May is National Foster Care

Month

The STARRY Foster Care Program is joining with other agencies across the country in observing National Foster Care Month in May.

There are more than 33,600 children in Foster Care in Texas and almost 300 in Williamson County, STARRY’s primary service area, according to 2007 statistics compiled by the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services (TDFPS).

“Most of these children are former victims of abuse or neglect,” said Stacy Grant, STARRY Foster Care Program Supervisor. “In a loving, Christian Foster Care home, they have an opportunity heal and be nurtured in a safe, caring environment.”

Despite the thousands of children in Foster Care homes, there is a desperate need for new foster parents who can open their hearts and their homes to children who need to live away from their families. All of the children served by STARRY are in TDFPS custody through Child Protective Services (CPS) and have come into the care of the state because of a family crisis, often abuse or neglect.

While in Foster Care, efforts are made to reunify the family or find permanent placement with an adoptive family. About 60 percent of the children in Foster Care return to their families, while 40 percent are placed with relatives or with an adoptive family.

For those interested in becoming foster parents, STARRY offers a free, no-obligation orientation on the first Tuesday of every month. After licensing, there is ongoing support from the STARRY staff, including continuing education and respite care.

For more information, visit the STARRY website at www.starryonline.org and click on the Foster Care link. You also may call (512) 246-4229.

“Foster Care is a Christian calling to open your hearts and homes to change a child’s life forever,” said Rhonda Dyer, STARRY Executive Director.

For more information on national Foster Care Month, please visit:

Summer Youth Missions

Over the years TEAMeffort has brought over 50,000 youth and leaders from thousands of churches of different denominations together to work side-by-side on life-changing, eye-opening, faith-building mission experiences. More  opportunities than ever are offered this Summer for youth groups to put their faith into action through challenging and rewarding mission projects such as repairing and renovating homes for families in need, building mission and ministry facilities, leading children's programs and sport camps, working at homeless shelters, responding to natural disasters, and reaching out to individuals and communities through Christian service. 

Groups will have the opportunity to reach out and minister to people who live in small towns and rural areas, inner city and coastal areas, many other areas within the United States and the Caribbean Islands. This summer, groups can join a Hurricane Disaster Relief Team with other groups from around the country to build and repair homes and help families re-establish their lives.

Projects, tools, materials, site-leadership, meals, programs & housing are supplied... all the logistics so you can focus on your youth. Through well planned camps, exciting locations, energetic staff, knowledgeable site-leaders, quality music and programs, and meaningful mission projects your group is bound for a mission adventure they will never forget!

Call: 800-989-1507

email: info@teameffort.org

New Church Plant Missions Need

Seattle, Washington

If you are interested in serving in Seattle, Washington

Please contact Bobby Higginbotham at

bobby@lifepointecommunity.com  

The Volunteers Organizations

Assisting in Disaster

 Needs Your Help!

The VOAD is a network of religious and other non-profit organizations that are prepared to participate in relief efforts that might be needed in case of natural disaster. VOAD works in conjunction with Williamson County, FEMA and the American Red Cross by providing a list of contact names/churches/ organizations willing to volunteer as ‘first responders’ to help those with immediate and long-term needs as a result of declared disasters in our community and surrounding counties.

In the short term, members typically have an ability to provide temporary parking and staging areas, temporary shelter, services or supplies. Long term assistance is usually in the form of case management, help with rebuilding or supplies.

The VOAD is looking for a three (3) year commitment from faith based organizations that are willing to commit resources (personnel, funds or equipment) to meet the needs of people affected by disaster, without regard to race, creed, gender or age. A list of help and helpers, in each and every corner of Williamson County, is currently being constructed into one database. If you, your church or non-profit organization is interested in becoming a VOAD volunteer,

Contact Jim Rowan at Central Baptist Church, Round Rock; (512) 388-3408 or email Jim@centralbaptist. org

Youth & General Ministry Interns Needed

for Summer 2008

First Baptist Church of Van Horn, Texas

PO Box 777

Van Horn, Texas 78955

432-284-0250

Click Here for Job Description and Job Application

Or contact Pastor@fbcvh.com

PEOPLE IN HARMONY MISSIONS

Harmony Baptist Association

2001 South Cherry Street

Pine Bluff, AR 71601

870-534-1021

Reaching over 100,000 people in a four county area

Mission teams welcome from

June 22 - August 1, 2008

Harmony Baptist Association of 40 churches in southeast Arkansas has taken the challenge of reaching as many people as possible in their area from June 22 through August 1. They are looking for as many teams as possible to come in and help in the work of Back Yard Bible Clubs, Block Parties, Sports clinics, VBS, and other means of outreach.

Ministry provides Housing for your team, Food for your team, Supplies for church and community service projects, and the Curriculum for the Bible clubs.

