The Mag - WMU

TheMag 

July/August 2011 • Vol. 41 #6 

a K aleidoscope 

of Missions 

Awa reness 

a nd Growth 

Pray for 

sm 

Blume 

2011 

(p. 4) 

How Can 

I Give 3 

if I Don’t Go 

to Blume sm ? (p. 38) 

Christmas in Augusttm 

Send a Gift to a Missionary (p. 26)

New from Chandra Peele! 

Power(Full) 

T h e P o w e r o f G o d i n a G i r l 

Blume sm 

2011 photos on www.blumeforgirls.com! 

(after the event, of course) 

Blume sm 

July 13–16 

Orlando, Florida 

A celebrated author 

and speaker, Chandra 

Peele invites teenage 

girls to dive into a 

six-week study of 2 

Timothy and fully 

see the power of God 

that lives in them— 

the very same power 

they can use to 

change the world. 

Through Scripture 

and personal 

stories, readers 

will discover the 

importance of 

following God’s 

direction in their 

lives, focusing 

on developing 

spiritually, 

enhancing their 

leadership skills, 

and seeing the 

power of God 

flow through 

them. 

Three ways to purchase Power[full] and other books by Chandra Peele: 

• Check out the Blume Marketplace at Blume sm 

• Visit www.wmustore.com 

• Call 1-800-968-7301 

978-1-59669-168-1 • N116150 • $12.99 

Look for yourself and your group at www.blumeforgirls.com. 

We have pics of general sessions, Missions Mania, down time, 

Epcot ® , and more! 

Buy Blume photos! 

Watch www.blumeforgirls.com for a link to the official Blume 

photographers’ website where you can purchase photos. 

Got Photos? 

Post your own photos on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ 

blume2011. And share your Blume story with Acteens ® everywhere. 

Didn’t go to Blume? Check out the pics anyway and pray for your 

Acteens ® sisters. Pray that girls in the pics will find ways to use what 

they learned and experienced at Blume in their own communities.

July & 

August 

Table of Contents 

Kym S. Mitchell, Design Editor 

Suzanne A. Reece, Ministry Consultant 

Stephanie Key, Copy Editor 

Freda Souter, Art Director 

Carol Causey, Missions Resource Center Director 

Wanda S. Lee, Executive Director 

Debby Akerman, President, WMU, SBC 

Feature Articles 

Project HELP sm : Human Exploitation................... 18 

Christmas in August tm ........................................ 26 

Kids on the Lake................................................ 32 

Human Trafficking? Here?.................................. 34 

The Power Project............................................. 36 

How to Become a Christian............................... 60 

National WMU ® is not a part of the Cooperative Program allocation budget and receives no funds from 

the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering ® , or Lottie Moon Christmas Offering ® . National WMU is supported 

through the sale of magazines and products, and from investments and charitable contributions. 

 

Devotions 

Mirror Test.......................................................... 8 

Diversity Tapestry.............................................. 12 

Showing Favorites............................................. 16 

Fan Into Flame.................................................. 20 

Door Number 1 or 2?........................................ 42 

The Curse.......................................................... 46 

Proselytizing...................................................... 50 

Instruments....................................................... 52 

Mission Stories 

Grace McGraw: Literacy Missionary................... 22 

Iglesias Bautistas en Baltimore........................... 54 

Prayer Calendars 

July ......................................................................6 

August ...............................................................58 

Prayer Calendar Key....................inside back cover 

Blume sm 2011 

Blume Photos.......................................................1 

Pray for Blume .....................................................4 

Give 3 Wherever You Are....................................38 

Activity Pages 

What’s My Gift ...................................................10 

How Can I Use My Gifts.....................................14 

Welcome to Baltimore........................................44 

Reflections..........................................................48 

Woman’s Missionary Union, WMU, Women on Mission, Acteens, Girls in Action, GA, 

Mission Friends, Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, AAEO, Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, 

LMCO, Christian Women’s Job Corps, CWJC, and Change a Life. Change the World. are 

registered trademarks of Woman’s Missionary Union, Birmingham, Alabama. WorldCrafts, 

Adults on Mission, Children in Action, MissionsQuest, World Ventures, and Youth on 

Mission are service marks of Woman’s Missionary Union, Birmingham, Alabama. 

Copyright, Woman’s Missionary Union. All rights reserved. Unless otherwise noted, no 

part of The Mag July be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, 

mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise—without the prior written permission of Woman’s Missionary Union. For 

reprint permission contact Kym Mitchell at (205) 991-4016. 

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ® 

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. tm Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture 

quotations marked (The Message) are taken from The Message by Eugene H. Peterson. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 

1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken 

from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 

Wheaton, Illinois. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (HCSB) are taken from the Holman Christian Standard 

Bible © copyright 2000 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from 

the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture 

quotations marked (GNT) are from the Good News Translation—Second Edition © 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by 

Permission.

Pray for Blume 

Are you planning 

to come to 

Blume sm ? Great! 

We can’t wait to 

see you in July 

in Orlando. If 

you aren’t able to 

come to Blume, 

there are still 

ways you can 

participate in the 

experience. First, 

you can give. 

There are three 

ways to give at 

Blume, and you 

and your Acteens 

group can join in 

that experience. 

Check out page 

38 for more 

information. 

Another way you 

can be a part of 

Blume 2011 is 

through prayer. 

Here are some 

ways you can 

begin praying 

each day for 

Blume and all God will do in and 

through the students and adults in 

attendance. Then you’ll find specific 

prayer requests for each day of the 

Blume conference, July 13–16, 2011. 

Prayers from Now to July 12 

Mondays—Pray for safe travel for 

everyone coming to Blume. Pray 

for safety and good directions for 

 

the drivers of cars, vans, buses, and 

airplanes. 

Tuesdays—Pray for the Blume 

Steering Team and all other national 

WMU ® staff who are planning Blume. 

Ask God to give these individuals 

wisdom to know exactly what He 

wants to take place at the event. 

Pray for focus and the ability to 

accomplish all the little details that 

need to be done. 

Wednesdays—Pray for Chandra 

Peele, the featured speaker at Blume. 

Pray for Cindy Johnson, the worship 

leader, and her band. 

Thursdays—Pray for the conference 

leaders who will be teaching at 

Blume. Pray they will be led by 

God’s spirit as they plan. Pray for 

the missionaries, National Acteens ® 

Panelists, musicians, and others who 

will lead in other ways. 

Fridays—Pray for all of the 

individuals who work in and around 

the Orlando area. Pray for the local 

volunteers who are preparing now 

and will work throughout the event 

to help make Blume a success. 

Saturdays—Pray for the group 

you will be coming with to Blume 

or for other groups who are going. 

Pray that groups will grow closer 

to one another and to God as a 

result of their experience at Blume. 

Thank God for the leader(s) who will 

bring groups to Blume and for their 

commitment to serve Him in this 

way. Ask God to bless them as they 

finalize details, complete fund-raising 

projects, and prepare to go. 

Sundays—Pray for yourself. Ask 

God to prepare your heart now so 

you’ll be open to all God wants 

you to experience, learn, and hear 

through your time at Blume. Pray 

that you will find ways to use what 

you learn at Blume once you return 

home. Thank God for your parent(s) 

and other encouraging adults in your 

life who are supporting you in this 

experience. If you aren’t going to 

Blume, ask God to reveal to you areas 

in your life where you need to grow 

and develop. Ask God to provide 

people in your life who can help 

guide you in this way. 

Prayers for the 

Week of Blume sm 

July 12—Pray for those who are 

traveling to Orlando today. Pray 

for safety and patience. Pray for the 

Blume staff and volunteers who are 

setting up for Blume. 

July 13—Pray for a smooth Blume 

registration experience for all groups. 

Pray for those involved in the first 

general session tonight and those 

responsible for the Bible studies. Ask 

God to calm the anxiety of those 

with significant responsibilities. Ask 

God to be with all of the speakers and 

musicians. 

July 14—Pray for the facilitators 

who will lead Blume participants in 

an experience at Epcot ® today and 

tomorrow. Pray that conference 

leaders and missionaries will allow 

God to speak through them. 

July 15—Pray for those working in 

the ministries area of Blume. Pray 

for girls to respond to the invitation 

that will take place in the evening 

general session. Pray for the National 

Acteens ® Panelists and all the work 

they are doing at Blume. 

July 16—Pray that Blume 

participants will have learned many 

things during their Blume experience. 

Pray that the closing general session 

will be spirit-filled and a wonderful 

close to Blume 2011. Pray for safety 

for those traveling home today. 

July 17—Pray for those who are 

still traveling today. Pray that girls 

and their leaders who went to Blume 

will take home what they learned 

and experienced and find ways to 

use those experiences in their own 

communities.

July 

prayer 

calendar 

1 

Ken 

Bain, MSC, Arizona 

Joe Silby, App, EURO 

Barbara Burnett, Ret, IMB 

9 

Mark 

Gerard Lorenz, Cr, 

Minnesota 

CC, App, SEA 

Ruth Dyson, Ret, IMB 

17 

Jacob Atchley, Cr, West 

Virginia 

DT, Cr, SEA 

Glenn Harada, Ret, Hawaii 

25 

Evelyn Blankenship, Cr, 

Maryland 

TS, Cr, SEA 

Richard Lamborn, Ret, Iowa 

2 

Annette 

Graves, MSC, California 

AN, App, NAME 

Bettye Jane Agnor, Ret, 

Maryland 

10 

Carl Russell, Cr, New Mexico 

Ray Hodgins, Cr, DEAF 

Rita Chanco, Ret, Georgia 

18 

Paul Wells, Cr, Alaska 

Jan Bennett, Cr, AMP 

Jackie Legg, Ret, IMB 

26 

Buddy Seymour, MSC, 

Wyoming 

Anna Rodriguez, Cr, AMP 

Joan Sutton, Ret, IMB 

3 

Valerie 

4 

Debra 

McDowell, MSC, 

Mississippi 

Anthony Shelton, Cr, SSAP 

Marina Menzies, Ret, IMB 

Beike, Cr, Ohio 

DS, Cr, CAP 

Janet Webb, Ret, North Carolina 

11 

12 

Ronald Wilson, MSC, 

Pennsylvania 

RC, Cr, EURO 

Gracie Kirkpatrick, Ret, 

Virginia 

John McGraw, Cr, Alabama 

MS, Cr, NAME 

Barbara Vick, Ret, IMB 

19 

20 

Jane Carman, MSC, Oklahoma 

RT, App, NAME 

Julio Diaz, Ret, Florida 

Scott Terry, Cr, Maine 

Elizabeth Kea, App, EURO 

Betty Capps, Ret, IMB 

27 

28 

Jennifer Hodges, Cr, Utah 

KS, App, ASAP 

Orby Butcher, Ret, IMB 

Arlene Moore, Cr, Pennsylvania 

Roslyn Alexander, App, EURO 

Jim Queen, Ret, Illinois 

5 

Art 

6 

Murray 

7 

Michael 

Davis, MSC, Texas 

WY, Cr, ASAP 

Bill Womack, Ret, IMB 

Wheeler, MSC, 

Connecticut 

DD, Cr, EAP 

Sistie Givens, Ret, IMB 

Akinpelu, Cr, Canada 

Charles Clark, Cr, AMP 

Laura Love, Ret, Mississippi 

13 

14 

15 

Roger Turner, Cr, Hawaii 

Michael Allen, App, SSAP 

Heyward Calvert, Ret, South 

Carolina 

Amber Edwards, Cr, Wyoming 

LC, App, ASAP 

Nettie Gammage, Ret, IMB 

Phil Peters, Cr, Washington 

MG, Cr, CAP 

Jacklyn Cagle, Ret, Oklahoma 

21 

22 

23 

Luis Rivera, MSC, New York 

AE, Cr, SSAP 

Naomi Sandlin, Ret, South 

Dakota 

Elaine Shirley, Cr, Colorado 

ND, Cr, CAP 

Vance Kirkpatrick, Ret, IMB 

Kay Clemons, MSC, Missouri 

Gail Gierhart, Cr, EAP 

Ruby Thorne, Ret, Kansas 

29 

30 

31 

Sharon Kelley, MSC, Louisiana 

DR, App, DEAF 

Jerry Key, Ret, IMB 

Steve Murdock, Cr, Iowa 

BL, Cr, NAME 

Louise Chambers, Ret, Arizona 

Hiram Acree, MSC, Georgia 

SS, Cr, ASAP 

Mary Nell Giles, Ret, IMB 

8 

Shelley 

Harold, MSC, Montana 

Nancy Jordan, Cr, DEAF 

Mickey Searcy, Ret, IMB 

16 

Gene Nabi, MSC, Tennessee 

BL, Cr, EAP 

Loyce Barnes, Ret, IMB 

24 

Myrtle Ballard, Cr, Idaho 

Melissa Conner, Cr, AMP 

Richard Holder, Ret, IMB 

Prayer Calendar Key is on the 

inside back cover.

