Baptist Digest November 2015

Newsjournal Of Kansas and Nebraska Southern Baptists

www.baptistdigest.com

November 2015Vol. 59 No. 5

Baptistigest

Worship and Praise at 2015 KNCSB Annual Meeting

Campus group time offered participants in the KNCSB Fall Conference the chance to

discuss what it means to be an adopted child of God. Pictured here are the groups from

Coffeyville Community College, Coffeyville, Kan., and Barton County Community Col-

lege, Great Bend, Kansas.

Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kan., is home to one of the newest KNCSB campus ministries. This group from Bethany College attended the KNCSB Fall Conference for college students. It was held Sept. 25-27 at Webster Confer-ence Center, Salina, Kansas.

Blue Valley Worship Team with John Hollan, pastor of worship, at Blue Valley Baptist Church leads worship for the 2015 KNCSB Annual Meeting. (see pages 4-5)

Long Time KNCSB Leader, Doyle Smith, Dies Fall Conference for College Students

see story on page 3

As The Digest was going to press, we received word that long-time KNCSB leader Doyle Smith died on Tuesday, Oct. 20. A complete obituary will be published in the December issue.

Smith and his wife, Carol, had served at First Southern Baptist Church, Great Bend, Kan., for 43½ years. Among his many KNCSB leadership roles were KNCSB president and president of the Webster Conference Center board of directors. He had served as president of the Kansas-Nebraska Southern Baptist Foundation since May 2000.

The funeral was scheduled for 10 a.m. Satur-day, Oct. 24, at First Southern Baptist Church, 3301 19th St., Great Bend.A memorial has been set up at KNCSB. Make contributions out to KNCSB and designate them for the Judea Fund/Doyle Smith Memorial. Mail them to KNCSB, 5410 SW 7th St., Topeka, KS 66606.Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend was in charge of arrangements. Visit the funeral home Web site at http://www.bryantfh.net/

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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: [email protected]

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.11

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: [email protected]

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 [email protected]

I want to thank Blue Valley Baptist Church for doing an excellent job in hosting our annual meeting this year. I am very appreciative of the hard work on the part of the staff and volunteers in making our time together comfortable and productive.

Our annual meeting was a time of prayer, testimo-nies, teaching, singing, preaching and conducting some business. God is doing some amazing things across our two state convention. We heard testimonies of new churches started; partnership missions in Hungary, the movement of God in our universities and colleges and the growth of Webster Conference Center just to name a few.

Kansas-Nebraska is a wonderful place to serve and I am grateful to God for this journey.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner with family gatherings and lots of food. I hope you will take the

time to reflect on how thankful we are for the blessings of God in our lives.

How have you seen him at work in your life this year? How has he blessed you or your family? Can you testify to his presence during especially difficult times? I am asking you to pause and reflect on the blessings of God.

I would ask one other thing of you, reflect on spe-cific people that have blessed you this year. Maybe they were with you through the loss of a loved one. Perhaps, a mentor…(pause).

I just received a phone call, that Dr. Doyle Smith passed away. I am heartsick over the loss of a dear friend and mentor. In light of what I just wrote…I am thankful to God for the many years of mentoring I received from Doyle.

Doyle has been the pastor of First Southern Baptist Church, Great Bend, for more than 40 years. Doyle loved his family, his church and this convention and

By Andy Addis KNCSB Convention President E-mail: [email protected]

I am starting a new adventure here with the KNCSB Baptist Digest, and with it a thank you to our new president Joe Stiles.

When I expressed I would miss writing the Presidents Perspective each month, he responded

with a gleam in his eye and asked me to keep on writing.

Thank you, Mr. President! But, we prob-ably ought to change the name of the column, so, let’s christen this new adventure: The Cross Eyed Life.

I know, what in the world is a cross eyed life? Let me explain.

A few weeks ago my wife and I were making our way to a missions gathering in Salt Lake City

and had to start out early: up at 3 am, on the road by 4 am, at the Wichita airport by 5 am for a 6 am flight... that left at a little after 9 am.

Yeah... It was one of those days. We missed our connection; they misplaced our luggage, and about 100+ people sat in the terminal losing their religion.

