Archive for families

Dec
21

Seasons of Life Change, a Desire to Minister Remains

by newhope

This is the 12th in a series of articles from New Hope authors this month on the theme Celebrating Christmas in a World of Need.

by Linda M. Clark

Because my husband’s work took us away from both sides of our family, we developed some Christmas traditions built around reaching out to people in need. We exchanged gifts and mailed the usual boxes to grandparents and friends, but my husband and I always tried to provide opportunities for our 3 children to experience giving rather than just receiving.

In addition to earning money for the annual Christmas missions offering by doing extra household chores, Wayne, Phillip, and Janna helped with a variety of projects for homeless families, providing holiday meals, gathering canned goods, and buying gifts for children. We had a lot of fun through the years as a family knowing that we helped others to celebrate Christmas too.

Children grow up, marry, and establish homes of their own. After many years, it was just my husband and me! That first year was a time of adjustment because there were no children at our Christmas celebrations.

It was obvious that we needed to establish new traditions, ones that fit our new title as “empty nesters.” We began to look for new opportunities to share Christ with others during the Christmas season.

Since then, we have tried in a number of ways to minister to the spiritual and physical needs of others at Christmastime. We have served meals at a senior citizen center and on skid row in Los Angeles. We have bought gifts for children whose parents were in prison and helped with a follow-up celebration event for their families. One year in an effort to help one of my granddaughters learn the blessing of giving to others we shopped for winter scarves and matching gloves for the homeless. Another year we set a goal of filling 15 Operation Christmas Child boxes. The hardest part was finding the boxes!

We have recently moved from California to Indiana and are already in search of a Christmas project that will allow us to share God’s love through Jesus, His Son. Merry Christmas as you, too, establish or continue Christmas celebrations and ministries!

Linda M. Clark speaks both nationally and internationally on a wide range of subjects of interest to women and leads seminars, retreats, and conferences on spiritual growth, women’s life issues, and missions. She is the compiler of 5 Leadership Essentials for Women and author of Awaken the Leader in You.

 

1 Categories : Articles
Aug
9

Thankful for a Godly Heritage

by newhope

by Chandra Peele

When was the last time you thanked the Lord for those who taught you about Jesus? A godly heritage is a wonderful gift to be treasured. In fact, throughout the Bible we are encouraged to teach our children God’s Word, ensuring the gospel is passed on to every generation.

“We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord.”—Psalm 78:4 (NLT)

My great-great-grandmother, Lou Disey Frank (yes, related to Anne Frank), was a charter member of Lone Oak Baptist Church in Snook, a small town near College Station, Texas. They broke ground in 1905 and dedicated the finished building in 1910.

John Henry and Hattie Melissa Frank (front) at their 50th wedding anniversary celebration at Lone Oak Baptist Church in 1953. At left, Rev. A. S. Broaddus, pastor emeritus. At right, Rev. Joe Cheney.

My great-grandparents, John Henry and Hattie Melissa Frank, served in the church and raised their 10 children there.

One of those children is my granddaddy, Willie Samuel Franks (the s was later added), who is now 99 years old, and until recently served as a deacon there. He and his wife, Maudie, were both saved in the church, as were their 4 children, including my mom, Dorothy.

She grew up at Lone Oak and she married Joe Nelson, my father, there in 1956. Today I have fond memories of dinner on the grounds serenaded by gospel music quartets under those beautiful leaning oak trees that have seen the people come and go through the years. If only they could talk.

True, the building is just wood (and brick today); I know it is the people who are the church, the body of Christ. But when I think of my heritage, I can’t help thank God for the vision He gave His people (my ancestors) more than 100 years ago to build a church building. Their faithful giving, dedication, and hard work are testimonies of faith that have greatly influenced me.

Their legacy of serving the Lord, loving others, sharing the gospel, praying for missionaries, and being sold-out believers has now been passed on to my children and I pray will continue for generations to come. I’m thankful for my godly heritage.

