A perspective on Global Missions.
F E B R U A R Y GO&MAKE 1
IN THIS ISSUE 14 COVER STORY: IN MY LIFETIME Lead Pastor Greg St. Cyr shares about the responsibility each of us has to advance the gospel and make disciples of Jesus in our lifetime.
10 LEADERSHIP PROFILE: AMY FRENCH Short Term Missions Volunteer Staff member Amy French shares her story of coming to faith and how one mission trip to Ghana radically changed the trajectory of her life.
We appreciate your comments and questions. Please email us at feedback@bayareacc.org and a staff member or elder will respond within 48 hours.
Gatherings: Saturday, 5:20 p.m. & Sunday, 7:50, 9:20, 11:20 a.m.
MAGAZINE CREDITS EDITOR Meredith Thompson ASSISTANT EDITOR Abbie Hoekstra ART DIRECTOR Josh Shirlen ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR Arianne Teeple LEAD DESIGNER Josh Burgin DESIGNER Jake Williams CONTRIBUTORS Allen Smith Michele Rollins Sam Logan
On the cover: Jim Hiskey Photo by Josh Shirlen
2 GO&MAKE F E B R U A R Y
ELDERS Barry Willhite Bill Plenge Bill Smith Chris Heacock Don Wiley Greg St. Cyr J. Upton John Taylor Keith Riniker Ken Gilmore Merrill Hoekstra Peter Godfrey Rich Heath Roger Ishii Tim Grossman Tom Hogan Warwick Fairfax
884 Chesterfield Rd. Annapolis, MD 21401
410.544.2222
BAY AREA LEADERSHIP Allen Smith, Missional Communities Pastor - allen.smith@bayareacc.org Brent Squires, Student Ministry Pastor – brent.squires@bayareacc.org Brian Hopper, Annapolis Campus Pastor – brian.hopper@bayareacc.org Craig Fadel, Easton Campus Pastor – craig.fadel@bayareacc.org Gail Wiles, Campus Launch Director – gail.wiles@bayareacc.org Greg St. Cyr, Lead Pastor – greg.stcyr@bayareacc.org Janet Graves, Women’s Ministry Director – janet.graves@bayareacc.org Jason Barthelemy, Odenton Campus Pastor - jason.barthelemy@bayareacc.org Jerry Shirlen, Financial Administrator – jerry.shirlen@bayareacc.org Jocelyn Sacks, Missional Community Director – jocelyn.sacks@bayareacc.org Jonathan Madrid, Worship Leader – jonathan.madrid@bayareacc.org Josh Shirlen, arts – josh.shirlen@bayareacc.org Leanne Lane, Care Network Director – leanne.lane@bayareacc.org Meredith Thompson, Communications Director – meredith.thompson@bayareacc.org Michele Rollins, Short Term Missions Director - michele.rollins@bayareacc.org Pat Linnell, Teaching Pastor – pat.linnell@bayareacc.org Ron Dutton, Operations Director – ron.dutton@bayareacc.org
For a comprehensive list of all Bay Area staff, elders and deacons, please visit bayareacc.org/leadership
6 ALLEN’S EDITORIAL: CLOSING THE GAP Reflecting on his family’s time serving as missionaries in Peru, Missional Communities Pastor Allen Smith shares how God convicted them to make disciples not only of those they were there to serve, but the people at home in their neighborhood as well.
12 JOSEPH & THE PROMISE After completing his pastoral residency at Bay Area, Joseph Sharon led his wife and four children back to his home country of India to assume the mantle of leadership of International Cultural Bible Ministries, fulfilling a promise the Lord gave him 11 years ago.
F E B R U A R Y GO&MAKE 3
LETTER FROM THE LEAD
4 GO&MAKE F E B R U A R Y
Kind regards, many thanks, sincerely yours, warmly, with gratitude, yours truly. How do you sign your letters?
Following his message, Bill Bright asked those present to stand if willing to give their life to reaching the nations. I think I was the first one on my feet.
There are many appropriate ways, and obviously the context matters. The way we sign should be purposeful. To our family members and close friends, “Love.” To your boss, perhaps “Respectfully.” To someone who has lost a loved one, “With sympathy.”
I especially like his statement that “our Lord’s Great Commission is for every believer, not just for a few missionaries and pastors. … Every believer is commanded to be involved in helping to reach the world for Christ.” You and I are equally called to make disciples from here to the nations.
I have a very intentional way that for years I have signed my letters: “From here to the nations, Greg.” As we focus on global missions this month, I thought I’d share with you the life-changing moment that reoriented my life to embracing God’s global heart for the nations. At the time, I was only 18 years old. I remember the date and hour: December 31, 1977, at 9 p.m. in Dallas. Bill Bright, the founder and president of Cru, stood up to speak to about 2,500 university students. What followed were words that forever rocked my world: “Today I lay before you the greatest challenge ever given to humankind by the greatest person who has ever lived. No matter how wealthy, famous, brilliant or powerful you may be, you will never give yourself to any cause that can compare with this life-changing, even world-changing, call of God. No matter how many honors, awards or achievements may be placed in your hands, nothing can even begin to compare with this command of our Lord Jesus Christ to help take His message of love and forgiveness to every person in every community, in every city, in every country of the world and make disciples of all nations. … Our Lord’s Great Commission is for every believer, not just for a few missionaries and pastors who love our Lord. Every believer is commanded to be involved in helping to reach the world for Christ. Each of us has an important, God-given role to play in helping to reach the nations.”
As I write, I realize all of us have personal challenges and trials. That will always be the case. And yes, life is full and it is easy to focus on our personal needs. But when we make “self” the primary focus, we invite heartache and disappointment. Our sights need to be set on our triune God, His gospel, and His grand plan for the nations. As long as we are self-absorbed we miss out on fully participating in God’s redemptive story and the supernatural joy and adventure Jesus has for us. My prayer is that this month God will speak to you about His heart and your involvement in helping reach the nations. Perhaps something said during an upcoming sermon, from one of our global partners who will be visiting, or at the upcoming Souls Conference will forever rock your world as well. I sign my letters the way I do as a constant reminder that God has called me, and all who read the letters, to invest my life in making disciples from here to the nations.
So as always… From here to the nations,
Greg St. Cyr Lead Pastor Greg St. Cyr is the lead pastor at Bay Area Community Church and a monthly contributor to GO&MAKE.