What made it worse was the weather. As the sun came up (which we got to see every minute of), it was a beautiful day, and it was so nice the clouds themselves had formed the words zip-a-dee-do-dah.

So, obviously there were no weather delays. Maybe the plane wasn’t there yet? So, I asked the

gal behind the counter... nope, that’s our plane sit-ting right outside the window.

Mechanical problems? Not it, it’s all good.I know, the pilot hasn’t made it in from a connect-

ing flight yet? Sorry, no go. He’s already sitting on the plane with a full crew.

So, with a dumbfounded look on my face I asked the gal behind the counter one more question, “So, can we all get on the plane and leave?”

The Cross Eyed Life

Andy Addis

I will bet you know the answer. She said no.It was then that I learned a new term: low ceil-

ings.Apparently, the weather in Denver was different.

Low clouds meant it was too difficult to land. Even though everything on our end was perfect,

it would have still been a huge mistake to take off because where we were going wasn’t ready yet.

It was at this point I moved from disgruntled to thankful. Thankful that someone knew what was going on and had a better plan than I did.

It’s all about perspective. You have to see things clearly if you are going to move in the right direc-tion.

And that’s what “The Cross Eyed Life” is all about, seeing things from the right perspective.

As a follower of Jesus, we have to learn to see things through the lens of the cross.

The cross changes your perspective on love and passion.

The cross changes your perspective on suffering and sacrifice.

The cross changes your perspective on everything in life.

First Corinthians 1:18 says, “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

How great would it be if every believer spoke with the grace of the cross? If we felt with the pas-sion of the cross? If we walked with the power of the cross?

Wouldn’t it be great if our vision were constantly obscured by the image of the cross.

That’s when we would truly start living The Cross Eyed Life.

The Thought Occurred to Me

Bob Mills

gave his life in service to The Lord Jesus Christ. I am thankful to God for the life and ministry of Dr. Doyle Smith.

Sharing & Strengthening

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By Jon Sapp KNCSB State Director of Evangelism E-mail: [email protected]

Editor’s Note: Jon asked Brett Yohn to write a review of the fall student conference. That review is given below.

For the last 45 years, BSU/Christian Challenge colle-gians have gath-ered in the Fall for a weekend retreat or conference. This year more than 550 gath-ered at Webster Conference Center outside of Salina, KS. Webster has been home to this event since the mid-80’s.

Everything has changed––the buildings are now heated and air conditioned. There is an indoor sports building and outdoor lakes. Students gather to loud praise band worship, attend small seminars, and hear motivational Bible teaching.

God’s Plan for Sharing

Jim Smerchek

The theme this year was “Sons and Daughters of God.” Mark Vance, campus director from Iowa State, gave four messages on our iden-tity in Christ as adopted chil-dren. Nate Sapp and the KSU Christian Challenge band led the wor-ship. Students were able to attend two different seminars led by various pastors, missionaries, and lay people.

Did I mention camping? In spite of a huge rain-storm on Friday night, students camped. Some ham-mocked––ever heard of that? It’s a college fad.

Several older students reflected on what attend-ing Fall Conference has meant to them during their college years.

Jim Smerchek: KSU“Being at the Fall Conference for the 7th time,

I know a lot of people from other campuses and

feel family with them. The workshop speakers have played an integral role of my life through the years.”

David Schneider: Fort Hays State University“I’m a senior in Biology. As a freshman during

the Fall Conference, I turned my Lutheran head knowledge into a relationship with God.”

Lives are changed in a weekend. New under-standings of God and His Word are gained. Lifelong friendships are made. KNCSB makes moments like these possible by helping fund colle-giate workers on the various campuses.

Church Seeks Music/Youth MinisterFirst Southern Baptist Church in Salina, Kansas is actively seeking a full-time Music and Youth staff position. Responsibilities will include developing a weekly blended worship service and developing a vibrant and comprehensive youth ministry with students in grades 6th – 12th. Please send your resume and questions to [email protected] . You can also visit www.fsbcsalina.com for more information about the church.

David Schneider

Many of the students attending the fall conference live in the “Student Village” in hammocks and tents. This year a huge rainstorm rolled in resulting in a lot of wet students.