Then there’s also my church family—Christian men and women who have come alongside my parents to teach me about Jesus. Looking back it was in my teen years that Sunday School teachers, Girls in Action® (GA®) and Acteens® leaders, good Christian fellowship, youth ministers, and pastors developed my spiritual foundation. This was the beginning of the Lord shaping me into the person I am today: a woman who fears the Lord and longs to serve others and share the love of Christ as often as I can. The thread that began all those years ago, weaving through generation to generation, seems to now be passing through me.

As I studied 2 Timothy while writing Power[full], I couldn’t help but take note of the spiritual influence that Eunice (his mother) and Lois (his grandmother) had on young Timothy. These women along with Paul and others served and taught Timothy out of obedience and love for the Lord, confident the gospel message would be passed on. If only they could see their heritage today—to know Timothy became one of the most famous missionaries of all time!

What about you? Will you choose to pass on the message of Jesus Christ? Will you help disciple the next generation?

Chandra Peele, author of Cherished, Priceless, and Radiant, is a highly recommended speaker and author endorsed by pastor and author Max Lucado; nationally known youth speaker David Nasser; Christian contemporary artist Natalie Grant; author and speaker Jennifer Kennedy Dean; and many more.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are from the Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

 

 

1 Categories : Articles, Chandra Peele, Columns
May
24

Ron Ruthruff: Kids on the Street

by newhope

Ron Ruthruff shares a little of what he’s learned from his many years working with children on the streets. Ron lives and ministers in Seattle and has traveled extensively to better understand the plight of the hurting worldwide. For his latest adventures check out Street Bean Espresso.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

1 Categories : Podcast
Apr
10

Much More than a Brother

by newhope

By Dan Darling

I’ll never forget the day my parents picked me up early from my kindergarten class at Quentin Road Christian School. Leaving school early was always cool, but this trip had a special meaning. The countdown was over, and the day was finally here. We were going to pick up my new brother.

We got into our red Malibu sedan, pulled out of the church lot, and drove for about an hour. We parked the car and entered a white building with the letters ECFA on the front. I remember this stood for Evangelical Child and Family Agency.

A 5-year-old doesn’t know much about life. He doesn’t know about infertility, miscarriage, or adoption. He doesn’t know how babies are made, how brothers and sisters enter the world.

But one thing I did know, from the very moment we entered the office, turned a corner to the right, walked down a short hallway, and entered a room full of cribs—I knew God was bringing someone special into my life.

Dan Darling with his brother, Timothy. (Dan's son, Dan Jr., at left)

I remember the strong arms of my father reaching down into a particular crib, scooping up a tiny baby boy with dark hair and light skin. He held the little guy in his arms and said to my mom, “We’ll call him Timothy. Timothy George.” My dad was notorious for last-minute name decisions. He always felt like he had to see the face of the baby before assigning a name. This baby looked like a Tim, so Tim he would be.

After signing some papers, we put Tim in a brand-new car seat. Then we went to a pharmacy and purchased some diapers, some baby formula, and a few other items. As we rode home, I sat and looked down at this new member of our family. My mother said, “Dan, you’re the big brother and it’s your job to watch over him.”

Those were words I took seriously as a 5-year old boy. They are words I have taken seriously ever since. I’ve tried to be there for Tim through the many seasons of life. Now Tim is a grown man who loves the Lord and loves life. We’re more than brothers. We’re best friends.

Today the church is finding renewed interest in adoption and orphan care, as it should.

Families are adding needy children to their homes, giving of themselves sacrificially, and investing their time and money and effort. There are many little boys and girls out there like Tim who need a loving home, who need someone to demonstrate Christ’s love. And if my life is any evidence, when we give of ourselves to a needy child for Christ’s sake then we will receive much, wonderful and irreplaceable, in return.

Daniel Darling is the senior pastor of Gages Lake Bible Church in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.  His latest release is iFaith: Connecting with God in the 21st Century. He can be reached at www.facebook.com/danieldarling, www.twitter.com/dandarling,  www.danieldarling.com. For more on orphan care, visit www.orphanologybook.com.

