Tuesday, October 27, 2009

"Defend the Cause of the Fatherless..." (Is 1:17)

The following poem was written by Antwone Fisher, an orphan boy who grew up in the foster care system in the US. His questions apply to orphans everywhere:

Who will cry for the little boy lost and all alone?

Who will cry for the little boy abandoned without his own?

Who will cry for the little boy who cries himself to sleep?

Who will cry for the little boy who never had for keeps?

Who will cry for the little boy who walked through burning sand?

Who will cry for the little boy, the boy inside the man?

Who will cry for the little boy who knew well hurt and pain?

Who will cry for the little boy who died and died again?

Who will cry for the little boy, a good boy he tried to be?

Who will cry for the little boy who cries inside of me?

-Antwone Fisher

As we prepare, as a church body, for an emphasis during the month of November on justice and mercy ministries... let's begin earnestly praying for the estimated 147 million orphans around the world. As Isaiah 1:17 says, "Learn to do good, seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan and plead the widow's cause."

Monday, October 12, 2009

October Gatherings...

Join us Tuesday, Oct. 13th...
* 11:30 AM at TBC East Parlor with Melba Wiggins
* 1:00 PM at TBC West 126 as guest speaker, Amy Thornton, shares about her recent trip to Ukraine
* 6:00 PM at TBC West 126 before traveling to visit the Lighthouse Rescue Mission to meet with Director Kenneth Thronson


Monday, September 14, 2009

Coming Soon to the Oasis...

Read one Cambodian woman's testimony of how God is using WorldCrafts to protect a family from the temptation of selling their daughter into sex slavery here.... WC items coming soon to the Oasis!




(Pictures from mission trip last year to Vietnam & Cambodia)

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Renee McLain speaks to Women on Mission

What is Women on Mission? Women on Mission is a missions organization through which women pray for and give to missions, do missions, learn about missions, grow spiritually toward a missions lifestyle, and participate in the work of the church and denomination.
How Can I Get Involved? TBC Women on Mission is an open group that gathers on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at three different times:
11:30 AM @ the East Campus Parlor
1:00 PM @ West Campus Room 126
6:00 PM @ West Campus Room 126
Contact the Church Office for more information and specific ongoing mission opportunities: 601.450.3000
Special Guest Speaker: Renee McLain
We were privileged to welcome Renee and moved by her testimony of the journey God has put she and her husband, Ron, on thus far... Her primary challenge to each of us was the understanding that we are all missionaries. God has set us apart for good works for the glory of His Name. We must continue to pray for one another and do so earnestly. She shared about the spiritual climate of Belgium (including most, if not all of Europe), being a common state of apathy. People don't care what you believe... God is not even a part of their thinking or vocabulary. Though they possess an entirely different worldview, they like to be and desire to be loved.

One of the many convicting things shared, was the story of a Pakistani believer who was a student where they serve. Another believer connected she and the McLains upon hearing of her struggle due to the lack of persecution. In Pakistan, every day was a matter of life and death as a Christian for her. In Belgium, no one cared. The oppressive state of apathy was warring against her soul. Shortly after this student was connected with the McLains, they heard of the horrific murder of one of their daughters back in Mississippi. As they grieved together, the student said, "Renee, you are being persecuted for the glory of God." This same student, Renee shared, has since returned to Pakistan and prays daily for persecution... that by living under it she would look more like Jesus, who is the hope of glory!

May you, whatever your circumstances, find grace to walk for His Glory!

Monday, September 7, 2009


We would love for you to join us this Tuesday, as we have the privilege of welcoming Renee McLain.

Renee will share her testimony about the work God is doing in Europe and in her own life. Renee and her husband, Ron, serve as IMB missionaries to Brussels, Belgium. They are currently stateside enduring the murder trial of one of their daughters. Come show your support as a sister shares about the grace of God in the midst of pain and His glory among the nations. Invite a friend or neighbor!

