Darkness before the Light

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It is unfortunate that in many cases our country’s version of justice for those who break the law is to warehouse them for a time, and then release them to figure out a new way of life; or return to one of crime.

But what does the Bible say about justice? Simply put, Gods justice requires that the wrong or sin be recognized and repented of, the penalty be paid, and then the law breaker is restored to the community. It’s this third and vital aspect that we perhaps fail to do well, as the stigma of incarceration follows an ex-con for all of life.

Prison is a desolate place. A hopeless place. And for an individual preparing to come out of incarceration who truly wishes to lead a new sort of life, the obstacles ahead can be daunting. Imagine having to check yes to the question ‘Are you a convicted felon’ on every job application or rental agreement, and wondering how you will explain it to the interviewer; if you even get an interview. Imagine, if you can, attempting to figure out how to lead a life completely opposite of everything you’ve ever know. The idea is terrifying to those who find themselves asking these questions with absolutely no foundational knowledge, and no one in sight to help them.

But these obstacles are not insurmountable. For many years Fellowship has been involved in prison ministry, and recently we have set out to disciple and instruct ex-cons in how to lead transformed lives through Hidden Creek Development Center. Hidden Creek is a place where those who demonstrate earnest desire to change their lives can go following incarceration and be taught interviewing, budgeting, work ethic, time management, and many other skills that are vital to living successfully. More importantly, Hidden Creek is a faith based community where the love of Christ is shown to these men and woman through volunteers, and true transformation can take place- the kind of life change that only Christ can bring about.

It may be difficult to imagine being incarcerated, or the challenges facing the men and women coming out of that life. Perhaps you have never even considered it, or that you could or should do anything about it. But no matter what walk of life we as believers have come from, we all have been imprisoned by sin, and set free from its penalty by the saving work of Christ. “Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD: that he looked down from his holy height; from heaven the LORD looked at the earth, to hear the groans of the prisoners, to set free those who were doomed to die, that they may declare in Zion the name of the LORD, and in Jerusalem his praise,” (Psalm 102:18-21 ESV)

Stay tuned for the follow up to this blog- coming 2/24, or subscribe for email notification of new posts!

Walking Through Samaria

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In the days of Jesus’ ministry, Samaria was a place you did not go. Samaritans where considered impure, their religion corrupt. Jewish people wouldn’t speak or do business with them, and would travel around Samaria rather than through it, not unlike some neighborhoods that we avoid today. But Jesus crashed through cultural boundaries and norms in His pursuit of all nations. So should we.


Recently Fellowship Bible Church Missions partnered with Little Rock Christian Academy to teach a two week J-Term class to 8 high school sophomores. LRCA describes the J-Term as modeled after the college January term idea and designed to increase learning opportunities for students. It gives students opportunities to grow through a variety of experiences as they develop their giftedness and consider where God may be leading them.
We became involved with the J-Term students with the hope of teaching them the “When Helping Hurts” approach to poverty alleviation and community development, as well as to give them hands on experience with some of the ministries right here in Little Rock. We prayerfully approached the opportunity to pour into the lives of these youth, and God showed up in real, tangible ways.
The 8 students were taken to the area known as South Midtown, one of Little Rocks more impoverished communities, where they helped local residents at a food bank carry groceries. Students took the opportunity to go into the Department of Community Corrections and Hidden Creek Development Center to hear the incredible God stories of recovering addicts. Through the C.A.L.L. and Bethany Christian Services they learned about the overwhelming foster and adoption needs right here in Pulaski county. There were many other ministries, each important, but perhaps the most impactful for the students was a trip to the Crisis Pregnancy Center, where they witnessed two girls their age come in for pregnancy tests, and prayed for a third young woman who was considering abortion and seeking counsel. Equally engaging was spending time at Franklin Elementary School with the children in the Passport to Success program, where the J-Term students observed first-hand the disparity between the resources they have in comparison to the students of Franklin.
The Missions team set out to teach the students about the relief, rehabilitation, and development model of poverty alleviation, and how to help people intentionally and effectively. We did so at an academic level. But God had bigger plans. The J-Term students said they are “more grateful for what they have” and that the experience was a “reality check”. After the two week internship one J-Term student’s mother relayed a story about a conversation she had with her 15 year old daughter, who said “I’ve had a world-view change”. She went on to express a desire to volunteer at the Crisis Pregnancy Center with one of her friends over the summer.
Through the course of the J-Term class, the students were taken to parts of the city they had never been to before and saw people leading very different lives from what they know. There were times the students had no idea where they were, though they were no more than 15 or 20 miles from their homes. They may as well have been walking through Samaria. Through these experiences, they were blessed by God with much more than an academic understanding of poverty. They were given a life changing experience, a new lens with which to look out at the world around them. Who knows what God will grow in them from here…