0 Categories : Articles
Mar
21

New Hope Digital Coming Soon!

by Andrea Mullins

In case you missed the exciting announcement that New Hope Digital is coming in mid April, here is our press release. Visit the link and sign up to receive more information as well as our newsletter.

(Birmingham, Ala.)—March 9, 2011—As book publishing rapidly enters an exciting new era of connectivity, New Hope Publishers is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of NewHopeDigital.com this April. NewHopeDigital.com is an innovative Web venture, providing readers and retailers with fresh content from top authors in multiple digital formats.

NewHopeDigital.com will feature regularly updated magazine-style content—articles, columns, feature stories, podcasts, videos—from New Hope authors and other contributors. In addition to featuring the latest book releases, each month the site will have a specific theme, such as orphan care, human exploitation, the persecuted church, and missional living.

“New Hope authors are making an impact for Christ, and through New Hope Digital, readers and retailers will be able to read, listen, watch, and interact with them regarding relevant, contemporary issues all in one place,” says publisher Andrea Mullins. “We are praying that our unique approach will be transformational in the lives of believers and will be a tool that retailers can use to connect their customers to the books that will be most helpful in their spiritual journeys.”

The New Hope fold of authors has been very receptive to the concept. “NewHopeDigital.com will provide me an opportunity to go deeper and connect with readers and retailers in an exciting new venue,” says top-selling New Hope author Jennifer Kennedy Dean, best known for her Live a Praying Life resources. “Since most of us live a cyberlife, NewHopeDigital.com fits right into the flow of information that I value and look forward to.”

New Hope author Mark Russell (The Missional Entrepreneur) says, “The church needs a place to explore complex human issues, discover the comprehensive vision of God’s mission, and how these two realities can come together. I’m excited about New Hope Digital because it gives us a conversation space to learn from one another in our God-given mandate to love him and our global neighbor.”

To find out more and to sign up for a free monthly e-newsletter and receive a free download of iFaith by Daniel Darling on the Nook platform, please visit the promotional site at NewHopeDigital.com today.

0 Categories : Blog
Mar
9

Marriage, Obligations, and Service

by Andrea Mullins

Janet Thompson’s concern for mentoring and equiping women as mentors is evident in all that she does. That is why I am pleased that New Hope has published several of her Face to Face Bible studies for women. I asked her to tell us a little about why she wrote the most recent one, Face-to-Face with Priscilla and Aquila: Balancing Life and Ministry.

From Janet’s heart:

I’m always troubled when a Christian’s schedule becomes overcrowded with obligations and activities. Ministry work and service are often the first things they choose to cut back on. A new job or promotion or life change can prompt feelings of no longer having sufficient time or energy to serve at church or in ministry. In an effort to balance life and ministry, the scales may be tipped to the secular side instead of tipped to the spiritual side. It’s a subtle shift that is usually made for practical reasons, but God is calling His people to trust that He will provide if only they will remain faithful to staying about His work.

Priscilla and Aquila managed to keep ministry as their number one priority while running a tentmaking business, mentoring other Christians, moving numerous times, and opening their home for Paul to stay and the church to meet. This inspiring couple understood the importance of Christians participating in spreading the good news and serving together in ministry and life. Their story is not often told unless mentioned in conjunction with being good friends of Paul and mentoring the biblical scholar Apollos, but there is so much for couples and anyone serving in a ministry to learn from this gifted and dedicated husband and wife.

Today when couples do serve in the church, they often don’t serve together, but the marriage relationship is richly blessed when a couple surrenders their life to be used by God in a way that allows them to share that experience together. My prayer is that Face-to-Face with Priscilla and Aquila: Balancing Life and Ministry will inspire more couples to serve together as a team in their home and in their church.

0 Categories : Blog
Feb
25

The Black in Black History Month

by Andrea Mullins

by Joyce Dinkins

More important than how many words we use, is how we use words; how we think about, say, and write words—why and their impact. Even a single word or a letter is meaningful. This is crucial in order to communicate well. We can use words for godly impact or we can use terms meant for evil, right? Take Black.