What: Women on Mission
When: Two opportunities -
September 8 @ 1 p.m. or 6 p.m.
Where: Temple West Campus room WC132

Saturday, August 29, 2009

"A Mother's Heart" Bible Study

A Mother’s Heart

beginning

Wednesday, September 9

9:30 a.m.

Ladies if you desire:

* to know God more deeply

* to study His word

* to fellowship with other women

* to be encouraged

Then you need to join us!

Childcare provided.

Book: A Virtuous Woman: shattering the Superwoman Myth

By Vicki Courtney

Contact: Christy Moorehead at 601.296.1233

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Ladies - Don't Forget: Christmas in August THIS Sunday!

Giving shortfall risks Southern Baptists' opportunity to re-engage closed country

8/20/2009

By Don Graham

RICHMOND, Va. (BP)--A rare opportunity to place missionaries in a highly restricted Central Asian country may soon slip through Southern Baptists’ fingers due to a serious shortfall in missions giving.

The country — which can’t be named without risking missionaries’ chances of obtaining a visa — is home to more than several million people, mostly Muslim. Only about 2,000 are believed to be evangelical Christians.

Shane and Melanie Johnson* were on track to become the first Southern Baptist personnel to serve inside the country in nearly a decade. But now that plan is in jeopardy.

On July 10, the Johnsons received word from IMB (International Mission Board) that their missionary appointment had been put on hold.

“It hurts,” Melanie said. “It’s really sad that in times of crisis [giving to] the church and charities is the first thing to go.”

“We want to go to one of those places on the map of lostness that’s totally black, where there is nobody there,” Shane said. “We know the Bible is clear about the Great Commission. We are to make sure that someone from every tribe, tongue and nation bows before the throne of God and praises His name.”

The Johnsons are among 69 long-term missionary candidates who are being delayed because of a lack of funds to send them to the field. That’s in addition to an estimated 350 short-term candidates who also are on hold.

In May IMB announced it would severely limit the number of missionaries sent in 2009 due to reduced giving through the Cooperative Program and a $29 million dollar shortfall in the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. More than half of IMB’s annual budget comes from the Lottie Moon offering, 100 percent of which is used to send and sustain more than 5,600 Southern Baptist missionaries serving overseas.

The goal for the 2008 offering (which funds the 2009 budget) was $170 million, but only $141 million was received, $9 million less than last year.

But even if there were no shortfall, getting the Johnsons inside that Central Asian country won’t be easy.

Southern Baptist missionaries began spreading the Gospel there for the first time in 1993 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. But by the year 2000 all missionaries had been asked to leave. That left behind 500 new Christians and a young church struggling to survive under intense persecution.

Since that time missionaries have been painstakingly training and discipling national believers by flying them in and out of the country. Though that strategy has seen success, it’s also slow, cumbersome and expensive, which is why IMB wants personnel living in country again.

WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY

Kris Plummer* leads Southern Baptists’ efforts to spread the Gospel in this area of Central Asia, including the country where the Johnsons want to serve. Once inside, he said their goal will be to lay the groundwork for IMB to re-establish a presence there.

Before they were delayed, the Johnsons planned to arrive in early 2010. But due to the financial shortfall, that isn’t likely to happen until that summer— at least a six-month delay. Plummer said the longer they wait, the risk is the situation may change.

“Right now we have a window of opportunity to try and place them in [the country],” he explained. “But we don’t know how long that window’s going to be open. … We’re ready to take advantage of this opportunity, but if this delay stretches out too long the window may close on us.

“It’s a disappointment because we’ve been trying to get back into [this country] for so long. … When we got the word the Johnsons were delayed, it’s just one more barrier to cross. And it’s a barrier that really shouldn’t be there.

“It’s not a question of Southern Baptists having money — even in this financial crisis Southern Baptists have money,” concluded Plummer. “It’s more of a question of what’s their priority for spending that money.”

Maybe even rarer than the window to enter the country, Plummer said, are missionaries willing to pioneer the work there — alone.

“Like most things in Central Asia, you never know until you try, and even when things look very wide open they can slam shut very quickly,” he said. “The glorious thing is we’ve got somebody like the Johnsons who are willing to try. Those kind of people don’t come around every day, and I want to take advantage of their heart and desire.”