“MAKING PASSIONATE, MATURING FOLLOWERS OF JESUS FROM HERE TO THE NATIONS.” BAY AREA’S MISSION STATEMENT
F E B R U A R Y GO&MAKE 5
By Allen Smith
6 GO&MAKE F E B R U A R Y
“Sandi, if we don’t figure out how to reach our neighbors, we’re moving to a different neighborhood by the end of this year!” That’s what I blurted out to my wife as we began our second term in Peru serving as cross-cultural missionaries. OK, I admit, that was not the most loving thing to tell her. I was more frustrated with myself than I was laying down an ultimatum. We loved the amenities of our neighborhood but weren’t really loving on our neighbors. For the first four years in Peru, I was commuting to ministry. Every day I would cram myself into an overcrowded combi (a minibus) that smelled like sweat and fish. Then I’d travel 45 minutes to another part of town to do my mission stuff all by myself. Back at home, Sandi and the girls did normal life stuff. As the gap between our mission and everyday life grew wider and wider, the Holy Spirit’s conviction grew stronger and stronger. You would think that by our second term in Peru, we would have figured out how to reach our neighbors! We shared our concern with several teammates who lived around the corner. We began to meet together to talk and pray about how we might live more missionally in our neighborhood. We went through Hugh Halter’s “Tangible Kingdom Primer” to help us get started. One of the assignments in the primer was to throw a party for our neighbors. We decided to throw a kid-friendly Halloween party, so we invited all the parents and their children from our girls’ kindergarten. We were so nervous! I remember decorating up to the last minute, not sure if anyone would come. As it turns out, the party was a huge success. After the party we invited our guests to join our Missional Community. A few joined, but most didn’t. Some of the families at the party became our closest friends, with whom we keep up to this day. For the first time during our time in Peru, our mission and everyday life overlapped. Our community got richer as our mission field became more focused. My family was no longer left behind in ministry. Sandi had a place to invite her non-
believing tennis friends. We began to bump into the parents from the party at the grocery store and the club. We were invited over to the homes of several families from the school. We had more opportunities to share the gospel and make disciples. It wasn’t until we realized our gap that we could take steps toward mission. Closing the gap between mission and everyday life is not easy. The first step to close the gap is realizing where you are. For me to close the gap, I had to realize that (1) I was commuting to my mission field and (2) I was trying to be a missionary alone. It wasn’t until we committed with other believers to reach our neighbors that our family began to mature more as followers of Christ. And in this community, our mission was no longer optional, occasional and fragmented; it became more intentional, ordinary and ongoing. If you have struggled like me, I invite you to take your next steps of faith to close the gap between your mission and normal life. Bay Area has developed an incredible tool called The Discipleship Pathway that can help you discover where you are on your faith journey (bayareacc.org/discipleshippathway). Once you understand where you are, I’m convinced the Holy Spirit will show you your next step. For me in Peru, God prompted our family to start a Missional Community in our neighborhood. Your next step might look different. No matter where you are, we all need each other. We have been “born again” into God’s family so that we can do this mission thing together. If you are not yet in a Missional Community, I invite you to come to Next Step (bayareacc.org/nextsteps) to learn how you might find your missional family. Paul promises that when each family member does his or her own part, “it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love” (Ephesians 4:16, NLT). It’s my prayer that by the end of this year, we’ll take steps together to close the missional gap so that we might all mature as Christ’s family.
Allen Smith is the Missional Community pastor at Bay Area Community Church and a firsttime contributer to GO&MAKE.
F E B R U A R Y GO&MAKE 7
By Abbie Hoekstra
8 GO&MAKE F E B R U A R Y
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28). Even before Mirella and Carlos met in their early childhood in Peru, God had been writing their story and life together. Though the trials they faced nearly tore them apart, the Lord redeemed every aspect of their relationship and brought them to Him - the author and healer of all. By ages 14 and 15, Mirella and Carlos both lived in the United States and began to develop their friendship, writing letters and talking on the phone. They eventually began dating and went back to Peru to get married before returning to the U.S. Mirella reflected on how hard this time was. Challenges in their marriage started to arise that ultimately led to divorce and a threeyear separation in which Mirella moved back to Peru. Confused and frustrated, she turned to the Lord. Eventually she and Carlos decided to try again and they were remarried and began their own family back in the U.S. Unfortunately the challenges did not go away and they ended up separating again. Mirella reflected on her Catholic upbringing and the way she felt she had always known God. At this point she felt empty and without purpose, recalling, “Something inside of me was saying I needed to look for God. But where?” She took to the internet, looking up churches in the area, and came across Bay Area. Seeing the images of people worshipping and the welcoming smile on Greg’s face, she decided to sign up for First Step, a one-hour gathering where you can learn about Bay Area’s mission. Mirella was the only one who showed up to First Step that Tuesday night, which allowed her to have one-on-one time with the First Step facilitators. After First Step, Mirella wanted more. She reached out to Kayleigh Vaughn, Bay Area’s Assimilation Coordinator, asking to meet with a pastor so she could receive counsel on how to handle the various issues she was facing. She was put in contact with Sarah and Jorge Solorzano, which turned out to be a perfect match. Jorge and Sarah have been working to launch Axis Church, a bilingual and multi-ethnic church plant in Annapolis, through SENT Network. They have a community group that meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays that Mirella began attending, as well as regularly coming to Sunday morning gatherings at Bay Area. “As soon as I started coming Sunday morning, I felt so full of grace and joy and I decided I’m going to come here every Sunday morning,” Mirella said. Meanwhile, her husband was still in another
world. Mirella began praying with Sarah and Jorge for Carlos, and she received Jesus in that moment. God was beginning to transform Mirella’s life, and soon, He would transform her husband’s life as well. During their separation, Carlos was carrying some heavy burdens of his own. On one hand he had voices telling him he’s not worth it, and on the other he had Mirella praying for his salvation. When they talked on the phone, Carlos could tell something was different. Normally they would argue and fight about everything. But this time when Mirella called, she told Carlos of this new feeling of joy she was experiencing and how she was praying for him. Looking back, she today can recognize the shift that happened in their relationship, explaining, “We started talking like we were new friends. He changed! He came home and we started asking God for forgiveness.” Within a month of Mirella initially meeting Sarah and Jorge, Carlos came to Bay Area for the first time. The sermon series was People of Reconciliation. The day Carlos came was the day Greg shared about a couple who divorced, moved to different states, met Jesus separately, called each other to reconcile, became friends again, and remarried. “Carlos was crying and he accepted Jesus Christ in that moment,” recalled Mirella. The two kept coming on Sundays and continued attending Axis’ Bible study on Thursday nights. Carlos was the first to say he wanted to be baptized. Mirella talked about how amazing Carlos’ transformation was, considering that during their separation he had been angry with God and blamed Him for their problems. They decided to get baptized together, and on the same day, so did their 9-year-old son. Mirella and Carlos have recently decided to take the next step in their faith journey by serving on the launch team for Axis. They are excited to learn more about their spiritual gifts so they can capitalize on their strengths and help guide others in their walks with Jesus, too. Sarah and Jorge have talked about how blessed they feel by Mirella and Carlos, saying, “They are taking huge steps of faith, they’re the real deal! The Lord has already begun to bless their radical steps and He will continue to do that.” “Every time we separate with God, problems start, crises start,” Mirella said, “but when we are looking for Him, everything is fixed. I mean, God is always listening to us but He wants us to stay together as a family.” The Father knows His sheep, and His sheep hear His voice. Nothing can pluck them from His hand.
