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(7/1/09)
Wow! Can not believe it has been so long since I sat down to write a note to all who keep up with the ministry.
Have been on the go since the end of May with a trip to New York followed by a ministry engagement in KY. Two days later I was the speaker at the June Columbus AGLOW meeting. Those events were followed by a Sunday service in Grove City then a quick trip to Misssissippi for a follow-up with an evangelistic association and the opportunity to be introduced to a number of ministers at a meeting there. Father's Day and my father's birthday quickly followed. Then, just two short days after our celebration, I had to make my way home to KY once again for the funeral of my oldest childhood friend's father--a wonderful man of God who is now worshipping before the throne. Whew! Next, I enjoyed one day of quiet before I attended the Sunday morning service at a church whose pastor had just returned from a trip to China. (What great news from that nation!) The last few days I have been trying to wrap up loose ends, review Kingdom Building Today television shows, and prepare for 11 days back out on the road. Friday the 3rd I will head to NY and then on to Lancaster County, PA. It will be a trip cram-packed full of activity -- from working with a missions organization to being at youth camp for six days to ministering at a church in Yonkers, NY. I am so very excited and blessed that my schedule is keeping full. Thanks for all who give, who pray, and who encourage! God bless... Stephanie
March 13-23, Southern California Ministry Trip -- the ministry trip went so very well!! Thank you for
all of your prayers and support.. Will write a note in the next few days about everything. sapack
3/17/09 St. Patrick's Day
Have been in Southern California now for five days. It has been very busy and much has been accomplished.
The first two days were spent in gathering information and having interviews/conversations with a number
of key players at the church. Sunday was quite full -- the Sunday AM service went well and was followed by
a church fellowship meal. Then, I met with the entire worship team for a mini-worship seminar where we
discussed both spiritual and practical aspects of praise and worship. Since Sunday evening I have been busy
working on multiple projects for the church. I will have to fill you in later. Please continue to pray for me!
*******
March came in like a lamb but quickly turned into a whirlwind of activity as I took on a Behind the Scenes'
event in Columbus, OH, the first week of the month. Six days later...I was so ready for a long night of sleep
(even though we had to spring ahead one hour). What an opportunity I had to draw on the strength of the
Lord as well as rely upon the Holy Spirit for His wisdom!!
I am so blessed to be able to minister in so many different places and under vastly varied circumstances.
This past week I split most of my time between working with volunteers and cooking/cleaning in a kitchen.
However, what I continue to find is that the Lord will use us no matter where we are, no matter what we
are doing IF we will make ourselves available to Him.
********
I spent another great weekend with the congregation of Redeeming Love Church - Gamaliel, KY at
the end of February. Let me say, here and now, that the Holy Spirit is so wonderful. During praise and
worship that Sunday morning, He began to shift and remold my morning message. The final outcome was
a word straight from the Lord (not me) regarding fear, worry, and concern. While I was at World Harvest
Bible College there was a staff member who used to use the term "Land of Concern". It seems that so many
today seem to have taken up at least a semi-permanent residence in that land BUT THAT IS NOT THE LORD'S
PLAN FOR HIS CHILDREN!!!!! What a great reminder that message was to me and to all who were there that
morning that we are not to worry, fret, or take up residence in the Land of Concern -- the Lord has us
covered!!
********
Winter 2009 --- thus far, January and February have been filled with multiple Behind the Scenes' events in
and around the Columbus, OH, area. The best part of these events is seeing ministers and their corresponding
ministries further developing and achieving their dreams and goals.
________________________________________________________________________________
Faith to Faith International 2008 Year End Update (Brief Version)
The year is coming to an end in a few weeks, and I am amazed as I look back to all that God has done in and
through Faith to Faith International. Through the ministry of the Word, the reports have come in:
SAVED...HEALED...FILLED WITH HOPE...RECEIVED A MIRACLE
STRENGTHENED...ENCOURAGED...TRAINED FOR THE WORK AHEAD
Faith to Faith International has impacted lives from Columbus, Ohio, to Lagos, Nigeria. Here are just a few
other spots on the map where we have been in the last 12 months:
Lynchburg, VA Grove City, OH
Mount Kisco, NY Madison, MS
Gamaliel, KY Ashland, KY
Lancaster, OH La Grange, KY
Delaware, OH Stephens, PA
In our Behind the Scenes work multiple ministries have been helped, being given additional tools necessary
for their growth and success. Others have received the encouragement they needed to continue walking
down the path the Lord has laid before them.
God is so good!
On a consistent basis individuals and churches ask what they can do to support the vision of Faith to Faith.
So, here is a quick reference list for you and those you know who are also interested in the work of Faith
to Faith.
Three Ways You Can Help Faith to Faith
1) Pray...check out the Prayer Page for more information.
