Praying for the Bahamas Team - John

Having been to the Bahamas' on mission trips several times since the year 2000, it is with great anticipation that I return after a few years absence. I am excited to take a team down that has not been on this type of mission field before.  Of course, all the residents at All Saints Camp where we are going to serve are either HIV positive or have full blown aids.  In the Bahamas, if you are found to have this type of condition, you are taken to a camp like this and left with whatever you may have been able to take.  You may or may not see your family or relatives again.  The camp is just up the hill from the constant reminder for those who have aids - a local cemetery.  We are going on this trip from first to serve our Lord who in His Word says go.  We are also going so that we can get more of our members into the mission field (it is the one thing that will cause us as Christians and our church to grow). We also want to see if this is something we want our youth to be part of in the future and lastly, to look at the mission itself to see if it is something we want to support as part of our missions program.  Please be in prayer for our hearts and minds to be open to our Lord's will and direction and that we would honor Him in all we do, say and think.  
The two missionaries, Tim and Felicia, we have known since the year 2000 when I all went down on a short term mission trip with them and did so again for the next few years.  Tim and Felicia listened to God, sold all they had, solicited support and went there full time as missionaries.  To watch Tim feed Garvin, who can not feed himself or to watch Felicia fix one of the ladies hair (she used to have her own hair salon) is really seeing God's people doing for what our Lord calls the least of these.  I know our Lord will use the folks going down to recruit others to come join us as we hope. We are praying to make all our trips annual trips just with many different folks going each time.  There is no reason that everyone at NBCC can not go into the mission field for a short time. God has something for each of us to do, all we have to do is GO.
  


John Hartley
Bahamas Team Member
Missions Team Chair

Kristian's Kaleidoscope (Installment 4)

Thank you everyone at NBCC for all the support and love. For those who don’t know, yesterday was my first sermon here and the feedback was great. I truly enjoyed preaching, and I praise God for the opportunity to do so. If you missed me this time don’t worry I preach again the 24th at the 8:30 service. I have to say it was great doing a sermon on worry, I felt if I were going to tell people not to worry then I myself could not be worried. So I gave the sermon to God, and He took care of the rest. Also, I taught my first C2 class, which was awesome for all those kids just graduating or if you’re still in your twenties. Come check us out up stairs in Troy’s office at 9:30. This week in C2, we went over spiritual gifts. If you’re wondering what your spiritual gift is, then come by C2 and fill out a spiritual gift evaluation sheet. Next week in class, we look forward to seeing how we can use our spiritual gifts to further the kingdom.

I know I say this every week, but I truly mean it, thank you NBCC for all you have done for me, I am so blessed to be a part of this family! God is doing big things in me and in this church, so may all the praise go to Him. With that I have to say, it’s been great every Sunday seeing the 10:30 service packed out. Every Sunday, we are seeing more and more new faces. The growth that is happening to me and to NBCC is all due to our great God! I can’t wait to see how full the church is going to be at the end of summer when school starts back. Though with so many great things planned for summer, we can’t rush things. Stay tuned and read those bulletins for great upcoming events.

I pray that this week everyone at NBCC will feel a sense of peace and not worry about the things of this world. With last Sunday being on worry, it is my wish that each member will truly seek the kingdom of God and let all other worries fall to the waste side. Let Jesus become all you worry about; let His kingdom be your treasure and desires and lets all leave our worries at the cross.


Kristian 
Ministry Intern


 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Kristian's Kaleidoscope (Installment 3)

It has been another great week here at NBCC, I am learning so much every day. God has truly blessed me by bringing me to such a great church. One of the many things I have all ready learned here about ministry and work in general is that one minute you can have nothing to do and the next minute your swamped. You can all of the sudden have so much work you don’t know how you’re going to finish it. Also, I have become informed about some great places to eat here in south Tampa. I think I need to start blogging about all the different places I eat with Troy. We go to some great restaurants and some not so great ones. On that note, I do have to say that Troy and all the staff here are taking good care of me. It is quite a home here at NBCC. 
This week I had two privileges. One was seeing Kagan Moss and Syd Morris at St. Joes and the second was having a relaxing memorial day. I am pleased to say that both people are doing well and seem to be in high spirits. They both are looking toward to coming home, as well as both missing church and all of you. They thank you for the support and care.  However, they ask that you still keep them in your prayers. I hope all of you had a great memorial day, I know I did. I found it quite relaxing. We need more Mondays off of if you ask me. At Johnson University, were I attend, we never have class on Mondays. You just can’t help but get used to that extra day. 
Get ready for this Sunday! Three ministers are preaching three different sermons at three different times, so it’s triple the fun. It is a secret - who’s preaching at what time, though. You will just have to come and find out. A hint to our topic, however…. “Just don’t worry.” 
Well continue to pray for me as I start another week. I see God moving in me and in the church. God is doing great things here, we must praise him and continue in his footsteps. 