PERSONAL HARDSHIP

Besides risking their chance to enter the country, the Johnsons say the delay is also causing them significant personal hardships as well.

They’ve both just graduated from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., and were planning to transition straight to the mission field. But now, without jobs, they’ll have to live with Melanie’s family in order to save money.

“Because of the delay we’ve rescheduled our whole plan for the next eight or nine months,” Shane said. “It was tough to come to terms with but it’s water under the bridge at this point.”

Adding to their stress is the impact the delay will have on their growing family. Midway through the application process the Johnsons found out they were pregnant with their first child. They were counting on IMB salary and medical benefits by the time the baby arrived, but the delay makes that impossible. They have some health insurance available through GuideStone Financial Resources, but the rest will have to come from Medicaid and their savings.

“The bottom line is that God has always provided for us,” Shane said. “We’re not in debt at all; we’ve made it through seminary … He’s going to take care of us just like He always has.”

TRUE COST OF DELAY

The greatest impact from the delay, the Johnsons said, will be on the peoples of Central Asia that God has asked them to serve.

“We’ll never know what the time we missed overseas might have resulted in as far as yields for the Gospel,” Shane said. “Even one believer can multiply exponentially and have a tremendous impact for the Gospel. … That’s the true cost [of the financial shortfall], and we’ll never really know what that is.”

*Names changed.

Don Graham is a writer for IMB.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

WorldCrafts Display

One way you can support missionaries and the poor or abused abroad is by investing their livelihood. Check out: www.worldcraftsvillage.com

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Loving the Poor

"Blessed is the one who considers the poor!" Psalm 41:1a
This August the Women on Mission will have a foyer display of World Crafts items. If you are looking for birthday, Christmas or any other kind of gift, this is one practical way to invest in the needs of others. Many of our IMB missionaries across the world work in ministries that employ the poorest of poor, teach them a trade and help them reintegrate into society. This is one way you can support these artisan groups while buying meaningful gifts for your friends and family.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Tickets NOW Available!

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Sights and Sounds from the Clothes Closet...

Some Sights and Reflections from Saturday's Clothes Closet...

"I am sunburned, exhausted, and totally blessed by giving away clothes to sweet, grateful people!  What a wonderful day!"

"I was able to help everyday this week, except for Tuesday.  It was amazing that God sent everything we needed just in time every day... when we needed help, it was there... when we had help, but needed more to do, others would bring in a load of clothes. The generosity of the church family was overwhelming... our cup runneth over."  


"It was just an amazing blessing to see God's people reaching out into the community. I sat back and looked around at all the clothes we had collected.... Someone asked if we had been collecting them for a year... They weren't kidding :)  Also seeing the Temple family helping everyone with everything you can imagine... I'm just so glad I got to be a part of it."


"My favorite story of the day is from a woman whose daughter teaches school in Baton Rouge. The daughter has many students who were relocated from the Ninth Ward after Katrina, and they still have very little. The daughter calls the mom each week with specific sizes of children who are especially needy, and the mom takes her Saturday mornings to shop at garage sales for the needed clothing. She walked away with two bags of clothing for the students and was excited about going to Baton Rouge tomorrow to take the clothes to her daughter."


"Today, my favorite part was interacting with the ladies who wanted to see what we were hanging up as we got it out of the bags! They were so sweet and grateful :)  One quote from someone leaving with bags of clothes today, 'It's a blessing any way you figure it...Thank you'.  I also had a sweet moment when I sat down on the steps for a break and was immediately surrounded by three little girls... one who did not speak English, only Spanish...they were so cute, and talking to them made my day!"  



My favorite quote of the day was "Thank you."

Thanks to all who were able to participate.  To God be the Glory great things He hath done!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Clothes Closet - THIS WEEK!