Mirror 

Test 

“Don’t pick on people, jump on their the spiritual principle of the mirror test 

failures, criticize their faults—unless, of in Matthew 7:1–5. In these verses, a 

course, you want the same treatment. That “holier-than-thou” attitude hinders a 

critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. Christian from recognizing her flawed 

It’s easy to see a smudge on your 

reflection in a mirror. Instead, the focus 

neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the is on pointing out the failures and faults 

ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the of others. In this mirror test, one fails to 

nerve to say ‘Let me wash your face for see that the entire face is marked with an 

you,’ when your own face is distorted by ugly sneer. Instead one obsesses over the 

contempt? It’s this whole traveling roadshow 

mentality all over again, playing a God requires that a Christian’s level of 

smudge on the neighbor’s face. However, 

holier-than-thou part instead of just living self-consciousness be aware of her own 

your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your reflection and how she appears to others. 

own face, and you might be fit to offer a Prejudice and judgmental thoughts and 

washcloth to your neighbor.” 

actions have no place in a Christian’s 

—Matthew 7:1–5 (The Message) life. Think of a time when you have had 

judgmental thoughts or actions. 

There is a scientific test to determine at 

what age a human can recognize its own How did a judgmental attitude hinder 

reflection. Scientists smear a mark on the your relationship with God? 

forehead of a test subject and then observe 

the reaction to a mirror’s reflection. At How did a judgmental attitude hinder 

about 2 years old, a toddler can react to your relationship with others? 

the mark on her forehead by trying to 

touch it or wipe it off. This proves that Read and respond to this quote by Mother 

a toddler recognizes her reflection in Teresa: “If you judge people, you have no 

the mirror. Scientists have performed time to love them.” 

this test on different species of animals. 

Chimpanzees, elephants, dolphins, and Once you mirror test your own prejudice 

magpies have all successfully passed the and judgments of others, then you can 

mirror test. Most animals and babies under help others overcome those issues as 

the age of 2 do not pass the mirror test well. Once you know how to remove 

because they do not possess a specific level judgmental thoughts and actions from 

of self-consciousness. 

your own behavior, then you can help 

Scripture records Jesus teaching on others remove them as well. Once you 

by Libby Quigg 

know how to love others 

unconditionally, then 

you can help others 

share God’s love as well. 

Oftentimes when you 

genuinely love people, 

you will inspire others to 

stop judging and showing 

feelings of prejudice. 

Judgmental thoughts and 

actions can be directed 

in many different 

ways, such as behavior, 

appearance, age, gender, 

or background. Regardless 

of the reason for judging 

others, God does not 

want us to judge anyone. 

What judgmental actions 

or thoughts have you 

witnessed among your 

friends or family? 

What can you do to 

inspire your friends 

and family to be less 

judgmental? How can 

your actions demonstrate 

how to be accepting and 

loving toward others? 

Today’s Challenge: Spend less 

time judging and more time loving 

others. Today, carry around a compact 

mirror to remind you to examine any 

judgmental feelings in your own life. 

Also, carry around a washcloth to 

remind you to identify any judgmental 

feelings among your friends and family. 

Libby Quigg is a writer, guitarist, and dancer. 

She teaches missions to the children and 

Acteens ® in her church and community.

What’s My Gift? 

Answer these questions based on 1 Corinthians 12. If you answer 

yes, you may have that spiritual gift. This is not a complete list of all 

the different spiritual gifts, and the examples of how your gifts may 

be expressed in your life are just that, examples. For more gifts, see 

Romans 12 and Ephesians 4. You may find that you have one or 

more than one of the gifts mentioned here. 

And remember, every child of God is blessed with one or more 

spiritual gifts. If you complete this activity and study the Scripture 

passages and you’re still not sure, ask your family and friends 

what gifts and abilities they see in you. That may help you 

narrow it down some more. Then check the Internet for a free 

spiritual gifts inventory that you can take and maybe learn even 

more about God’s gifts in your life. 

____ When you have a problem, do you like to get advice from different people? Then 

perhaps you have the gift of wisdom. Those who are wise know that sometimes 

it is important to seek the counsel of others when making a decision. Those who 

are wise also know when to offer advice and when to keep their opinions to 

themselves. 

____ Do you enjoy reading, listening, and understanding different perspectives? Do you 

desire to understand things you don’t know about and seek to learn new things 

every day? Then perhaps you have the gift of knowledge. This could mean that 

you try your hardest to not only understand Christianity, but also the religious 

perspectives of others. But the gift of knowledge means that you recognize there 

is always more to learn, not just about religions but about many things related to 

the world in general. 

____ Is it easy for you to believe even when others have questions, doubts, or are 

unsure? Then perhaps you have the gift of faith. Those who have great faith are 

those who can believe without proof. They know that even when life is hard and 

maybe they don’t feel God’s presence with them, that God is there—present, 

listening to them, and loving them. 

____ Do you enjoy caring for sick or elderly people? Then perhaps you have the 

gift of healing. Those who have the gift of healing often have the ability 

to help restore someone’s soul or body in various ways. Healing means 

you enjoy looking after and nourishing someone back to health. 

____ Is it easy for you to understand Scripture and explain what it means to 

others? Then perhaps you have the gift of prophecy. Those with this gift 

can help others interpret God’s purposes and how God is working in the 

world. Prophecy means you speak and share the meaning of God’s word 

because He inspires you. 

____ Can you determine when someone is being honest or not? Then perhaps 

you have the gift of discernment. Those with this gift have the ability to 

know how to help resolve arguments between others or talk calmly with 

those who have varying viewpoints. Those who have this gift can usually 

understand where others are coming from, even if they don’t 

agree with the opinions of others. 

Answer this question: What is the greatest gift?______________ 

Write your own assessment question to help someone find out if they 

have the greatest gift? 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________________ 

Use this activity in your Acteens ® meeting in the July Personal/ 

Spiritual Growth session. See Spring 2011 Acteens Leader (p. 38). 

10 11

Diversity 

Tapestry 


Recently, I was able to visit the Vatican 

Museum in Rome, Italy. It is a massive 

museum filled with famous paintings, 

sculptures, and extravagantly decorated 

rooms. In one part of the building, there is 

a long hallway, about a 1 ⁄4 mile long, that 

holds a gallery of tapestries. A tapestry 

is a woven piece of artwork. Millions of 

threads are woven in a specific way to 

create intricate designs. 

Along one wall are tapestries designed 

by Raphael and woven in Brussels, 

Belgium. The tapestries depict scenes 

from Jesus’ life from His birth to His 

resurrection. Some of them are particularly 

interesting because they seem to move 

as you walk along the hallway. In one 

tapestry, Jesus emerges from the tomb, 

and His eyes and feet seem to point in 

whatever direction you are standing. In 

another tapestry, Jesus sits at a table eating 

with the men who failed to recognize 

Him on the road to Emmaus, and His 

hand and eyes are directed toward the 

onlooker regardless of where you are 

standing. These illusions in the artwork 

are impressive considering they are 

achieved with woven threads. In these 

intricate tapestries, each thread does its 

job to contribute to defining the image 

and telling the story. 

The body of Christ is like a tapestry 

because each member of Christ’s body testimony about Christ among you” 

as each thread strengthens the tapestry’s 

Today’s Challenge: Each thread has 

contributes in a unique way. The diversity (1 Cor. 1:4–6). 

weave, as well as being a color or shade 

a unique function. Try to recognize 

of members creates a beautiful picture 

If we compare the body of Christ to a 

in the design, God wants each member to 

that everyone’s function in the body 

that tells the story of how God’s grace is tapestry, then each member is a thread 

use her unique abilities to strengthen and 

of Christ is important. What are some 

for everyone. In 1 Corinthians 1:4–6, the that God gifts uniquely for a special 

serve the body of Christ. What are your 

gifts and abilities you recognize in other 

word you is plural. Paul was addressing the purpose. In what ways are you a unique 

unique gifts and abilities? How can you 

people? 

church in Corinth and praising God for thread in the body of Christ? 

use them to strengthen and serve the body 

the diversity among them. 

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has 

of Christ? 

“I always thank my God for you because created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can 

Read and respond to this quote by Libby Quigg is a writer, guitarist, and dancer. 

of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For do the good things he planned for us long 

Maya Angelou: “We all should know that She teaches missions to the children and 

in him you have been enriched in every ago” (Eph. 2:10 NLT). 

diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we Acteens ® in her church and community. 

way—with all kinds of speech and with Each thread is woven with millions of 

must understand that all the threads of 

all knowledge—God thus confirming our other threads to create a masterpiece. Just 

the tapestry are equal in value no matter 

what their color.” 

12 13

How Can I Use 

My Gifts? 

If you completed “What’s My Gift?” (p. 10), 

then the next question to ask yourself is 

“How can I use my gifts?” 

List your gifts. 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

Remember that the body of Christ has many members. What body part best describes 

your gifts? 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

Keeping in mind all your gifts, answer the following questions: 

In what ministries can you use your gifts to help at your church? 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

What missions projects can you do in your neighborhood that would use your gifts? 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

With whom can you share God’s love? 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

Keep a journal of your experience. 

Use this activity in your Acteens ® meeting in the July Hands-On 

Missions Experience. See Spring 2011 Acteens Leader (p. 45). 

14 

15

Showing 

Favorites 


What is your favorite . . . 

Animal?________________________________ 

Bible story?____________________________ 

Book?__________________________________ 

Color?_ ________________________________ 

Flower?_ _______________________________ 

Food?__________________________________ 

Fruit?__________________________________ 

Outfit?_________________________________ 

Restaurant?____________________________ 

School subject?_________________________ 

Soft drink?_ ____________________________ 

Song?__________________________________ 

Teacher?_ ______________________________ 

TV show?_ _____________________________ 

Vacation spot?__________________________ 

“My brothers and sisters, believers in our 

glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show 

favoritism. Suppose a man comes into 

your meeting wearing a gold ring and 

fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old 

clothes also comes in. If you show special 

attention to the man wearing fine clothes 

and say, ‘Here’s a good seat for you,’ but 

say to the poor man, ‘You stand there’ 

or ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ have you 

not discriminated among yourselves 

and become judges with evil thoughts?” 