Kristian
Ministry Intern


 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future(Jeremiah 29:11).

The Wonder of Worship

                              “Worship” What does it mean?

Worship…I wish I had a great acrostic to help us understand what the word truly means. The first time the word worship is used in the Bible is in Genesis 22:5. Abraham said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will “worship” and then we will come back to you."  Do you remember the story?

Abraham was told by God to go to Mount Moriah and sacrifice his only son, Isaac as a burnt offering. I am not sure if he told any one else, especially his wife Sarah, but Abraham was faithful in doing what God had expected.  Abraham took Isaac and the servants went on their way. They were not carrying any instruments for playing music. They brought a donkey, loaded with needed supplies. They were just being obedient and following God’s command, and bringing a sacrifice. If I chose a word for the “W” in worship it would represent WONDER.  When we worship we are in awe and WONDER of our heavenly Father. We don’t have to sing, although it is a great way to show God your innermost thoughts. All we truly need is to have ears to hear, and a willingness to bring our sacrifice of praise to Him.

The Psalmist writes, “Show the wonder of Your great love, You who save by Your right hand” (Ps 17:7)

Is there any WONDER why we WORSHIP?

In “His” love & service,

David 

Kristian's Kaleidoscope: Surviving Week One (Installment 2)

            I did it! I survived me first week here as NBCC’s intern. Though it was all so new and a lot to take in, my first week was great. All ready I have learned loads about ministry from this internship. I loved meeting all the great people here. Everyone was so nice and welcoming, I feel like I am in one big family. I just want to say “thank you NBCC for making me feel so welcomed.”  I truly feel like I am part of the body of Christ while here.

            My first week started out fast. First, Troy gave me a rundown of the church, and I have to say this place is beautiful. There is a lot of room for growth and a relevant feel here. However, my favorite part of the church has to be the big blue boat outside.

After I got the grand tour, it was time to help out with the food pantry. If you didn’t know, several beautiful women come here every Monday morning and create food bags for the needy. Then on Tuesday, we hand the food out to anyone who shows up. Having worked with Knoxville’s Lost Sheep ministry, a non-profit organization for the needy, I felt right at home talking to the different people who came in and handing out food.

One of the mandatory duties of my internship is to attend church meetings and on Tuesday I had my first staff meeting. I learned staff meetings can be done in 20 minutes, and you get most everything accomplished in the first 15 of those minutes. However what would be the fun of that? The staff meeting was well structured and informational but with a comedic undertone. I learned from the meeting that a church must be organized and always looking ahead but ready to deal with adversity with a sense of humor.

For my internship, I was asked to start a Bible reading plan. If you don’t know what that is, it is a scheduled outline for day-to-day readings that will take you through the Bible. I would encourage others to try a Bible reading plan. Every plan is different some are linear going start to finish in chronological order. Others are comprehensive, and some biographical. You can choose any plan for a set number of days or months, as you like. (I chose a biographical plan). They are a great way to expand your knowledge of the Bible while growing deeper with Christ.

I was also privileged Wednesday to attend Troy’s class. I would encourage those who have not yet been or who are thinking of coming to a Wednesday night class, to try out Troy’s. Right now, we are in a series called “I tell you the truth” which follows Jesus through the gospels. Troy also teaches C2, a college and career class for young adults. C2 is more youth engaged and for young couples. I look forward to teaching both on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings. I will start the week of the 27, so be ready to learn, and know that God is going to do great things this summer!