Sharing the Good News with the Tibetan people of the Himalayas has never been easier. You don’t have to trek the world’s highest mountain range to get to them because some live right here in the United States — Queens, N.Y., to be exact!Find your international neighbors!

Most of the world’s 6,000 plus unreached people groups (less than 2 percent follow Jesus) can be found in neighborhoods throughout the United States, maybe even yours. This global migration gives the American church opportunities like never before to reach a lost world.

Let’s be practical, though. These international neigh-bors usually speak a different language. They follow another religion. Their culture is not the same. So where do we even begin to make an impact?

Never fear! Readers just like you answered this question via social media and offered these tips and resources:Start a conversation. Become friends.

Sometimes just opening your mouth is difficult when you don’t have a common language. But let’s be hon-est. Walking up to any stranger — let alone someone from another country — can be intimidating. Laurel Duty, a college student from Mississippi, pointed out, “Everyone just wants a friend and someone they can trust, especially when you are far from home. We, as believers, can be that person.”

Take the first step and ask a simple question like, “What does the henna (temporary dye art) on your hand mean?” Who knows? Maybe your next conversa-tion will lead to a “henna party” with women from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East using patterns that depict Bible stories.Be intentional. Share Jesus.

Nikki White spent years showing people Jesus in her

Sharing the Gospel with Internationals in the USAlife but never put “intentionality” to her actions until an Oklahoma pastor challenged her. “I had never sat down and actually talked about heaven and hell,” she recalled. “I expected people to intuitively understand by watching. It doesn’t work that way. You need to be intentional in meeting people, knowing their needs and sharing the gospel.”Call your local university. Host an international stu-dent.

When Neisha Roberts took a new job in Alabama, she called the local university to see if there were any students from Thailand. She had just returned from serving two years with the IMB and wanted to con-tinue ministering to Buddhists. Reaching out to inter-national students is a great way to impact a lost world. Most plan to return home and can take the gospel — or a seed planted in their heart — back with them.

Jenifer Perkins noticed in their student program at Washburn University in Topeka, Kan., that students love to attend church with their host families but not when it’s the only thing you invite them to do. The students feel disappointed and like they didn’t really experience America. Avoid this pitfall by allowing stu-dents to see God in all aspects of your life.Hospitality. Share a meal.

Most of our international neighbors come from cul-tures where hospitality and relationships are central to life. When they come to America, they often feel dis-connected, isolated and alone. Inviting them into our homes, serving them and treating them with love is a vital first step in sharing the gospel.Teach. Learn. Love.

Learning is a two way street. Let your international friends teach about their culture while sharing about your own. Virginians Scott and Rebecca admitted this can take time and effort but it’s worth it in the end.

Learning our way into their world provides a culturally appropriate way to share the Gospel and disciple.

God is moving people to your community so they may hear and know Him. Will you take up the cross? Remember, you aren’t alone. There are people willing to assist. All you have to do is join the conversation.

by Susie Rain, IMB Senior WriterSuch is the depth of the Christian Scriptures, that even if I were attempting to study them and nothing else from early boyhood to decrepit old age, with the utmost leisure, the most un-wearied zeal, and talents greater than I have, I would be still daily making progress in discov-ering their treasures.

by Augustine of Hippo

Let us know, then, that the true meaning of Scripture is the natural and obvious meaning; and let us embrace and abide by it resolutely. Let us not only neglect as doubtful, but boldly set aside as deadly corruptions, those pretend-ed expositions, which lead us away from the natural meaning.

by John Calvin

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KNCSB Messengers Gather to Worship, Pray and Conduct Business in Overland Park, KansasKansas-Nebraska Southern Baptists were urged to increase their

sending capacity to reach and disciple more people for Christ. This was only one of the challenges that came during the 70th annual meeting of the Kansas-Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists.

“One Mission” was the theme of the meeting held Oct. 12-13 at Blue Valley Baptist Church, Overland Park, Kan., in the Kansas City area. The meeting drew 287 registered messengers and 80 visitors.