(James 2:1–4). 

Have you ever been the recipient of 

favoritism? Maybe you have been the 

teacher’s pet or the favorite grandchild. 

Maybe you have gotten something free or 

were granted special privileges. Or maybe 

you were mistreated or bullied. Maybe 

you were the least favorite in your class or 

were picked on by your cousins. Maybe 

both (like Joseph). 

Try to identify favoritism in your own life. 

Does your church show favoritism? 

Are there people who are more or less 

welcome to your church? 

Read through the story of Joseph in 

Genesis chapters 37, 39–50. Joseph was 

his father’s favorite son, and his brothers 

hated him for it. Joseph had a special gift 

of having divine dreams and the ability to 

interpret dreams. His brothers hated him 

for it, and they sold him into slavery. 

Still, Joseph became a favored slave. 

After the master’s wife tricked him, Joseph 

went to prison, but there he became the 

warden’s favorite. Joseph rose to power 

again to become the Pharaoh’s favorite. 

Eventually after an entertaining scheme 

to reunite the family, Joseph becomes the 

nation’s favorite and the family favorite. 

Joseph’s story provides examples of 

many types of favoritism. Showing 

favoritism or playing favorites creeps 

into our relationships and causes trouble. 

In Joseph’s life, he found himself in 

many compromising predicaments 

because he was so likeable, handsome, 

gifted, and hardworking. While all these 

qualities were good and God used them, 

Joseph ended up in several troubling 

circumstances. 

Vegetable?_____________________________ 

You were probably able to answer each of 

the questions because you have favorites. 

There are things you like and things you 

do not. There are people you like and 

people you do not. But God is different. 

God has no favorites. “There is no 

favoritism with God” (Rom. 2:11 HCSB). 

God wants us to follow Jesus’ example 

and not show favoritism, but to love our 

neighbors regardless of who our neighbors 

are or what they look like. James writes: 

Does your youth group show favoritism? 

Are there people who are more or less 

welcome to your youth group? 

Do you show favoritism? Are there people 

who are more or less welcome in your life? 

Today’s Challenge: Try not to show 

favoritism. Be a friend to everyone. 



Acteens ® in her church and community. 

16 

17

Project HELP: Human 

Exploitation 

Through Project HELP sm : Human Exploitation, the church is 

called to preserve and promote dignity for people, creations 

of God. Each person can come to know God as the Creator, 

whether a victim or a victimizer of other persons. Hope is found 

in Jesus Christ, and His church can offer a place of refuge. 

Quest for Freedom and Trafficked! are great resources for students 

to learn about human exploitation and take action. 

To order, visit www.wmustore.com or call 1-800-968-7301. 

Quest for 

Freedom 

An Exploration of Project HELP: 

Human Exploitation 

A new MissionsQuest tm written to 

accompany the WMU ® emphasis 

Unhindered! This special quest 

can be used by any student, girl or 

guy, who wants to dig deeper and 

learn more about how to live an 

unhindered life through Christ. 

Acteens ® may use this as an extra 

quest within the MissionsQuest 

plan or exchange this quest for 

another one. The information on 

the CD can be reproduced for any 

number of participants. Since this 

quest is written for girls and guys, 

consider inviting Challengers in 

your church to participate as well. 

Quest for Freedom 

8446250-1250-1 • W116104 • $19.99 

18 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a 

great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off 

everything that hinders and the sin that 

so easily entangles. And let us run with 

perseverance the race marked out for us, 

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and 

perfecter of faith. For the joy set before 

him he endured the cross, scorning its 

shame, and sat down at the right hand of the 

throne of God.”—Hebrews 12:1–2 

Trafficked! 

An Experience in Choices and Consequences 

An interactive simulation 

experience based on 

the WMU social issue 

Project HELP: Human 

Exploitation. Students 

will explore the issue of 

human trafficking through 

the eyes of young women 

facing difficult choices 

that sometimes result in 

unthinkable consequences. 

This CD includes 

instructions, layout, graphic 

elements, debriefing tips, 

and resource bibliography. 

Similar to the poverty 

simulation CD (Making 

It in the Real World), this 

simulation will be premiered 

at Blume 2011 in Orlando. 

Trafficked! 

8446250-1249-5 • W116103 • $19.99 

To 

order, 

visit www 

.wmustore.com 

or call 1-800- 

968-7301. 

19

Fan Into Flame 


The Book of Acts records the details of 

Paul and Timothy’s relationship. Paul 

was a mentor and teacher. Timothy was a 

disciple and church planter. 

In Acts 16:1–3, Paul met Timothy and 

began to prepare him for ministry. In Acts 

16–18, they preached and taught together. 

Timothy stayed behind on one occasion 

to further the growth of the Christians in 

Berea. When they reunited in Acts 18:5, 

Paul was re-energized to continue teaching 

about Christ. In Acts 19:22, Paul sent 

Timothy ahead to Macedonia to begin the 

fundamental teaching. In Acts 20:4, they 

were reunited along with others in this 

church-planting team. 

In Paul’s letters, he referred to Timothy 

as a fellow worker (Rom. 16:21), dear and 

faithful son in the Lord (1 Cor. 4:17), 

doing the Lord’s work (1 Cor. 16:10), and 

our brother (2 Cor. 1:1). 

Paul and Timothy co-wrote the letter 

to the Philippians, to the Colossians, and 

both letters to the Thessalonians. Paul and 

Timothy are clearly partners in ministry 

and work as a team to strengthen and 

encourage believers. 

The Bible also records two letters that 

Paul wrote to Timothy. The letters contain 

wise words and advice from Paul that 

he wished to impart to Timothy. Take a 

look at what Paul said to Timothy about 

spiritual gifts: “Do not neglect your gift, 

which was given you through prophecy 

when the body of elders laid their hands 

on you” (1 Tim. 4:14). 

Paul told Timothy not to neglect his 

gift. We neglect our gifts when we do not 

use them. God wants us to use the gifts 

He gives us. Our gifts are not like your 

grandmother’s fine china that is only 

dusted off and used on special occasions. 

Our gifts are supposed to be used every 

day to do good things and share God’s 

love with others. 

Paul reminded Timothy to fan into 

flame his gifts. “For this reason I remind 

you to fan into flame the gift of God, 

which is in you through the laying on of 

my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does 

not make us timid, but gives us power, 

love and self-discipline” (2 Tim. 1:6–7). 

Our gift is just a spark that God ignites 

in our lives when we believe and follow 

Him. We must choose to use and grow our 

gift so that it turns into flames. Have you 

ever attempted to build a fire? The logs, 

sticks, and kindling must be arranged in 

a certain way so the spark or origin of the 

fire gets enough oxygen to make it build. 

Otherwise nothing ignites and the fire 

never builds. Our gifts that began as tiny 

sparks improve and catch fire the more we 

use them. Consequently, God’s power and 

love flow through us. 

Imagine you are Timothy and Paul wrote 

these words to you. How will you respond 

to 1 Timothy 4:14? Are there any gifts you 

are neglecting to use? 

How will you respond to 2 Timothy 1:6–7? 

Are there any ways you can fan into 

flame your gifts? Make a list of ways that 

you can serve and share God’s love with 

others. 

Today’s Challenge: Write a prayer to 

commit to use your gifts. 

Libby Quigg is a writer, 

guitarist, and dancer. She 

teaches missions to the 

children and Acteens ® in 

her church and community. 

20 21

Grace McGraw: 

Literacy Missionary 


A literacy missionary meets the needs of 

English-speaking adults who do not read 

and/or write. Grace McGraw tutors schoolage 

children with their schoolwork. A 

literacy missionary teaches conversational 

English to people who do not speak 

English. 

More than a decade ago, Grace was 

a respected public school teacher. She 

had her dream job 

with wonderful 

students and an ideal 

environment. She 

taught mathematics 

for 29 years to 

seventh-graders. 

Grace always felt 

she had a special gift 

for teaching others. 

Then God called 

Grace to become 

a missionary. She 

had never imagined 

that all those years 

of teaching in 

public schools were 

preparing her for 

literacy missions. 

She left the public 

schools to work in East Birmingham and 

now West Birmingham neighborhoods in 

Alabama. 

In Birmingham, neighborhoods are 

defined by income level. The east, west, 

and north areas are mostly below the 

poverty level. In these areas, literacy 

and education levels are very low. Most 

people in these areas do not have high 

school diplomas. They struggle to get 

jobs without a diploma so they remain in 

poverty. These are high crime areas. 

When Grace began her ministry in 

Birmingham, she surveyed the people who 

lived and worked in the neighborhoods. 

She tried to find out what their needs 

were and what she could do to make the 

community better. The primary concern 

was helping the young people learn skills 

that would give them more opportunities 

for education or employment. The 

older generations in 

the neighborhood 

attend church 

and demonstrate 

their strong faith. 

However, the younger 

generations are not 

following in this 

legacy. Most do not 

attend church or 

understand what it 

means to have faith in 

God. 

So Grace uses her 

teaching gifts to help 

teenagers, adults, and 

children. While every 

day is full of surprises, 

Grace has a teaching 

schedule she follows. 

On Mondays, Grace teaches senior adults 

in a Baptist retirement home. She teaches 

them to read, increases their vocabulary, 

and demonstrates word pronunciation. 

On Wednesdays, Grace tutors middle 

school students at a nearby Christian 

school. She also trains other volunteers 

who tutor in the school. The tutoring 

program allows her to give individual 

attention to each student. She hopes she 

(cont. on p. 25) 

Did You Know? 

• One in five adults in the United States does not read well 

enough to read the Bible. 

• A lack of reading skills is the primary cause of dropouts 

among school-age youth. 

• Did you know that 500,000 immigrants move to the United 

States each year? Many do not speak English and have 

difficulty understanding our culture. 

22 23

“I can do all things 

through Christ who 

strengthens me.” 

—Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) 

(cont. from p. 23) 

will be able to send tutoring volunteers to 

the public schools. 

On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and 

Thursdays, Grace leads GED classes for 

young people. Many of her students 

have been kicked out of their homes and 

schools. Some have spent time in juvenile 

detention or jail, and a part of their parole 

requirements is to complete their GED. 

Grace teaches math, and assists other 

lead teachers with the other subjects. 

Each GED class begins with a lecture in a 

specific subject, and then tutors or helpers 

lead smaller groups of students. For many 

young adults working toward their GED, 

Grace shows them love and also shares 

with them what it looks like to follow 

Jesus. Grace understands that following 

Jesus is not an easy decision. Many of her 

students are familiar with the story of 

Jesus and celebrate Christmas and Easter, 

but they do not know how to follow Jesus 

every day. Grace doesn’t ask, “Do you 

believe in Jesus? Are you a Christian?” She 

asks, “Is Jesus real to you? Do you have a 

relationship with God?” 

In Grace’s ministry, nothing happens 

quickly. It takes time to teach and 

tutor successfully. It takes time to build 

relationships and gain the trust of her 

students. It takes time to show them what 

a Christ-follower looks like every day. It 

takes time for people, especially teenagers, 

to make the decision to follow Christ and 

give God control over their lives. 