What does S U C C E S S look like…

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At Franklin Elementary School there is a 10 year old little student who has a picture in her mind of success.  It takes the form of her report card.  These simple letters of the alphabet represent more than just improved grades to her.

Picture of Success

She no longer feels like the “dummie” in her class.   She no longer gets into trouble for not  paying attention or for talking too much. She is feeling really good about herself.

Another student rises from a reading level of 11 to a level of 28.
(Grade level is 20) … this is a picture of

S U C C E S S

A major contributing factor for them both is their involvement in Passport To Success After School Program where students are assisted and tutored by volunteers in a structured environment.    Passport also connects families from Franklin Elementary with families from FBC to form new growing friendships set around a once a month dinner at the school.  God is using this time together to do some great things in the lives of both groups of families.  Way to go!!!! …  to the group who is pouring into the lives of these students at Franklin.  Your interactions have made a world of difference to these youngsters.

This is what S U C C E S S looks like.

To learn more about Passport to Success, enjoy this brief video.

Putting Feet to Faith….

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Here is a great look at one of our mission partners giving feet to their faith!  The Hambrice family-  Hatley, Kristi, Hannah Beth, Rebekah and Caleb  could not return to the states for Christmas. 

They are serving in Thailand and wanted to share with everyone some of their new “typical” excursions.   Let’s remember to pray for their entire family and the challenges they have before them on the mission field.  Pray for the relationships that are forming with the people they shop, live , work and go to school with on a daily basis. 

Click here to see a glimpse into their life….  Hambrice Family in Action 

 

It Rained… Boxes of Love

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Thank you, Fellowship!!  The rain did not stop your generous spirit of giving.   904 families will be presented with a Christmas meal from the  Boxes of Love.    FSM’ers and 501′ers joyously toiled in soggy weather to collect, stack and store the food boxes.  Even in the rain spirits were not dampened…  if you listened closely, you could hear a Christmas song or two being hummed. 

 How did we move 900 + Boxes of Love???

With many, many hands of love…..

  Merry Christmas to All!!

 

 

 

Give the Gift of Dignity this Christmas

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This time of the year our hearts and minds turn toward  thoughts of giving as we reflect on the most precious gift ever given to mankind – Jesus Christ.  This ultimate gift from God was a gift of relationship with Him.  As part of our giving philosophy, we encourage you to give “relationally”.   While looking for opportunities to give to others this year, keep in mind that sometimes our most well-intended, heartfelt gifts may actually harm rather than help as intended.    How so?   Watch this brief video to learn more .

***

Interested in giving in a way that restores dignity to the recipient?    One  local ministry that utilizes this giving philosophy is  the
STEP / River City Toy Store    .   Check it out and find information on what is needed both for gifts and in the way of volunteers to operate the store.

If you would like another source for giving this year, click  here to check out the Season of Giving  opportunities to help provide items needed for other ministries  in our local area.

  Merry CHRISTmas to you….