F E B R U A R Y GO&MAKE 9
Amy French didn’t foresee leaving a 17-year teaching career to become an intern, nor did she anticipate that reluctantly going on a short term mission trip to Ghana would dramatically alter the trajectory of her life. But now, at 42 years of age, she can authoritatively endorse saying “yes” to God’s leading and embracing change regardless of one’s age and stage in life. Today, the Southern California transplant sacrificially invests her time serving, essentially, as a volunteer staff member at Bay Area, working behind the scenes in the global missions department. The role is the latest of many stops along her spiritual journey, throughout which God has lovingly called her into deeper waters with Him. Amy grew up in a Christian home, and can’t remember a time that she didn’t attend church. She prayed to accept Jesus as her
LEADERSHIP
Sudan, but when her son Jack caught wind of that, he wanted to serve overseas too. Ghana was a more student-friendly option, so Amy reluctantly set aside her dreams of serving in South Sudan and conceded to going to Ghana for Jack’s sake. That’s where she was wrong. In hindsight, Amy realizes the trip was for her own spiritual growth, and that God wanted to do business with her in Ghana. “The Holy Spirit spoke to me in a way that I had never felt before, saying, ‘Your life is going to change and you need to be prepared,’” she said, reflecting on the trip. Though she had spent the last 17 years meticulously planning every lesson for her students, in Ghana she found herself with nothing prepared the night before she was to speak to hundreds of youth. She gave it to God, praying, “Lord, what do they need to hear?” In 15 minutes her notes were done, and she discovered what it really means to commune with and rely on the Holy Spirit. Looking back on the trip 18 months later, Amy pinpoints it as a time God elevated her interaction with the Holy Spirit in a way she had never before experienced.
PROFILE:
AMY FRENCH
“I was being a conduit for the first time. Instead of speaking the right words or By Meredith Thompson knowing the answer because I know the Bible, it wasn’t about me,” Amy said. “It set savior around kindergarten, but it wasn’t until late in college the stage for coming back, being unsettled, and not that His Lordship in her life really began to take shape. being okay going back to life as I knew it before I left.” “In college, I didn’t get involved in campus ministry or church because I was too shy. When you’re not around people with your same values, you just glom onto whatever friends you can make, and I started living their lifestyle and essentially walked away from my faith,” Amy recalled, admitting that new habits replaced healthy ones. “It was my senior year of college that the bottom hit, and I had this gnawing emptiness. I knew that the only thing that would bring about fulfillment was going back to Jesus, so I rededicated my life to Him.” She’s been walking hand-in-hand with Him since, with a man named Nathan by her side for the last 20 years as well. With 18 years of marriage in the books, theirs is an original online dating story – one that dates back to the heyday of AOL. As she finished her degree in Minnesota and prepared to move home to California, Amy posted in an electronic bulletin board in search of a church with a group for young professionals. Nathan French responded, telling Amy about his church, and the rest – as they say – is history. Today, the Frenchs have lived in Maryland for 13 years and have two kids – 15-year-old Jack and Evelyn, who will soon turn 5. Amy considers Maryland home, but stops short of calling herself a Marylander because she doesn’t relate to locals’ infatuation with eating the bottom-feeding crustaceans the state is famous for. They’ve attended Bay Area for a little over two years now, fully diving into community, serving and missions. In summer 2017, Amy felt a desire to go on a short term mission trip to South
10 GO&MAKE F E B R U A R Y
So, after nearly two decades as an educator, Amy quit her job and became an intern in Bay Area’s missions department. Today, she volunteers her time doing much of the administrative work needed to help roughly 150 from the Bay Area family serve on short term missions trips each year. If you answer the call to go on a trip this year, you’ll be trained using a manual she helped write and can count on her attention to detail in managing your fundraising account. If you’re not considering a trip, be careful talking to Amy – she’s passionate about seeing others embrace God’s heart for the nations and she might just recruit you to go! Grateful to be serving in a place focused on Kingdom work, Amy’s heart ultimately is to help people grow in their walks with Jesus. “Now that I’m in middle age, I feel that life is opening up to whole new possibilities … it’s like having a new lease on my spiritual life, and that’s a part of what I would love to see other people experience,” she shared. “It’s really about kicking yourself in the pants to say, ‘I’m going to do something different this year.’ How many times do we say no to things because we don’t think we have the time or capability? I think it’s time to say yes … [and] stop just coming on Sunday mornings and find a place that feeds our souls.”
F E B R U A R Y GO&MAKE 11
By Sam Logan
12 GO&MAKE F E B R U A R Y
astor Joseph Sharon and his wife Esther have four children. Their oldest, 6-year-old Mazzi, is old enough to know what her daddy does for work. He shares the gospel. She also understands why their whole family is returning to India: to share the gospel. Nearly 11 years ago, when God spoke to Joseph through Genesis 28:15, he knew it was a promise: “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Joseph had been offered a chance to travel to the United States to study. He knew God would watch over him while away, and bring him back to “this land,” back to India. Like Peter and Andrew when called by Jesus to follow Him, Joseph decided to drop his nets - a career in IT - and follow Jesus to the United States. He left Hyderabad, India, where his father Pastor Samuel directed the International Cultural Bible Ministries (ICBM), and moved to Chicago to attend Moody Bible College.
Joseph arrived in the States alone but faithful. He returned a pastor, a husband and a father of four. As promised, God walked with him the whole way, protecting him and blessing him. The Lord provided training and resources, a wife of noble character, and four beautiful children. And he provided the support and hearts of Bay Area. “It is a dream come true that we could have Joseph come here as a resident, ordain him, and send him back to India to take up leadership of ICBM,” Greg St. Cyr said in early January. “We will fervently pray for Joseph, Esther and the kids as they transition back to India.” As Paul and Barnabas were sent by the church at Antioch in Acts 13, Joseph and Esther were sent by a close-knit gathering of friends and family at the end of January, just days before they would board a flight for the next chapter in their lives. Those present lifted their hands to pray over the young couple just as the leaders of Antioch had laid hands upon Paul and Barnabas before they set out on the mission of a lifetime.