In his sermon on Monday night, Oct. 12, outgoing KNCSB Presi-dent Andy Addis focused on Proverbs 14:4, “Without oxen, a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.” Addis is pastor of CrossPoint Church, Hutchinson, Kan. He urged Kansas-Nebraska Southern Baptists to “prioritize the harvest. Clean stables aren’t doing a hell-bound world any good.”

During business sessions messengers approved the 2016 KNCSB budget of $4,827,852. This is a decrease of 1.3 percent from the 2015 budget. Giving to the national Cooperative Program was increased by one half of 1 percent to 24 percent. KNCSB Executive Director Bob Mills cited financial challenges the two-state convention is facing. But he expressed faith: “Our God is faithful. I’m not distressed. I’m just waiting for the new thing He’s doing to do.” Mills urged Kansas-Nebraska Southern Baptists to:l “Be a people that focus on the Lord Jesus Christ.”l Focus on evangelism, missions and discipleshipl Recapture a cooperative spiritNew officers elected were:l President -- Joe Stiles, pastor of First Southern Baptist Church,

Lawrence, Kan. He previously served two years as vice president.l Vice president -- Derrick Lynch, pastor of the annual meeting

host churchOther officers were re-elected:l Recording secretary –- Bryan Jones, pastor of Tyler Road South-

ern Baptist Church, Wichita, Kan.l Assistant recording secretary –- Susan Pederson, member of

Prairie Hills Baptist Church, Augusta, Kan.l Historian –- Tony Mattia, pastor of Trinity Baptist Church,

Wamego, Kan.Messengers also adopted two resolutions that:l Expressed appreciation to the host church l Reiterated support for the sanctity of life and biblical marriage

consisting of one man and one womanFuture KNCSB annual meetings will be:l 2016 –- Oct. 10-11 at LifeSpring Church, Bellevue, Neb., in the

Omaha areal 2017 -- Oct. 9-10 at Webster Conference Center, Salina, Kan.l 2018 – October (dates to be announced) at First Southern Baptist

Church, Pratt, Kan.

This colorful display greeted participants in the 2015 KNCSB annual meeting who toured the library at the host church, Blue Valley Baptist in Overland Park, Kansas.

Crossover is the prayer and evangelism event that precedes each KNCSB annual meeting. This year participants in Crossover went prayerwalking in the community surrounding the host church, Blue Valley Baptist Church, Overland Park, Kan. This group went prayerwalking in the community around the Blue Val-ley Ridgeview campus in Olathe, which is located north of the Garmin headquarters. Steve Scott (second from left) is the Ridgeview campus pastor.

Participants in the 2015 KNCSB annual meeting had the opportunity to tour the library at Blue Valley Baptist Church, Overland Park, Kan., the host church. The library is located just off the lobby where registration took place. A colorful display called “Spot a Good Book” featured stuffed Dal-matians of all sizes. Fay Hudnall, church library director at Blue Valley, greeted visitors. Hudnall said she would like to offer assistance to churches that need help with their librar-ies. Contact her at [email protected]. She and her staff recently helped start a library at Blue Valley’s Ridgeview campus in Olathe.

Hudnall was planning to take a group to the North Alabama Church Library Conference on Thursday, Nov. 5, at Central Baptist Church, Decatur, Ala. Nationally known church librarian Eva Nell Hunter is library director at Central Baptist Church. The North Alabama Church Library Confer-ence is an annual event, so church librarians are encouraged

to check with Hud-nall about the pos-sibility of attending in 2016.

Help with Church Libraries

CrossOver Prayer

Each session of the meeting began with times of directed prayer focusing on various topics. Small groups prayed together.

Andy Addis, KNCSB president, encouraged everyone to be in continuous prayer. People came forward to pick up small stones, which Andy had provided, as a reminder to pray.

Mari Parker, Sending Team Leader, introduced the Weatherd family. Reagan, Tisha, and Todd Weatherd talked about how the Lord blessed their family mission trip to Hungary. Todd is pastor of Christ the Lord Community Church, Salina, Kansas. Cecil Dale, DOM Central Association, 2nd row, was introduced as the interim coordinator of Disaster Relief.

The KNCSB Leadership Conference is held prior to the KNCSB annual meeting. This panel from Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, Liberty, Missouri, discusses and answers questions about collab-orative leadership. From left to right: Merle Mees, pastor; Cheryl Kohlsteadt; Bryan Nelson; Jerry Conner; Tim Overby.