 

 

FBC Answers the Call with Emergency Relief to East Africa

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The worst famine in 60 years has hit East Africa with 13.3 million at risk of malnutrition and death.  Despite ongoing relief efforts, food security conditions are expected to deteriorate further in Somalia due to the complexities of drought and oppressive war lords.

In response to this crisis, we ask for Fellowship members to pray for justice and mercy and for strength for God’s church.  We have sent $20,000 for aid through local church leaders through World Relief. 

For an informative article about the situation in East Africa from USAID  click here.  For a great article from the Baptist Cooperative Fellowship  click here.

Ripples across the Pond

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by Linda Slaton

My Father is glorified in this, that you bear much fruit. ~ Jesus, Jn 15:8

In late July a team of ten Americans and one Brit arrived in a quaint and colorful village tucked into the mountains south of Wroclaw. Our mission: to conduct a language camp for professional Polish women and to glorify the Father by bearing much fruit. Under the leadership of Ruth Kowalczuk of Poland, a youthful 80-something, and Rebecca LeMaster, an expat from Little Rock, a fine-tuned instrument for God’s work has been crafted over a 15-year period. In a land clothed with natural and architectural beauty, LeAnn Winter, Mary Lazenby, Ann Blair and I, all from Fellowship, witnessed God at work. Some of the 25 Polish women were regulars to the camp, others were newcomers, but all came hungry for what we were serving up–English lessons, sound biblical teaching, and, under the direction of Ann Blair, dynamic worship.

This year’s theme was the Fruit of the Spirit, a fitting choice, given what we would witness among the campers. These women were serious about spiritual things. Eager to ask hard questions and dig deep into the scriptures, they poured out their hearts to the “native speakers” of English, an uncommon practice among most Poles.

One woman shared with me troubling issues in her family. Through tears and broken English she said, “You American are so, so open! It is not like this in my family. We do not touch. We do not say, I love you. I’m so worried about my children and also my mother and grandmother. They do not speak to each other.”

I told her, “You can break the cycle, Renata (not her real name). With God’s help, you can do it. After all, you are being so open with me right now.”

“But I can talk to you because I maybe never see you again.”

With a stranger she felt safe. And her willingness to be real with me cracked open the door for me to share the gospel with her.

Let that scene serve as a snapshot of what has been happening in Poland every summer for many years. Women are finding answers, genuine Christian fellowship, and yes, Christ Himself. God is being glorified. Fruit grows in the Polish hills. Beautiful, sweet fruit.

A highlight for me was watching the Polish women dance, especially when everyone danced to praise music late one evening. LeAnn, whose enthusiasm inspired us all despite the late hour, led and choreographed the activity. An observer would never have guessed that we were already worn out before we even began. After a full morning of classes, an afternoon hike –Polish style (read “challenging”), and evening workshops, we had every reason to be weary. But Poles love to sing and dance. As we were finishing the last routine to “How Great Is Our God,” the upturned faces and exuberance of the dancers overwhelmed LeAnn. With voice cracking and tears welling, she said, “Oh my. This is all too wonderful. We’re worshiping our God here!” Every woman there, irrespective of any language barrier, experienced the joy of glorifying God –in body and soul.

Did Renata open the door of her heart to Jesus? I’m not sure. But she did express a desire to do just that. She said she wanted to pray a prayer to that end –in private. After our conversation, I got a glimpse of her sitting outside on the back lawn, head bowed, with a Bible in her lap.

I can only imagine the ripple effect that God’s Word is having across the big pond. I picture His love and power flowing out of these women into their families, churches, workplaces and neighborhoods. Perhaps one day we will know with certainty how the face of Poland itself has changed because a few adventurers shared their lives and their Lord one week at a summer camp for grownups.

Do you ever wonder if your nice polished life is making a difference?

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I just got back on Friday (June 24th) from my first mission trip. You always hear that mission trips are experiences of a lifetime, let me testify it is so true. Our team remodeled a house for a young couple with two children who had never had a home before (they had never had a mirror, a new bed, nice clothes, towels… need I go on?). This couple was the epitome of giving. They had just graduated the residency program at Fellowship Guatemala and were serving well beyond their own means.

