Life Change Stories

Erin Scoggins on Serving in India

2011-07-11T15:24:00.001-05:00

Martin/Collyar Discipleship Testimony

2011-06-01T10:31:00.004-05:00

Saving Grace

2011-04-01T11:43:00.002-05:00

WOW Experience with the Pohl's

2011-03-02T16:56:00.000-06:00

Jim and Diane Koenigseder

2011-02-25T18:37:00.002-06:00

Tara Stephenson

2011-02-03T16:22:00.003-06:00

Gary Oliver Interview - Clinging to Joy

2010-12-17T11:17:00.001-06:00

Stacy Furlow - The Gifts We Bring

2010-12-17T08:40:00.000-06:00

Josh Sarhan - The Gifts We Bring

2010-12-17T08:04:00.000-06:00

Chloe Seal - The Gifts We Bring

2010-12-17T08:00:00.001-06:00

Life Change Story :: Robby

2010-11-05T12:39:00.001-05:00

Life Change Story :: Tim

2010-11-05T12:37:00.001-05:00

Life Change Story :: Will

2010-11-05T12:25:00.000-05:00

Life Change Story :: Heath

2010-11-05T12:17:00.000-05:00

Holmstroms::Rodney and Carol

2010-11-01T13:11:00.001-05:00

Eddleman's:: Josh and Laurel Skype interview

2010-11-01T13:06:00.001-05:00

Lamar Steiger Changed Life Story

2010-10-26T18:57:00.004-05:00

Biblical Metaphors

2010-08-30T19:54:00.000-05:00

Doug & Kathy Raines

2010-08-30T19:50:00.001-05:00

2010-08-10T13:20:00.004-05:00

I AM

The Paul's Journey to Portland

2010-08-05T14:47:00.007-05:00

2010-05-28T09:50:00.002-05:00

Rich Brown on Presence

2010-05-25T13:40:00.007-05:00

Chris and Laura Self, a young couple struggling from the effects of
addictions and struggles in life and in their marriage, discuss walking
through freedom and recovery in their personal lives.

2010-05-25T13:40:00.005-05:00

Steve and Annie Hopkins tell how, as a newly married couple, they
struggled with the effects of alcohol in their home, became addicted
and were challenged with control issues. Listen as they share about
restoring their broken marriage and how to seek Christ individually to do that.

2010-05-25T13:39:00.001-05:00

Barry Belford shares how his life was transformed.

2010-05-25T13:38:00.001-05:00

Amanda Lacewell, an adult child of an alcoholic, shares how she's
dealt with a failed abusive marriage, insecurity in her life and how
she's taking responsibility toward her healing in Christ.

2010-05-25T13:36:00.003-05:00

Kimberly Burgess' story, how she was trying to find her
place or purpose in life. She realized it was time to stop controlling,
to just let go and let God.

2010-05-25T13:33:00.006-05:00

David and Michele Anderson Part Three on how they have handled
several life situations dealing with Grief.

2010-05-25T13:33:00.005-05:00

David and Michele Anderson Part Two on how they have handled
several life situations dealing with Grief.

2010-05-25T13:32:00.002-05:00

David and Michele Anderson Part One on how they have handled
several life situations dealing with Grief.

2010-05-25T13:30:00.005-05:00

Larry Trice discusses his struggle with addictions and relationships
and how he found Jesus at a late age after his son committed suicide.

2010-05-25T13:30:00.004-05:00

Naomi Bunch, a young mom and wife, discuss her struggles with rage and
anger in her family and how she finds hope in getting help.

2010-05-25T13:28:00.001-05:00

Danielle May shares her baptism testimony. She was
baptized on April 17, 2010 at Fellowship.

2010-05-25T13:27:00.001-05:00

Andrew Shassere talks about his Spring Break 2010
Mission Trip to Guatemala

2010-05-25T13:26:00.001-05:00

Karen Campbell and Jenni Burford talk about the One-2-One
Minsitry at Fellowship. This ministry is for families with special
needs children.

2010-05-25T13:24:00.001-05:00

Josh Sarhan gives his testimony on how he overcame
life challenges and found Christ.

2010-05-25T13:11:00.003-05:00

Denise Rapier shares about how she discovered
her relationship with Christ.

2009-12-08T15:25:00.004-06:00

Shelly Davis Wrote:
My story has to do with two very special ladies who mentored me more then 12 years ago ... Lisa Prier and Nancy Jenkins. I am so sad that Nancy is no longer here with us and feel the need to share what God did for me and my family through her and Lisa.

I met Nancy and Lisa when I got involved in a ladies Bible study that they taught and I was drawn to their hearts and love for God and women. I felt safe and comfortable with them and was able to share some things in my life that were hard and painful. My husband and I did not attend church together. He believed one way and I believed another. This was the source of most of our fights and kept a huge wall between us. I was living a very legalistic life and refused to believe any other way, and I believed my husband was wrong for the way he believed.

God worked through Nancy and Lisa with prayer, Scripture, love and understanding, to open my heart and my eyes to the truth, and it became clear to me that my husband wasn't wrong, I was wrong. He showed me that he was a Godly man. God was so good and faithful, during this time, that he blessed us with an unexpected pregnancy after 11 years of marriage. God confirmed in my heart where I needed to be and that was in church with my husband, together as a family. I started going to church with him and then a few years ago the Lord led us to Fellowship, where I was so excited to see two familiar faces, Nancy and Lisa. They now went to Fellowship also.

We've had some talks about where we were back then and about God's wonderful plan that He had for me and my family. God knocked down that wall between us and today we have a strong happy marriage and a wonderful son that completed our family. God is amazing. I'm so thankful to Lisa and Nancy for their love of the Lord and their willingness to share His truth and love to me and the countless others they have mentored. Nancy Jenkins was a very special lady and always will be! She loved the Lord, her family, and she loved people. Thank you God for her. She was a blessing to me and my family and will be forever more. I'll see her again in Heaven some day.

2009-11-23T08:01:00.000-06:00

Anonymous Wrote:
I am a Hindu converted Christian lady, currently attenting The Salvation Army Fellowship. I have 4 sisters and one brother. The Lord God is good to us. I tasted the Love of God. He is good. We praise God for His unconditional love and blessings in our life. His call is different in my life. Thank God for understanding -- He shed His blood for me on the cross and He is alive to listen to our prayers.

2009-11-03T07:36:00.000-06:00

Connie Wrote:
I have a internet friend whom I’ve been sharing the Lord with. He is a unbeliever and had never read or owned a Bible. I suggested that we take this Draw Near Study together. I mailed him the study guide and a Bible, and nearly every night we have been doing the study. He would listen to the sermons online, and I would hear it when we went that morning. This study has been a life-changing event in his life. What was “normal behavior” that he would engage in, he now recongizes as sin. The Lord has truly “drawn him” to Himself. At one point in the study, he was complaining that the sermons were always pointing fingers at him personally. I told him that it was possible the Lord talking to him rather than our teachers “finger pointing” at the congregation. It’s easy to think that we are the only ones in the room when the Lord is convicting us of something. I want to continue another study with him, but don’t really know what would be a good follow up. Any suggestions would be helpful. I did however, pick up the little “mentoring 101” booklet (which is a 4 series study). Thank you so much for doing this Draw Near Study. My only disappointment of the online sermons is the absentance of the worship songs before the teaching, as my friend hasn’t be able to be a part of that important part of our worship. Please add my friend to your prayer list. He is so close to knowing the Lord personally. Thank you again, and may God bless you.

2009-11-02T07:35:00.001-06:00

Anonymous Wrote:
Just before Draw Near started, I got the worst phone call of my life. I found out that he had been lying to me for several months and was in deep trouble. I remember sitting on the bathroom floor, alone, crying so hard I was sick. I cried out to God because God had told me I was suppose to marry this man, and he had given us both a glimpse of what our life together would hold. Now, just a year an a half after our wedding, it looked like it was over. I had no idea that anything was wrong. I knew our relationship was far from perfect. I knew he was opening up to me less and less. I could not figure out what I had done wrong to cause him to pull away from me. God graciously helped me see that this was not my fault, and I did not cause him to act the way he was acting.

I remember at our first Draw Near meeting our leader said, “Lots of times people don’t want to talk about their problems because they feel like its not as bad or important than the next person. No one needs to feel like that, everyone has something they are dealing with.” Then, he ran through a list of things going on in the lives of our group. Lastly, he looked at me and said, “If God doesn’t grant someone a miracle, their marriage is going to fall apart.”

I was doing everything I could and more to try to save my marriage. But nothing was working. I could not get him to talk to me and let me into his life. He was still lying to me. It was not him, I know it wasn’t him. Something or someone else had control over his mind. I remember asking God what I was suppose to do. He told me to stop trying to fix everything and just love my husband in the moment, no matter how mad and hurt I was. He asked me to trust that he had complete control over my marriage and the situation.