"I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." Matt. 25:35-36
Join us MAY 2nd 
at Lighthouse Rescue Mission 
as we share with our neighbors in need!
* Pre-Sorted Clothing Donations Accepted in WC 140 this week *
* Volunteers still welcomed to help with additional sorting, managing and lifting *

Friday, April 17, 2009

Clothes Closet on May 2nd!


"I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."  Matthew 25:35-36

There are people all around us with all kinds of needs.  Sometimes we feel like we have to leave the country in order to do something glorious for HIS Name sake...when in reality, we just need to open our eyes to the needs of our neighbors.  What an awesome opportunity the clothes closet at Lighthouse Rescue Mission will be to "open our hands that we may share His grace".

*WE STILL NEED CLOTHES and VOLUNTEERS*  

Please PRE-Sort clothes in the following bags: Women, Men, Boys, Girls, Babies, Shoes.  

Please SIGN-UP to help receive, sort or help the day of the event through the church office.

Clothes can be dropped off in WC 140 all day Monday (4/27) - Friday (5/1)

We especially need MEN to help with heavy lifting and crowd control on Friday (5/1) and Saturday (5/2)

Please continue to pray for this event as we seek to meet the needs of those around us.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Coming Up...


"Connecting Women to Christ and to His Mission"...

Clothes Closet - May 2nd
(Volunteers NEEDED)

National Day of Prayer - May 7th

Extraordinary Women Conference - May 15th - 17th

Jan Silvious @ TBC - August 15th

Monday, March 30, 2009

"Living Proof Live with Beth Moore" THIS WEEKEND!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

TBC Missionary Reception this Sunday!

Let us "Partner in Prayer with Mike, Melissa (& Dillon) for the people of Asia"

Join us Sunday (3/29) afternoon from 2 PM - 4 PM for a Reception honoring this family in the West Campus Grand Foyer
"Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit.  For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." 1 Corinthians 3:5-6

Prayer Requests...
* Openness of people's hearts to the gospel of Christ
* Favor with leaders
* Direction in creating a plan for multiplying discipleship
* Preparations and details for leaving the country, as well as arrival in country
* Discipline in learning a new language

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Women's Ministry Sponsored Mission Project

WHAT:           One day Clothes Closet

WHEN:           Saturday, May 2nd

TIME: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

WHERE: Lighthouse Rescue Mission 

HOW:            We will be collecting clothing at the CAC  Monday (4/27) – Thursday (4/30) and will transport donations to the Mission on Friday (5/1) 

NEEDED:            VOLUNTEERS. Sign up in the foyer following morning worship or call the church office:

·      Publicity 

·      Set-Up 

·      Hospitality 

·      Clean-Up 

·      Security 

DONATION GUIDELINES:

     1. Please do not donate used underwear, torn or worn out clothing OR any  inappropriate attire

     2. Please separate clothing in separate bags labeled in the following ways:

MEN

WOMEN

BABIES

BOYS

GIRLS

SHOES

This will help with our set-up, thank you!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Women on Mission

Each year, we honor the life and work of Annie Walker Armstrong (1850-1938) when we give to the annual offering for North American missions named after her. As a tireless servant of God and a contagious advocate and supporter of mission efforts throughout the world, Annie Armstrong led women to unite in mission endeavors that ultimately led to the formation of Woman's Missionary Union, for which she served as the first corresponding secretary.

Annie believed in Christ with all her heart, but it was her hands that expressed that belief in tangible ways. She spent a great amount of time typing and handwriting letters in support of missions. Many of these letters were quite lengthy and all were filled with conviction that more could and should be done in our mission efforts.  In 1893 alone, she wrote almost 18,000 letters! Annie also never hesitated to use her hands to reach out to hug a child or distribute food and clothing and the Word of God to those in need. Her hands held her own Bible as she studied to know how best to share Gods love with others. And, most important, Annie was a woman of prayer, folding her hands in prayer to intercede for the missionaries and for those they were helping discover Christ. (Taken from www.anniearmstrong.com)

Stay Tuned for more information on one of the many practical ways you can 'use your hands to express your belief in tangible ways' through the Women's Ministry sponsored Clothes Closet... VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Friday, March 6, 2009

Sole Sisters: If the Shoe Fits

Thursday evening we enjoyed a wonderful evening of worship, fellowship, celebration and discovery of what the Bible teaches about spiritual gifts.  Speakers Christy Gibson and Judi Jackson each modeled their own variety of giftedness through their presentation.  Here are a few highlights from their notes...

