Newsletter - 3rd Quarter 2012

3rd Quarter 2012 - Newsletter

Ministry Friend,

I hope this finds you doing well and enjoying the change of seasons. Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the cool weather and the preparing of the holidays.

As I reflect on the last three months, I continue to stand in awe of our God. At the Center, we are in the thick of ministry; therefore, we know things are busy and moving forward in full force. However, when I look at our numbers, it amazes me to see what the Lord has done not only over the past three months, but over the past three years. Wow, God!

Since 2009...
Our client base has doubled; almost tripled from last year. Check this out:

August 2009 - 104 clients

August 2010 - 119 clients

August 2011 - 90 clients

August 2012 - 224 clients

With a tremendous increase in our client base, you can only imagine what impact that is having on our finances. I'm not one to beg and plea for financial help, but I will plant the seed that we need more financial partners.

The more clients we see, the more we see the need to help a lost and hurting world. We see so much hurt: broken families, abandoned children, absent fathers, imprisoned parents, sexual abuse, physical abuse, domestic violence, rape, incest, cutters, kids crying out for help, youth who don't know their worth/value/purpose on this earth. The list goes on. Our world/community needs hope..... and their hope is found in Jesus Christ.

It takes $325.00/day to operate the ministry of Still Waters. If you are not already partnered with a ministry, I ask that you prayerfully consider partnering with us.

This Newsletter will give you a glimpse into the works of Still Waters. Also, included in this Newsletter are a few testimonials from individuals who have been touched by this ministry. We were moved by their words and greatly encouraged. No doubt, their words are a true reflection of God at work.

It is an honor and privilege to serve our living God. Won't you join us on this amazing journey He has us on in furthering His kingdom?

To God be the glory, great things He has done!

Serving Together for Life,

Ketra Hancock, L.A.S.

Co-Founder / Executive Director

We've Expanded...

As you may know, Still Waters has become so much more than what we originally thought the ministry was going to be; helping and ministering girls/women in crisis pregnancies.

Over the years, the Lord has expanded our territory. Not only are we providing crisis pregnancy intervention, but we are also:

Educating our community

- speaking in public schools

- speaking at churches

- holding conferences / special events

- started a program for young moms

- started a program for young dads

- started a GED pilot program

Offering healing to the broken-hearted

- post abortion

- sexual abuse

With this said, the time had come to update our website. Previously, it was focused on capturing the heart of an abortion-minded girl/woman. Today, it encompasses the many areas of the ministry.

Take a moment and check out our updated website. Please be informed of the services we provide. There may be someone you know who could benefit from the FREE services we offer.

To view our website, please click here!

A New Marketing Tool...

We are so grateful for Nikki Monroy. She is a dear ministry friend who worked with us in developing a ministry video that beautifully depicts every facet of Still Waters.

Nikki did an amazing job! She went above and beyond our expectations in making this video. This will be a tool used throughout our community to help educate others about the ministry of Still Waters.

We have already received encouraging feedback on this ministry video. Listed below are just a few messages we received the day the video was released:

Love it!!!!

Beautiful!

Wow! What an awesome video! I love it and love to know that God has blessed me to be apart of this wonderful ministry!

This video is AWESOME! Changing lives for Jesus. That's what it's all about. I will be praying for the ministry.

Oh my goodness!!! Praise the Lord! I love love the YouTube video!!! Prayers and thoughts are with you & all of the Still Waters ministries.

I love it!!!

Praise the LORD!

So proud.

I love you all.

Awesome!!!

Great video! I will definitely share this. I am so proud of what Still Waters is doing and hope to be an asset to that adventure.

To view the ministry video, please click here!

In The Public Schools...

We are thankful for the area public schools who have partnered with us. It has been so much fun going into the schools, getting to know the students and teachers while educating the students on self-worth, self-value, walking with integrity and purpose.

Thank you to Craig Barrack and Tim Brewer for partnering with us. They speak to the guys while Melissa and Ketra speak to the girls.

We are welcomed by the students with open arms and many hugs. It is so exciting to say that these kids are eager to learn, listen and share. Here are some words of encouragement we received from the students we had the privilege of talking to recently:

"Thank you so much for coming!!
You always make me feel amazing!! (: Thank you!!"

Public School Student
Facebook Message

"I look up to ya'll sooo much. You helped me a lot."

Public School Student

Facebook Message

"So glad you do this for our girls, it means a lot

to me as a parent!"

