Persecuted Church / New Members / Sermon Recap

Wayne and Pam have been appointed as Persecuted Church Coordinators for Stillmeadow. They have been part of the Stillnaz family for more than 5 years, and are also involved in media support and children's ministry at Stillmeadow. Wayne works at Highmark Blue Shield in Information Technologies and Pam is a former teacher who is now a stay at home mom with 3 1/2 year old son Dakota. Wayne and Pam love to hike in local State Parks and other places where they can enjoy God’s creation.

What got you interested in this ministry?
"About 2 months ago we attended a Voice of the Martyrs' Advance Conference, where speakers from around the world shared personal testimonies about persecution and ways they are advancing God's kingdom on the front-lines of ministry. We were drawn to this ministry, especially after hearing one of the speakers, Bob Fu." (see recommended book below). We were convicted by the verse in Hebrews 13:3 where we are commanded to remember our persecuted brothers.

The following are resources to help you learn more about this ministry:

FREE APP 
Click the arrow below to learn about an app you can download that will keep you informed.

RECOMMENDED BOOKS 

Tens of millions of Christians live in China today, many of them leading double lives or in hiding from a government that relentlessly persecutes them. Bob Fu, whom the Wall Street Journal called "The pastor of China's underground railroad," is fighting to protect his fellow believers from persecution, imprisonment, and even death. God's Double Agent is his fascinating and riveting story. You can get this book HERE, or in the Stillnaz library.

To many Christians in the Middle East today, a “momentary, light affliction” means enduring only torture instead of martyrdom. The depth of oppression Jesus followers suffer is unimaginable to most Western Christians. Yet, it is an everyday reality for those who choose faith over survival in Syria, Iran, Egypt, Lebanon, and other countries hostile to the Gospel of Christ. InKilling Christians, Tom Doyle takes readers to the secret meetings, the torture rooms, the grim prisons, and even the executions that are the “calling” of countless Muslims-turned-Christians.

Each survivor longs to share with brothers and sisters “on the outside” what Christ has taught them. Killing Christians is their message to readers who still enjoy freedom to practice their faith. None would wish their pain and suffering on those who do not have to brave such misery, but the richness gained through their remarkable trials are delivered—often in their own words—through this book. The stories are breathtaking, the lessons soul-stirring and renewing. Killing Christians presents the dead serious work of expanding and maintaining the Faith.You can get this book HERE, or in the Stillnaz library.

WAYNE AND PAM'S GOALS FOR 2017:

1. We will be present at the Stillnaz Welcome desk once a month to pass out literature. We will also have several books that will be available to borrow.
2. Send out email reminders about special prayer requests.
3. Create an awareness at Stillmeadow for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who suffer severe persecution for their outspoken faith and loyalty.
4. Share prayer opportunities for those individuals and families undergoing persecution whenever and however an opportunity presents itself. 

SPECIAL EVENTS in 2017

Wayne is speaking at the Stillnaz breakfast on the morning of Saturday July 8th. Also, November is persecuted church month - so look for more information later this year.

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

If you would like more information about this ministry, please contact Wayne and Pam HERE. You can view the website of Voice of the Martyrs HERE.

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY

During the last few weeks Friday Feature News has introduced special people who will be joining Stillmeadow this Sunday, May 21st. The last few weeks we've shared information about each new member and this week we introduce two more special people.

Cheryl: HOW DID YOU FIND JESUS?

Jesus has always been in my life. I grew up attending a church in Lancaster county. Along with my brother and sister, I sang in the choir, ushered and was confirmed in that church. I served in the United States Navy for twenty years - stationed in Japan, Washington State, Massachusetts, West Virginia, California and Maryland attending Christian denomination services on bases and at times in the local community. I was baptized while stationed in Washington State.

HOW DID YOU FIND STILLMEADOW?

I was attending Livestrong classes at the York YMCA for cancer survivors along with Darlene (Rudd) who spoke about Stillmeadow.  I did a search online and began and have been attending services since July 2016.  I have attended a Church of the Nazarene while stationed in Massachusetts.

Tim: HOW DID YOU FIND JESUS?

At St. Paul United Methodist church when i was 4 years old. I cried when they told me about how Jesus sacrificed himself to save us.

HOW DID YOU FIND STILLMEADOW?

My cousin started going to Stillmeadow when he was going through some really tough times in his life. He said going here turned his life around and he convinced me to go with him. I was hooked after the first sermon.

View previous posts about other new members. HERE. HERE. HERE. HERE. HERE. 

Last Sunday we continued Spark Discipleship. Pastor John shared the sermon - "Your Closest Community: Leading a Christ-Centered Home."

I. Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness - Psalms 63:1
Three Things I do:
1. Involve God in your daily conversations.
2. Make church non-negotiable.
3. Show that seeking God is fun.

II. Pursue Purity - Psalms 119:9-10
How do we pursue purity in our homes?
1. The Parents Heart Must be right.
a. Be Honest.
b. Make Peace (not keep peace) in your home.
c. Lead in Spiritual Growth.

2. Parent the Heart not the Actions.
• Jesus focused on the heart.
• Right Actions come from a right heart.

3. Pursue Perfect Purity
• Not even a Hint.
• Only God can Create the pure heart.

View Spark Discussion Questions HERE. 

(there will be more SparkDiscipleship training on Sunday afternoon, July 9th. More details will be coming but please save this date.)