The job was huge but our team stepped forward. As we painted we realized that we could not and should not put American standards on these Guatemalan people who had literally come from nothing. Slowly we began to make what was in our minds- “real” progress. I was trying to watch the way they lived in comparison to our own luxurious lives. For the most part I thought we were doing great good until I got to the front door. I tried to paint it and the paint would not take to the door. I am sure most people have experienced this problem but if you are working on someone else’s belongings it seems even worse when things are not perfect. After much effort I gave up with a thin layer of paint as the only thing to attest to my hard work. In short, the door looked awful. I stood and stared at that dreadful door for so long as my American head said it was not good enough but I could think of no fix. Shirley, the young mother and woman of the home, took one look at the door and said to me with a smile on her face, “This door is beautiful. It is my favorite door”. She could not stop thanking me for all the work I had done for her and her family. I just stood there in shock. What was not good enough for me was perfect in her eyes…

See, in Guatemala the people are not worried about material procession or where their next meal will come from. They worry about who does not know Christ. As Americans we worry about money, food, and claim that we trust in Christ. But take a minute can you imagine a culture where you not only trust but you depend on Christ for your every penny and every meal? I couldn’t until I met a couple who lived out the Fellowship Mission Statement – literally. If we lived our lives and our main goal was to “Equip and Unleash Christ- followers to change the world through lives of irresistible influence” we could change the world.

When I get asked about my trip to Guatemala, which is quite often these days, I realize that few words describe my experience there. The Church that we worked with, Iglesia Biblica, was the MOST outwardly focused church that I have ever seen. The members of the church are never bored or “sluggish” instead they are always serving. No story can give you a clear picture of what all I saw. The only way for you to see it is for you to go and see for yourself. My goal from here on out, is to live a life in complete trust of God. I want to serve every opportunity I have, be open to letting the spirit move in me, and ultimately; I want to make an impact for Christ that is not worried with superficial things but rather is so outwardly focused that people have to stop and stare. ~ Lauren Brown

GLOBAL IMPACT….. 10 MINUTE DRIVE AWAY.

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 GLOBAL IMPACT….. 10 MINUTE DRIVE AWAY.
 International Friendship Outreach  (or IFO as we refer to them) is a
community based program offering opportunities for social and cultural
interaction between American hosts and internationals who study, work, or live
in the central Arkansas area.
Fellowship helps to sponsor this ministry held on the UALR campus. Some of the opportunities within IFO are:
  
Conversation Club
 
         You may ask, “What is Conversation Club”?
 Let me explain: 

  • It’s Americans and Internationals coming together.
  •  It’s Conversational English done in creative ways.
  •  It’s American Idioms and practicing language skills.
  • It’s dinner each week prepared by some very nice women from IFO.
  • It’s sharing culture, country, and family.
  • It’s meeting new people each week.
  • It’s developing lasting friendships. 

      

    •  Here are the details:  
    ·     When: Monday nights
    Dates: Monday nights: Sept.14–Oct. 19 for the Little Rock group                                                      Time: 6:00pm -8:30PM
    Where: MetroBCM, 5515 West 32nd St. on the UALR campus.
     
    Host Family Needed — Korean Girl 
    ·     Last week we had a request from one of our international girls for a host family. I’m adding that request to this message.  
    ·     If you think you would like to help with this, please let me know.