The Mag: What is your favorite Bible 

verse? 

Grace: Since I grew up in church, I had 

always known this verse. But when I 

started my missions work in Birmingham, 

it truly became real to me. “I can do all 

things through Christ who strengthens 

me” (Phil. 4:13 NKJV). 

The Mag: What do you do for fun? 

Grace: I enjoy spending time with my 

precious family. My two daughters are 

grown and married with children of their 

own. They are Tara and Jeff Vines and 

their daughters Sarah Grace and Leah, and 

Melissa and Jonathan Collins and their 

newborn baby girl! My husband, John, is 

a wonderful man. He is a bi-vocational 

worship leader at Raleigh Avenue Baptist 

Church in Birmingham. He supports 

me and understands how much I love 

serving the Lord. I am so proud of my 

family because they all share their faith 

with anyone they meet in their jobs and 

everyday life. 

The Mag: What are your hobbies? 

Grace: I love great music. I played 

clarinet in high school, and my daughter 

also plays clarinet. When she was younger, 

we played together in our church’s 

orchestra. 

The Mag: What words of wisdom do you 

have for students who are seeking God’s 

plan for their lives? 

Grace: Absorb God into every aspect 

of your life. Use this time in your life to 

really get into the Word of God. If you can 

build a really firm foundation in Scripture, 

then you will recognize God in your life 

and follow Him. In John 10:27, Jesus says 

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know 

them, and they follow me.” 

The Mag: What is the greatest need in 

your ministry? 

Grace: I need people—Christian 

volunteers who will come and help me 

tutor my students. Everyone is welcome, 

any skills or gifts are usable when it comes 

to tutoring these adults and kids. I need 

churches to come and help me with 

teaching the young teenagers. When a 

Christian tutor can model what it means 

to follow Jesus, these young people will 

learn how to follow Jesus and live for God. 

The Mag: How can Acteens ® pray for 

your ministry? 

Grace: Pray that my students will truly 

understand what it means to follow 

Jesus. Pray for them to have a personal 

relationship with God. Pray that all my 

volunteers will be models of what it 

means to be a Christ follower. Pray for 

more volunteers to join the tutoring 

ministries. Pray for Grace and John’s 

health. Pray we will be able to complete 

the task of sharing Jesus in Birmingham. 




24 25

Christmas in 

August 2011 

What It Is 

Christmas in August tm is a program sponsored by WMU ® and 

the North American Mission Board. It allows members of WMU 

organizations to participate in the work of North American 

missionaries by supplying them with items needed in large 

quantities in their ministries. 

How You Can Participate 

Listed here are the North American missionaries Acteens ® can help 

through Christmas in August this year. Beneath each name is a list 

of items the missionary needs. If you want to participate, you may 

send several of the same item, a few of the items, or some of all of 

the items. You may select one missionary or more than one. 

Packaging and Mailing Your Items 

Please package your items carefully. Before you seal the box for 

mailing, include a postcard on which you have written the name 

and address of your church and the names of all who participated. 

The missionaries would like to know who you are! 

Note any particular packaging needs any missionary might 

mention. If you send your package by regular US mail, be sure to 

have the package weighed at the post office and have the proper 

postage affixed. (You don’t want the missionary to have to pay 

postage-due charges on your gift!) 

If you send the package by United Parcel Service (UPS), please use 

the physical street address. UPS will not deliver to a post office box. 

26 27

Arlene Miller 

MSC Missionary 

Director of Impact Ministry of Christian 

County Baptist Association 

Impact Ministry provides the following 

free to low-income residents of Christian 

County: food, clothing, spiritual 

counseling, baby needs, school supplies, 

hygiene items, and Christmas gifts as 

these items are requested and donated. 

There have been many “God things” 

happen. Someone will ask about an 

item they need and sometimes a person 

bringing donations that same day will 

have the item requested. This gives us 

one more opportunity to share how God 

provides. 

We have an average of one new 

profession of faith each month, sometimes 

more. We serve approximately 200 

families each month. 

Items Needed 

• Toothpaste, toothbrushes 

• Bar soap, liquid soap 

• Large-print Bibles 

• Deodorant (men’s and women’s) 

• Shampoo 

• Bathroom tissue 

• Washcloths 

• Bible story books for children 

• Diapers (all sizes) 

• School supplies 

Mailing/Shipping 

Arlene Miller 

4425 Clark Store Rd. 

Crofton, KY 42217 

(270) 886-3156 

arlenegmiller@ 

bellsouth.net 

Sharon Fields- 

McCormick 

MSC Missionary 

As an MSC missionary based in Atlanta, I 

have opportunities to speak in churches 

across the nation about the sex trafficking 

of children—how to minister to the 

victims and also to the offenders who 

are within our congregations. I also am 

involved in several health ministries. My 

husband (also an MSC missionary) and 

I both are involved in disaster relief and 

construction ministry. One project this 

summer is building an accessible house for 

a family who has a 13-year-old child with 

special needs. Because God has allowed us 

to be a part of several different ministry 

projects, our list is varied. 

If you have any questions, please email 

me at sfieldsmccormick@bellsouth.net. 

Items Needed 

• Gift cards to be used for children 

(Target, Walmart, Publix, Kroger) 


• Health supplies (diabetes testing 

supplies, gloves, adhesive bandages, 

alcohol wipes) 

• Lowe’s and Home Depot gift cards (for 

construction ministry and disaster 

relief) 

• Gas cards and fast food cards (for all the 

travel to/from ministry sites) 

• Folding umbrellas 

• Gift cards for LifeWay, Family Christian 

Stores, or Berean Christian Stores 

• M&Ms (purely selfish, for me!) 


Sharon Fields-McCormick 

c/o Clairmont Baptist Church 

3528 Clairmont Road NE 

Atlanta, GA 30319 

(678) 313-3966 

sfieldsmccormick@ 

bellsouth.net 

http://jackand 

sharon.blogspot 

.com 

Ruthie 

and Ian North 

Refugee Beads 

Refugee Beads exists to inject hope, a 

sense of community, and financial support 

into the lives of refugees living in the 

Atlanta area. In countries like Sudan, 

Bhutan, Burma, and Egypt, entire people 

groups are being hunted and stripped of 

their rights, starved, and often killed. 

Many refugees survive on the hope of 

resettlement in America. Due to racism, 

religious intolerance, and the constant 

threat of violence, they can no longer 

return to their homes. They hear of 

America, with its grocery stores lined with 

food, abundant water, and free schools, 

and believe that a better life awaits them. 

Unfortunately, upon arrival in this 

country, they often find a new and even 

more threatening set of challenges. Kids 

are drawn into crime, parents are treated 

with disdain and overworked in chicken 

factories or menial labor jobs, and even 

basic tasks seem like impossible puzzles. 

Within refugee communities are a small 

set of pastors called to reach and disciple 

their own people groups. These pastors 

try to balance their unpaid ministry work 

with difficult jobs, poverty, and immense 

cultural challenges. 

Twice a week, Ruthie North gathers 

with a group of refugee women who are 

married to pastors. Together, they create 

jewelry, swap stories, and encourage one 

another. The jewelry they create is then 

marketed across America in stores, craft 

fairs, and online to provide these families 

with desperately needed income. 

In this way, Refugee Beads empowers 

and encourages ethnic leaders to reach 

their own people groups and connect with 

a new culture. 

Items Needed 

• Beads 

• Jewelry making tools 

• Organization containers for beads 

• Gift cards to craft stores 

• Diapers for refugee women’s kids 

After-School Program 

We have an after-school program three 

days a week out of our two bedroom 

apartment in Atlanta from 3:30 to 5:30. 

Life is a whirlwind for us : ) Each day a hot 

meal is served to about 20–30 kids thanks 

to food donations! 

From 3:30 to 4:30 is homework help, 

quiet reading time, puzzles. From 4:30 to 

5:00 is story, lesson, activity. From 5:00 to 

5:30 is the hot meal. 

Each week of the after school program 

we have a Word of the Week. The kids 

learn a powerful word that connects with 

the core of the gospel. We hope to keep 

the gospel at the center of all we do in 

word and in deed. 

Needed Items 

• Grocery store gift cards for meals 

• White paper 


• Hand soap 

• Hand sanitizer 

• Swiffer WetJet refill pads 

• Disinfecting cleaning wipes 

• Toilet paper 

• Paper towels 

• Snacks (enough of one kind to feed 30) 

• Diapers 

• Good children’s books 

• Birthday gifts for boys and girls of all 

ages 

• Bags of candy 


Ruthie and Ian North 

2633 Mural Dr. 

Atlanta, GA 30341 

(312) 339-8661 

refugeebeads@gmail.com 

www.RefugeeBeads.com 

http://RefugeeArts.blogspot.com 

28 29

Russell Pondo 

Chaplain 

Youth Prison Ministry Associate 

The ministry at Give ’Em Heaven is 

specifically designed around the Juvenile 

Detention Centers of the State of Florida. 

These young men ages 14–18 are in a paramilitary 

style program for a minimum of 

seven months to two years. It is a level 

eight security facility, which means simply 

they are behind a “fence” and are housed 

in “dormitories.” We work to provide 

them with a second chance at life. 

Every Sunday we have church with 

the young men in the program. We 

mentor them and introduce them to job 

opportunities through the local unions 

and a chance to begin a new life. Four days 

per year we have “Faith Days” where we 

bring in the motorcycle/hotrod ministries 

so the young men can hear others sharing 

their faith. Many of the young men inside 

are there as a result of a drug or alcohol 

addiction. We facilitate an NA/AA program 

that allows us to bring Celebrate Recovery 

inside. This is a Christian 12-step recovery 

program that uses the power of God and 

Scripture to aid in the recovery of various 

addictions. 

The boys I work with in the juvenile 

facility can receive stuff only when they 

leave, but can open the gifts at Christmas. 

Mark Joseph 

Resort Missionary 

These items are used in welcome packets 

we hand out during ski season and at 

special events throughout the year. They 

allow us to start conversations and include 

information about our ministries and 

custom gospel tracts. 

What we do is give them white T-shirts, 

socks, and underwear which are items they 

can use while incarcerated. We buy them 

gifts while they are with us to better their 

lives while in the facility. We hope and 

pray they will see that churches in their 

neighborhoods can and will do similar 

things for them. 

I would ask most of all for your 

continued prayer for these boys while they 

are in the facility and a whole lot after 

they leave. Pray they will contact us and, 

most of all, a church near their residences 

that will help them get back on their feet 

in the best possible way. 

We will use the $25 Walmart gift 

cards to buy white T-shirts, socks, and 

underwear, as well as to give to the young 

men to help them with immediate needs 

upon their release. 

Items Needed 

• Walmart gift cards (only $25 cards) 


GMH Ministries 

Attn: Big Joe 

PO Box 722 

Sydney, FL 33587 

(813) 317-4653 

Russell Pondo email: rapondo@verizon.net 

www.gmhministries.com 

Items Needed 

• Lip balm 

• Hand lotion (small size only) 

• Small tissue packs 

• Cough lozenges 

• Hand warmers 


Mark Joseph 

154 Talhiem Rd. 

Davis, WV 26260 

NOTE: Add Mark’s home phone # to boxes 

(304) 866-7472 

Jmj2090@aol.com 

Danny Ray 

Chaplain 

Hospice of Tift Area, Georgia 

I am serving as a chaplain for Hospice 

of Tift Area, a service of Tift Regional 

Medical Center in Tifton, Georgia. We 

service Tifton and the eight surrounding 

counties. It is my duty as chaplain to 

minister to our terminally ill patients’ 

spiritual needs. Many times I work to 

help these patients and their families 

cope with their diagnoses and in many 

cases help them prepare for death and 

funeral arrangements. Many times I help 

to conduct the funeral service. Also I deal 

with the anticipatory grief issues that hit 

both patient and family really hard. 

