facility for them or a loved one.  Leaders Coach Riddle and his wife, Sandi, go into the jails, into the court systems and walk beside families who are experiencing the devastation of substance abuse. The last time I checked, they had helped 123 clients enter a rehab facility. They maintain a Web site www.thejoh.org/.
 
Jail Ministry - SWAT Team member B. J. Bradley preaches in the Rockcastle Co. Jail every Sunday afternoon. Prisoners who accept Christ are brought to Northside Baptist Church for baptism.
 
Jail Bible Study - Saturday evenings, Millie Blevins leads a Bible study with the women and George Renner leads a study for the men.
 
Biker Ministry - Lewis Cox leads this ministry.  A group of 10-15 is planning to ride to Ridgecrest for a Biker Weekend in May.  These men invite others who are lost with the goal of leading them to Christ. Lewis designed a large patch for jackets, vests, etc. which reads "Baptist Bikers" with a cross between.
 
ASAP-(Substance Abuse Prevention) a federally funded program has provided several $5,000 grants to our church to send people to rehab for treatment. 
 
Northside Baptist Church pastor, Chad Burdette, was called to preach while he was in a drug treatment facility in Georgia. When he became the pastor of Northside Baptist Church, the congregation had dwindled to 33.  Northside brought nearly eight acres and named the hill on the north side of town, "Faith Mountain."  The church has built an appx. 20,000 sq. ft. facility and a large outreach building is partially completed. He is in his ninth year as Northside's pastor, his first pastorate. Recently, he preached a Laurel River Association Evangelism Conference in London. He has preached over 40 revivals outside the church and led Evangelism workshops and conferences in Kentucky and other states. The church was named #9 in Kentucky in SBC baptisms in 2008 and has received associational, state and national recognition for baptisms.
 
To God be the glory!  He is a mighty God and worthy of all praise!
Blessings, Shirley 
]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/easter-report-from-shirley-cox.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/easter-report-from-shirley-cox.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/easter-report-from-shirley-cox.htm Will we serve or are we too old? Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:15:27 -0400 http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/trackback?open&id=will-we-serve-or-are-we-too-old.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DiscoverJOY/~3/WpZJr5hL8HQ/will-we-serve-or-are-we-too-old.htm Joy Bolton http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/will-we-serve-or-are-we-too-old.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/will-we-serve-or-are-we-too-old.htm
Several years ago at Marion Baptist Church, Mrs. Louella Tibbs, one of our oldest members, conducted a prayerwalk daily for the children enrolled in VBS.  Mrs. Tibbs said that she was too old to work in VBS, but would be delighted to help the children in their prayer life.  I remember how the experience not only acquainted the children with praying but also with the church facility itself.  We prayed near the baptistry for the new members of the church; in the library for those who could not read and for literacy missions; in the food bank for those who hungered not only for food but for salvation.  I remember also praying at the front door of the church for those who entered and that others would join them and always feel welcome.  The Western Recorderprinted an article about the success of the venture.  Mrs. Tibbs recently became a resident of a local convalescent center.  She is about 97 years old now but set the example that we are never to old to serve our Lord.  Churches across Kentucky will soon begin their VBS's.  Will we serve or are we too old?
]]> http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dxcomments/will-we-serve-or-are-we-too-old.htm http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/will-we-serve-or-are-we-too-old.htm?opendocument&comments http://www1.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/kywmu.nsf/dx/will-we-serve-or-are-we-too-old.htm