Georges Boujakly, Starting Team Leader, 2nd from right, introduced , from left to right, Auturo Nunez-Church Planter, Kansas City; Andrew Huesing-People Groups, Blue Valley Baptist Association; Dallas Powell-Church Planting Catalyst, East and Central Nebraska; Craig Liscom, far right, Church Planting Catalyst, East and Northeast Nebraska. Each man explained how they are reaching people groups in their area.

Andy Addis, President, KNCSB

Bob Mills, KNCSB Executive Director

Derrick Lynch, Pastor of host church leadsbible study

Casey Ingold, Pastor, Covenant Baptist Church, Topeka, KS deliveredAnnual Sermon

Steve Dighton, Pastor Emeritus, Lenexa Baptist Church; 1st VP, Southern BaptistConvention delivered Keynote Address

Andy Addis and Derrick Lynch pray with Frank Page, President & CEO Exec Comm SBC

Jason Degen-hardt, seated, and Mike In-man, Worship & Youth Pastor, Covenant Bap-tist Church.

Bill Shiflet, Worship Pas-

tor, & Kerri Shiflet, Lenexa

Baptist Church, Lenexa, KS

Bob Mills, KNCSB Executive Director, presented the officers elected for KNCSB 2016. Pictured left to right are Joe Stiles, President; Susan Pedersen, Assistant Recording Secretary; Tony Mattia, Historian; Derrick Lynch, Vice-President; Bryan Jones, Recording Secretary.

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Women Challenged to SeekFace-to-Face Relationships

Lori Morrison (left) and Frankie Holleman from Nashville, Tenn., were the featured musicians for Wonderful Weekend for Women 2015. “Hello” was the retreat theme. Retreat participants were reminded to seek face-to-face relation-ships in a world obsessed with technology.

Participants in WWW 2015 had the opportunity to support a new ministry for Native American women in Nebraska. Missionary Alfie Goombi told about plans to start a ministry where Native American women will make jewelry for in-come, to support mission projects and to attend the annual conference for Native American women in the Black Hills.

Participants in WWW 2015 enjoyed the conference on “How to Encourage and Show Respect to Your Husband,” taught by Gloria Burk from Overland Park, Kan. Burk shared verses of Scripture and from popular Christian books including “Love and Respect” by Emerson Eggerichs. She also encouraged the women to try the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge at https://www.reviveour-hearts.com/resource-library/30-day-challenges/30-day-husband/

WWW participants learned about a re-treat in 2016 for MKs (Missionary Kids) who will be returning to the United States to attend college for the first time.

“We’re more connected than any other generation in the world. Yet we’re lonelier than ever.”

During Wonderful Weekend 2015 Sophie Hudson, the fea-tured speaker, urged partici-pants to seek “genuine commu-nity and genuine relationships.”

WWW, the annual KNCSB women’s retreat, was held Sept.11-12 at Webster Confer-ence Center, Salina, Kan.

Hudson is from Birming-ham, Ala. She is known as the blogger BooMama. Visit her blog at http://boomama.net/

Hudson’s first book was “A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet: Southern Stories of Faith, Family, and Fifteen Pounds of Bacon.” It was published in June 2013.

Her latest book is “Home is Where My People Are — The Roads that Lead Us to Where We Belong.” It was released in February 2015.

In a world obsessed with technology, Hudson urged the women to strive for “face-to-face relationships.

“There’s no substitute for face-to-face relationships,” she said.

WWW participants also learned about several ministries they can help support.

KNCSB will help stage the MK Re-Entry Retreat in August

2016 at Webster Conference Center. The retreat is for mis-sionary kids (MKs) who will be returning to the United States to attend college for the first time. It is designed to help MKs adjust to life in the U.S.

KNCSB’s role in the retreat will be to provide money to help fund the event including:nChartering buses to trans-

port approximately 60 MKs from Kansas City International Airport to Webster Confer-

ence Center in Salina and then providing return transportation to KCI.n Paying for Webster Confer-

ence Center costs for the event.n Buying snacks for the

event and providing gifts for each MK.