The following are items we need on a 

regular basis. 

Items Needed 

We always try to prepare admission 

baskets for new patients. For these baskets 

we need: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Inexpensive Bibles 

Small pocket packs of facial tissues 

Snacks (individually wrapped cookies, 

chips) 

Note pads 

Puzzle books 

Lotion 

Vickie Stewart 

Collegiate Evangelism Missionary 

Morgan State University 

Vickie is the Baptist campus minister 

at Morgan State University, the fastest 

growing African-American college in 

Maryland. Her role is to share the gospel, 

establish a Baptist presence on campus, 

and encourage students to attend church 

and share their faith with fellow students. 

“Not preaching, but connecting and 

building relationships” with them is the 

key to her ministry, she says. The items 

she requests will be used for BCM, Morgan 

State University freshmen survival kits, 

the Point (an off-campus, coed Bible study 

that targets unchurched students), and an 

on-campus Bible study for young women. 

Because many patients are unable to read 

and go to church, we try to provide New 

Testament CDs for them along with CDs 

of church services. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Inexpensive CD players 

New Testament CDs 

CDs of church services 

Wash cloths, hand towels, toothbrushes 

and toothpaste, sheet sets for hospital 

beds 

Walmart gift cards to make special 

purchases to meet patients’ individual 

needs, such as Boost, soups, foods for 

special dietary needs, and to assist 

families with gas and other general 

needs connected with patient care and 

improving the quality of life for both 

patient and caregiver. 

Devotional material 

Birthday treats, balloons, and teddy 

bears 

Prayer for the power and strength of 

God for our team as we reach out to the 

many who are sick and dying. 

• 

• 

• 

• 


Dr. Danny V. Ray, Chaplain 

Hospice of Tift Area 

104 West 8th Street Suite 1 

Tifton, GA 31793 

(229) 353-6330 

danny.ray@tiftregional.com (work) 

dmray@windstream.net (home) 

Items Needed 

• Walmart and Target gift cards. Gift cards 

will be used to purchase toothbrushes, 

toothpaste, bottles of water, personal 

items for young ladies, socks, school 

supplies, and laundry bags. 

• Standard Pack (25 booklets) or Outreach 

Pack (300 booklets) of “Would You Like 

to Know God Personally?” evangelistic 

booklet (full color, ISBN 1563991586) 

from Campus Crusade for Christ 

(www.campuscrusade.com). 


Vickie Stewart 

1201 E. 36th St. 

Baltimore, MD 21218 

Vstewart366@gmail.com 

(443) 690-3022 

(443) 452-8960 

30 31

Kids on 

the Lake 

by Tess Rivers 

Kids in Kbal Taol, (kuh-BAHL tuh-AHL), 

Cambodia, paddle wooden boats instead 

of pedaling bicycles. Their village has no 

soccer fields or playgrounds, no movie 

theaters or malls. They live on a big lake, 

called Tonle Sap, (TOHN-lay SAHP) in 

northern Cambodia. 

When they’re old enough, boys go 

fishing with their dads and girls help 

with the cooking and cleaning on the 

houseboats where they live. Merchants 

travel from boat to boat, selling meat, 

vegetables, snacks, and soft drinks. 

Families eat, drink, and bathe with water 

from the lake. There is a school, but 

the teacher recently moved away. There 

is a church, but it isn’t clear if anyone 

attends. Only one person in the village 

is a follower of Jesus. The rest worship 

Buddha, the spirits, and their ancestors. 

Recently, Vietnamese kids from the 

neighboring village of Chonng Khneas 

(CHOHNG kuh-NAY-us)—another floating 

village on the lake—took a missions trip 

to Kbal Taol. These kids, who all became 

Christ followers less than three years ago, 

want their friends in Kbal Taol to know 

about God. 

Chanh-Ri (CHAHN-ree), is a 15-year-old 

girl from Chonng Khneas. She and her 

friend, Hong, 17, worked with Dr. Albert 

Barajas and Dr. Thai Hoang, two volunteer 

dentists from Texas. Barajas and Hoang 

showed the teenagers how to pull and fill 

teeth. They also showed two 11-year-old 

boys, Ngoc (NYOHK) and Ho, how to 

sterilize instruments. By the end of the 

first day, the kids ran the dental clinic 

while the dentists watched. 

These kids will use their new skills to 

help people in the floating villages on the 

lake. As the kids offer dental care, they 

also gain the opportunity to tell villagers 

about Jesus. They learn stories from the 

Bible so they can share with their friends. 

Chanh-Ri knows many stories from the 

Bible in Vietnamese. Lying on top of the 

boat after the dental clinics, Chanh-Ri 

practices her stories with the volunteers. 

“I don’t know what I want to be when I 

grow up,” she said. “I only know I want to 

serve the Lord.” 

Tess Rivers is a writer for the International 

Mission Board based in Southeast Asia. 

32 33

Human Trafficking? 

Here? 

by Allison Henderson 

human exploitation: the unethical, 

selfish use of human beings for the 

satisfaction of personal desires 

and/or profitable advantage 

Human exploitation has been a prevalent 

issue in our nation for a long time, 

but recently the numbers have grown 

exponentially, particularly in human 

trafficking. 

So what’s the 

difference? 

What’s the difference between human 

exploitation and human trafficking? 

Human exploitation takes on various 

forms. It includes bullying, cyberbullying, 

queen bee bullying; human trafficking of 

children, teens, and adults (for labor and 

sex); media’s exploitation of families and 

children; exploitation of natural resources 

for personal gain; pornography. (For 

explanations of these issues, visit 

www.wmu.com/projecthelp.) 

Human trafficking is a very serious 

form of human exploitation that involves 

using force, fraud, or coercion to recruit, 

harbor, transport, or purchase a person 

to then sell or use that person as a slave. 

Traffickers use victims in the slave labor 

market and the commercial sex industry. 

Victims for slave labor can be found 

in these places: agriculture, landscaping, 

“Speak up for those who cannot 

speak for themselves, for the rights 

of all who are destitute. Speak up 

and judge fairly; defend the rights of 

the poor and needy.” 

—Proverbs 31:8–9 

factories, hotels, janitorial services, 

construction, day labor, restaurants, nail 

salons, domestic servitude, illegal drug 

trade, fishing industries, tourism, and 

traveling carnivals. 

A victim trafficked for the commercial 

sex industry can be a runaway or 

throwaway child, a coerced or kidnapped 

teen, an international or a US citizen 

trafficked within our borders. 

“Doomed is the one who builds his 

house by injustice and enlarges it by 

dishonesty; who makes his people 

work for nothing and does not pay 

their wages.”—Jeremiah 22:13 (GNT) 

Didn’t 

slavery end after 

the Civil War? 

There are more than 30 million slaves 

in the world today, more than at any 

other point in human history. Every year, 

14,500–17,500 people are trafficked into 

the United States. 

You may not have known that this was 

such a prevalent issue in our own country, 

and most people in your church probably 

don’t know either. Tell them! 

It is said that ignorance is bliss. But 

even though some days I would rather just 

not know how horrible our society can be, 

I need to know. 

As Christians, we are called to take 

God’s light to the darkest places, shedding 

His light on the darkest of issues. Your 

church will want to respond, and by the 

power of Christ working in you, the world 

can be changed for Him. 

What can I do? 

Acteens ® and other WMU ® organizations 

are teaming up to fight human 

trafficking any way possible through an 

initiative called Project HELP sm : Human 

Exploitation. 

WMU will explore a condition of the 

human spirit that has been around for 

ages—the misuse of our relationships with 

other people. We have become such a 

selfish society, never thinking twice about 

other people as we shove our way through 

our own daily agendas. This just has to 

change, and it all starts with one—one life 

sold out for Christ, committed to justice, 

being a voice for the voiceless. 

Two avenues for you to help fight this 

fight are the Power Project and Give 3. 

The Power Project—To go along with 

the current Acteens theme G3: The Power 

of a Girl to Change the World, Acteens 

will take part in the Power Project. To 

learn more about the Power Project, turn 

to page 36. 

Give 3—You have the opportunity to 

give in different ways to impact the lives 

of at least three young women. Think and 

pray about how you can make a difference 

in the lives of girls in your home and 

around the world. To learn more about 

Give 3, turn to page 38. 

But I’m just a 

teenager... 

You have the power of God in you! Second 

Timothy 1:7 reminds us that God did 

not give us a spirit of timidity. God is the 

source of all power and He gives it to us 

willingly! 

There is power in prayer, and no matter 

where you are or who you’re with, you 

can always pray. Pray for yourself—for 

understanding and insight into this 

heavy issue, for guidance as to what you 

specifically can do, and for boldness to 

speak out about horrible crime. 

Take action! Once you’ve taken the time 

to research the issue and learn just how 

rampant it is, you’ve simply GOT to do 

something! 

Resources to Check Out 

Trafficked! An Experience in Choices 

and Consequences (see p. 18) 

Quest for Freedom: An Exploration of 

Project HELP: Human Exploitation 

(see p. 18) 

www.wmu.com/projecthelp 

www.worldcrafts.org/set1free.asp 

www.notforsalecampaign.org 

www.stopthetraffick.org 

Allison Henderson is a Blume sm intern 

34 

at national WMU ® and is excited about getting married in January 2012! 

35

The Power Project by 

We firmly believe that there is a power within each girl to change the 

world. You can allow this power to work through you to change 

your life, your community, and your world for Jesus Christ. 

The Acteens ® theme is G3: The Power of a Girl to 

Change the World. We focus on three girls in G3: you, 

the girl next door, and the girl on the other side of the 

world. 

We are taking this theme and applying it to the 

Power Project, which will allow you to learn, look, 

and love while focusing on a growing problem 

within our world, nation, and local communities: 

human trafficking. We will take a year to focus our 

attention on the Power Project. Our desire is to see 

Acteens become more aware of the problem of human 

trafficking and have the opportunity to do something 

about it. 

Mary Baggett 

The Power Project is divided into three sections: Learn, Look, and Love. 

Learn 

You will learn facts and 

statistics about human 

trafficking so that you can 

inform yourself and those 

in your community about 

this issue. We will use 

the Acteens website, the 

Acteens blog, social media, 

and other resources to help 

you as you through this 

year-long journey. 

Acteens from all over 

the nation will be praying 

about human trafficking in 

our country and the world. 

Look 

You will look around your 

community and the world 

to figure out where you 

want to make a difference 

in human trafficking. You 

can explore your city, your 

state, the United States, 

or even the world. This is 

your chance to dig in and 

make a difference. 

We will provide resource 

information to help you 

as you begin this process. 

There will be a place online 

where you can connect 

with other Acteens from 

across the United States to 

share stories, ideas, tips, 

and how-to’s of planning 

your project. 

Love 

During the month of 

January 2012, you will 

complete your Power 

Project. Then you will have 

the chance to share online 

what you have done for 

your Power Project. This 

will allow you to see what 

other projects have been 

done across the United 

States. We will pick two or 

three projects to feature in 

an article in The Mag. From 

March to August, you will 

be following up with your 

projects and will continue 

praying. 