Public School Parent
Facebook Message

"I wanna thank y'all for coming to our school! It means so much when you have someone as great as y'all to tell us how special we really are! I haven't been through, or done half of the stuff some of the girls in our grade have, but I have felt insecure. That only makes me think how happy it makes some of the girls, that go through a lot of issues, feel, when y'all come speak with us. I just wanted to let you know that, I love the both of you! thank you.♥ "

Public School Student

Facebook Message

"Today's blessing was that none of my teachers gave me work, someone told me I made there day by being so awake, glee came back on today ♥and the Still Waters thing today was perfect as in just what I needed(: "

Public School Student

Facebook Post

"Thanks for making my day better. I was having the worse day ever and when you said I was beautiful, it made me feel important. My life has been hard and every time you come to my school, it is fun and I love when you come here and say we are beautiful. Thank you for making my day better."

Public School Student

Facebook Message

"I really like this site and was notified of it beause these amazing women came to my school and told me I am pretty and I am worth something. I would like to thank you two and everyone on this site for all the help you've given me to help me see my full potential."

Public School Student

Blog Post

Craig Barrack - guy speaker

Melissa Killen & Ketra Hancock - girl speakers

Faithfully Yours...

It's been a great start to our 3rd year of Teen Mom Choices (TMC). This year's theme is called: "Faithfully Yours". We have chosen "a daisy" as our logo to represent the common question... "He loves me, He loves me not?"

This year, our TMC moms will learn of The One who loves them unconditionally. The One who will never leave them or forsake them. The One who will never hold a grudge, who will never hurt them or do them wrong. His name is Jesus. He is madly in-love with them... so much in-love with them that He died for them.... and is patiently waiting for them to take His hand and trust Him with their life.

The Lord has orchestrated this year's program and curriculum, as He always does. He has "hand-picked" 8 young moms and 8 mentors for this year's program. We are beyond excited to see what happens in the lives of our TMC moms this year. We know, without a doubt, it's going to be beyond our heart's desire! :)

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the faithful servants who are giving of their time and energy to this year's program:

TMC Coordinator

Amy Bledsoe

TMC Mentors

Mary Braddock

Lori Hale

Amanda Heary

Carrie Putman

Lara Reed

Sarah Rich

Amanda Roberts

Jenny Sunderlin

Supporting Individuals/ Churches

Veronica Stephenson

Central Baptist Church

First Community Church

Kaufman's First Baptist Church

Point View Baptist Church

Vista Church

As an encouragement to us, we saw a Facebook post by one of our TMC students the first night of this year's TMC and we want to share it with you:

"GOD IS SO GOOD... MONDAY NIGHT AT OUR MOM/DAD CLASS, A GREAT MAN NAMED JASON OFFERED MY FIANCEE A JOB. WE HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR HIM TO START BACK WORKING, SO THANK U TO THE ALMIGHTY GOD. TODAY, I WOKE UP TO AN EMAIL WITH ANOTHER JOB OFFER. GOD IS A GOOD GOD. WITH THAT BEING SAID, NEVER GIVE UP ON HIM AND HE WON'T GIVE UP ON YOU. KEEP UR FAITH NO MATTER WHAT U ARE GOING THROUGH!!"

A Few Good Men...

Boy, oh boy, oh boy! The Lord has made His desire known for this year's IGNITE program.

We have kicked off the 2nd year of IGNITE, our program for young dads. This year, we have 4 young fathers and 4 mentors. These young fathers are going to learn why God created man and how to become the man God created them to be.

It is going to be an amazing year! These guys are eager to learn and have already experienced a connection with one another. We know without a doubt, the Lord is going to do a mighty work in and through these young fathers.

We would like to give a shout out of thanks to the men who are making this year's program happen: JJ Moore, Randal Clark, Eric Gibson and Dustin Roberts. JJ has helped us spearhead this program from the very beginning; giving many hours of his time to make this program what it is today. We are so grateful for him. Randal is leading this year's program along with the help of Dustin and Eric.

IGNITE would not be what it is today without the leadership of a few good men. For that, we are forever grateful.

Little Did She Know...

This is a testimony from a young lady who came to the Center with one of her friends who feared she was pregnant. Little did she know, God had a different plan for her that day. Her testimony is prime example of what God's word says... "His ways are not our ways".

"I want to give praise to God for putting Still Waters in my path. It is a small building, but is filled with wonderful servants of God. I first came to Still Waters accompanying a friend for support as she took a pregnancy test. While we were waiting for the results, we talked to a pair of women who were helping her get through the fear of the possible pregnancy and all that applied. What I did not expect was how much I also got out of the experience. They talked to us about premarital sex, abortions, STDs, and the dangers of promiscuity. Most of these things I already knew, but talking with them in a loving, nonjudgmental atmosphere really helped me see how precious I am to God.