In Chicago, Joseph met Esther, who was also studying there Now in India, Joseph, Esther and family are transitioning at the time. Meeting and eventually marrying Esther was into a culture that will be welcoming and loving, but a mighty blessing the Lord had in different. He has a year to observe, place for His disciple. Joseph and assess and plan before fully assuming Esther joined in ministry, became as leadership of ICBM in early 2020, HE KNEW IT WAS A PROMISE: one, and began walking their path taking up the leadership of a ministry “I AM WITH YOU AND WILL together, seeking the Lord together. that today is more his father’s than WATCH OVER YOU WHEREVER “She is my backbone,” Joseph said, his own. He has returned to a country remarking that he couldn’t do the where the national leadership says to YOU GO, AND I WILL BRING ministry he’s been called to do be Indian is to be Hindu. This posture YOU BACK TO THIS LAND. I without her. is increasingly hostile to the Word WILL NOT LEAVE YOU UNTIL of God and His church. Yet there is a Still in Chicago, Joseph returned to tremendous harvest for Jesus. I HAVE DONE WHAT I HAVE India in 2016 with Esther and their PROMISED YOU.” two children. During a 10-year ICBM Within the “10:40 window,” between anniversary celebration, Samuel the Latitude lines of 10 and 40, there ceremoniously passed the torch of are 3 billion people who have not heard leadership to Joseph. He was to become the director of the gospel. One billion of them live in India, where there the ministry and lead it into the future. It was a deeply are over 600 tribal groups. ICBM has reached 35 of these emotional moment for both Samuel and Joseph in front of groups, trained 70 pastors, established over 250 churches, all the regional ICBM pastors and a team from Bay Area, and trained close to 4,000 leaders. present to celebrate a significant milestone with a longtime global ministry partner. The mantle of leadership and “Our desire is that God would use us efficiently and that we responsibility had been passed from father to son. It was a would be used as a tool in His Kingdom, but I sometimes find time when the young couple considered moving everything myself asking God, ‘why me?’” Joseph said while sharing his from Chicago to India. heart about living in the U.S. and returning to India. But God had other plans. While still in India, Pastor Greg St.Cyr, who was part of the team from Bay Area, followed a prompting to invite Joseph to join Bay Area’s residency program. Joseph would need to raise his own support during the two-year program that would equip him to return to India. And so the Lord brought him through this time, blessing Joseph and Esther with financial support, a home, and continued training and preparation.
His prayer request is for this transition. He also asked for prayer for India and Christ’s church in the country’s most remote places — the focal point of ICBM. He knows there will be challenges, but Joseph is excited about raising up pastors and sending them out to share the gospel. He is excited to build more churches in urban areas to position them as resources to fund and support tribal and rural churches.
After nearly 11 years in a foreign land, Joseph and his foreign wife moved to India at the end of January 2019.
Above all, he is excited to return to India to do exactly what his daughter Mazzi expects him to do: share the gospel.
F E B R U A R Y GO&MAKE 13
By Greg St. Cyr
Pictured: Jim Hiskey 14 GO&MAKE F E B R U A R Y
n February 16 we will launch a new series called “In My Lifetime,” in which we will challenge each other to take the Good News of Jesus to the nations. This will culminate with a global missions conference on March 2 as well as special weekend gatherings March 2-3 in which most of our global mission partners will participate. The older we become, the more we realize life is like a blink. “In My Lifetime” is about each of us using our one-and-only brief life to take the Good News of Jesus to every nation. We bear responsibility before God to do all we can to help reach the world for Christ.
When I think of this series, the first person that comes to mind is Jim Hiskey. Jim is now 82. For 62 years he, along with his wife Lorraine, has given himself to helping fulfill the Great Commission. Jim served on the staff of Cru in his early years, started the PGA Bible study that continues today, founded the C.S. Lewis Institute, and has served as an elder at Bay Area. He continues to reach government officials, serve the poor, and have a global ministry through golf. Through it all, his vision to disciple the nations in his lifetime has been constant. For the last 15 years Jim has been my spiritual mentor. We’ve traveled the world together to fan the flame of God’s kingdom. No one during that time has had a greater impact on my life. Throughout our missions series, we’ll be inspired by some of Jim’s story and reflections. I couldn’t be more excited for us. Ponder the words from Psalm 39, “my lifetime is as nothing before you.” Life is incredibly brief. In light of that, when was the last time you paused to ask the question, “Why am I here?” Your answer should determine the course of your life. Most people, when you get right down to it, live life for themselves. But is there a higher purpose? As usual, Jesus shows us the answer. In John 17:3-4, He says, “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.” Life at its best, no matter its length, is found in knowing God and glorifying
Him by accomplishing the work He has given us. Though God has a unique plan for each of us, there is a work all believers are called to. It is the highest, most lofty work any of us could give our lifetime to. It is the work found in the last words of Jesus recorded in the Gospel of Matthew: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Let me state this as clearly as I can: Making disciples of all nations is the primary work God has given you to do in your lifetime. This foremost work begins by discipling ourselves to be like Jesus, then discipling our family, followed by seeking to disciple those God brings into our lives, and finally, doing all we can to help reach the nations in our lifetime. That’s why Bay Area’s mission is making passionate, maturing followers of Jesus from here to the nations. In the summer of 1886, 251 university students from across America gathering in Mount Hermon, Massachusetts. D.L. Moody challenged these young men and women to give their lives to taking the gospel to the unreached. From that gathering, 100 students responded that they would go. They became known as the Mount Hermon 100 and the Student Volunteer Movement (SVM) was launched. Up to that point, the total number of foreign missionaries sent out from America was 2000. Over the next 23 years some 20,000 young people took the message of Jesus around the world!
F E B R U A R Y GO&MAKE 15
John Mott was the founder and leader of the Student Volunteer Movement for 32 years. His life had a single passion: to see the evangelization of the world in his generation. An incredible leader, he crossed the ocean over 100 times to help mobilize the work of Christ, and raised over $300 million for the cause. He championed what would become the watchword of the SVM, “The evangelization of the world in this generation.” Mott passionately implored believers to do all they can in their lifetime to take the gospel to the world. Ponder his words written in 1900: “If the gospel is to be preached to all men it obviously must be done while they are living. The evangelization of the world in this generation, therefore, means the preaching of the gospel to those who are now living. To us who are responsible for preaching the gospel it means in our lifetime; to those who it is to be preached it means in their lifetime. … In the last analysis, if the world is to be reached in this or any generation it will be because a sufficient number of individual Christians recognize and assume their personal obligation to the undertaking.”
Have you ever considered the reality that you and I bear responsibility before God to do all we can in our lifetime to reach as many as we can with the gospel? We are not responsible for past generations. Nor are we responsible for future generations. But, in the words of Mott, we must assume “personal obligation to the undertaking” of doing all we can in our lifetime to evangelize the world! “In My Lifetime” is an appeal to wake up. It’s a plea to embrace the brevity of life and do all we can for as long as we have breath to help disciple the nations. One of the major hindrances is the lack of conviction that people are truly lost without Jesus. The Bible makes it clear that the way of salvation is through Jesus. “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 Since this is true, we bear a responsibility in our lifetime to bring the message of Jesus to the world. Paul’s inspired logic sounds similar to Mott when he writes:
“For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:13-14) Do you truly see people who do not call upon the name of the Lord as lost and destined for hell? Though amazing advances have been made, today there are still 7,066 unreached people groups consisting of over 3 billion people (meaning there is no indigenous community of Christians with adequate numbers and resources to evangelize their own people [less than 2 percent evangelical] ). Before I know it, by God’s grace, I’ll be 82 years old like my mentor Jim. Jim will long have been with the Lord, along with John Mott and countless others. The day will come when we will join them. When that happens, our opportunity to be about the primary work of helping reach the nations will be over. My prayer is that in our lifetime we will do all we can to reach the world in our generation!