A Spiritual Gift is the supernatural equipping given by the Triune God to believers to do the work of the church.

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.  To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."  1 Corinthians 12:4-7 

What are the gifts?  There are different listings found in Scripture:
* Romans 12:6-8
* 1 Corinthians 12:8-10; 28-31
* Ephesians 4:11-12
* 1 Peter 4:10-11

How do gifts work in the body?
* Build up
* Unify
* Do the the work of the church

A Few Spiritual GIfts Resources:

During the course of the evening, participants were able to browse a display not only of fabulous shoes but of various ministry opportunities.  Our prayer is that you will take the time to discover your spiritual gift and then (from the words of our speaker)...
PRAY - ask God for insight
PLAY - "try on" ministries that interest you and see if they "fit"
SAY "HEY!" - ask your co-laborers in Christ for insight

If the shoe fits, wear it!


Many of you remain curious about the instructions to bring "gently worn shoes"... Soon you will learn more about a wonderful opportunity to partner with a local ministry for a one day clothes closet.  Mark your calendars for May 2nd and Stay tuned for more information!!!





Sunday, February 22, 2009

Mentoring and Mentor Training Opportunities...

Mentor Training
Six Sundays beginning March 8th
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
WC226
Join us as we work through the book "Woman to Woman: Preparing Yourself to Mentor"


Mentoring
(Mentors Pictured Above from Left to Right: Ms. EllaMae, Ms. Pat, Ms. Vivian, & Ms. Nita)

"Becoming a Titus 2 Woman"
Every Other Tuesday Evening 
Resumes on March 10th
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
TBC East Campus
Join us as we study Titus 2, as well as other Scriptures, to learn how to be godly women and adorn this glorious Gospel.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Mark Your Calendars...

"Living Proof Live" with Beth Moore


April 3-4, 2009
New Orleans Arena
Tickets: 1.800.254.2022 or www.lifeway.com
If you are interested in connecting with others to carpool contact Rhonda Torres at 601.297.7871
-----
"Extraordinary Women Conference: Free to Be Real"
May 15-17, 2009
BJCC Arena in Birmingham, AL 
Cost is $180 Leave Friday, May 15th at 8:00 AM and return Sunday, May 17th by 5:00 PM.  Featuring: Chonda Pierce, Angela Thomas, Thelma Wells, Stormie Omartian, Karen Kingsbury, NewSong and Matthew West.

For Information & to Sign Up call Margaret Howton 601.544.8120

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Building Connections...

"Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."  Hebrews 10:24-25

On Saturday (Valentine's Day) morning, several of our fabulous ladies involved in women's ministry leadership gathered together for a time of fellowship, prayer, celebration of what God is doing, encouragement and a little brainstorming of ways to build better connections.  Here are a few pictures so you can know who we are.  We look forward to getting to know you more in our journey to know God through Jesus and to make Him known! 
(ABOVE: Some of our Women's Bible Study Leaders including our Military Ministry Director)
(ABOVE: Some of our Women on Mission Leadership Team)
(ABOVE: Our Women's Ministry Planning Committee)

Our Mission: Connecting Women to Christ and to His Mission

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Getting Connected...

We would like to invite you to become a part of the women's ministry at Temple Baptist Church as we grow in the grace, love and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. There are numerous opportunities available for you to get involved. Through in depth Bible studies, prayer, fellowship gatherings, ministry events and mission projects throughout the year, you will have meaningful and fulfilling opportunities to enrich your heart, encourage your spirit and expand your ministry. We look forward to connecting with you!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Please make plans to join us on March 5th as we discover our spiritual gifts and explore various ways to utilize those gifts for edifying the Body of believers and ultimately bringing glory to God!

Followers