I have watched God take care of us the past month. My husband has stopped lying to me, and has never been so good at communicating as he is now. I cannot remember a time in our relationship that we were so close. My husband is now himself. The best possible outcome from my husband’s situation was granted to us. We got the miracle that our leader said we needed. God is the only answer to how it happened. There is no other explanation.

2009-10-27T09:27:00.001-05:00

Michael Bell Wrote:
I have been attending Fellowship Saturday Night with my wife Kim and my son Logan for about 3 1/2 years. We were/are probably like a lot of other Saturday Night attendees where we attended weekly, worshipped loudly, drank in the Words and left for what life had in store for us that coming week.
Then we repeated the process the following week.

This draw near challenge has been an amazing journey as it has truly opened my eyes, ears and heart more to the Lord in ways that probably wouldn't have been possible without this experience. Reading the daily Scriptures has been something I had not been doing, but through this experience, I have been sitting quietly every morning and reading, questioning and soaking up the Scripture and will continue to, as it is part of what is opening my eyes, ears and heart.

I have been resistant to joining a community group over the last 3 years for various reasons. When this Draw Near experience presented itself, I believe that God spoke to me and said it is time. We have a great group where we all desire to be closer to the Lord and are making strides towards that. Yet, the group is also open and honest about where each is in terms of how "fertile their soil" is and acknowledging what each needs to do to have fertile soil. The group experience has pleasantly taken me by surprise as I am learning from each person and hopefully growing as a man in Christ.

Lastly, I want to talk about how powerful prayer has been. A few weeks ago we found out that a friend of ours had cervical cancer and was facing either a radical hysterectomy or radiation and chemotherapy. I asked the group to pray that the cancer was confined to the cervix and that a hysterectomy would resolve all cancer. The next week, we found out the doctors thought it was contained and proceeded with her surgery. While performing the hysterectomy, the doctors also removed multiple lymph nodes to see if the cancer had spread. I was happy to report to the group last night that the lymph nodes all tested negative and that no radiation or chemo was going to be necessary. I thanked them all and praised the power of prayer.

Power of Prayer

2009-10-23T11:57:00.003-05:00

Joel Whiteman wrote:
I would like to take a moment to share something special that happened in our community group this week. On October 14 our community group met and during prayer time a member shared a need that they had seven rental properties that needed to be rented in order to releave some of the financial burden they were under. Feeling burdened to pray specifically for this need, the Holy Spirit spoke to me to pray that God would rent 3 properties by that Sunday October 18. Having laid this request at the feet of Jesus and claiming it in faith I couldn't wait to see what God was going to do. Without saying anything to the couple, when they arrived at community group, the first thing i asked them was how many rental properties they rented by Sunday and He said 3. When I shared with them what God had called me to pray for, and that He answered the prayer exactly, there was a lot of goose bumps and rejoicing. When we met as a group this week the dvd confirmed that we are to pray specifically and watch God work. We saw evidence of this in our group and we continue to lay the needs of our group specifically before God and are excited and anticipating more great things to happen. What joy I have had in my heart this week, seeing that our God is faithful to meet the needs of his people when we are faithful to lay at His feet.

2009-10-22T07:51:00.005-05:00

Deborah PeningerWrote:
I am not sure why but I feel pulled to do this. I have been pulled to do this for a long time, but never had the courage. I hope my story can possibly bring someone closer to the Lord. My hands are shaking right now. I grew up in church. My family went every Wednesday night, every Sunday morning, Sunday night and I even went to Friday night teen night. I was one of those people who thought bad things always happened to bad people. My story begins at the young age of eight or so. My mom asked me to write a list of how I envisioned my life. My list was very small. I wanted to marry a tall, dark handsome man, I wanted to have 2 kids a boy and then a girl, and I wanted to be a business woman.

At the age of 14 I was diagnosed with a disease that inflicted my female reproductive organs. After surgery I was told my chances of having children would be difficult. I was molested by three different boys at the same time when I was 15. At 17, I was involved in a relationship and then later married to an alcoholic. I was beaten so often that few wounds had time to heal before new ones were made. I had reconstructive surgery to my nose. In my short marriage, I was raped repeatedly. My weight dwindled down to almost nothing, my hair was falling out and when my hair came in, it was white and grey. My first husband was in and out of jail and on his last visit, I filed for divorce. When he got out I was stalked. Unfathomable fear. I was so scared of going anywhere and him finding me. Ultimately, I moved away to Mountain Home, Ar. While there I fell ill again and had another surgery. I met another man and we were making plans to marry. My first husband found me in Mountain Home. When I saw him I actually urinated myself. He came to tell me that he was sorry for everything and asked me to forgive him. I told him I couldn’t and then he left. Shortly after, I remarried and my parents asked me to come home, they had to tell me something. After three hours of driving, I was told my first husband had committed suicide.

I fell ill yet again and my disease had progressed to the point that I needed a partial hysterectomy. One tube and one ovary was removed. My other tube was so full of scar tissue that the Doctor told me that I probably would not be able to get pregnant. Four months later after surgery I felt ill again. I went to the doctor and he ran some tests and found that I was indeed pregnant. The doctor told me that it was probably a tubal pregnancy and sent to me to radiology to find the fetus and start the process of removing it. I will never forget the sound of the tiny little heart beat. I told the radiologist to turn it off because I couldn’t bear to hear the living beating heart of a baby that would need to be taken. The radiologist replied: “that baby is right where it needs to be. It is in your uterus.” My doctor was so surprised... me elated!!! 9 months later I gave birth to a perfectly healthy 10 fingered, 10 toed curly headed little girl named Aubrey.

Four months after she was born, my husband left me for another woman. We tried reconciling and ever remarried. I fell ill once again when Aubrey was two. This time, my disease was irreversible. I had a hysterectomy at the age of 26, and then found that my husband was being unfaithful yet again. We divorced and I moved back home to Rogers when Aubrey was 3 almost 4. The next 6 weeks were the darkest. I fell into such a depression. I felt God had abandoned me, and I would ask all the time why all these things were happening to me. I finally turned my back on Christ. I had such anger, such sadness I even neglected my daughter. I was so focused on myself I couldn’t even gather the strength to touch her.

I was working for the County and my work partner lead a Bible study. I hated the Bible studies but had to go since she was my partner. The study that day was about submission and forgiveness. We were in the small cemetery by the Avoca airport and while everyone was praying, they laid their hands on me and started praying for me. I was so uncomfortabl,e I got out of the car. I had this sense of anguish just fall over me and I felt like I was running in circles...I fell to my knees and cried. I begged the Lord to forgive me for turning my back on Him and for the first time in 12 years, I felt absolute peace, a calming embrace surrounded me. In an instant, every question that I had of “why me” was answered. I finally knew “His” plan. I left work early and drove home as fast as I could and wrapped my arms around Aubrey and said I am so sorry. Wise beyond her 3 years of age, she simply said, “I forgive you mommy, I have missed you so much.” Wow... for the next several weeks I devoted my life to being a Good Christian single mom. I was content with never marrying again. And then, my mom brought me the list I wrote about my future when I was eight. She still had it. My mom said “tweak it, the Lord doesn’t expect you to be alone. Tweak it, make it new and don’t settle for anything less”.
Well I really didn’t want a man. Too much pain in relationships and I couldn’t imagine myself with anyone. I tweaked that list alright. I made it unattainable. I made that list so hard for anyone to meet, that I felt content in being alone. The list was this: Christian man, still tall, dark and handsome, light eyes, someone who has been married and divorced, someone who has been hurt so they could appreciate what I had to offer, someone who was OK that I could not bear any more kids, a man who had a child, preferably a son, 2-3 years older than my daughter, with full custody. I even threw in stupid stuff like lucky number 18, I like thin crust pizza, I’m not a fan of cats, I love hockey, and I still wanted to be a business woman, but dedicate my business to Christ. I even envisioned what he would look like (just in case tee hee).

One month, later my sister was nagging me to go on this blind date. UGH... She wouldn’t leave me alone. I finally went. Up drove this cute little gold sports car, and out came this 6’2” dark haired, dark complected, green eyed man who was exactly what I imagined. I was so shocked that this man from my dreams appeared in reality that when he came forward to hug me, I actually ran to the passenger side door and let myself in. (We still die laughing remembering that.) We went on our date and come to find out, he was married and divorced twice, had a son who was three years older than Aubrey, named Riley, which he had full custody of. He had been playing soccer (hockey without the puck) since he was six and his lucky jersey number was 18. He does not like cats and he adores thin crust pizza. Best of all ... he was a Christian. In fact, on our third date, he brought me to Fellowship Bible Church.