If that is your heartbeat, here are some next steps for you to consider: Join a Short Term Mission team this year.
Pray for the nations.
Take part in the Souls Conference.
Stay connected.
Join me on March 2 as we gather to be inspired, challenged and equipped to take the gospel to the world. Whether you’ve never thought about global missions before today or you’ve been going to the nations for years, there is a spot for you to learn and take your next step of faith. Go to bayareacc.org/ soulsconference to learn more and register.
Go to bayareacc.org/missions and sign up to receive monthly updates about upcoming events, inspiring stories and ways to participate in global missions at Bay Area.
Travel together with others from Bay Area to support our partners in one of 10 countries and share the good news about Jesus through word and deed. Express interest or apply at bayareacc.org/stm.
16 GO&MAKE F E B R U A R Y
Join our missions prayer team on the second and fourth Sundays of each month at 10 a.m. to pray for our global partners and what God is doing around the world. Email ccback84@gmail.com to learn more.
Study God’s global plan. Pick up a book like “Let the Nations be Glad” by John Piper or consider participating in Perspectives to learn more about the story God is weaving and His grand redemptive plan for the nations. Email missions@bayareacc.org to learn more.
F E B R U A R Y GO&MAKE 17
UGANDA
SOUTHEAST ASIA
FROM HERE TO THE NATIONS Each year, we send short term mission teams to 11 countries around the world and support 10 global missions partners across four continents.
GHANA
SOUTH SUDAN
INDIA
RUSSIA
INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING A GLOBAL MISSIONARY OR GOING ON A SHORT TERM MISSION TRIP? GO TO BAYAREACC.ORG/MISSIONS TO LEARN MORE OR APPLY.
BELIZE
APPALACHIA
POLAND
GLOBAL PARTNERS
BAY AREA
2019 TRIP DESCRIPTIONS ach year, Bay Area sends teams of people around the world to serve alongside our global mission partners as they make passionate, maturing followers of Jesus from here to the nations. These teams exist to help us grow as followers of Jesus as we experience the vast array of cultures that He loves, and as we share the gospel with our words and our actions around the world. We do this so that others might become followers of Jesus and come to experience the abundant life He offers. Read on to learn about our 2019 short term opportunities. To see a full list of trip dates, support goals and frequently asked questions, or to apply to join a team, visit bayareacc.org/stm.
APPALACHIA The Wade Center, our partner in Bluefield, West Virginia, exists to nurture children, youth and their families spiritually, physically, emotionally and intellectually. You and your team will engage in relational ministry through a Vacation Bible School for elementary-aged children, and you may have the opportunity to put your construction or artistic skills to use serving in the community. This is an excellent fit for those looking to grow through their first mission trip or if you have a heart for Appalachia and her families.
BELIZE Serve children and families in need through children’s ministry, pastoral training or practical service in this English-speaking Central American nation. Your team will work alongside Bay Area’s global partners to disciple children through Vacation Bible School, potentially help build a new home or church, pray with families, and distribute food to those in need. If you’re considering your first international mission trip, Belize is be a great opportunity to serve.
GHANA YOUTH MINISTRY Scripture Union (SU) Ghana is an outreach organization that spreads the name of Jesus in schools throughout the nation. Partner with SU’s leader, Uncle Kwame, to share your faith journey and Bible lessons to inspire and challenge the students of Ghana to take their next step as passionate, maturing followers of Jesus. Ghanaians are warm and welcoming, quick with smiles and ready to connect with you. NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CAMP Scripture Union Ghana is ready to work with you as they host camps to equip their young leaders to serve in schools throughout the 2019-2020 academic year. You will help facilitate one or more of the camps, where high school students from around the country gain the skills to be strong leaders on their campuses, and learn how to facilitate the SU Bible study group when they return to school. Love students, teaching, leadership or laughter? This trip might be for you!
18 GO&MAKE F E B R U A R Y
EL SALVADOR While in El Salvador, you will work alongside our local church partner, Iglesia Gran Comisión. We will spend our days at the Children’s Center teaching kids coming from homes in extreme poverty about Jesus’ love while helping with meals and upkeep of the center, and assisting the teachers with many of their daily duties. If you love children, this is the trip for you!
INDIA Experience firsthand the three P’s of India: plurality of religion, poverty and population. India is the second-most populous nation in the world, and less than 2 percent of their people have ever had the opportunity to hear the name of Jesus. This is a unique opportunity to work with Pastor Samuel and Pastor Joseph as they reach the unreached through the International Cultural Bible Ministries. India is the perfect opportunity to take that next step in maturity of serving on mission with Jesus.
LEBANON While in Lebanon, you will serve families in Syrian refugee camps by sharing meals and stories, engaging with women and children using your spiritual gifts, teaching from the Bible and encouraging local believers. Experience Middle Eastern culture (and food!) as you get a broader glimpse of God’s heart for all people. Because of the sensitive nature of this ministry, PAST MISSIONS EXPERIENCE IS RECOMMENDED.
POLAND You and your children can be on mission together, serving Polish families attending a Family English Camp. You will teach English with the Bible as your textbook, opening up the opportunity to share the gospel with those who might not know Jesus personally. No matter your stage of life, this team is a great fit for families, single adults, empty-nesters and anyone considering their first international missions team.
SOUTH SUDAN Come and learn about the faith and resilience of South Sudanese Christians as you partner with Pastor Stephen at the Mission Gardens of Christ. There you will engage with children, pastors and church leaders as we support the continued ministry of MGC to the surrounding community through education and training. Living conditions in South Sudan can be challenging, so PAST MISSIONS EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED.
SOUTHEAST ASIA Do you have a heart for the unreached (those who have no way of hearing the gospel) or those who proclaim Islam? Consider traveling to Southeast Asia where you will build relationships with locals in this predominantly Muslim country by sharing meals and late-night coffee. You will also connect with immigrant children by teaching English through fun and interactive lessons. Due to the sensitive nature of this ministry PAST MISSIONS EXPERIENCE IS RECOMMENDED.
UGANDA In Uganda you will partner with our ministry partner, Precious Souls Ministry, and local social workers to visit homes within the community and assess the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of families affected by HIV/AIDS. If you have a passion for medical missions, holistic community development, or serving the marginalized, this may be the trip for you.