WWW participants also learned about a new ministry where Native American women in Nebraska will make and

sell jewelry to provide income, fund mission projects and pay for women to attend an annual retreat in the Black Hills.

Alfie Goombi and her husband, Ron, are missionaries who serve Native Americans in Nebraska.

A high-end boutique has donated broken jewelry. The Native American women will recycle the broken pieces into new jewelry to sell through the ministry. For more informa-tion about this project, contact Goombi at [email protected].

Part of the WWW 2015 offering went to the 2016 MK retreat and the Native American women’s jewelry ministry.

The women also were urged to attend WWW 2016. It will be held Sept. 16-17 at Webster Conference Center.

Danielle Strickland will be the featured speaker. She is an author and speaker from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Strickland is an officer in The Salvation Army and works in a marginalized community in Edmonton. She leads an anti-human trafficking campaign.

Her books are:n “A Beautiful Mess: How

God Re-creates Our Lives”n “Boundless: Living Life in

Overflow”n “The Liberating Truth:

How Jesus Empowers Women”

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions

December is just around the corner and many Kansas-Nebraska Southern Baptists churches will be collecting the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions. The offering provides nearly 60 percent of the International Mission Board’s income. The IMB is now facing a serious financial shortfall so the offering is even more important. Please begin praying about what God wants you and your church to give to the Lottie Moon Offering.

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Retreat to Minister to MKsBy Priscilla Sapp

Adoption: Buckle Up!By Melissa BusbyWWW Life Session Leader

Melissa Busby

As an adoptive mom, I am of-ten contacted by families interested in adopting or fostering children.

I always tell people that adoption is one of the most reward-ing things I have ever done, but it’s also stretched me more than I ever thought possible.

I tell people to buckle up and get ready for a roller coaster of emotions and experiences that will forever change you. The good, the bad and the ugly will all come out in the process. Here are a just a few of the lessons I have learned:n God’s timing is not my timing.

His timing is always perfect and never late. This may seem like a no-brainer, but as someone who really likes to be in control, this one was very hard for me. n Nearly every step in the process

involves endless waiting that you have no control over. I learned (and am still learning) that we must search for His purpose in that time. My whining and impatience does not help anyone. God will redeem that time and use it for His glory if I let Him.

n God is our great provider — Jehovah Jireh. He will provide the money, time, people, resources and energy for whatever task He has called us to do. I have been left with my mouth hanging wide open in awe, time and time again, at God’s provi-sion. Sometimes we just need to take that first step of faith and follow along and watch as He provides just what we need each step of the way.

n In order to adequately love oth-ers, I must continually die to my own selfish desires. Adoptive parents must love sacrificially a child who has under-gone heartache and trauma and whose behaviors often reflect all of the hurt they have endured.

I know many adoptive parents who have had to love and give for years to a child who has never reciprocated that love in any way. This love is to me a beautiful picture of how God loves us even when we try to push Him away.n I must let go of my fairy tale no-

tions and let God tell the story through our reality. I am not the hero of the story. I am not the one sent to “rescue” my child. Instead, I am the one whom God allows the great privilege to parent these children. n I get to point my children to our

great God. He is the ultimate hero of the story and the one who can mold us into a family, heal our hearts and give us a deep love for one another.

You may not ever adopt a child, but I know God has similar lessons for you to learn. God uses all of our life experi-ences to draw us closer to Him. What is He teaching you today through your circumstances?

Priscilla Sapp

What is it like to grow up overseas and then be expected to return to the USA for college? Most of us can’t even imagine taking our children to college and leaving them on a different continent. Yet Third Culture Kids (TCKs), or MKs, are comfortable in their home culture and returning to the USA can be a foreign place. What part can you play to assist their process?

Kansas-Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists will be hosting the annual MK Re-Entry Retreat in 2016. This is what students attend as they transition to the USA and college.

The KNCSB Sending Office is now raising funds to provide a welcoming place for the students from all around the world at Webster Conference Center and you and your church can contribute to this event.