    ·   Hello. This is Mirim Han.  Im from south Korea. and i have been here for 5months. iam living in dorm. but i dont have any relative, someone like that to rely on.. so i really feel lonely..and its hard to even go to grocery store .. u_u so im trying to find host family.. but i dont have a car.. so i think host family who have already student in ualr would be better. oh, yes im student in ualr. i will stay just here until december. i came here on january. so i will have been here for about 1year. i graduate from ielp on spring semester. and im 20. but im turning into 21 on july! i dont know what else i should write ..  Haha… Sincerely

     
     
    Request for Driving Lessons
    We also had a request from Bibi about learning to drive over the summer.
    Can anyone help Bibi learn to drive? Let me know. 
    Here is her request:
    Hello Lajuana, I hope you and your family are doing well! I have a service to ask and wonder if someone at IFO might help. 
    I am looking for someone who would be willing to give me driving instruction over the summer and help me take the driving test. I will pay for the gas and we can discuss a small fee as well. I cannot afford to pay for the driving school.  
    Please let me know if you know anyone experienced with teaching driving and who might be available.  
    Thanks in advance!   
    Bibi Mwamba 
    501-352-6838
      
    For More information on IFO contact: LaJuana@IFOarkansas.org 
    Or visit them on the web at www.IFOarkansas.org 
    (501)912-3122
     
     
     
     
     

    Joplin? What Can I Do????

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    Our prayers and thoughts are with those who have been impacted by the tragic weather and tornadoes that have spun across our states.  We  received several calls from our body inquiring as to how we can help in Joplin.   The following article was posted by a church that has been directly involved in several natural disasters. 

    Click on this link to read more about making a difference in Joplin:  3 Things to Do & 3 Things Not to Do to Help Joplin

    “Hey Water Boy, my bucket is empty again.”

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    “Hey Water Boy, my bucket is empty again.”  Grandson Clay would again go out to the cistern and draw up the water with a cracked plastic bucket and rope.  My work space consisted of 3 square plastic tables end to end with dish pans, dishes, water bucket and bleach, coffee maker and cooking implements.  Francia cooked the noon meals which consisited of goat or fish, a pile of rice, and a plaintain while I prepared the evening meals.  To actually cook I went over to the Indian kitchen under a tin roof which had a nice propane industrial stove, but sooty wooden counter top and dirt floor.  My main job was to keep 2 teams of men hydrated in temperatures averaging around 100 degrees as they arduously worked on a 3 room classroom/dormitory building for the Wayuu Leadership Training Institute.  First the team from Calvary Church of Souderton, PA built the brick walls and cat beam; tedious and not glamorous work but their humor kept everyone laughing and entertaining even the neighbor children on the other side of the cactus fence.  The 2nd team from Fellowship Bible Church, AR put on the roof and tackled the cement floors.  It was completed with the help of Wayuu men who spent hours mixing mortar.  Your prayers, Gatoraid, and Ken Lake of SAM were some of the life saving features which made this endeavor a great success.  The guys learned to sleep in hammocks in a communal pavilion to an erratic orchestra of heavy snoring, dogs barking, roosters crowing, coal trains passing by and distant drums beating.  Fortunately, I slept in a small closed room away from the colorful night sounds.

     

    A high point for the teams was Sunday services in an Indian settlement doing church Wayuu style.  Bob preached both times with translation from Spanish into Wayunaiki and informal English interspersed.  Toddlers entertained themselves on the cracked cement floors crawling after fleeing ants and killing them.  Moving testimonies were shared and all recalled God’s blessings and provisions.  All the Wayuu believers expressed simple heartfelt gratitude for the teams willingness to come and work alongside them and the funds given to make this possible.   

    A special praise is that there were no accidents, theft, incidents and no serious illness during their stay; however, one member contracted Dengue Fever after he arrived home and spent some time in the hospital.  There may be a few residual stomach problems that an amoeba cure can quickly fix, but other than these normal situations, it all went well and we thank God for this because it was a more primitive environment than your typical Mission’s trip. 

    On the return trip back to Santa Marta, son-in-law Keith King and grandson Clay asked Poppa to baptize Clay which he did in the Buritaca River.  It was a special occasion in a beautiful setting.           Check it out here….     Clay King’s Baptism     

     An aside note is a big praise …ex- pastor Wilson Castillo voluntarily stood before many people and confessed his moral sin publically with a very humble spirit.  He is in a process of spiritual restoration.  As he says, a tremendous weight of guilt and pain has been removed and he feels free.  He thanks God that his wife and children have stood with him during this time of shame.  Continue to pray for him to find employment.