We were married in 2004. I opened an Appraisal Company in Rogers that is totally dedicated to Christ. It is called Upward Appraisals. All of my cards and my company quote is “all things are made possible through Christ.” My unattainable list has been fulfilled. My second miracle.
The reason for my story is that miracles do exist only by HIM and only by HIS grace. I have spent a lifetime trying to forgive others as well as myself. I realize that there are people whose lives are so turned upside down, that they are angry with God or just feel abandoned - just like I did. His grace is sufficient now. I am a walking testimony of forgiveness. I couldn’t forgive my first husband when he was alive and that bothered me. I revisited his grave after I was saved, and finally made peace with him and I finally forgave him. I no longer carry that burden. The song Amazing Grace has a line in it about the “hour I first believed.” That hour, I remember like it was yesterday and in that hour, my life was changed forever. Miracle number 3.

I hope my story can help bring someone closer to “Him”. Thank you for allowing me to share. I feel now I have completed one thing that “He” has been asking me to do.

2009-10-14T07:55:00.001-05:00

Ben and Melissa Shannon Wrote:
We’ve had a great experience with our group thus far, but tonight, tonight was the first time we really felt “Draw Near”... near to God, near to each other, near to ourselves. The discussion wasn’t led by us, it led us. On previous nights, we went through the subject matter, seeking the truth, but tonight, we dove into the subject matter, and the truth found us. We found ourselves discussing forgiveness and what it means without the guidance of the group discussion ideas in our Draw Near books, only to discover afterwards that we were following pretty closely to those ideas. We truly feel like God is making powerful strides in our lives and as we do Draw Near, His light is revealing the darkness of our souls and cleansing it. Tonight many tears were shed as we shared our testimonies, and we all felt great weights lifted from our hearts as we accepted God’s grace and forgiveness. Praise God!

2009-10-13T15:38:00.000-05:00

Roxanne Clement Wrote:
The Draw Near Study has been the most simple yet life changing Bible Study that I’ve ever experienced. I grew up in church, went to private Christian school, and my father was a pastor. Church and Bible study has always been a part of my life, yet The DRAW NEAR study has re-energized my love for God’s Word and has stirred my heart for a closer walk with the Lord like never before!

2009-10-13T15:28:00.003-05:00

Trish Snyder Wrote:
I have attached two pictures from our ministry effort at the Samaritan House last week! It was such a joy to serve there and create a small blessing (cupcakes and cookies) for the visitors.

2009-10-13T08:18:00.001-05:00

Donna Sheppard Wrote:
Elijah’s Draw Near Message on Forgiveness: Elijah challenged the Israelites, “If Yahweh is God, follow Him. But if Baal, follow him.” When Baal’s prophets offered sacrifices before the alter their god did not answer with fire. They believed in their false gods and were committed to serve him. They called on the name of Baal from morning to noon, did their lame dance around the alter, shouted loudly all afternoon, cut themselves with knives and spears, kept raving through the evening sacrifice, “...but there was no sound, no one answered, no one paid attention.” Elijah witnessed the “blood gushing out on them...” and what did he do? He had initially mocked them (v. 27), but when he saw their desperation, sadness, disappointment, and discouragement, he said, “...Come near to me.”(v. 30)Scripture then tells us that Elijah repaired the alter that had been torn down and called on the “Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel..., so that the people will know that You, Yahweh, are God and that You have turned their hearts back.”

I have been so amazed during the Draw Near study at how God has taken His Word and spoke truth to me. Elijah felt compassion for God’s people and told them “...Come Near Me”. He then pleaded to God on their behalf, so they would know that Yahweh was their God. I am thankful for the friends and pastors that have pleaded to God on my behalf and other members of the congregation, so that I (we)would see that worship of false Gods is in vain. When God sees my desperate attempts to seek out other gods (job, career, material possessions) He just says, Draw Near To Me. I imagine him just taking me in his big loving arms and hugging me. It’s OK my child. I still love you. That is a message of forgiveness.

2009-10-13T08:02:00.002-05:00

David Sloan Wrote:
My wife, Brenda and I went to Saving Grace on the Simply Serve day ready to serve and we ended up being served. Before arriving, I dropped our son’s car off at a shop for a brake job. Brenda was busy working with a group of ladies stocking the library with books, videos and helping decorate the area. I worked with a couple of other guys to paint a hallway. While in the middle of painting I received a call from my mother who lives at an assisted living facility in Bentonville. I am sort of her caretaker. She reminded me of some things she also needed help with that day. Shortly after that, I also received a call from the auto shop that my son’s car was ready to be picked up. I really senced a nudge that I needed to leave our project for Saving Grace to pick up the car, test drive it to check out the brakes, go over to my mother’s to help her and then, I would be right back. After finishing what my mother needed, I took the car back home for Brad. While we were talking in the living room, we both heard a small “boom” that came from the garage. By the time I made it over to the door, we both heard the sound of rushing water. I ran into a sight of water gushing from the top of our hot water heater. With a great sence of what to do that only comes from years of experience, I quickly reached up and turned the water off. We sucked up excess water with my shop vac. After surveying the damage, I called Brenda and told her I was sort of in a deliema. We both decided I would go ahead and come back over and finish the day giving service to Saving Grace and take care of the water heater afterward. After all, Lowes stays open late. The only other challenge I had was the fact that I am pretty hot water heater installing challenged. The thing here is that we have a great friend who is a master plummer, Brad Hines. He and his wife Julie were the reason our small group was able to get involved with such a great new ministry as Saving Grace. By the time I got there, Brad already knew about my need and jumped to the task. We hopped in his truck, went over to the house and after his professional diagnosis, we were in Lowes attempting to decide which water heater I should get. With Brad’s willingness to serve and expert ability, we had the problem solved in no time. Even though this was sort of an expensive deal for us, I can’t help but believe I was being nudged by the Holy Spirit through a call from my mother and then from the auto shop. This all made it possible to be in our home just at the right time so that I could do what was needed to avoid some major damage to our home. Brenda and I went to serve and ended up being served. We intend on finding more spots to serve but our only hope is that nothing else happens when we do like our air conditioner going out or something.

What will be the impact?

2009-10-10T16:32:00.000-05:00

Ron and I are really enjoying this time of Drawing Near to God. God is so good to bring this awareness to our fellowship and for all of us to be on the same page at the same time. What will be the impact? It will be so rewarding to see! The Meads

Stirring up the Spirit

2009-10-10T16:19:00.002-05:00

I want to say a big Thank You to Chip Jackson for following the lead of the Holy Spirit in "stirring up the spirit..." of the leaders of Fellowship and "the remnant of the people." (Haggai 1:14) I was reading about Haggi the prophet this morning and key verses stood out: "you have planted much but harvested little, You eat but never have enough to be satisfied. You drink but never have enough to become drunk. You put on clothes but never have enough to get warm. The wage earner (puts his)wages into a bag with a hole in it"(1:6). The rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem was halted for 16 years after the Jews returned from captivity in Babylon. Opposition to God's call became an excuse for inactivity. The "Lord of Hosts" raised up Haggai to rouse the Jews from their doldrums. I have been in that complacent state and thank God that he is persistent and faithful in his love for me. He has called Chip Jackson and other pastors at Fellowship to send us a message: Draw Near to God, "I am with you." and "Be strong all you people of the land...In a little while, ...I will fill this house with glory." Haggai 2:4. I can identify with the people of Judah who proclaimed, "the time has 'not come' for the house of the Lord to be rebuilt". They weren't ready to listen to God, but Haggai told the people and the Lord is telling 'me', It is time to "Go up...Think carefully about your ways." I've "expected much, but then it amounted to little. When ...I... brought the harvest on My house, I ruined it. Why?" Because the Lord of Hosts' house still lies in ruins, while..." I've been... "busy with my own house." (Haggai 1:7-9). I'm thankful to bear witness to the glory that is filling our hearts and minds as we obey the voice of the Lord our God and the words of the prophet Haggai and pastors at Fellowship. - Donna Sheppard

2009-10-08T07:38:00.011-05:00

LaDwana Wrote:
Just wanted to share what our group was able to do this past Saturday. What came of this is we don’t have to stop now, they want to help each other out so our group will have Saturday projects to do for each other. Also, one of the couples shared that it was so nice to be with a group of people ... laughing, working hard and having a good time doing something for someone. We’re looking forward to more opportunities to serve.

A BIG “Thank You” from LifeSource

2009-10-06T14:13:00.000-05:00

LifeSource is grateful to the individuals, families and groups who generously donated their time and talents on Saturday. Volunteers spent the day sorting dry goods, organizing the library and clothes closet, serving senior citizens and doing yard work for the needy. One of the ladies who received yard work, an elderly lady with pulmonary disease, said that the group did more than she could have ever expected. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ. Together we are making a difference….now and for generations to come.

Women's Draw Near Study Group

2009-10-06T09:00:00.011-05:00

2009-10-06T08:46:00.007-05:00

Rose Corscadden asked people how Draw Near had gotten them thinking about their prayer life or what they thought about the study. Here are their comments:

Sharon Cain – “Draw Near has made me become more intentional about my study time. And I love that the kids’ book has given them a tool to help them have a quiet time.”