Our hope is that individual Acteens 

and/or Acteens groups across the 

nation will take on our challenge of 

creating their own “Power Project.” 

You can create a project by yourself or 

get your whole Acteens group involved. 

It could be anything from planning an 

event to promote awareness about human 

trafficking to a bake sale to raise money and 

support for any organization(s) that fights 

human trafficking. It can be whatever you 

feel the Lord is calling you to do. You have a 

voice, and you now have the option to make a 

difference and have your voice heard. 

The Power Project is an incredible opportunity for you and/or your Acteens group to live 

out the G3 motto by focusing on how you can make a difference in the life of a girl next 

door and a girl on the other side of the world. The G3 motto is more than a theme. It is a 

way of life. Throughout the Power Project year, you will be fully living out what it means 

to be a missions-focused young woman in Christ. 

We are so excited about this opportunity and experience. We have full confidence in 

your abilities, talents, and determination. We hope you will begin to pray about your 

involvement. Together through the Power Project, Acteens are going to make a difference 

in our global community to help in the efforts to end human trafficking. 

We hope the Power Project will change your life. And we will be with you every step of 

the way. 

Mary Baggett was a Blume sm intern at national WMU ® . She got married in May, and moved back 

home to Nashville, Tennessee. 

36 37

3 

2 

1 

1. 

Your Community 

For a special price of $15, you can 

give a subscription to The Mag to 

a girl in your community who 

needs to know the love of Jesus and/or 

isn’t involved in church. If you’re going to 

Blume, you may order the subscription(s) 

there. If you’re not going to Blume or 

want to place your order(s) before going to 

Blume, use the promo code MAG15 when 

checking out at www.wmustore.com or 

when calling WMU Customer Service at 

1-800-968-7301. 

Blume Goal: 1,500 magazine subscriptions 

Give 3 

Wherever 

Give 3 is connected to the Acteens theme this year, 

G3: The Power of a Girl to Change the World. The 

“G3” part of our Acteens theme is a focus on three 

girls: (1) the Acteen, (2) the girl next door, and (3) the 

girl around the world. 

You 

Are 

So give in one way or all three ways at Blume or at 

home. Think and pray about how you can make 

a difference in the lives of three or more people 

through how you give. 

Here’s How to Participate 

• Choose which ministry(ies) you would like to 

support. 

• Raise awareness about the ministry(ies) in your 

home, in your youth group, with your friends, and 

in your church. 

• Collect money or items to be donated to one or 

more of the ministries. 

2. 

Greater Orlando Area 

Make a difference in the lives 

of individuals by collecting 

the items listed here for two 

Orlando ministries. Bring your items 

for one or both ministries to Blume. If 

you’re not going to Blume, you may 

ship items for only the Greater Orlando 

Baptist Association ministries to the 

following address: Greater Orlando Baptist 

Association, Attn: Lynn Latham, 1906 W. 

Lee Road, Orlando, FL 32810. 

Help victims of human trafficking in the 

Orlando area by providing health kits for 

the ministries of the Greater Orlando 

Baptist Association. 

Items Needed 

• Soap 

• Handi Wipes 

• 

• 

Travel-sized shampoo 

Travel-sized toothpaste/toothbrush 

Help the Osceola Christian Ministry 

Center in Kissimmee provide the 

following resources for the homeless and 

under-employed. 

Items Needed 

• Washcloths 

• Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner 

• Towels 

• Cotton swabs 

• Feminine hygiene products 

• Men’s crew socks 

• Walmart gift cards (only $10, $20, and 

$25 cards) 

• Inexpensive sneakers (any sizes; men’s, 

women’s, and children’s) 

Blume Goal: 20,000 items 

38 39

3. 

Beginning of Life, 

Moldova 

The Beginning of Life in 

Moldova is a Christian 

organization working to warn young 

women about the dangers of human 

trafficking before they are met with the 

problem. Unfortunately, many girls still 

fall into the trap and become victims. 

The Beginning of Life provides education, 

housing, counseling, job training, and more 

for these young women. 

An offering for this ministry will be taken 

at Blume sm . Or you can mail a check to the 

WMU Foundation (see below). Since WMU ® 

has a partnership with Beginning of Life, the 

WMU Foundation can accommodate all gifts for 

them. WMU Foundation will handle all of the 

international wire transfers to Beginning of Life.* 

NOTE: ALL CHECKS for 

donations to Beginning of 

Life SHOULD BE MADE 

PAYABLE TO: 

WMU Foundation 

for: International Initiatives 

Fund for Beginning of Life 

(or BOL) 

If you’re unable to 

bring a check to Blume 

or you’re not going to 

Blume, you may mail 

your check to the WMU 

Foundation at the 

following address: 

WMU Foundation 

International Initiatives 

Fund for Beginning of 

Life (or BOL) 

100 Missionary Ridge 

Birmingham, AL 35242 

Blume Goal: $50,000 

*The needs of the Beginning of 

Life ministry in Moldova are 

significant. However, should our 

offerings exceed the amount 

required to meet the needs of 

the Beginning of Life for the 

next three years, any additional 

funds given will be used in 

other International Initiatives sm 

partnership projects sponsored 

by national WMU ® . 

Now you’ve done it . . . 

. . . You bought a subscription to The Mag for a girl in your community. 

. . . You’ve taken a step to make a difference in her life. 

Now what? 

Take the next step. Call her . . . 

. . . Ask how she’s doing. 

. . . Chit chat a bit. 

. . . Ask if she’s received The Mag. 

. . . Ask if she’s had a chance to look at it. 

. . . Share with her what you like about The Mag. 

. . . If she’s looked at The Mag, ask what she thinks about it. 

. . . Ask if she’d like for the two of you to share your thoughts 

with one another about what you’ve both read. 

. . . Share with her what Acteens ® is and why it’s important to you. 

. . . Invite her to an Acteens meeting. 

. . . Exchange phone numbers and email addresses. 

And the next step . . . 

. . . Stay in touch with her. 

You can take it from there. 

40 

41

Door Number 1 or 2? 


In the televised world of game shows, 

there is a moment when someone chooses 

the prize behind door number 1 or door 

number 2. She deliberates with a panicked 

look on her face until a commercial break. 

After the commercial break, she chooses 

a door and crosses her fingers. The host 

always points to the door that she did not 

choose. The prize behind that door might 

be a goat eating a potted plant. Then the 

chosen door is opened. Depending on the 

prize, the contestant either jumps up and 

down, tackles the host in excitement, or 

shrugs in disappointment and takes the 

goat home. Picture yourself in that game 

show moment. Behind door number 1 

is doing good works and behind door 

number 2 is faith. If you choose correctly, 

you receive a bonus 

prize of salvation. 

Can you earn 

your salvation by 

being good or by 

faith? In Galatians 

3:1–5, Paul asks the 

church this same 

question, “Does 

God give you his 

Spirit and work 

miracles among 

you by the works 

of the law, or by 

your believing 

what you heard?” 

(v. 5). When 

Paul asked this 

question, he was 

already prepared 

to give them an 

answer. He gave 

the listeners a 

little time to think 

and compose an 

answer. Meanwhile 

Paul went to 

a commercial 

break for the 

Old Testament 

patriarch. 

42 

In Galatians 3:6–9, Paul answered his 

own question by remembering Abraham. 

Before there were laws written down to 

follow, there was Abraham. Abraham 

believed God, and those who believe 

become children of Abraham. Because 

Abraham believed, everyone can choose 

to believe. Because Abraham was blessed, 

everyone can be blessed. After hearing 

that brief commercial for Abraham, how 

would it affect your choice? Based on this 

teaching of Abraham, which door leads to 

salvation: good works or faith? 

There is not a criterion to believe in 

Jesus. He accepts everyone just as they are. 

The old hymn “Just As I Am” reiterates 

this exact point. Each verse sings, “Just as 

I am . . . O Lamb of God, I come, I come.” 

God does not require us to be something 

else before we decide to believe. 

There are no requirements or tests we 

must pass to gain salvation. There is no 

obstacle course that pushes us to our 

physical limits to get us to the point of 

salvation. God does not require anything, 

except that we have faith. It is really so 

simple that we often fall into thinking 

that it must be more difficult than that. 

The church that Paul was writing to tried 

to institute a man-made plan to attain 

salvation. However, Paul pointed out 

that salvation is a gift from God. It is 

given when we believe, but there are no 

conditions that must be met to do that. 

From Jesus’ life, we learn that there is 

not even a time limit on deciding when 

to believe. You can choose to believe at 

any age. “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children 

come to me’” (Matt. 19:14a). You can 

choose to believe at any time in your life. 

Even while hanging on the cross next to 

criminals, “Jesus answered him, ‘Truly 

I tell you, today you will be with me in 

paradise’” (Luke 23:43). You can choose 

to believe regardless of who you are or 

your past. Even when confronted at the 

well, a woman acknowledged her hope 

in Jesus. “Then Jesus declared, ‘I, the one 

speaking to you—I am he’” (John 4:26). 

From these teachings, we can be confident 

that everyone is given the opportunity to 

choose to believe. 

Today’s Challenge: Have you chosen 

to believe? How can you strengthen 

your belief? 




43

Welcome to 

Use this activity in your Acteens ® meeting in the August Missionary 

Focus/Cultural Experience. See Spring 2011 Acteens Leader (p. 54). 

Baltimoreans 

fondly think of 

their city as “Charm 

City.” It has also been 

nicknamed “Monument 

City” and “a city of 

neighborhoods.” 

In 

Baltimore, 

locals can hop on 

a water taxi or ferry. 

Buses, trains, and taxis 

are also used for 

transportation. 

Baltimore’s 

Inner Harbor has 

been in use for over 

300 years. It is home to 

more than 16,000 aquatic 

wildlife creatures at the 

biggest tourist attraction, 

the National Aquarium 

in Baltimore. 

Baltimore 

is a city with 

lots of history. It is 

home to the first post office 

system in the United States, first 

operating railroad depot, first electric 

refrigerator, first ice cream freezer, 

first American umbrella factory, first 

canning of oysters, first commercial 

canning of corn, first African- 

American wax museum, and 

first public-supported high 

schools for girls. 

The 

Baltimore 

Orioles are the 

Major League Baseball 

team. The Baltimore 

Ravens are the 

National Football 

League team. 

Baltimore 

is home to 

Johns Hopkins 

University and 

University of 

Maryland. 

Francis 

Scott Key 

wrote the Star 

Spangled Banner from 

his experience in the 

Battle of Baltimore 

(1814). Can you 

write the lyrics? 

44 45

The Curse 


My feet are under a curse. After more 

than a decade of pointe shoes, my toes 

barely resemble a human foot. I have lost 

toe nails on several occasions, bled and 

blistered every toe from the joint to the 

tip, and broken toes without knowing it so 

they have healed in strange ways. 

In the past ten years, major advances 

have been made in protecting a dancer’s 

foot while in those “torture boots,” but I 

am not that impressed with the results. 

Now, I’ve managed to avoid pointe 

shoes for the past four years, but the 

calluses are still there. A foot massage is 

completely useless, because I can’t feel it. 

Peep-toe heels are something I can’t wear 

because the toe peeping out looks gangly. 