Your Cost is $125.00 per person

and a team deposit of $50.00

If you or anyone you know would be interested in joining them or getting more information please visit their website at

http://www.harmonybaptistassociation.org/index3.html

or email me at markburgos43@gmail.com

Summer Mission Project

Opportunity for your Church or Association

Are you looking for a summer mission project for your church or your association?  Winford Oakes, Partnership Missions Specialist, would like to help you  make connections with some mission opportunities in the Minnesota Wisconsin Baptist Convention.

MWBC has a goal of getting 10 Texas churches to start 10 MWBC churches by the end of 2010. The MWBC has partnered with NAMB to help accomplish this goal. In this partnership, NAMB will match every dollar raised for MWBC new work with four dollars of their own funding. This is a 4 to 1 ration for helping start new churches.

If you are interested in being a part of this mission effort, please contact:

Winford “Win” Oakes at 817-295-7837

or email  woakes2@sbcgloval.net

Mission Field Report

from

The Balkans

   Charles & Carol Baker

   May 2008

Prayer and Praises

• Always pray for safety and protection for us and our teams as we travel throughout the Balkans
• Pray for the countries of the Balkans as you see them in the news (see bonus question below)
• Pray for wisdom and direction as we follow up on some major projects

One of Charles’ favorite things to say about our life here in Central and Eastern Europe (besides ‘be flexible – things change!’) is ‘Everyday is an adventure!’  Many of you have come and shared the adventure with us.  Every time friends come, we see and experience life here in a fresh new way.  How we wish we could share this first hand with all of you. 

We would take you to the border crossing between Bulgaria and Macedonia.  Sometimes, not often, we drive through quite easily with all our paperwork in order.  Other days, it can be a little tedious as every detail of our passports and vehicle registration is examined.  A smile goes a long way and patience is certainly a virtue.  On several occasions, after finally driving through the ‘no man’s land’ between the border and reaching the Macedonian side, we are asked to ferry one of the border agents, who is just coming off duty, to his village about 30 kilometers away.  Needless to say, language barriers limit our conversation, but he is always appreciative of the ride and manages a hearty ‘thank you’ as he hops out of our van.

If you come on a Tuesday, we would show you one of our favorite market places where you can buy just about anything you can imagine.  Well, not Dr. Pepper or brown sugar.  But if you need a squealing little piglet, they will bag that up for you.  And Baba Stoyanka will be there with her little goats to sell.  That’s her in the middle with some of her friends in the picture.  Fresh produce is in abundance and all kinds of plastic goods can be found.  Enjoy the sounds and smells of market day in Oblesevo, but watch where you step!

Worship services are not limited to Sundays over here.  You will find a gathering of believers on almost any day in one or more of the villages we could take you to.  They often meet in rented storefronts or sometimes outside under a grape arbor.  You’ll hear the children singing and know it’s time to find your seat.  Because you are a guest, you will be expected to introduce yourself and tell a little bit about who you are.  Don’t worry, there’s always someone who can interpret for you, just remember to stop every couple of sentences so he can translate what you are saying.  Even though you probably won’t understand much of what is going on, you’ll know God’s Word is being proclaimed and you’ll come face to face – literally – with His love as they want to hug and kiss you on both cheeks.  I never know if it’s left side first or the right???  We look forward to welcoming a team from the Pensacola Florida area tomorrow to be a part of these worship services all next week.  Have a safe trip over here, Beulah Baptist Church.

As we drive through the countryside, you will be amazed at the number of shepherds with their flocks of sheep.  Earlier this spring, the lambs were jumping and frolicking all over the hillsides.  The sheep dogs are fun to see also, although they often look like they are on an extended break.  We are working with a number of these shepherds, offering various forms of help to encourage their success.  A big thank you to Glen and Debbie Sutton from Arkansas who recently spent several weeks in Macedonia, visiting with these shepherds, assessing their needs and making recommendations forfuture activity with them.  You did an outstanding job!  Earlier in the year, a team of men from Houston Northwest Church arrived with guns in hand (yes, you read that right) to rid the flocks of predators that attack unwary sheep.  Most of all, these men spent time with other hunters in the area and helped bridge the gap to build future relationships.  You guys were great.

Let’s turn off the paved road here and take you into a small, very poor village where the people live in very harsh conditions.  After looking beyond their poverty, you’ll notice that first the children, and then the old women start coming to greet us.  Did you remember to bring some small pieces of candy and maybe a new toothbrush for the kids?  More hugs are shared around and more people start to gather.  Jobs are scarce, so the men accompany their wives, curious to see what we are doing.  We’ve had two teams recently – Village Baptist from Destin Florida and Woodlawn Baptist from Crestview Florida – provide humanitarian aid to over 300 families in villages just like this one.  Flour, sugar, oil, beans, pasta and other basics are distributed.  As I was helping one man carry his provisions to his home, he motioned for me to follow him into his yard where he proudly showed me his chickens, ducks and geese.  And then, as a way of thanking the group for what they did, he reached in and handed me three very freshly laid, warm eggs!  Others received freshly picked flowers along with very strong Turkish coffee.  What a difference you guys made in the lives of these people. 