Scott Huse – “The start of Draw Near has made me realize how little time I have been setting aside for God. I haven’t been giving God enough of my time and this study will help me spend more time with Him.”
Claudia Huse – “Draw Near has been instrumental in making me get into the Word every day.”

Lupe Martinez – “Drawn Near has made me get up earlier and set aside ½ hour each day to go through the scriptures and questions. I have wanted to grow deeper in my faith and learn more, and this study is helping me do that. I am so glad the church is doing this study!”

Kelly Foster – “What I like about Drawn Near is that there is a memory verse for the whole family to memorize. On the way to church this morning we were going over it. We haven’t had any formal ‘sit downs’
to go over the verses and lessons, but we’ve had great casual discussions. It’s great, too, that the kids are getting motivated in their groups to read on their own and work in their own books.”

Cheryl Shorter – “My husband and I have teenage boys and it’s very fulfilling to see them draw near to God through their studies and cell group, and to see them learn about fasting – they’ve never done that before. The study is bringing our whole family closer together studying the same things.”

Jeff & Joy Rhodes – “Draw Near has helped us to refocus on the basic things that we learned early in our faith. It’s been very encouraging, and it’s great to have the whole family studying together.”

Rose Corscadden – “I have been struggling to have a quiet time for years, and Draw Near is helping me make time for God. I also love that our kids are studying the same things we are and that we have questions in our books to help us have discussions with them about it.”

A Day We Won't Forget

2009-10-06T08:12:00.001-05:00

Our group had the opportunity to help a lady here in Springdale by replacing the deck on her trailer house and doing a major clean-up of her property. We want to especially thank Waste Management who donated their largest dumpster for this work day. God also sent a group of young marrieds headed by Billy & Jordan McEntire and we couldn’t have done it without them. There were probably a total of 20 workers and we worked hard for 7 hours on this place and with God’s help we left there with her feeling good and our hearts were blessed. A big thank you to this group of dedicated, on-fire for the Lord, Christians who helped us so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Scott and Janet Linebaugh, Rick and Liz Johnson, Dave and Tess Mountain, Randy and Cathi Cooki, Bob and Sharon Hasenbeck and Doug and Linda Miller

2009-10-06T07:48:00.001-05:00

Christi, Baylee, and Drew Willson Wrote:
I wanted my children to be a part of the Draw Near to God, Beautiful Day. We chose to serve at the Rogers Animal Shelter. I called them ahead of time and told them what we would be doing and if they would allow a nine and eleven year old to do any hands-on serving. They said their biggest need was wet cat food and that the kids could bathe puppies and walk dogs. We brought two cases of cat food and when we arrived the man in charge showed us the puppy cages and allowed us to bathe, dry, love on and play with several puppies. The kids just loved this. We were also allowed to walk a few dogs. We got so much enjoyment out of serving and plan to do this again in the near future.

2009-10-05T13:53:00.001-05:00

Robyn Yates Wrote:
This week in in our draw near group, we watched the Brandon Hall story. I was surprised by the response of someone in our group. After the dvd, I mentioned that we had been able to give thanks to the fact that his cancer was in remission and that he was doing very well. I was thinking, “yippee, that’s worth celebrating” but instead, one of the ladies said, “I think that is great and all-but what if God hadn’t ‘healed’ him. I’d wonder what someone would say if they weren’t getting a good report. Would they trust God anyway? I think that might be a different story.”

Honestly, that thought hadn’t even occured to me. (Don’t know why b/c it’s just like something I would ask and ponder.) Anyway, here’s the “God is amazing” part... I was able to look at the person sitting right next to her and say “K”, why don’t you share a little of your story. It just so happens that “K” has a fatal illness that has no treatment and no cure. She actually faces, everyday, the realization that without supernatural intervention she will be dead before her youngest child even reaches his 18th birthday! Not only that, but she has most likely passed on this same genetic mutation to, at the very least, one of her three children. She is just now beginning to understand what it means that He is her refuge.

How awesome is God that in our own little group, He would place together just the right mix of people to be able to help us most effectively draw near?!!! AMAZING!

2009-10-05T13:51:00.004-05:00

Courtney Wrinkle Wrote:
I jumped in Saturday, with a group that served at Saving Grace, the new ministry that will be working with girls as they come out of the foster care system. I had a great time planting flower beds and laying mulch, but my favorite moment came as I was grabbing lunch. I overheard a conversation between a mom and the lady who had the vision for Saving Grace (I believe her name is Becky?). This mom had her daughter with her who was probably 7 or 8 years old, and had introduced her child to Becky. In the midst of this conversation, this mom was explaining to her daughter, “Becky is doing this ministry as her way of giving back, as her way of serving the Lord and serving others.” The mom/daughter team continued their conversation with Becky and it was neat to see Becky’s smile light up and the child respond. What a great way to show a child what it means to give back by introducing them to an example of someone who is living out the life that Christ has called us to live!

2009-10-05T13:51:00.001-05:00

Anonymous Wrote:
Our community group men, as part of Beautiful Day, helped one of our own who is a single mom and needed some furniture moved at her house. That was the easy part. Then we found out the toilet was flushing poorly, if at all. The five of us (two accountants, two doctors and an engineer), became the TSA -toilet surgeons anonymous! We rejoiced when the “patient” flushed without leaking! Best of all was seeing our friend, who we had served, skipping and singing “I have a working toilet!” The delight in service - both in serving and seeing the result of being served - has to be a glimpse of heaven (though I suspect there are no toilets in heaven).

2009-10-05T13:50:00.000-05:00

Mandy Urner Wrote:
Sometimes the URGENT things crowd out the IMPORTANT things. Draw Near has brought my focus on the IMPORTANT--my daily relationship with Jesus. I evaluated my relationship with the Lord and realized that I was leaning on Him when I felt like I needed Him. When I was lonely, sad or uncertain were the times I turned to Him. On the good days, I seemed to think I was ok on my own. Draw Near has made me focus on daily prayer--just being thankful for the little things and praising Him for all of the good He does. Secondly, it has made me focus on daily prayer with my son. We have evening prayer time together before bed. Listening to my 7 year old thank God for his blessings and watching him close his eyes and call on Him when he is scared has blessed me so greatly. After our day of service, listening to my son talk about helping the blind lady, Josie, was so awesome. He had FUN helping rake leaves, pick up sticks and making her happy made it soooo FUN...As a single mom, instilling the value of a relationship with our heavenly Father is so important. So as a family, we have decided the URGENT things can wait a little longer---so we can focus on the IMPORTANT - Drawing near to God....our awesome God!! Thank you for bringing this study to Fellowship!! Blessings to you all!!

2009-10-05T13:48:00.001-05:00

David Henderson Wrote:
In a recent correspondence with a friend, I ended with the paragraph below. In his reply, he urged me to paste it here. I value this man’s opinion over most, so I’m acquiescing. It is my desire that it adds to someone’s day. I hope all is well for you and your family and that your experience with Draw Near is a strange one. I think when things happen that we don’t expect, we’re either surprised or befuddled. God surprises me every day, it seems. What He doesn’t do is befuddle me on a regular basis. I like to have experiences that are odd and surreal. I like the services where Chip sends us out to see what God sees or rolls a coffin into the Worship Center or sits on stage in silence for moments that yawn wide enough that we truly feel God poking through them. I like the stories that make you wonder what God was thinking or planning. I like David Crowder’s do. I like the strange. When God lays a strange experience along my path, outside of being intriguing and awe-inspiring, it often sticks with me longer and almost always leaves me shaped a bit differently than before. So may your experiences with God, at least now and again, be strange.

2009-10-05T13:46:00.000-05:00

Mark Schatzman Wrote:
Our group had the privilege of serving at the Children’s Safety Center for our “Beautiful Day.” The first thing you see when you walk through the doors is beautiful, creatively colored hand prints covering all the walls. At first sight, you say “wow… cool… beautiful”. Then we asked Elizabeth, one of the staff, to tell us the work of the CSC. They serve the children of Washington County who have been sexually abused or assaulted. Their services are free of charge and include advocacy, medical exams, counseling and support. Elizabeth told us that after a child has been cared for, they put their hand print on the wall -- over 4000 of them. Knowing this, our thoughts turned to “wow… so many… how tragic… how great it is that this place is here.” It was a privilege to clean, paint and organize the offices of those who serve so beautifully in this tragic, front-line battle.

2009-10-05T13:43:00.000-05:00

Allison Nelson Wrote:
On Friday after school, I took Emma (5 years old) and Brooklyn to get their flu mist. No big deal. No shot or anything, just had to sniff the stuff up their nose. Emma had done the mist last year, but was still a little nervous. She sat up on the table and the nurse was getting everything ready. Emma begins to say, “God is my refuge and strength. God is my refuge and strength. God is my refuge and strength.” The nurse asked what she was saying and she told her it was her verse from church. It was really funny, but also so sweet. I’m so glad that she recognized that she was nervous and that she was relying on God to be her strength.