F E B R U A R Y GO&MAKE 19
SOULS WORLD MISSIONS CONFERENCE
M A R C H 2 , 2 0 19 AT BAY AREA COMMUNITY CHURCH TO INSPIRE, CHALLENGE AND EQUIP FOLLOWERS OF JESUS TO TAKE THE GOSPEL TO THE WORLD.
$25 per person Discounts available for groups of 5 or more. KidCare is available for $10/child (ages birth-10)
Register at: bayareacc.org/soulsconference 20 GO&MAKE F E B R U A R Y
ou’ve never met a person whom God does not love. No matter how far away you’ve traveled or how many people you’ve interacted with, each one of them is a soul loved by God and in need of the saving work of Jesus on the cross. Some of those people live in your neighborhood or ride the bus into Washington, D.C., with you. Some of those people live halfway around the world in countries like India, South Sudan or Lebanon. Near or far, neighbor or 18-hour plane ride away, we are called to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). That means something different for each of us. Maybe God has called you to pray fervently for a people group or a missionary serving overseas. Perhaps He
2. There, no matter your role, you’ll be inspired, challenged and equipped to take the gospel to the world. We’ll have a dynamic keynote speaker and helpful workshops centered around three main tracks: “goer” for those considering cross-cultural travel, “sender” for those playing a role here at home, and “leader” for those ready to equip and multiply others. You’ll also get to spend time with Bay Area’s global partners and meet the people you would serve alongside on a short term missions team. In short, if you are a follower of Jesus, there’s a place for you and we hope you’ll join us for an incredible day of worship, teaching, prayer, community, vision and fun.
THE SOULS CONFERENCE IS FOR YOU IF YOU: HAVE PREVIOUS MISSIONS EXPERIENCE AND ARE READY TO DIVE IN MORE DEEPLY HAVE NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT THE GREAT COMMISSION BEFORE TODAY ARE THINKING ABOUT TRAVELING ON A SHORT TERM MISSIONS TEAM HAVE EVER CONSIDERED SERVING OVERSEAS LONG-TERM ARE WONDERING HOW TO STEWARD YOUR RESOURCES FOR THE KINGDOM ARE BURDENED FOR THE 3 BILLION PEOPLE IN THE WORLD WITH NO ACCESS TO THE GOSPEL HAVE A HEART FOR PRAYER BUT AREN’T SURE HOW TO PRAY FOR THE NATIONS ARE ACTIVE DUTY OR A MILITARY VETERAN READY TO TRAVEL OVERSEAS ON A NEW MISSION ARE PARENTS DISCIPLING YOUR CHILDREN TO LOVE GOD AND OTHERS HAVE A FAMILY AND ARE LOOKING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE TOGETHER ARE AN EMPTY NESTER OR RETIRED, LOOKING FOR A NEW WAY TO SERVE ARE A SINGLE ADULT READY TO USE YOUR GIFTS FOR GOD’S GLORY ARE A MIDDLE- OR HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENT WITH A PASSION TO CHANGE THE WORLD
has blessed you with resources of time, money, skills or a network of friends so that you might sacrificially give to advance the gospel. Maybe you are called to go – for a week, a month, a year or the rest of your life – to live among a different people group. Or maybe you are called to reach out to an international community right here in Anne Arundel or Talbot County or the D.C.-metro area. The specifics might differ, but the call – the commission – is the same. That’s why Bay Area is hosting the first-ever Souls World Missions Conference on Saturday, March
One day, a countless number of people – souls – will gather around the throne of God to worship Him for eternity, and Revelation 7:9 tells us they will be “from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages.” As followers of Jesus, we have the privilege of helping others – from here to the nations – hear and respond to the good news of Jesus so that they may be among that multitude. Our prayer is that the Souls Conference will help us each take a step of faith toward that end. Will you join us?
F E B R U A R Y GO&MAKE 21
SE Asia GLOBAL PARTNER
Q & A:
S and H serve as Bay Area global partners in a creative-access country, building relationships as bridges to share the hope of Jesus. Their names have been omitted to protect their identity. We asked H to share about their life and ministry and their advice to you – their church family – based on their many years of experience and passion for Jesus and people. Here’s what she had to say.
By Michele Rollins
22 GO&MAKE F E B R U A R Y
Q: Share a little about yourself and your family. A: Originally from a farming family in South Dakota,
S is a gifted discipler with a pastoral heart and taste for good coffee. I’m a Navy brat and enjoy experiencing other cultures, cooking and my family. We have four children that were all born “on the field.” Our older children are adjusting to life in America as they attend university. They miss the diversity and food choices of our area. Our two younger daughters enjoy the endless summers and mix of cultures and religions they attend school with and live among.
Q: What was the path that led you to living and serving overseas? A: S and I were called separately to serve long-term
overseas. Both of us had taken a number of short-term trips and felt God challenge and confirm His desire for us to commit to long-term service. We met and married in the midst of preparation for an overseas assignment and made the jump to living overseas shortly after marriage. A key part of our preparation was discipleship that laid a strong Biblical foundation, challenged our heart issues and mentored us in ministry. Our discipleship is a key factor in our marriage, family and ministry.
Q: What do you most enjoy about your current role? Is there a part that’s challenging?
Q: What would you say to someone considering long-term cross-cultural work? A: Character counts. Take time to be grounded solidly and
fall in love with Jesus. Overseas, there are not always the best support systems and when a person, marriage or family crumbles; it takes a toll on the missionary community. Identify your fears and prejudices toward people and cultures. Be involved in ministry where you are. Ministry overseas will flow out of a heart for God and people.
Q: What would you say to someone considering traveling short-term for the first time? A: God created this great, big, wonderful world with unique
peoples and cultures to discover that express a part of Him. So often, visiting short-term teams mention how much more they feel impacted by their short-term trip than the impact they felt they had. They discover anew that God is more interested in their character than their comfort. The bottom line is the directive from Jesus to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). God is good and He is faithful.
A: My favorite part of what we do is how enmeshed we are
within the community. We have daily contact with locals with whom we work and interact through our role. Out of those contacts, our ministry flows. The most challenging part is the number of opportunities and needs that are before us and finding the right balance. It keeps us on our knees in prayer.
Have you ever considered traveling on a short term missions trip or even moving overseas to strategically live among people who haven’t had a chance to hear the gospel? Join us at Souls: World Missions Conference on March 2 to investigate the role(s) God has called you to play in His story. Visit bayareacc.org/soulsconference to register or learn more.
SOULS WORLD MISSIONS CONFERENCE F E B R U A R Y GO&MAKE 23
BAPTISM
HAPPENINGS OUR MISSION Making passionate, maturing followers of Jesus from here to the nations
YOUR FIRST STEP New to Bay Area or want to get involved? Join us at First Step, a fun, one-hour gathering where you’ll learn about who we are, what we believe, and what your next steps are to get plugged into community and serving at Bay Area. Coffee, snacks and KidCare are provided. Take your first step at Bay Area by signing up today to attend one of the gatherings in February.