2) Consider becoming a monthly supporter! No gift is too small... You can use PayPal via the Donations
Page or send it the old-fashioned, tried and true way...through the mail. All gifts are tax deductible.
3) Recommend Faith to Faith to churches, ministries, and individuals. The old saying goes...Word of mouth
is the best advertisement...which is so true, so true.
*********
Finally, thank you, thank you for all you have done throughout the year to bless and support me personally
and the ministry of Faith to Faith. Stephanie
Birthday Thoughts ~ Thanks to everyone for all of the birthday wishes that were sent my way. I spent two days in KY with my family
as soon as I returned from Mississippi (a trip that was very successful). Good food, lots of laughter, and the ever present "number" candles...
all helped to make my last two days as a thirty something special indeed. I will have to say that turning 40 did not seem any different from
25 or 30 or 35... My only wish would have been that I could have spent it with each and every one of you who continue to make the work
of Faith to Faith International possible from day to day. I am so blessed.....thank you for your part in making my life so wonderful.
PS: I am so glad that God's Word promises me long life......until I am satisfied (Ps. 91). And just so everyone knows....I am a long way away
from being satisfied. There is so much to do to bring The Kingdom to pass on this earth....and so much living I still want to do.
September 25th ~ Since returning from Africa...life has been a bit of whirlwind.
I was just getting over the jetlag (bad this time - ugghh!) when Hurricane Ike blew through Ohio. With 75+ mile per hour winds...shingles
flying...flashing being torn from buildings...and trees bending to the ground...the electricity went off and stayed off for three days. No
computer....no fridge...no nothing! So much for my catching up on work. The power came back just in time for me to finish Africa laundry
in order so I could pack once again -- this time for a trip to Virginia (via KY). I was to attend the Alumnae Council Meeting at my alma mater...
at which I had been asked to give the invocation as well as the Sunday morning devotions. It was a long weekend (in more ways than one),
but I continue to be amazed at the doors and hearts that are open to me and to the Gospel.
I made my way back to Ohio on Sunday afternoon ( a 7 hour drive) so that I could prepare for my next trip --- a Behind the Scenes Event just
outside of Jackson, Mississippi. Got up at 4:45 am yesterday in order to make it to the airport for my 7:20 flight. I arrived in MS...just in time
for some southern barbecue and meetings. Will be here through Friday afternoon and have been told that today I am being taken to "THE
SWAMP" ...... what does a woman say to that, I ask you? Nonetheless, my trip has already been fruitful, and I am looking forward to the rest
of my trip...knowing that I am helping a fellow minister get a few steps closer to accomplishing the vision God has set for the ministry.
On another note....I have been able to post some of my Africa photos to my facebook page....if you would like to see them, please send me
an email through the website. I will set you up as a friend so that you can view them.
Thank you for your continued prayers and words of encouragement. All my love, Stephanie
September 9th ~ My last full day in Africa has arrived. It is difficult to believe after all of the months of planning and preparation. I can honestly
say that the ministry trip has gone very well...especially in light of the fact that I was unsure of what I should expect. What I have found is
people who are hungry for God, zealous for His Word, and serious about the Kingdom.
I also have seen a heart of service displayed for days on end...men and women seemingly never tired of going the extra mile (or perhaps I
should say kilometer). I have been so very well cared for...by one and all. Seeing their service to me was so very humbling. In fact, I am not
quite sure how to aptly describe the way it has made me feel. During my previous journeys to Africa my role was one of server and facilitator.
Yes, I ministered often during my years of traveling back and forth...but it was somehow different. This time...my sole responsibility was to
receive of the Lord and deliver what He would have me say and do. I believe myself to be blessed to be in this position. Perhaps that is why
it has been so very difficult for me to accept with grace the service given me...the care exhibited toward and for me. To have individuals so
ready to meet my needs...even my desires.... WOW!
I promise to bring a full report upon my return, but suffice it to say that I am already looking forward to my next journey to Africa. Not for
the travel...not for the new and renewed experiences! No, my desire is to be able to continue to preach the gospel, the Good News, across
the world. My heart is to see men and women of God know their calls and be successful in them. I long to see the Church of Jesus Christ rise
up as one Body (without spot or wrinkle). For, I will not be satisfied until I do all that I can possibly do to see the Great Commission completed
and Jesus returning.
My gratitude toward all who have given, prayed, and been encouragers cannot be aptly measured. I am so thankful that there are those who
stand side by side in this quest to fulfill the vision of Faith to Faith International!
In closing, tomorrow will find me sitting on a plane for 11 or so hours before reaching American soil. I am looking forward to my homecoming
but know that it will not be long before I once again have itchy feet -- ones that long to take the Good News (Romans 10) to all peoples.