"Letting Go"

2009-10-04T20:05:00.000-05:00

Let us draw near with a sincere heart... having our bodies washed with pure water." Hebrews 10:22. As I reflected on this and other verses last night and Dr. Oliver's message, God gave me a personal message about "letting go" and receiving the blessings (washings, purification) of Christ. As I draw near to God I am reminded of my part in being washed with pure water and the anointing of His Holy Spirit. In John 12:3-7 Christ accepts and honors Mary for her lucrative gift of washing his feet with a pound of fragrant oil- pure and expensive nard. I asked myself, if I had paid a years worth of wages for an expensive perfume, what would I have done with it? Would I have placed it an alabastor jar to gaze at, show off to friends, and occasionally let the strong fragrance fill the room? Would I have idolized this prized possession; wanting others to marvel at my sign of wealth? Would there be feelings of pride for having earned this valued possession; knowing I had worked hard for it? Would I feel the need to hang on to the oil, so when hard times come I would have something of value to fall back on? You know, kind of like a security blanket or insurance policy. I'm afraid to say what I might have done. Mary chose to release and let fall from her grasp the costly perfume. She not only let it fall at the feet of Christ, but she anointed him with the oil and wiped his feet with her hair. She gave up something of extreme value as a sacrificial act; bathing him in her sentiments, comforting, and worshiping Him. Mary's love toward Christ was more than an "act". It represented her devotion, unselfishness, and willingness to surrender all she had. What joy she must have felt at the very moment she tilted the bottle and let the oil spill and flow onto the feet of Christ. Mary did not know that generations and centuries later you and I would be reading about her sacrificial gift. She did not count on it being added to her list of good deeds nor did she expect to achieve fame. She simply surrendered the most precious thing she owned as an act of worship. I don't know about you, but I marvel at the unselfish devotion of Mary. As I Draw Near to God during the remaining weeks of our study, I pray God will show me and each of you those things that have been clung to ever so tightly. There is joy and freedom found in letting go. I am being bathed in his fragrance as I surrender feelings of vanity and pride and I want to receive more of it as I examine my heart. Dr. Oliver stated in the Saturday night service that we are called to give ourselves completely; all of our time, talents, and treasures. God will never leave or forsake us and he has given us today "no more" or "no less" than we need to follow His calling. May you and I reflect His glory as we let go and be conformed to His image. God will bless us as we are in the process of "Being" and "Becoming". - Donna Sheppard

Day of Service

2009-10-04T19:57:00.002-05:00

Our Draw near group went to serve Donald and Mary. Donald has stomach cancer, and it appears to be terminal. Our group has known about Donald since starting our group from Kimber McCool. Donald and Mary had 3 walnut trees fall from the ice storm. Donald has been doing much of the work, however at this time he is very week from the therapy. Our Draw Near group went to his home with the plans to collect all the walnuts, and sell them to a buyer and return the proceeds back to Donald and Mary. In addition to that we planned to chop up the trees, split the wood, and clean up Donald's yard. We did all this Saturday Oct 3rd on our Beutiful Day. Donald is not a Christian, however we could see that he was moved, and we invited him to our group. Pray that Donald and Mary will want to join us. Instead of returning the proceeds from the sell of the walnuts, Donald and Mary want to give the proceeds to a family that is in need, and the beutiful day continues. Thank you church for providing us with Draw Near to help us and others see God drawing near to us. Blessings, Payne/Phillips Draw Near Group

How Has God Been Meeting You During Draw Near?

2009-09-28T07:34:00.002-05:00

"I've been more committed... the study challenges me to read the Bible everyday." - Anonymous

"Jerry has cancer, so we've been drawing near. God is meeting us in the group. We love the group." - Mary Jane Deeley

"We've been watching God bring things together from different groups we've been involved with. It's not a coincidence, Draw Near is a great event for us all to come together." Jerry Deeley

"God is answering my fears. He is ever present and I have no reason to be afraid. I can be worry free." - Beverly

"God gives me strength to help and know what to say to my daughter. When I don't know what to say, He's giving me the words." - Vicki

"He is giving me little snippets of hope on an issue I'm dealing with. I've had a long-term goal, and it's been daunting. I'm encouraged to be faithful and He gives me glimmers of hope." - Carrie

"He quiets my soul. This allows me to become more open to Him." - Joe

"Daily commitment and prayer is now a daily thing. Things happen during the day that ties in with the Scripture I've read." - Sherri

"He's showing me different sides to verses...things I might not have seen before." - Kelsi

"As I show up, my desire to draw near has grown and the urge to spend time praying or reading grows. The anticipation that He'll meet me grows as I draw near." - Kevin

2009-09-27T21:45:00.001-05:00

I had not been to church in 10 years- my brother brought me and I had to try so hard to keep from crying as the sermon, songs, and stories spoke to me so strongly. It was not an accident that the Draw near Series was beginning the next week. At this time of pain in my life- divorce, death of relatives - our pain is not wasted if we can draw near to God. " God does not always calm the storms in your life, but he does calm you in the storms." I am learning more and more every week. Thank you for your church.

2009-09-23T16:13:00.000-05:00

A Draw Near HOST told me today that a neighbor who attended their group this week said he hadn’t opened his Bible in 8 years. Praise God he opened it that night!

2009-09-22T16:57:00.001-05:00

Brandon Hall Wrote:
Hey friends, I know a lot of you saw the Draw Near DVD this week in your groups and it might have left some people confused as to my current condition. I wanted to make it very clear that God carried me through the storm and healed me and I am cancer-free (remission) and have been since May. I am doing great as far as I know. Thanks again for all of your prayers, support and concern. Next maintenance treatment is in October, and the next scans are in November.

SATURDAY NIGHT

2009-09-22T15:41:00.003-05:00

Two boys listening to Josh Lawson teach about "God is Our Refuge."

Three boys listening to Josh's Saturday Night teaching.

Sixth grade girls and Stephanie Lawson.

Boy reading a Draw Near study guide.

Boys worshipping in Outfitters.

TREK worship.

2009-09-22T10:48:00.000-05:00

Ben and Stacey Shankle Wrote:
We’ve been doing the “Draw Near” study/50 day challenge with our church, based on James 4:8. We were discussing the verse at our dinner table with the kids, asking them what “draw near” means and why God wants us to “dra...w near” and finally Walker said “Why does God keep talking about JOHN DEERE?

How My Little Girl Taught Me to Draw Near to My Father

2009-09-22T10:44:00.001-05:00

Brad Melton Wrote:
My little one-and-only just came into my room after studying her Draw Near lesson. Sarah jumped up on the bed, into my lap, hugged me and sang “Draw Near” to me over and over.

• Draw Near book - $5;
• Daily prayer and reading - a few minutes of my time each day;
• Gathering with my little group - an intentional commitment;
• Weekly corporate worship - a half hour drive down to Lowell;
• Reaping the benefits of my little girl teaching me how to draw
near to my Father - priceless!!

2009-09-22T08:26:00.002-05:00

Danielle May Wrote:
I was diagnosed with stage 1B1 cervical cancer this past April, only 4 months after giving birth to our second child, Hunter. Before my diagnosis, anytime I heard the word “cancer” I thought “big, bad, scary, suffering, death.” If someone had told me I would have cancer, I would have told you I’d be laid up in bed having a 24-7 pity party and be a basket case of fear.

I didn’t start a real, authentic relationship with God until January 2008 during my first women’s ministry study at Fellowship. Since that time, God has been preparing my heart for a major battle. My grandmother, who helped raise me, was my greatest ali and was at every single OB appt when I was pregnant with our daughter. She went to meet our Maker on January 14, 2008. All I could think was, “I don’t know how to survive in a world where my Nana doesn’t exist.” God graciously showed me just how to do that! God brought along so many amazing Christian women into my life over the next few months that lifted me up and loved on me. I continued to grow closer to God and invite him into every area of my life.

In April 2008, we found out we were pregnant with our son-a HUGE surprise as we were not planning to try for #2 until that fall. His due date- Christmas Day, my grandma’s favorite holiday and would be the first without her. A son to be born on the very same day as God’s only. I had a rough pregnancy with lots of bedrest, but every ER trip and hospital stay, I truly had no fear. I knew God designed this little person for so many amazing reasons that he would protect him against it all. I kept thinking the womb was God’s little refuge for our baby and knew he would be safe.