YOUR NEXT STEP If you are a part of Bay Area and want to take your next step in your spiritual journey, Next Step is for you! Next Step is a twoweek gathering designed to help you grow as a disciple through community and/or serving. Join us the second Sunday of the month to connect in community or the third Sunday of the month to check out our serving opportunities. You can join either week or attend both to meet others and hear our heart behind community and serving.
BECOME A MEMBER For those who would like to learn more about partnering with us through membership in our mission of making passionate, maturing followers of Jesus from here to the nations, our next Ministry Partner Orientaion (MPO) is Sunday, March 31 from 12:30-4 p.m. To find upcoming dates or register for First Step, Next Step or Ministry Partner Orientation, go to bayareacc. org/nextsteps.
24 GO&MAKE F E B R U A R Y
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE BAPTIZED? For more information, contact: K-5th: thuli.leigh@bayareacc.org 6-12th: brent.squires@bayareacc.org Adults: shari.brandt@bayareacc.org
CARE NETWORK Sometimes life hands us struggles: loss of a loved one, serious illness, parenting difficulties, divorce, addiction and other challenges. These difficult circumstances can cause us to isolate, yet Jesus never intended that we walk through them alone. The Care Network is a free, confidential, Jesus-centered ministry for those seeking assistance. Call or email to set up a time to talk. We desire to provide hope and healing through a variety of resources both inside and outside the walls of Bay Area. Info: leanne.lane@bayareacc.org Phone: 443-837-3718
DIVORCECARE SUPPORT GROUP Mondays through April 15, 6:45-9 p.m. Are you separated, in the process of divorce or already divorced? Don’t walk through this time alone. DivorceCare is a support group led by facilitators who have experienced divorce and rebuilt their lives. Each week the group features practical information, biblical teaching and encouragement to help you move forward. Register: bayareacc.org/register
THE GREAT DATE NIGHT Friday, 2/15, 6-9 p.m. Mark your calendars for a Great Date Night experience for all couples at Bay Area! Comedian John Branyan will entertain us. Don’t miss this hilarious evening full of fun, laughter and ministry. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided. This is a great opportunity to invite friends. KidCare is available for ages infant to fifth grade. Register: bayareacc.org/register
MARRIAGE MINISTRY SERVING OPPORTUNITIES Have you been married 10 years or more and have a desire to Serve Like Jesus in our Marriage Ministry? We are looking for couples to serve on the REFOCCUS team as facilitators to come alongside couples who desire to grow closer in their marriages in a small group format. Training is provided. The Marriage Enrichment Team is also looking for couples to assist with a variety of events this year. Info: leanne.lane@bayareacc.org
ENGAGED? We want to partner with you as you establish a strong, Jesus-centered life together. Through premarital mentoring you’ll be paired with trained marriage mentors who will equip you with the tools and resources you’ll need to succeed in marriage. Info: premarital.ministry@ bayareacc.org
DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Sunday, 2/10, 2-3:30 p.m.
COMMUNITY HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR Saturday, 5/4, 2019
Alzheimer’s disease is life-changing for our loved ones and those who are caregivers. The Dementia Caregivers Support Group provides a place to connect with others who understand what you are going through. This will be a place to talk through challenges and learn about resources. Info: msbellamy77@gmail.com
Do you work in the health or wellness fields? Are you interested in taking part in Bay Area’s first Community Health & Wellness Fair? We are looking for those who are interested in being vendors and/or being a part of planning and hosting this event for the community. Info: leanne.lane@bayareacc.org
GRIEFSHARE SUPPORT GROUP Thursdays beginning 2/7, 6:45-9 p.m.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
When experiencing the loss of a loved one there is a deep, prolonged impact. This support group meets weekly to help those grieving by providing a safe place to walk through this time with the support of trained facilitators who have experienced loss and come through with hope and healing. Register: bayareacc.org/register
DIVE45 ESCAPE ROOM Friday, 3/29, 7-9 p.m.
Fourth- and fifth-graders are invited to explore their newly constructed children’s wing expansion and experience a submarine-themed escape room. Inviting friends is
encouraged! The cost is $5 per child, and snacks will be included. Register: bayareacc.org/register
PARENT DEDICATION Sunday, 4/7, 1 p.m.
Have you committed as parents to raise your children for Jesus? This special ceremony marks your dedication as parents to instill godly character in your children as you pursue Jesus together as a family. Our Children’s Ministry is here to partner with you as you embark on this discipleship journey as parents. Info: kristin.collins@bayareacc.org
COMMUNITY OUTREACH WINTER RELIEF March 11-18
Bay Area will be home to the homeless for one week this winter. Dozens of Missional Communities and volunteers are preparing to make their time with us as comfortable and uplifting as possible. For more info or to get involved: winterrelief@bayareacc.org
COLLEGE MINISTRY YOUNG ADULT MISSIONAL COMMUNITY (AGES 18-25) Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m.
Missional Communities are a great opportunity for people to connect in community where they are loving God, serving others and growing spiritually together. Info: lauren.gibeault@bayareacc.org
EMPLOYMENT KIDCARE TEAM MEMBERS Our KidCare team has a need for adults who have a heart for kids. We provide KidCare for all ministries and various events year-round. Want to join our team of paid workers? Email KidCare Coordinator Ellyn at ellyn. watson@bayareacc.org.
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Part-time, 24 hours/week. The Communications Coordinator will serve on the Communications Team with the Communications Director. Their primary responsibilities will include facilitating and executing weekly communication requests;
coordinating the development, writing and editing of GO&MAKE content; and assisting with communication elements of weekend gatherings, event marketing and special projects.
speakers, challenging content and practical tools to grow as a follower of Jesus and a world Christian. Lunch and KidCare provided with registration. Info and register: bayareacc.org/ missions
PRESCHOOL ASSISTANT
GO
Assists Preschool Coordinator with implementation of Children Ministry strategy to parents and volunteers. Prepares environment and activities for each age group for Sunday gatherings.
Take the next step in your walk with Jesus and share God’s love in one of 12 locations worldwide. Info: bayareacc.org/missions Interest form: bayareacc.org/stm
For more info and to apply: bayareacc.org/jobs
FINANCIALS On June 1, 2018, Bay Area began a two-year generosity initiative called Unrivaled that will fund our ongoing ministry at all campuses, construction of our new student center and children’s addition, and expansion of Christ’s reach from here to the nations. Our two-year giving goal is $16,500,000.