As it goes, the better the ballet dancer, 

the uglier the feet. Ironically, the most 

graceful movers in this world are hiding 

their gnarly toes beneath pink satin 

slippers. Similarly, a person who follows 

God’s law may have a life filled with good 

works, but without faith they are cursed. 

In Galatians 3:10–18, Paul talked about 

Abraham and even quoted different Old 

Testament passages: 

• The curse occurs because the law is 

impossible to follow. If one command is 

broken, then everything is lost. “Cursed 

is everyone who does not continue to 

do everything written in the Book of 

the Law” (Gal. 3:10b; quoting Deut. 

27:26). 

• The curse occurs because the law is 

not based on faith. It may encourage 

faith and life, but it is not based on it. 

“The law is not based on faith; on the 

contrary, it says, ‘The person who does 

these things will live by them’” (Gal. 

3:12; quoting 

Lev. 18:5). 

• The answer to the curse has already 

come: Jesus Christ redeems us from 

being under the curse. “He redeemed 

us in order that the blessing given to 

Abraham might come to the Gentiles 

through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we 

might receive the promise of the Spirit” 

(Gal. 3:14). Faith in Jesus Christ is the 

beginning of an abundance of blessings. 

“Praise be to the God and Father of our 

Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in 

the heavenly realms with every spiritual 

blessing in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). 

• Before the law, God made a promise 

with Abraham. Abraham believed that 

promise. “For if the inheritance depends 

on the law, then it no longer depends 

on the promise; but God in his grace 

gave it to Abraham through a promise” 

(Gal. 3:18). 

Before Christ, everyone was under the 

curse of the law. If you followed the law, 

you were cursed because it was impossible 

to follow it perfectly. If you did not follow 

the law, you were cursed for not following 

the law. Because of Christ, everyone can 

believe. Everyone can be free of the curse. 

Everyone can be blessed. Everyone can be 

a child of God. Read Galatians 3:23–29. 

How has your faith in Jesus Christ 

transformed your life from cursed to 

blessed? 

What are some blessings you experience 

now? 

What are some blessings you hope to 

experience in the future? 

Today’s Challenge: Take a moment 

to praise God for all the blessings. Sing 

a song. Write a poem. Draw a picture. 

Take a photograph. Do a dance. Use 

your unique abilities to express your joy 

about God’s blessings. 




46 

47

Reflections 

Take a moment to look into your heart. Answer the questions below. 

“As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”—Proverbs 27:19 

How does it make you feel to know that God accepts you? Write a poem, prayer, or story 

to express yourself to God. 

_________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________ 

How can you make someone feel important? How can you include others? What can you 

do to share God’s love with someone so she will feel accepted? 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

“Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.”—Proverbs 23:12 

At the beginning of the school year, consider all of the opportunities God provides 

for you to include and encourage others. In what ways can you accept new friends or 

classmates into your life? 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

You have been learning about ways to keep your relationship with God unhindered. 

Reflect on your heart over this past year of study. What hindrances have you overcome? 

What still needs work? How has your relationship with God grown? 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

“Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded 

fully.”—2 John 1:8 

Use this activity in your Acteens ® meeting in the August Hands-On Missions Experience. See 

Spring 2011 Acteens Leader (p. 59). 

48 49

Proselytizing 


Whenever I watch a scary movie, I am 

constantly talking aloud to the main 

character, “Don’t you go up those stairs.” 

“Don’t look behind you.” “Don’t trust 

that guy.” “Don’t get in that car.” “Don’t 

forget your phone.” They never listen, 

and I throw up my hands at the end when 

all that danger could have been avoided. 

When you see someone in danger, how do 

you react? Naturally, we try to intervene 

and help them avoid getting into trouble. 

Proselytizing means sharing your faith. 

It is a fancy word, but you are probably 

familiar with its meaning. Read and 

respond to this quote by Penn Jillette: 

“I don’t respect people who don’t 

proselytize. I don’t respect that at all. If 

you believe that there is a heaven and 

hell. And people could be going to hell 

or not getting eternal life or whatever . . . 

How much do you have to hate somebody 

to not proselytize? How much do you 

have to hate somebody to believe that 

everlasting life is possible and not tell 

them that? I mean if I believed beyond 

a shadow of a doubt that a truck was 

coming to hit you and you didn’t believe 

it. And that truck was bearing down on 

you. There’s a certain point where I tackle 

you. And this is more important than 

that.” 

Penn Jillette is a self-proclaimed atheist, 

but on the occasion of this quote he 

was reflecting on his interaction with a 

Christian. After Penn’s comedy and magic 

act, a man met him backstage and gave 

him a Bible. The man proselytized or 

shared his faith with Penn in a very kind 

and open way. Based on Penn’s statement, 

if you have faith in God but you do not 

share it with others then it is a hateful act. 

Sometimes we limit ourselves to certain 

people with whom we want to share our 

faith. It is natural to feel more comfortable 

sharing our faith with people who have 

the same interests, same age, same race, 

same gender, or same language. But 

God wants us to share with everyone 

regardless. 

Romans 10:12–15 says, “It’s exactly the 

same no matter what a person’s religious 

background may be: the same God for all 

of us, acting the same incredibly generous 

way to everyone who calls out for help. 

‘Everyone who calls, “Help, God!” gets 

help.’ But how can people call for help 

if they don’t know who to trust? And 

how can they know who to trust if they 

haven’t heard of the One who can be 

trusted? And how can they hear if nobody 

tells them? And how is anyone going to 

tell them, unless someone is sent to do 

it?” (The Message). 

Find Romans 10:14–15 in your Bible. 

Circle or highlight these verses. Make 

yourself a poster to keep in a visible place 

in your room or home. Invite your family 

or friends to help you practice sharing 

your faith. Keep it short and simple. Tell 

your story. Explain your faith. Why do 

you believe? 

Every time you decide to share your 

faith with someone, you take a risk. The 

person could challenge your story, ridicule 

you for your beliefs, reject you, reject God, 

or point out your hypocritical acts. Still, 

in spite of all these risks, the person could 

choose to believe. Knowing that someone 

could believe outweighs all the risks. 

Today’s Challenge: Who can you 

share your faith with? 




50 

51

Instruments 


I love instruments. I’m a guitarist, so I 

have a few guitars and a bass. I also have 

a collection of hand drums from different 

countries that I have picked up on my 

travels. My husband is a musician and 

singer, and he basically plays everything 

that I do not. So we have a bassoon, 

saxophones, flutes, clarinets, trumpets, 

trombones, pianos, kazoos, and more. 

Together we probably have enough 

instruments for a 30-person band. We 

have so much that we actually have an 

entire room in our home that is devoted 

to our instruments, but they still do not 

all fit in there at one time, so we keep the 

lesser used instruments in three different 

closets. It is ridiculous, but we actually 

do play on them regularly. Perhaps this is 

why I love all the Scripture passages that 

mention instruments. 

First Peter 2:9–10 says, “But you are the 

ones chosen by God, chosen for the high 

calling of priestly work, chosen to be a 

holy people, God’s instruments to do his 

work and speak out for him, to tell others 

of the night-and-day difference he made 

for you—from nothing to something, 

from rejected to accepted” (The Message). 

An instrument in its case is just a 

bunch of wood and metal, but when it 

is in the hands of a musician it comes 

alive. The music that is played can 

inspire someone to dance or cry. As God’s 

instruments, we are played to direct 

others toward God. 

Different instruments play differently. 

Some might play the melody, harmony, 

or bass notes. The melody often contains 

the most dominate notes that the 

singer will match. The melody is the 

lead or guide to the song. The harmony 

compliments the other parts and directs 

the hearer to notice the best or more 

dramatic changes in the melody. The 

bass is the glue that holds all the notes 

together. The bass notes keep the rhythm 

and help the song move forward at 

different paces. 

If you were God’s instrument, would 

you be playing the melody (lead), 

harmony (complimentary helper), or bass 

(support and motivating force)? To make 

a song beautiful, it must have all of these 

components working together to create 

music. 

Today’s Challenge: First Peter 2:9–10 

mentions three ways we can be utilized as 

God’s instruments. 

1. “To do his work”—God’s work is 

simply encouraging others to believe 

(Acts 14:8–10). As God’s instruments, 

we must serve others so that others 

will be eager to believe. What can 

you do to serve someone? Do you 

see someone’s need? If you are the 

melody, how will you lead others to 

serve? If you are the harmony, how 

will you help with serving? If you are 

the bass, how will you support and 

motivate others to serve? 

2. “Speak out for him”—God’s message 

is simply telling others about 

Jesus. The Bible is God’s message. 

Memorizing and studying God’s 

Word is a great way to prepare 

yourself. What can you do to tell 

others about Jesus? What stories 

do you know about Jesus? Do you 

know His birth story? Do you know 

a teaching parable? Do you know 

about His crucifixion? Can you 

explain the significance of Christian 

holidays? 

3. “To tell others of the night-and-day 

difference he made for you”—God 

undeniably makes a difference in our 

lives. Are you aware of the difference 

God has made in your personal life? 

Has your personality changed? Have 

you discovered new passions and 

interests? How is God moving in 

your life now? 




52 

53

Iglesias 

Bautistas 

en Baltimore 


Meet the Missionary 

Isaac Moncada Rengifo came to the 

United States in 2006 to serve as a church 

planter to Hispanic peoples in Baltimore, 

Maryland. Isaac and his family are from 

Peru, South America. Isaac and his wife, 

Ana, live in Baltimore. They have two 

sons, Jean and Yuri, and three daughters, 

Gina, Gisela, and Tatiana. Their grown 

children still live in Peru, but Gisela and 

Tatiana live in Baltimore with them. 

In Peru, Isaac was a teacher for 23 

years. Then he became a student at the 

Evangelical Seminary of Lima so that he 

could serve as a pastor in Peru (16 years). 

Isaac and Ana felt God calling them to 

serve in the United States. They prayed 

for 10 years before God allowed them to 

move. Today, they plant churches around 

Baltimore, Maryland. 

A Typical Day 

Isaac begins every day by reading and 

listening to the Bible. He wakes up at 

5:00 a.m. so he can spend time with God 

before he does anything else. He typically 

listens to the Bible being read for one or 

two hours. His goal is to finish the Bible in 

three months. 

Afterward, Isaac reads and responds to 

his email. He checks the news from Peru 

on the Internet. Then Isaac is ready to 

(cont. on p. 56) 

54 55

(cont. from p. 55) 

begin meeting and connecting with 

Hispanic people on the streets of 

Baltimore. Isaac is currently serving in 

three church plants, so he must help 

people and outreach in three different 

communities. He leads worship and 

preaches in these church plants. Isaac 

plays guitar and sings. His favorite song 

is “Jesus, I Love You.” There is a Hispanic 

seminary, and Isaac serves there as a 

professor. He works to train the students 

so they can effectively lead the Hispanic 

church plants. 

Reaching Hispanics 

Much of Baltimore’s Hispanic populations 

are from El Salvador, Honduras, 

Guatemala, and Mexico. One of the ways 

Isaac and volunteers reach out is to offer 

English-as-a-second-language classes. 

Hispanic immigrants are not always 

familiar with English, and this can be a 

very difficult problem when they arrive 

in the United States. They also help 

them with other physical needs such as 

transportation to medical appointments 

and food delivery. These opportunities to 

meet physical needs demonstrate God’s 

love to the community. Once trust is 

developed, the Hispanic people are open 

to hearing about Jesus. 