Hunter was born December 12,and I know God was in the delivery room every second as the nurses were running around screaming, “STAT”, “losing the heartbeat”, and “we can’t wait on the doctor.” He was laying on his umbilical cord, cutting off his lifeline. He came out screaming perfect! Four months later when the OBGYN practice’s head hauncho walked in the door, I knew it wasn’t good. “It’s cancer.” Definitely not something you expect to hear at 27 years old and only 2 months after receiving a clean bill of health. And in that moment, I never once thought, “big, bad, scary, suffering, death”. I didn’t think about how sick I would get, how much pain I might feel or what I would have to go through. All I could think about was my babies growing up without a mama -- Nobody to french braid Bella’s hair or sing “You Are My Sunshine” when she was scared -- Nobody to fill up fifty zillion pictures of the same cheesy Hunter grin or teach him that girls CAN fish. God whipped me into shape real quick and graced me with my Cancer Warrior attitude!! There were moments when I honestly thought, “How the heck am I doing this?” and I knew it could only be God. God just wrapped me in a blanket of blessings making me constantly aware of the fact that I CAN be joyous even in the rottenest of situations. I was so intensely aware of how God had been working in my life, preparing me for this exact moment. I suddenly had absolutely no fear of death-I would get to see Jesus face to face and hold my Nana’s sweet little hand again, how insanely amazing!! I had no fear of chemo -- if I lost my hair, so what? I’d get to try all kinds of fun hairstyles that I’d never have the guts to do otherwise. I had no fear of surgery and the inevitable fact that I would never have another baby -- God had taken care of it all and brought Hunter into our lives just in time! I didn’t fear the big bad “C” word -- God was with me... I wouldn’t be alone and I wouldn’t let this cancer go to waste because that would be like spitting in God’s face. This journey has been a gift that has allowed me to touch people’s lives and show them a tiny taste of God’s love.

I’ll never forget the evening after the Elders anointed me with oil and prayed over me. Ben and I both confessed to each other that we had been praying all afternoon, “Please just take the cancer away, do your healing and just amaze the doctors.” We both were greeted with the Holy Spirit telling us, “Why are you praying this still? ITS ALREADY DONE.” We were in separate cars, going different places when this happened and had no clue until we shared later that evening. THAT gave us both so much peace going into my surgery. I remember my pre-op appointments and the nurses would say, “You don’t even seem scared. You do realize this is CANCER and this is a major surgery and you’ll have to do radiation, right?” And I would say, “I know. I have nothing to fear because God is already healing me.”

I never thought I’d be thankful to God for cancer but it has brought me and so many others incredibly closer to Him and I LOVE Him for that! Draw Near has reminded me how much God was my ultimate refuge -- for my body, my heart and my soul. He graced me and my family with this wild journey but its served such a HUGE, beautiful purpose of allowing people to see a REAL person go through the ultimate battle and be able to let them see God’s healing in every moment. God was there to hear my cries even when I didn’t realize I was crying out for Him and He has healed me --COMPLETELY -- my CT scan done last week came back as “no evidence of disease.”

Saturday Night Early Childhood Pictures - Week One

2009-09-21T13:55:00.017-05:00

The Early Childhood team created “sheep pens” for the toddlers to play in during class.

Through the use of story boards, Mrs. Penny Graves is teaching toddlers how the Good Shepherd takes care of us when we are sad or need help.

A toddler girl has “gathered” her “sheep” (cotton balls)
and is putting them in the “sheep pen” so they will be safe.

The EC team created “sheep pens” for the toddlers to play in during class.

An infant girl is comforted by the sheep decorations on the wall in the Children’s Center.

Two preschool girls read about the Good Shepherd from the back of the story cards.

During lesson time, a preschool boy follows the story along
in the flip book.

Parents are given a Family Flock News sheet, which tells them about the weekly lesson, scripture and family time activities.

There is a battle - He is winning

2009-09-21T13:30:00.001-05:00

Rachel Osborn Wrote:
There is truly a battle going on during Draw Near...a spiritual battle, a REAL spiritual battle. I, myself, and many others are feeling the tension of Satan trying to stir up problems spiritually during Draw Near. I specifically am being attacked through dreams/nightmares that go beyond normal dreams/nightmares. 12,000(+) Christians at Fellowship, seeking true intentional time with the Lord through five practices of Draw Near, is winning over this battle. The scripture warns us that this is exactly what the devil will try to do because he does not want us to draw near to our Father. Think about this! In being faced with this, we can find the answer on how to combat his attempts in James 4: 7 -- “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will FLEE from you. 8 Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

So, we have nothing to fear, because if we draw near to God and give Him all of the glory, the devil will flee! God is moving in Northwest Arkansas, He is already changing lives, and we are going to stay humble and be confident in Christ who strengthens us! We are a body of believers and in Him we shall seek!

“Women’s only” (No boys allowed!)

2009-09-21T10:42:00.002-05:00

Lupe Martinez Wrote:
You might think that a women’s only small group would consist of only single women or older women. But no. The “women’s only” small group for “Draw Near” consists of women in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. Some were married, divorced or single with several children or no children, several pets or no pets, believer husbands and non-believer husbands. Quite a mixed bag, just like our church, just like the world.

A “door prize” of toilet paper proved to be a fun way to share about ourselves and those that we love. Julie, our host, was welcoming, cheerful, informative and relaxing. It was interesting to hear all the many ways and reasons we came to be there, at the lodge on Wednesday night. Surely, God brought us all together to be a new united body to draw closer to Him. It is sure to be a joyful, emotional and rewarding journey as the women in this small group bond together and Draw Near to God.

LOVE SO AMAZING…..LOVE SO AMAZING!

2009-09-21T10:31:00.002-05:00

Anne Gwatney Wrote:
It wasn’t just an “ordinary day” feeling. I woke up this morning singing the song, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord.” I kept singing it, first to myself and then out loud...a mixture of tunes in my mind, almost as though I could hear it composed with beautiful music. It was beautiful especially since I cannot read or write music. It was as though all the songs blended and were composed very well together into a new song. I was reminded of the Psalm that says to sing a new song unto the Lord. Difficult to explain but a very beautiful moment. So, I sang, Holy, Holy, Holy in the contemporary Christian music format and ended in a softer medley of a childhood church song, “God in three persons, blessed Trinity.” If I had to describe it any further it was like we sing at Fellowship and some people sing one verse and the other verse is orchestrated in time with the music.This was my first glimpse of how the Lord was to draw-near to me. I’ve experienced His presence before and I was delighted to be soaking in the “Son”.

Just a little note, I do not go on walks at 8:30 a.m. It is not part of my plan and though I have given thought that I should walk for exercise, I always find an excuse not to do it, especially not in the morning. I woke up and after getting my family off to work and school, looked outside and thought, “ I just might go for a walk,” And I’m thinking to myself, “it’s such a yukky day and it looks like the minute I get ½ mile away, that’s when we’ll have the torrential downpour. But I reminded myself that I planned to keep a close check when starting the draw near study that I would be open to anything, even exercise. Strangely, I asked the Lord, “Lord, is there someone I can witness to on this walk?” I even asked, “ Lord, please don’t let it be the two women that like to gossip about me, please, (whining) but I will do what you ask, even if it is the two women.” “But if it is, please give me the words to speak.” “I will go, and yes, I am curious.” Almost immediately I thought, “ curiosity killed the cat and I hope the sky does not begin to have lightening.” Even though my mind was saying go and don’t go I somehow knew I needed to go. And here goes the thought that I was being double-minded….We like the part of the scripture where it says “draw near to God and He will draw near to you”…but it also says “Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double minded.” There’s a lot of detail between each one of those comma’s! And I would find out a lot more detail!

I rounded the block and the first person I saw was a gentleman from church (Brent and I had just met him at a gathering to find out how to be a host for Draw Near). He stopped his car and called his wife via cell to give her my email address. I thought, “this is great; my prayers are being answered.” God is helping us make some Christian friends after a long year of being new in town and having no Christian friends!” This sounds positive, I could get connected with a neighborhood women’s bible study! I thought “eureka! I talked to the Lord again, “Lord is this what this walk is about?” As the gentleman drove off, within the next 30 feet, I heard two women (both of whom I did not know) talking about God and somehow I got into that conversation and stayed there for the next hour and a half! This would prove to be an exhausting walk!

At one point in the conversation between the two ladies, (one saying she was a Christian and one saying she was a Baptist Christian) it sounded more like argument but they assured me that this was a norm for them. The topic was very deep and was essentially questioning God and why did He create hell if he has unconditional love? I am used to a more intimate testimony; an account of how Jesus has changed my life and this was a “just the facts, Ma’am, from the lady doing the questioning. It seems she had heard it all before! The lady questioning said several times how she was proud to be so analytical and deferred to myself and the Baptist lady as, “not being able to come up with something new.” I felt like this is a lot of proof she was after; and I wondered why I was sent on a mission that I didn’t know if I was qualified for. But I found myself able to reflect and give account to Scripture and then apply it to daily life and some situations she had explained she had been in. Her response was still very blunt, “I’ve heard all of that before,” after almost everything I said and I thought to myself, “this is not going very well!”