Black defined in one way is “operating in the black.” That’s a welcome word for anyone looking for a profit. Also, Black or Afro-American or African American History Month, describes a specific “celebration of milestones.” That’s wonderful!

But Black defined as “wicked,” should only apply in correct context—for example, satanic black magic is evil. That’s godly analysis.

When I say Negro History Day or Week, I am explaining the history of Black History Month. Yet I communicate distaste for others’ failed attempts to classify people for purposes of oppression when I say, “I was born a Negro in 1950 and resided where we were not supposed to be, except in set capacities.”

If we write or say, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), we communicate a cross-cultural organization inclusive of individuals of varied skin color. Birthed in 1909 to halt injustice and inhumanity, the NAACP and others fought successfully for civil rights and against evils rooted in US culture, as well as present abroad; for example, South African apartheid. But if someone says, “those colored people,” this reckless phrase denies people’s individuality, rejects their value, and becomes a blanket slur, based solely on how much melanin pigment shows on the surface of the skin.

In the true story documented in Skin, viewers journey with the “Black” child born to “White” Afrikaners unaware of their black ancestry. Many of us in the Americas are unaware of our diverse ancestry; some of us more than others. Those who know and understand lineage and who reflect diverse appearance understand that individuals don’t want to be labeled for wrong reasons.

The key to how we use words is intention; what does a heart desire, a mind determine, and why does a person speak in one way or another?

My dad and mom had to build a bridge past ill-conceived labels; past the abuse they experienced as a result. Despite the language and cultural gaps they lived through, and even ignorant intentions. A bridge for the truth—for my and future generations to exist and thrive. They expressed their hearts and minds intentions: “You can hate racism, but you must always see the individual for who he or she is as a person.”

This requires adding a g to race; this grace is defined primarily, “unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration . . . a virtue coming from God.”

Joyce Dinkins is the managing editor of New Hope Publishers.

0 Categories : Blog
Feb
20

My Grandfather Was a Slave

by Andrea Mullins

by Joyce Dinkins

Most people are amazed when I tell them my grandfather was a slave.

I was discussing my granddad’s generation with a co-worker. “I can’t imagine how slaves, sharecroppers . . . could endure everything that happened to them. How do people in horrible, degrading, dehumanizing situations retain the will to live?” were her questions. My answer comes from a lifetime of learning to look back, understand, and appreciate from where we’ve come.

I’ve never seen Millard F. Wheeler’s face but remember this description: he was a smaller, broken-toothed and quiet, humble man with special gifts. My dad characterized him, “one of the most honest of poor folks, even when it hurt. He was really hurt by slavery because he had such free desires he never got to exercise.” One favorite recollection is that granddad was in charge of tending the fireplaces that warmed his brother’s church before Sunday School (some of those churches are refurbished historical sites in northern Georgia).

Pondering our oral history since childhood has ingrained granddad in my memory. Though, much African-American history has been acknowledged broadly only recently with February commemorations. Some want to forget; I don’t. Knowing about and understanding people who have survived degradation yields rich answers.

Their lives speak precious truth to answer that “How?” The power my granddad and others had—faith—to survive, thrive, and encourage others with hope is a miracle from God. Longing to know them and understand their lifestyle, times, and endurance has been a catalyst for me to consider Him, in whom they trusted to deliver us.

When the Civil War officially began 150 years ago, in the spring, my grandfather and his brothers and sisters were youth longing for freedom. George Washington Wheeler (GW), the oldest of my grandfather’s siblings was an abolitionist, preacher, and a church planter. He stole his masters’ horses to carry the message of faith in a free future above bowed-down heads in Georgia’s cotton fields where he, his parents, brothers, sisters, and extended family of slaves toiled.