Hispanics Reaching Others 

In 2010, Isaac went on a missions trip 

to Senegal, West Africa. The Hispanic 

church has adopted to send mission 

support to a church in Senegal. Several 

Hispanic churches in the United States 

work together to sponsor 24 Senegalese 

children. 

Isaac has three young helpers who serve 

Hispanics in their communities. Paola 

teaches English in two locations. She 

says, “I want to serve the Lord.” Another 

young lady is Cesia. She is only 13 years 

old, but she also assists with the English 

classes. Also, Isaac and Ana’s daughter, 

Tatiana, who attends university, spends 

every Wednesday and Sunday helping the 

ministry to Hispanics. 

The Dream 

Many Hispanics have come to the United 

States for the “American dream,” which is 

to get an education, own a home and car, 

and have a good career. Isaac shares that 

God has a bigger dream for them. “The 

real dream is to realize the reason the Lord 

brought or put you in this country, which 

is to be an instrument for God’s glory. 

You are here because this is the country to 

reach the nations for Christ because it is 

home to all the nations of the world. This 

is your opportunity to serve the Lord, and 

that is the true dream, the divine dream.” 

Living in Baltimore 

The culture of the Hispanic peoples in 

Baltimore are very different from those of 

the Rengifo family. While they all speak 

the same language, the Rengifo family is 

South American and the Hispanic peoples 

in the United States are mostly from 

Central America. Therefore, the cultures 

are very different. Isaac is learning many 

new things, especially in regards to food. 

He has had to learn to eat foods like 

enchiladas, pupusas, burritos, and tacos. 

While many of the Hispanic peoples speak 

Spanish, some have lived in America 

for several generations and speak only 

English. So Isaac and Ana are learning to 

speak English. 

The city of Baltimore is also very 

different. Since it is so large, there is a lot 

of traffic and city noises, such as sirens, 

helicopters, and ferry horns. 

In Isaac’s Own Words: God at Work 

For over a year, we had been praying for 

a building to use as an operation center 

and facility to start our meetings. One day, 

the Baptist Convention of Maryland and 

Delaware made contact with a local pastor, 

and in less than a month we were working 

there. We consider this to be a miracle 

of God. Now, every Wednesday we teach 

English and a Bible study in that building. 

In Isaac’s Own Words: Story from 

the Field 

In one area we work, people look for jobs 

every day. We started meeting with them 

on the street. Someone would play guitar 

and we would sing Christian songs. At 

first, the people were discouraged. Now 

they feel confident, and we have found a 

place to meet in a restaurant. 

In another area, families have heard 

about Jesus but not many have made a 

full commitment of their lives to Him 

yet. They are not committed to coming 

to church regularly. So we hold special 

programs in this area and are praying that 

God will help them understand salvation 

and Christian living. 

We met Dennis in a store. We gave him 

a brochure about our church meetings 

and told him what a great time we had 

visiting together. One thing Hispanics 

like is visiting together, having good 

fellowship, and finding people who have 

similar struggles and hopes. So Dennis and 

his mother, Ritza, came to church. Ritza 

realized that she needed Jesus. She asked 

Jesus into her life and was baptized. Now 

How Can You Pray? 

1. Pray for the Hispanic seminary 

students. Pray they will be able 

to lead the church plants at 

Iglesia Bautista de Baltimore City 

and Primera Iglesia Bautista de 

Townson. 

2. Pray for the Hispanic church 

plants at Iglesia Cristiana de 

Armistead Garden, Iglesia Bautista 

de Middle River, and Iglesia 

Bautista Principe de Paz. Pray that 

they will grow and thrive under 

Christ-following leadership. 

3. Hispanic people are always 

working, even Sundays. Pray for 

God to give Isaac creative ideas 

to meet the people and build 

relationships. 

she invites people to the church. She has 

faced many problems, but with the help 

of God and her church family, she is a 

faithful Christian. She shows great trust in 

Jesus. 

People like Ritza encourage me to keep 

going. I want to see people here come to 

church, become Christians, grow in their 

spiritual maturity, and become leaders. 

Once a strong church is established, we 

can go start another. Isn’t that what you 

want to see in your community too? 

Thank you for praying for us in Baltimore. 




56 57

Aug ust 

prayer 

calendar 

1 

Nelda 

Williford, MSC, Texas 

Julie James, ISC, EURO 

Earnest Johnson, Ret, IMB 

9 

Marilyn 

Creighton, MSC, 

Kentucky 

BN, Cr, EURO 

Carl Lee, Ret, IMB 

17 

Ashley Nichols, Cr, California 

ER, Cr, AMP 

Maurice Randall, Ret, IMB 

25 

Lena Plunk, Cr, New Jersey 

BL, App, CAP 

John Roper, Ret, IMB 

2 

Ben 

Yablonski, MSC, Canada 

PA, Jny, NAME 

Doris Hughston, Ret, Alabama 

10 

Elizabeth Camacho, Cr, Hawaii 

AG, App, NAME 

William Tua, Ret, Puerto Rico 

18 

Evelyn Boyd, Cr, Kansas 

DR, App, DEAF 

Aletha Moore, Ret, Florida 

26 

Harold Campbell, MSC, 

Canada 

DD, Mst, ASAP 

Rita Desilvey, Ret, Texas 

3 

Lori 

Pengra, Cr, Oregon 

KH, Jny, CAP 

Joe Tarry, Ret, IMB 

11 

Jamie Powers, MSC, Arizona 

Carol Bowers, Cr, SSAP 

Eulene Smothers, Ret, IMB 

19 

Bill Wennersten, Cr, District 

of Columbia 

Stan Stepleton, Cr, DEAF 

Vera Gardner, Ret, IMB 

27 

Mandy Phillips, MSC, Kentucky 

KC, Cr, SEA 

Larry Ingram, Ret, IMB 

4 

Michelle 

Simonton, Cr, New 

Hampshire 

Kathy Daniel, Cr, SSAP 

Grady Evans, Ret, Ohio 

12 

Elmer Mundy, MSC, Nebraska 

AC, Cr, CAP 

Clara Rangel, Ret, Texas 

20 

Wesley Jones, Cr, Iowa 

Laura Moench, Cr, EURO 

Santi Panya, Ret, Texas 

28 

Steve Packard, MSC, 

Washington 

Lori Starkey, Cr, AMP 

Charles Tyson, Ret, Arizona 

5 

Matt 

Johns, MSC, Georgia 

SL, Cr, ASAP 

Dorothy Sledge, Ret, IMB 

13 

Marie Jeanne Toby, Cr, Florida 

JS, App, ASAP 

Joyce Heiss, Ret, IMB 

21 

Alpha Goombi, Cr, Nebraska 

RH, Jny, DEAF 

Jeannie Spear, Ret, IMB 

29 

Janice Porter, Cr, Wyoming 

Bob Mulkey, Cr, DEAF 

Anne Faulkner, Ret, IMB 

6 

Buck 

Hill, Cr, South Dakota 

Wanda Stewart, Cr, SEA 

Ruth Smith, Ret, Tennessee 

14 

Drew Buckner, MSC, Montana 

Renae Oue, Cr, EAP 

Judith Lutz, Ret, New York 

22 

Norman Wagoner, MSC, 

Oklahoma 

CP, ISC, SSAP 

David Garza, Ret, Arizona 

30 

Suzanne Porter, Cr, Utah 

Valery Hulsey, App, EURO 

Bill Williamson, Ret, 

Minnesota 

7 

David 

Fox, MSC, Louisiana 

ST, App, EAP 

Janelle Doyle, Ret, IMB 

15 

Buck Barton, MSC, Tennessee 

Brenda T., Cr, DEAF 

Dot Elliott, Ret, IMB 

23 

Babs Dial, Cr, Alaska 

ED, Cr, NAME 

Mack Shults, Ret, IMB 

31 

John Koch, Cr, Virginia 

MK, Cr, NAME 

Mary Horton, Ret, IMB 

8 

Paul Sagen, MSC, Minnesota 

Larry Hart, MSC, Pennsylvania 

Paul Murdock, MSC, Ohio 

Prayer Calendar Key is on the 

Clifford Case, Cr, AMP 16 Bruce Robertson, Cr, SEA 

24 NS, Cr, EAP 

inside back cover. 

Virginia Davis, Ret, Georgia 

Eunice Lo, Ret, Texas 

Allen Seward, Ret, New 

Mexico 

58 59

How to Become a Christian 

If you’ve never accepted Christ into your life, you can 

do that right now! Here’s what you need to know: 

• God created everything! (Genesis 1). 

• God has a special plan for your life (Jeremiah 1:5, 29:11; John 10:10b). 

• Every person has sinned; and we all need a way to God. The consequence of sin is 

death, but God wants to give you the gift of eternal life instead (Romans 3:23, 6:23). 

• God sent Jesus Christ—God’s perfect, sinless Son—to take on the punishment of your 

sin through death on the cross (John 3:16; Romans 6:23). 

• After three days, Jesus rose from the grave. God offers you eternal life through belief 

in Jesus Christ who defeated sin and death (Romans 6:4,22). 

• In order to have salvation, you only have to accept the life that God offers through 

Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9–10). Salvation comes 

through faith in Christ, not through anything you 

can ever do (Ephesians 2:8–9). 

• You become a new creation in Christ once you 

accept Jesus as your Savior (2 Corinthians 

5:17). You are then a child of God (John 

1:12). 

Do you believe all of this to be true? Are 

you ready to have a new life in Christ? 

If so, pray this (or a similar) prayer: 

Dear Lord, I realize that I am a sinner. 

I realize that You loved me so much 

that You gave your only Son, Jesus 

Christ, to take the punishment for my 

sin. He died on the cross for my sins 

and rose from the dead so that I can 

have eternal life. Please forgive me of 

my sins and come into my life, to be 

my Lord and Savior. I want to follow the 

plan that You have for my life! Amen. 

Be sure to tell someone about the 

important decision you have made. Get 

involved in a local church so that you can 

learn more about God and what it means 

to be a Christian. At church, you’ll find 

fellow Christians who will encourage you 

in your Christian walk, and a place to use 

your gifts and abilities for God’s glory. 

Prayer Calendar 

Key 

IMB Affinity Groups 

AMP—American Peoples 

ASAP—South Asian Peoples 

CAP—Central Asian Peoples 

DEAF—Deaf Peoples 

EAP—East Asian Peoples 

EURO—European Peoples 

GRT—Global Resource Team 

NAME—Northern African and Middle 

Eastern Peoples 

SEA—Southeast Asian Peoples 

SSAP—Sub-Saharan African Peoples 

*Because of the switch from places 

to affinity groups, all Last Frontier 

missionaries are now listed in the 

prayer calendar. 

International Mission Board 

Cr—Career; long-term; minimum 

age 24 

Assoc—Associate; 4-year term; 

minimum age 30 

App—Apprentice; 3-year term; 


Mst—Masters; 2–3 year term; 


Jny—Journeyman; 2-year term; 

ages 21–29 

ISC—International Service Corps; 

4–24 month term; minimum age 

21 

Ret—Retired 

North American Mission 

Board 

Cr—Career; long-term; jointly 

funded 

US/C2—United States/Canada; 

2-year term; college grads; jointly 

funded 

MSC—Mission Service Corps; 

minimum of 4 months of service; 

self-funded 

Ret—Retired 

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Volume 41, Number 6 

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July/August 2011 

The Mag (ISSN 0162-1955) 

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