If you’d like to visit another of our Balkan countries, we’ve got partners from Dogwood Trails Association (East Texas), Eastern Heights Baptist Church (Bartlesville Oklahoma) and MacArthur Boulevard (Irving Texas) ministering in Greece, Bosnia, and Montenegro respectively right now.  Can’t wait to hear their stories. We’ll even show you around the city we actually live in when we are in town!  We have beautiful cathedrals, lots of old wartime monuments, outdoor markets and a McDonalds or two to make you feel at home.

Are you ready to come? Can you help with some agriculture research?  Or do you have experience as a construction manager?  Maybe you are a doctor or a teacher, even a veterinarian.  We’d love to visit with you about joining us on our adventure! You’ll find your invitation in Acts 16:9.

Bonus Question:  Have you heard what the latest newest country in the world is?  Hint: it shares a border with Macedonia and Montenegro. 

God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Ephesians 3:20

Charles & Carol Baker

cc2balkans@yahoo.com

An Opportunity to Serve in Romania

Following a mission trip to Romania, Stan Ray and his wife established a non-profit charity, Emanuel Agriculture Development, for the purpose of supporting the ministry of a private Christian University in Oradea, Romania. Their objective is to establish a formal college-level agribusiness and economic development program to help the Romanian people prosper in the free market economy. By teaching modern business principles and practices, but in the context of agriculture, people in rural communities throughout Romania will learn how to establish commercially-viable farming operations that provide economic stability and prosperity for their families, their communities and their country.

They are currently seeking opportunities to meet with potential sponsors as well as those interested in traveling to Romania to share their agribusiness expertise. If you would like to be involved, you may contact Stan Ray at sray@agdevelopment.org or visit their website at www.agdevelopment.org.

First Baptist Church of Huntsville, Texas

and

The Restorative Justice Ministries of North America

Welcome Back Ministry connects the men and women released from prison as well as their families with churches across Texas and the United States. Every year this ministry impacts about 50,000 of the70,000 men and women released from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Over the past years, it has been discovered that out of the nearly 150 men released daily from the Huntsville prison, less than 10 are connected with a local church. As volunteers meet daily with these families, they are discovering that many are willing to give a local church a chance and others are willing to start some type of Bible study group in their homes.

• Churches are needed to minister to ex-offenders and their families so these families would be connected with a local church.
• Churches are needed to mentor/train an off campus Bible study group.
• Individuals are needed to minister to ex-offenders and their families or to lead a Bible study group.

Click here for Volunteer Registration Form

View Video

£  £  £  £  £  £  £  £

Vince Rowe is with Outreach Event Ministries. He and his family have served as missionaries for the past four years in New England with the North American Mission Board and the Baptist Convention of New England serving as church planters, evangelists, consultants, and evangelism trainers. Their specialty is helping churches engage the community around them through event based evangelism by providing evangelism training, event planning, assimilation training and assistance. For assistance with:

 

• Community Assessment
• Equipping and Training
• Church Assessment

Sunday School Training

You may contact Vice Rowe at www.OutreachEventMinistries.com or by email at Vince@OutreachEventMinistries.com

£  £  £  £  £  £  £  £

Reaching Communities for

Jesus Christ

Team Impact reaches into the heartbeat of your community through effective school assemblies that motivate young people to make the right choices for a successful future.Team Impact holds over 700 assemblies each year speaking face to face with over 700,000 students. Having built an encouragement arsenal that equips students with hope and purpose to face the challenges of life, Team Impact is making a difference. By investing in this generation, we will see positive change and promise for the future of our children.

School Assembly Website: www.team-impact.net

Team Impact truly believes that God desires to use every local body of believers to extend His Kingdom. It is this belief that leads us into communities rural and urban, partnering with Bible believing churches of every size, shape and makeup. Team Impact is ideally suited for churches looking for creative evangelism but unwilling to water down the message of the cross; a church focused on reaching all generations and people from every walk of life. As well, Team Impact sees tremendous results in reaching entire cities and communities through the combined efforts of several churches or ministerial alliances. Whether your church is large or small, you have the potential of reaching your entire community for Jesus Christ.

View Video

TRANSFORMING APARTMENT LIVING

THROUGH CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

Apartment Life - You bring a heart for your neighbors.....we provide the apartment

Apartment Life is a simple yet powerful and scalable strategy for reaching apartment communities for Christ. Apartment Life partners with apartment owners and local churches to place CARES Teams into apartment communities to help management build a sense of community and serve residents. CARES Teams are provided a rent-free apartment and are responsible for welcoming new residents, planning social functions and being available in times of special need for the staff and residents. These activities position CARES Teams as the "hub" of community life and provide the platform for building spiritual relationships, sharing the gospel and connecting residents to the church.

CARES is many things, but the bottom line is that it is an opportunity for lives to be changed. Do you have a passion for building authentic community and sharing the love of Christ with your neighbors? Apartment Life provides free apartments for CARES Teams (married couple or two single adults) to do just that! Select communities near our church and across the city are waiting for teams.

Visit http://www.caresteam.org/ for more details and to begin the process toward a

life-transforming experience.