Also, you can pray for these students asking that they will celebrate their life overseas, that God will give them godly and deep relationships stateside and that God will grant them purpose and calling. You will find a detailed prayer guide on the KNCSB website under “Ministries” in upper right corner, then select “Down-loads and Resources” Finally, you should see “TCK Retreat Prayer Guide 2016” or at this link: http://bit.ly/1Go1dt8

Part of the Viola Webb State and Associational Missions Offering for 2015-2016 will go to provide financial assistance to the MK Retreat. This would be one great way to give! Another would be to send a check to KNCSB for the MK Re-Entry Retreat at 5410 SW 7th St., Topeka, KS 66606.

Thank you for supporting our missionaries.

God Hears Our PrayersBy Tara RyeIn my distress I called to the LORD;I cried to my God for help.From his temple he heard my voice;My cry came before him, into his ears.(Psalm 18:6)

I was devastated when I realized that the ring Greg bought me in Israel was not on my finger.

“Oh no! I lost my ring!”“Where?” “I have no idea. We have been so many

places today. We went to the Dodd’s farm and toured it and we test drove a car.”

I thought about the ring Greg bought me and how it said, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine” in Hebrew as Greg searched my car. Memories started to flood my mind. It wasn’t so much the ac-tual ring, but everything special about our Israel trip that it became a sweet reminder as I looked at my ring.

Greg asked if we should retrace my steps at all the places we had been. I didn’t see the point of searching a farm and I re-ally thought if it fell off in the car we would have seen it as we checked it out. I just didn’t feel it would help.

Silently, I prayed, “Father, please give me my ring back even if it takes a few years and it pops up at the farm.” I then released the ring in my heart because it is just a ring.

Until this morning (two days later,) as I put my hand in my face-washing glove my ring was on the inside of the ring finger.

“What is that?” And when I realized it was my ring I was shocked! God returned

my ring! Immediately I praised God! I know it is a simple thing, but for me it

was a big kiss from my Father because He heard my cry and answered.

I know this is not the cry of distress from a serious life crisis, but a cry of personal want. Yet God heard me! I think this made it even sweeter because He did not have to answer this for eternal gain, but only to bless my heart.

How has God answered your non-eter-nal prayers and blessed your heart? I would love to hear.

Father, thank you for caring for even non-eternal desires of our hearts!

Simply, Tara

Tis the Season!By Patti Boswell

“Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15 (ESV) “Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” Psalm 106:1 (ESV) Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Psalm 105:1 (ESV)

The fall leaves have ushered in the “holiday season” as it is commonly called. Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. It’s a time when we change our routine a bit to spend more time with family and friends. We take our mind off ourselves awhile and think of others in a way that seems to be more prevalent than at any other time of the year!

From these Scriptures, it’s a time for:n Thanking God daily for His many gifts to us.n Praising Him for his goodness and love for us!n Calling on His name and sharing with others what He is doing in our lives! I wish we could just bottle up this season and live in it all year long. We

should. Every day. That’s where the joy is found!Jesus…Others…Yourself — an old lesson, learned long ago, still rings true.

And we still need to be reminded of it.

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1. Three new board members were elected to serve on the WCC Board of Directors at the KNCSB Annual Meeting: 1) Carolyn Cone of Burwell, NE, Sandhills As-sociation; 2) Nikki Riley, Lincoln, NE, Eastern Nebraska Association; and 3) Greg Savage, Salina, KS, Smoky Hill Association.

2. Construction continues on the Dining Hall expansion project. Work has begun on the outdoor patio and the parking lot adjacent to the Dining Hall. Volunteers are needed for inside and outside work on the new building. Call Bill Cooke for more information: 1-877-WCC-RESV.

3. Construction on the new sewer system is well underway and it is hoped this project will be completed by the end of October 2015 if weather permits.

4. User Days are up by 1,839 for the year at 41,485. Revenue is down slightly by $4,214.37 due to some meetings not serving meals at their events this year.

5. Did you know if you select WCC as you designated recipient, WCC will receive a cash contribution each time you make a purchase at Amazon and at Dillions? If you will go the WCC website, www.webstercc.org, on the left hand of the home page under “Support WCC”, you can find links to register to make these gifts hap-pen at no expense to you. WCC’s NPO Number is 28483 for Dillions.