Stephanie
NOTE: Check out the 'Notes from the Heart' page of the website for Simple Pleasures -- African Style.
September 7th ~ It's Sunday!!! The conference has ended, and I have so many things to report to you. I am currently sitting in the guest
reception area of the church, using their computer---and it only took me a few minutes to get to this page!!!! (Woohoo....internet
connections this trip have been more miss than hit!)
What a blessing this week has been. I, personally, and the ministry gift have been welcomed and celebrated during the leadership
conference. What grace and hospitality have been shown to me. Everywhere I go, I have someone who accompanies me. Her name
is Veronica, and she has served faithfully each and every day. A business woman, Veronica turned her computer store over to her
staff in order to give of her time this week.
Then, there is Segun...the young professional who has been driving me and one of the other guest ministers to and fro. What driving
skill must be exhibited!! Mere inches often separate your vehicle and the vehicle beside you...not to mention the many motorbikes
that act as taxis (called 'akadas') for one. This morning I watched as an akata was carrying a young woman with her baby tied to her back.
Yesterday, Saturday, Veronica and Segun accompanied me as I attended my first Nigerian wedding reception. The celebrants, dressed in
all the colors of the rainbow, were a sight to behold. I took many photographs and was particularly interested to see the differences in
tradition. One in particular caught my attention -- the bride and groom were led to an open place where they and their attendants
danced in celebration. They were then joined by individuals and small groups of family members and friends who rained money on them.
It was like a shower of notes falling around the new couple. When we slipped away from the reception, they were still dancing and being
blessed in the process. The "shower of notes" dance had already been going on for at least a half hour at that point.
I was then invited to attend a birthday celebration. It was a barbecue --- chicken, beef, goat, sausages, and fish --- all very very spiced.
My lips and tongue were on fire!! (And I had been told that it was mild :-) I laughed and talked one on one with many of the guests.
The atmosphere was casual, and it was a pleasure to be able to share life stories with many.
Well, I should update you on the conference. I taught three separate times and was also asked to be part of a three-member panel to
answer ministry and theology questions. The students were hungry and eager to draw upon the gifts of their instructors. On Tuesday I
taught upon the gifts of God and how we are uniquely created and placed in the Body of Christ. Wednesday, I then followed up with a
lesson on love, God's love. I set it before the class that love must be the basis for everything we do. I used I Corinthians 13 as a basis for
the teaching and stressed the importance of ministering from a position of love -- a love that moves us to action. Then, on Friday I finished
with a teaching on service and servant hood. It was a powerful time...especially since the Holy Spirit had directed me to wash the feet of
Veronica (the young woman who has been accompanying me). I later found out that there has been some incorrect teaching in Africa
concerning the washing of feet -- isn't the Holy Ghost wonderful that he dealt with the issue, using a woman from America who had no
clue about what has become a very odd mixture of culture, Bible, and the occult.
I have been given copies of the messages in CD and DVD form -- I will endeavor to make those available to anyone who would like them.
Stay posted. Well, I had better sign off at this time for as I have been writing the church has been praying and worshipping. What fervency
and passion!!! I shall be called into the service any moment. Praise the Lord for his mercy! Praise the Lord for his grace! Praise the Lord for
the opportunity that I am have to preach the GOOD NEWS, encourage believers, and open the Word to shore up those who are leaders and
ministers in this nation and the surrounding areas.
Once again, thank you for your support. Without you my being in Africa would not have been possible. Please know that you have much that
has been added to your heavenly account this past week. All my love, Stephanie
September 4th ~ Greetings from Nigeria!! First of all, allow me to say that I have so much to say but know that there is no way that I will be
able to do this in the time and space I have....so hold on for the condensed version. I have been unable to access this site since my arrival.
One of the fellow ministers has allowed me to use his laptop, for the hotel has wireless access. WOW! I am so thankful. Each day I have tried
and tried to get on and update this page...but to no avail.
My journey was a good one last Friday. After my first flight and a three plus hour layover in Atlanta I boarded the plane to Nigeria. It was an 11 hour journey -- the longest I have ever taken, but I was so thankful not to have the stop in Europe. I arrived in Lagos around 10:15 am local time, Saturday morning. (That's 5:15 am eastern daylight time!) Customs went very well -- no questions :-) It was the wait for the luggage that had me praying. We waited for almost an hour before our bags came off the conveyor belt -- the last group to make it. Everything arrived finally, and we walked out to a marvelous welcome from some of the members of Latter Rain Assembly. The rest of the day was spent resting and preparing. That evening I had the pleasure of meeting two more of the ministers who were slated to teach at the leadership conference. They are from London, England. Check out the website: www.hughosgood.com. Also, you can check out the website of the fourth member of the team: www.teachallnationsmissions.com.
