August 2015

  GraceTouch

  Facilitating global impact

  
"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that you labor in the Lord is not in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:58). Let's explore that precious reminder this year!

Feel the Train

 
  
 
by Randi Craigen (excerpted from the 2015-2016 Women's Spectrum)

My son couldn't help but laugh when the train lurched into motion and I stumbled a few steps before I grabbed a hand-strap and eventually got my footing. "You gotta stay loose, Mom," he chuckled. "You know, feel the train. Become one with the train." The look I gave him on that last comment only made him laugh harder.

Chicago has an excellent rapid transit system affectionately known to Chicagoans as the 'L' because of its elevated tracks. Well over 500,000 riders board the 'L' every weekday. Many of these riders, particularly at certain hours of the day, spend their entire ride on their feet. You can always tell the more experienced riders from the "newbies." The experienced riders are the ones who can stand firm while the train is in motion, even without holding on. It has nothing to do with how firm the flooring is beneath their feet. Every rider stands on equal ground, so to speak, even as the train is moving at a high rate of speed. The key to standing firm while riding the 'L' standing up has very little to do with... (read more)

An Invitation to Stand Firm
 
Standing firm is easy until your ground shakes. The current issue of Women's Spectrum magazine invites us into the worlds of individuals who have discovered what it means to Stand Firm in the faith. Be encouraged as they share the truths of what it means to stand firm in Jesus even when the world around them is uneasy. Hear the stories of missionaries who have made it their calling to speak up even when it gets difficult, and explore how you can stand with them from your own situation. As you read the stories, you will rejoice at the reminder that we were never meant to stand firm alone.  Click here to find out how to order your copy of the Women's Spectrum.
Answering the Call
 
The world around us is changing, and our awareness of the challenges to stand firm as believers in Christ is increasing. This year at Women of Grace USA we will be exploring the call to "Stand Firm." A Bible study to help guide us in this theme is available for download as a pdf that can be printed and distributed to your study groups. The twelve-lesson study, appropriately titled "Stand Firm," will leave you with a triumphant perspective on the dynamics of standing firm in all circumstances. Click here to order. 
Prayer Watch
 
Imagine being part of a movement that allows you to join with people around the world to pray for revival and a new understanding of who God is calling us to be. The movement is in motion now! This November representatives of Grace Brethren churches around the world will be meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, for our days of intense meetings to develop a vision of our common identity as Grace Brethren. We want to help cover these meetings in intense prayer, and you can help. By signing up for a 15-minute time slot during that time to focus on prayer, you can help assure that the delegates are hearing clearly from God. Our brothers and sisters in other countries are also being invited to join. As a part of this prayer covering, you will have access to updates before and during the meetings. To reserve your time slot, go to Time to Sign Up.
Wrapping Up Summer with Pat Ashcraft
 
Summer is drawing to a close. Vacation Bible school programs, little league games, picnics and vacations abound. During these busy, fun, family times, we forget about the needs of those that rely on our support. I know from working at three non-profits in the past, each one had a drop in finances every summer. It isn't that no one cares, but people get busy and forget. But the cost of running the ministry does not drop in the summer. The need is still great.
 
WGUSA is no different as a non-profit. We rely on others to make this vital ministry for women possible.  If you haven't become a regular supporter, Click 
here to see how you can be a part of our team.
Musings for Moms
 
Letting Go
by Cindy Shuler
It's a monumental moment! The last two of our five children start college in just a few days. We dreamed of this day, of a quieter house, of fewer unclaimed, unidentifiable objects mysteriously appearing in the living room, of chaotic schedules no longer interrupting "normal" life. It often felt like this day would never come. But now that it's here, I'm not sure I'm ready to let go.

As moms, we have this innate desire to protect our young, to assure that they are happy and healthy. When they make unwise choices, and sometimes downright stupid ones, we wonder how they'll ever survive on their own. We want to step in and rescue them; to spare them the consequences of their folly. After all, they're still young. They need our help, right?

One of the toughest things I've faced as a mom is watching my kids suffer the consequences of poor choices.  
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Grace to Stand Firm, Grace to Grow by Carol Ruvulo
 
Peter wanted the Church to become armed with the promises of God so that they would know how to live holy lives set apart for God's purposes amongst unbelievers, false teachers and with brothers and sisters in the faith. He wanted them to grow in their faith, steadfastly awaiting their glorious entrance into Heaven, which Peter experienced just after the writing of II Peter. Carol Ruvulo presents many good teaching moments, and desires for the church to be passionate, making an impact in the world. Click here for the complete evaluation and to view other suggested Bible studies.
Mark your Calendar
 

Biblical Foundations of Leadership, August 28-29, Winona Lake, IN Register
Revive '15: Women Teaching Women, September 25-26 Info
FaceTeam to North Atlantic Fellowship, September 12, Elizabethtown, PA

Women & Scripture, October 9-10, Ripon, CA Register

Principles of Effective Bible Study, October 30-31, Columbus, OH Register

Women & Scripture, November 13-14, Elizabethtown, PA

Women & Scripture, January 15-16, Ocala, FL
Don't Miss It!
 

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Nancy Leigh DeMoss and fellowship with other women from around the FGBC. Participate in the Fellowship Forum and receive a $50 reimbursement after the conference. Hurry, rooms in our block are only guarenteed until August 28th. Click here to register and book your room.
Shop Amazon Smile
 

Do you shop on Amazon.com? You can select Women of Grace USA as your charitable organization and we'll receive a portion of your purchase total as a donation. Simply click here to sign up and be sure to use smile.amazon.com when you shop.

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