    The month in Colombia was action packed but a blessed time.  Esperanza Church is growing and the two pastors, Julio and Deivis, appreciate prayer as sufficient finances are an ever present problem. 

    Thank you so much for your prayers and concern!!!   We love you all.

    Bob and Ruth Ann

    PS  Well, what do you know?   Turkey hunting tomorrow………..

    Inmates Moving toward Real Freedom

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    How is it that 15  residents incarcerated in Arkansas prisons get a scholarship to go to college? 

    The answer: Collaboration.  Arkansas Baptist College + plus Department of Community Corrections + Under Grace Ministries = Opportunity.  This semester 10 men and 5 women join 9 other current DCC resident-students to experience that opportunity and better themselves through education.  The goal of all three entities is to empower the offenders to go from being a burden to society to becoming an asset.   A novel idea and one that could only have been authored by the Creator Himself. 

    Orientation for the new students was held this week at the men’s DCC unit in Little Rock where Rick Hart, Paul Chapman and Jennifer Hawthorne challenged the students to make the most of this nearly-unprecedented opportunity.  “Don’t blow it,” they said. “We are invested in your success.  You be!  We believe you men and women can be successful in college and change your lives for the better –starting now and continuing when you’re released from prison.”   After picking up their backpacks full of new school supplies, the college bound residents filed out to return to their units.  Before them, a new adventure, one with the potential to literally change their lives.

    I See a Generation Rising Up to Take Their Place…..

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    How are we helping shape this new generation that is rising up to take our place?  Watch this short video feed about Simone’s Home, one of our local missions dedicated to make a difference in the lives of girls 12 – 18 years of age who are in long term foster care.  Find out how they are making a difference and how you can make a difference.   Visit  Simone’s Home  on the web, call 501-772-4987 or e-mail Stephanie at  steph500anie@hotmail.com to get involved.

    Fellowship Guatemala by Dee Brown

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    Why do we seem reluctant to serve, as if God is leading only the professionals to minister to others, not me?….

    Last fall I was invited to go on my first international mission trip to Guatemala.  I have only spent a few hours at a time outside the U.S., never venturing farther than a day trip to Canada or Mexico.  I went because someone I knew and trusted encouraged me to experience God’s work in a new venue.  Was it ever an eye opener! Our brief trip was packed with seeing how God is transforming lives in Guatemala.

    Fellowship Guatemala– Iglesia Biblica,  http://fellowshipunleashed.com/global/major-initatives/guatemala/, is one of our church’s major initiatives – and I found out why.   Iglesia Biblica is an amazing example of how reaching out to others and being externally focused can have a huge impact on a community, even an entire city.  The church, open 7 days a week, is just one avenue for serving the community.  There’s also a medical clinic and a dental clinic open to the community.

    Fellowship Guatemala’s church planting Residency Program is working to plant healthy churches of irresistible influence in every quadrant of Guatemala City and beyond, modeled after our own Fellowship Associates church planting residency program here at FBC Little Rock.  We spent a great deal of time with Alejandro and Romero and their families and are excited about partnering with them in building new churches in their communities.  

    Blessings for Us: God works as much in us during these trips as He does in working to help those we are ministering to.  You may have heard that before, but never had the chance to experience it for yourself.  Just do it!  Being outside of your normal comfort zone requires you to depend on God – and that’s a good thing. 

      

    Join Us: The partnership with Fellowship Guatemala continues as we plan to go back in June of 2011.  This project will be a great opportunity to see firsthand how God uses each of us, not just the professionals, to partner with Him in transforming lives for His glory.  See http://fellowshipunleashed.com/global/short-term-trips/#/?i=1 and sign up to go with us as part of a team of 30 people who want to serve together.