Sunday was a pleasure! For, you have not lived if you have never had the privilege to be in an African praise and worship service. The freedom and the passion seen and heard are wonderful to behold. I was asked to greet the church. I have been told the sanctuary holds 5,000 -- and it was packed! I was treated as one who has come home after a long absence. That evening I sat in the audience to watch an original drama about Judah and Tamar.
Monday came.....I left the hotel around 8:30 am. I had been asked to make a journey to Ogun State. We -- Pastor Tunde Bakare (my host), Dr. Delron Shirley (Teach All Nations Missions), and I -- traveled to Pastor Bakare's hometown, Abeokuta....where the first Christian missionaries came in the 1800's. In fact, it was to Pastor Bakare's great great grandfather that the first Bible was given by missionary Eric Townsend.
One of the stops that day was at a memorial that is almost completed -- one that sits on the very site where Townsend gave the first Bible to the local leader. We wove our way through narrow alleys before coming to a small courtyard that was ringed by small homes that had short, open doorways from which you could see small children and old women peering. One particular African woman drew me to her side and began to speak to me. Wizened eyes looked intently into mine, she speaking to me in her language and I nodding and patting her hand. Finally, someone heard her conversation and began to translate. She wanted to know who I was and was very happy to receive my smile and my blessing. Her name was Janet. I wish I could have stayed longer and shared more with her.
Other stops included a visit to Pastor Bakare's birthplace that has recently been renovated and given to the state. His family's vault is there as well. I viewed the graves of his father and his grandfather (the local Imam for a number of years). Note: Pastor Bakare came to Christ in college, having been raised in a Muslim family where he was the first boy of the 10th wife.
I will share more about Ogun State later.
Monday evening brought the opening session of the CLASSIC leadership conference. Dr. Osgood ministered a wonderful message about the responsibilities of a steward, looking closely at Luke 16.
I first ministered on Tuesday morning -- speaking on our 1 Peter 4 theme but taking the students to I Corinthians 12 in order to discuss our place in the Body of Christ.
(I only have 3 more minutes of computer time....so I will add more later.) BUT....
I ministered yesterday on our motive in ministry -- and that LOVE is to be the basis for all we do.
I minister again tomorrow morning (Friday) -- I am planning to teach on servant hood. I will keep you posted.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS!!!!!! All my love and appreciation for making this journey possible. I am blessed to be back in Africa.......................Stephanie
August 26th ~ Three days and counting... please continue to comeback to this page throughout my trip to Nigeria. I will endeavor to update this current news page every few days with news about the trip, ministry opportunities, and the conference as a whole. Thanks in advance to all those who are a part of this journey through your finances, prayers, and encouragement. Stephanie
August 19th ~ My visa was approved; my passport is being sent back; my ticket has been purchased. I will be leaving August 29th and will arrive the next morning on the 30th, which is absolutely amazing since always before I have had an extra day of travel through Europe to reach Africa. My direct flight (to and from) will save me two days in travel. I will be returning close to midnight on the 10th. Thanks to everyone who has continued to give to make this ministry trip a reality and to all of you who have promised to pray for me until my return.
August 15th ~ My passport and visa should be collected today from the consulate in Atlanta! Yesterday I was poked a few times (Hep A and Yellow Fever) plus given my (4) typhoid pills to take over the next eight days. The only thing left vaccine wise is for me to start taking anti-malarial medication this coming week. Thanks for all of the help and the prayer support!!
I am still believing for all of the funds necessary so that all my expenses as well as my stateside regular expenditures will be covered while I am away. God is so very faithful....so I expect to be giving a praise report very soon. sapack
August 12th ~ I am in preparation mode for my ministry trip to Nigeria. I will be speaking at the CLASSIC '08 meeting at Latter Rain Assembly in Lagos, Nigeria.
*My visa application is currently at the Nigerian Consulate in Atlanta, GA. I should be getting a call within a few days as to when I should expect my passport to be returned, complete with visa!
*I will be getting my vaccines on Thursday the 14th. Not my favorite thing to be sure; however, all my vaccines were out of date, so there is a yellow fever shot with my name on it as well as a Hep A. I will also be taking typhoid medicine orally, followed by my anti-malarial medication before, during, and after.
*Please see the PRAYER NOTES page for further information and prayer needs for the trip.
July 25th ~ I have an awesome report to share!!!! I prayed over a prayer cloth last week during a healing service in Western Kentucky. A mother had come forward for her daughter who was pregnant but had been told that her baby was almost certainly dead in her womb. She had already lost two other children by miscarriage. We prayed, and she left.
I just received a call --- the mother has reported that her daughter went to the doctor... He told her that he was seeing a miracle. Not only was the baby alive.......but had also grown!!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PTL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Isn't Jesus wonderful!!!!!
Stephanie
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