I began to try to relate with her more as she told me she grew up Jewish before she became a Christian. I said that I had just been reading and found beauty in the fact that the Jewish people didn’t even spell God’s name with a vowel (besides the Y in it) in order to make His Name unpronouncable; spelling it YHWH, because they regarded the Lord’s magnificence and Holiness so much so, that His name should not pass through their lips. All of this doesn’t make too much sense, but it is all in context to where my journey goes. I was trying to relate and translate God’s Majesty, His splendor, His kingdom and that sin could not enter into Heaven, God’s perfect place, and if you don’t have repentance it is like someone telling you they are sorry; kind of in a vague way. You know they don’t mean it and would do the same thing over again. They were only sorry because they don’t want any controversy, not because they sinned against you, only sorry because it affected them so their motives were selfish. I wanted to convey how Holy God is… so Holy but loves us so much that He gave us His only begotten Son to take on our sins and die for us so that we can live with Him in His perfection. If He brought those into heaven who didn’t want to be free of sin and didn’t want to love Him and those who were not truly sorry and did not repent; then He would be bringing Satan or hell into heaven. Heaven would not be perfect.

Free will vs. God’s will came up and finally I said, that I would pray for her and that if she truly wants to know more about Jesus and all of her questions then she would have to trust that His words are true. He gave us a book of Instruction called the Bible and I just heard an interesting acronym for B.I.B.L.E as being the book of instruction before leaving earth… I believe the Bible to be true and to be God’s word and Jesus says if you seek, you will find, knock and the door shall be opened for you. I told her I have to close my mind sometimes and stop thinking, “I’m right” or justifying something I’ve done or have contemplated doing. Going back again to the double-minded part of the draw-near scripture verse….and trust Jesus because when He opens the door it’s usually the door to a lot more than you expected!! His revelation to you is always Divine Revelation and it penetrates your entire being. Sometimes I don’t even care about the question I began asking because I have grown in His embrace and experienced so much love that I trust where my Shepherd is leading me.

I realized later during prayer that I had a purpose in her life even if my words didn’t penetrate, that she was someone to personally pray for. During and after giving her my testimony, I realized The Lord was revealing more and more of His Sovereignty to me in an incredible way. A “piece” or even a “peace” I didn’t even know I was missing…… I have been missing God the Father in my walk! I begin in prayer, petitioning the Father through Jesus like this, “Heavenly Father in Jesus’ name I pray,” but somehow I was distant from the Father somehow I wasn’t making the connection of His Majesty. I was witnessing to a lady who grew up Jewish and who said she was now a Christian but she didn’t believe in God’s having the right to judge and implying that righteousness and love do not go together.

Just listening to her questions made me nervous! This scrutiny was not a place of comfort and I found myself having to dig much deeper and when I went home, I asked God,” what was this all about?” I didn’t feel like I left this lady wanting more of the Lord by my testimony and I found myself wanting to know how to answer her questions in a more intimate way, the way I explain my relationship with Jesus and how beautiful it is. Through her questioning I wanted to go right home and find better answers; the kind that speak to a persons’ heart! Everything I would pick up to read after my physical walk directly fell into place for my spiritual walk.

I couldn’t wait for “draw near sessions” to begin because I know scripture to be truth and God is truth and if His word says, “Draw Near to God and He will Draw Near to You,” then I was expecting NEAR! I was exposed, totally exposed, to the second part where in James 4:8 says, cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded; and in that I was jolted into knowing that I cannot, cannot, cannot forget how Holy the Lord God Almighty is and that I am so blessed to have Jesus as my Saviour and how I am cleansed, healed, eager to know more, learn more be more of who He created me to be. Because He always does the unexpected in my life...I prepared myself for something extraordinary...I didn’t know the when’s, the why’s the how’s or what’s but I knew and know His words are true. I couldn’t wait but I did, because I asked for patience and He graciously gave it to me. I have been awed by God the Father in knowing Him as creator and seeing His artistry in beautiful sunsets, chiseled mountains and all of nature, but I had not thought about Him in His kingdom of Heaven on His throne with the 6 winged seraphim giving Him constant praise and how He is Perfection. There is nothing and none else to compare Him to…Even my sentence is a run on sentence as He is so infinite and Everlasting! We cannot begin to imagine Everlasting!!! He is the only thing Good scripture says and His ways are not our ways!

I think of how dirty we are with our sin that even though we are tarnished He still wants us…so much so that John 3:16 He gave His only begotten Son. Giving Him so that we may become unblemished in His Holy sight...that He loves us so much that He gave us free will because He wants us to Love Him…He wants us to choose Him, He calls out to our hearts for us to choose Him, He gives us instruction to choose Him...He wants a sinner like me to Love Him, He made us...and as I continued to think of how I might be able to prove His majesty to the other lady but at the time, felt like I was just reciting some things that I knew about heaven…

I had an incredible experience with God, one that was magnificent and one that I didn’t even know I was looking for! All of this happening the day after I had explained His throne to a lady who was questioning Him. I remember telling her, that when I get to heaven I will lay prostrate, I know I will be in awe so much so that I believe He will have to help me get up from where I lay. And it seems that after I professed that verbally to the lady and after I came home and read more of His word, Drawing Near to Him…

He took me THERE…and I have to capitalize THERE because THERE felt like Holy Ground. And to think that this is just a tiny glimpse of His Majesty! I know that I know that I know…I will lay prostrate and not be able to move because of His Splendor… How can I explain what God showed me? He showed me a Moses experience like no other. I felt like people could see me radiant and that maybe I needed to put a veil on because I know I probably look different. I’ve never smiled for such a long period of time. I could not quit smiling. I have, on day 3 of DrawNear, experienced His forgiveness of my sins, healing of my heart, He has drawn near to me in splendor and given me such love to show me that He is God in three persons; Blessed Trinity!

So powerfully elating that I find myself today saying, “ please Lord, please keep me here…....in this place of worship, this state of being.”… “always”....I don’t want to leave!!!! I just want to stay. Tell me, teach me, mold me make me......Just don’t stop, I love You Lord, I want You Lord, I need You Lord, I cry for You Lord, I thank You Lord, I praise You Lord.”

Our God is an awesome God He reigns from Heaven above with WISDOM, POWER AND LOVE....OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!!!

2009-09-17T16:55:00.000-05:00

Justin Rusinowski Wrote:
My wife,Rachel, and I hosted a “Tibetan Night” night before Draw Near for the community group we are involved in. Our thinking was that Draw Near was about to kick off and the missionary that we were praying for and sending was going to be leaving soon, and this was just the only time we could do it. At that particular time though, I was anticipating what God would do through Draw Near personally and corporately with the Body of Christ, but I was doing so in a... for lack of a better way of saying it... skeptical way. “Is God really going to use this ‘Draw Near’ thing?” I would think to myself.

You only need to read a few of the blogs on this website to realize that God is up to something significant in Fellowship through Draw Near. But, I was not anticipating what would unfold during that “Tibetan Night” just a few weeks ago. We learned that as Fellowship goes through Draw Near, which is founded on the promise of James 4:8, Tibetans are getting access to the book of James for the first time ever in their own language! They are reading it for the very first time--- no commentaries, no Bible dictionaries, or complete concordances... just the “pure milk of the Word” (I Peter 2:2).

Needless to say, I was humbled at the sovereignty of our Great God. My skeptical arrogance in assessing His plan and workings was unfounded and sinful. So, I repented and really took Draw Near seriously, and it has been wonderful and challenging so far. His ways and thoughts are so much higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9)!

Pray for the Tibetans as they experience James for the first time... that they may accurately interpret and apply the Word by the power and illumination of the Holy Spirit. And, I hope that through this story you might get a glimpse of the magnitude of God’s plan and purpose for Draw Near. I know I did. It’s not just within us or Fellowship or even Northwest Arkansas but also the world. God, by the work of His mighty and gracious hand, is weaving the impact of Draw Near throughout a tapestry of souls all over the globe. What a call to worship Him!

2009-09-17T16:33:00.003-05:00

Jennifer Mitchael Wrote:
I took a photo of a mushroom growing in my yard. It started very small and within 3 days, it was HUGE. I should have put something next to it to show the size....this thing was bigger than a watermelon! I took the photo because I thought it was interesting. This morning in reading Exodus 33:15, Moses said, ”If your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.” It got me thinking. A fungus....starts out small and gets big, VERY quickly. It reminds me of hidden secrets. How they are small then all of a sudden, I am stuck and they are huge. Lying, cheating, yelling, faking, gossi, alcohol, pain meds, secret e-mails, secret phone calls, pornography, apathy, racism, lust, gluttony, physical abuse, verbal abuse, unforgiveness. These are just some I can think of...many I HAVE struggled with, many I STILL struggle with. It eats away at my innermost being until I purge, beg for forgiveness and start over again. Nothing, I repeat NOTHING is too big for forgiveness. There is not a thing that I have done or will do that Jesus did not pay for. This also applies to those who have hurt me. The forgiveness is not for them, it is for me ... before it eats me up inside ... before it destroys my marriage, my kids and my friends ... so that I don’t become angry and bitter. If God isn’t with me, I don’t want to go there. I do not want to hide any longer. I am Drawing Near. I have no idea what the blood of Jesus covers, but I haven’t heard of anything it can’t.