FINANCIALS Giving in December 2017: $752,302 Giving in December 2018: $1,045,648 Giving participation in December 2017: 957 families/individuals Giving participation in December 2018: 976 families/individuals
MAKE A COMMITMENT
Our primary goal in Unrivaled is 100 percent engagement - that every person at Bay Area would ask what it means to put God first in their finances. To make a commitment, pick up a commitment card at an information counter or go to baccunrivaled.org/commitment.
GIVING METHODS
You can give toward your Unrivaled commitment through the offering during the gatherings, online at bayareacc.org/give, or by texting BACC + amount to 30131 (ex: “BACC 50” to give $50). Info: baccunrivaled.org Questions: finance@bayareacc.org
GLOBAL MISSIONS SOULS CONFERENCE Saturday, 3/2 Join us for Souls: World Missions Conference. Engage with inspiring
SEND
Whether you can travel on mission this year or not, there’s still a way for you to be a part of what God is doing among the nations through Bay Area. Give: bayareacc.org/stmgive
PRAY
We’re looking for committed people to pray for our missionaries and global partners. This team meets second and fourth Sundays at 10 a.m. in the Prayer Room. Info: ccback84@gmail.com
MEN’S FELLOWSHIP MEN’S MORNING BIBLE STUDY Tuesdays, 6-7:30 a.m. in room 236 Info: jlradcliffe@hotmail.com
MEN’S EVENING BIBLE STUDIES Sundays, 6-8 p.m. in room 235 This study is geared toward helping men draw closer to Jesus, discussing and discovering God’s answers for the challenges men face at home, work and in society. Info: bob.gregory@bayareacc.org
Thursdays, 7-9 p.m. in room 235 Beginning February 7, we’ll be studying 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 using the book “The Measure of a Man: 20 Attributes of a Godly Man” by Gene Getz. Come ready to be challenged to grow as a follower of Jesus. Info: sam.logan@gmail.com
MEN’S BREAKFAST Saturday, 2/16, 8-9:30 a.m. Join us for The Line: God ‘N Grits, a men’s monthly breakfast on the third Saturday of the month in the auditorium. The Line is an opportunity for men of Bay Area to gather around good food and maybe walk out with more than just a full stomach and a few laughs. Register: bayareacc.org/register F E B R U A R Y GO&MAKE 25
SERVE LIKE JESUS INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT SERVING AT BAY AREA? Below, you’ll see a list of some of our most immediate serving needs. For a complete list of serving opportunities, and to sign up, go to bayareacc.org/serve. AMBASSADOR TEAM GREETER TEAM AUDIO/VIDEO TEAM CHAIR MINISTRY ESPRESSO BAR TEAM CHILDREN’S WELCOME TEAM CHILDREN’S SET DESIGN TEAM PARKING TEAM PRESCHOOL TEAM SAFETY TEAM WOMEN’S MINISTRY USHER TEAM
MISSIONAL COMMUNITY Being connected with others helps us grow in our love for God, for each other, and for our neighbor. You can find out more about Missional Communities online at bayareacc.org/ missionalcommunities.
PRAYER MINISTRY Our Prayer Ministry comprises individuals dedicated to praying for all aspects of Bay Area: gatherings, pastors, missions and more.
Individuals are also available to pray after each gathering (front-right of Chapel stage). Info: bayareacc.org/prayer
STUDENT MINISTRY AMPLIFY Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Amplify is a mid-week student gathering. Each Wednesday begins with an optional $5 dinner and hangout time at 6 p.m. The teaching portion of the evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. Each week will feature our Student Ministry worship team, Biblical teaching on a relevant student series, and grade/genderspecific breakout community groups with adult leaders. Info: lauren.gibeault@bayareacc.org
WINTER MELTDOWN February 22-24 Join us for our annual high school winter retreat at River Valley Ranch. All high school students are invited to a weekend of worship, teaching, and activities including paintball, ziplining, horseback riding, dodgeball and more. The cost is $175. Regsiter: bayareacc.org/register
VERTICAL WEEKEND March 22-23 Join us for our annual in-house middle school retreat. All programming and activities take place at Bay Area, and students spend Friday night at a Bay Area host home with their community group. The weekend will include teaching, worship, activities, meals and a T-shirt. The cost is $85. Regsiter: bayareacc.org/register
WOMEN’S MINISTRY Register for studies and events at bayareacc.org/annapolis/women.
WOMEN’S CONFERENCE: “INVITED TO THE TABLE” Saturday, 4/6, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. The story of Scripture hinges on how Jesus came to restore our relationships - first with God, then with each other. That means friendship isn’t just a take-it-or-leave-it kind of thing; friendship is a calling. Join us as best-selling Lifeway author Lisa-Jo Baker shares with humor and honesty what she’s learned from God and in her thousands of conversations with women about what it takes to find and keep lasting friendships. Cost: $30
QUILTS FOR KIDS Saturday, 2/16, 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in The Docks Join us as we make quilts for kids. Bring your sewing machine and we will provide the quilting fabrics. Bring your lunch to eat together. Info: annapolisqfk@gmail.com
WOMEN OF LEGACY (55+)
Join this group of senior women who support one another, love Jesus, and grow in their discipleship. They meet on the second and fourth Monday of every month. Newcomers welcome!
2/11, 10:30 - noon We will discuss the chapter “The Sound of Silence” from our book “Teach Us To Number Our Days.”
2/25, 10:30 - noon We will enjoy a time of worship led by Dana Toon. Info: luisandcedule@gmail.com
GOD ‘N GRITS: A MEN’S MONTHLY BREAKFAST THIRD SATURDAYs • 8 am • Register today at bayareacc.org/REGISTER
26 GO&MAKE F E B R U A R Y
February 15, 2019 6-9 PM Mark your calendars for a Great Date Night experience at Bay Area for all couples! Comedian John Branyan will entertain us. Don’t miss this hilarious evening full of fun, laughter and ministry. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided. This is a great opportunity to invite friends. KidCare is available for ages infant to fifth grade.
bayareacc.org/register
Want to learn more about our Odenton campus and find out how you can get involved?
EMAIL CAMPUS PASTOR
Jason Barthelemy jason.barthelemy@bayareacc.org
F E B R U A R Y GO&MAKE 27
The missionary life is for everyone, and it can start simple. The small steps we take to love our neighbors lead us down the road to being Jesus’ witnesses in the big world. As we grow in the Great Commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves, we’ll be on our way to fulfilling the Great Commission to go and make disciples.
“
Imagine this single mother’s surprise when I went to pay on my son’s presents in layaway, knowing he wouldn’t able to open them until they were paid for two weeks after Christmas. Then I find out that they were paid for! This heartwarming act brought me to tears and made our Christmas truly magical. If only I could hug the person whose kindness touched our lives. Thank you, with much appreciation! - Ann
”
Read more stories and learn how to get your Grace Bomb on at:
gracebomb.org 28 GO&MAKE F E B R U A R Y