6. On the same website, you can sign-up for the free WCC E-Newsletter that is published monthly.

7. Mark your calendars for “WCC Sunday” on April 10, 2016. In early March 2016, materials will be available for you to download to share with your church about how God is using WCC to expand the work of assisting churches to make dis-ciples. This day is for awareness, not fund-raising.

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

Add Pizzazz for Your Women’s EventAre you planning a women’s event at

your church this fall—a retreat, lun-cheon, conference, mission project, or awesome weekly ministry? Try adding these elements to create exciting, God-honoring pizzazz:

The Buzz Factor. Generate anticipa-tion. Give the event a great title or theme. Do excellent promotion, using social media, quality graphics, email, church website, bathroom walls, church exterior sign. For your biggest event, assign your friendliest ladies at wor-ship exit doors to personally give both a verbal and printed invitation to each woman. Even better, give them two invitations, so they can bring a friend.

The Team Factor. Include new people of varying ages on the planning team. Our team usually consisted of five la-dies—each with a specific major assign-ment to fit her talents, such as program, décor, publicity, tickets, table hostesses. After an initial meeting, each one recruits her own separate, large crew to accomplish that assignment with excel-lence, intentionally including new and fringe people. The event coordinator or staff leader synchronizes.

The First Impression Factor. Every detail is done “as unto the Lord.” From the moment a woman steps from her car, first impressions count. Directional signs and greeters simplify her arrival. Entry foyers are attractive and point to God. Even if she’s early, there’s a joyful atmosphere, friendly ladies and Chris-tian background music as she arrives.

The WOW! Factor. Create the unex-pected. Strive for a gasp, “Oh, you’ve got to see this!” Brainstorm your theme to make one thing very memorable. A gorgeous entry. A surprise guest. A unique decor. An amazing dessert...

The Flow Factor. Leaders privately use a private minute-by-minute sched-ule, assuring the event begins and ends

precisely on time. Anyone who attends feels it was “worth her minutes.” Most announcements are printed in the pro-gram to avoid drag. Although flow is meticulously planned and implement-ed, the mood is relaxed, with plenty of fellowship before and afterward.

The Purpose Factor. With each event, you’re creating a church reputation for fabulous, God-centered events. Plan every detail to glorify God and make Him known. It’s not a secular club or performance, so the focus isn’t on entertaining our current members or cheering planners or performers. Focus on Him. Convince church members to joyfully bring many, many unchurched friends.

The Friendship Factor. Train every church member to act as a hostess, and to befriend newcomers. Enhance friend-ships with nametags. Assure that every guest leaves with several new friends—invitations to lunch, coffee, small group, playgroup, golf. She’ll have new FaceBook friends, and emails or phone calls before the day is over. God will use those friendships to introduce her to His grace because your members are radically intentional.

The Reflection Factor. Plan ahead so ladies leave with something memorable in their hands. A separate creative team could craft hand-made theme book-marks or keepsakes to fit the theme. For a “walking with God” theme, we found tiny glass slippers that cost pennies. My little slipper still sits on my counter as a reminder. For a Luke 12:27 trust-themed event, give each lady a lily as she leaves.

Add pizzazz and joy to your upcom-ing event. Ladies outside your church are waiting to be invited. They’re dying to know your Savior.

© Diana Davis is an author, columnist and minister’s wife. www.dianadavis.org

Featured VideoAvailable to churches cooperating with KNCSB by contacting [email protected] or calling either 785/228-6800 or 800/984-9092. Ask for Barbara Spicer

The Armor of Godby Priscilla Shirer

This DVD series will bring to light the war around you and challenge you to suit up, stand firm and secure victory in your life. All day, every day, an invisible war rages around you - unseen, unheard, yet felt throughout every aspect of your life. A devoted, devilish enemy seeks to wreck havoc on everything that matters to you: your heart, your mind, your marriage, your children, your relationships, your resilience, your dreams, your destiny. But his battle plan depends on catching you unaware and unarmed. If you’re tired of being pushed around and caught with your guard down, this DVD study is for you.

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Session 4: Shoes of PeaceSession 5: Shield of Faith

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VIDEO STUDIES ARE A MINISTRY OF THE KNCSB LENDING LIBRARY.

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