Not quite 40 years after emancipation, the US 12th census lists my grandfather, his wife, and nine of his children, tied to the land as sharecroppers. My father, born at the turn of the 20th century, became one of three more children working the fields. Dad also labored as a saddle maker, cook, chauffeur, butler, babysitter, and killer of wild dogs. Until he hitchhiked north to domestic work in the Chicago suburbs along with my mother. That’s where I was born a Negro, the youngest of my father’s eight offspring, far from yet close to their Georgian servitude.

I’m quite removed from much of what my great grandparents, grandparents, and parents survived. But their lives tell me what they discovered and retained about how to overcome. My experiences—and their stories—provoke me to faith. Nothing but the grace of God gives us our exceptional testimony.

Joyce Dinkins is the managing editor of New Hope Publishers, Birmingham, Alabama.

2 Categories : Articles
Feb
15

WorldCrafts Official Launch of New Web Site and Brand

by Andrea Mullins

 

By Ashley Stephens

(BIRMINGHAM, Ala.)—February 10, 2011—WorldCraftssm has officially launched their new branding campaign, which includes a new Web site, www.WorldCrafts.org. The new Web site features easier navigation, streamlined products, larger images, and new party ideas.

WorldCrafts underwent rebranding in 2010, which resulted in a new vision, mission statement, tagline, logo, and colors. The new WorldCrafts mission statement is, “WorldCrafts and its local partners develop fair-trade businesses that provide sustainable income and offer eternal hope for impoverished people throughout the world.”

“WorldCrafts represents artisans whose skills are extraordinary. Our desire is to tell their stories and show their crafts in ways that help our customers understand the needs, the quality of the crafts, and the resulting change that comes from the purchase of a WorldCrafts product,” said Andrea Mullins, WorldCrafts director. “Every story is one of dignity and hope because of the ministry of WorldCrafts.”

With a new brand and Web site in place, WorldCrafts’ goal is not only to strengthen the relationship with their current customer base but also to reach out to potential customers, including those not familiar with WMU or the Southern Baptist Convention, who are interested in fair-trade, world impact, and ministry.

About WorldCrafts

WorldCrafts develops sustainable, fair-trade businesses among impoverished people around the world. Our vision is to offer an income with dignity and the hope of everlasting life to every person on earth.

WorldCrafts is a division of WMU®.

1 Categories : Blog
Jan
28

Gain Blessings from Serving with Your Spouse by Ashley Stephens

by Andrea Mullins

 

Face-to-Face with Priscilla and Aquila: Balancing Life and Ministry (New Hope Bible Studies for Women) Priscilla and Aquila made an impact on those they served. So much so they were mentioned numerous times by the Apostle Paul in his writings as examples of servant leadership in the early church. Sadly today many couples serve apart from one another in the church—if they serve at all. By not serving together, those couples miss out on blessings that can only be received through investing in kingdom work as a couple.

Face-to-Face with Priscilla and Aquila (978-1-59669-295-4, N114132, $8.99) explores the importance of serving together and leading together within the context of both the church and everyday life.

“Priscilla and Aquila had their priorities and their house in order and their biblical story can mentor us today in how to graciously serve God and each other,” says Janet Thompson. “God blessed their business, their marriage, and their ministry—and He’ll do the same for anyone who puts the work of God first in their life and relationships.”

Face-to-Face with Priscilla and Aquila is a five-week study that can be used individually, as a couple, or as a small group. It includes content on service and leadership as well as real-life short stories and testimonies.

About the Author

Janet Thompson, founder and director of About His Work Ministries, is an author and speaker on topics relevant to today’s Christian. Janet discovered her purpose when God called her to “feed My sheep.” Janet answered that call by developing the Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry at Saddleback Church, where she and her husband, Dave, have been members since 1987. Janet served as a lay minister for 12 years, leading Saddleback’s Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry, and she continues to share the blessings of mentoring by training in churches around the world. Janet’s previous New Hope works include the “Face-to-Face” series.

Dave and Janet have four married children and love being Grammie and Grampa to 11 beautiful grandchildren. They make their home in Lake Forest, California.

 

0 Categories : Blog
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