The months following my visit have been a struggle, but through the books and devotionals, all the advice they gave us and studying my Bible, I am taking leaps every day closer to the desired relationship I want with Christ. It has been a life changing experience.

Thank you, Still Waters, for helping me and giving me hope when I didn't even know how much I needed it."

- Lindsey

Help Us Save Lives...

We do not receive federal funding so that we may freely share the Good News to a lost and hurting world. Therefore, we walk by faith and not by sight when it comes to the finances needed to operate the ministry.

We are unable to do what we do without the financial support from friends like you. Prayerfully consider partnering with Still Waters in saving and changing lives.

There are many ways you can financially support the ministry: giving a one-time donation, being a monthly financial partner, meeting the needs listed on our monthly wish list and/or being part of our fundraisers.

5th Annual Par 4 Life Charitable Golf Classic

This is our annual fundraiser event. We need players and sponsors. Please spread the word and encourage family/friends to support our cause. All proceeds go towards the operating expenses of the ministry.

Saturday, October 27th

Indian Oaks Golf Course

Peeltown, TX

For more information or to sign up to be a Sponsor and/or Player, please click here!

Cooking for God

Yep, you read it right! Two of our own TMC moms want to give back by providing a cooking fundraiser for Still Waters. This was their idea; not ours. Because of that, we are blessed beyond words!

Sunday, October 14

First Community Church - Crandall, TX

Doors open at 2:00pm

Thanks to these young moms, a portion of their proceeds will go towards the operating expenses of Still Waters.

Please support the businesses of our young moms. To learn more about this event, please click here!

The Mulberry Peddler

We are so grateful to The Mulberry Peddler in Kaufman for partnering with us in saving and changing the lives in our community. For any item donated on behalf of Still Waters, The Mulberry Peddler will donate 65% of the sale to Still Waters.

They accept new and/or gently used items: furniture, home decor, kitchen/household goods, books, outdoor/garden items, vintage/antique of all kinds, purses, jewelry and anything unusual, fun or quirky. NO CLOTHES, SHOES, APPLIANCES OR ELECTRONICS.

To arrange a time for delivery, please contact:

The Mulberry Peddler

207 W. Mulberry Street (on the downtown square)

Kaufman, TX

214-213-5725

About Us...

Still Waters is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization that serves as a Resource Center in the areas of character development / abstinence education, crisis pregnancy intervention and abortion / sexual abuse recovery. We also provide a GED preparatory program to anyone desiring to get their GED.

We are funded by private donations from friends like you. All donations are tax deductible.

If you would like to make a tax deductibe, online donation today, please click here!

In This Issue

2012 G.I.R.L. Conferences

Words of Encouragement

Support Our Moms

Ministry Invitations

2012 STATS...

224

Clients Served

153

Presented the Gospel

Professions of Faith

(known)

2

Babies Saved from Abortion (known)

3

Babies Born

Volunteers Trained in Evangelism

2012 G.I.R.L. Conferences

April 21

Community Baptist Church

Royse City, TX

September 29

First Assembly of God Church

Kaufman, TX

November 17

First Baptist Church

Sunnyvale, TX

Words of Encouragement...

If it wasn't for your center and GED program, I wouldn't be where I am now! I'm so thankful!!

GED student

Client, Still Waters

God put you, Amy, Still Waters, and everyone in my life for a reason and I am sooooo extremely thankful for every last one of y'all. Because of what He has done in yall's lives, and showing me what y'all know, I have been able to grow a stronger relationship with Him. There is no words that can express how much y'all mean to me. Y'all are my second family. Thank you for serving Him when He called upon you!

TMC student

Client, Still Waters

I wish I had more time with ya'll. I wish I could do stuff like ya'll do and help other girls like me that had so much doubt about so much. And I'm so thankful ya'll serve our God and ya'll are in my life to show me how great life is and everything is not as dark as long as we are led by His light. I love ya'll and hope ya'll have a wonderful evening.

TMC student

Client, Still Waters

You girls are doing an awesome job and your ministry has grown faster than anyone thought. God gets all the glory. You girls are doing a great job of spreading His word and doing His work.

Pat McDonnell
Ministry Friend

I continue to be amazed at the work our Heavenly Father is doing in and through you and the ministry of Still Waters.

Dan Cowley
Ministry Friend

I just want to say what a fabulous job you ladies do serving our God and the community. It gets me excited when I think back to when Still Waters was just a thought. Look at it now!!! You are all awesome!!!

Tina Young
Ministry Friend

This space has been reserved for our clients who have started their own business. Their greatest desire is to be used as a vessel for the Lord and to give Him all the honor, glory and praise.