The last thing I did my first week was probably the greatest. I had the honor of accompanying John Meisenbach on a hospital visit. John is such a well of knowledge; I am blessed to have him and Troy teaching me ministry. While at the hospital, John taught me the do’s and don’ts of a clergymen, being able to be light to someone in a dark place is what ministry is all about. I have learned so much just from my first week. God has truly blessed all the staff of NBCC with vast wisdom. I look forward to my continued mentoring, and progress here.

Kristian

Ministry Intern

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 

Marriage Mentor: A Great Reminder

I read this the other day and realized how much our marriages would be improved if we lived this way.

From Devotions for a Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas; "A Soul Filled with God" on p. 9:

Personal worship is an absolute necessity for a strong marriage. It comes down to this: If I stop receiving from God, I start demanding from others. Instead of appreciating and loving and serving others, I become disappointed in them. Instead of cherishing my wife, I become aware of her shortcomings. I take out my frustrations with a less-than-perfect life and somehow blame her for my lack of fulfillment.
But when my heart gets filled by God's love and acceptance, I'm set free to love instead of worrying about being loved. I'm motivated to serve instead of becoming obsessed about whether I'm being served. I'm moved to cherish instead of feeling unappreciated. 

I am by no means an expert on marriage (just ask Troy!), but this definitely speaks to what I know about God. He created us for relationships but wants us to choose Him above all else. I know that I have always found it be true that if Troy and I are having problems, one or both of us is having an issue with God. I know that one of my greatest struggles is putting my husband second to God. I adore my husband but, without a doubt, if I seek to find my worth in him, he will do something that disappoints or hurts me. When I seek to find my worth in Christ, I can offer Troy complete support, encouragement and love. hhhmmmm....I guess, just like everything in life, marriage works best when "personal worship" or filling your life with Christ comes first.


Kelly Borst

Mission Moment - Steppin' Stone Farm

Remember the group of young ladies that came and sang for us a few weeks ago?  They were from Steppin’ Stone Farms.  Well, a group of us from the Missions Committee as well as a couple others went to Steppin’ Stone Farm on Saturday, May 5, 2012.  When we first arrived we were greeted by Lady –Steppin’ Stone’s mascot – a super friendly basset hound.  Lady walked with us to Cindy’s home where she began the tour.  She walked us down the path to the school.  There’s a bell outside the school that the girls that graduate from the program get to ring upon their completion.  On our way to the cottages (aptly named Faith, Hope and Love) Cindy told us how she was actually a participant in the program years ago – what a testament to God’s great plan that He took her from a bad situation (most of the girls are court ordered to be in the program) and led down a path that would bring her to a place where she is now passing on what she was taught all those years ago.

Cindy left us in good hands with two of the senior girls.  One will be graduating from the program this month and going off to college in August.  The other young lady is graduating from high school early and will be heading off to the Air Force to become a nurse.  They took us on the rest of the tour which included the area where the animals are that the girls are responsible for taking care of, especially when they receive demerits.  They have chickens, ducks, goats and pigs.  They also have horses, which they get to ride when they receive good merit points. A little further down the path we came upon where they have bon-fires - a good place to roast a hotdog or marshmallow and fellowship.  Further down the path is an outside area to have service.  Being out in nature like that – how can you not see the wonders of our God!  Next to that was the pond.  They’ve done baptisms there in the past – but Cindy says it always seems to rain when they would try to hold them (tears of joy from our Lord, I say).  So, now they do the baptisms at Cindy’s husband’s church (He’s the pastor there).

The girls treated us to breakfast for lunch.  It’s their traditional Saturday lunch.  Right before lunch, a few girls shared their testimonies.  It was wonderful to hear how their lives were changing/improving due to their surrender to the Lord and allowing the Spirit to lead them.  After lunch the girls sang a song for us – it’s called Blessings – by Laura Story – and what a blessing it was to hear those young ladies sing.


The funds that NBCC sends in support of this mission are definitely going to good use.  They have a good success rate (the rules are that a girl only gets one chance at Steppin’ Stone and Cindy shared that many of the graduates are doing well) and a great program.  I invite you all to check out their site to see/read more about them and/or to get involved.  They always need volunteers and have additional needs to be filled.  So come and join the mission committee or join us on one of our next field trips and get involved.  There will be more information provided in future bulletins and announcements.  We look forward to seeing you with us.


Pam Rosky