2009-09-17T16:33:00.002-05:00

Mark Schatzman Wrote:
The most important part of our Draw Near experience is what we bring to it. Our individual times with God will make all the diffference. We often call these times with God “quiet times.” Some of us are used to this spiritual practice; some are not.

While we’re talking about quiet times... can I pause and make an observation? Sometimes the way we think about quiet times is the same way we think about flossing. I mean, how many of us know that flossing is important? Probably everyone. Yet, how many of us actually floss? Exactly... far, far less of us. I find myself flossing at two predictable times. One, when I have problem, like a popcorn kernel stuck in my teeth. And second, right before I go to the dentist. Because I want to look like the model of dental health. We often treat our times with God the same way. We go to God’s Word when we have a problem, And we go to it when we need to look spiritually healthy for something (like our Draw Near group?!).

But our times with God are not like flossing. They are like food. God’s Word is nourishment for our heart and soul. Without it, we perish... gradually. Our most important part of Draw Near is those 5 days of quiet time with God. So, start wherever you are in your spiritual journey... and use this 50 days to go one step further.

Draw Near in the Deep End

2009-09-17T11:25:00.001-05:00

We’ve been treading water for a long time, that is, my family and me. Treading it seems for the past couple of years with a full-time job, second jobs, full-time college, elementary and middle school functions, volunteer work and extra- curricular activities. We’re just treading; not moving forward really, just trying to stay afloat. It doesn’t take long to realize that we are treading spiritually too. We attend church regularly and recently returned from a “break” from community group. Spiritually speaking, we’re not moving forward, we’re just trying to stay afloat.

This week I have thought about this. When I was in High School I trained to become a lifeguard; one of the skills we had to master in order to become certified was to tread water fully clothed in the deep end of the pool. This week as Draw Near kicked off (with the additional meeting added to an already full schedule, waking thirty minutes earlier for quiet time, straining financial issues, crisis in our community group family and a flu virus), I feel like I am treading water fully clothed; any minute the water will suck me under as I give way to exhaustion.

In preparation for Draw Near, I realized something that is probably obvious to everyone around me. We are way too busy and we need to realign our priorities. How? I feel that nothing in our schedule is really optional. I asked God this very same question. Honestly, I think God will have more opportunities for us to work on this but for this week it really was an invitation to Draw Near to Him. It didn’t require a major schedule overhaul; it was a simple RSVP to say that we would show up.

During my morning quiet time beginning with Day One, I began to wonder what a new picture of what my faith could look like, what it could feel like. In my past struggles I was disappointed that my faith did not carry me further. Perhaps God is using my current difficulties to teach me about genuine faith. God has given me a thirst.

“He who believes in Me”, as the Scripture said, “From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38) In my mind, I am standing in a dark dense cloud and from my chest a bright blue stream rushes out of me giving hope to others. I have seen this modeled by others whose devastating circumstances would have caused my own faith to wither but instead, they lifted their heads and praised God’s name; they let the living water flow.

From my morning quiet time, a conversation started to happen around our dinner table about Draw Near. I do most of the talking right now but we work on the memory verse and I am confident that by Saturday, we will have a natural flow into the discussion outlined in our booklet and then some.

So, we’re still treading water but perhaps now I am not feeling like I am treading water with a flannel shirt and jeans on. It’s not so heavy, and all I had to do was show up.

The Honored Guest

2009-09-16T16:06:00.002-05:00

John Marquette Wrote:
in-vi-tey-shuhn – the act of requesting the presence or participation of in a kindly, courteous way; an allurement, enticement, or attraction

Invitations. I get them all the time, especially for weddings. They come from friends and relatives asking me to share in their family’s special time. Is there anything more wonderful than experiencing the wedding of a man and woman; precious gift of marriage? It is such a wonderful picture and reminder of my relationship with Jesus.

At these weddings, I notice there are two types of guests. There are those like me who are invited to come as spectators and witnesses of the event. We watch, say congratulations, mingle a bit and go home. It is certainly an honor to share in that special time with my friends. However, there is a second kind of guest... the honored guests. Those who are invested participants – like the bridesmaids, groomsmen, family members and special friends. They are invested participants not only in this event, but in the lives of the bride and groom. They have the privilege of a close up view and are involved in nearly every aspect of the wedding activities. I will one day soon walk my own daughter down the aisle… I will be one of those honored guests. I can’t begin to imagine the difference between the two seats -- one as a spectator and the other as an invested participant; an honored guest.

When I read Jesus’ invitation to “come to me and drink” (John 7:37), I realize it is my choice not only to receive or decline, but my choice about which kind of guest I will be -- spectator or honored guest. I can attend the “party” as a spectator - take Him up on His offer of salvation, forgiveness of sin and promise of eternity in heaven. That motivates me beyond measure.

However, Jesus’ invitation is so for much more… He invites me to come as an honored guest. To sit at the head table, participate in the banquet and all the festivities – to be a part of the family - one with an inside view. Why would I settle for just the spectator role?

Will I accept his invitation to be an honored guest? I plan to… Draw Near for me is about accepting that invitation.

What about you? Spectator or honored guest? See you at the wedding!

God-Shaped Hole

2009-09-16T12:52:00.002-05:00

Brad Melton Wrote:
Read this comment on a blog this morning - “God-shaped hole inside us.” What a great description of our problem. In four words, it reveals why everything we try to fit into our hearts to make us feel better never fills the void. They can’t fill it because they don’t fit. They don’t fit because the hole is precisely shaped to what was ripped from it. Only the original content will fit back into the hole. Filling the hole is the only way to be whole.

What Does it Mean to Serve (5 Practices)?

2009-09-15T16:35:00.002-05:00

The idea of serving in Draw Near has always been one that has excited me. I already serve in the community routinely through service projects, but serving in Draw Near has stirred up new perspectives on what this means to me. Chip Jackson has often mentioned seeing the eyes of Jesus in those we serve. He referenced this to his work in serving the poverty-stricken in Guatemala and also how Mother Teresa saw the look of Jesus in the eyes of the children she served throughout her lifetime.

I had many mixed emotions on how God was going to make it clear to me how to serve Him through Draw Near. I want this to be intentional, I want this to be solely focused on how God is meeting the needs of others in the community, not what I may do but a vertical focus on what He will do. Recently, I felt my prayers had been answered by God providing a window of opportunity for me to serve (and not in the way I thought that serving was).

I had to leave work in the middle of the day to run many office errands, and I was on a tight time table. Several of the stops I had made had something go wrong. I was frustrated, I was burning up, my feet hurt from my heels and I was in a bad mood. I stopped at a gas station to get a drink. When I walked in, I noticed an older man in a wheelchair, clearly disabled both physically and with a mental impairment. He was by himself checking out a candy bar and a drink at the counter, paying with all pennies. The people behind him in the line were clearly frustrated as he counted each penny out of his pocket. I walked back to the cooler, got my drink and stood in line behind 3 others who were still behind this gentleman. The cashier looked sympathetic to the people waiting behind him. The others in line began to tap their feet or make slight sighs under their breath. In that moment, my bad attitude was met with a prompting of the Lord.

I felt the Lord calling me to act, but I was not sure what to do or what to say. I tried to ignore the prompting, telling myself that this man was none of my business, and I would only make the situation worse by interfering. I tried to reject the call of the Lord, but again I felt Him tugging on my heart to go and to SERVE. So, I did.

I helped the man finish his purchase and asked him if he needed help with the door to get out. He told me “no” but engaged me in a 15 minute conversation about how me stopping to help him was a blessing to him, that he had moved here from California and my hospitality was the first glimpse he had seen. I let him share life with me for those fifteen minutes. I let my tight timetable for work go to the back burner, and I let myself listen to this man share his life story. People in the gas station looked at me with sympathy, as if I were the victim who got roped in to talking to the man. I just smiled at these people, because me being a listening ear was not about me, it was not about my day, it was not about me making some big gesture... It was about God calling me to engage one of His children who needed it.

Eventually the conversation ceased, and I left the gas station. I ran another errand and had to drive back by the gas station toward my office. I saw the man in his wheelchair rolling down the road (I am guessing heading to his home). It reassured me that in that moment he needed a friend, his loss or challenge needed to be served. God revealed to me that serving can be as simple as sharing life with someone in need. Serving can be giving up your time for His purpose. Serving during Draw Near may be inconvenient, it may be messy, but it will always be an expression of Christ and His love for us and others. It will always be about bringing Him the glory.

2009-09-15T16:18:00.003-05:00

Sarah Constien Wrote:
I heard this song the last couple of days but didn’t pay attention to the words until this morning on the way to staff chapel. It said everything we have been working towards the last several months. It echoes the worship, messages, prayers and such toward Drawing Near and moving Fellowship from a “healthy” church to a dangerous, Kingdom-focused church.
At one point in the song, the words say it all….

“one choice from together
Family, we are family,
You & me

Tonight’s the night
For the sinners and the saints

Two worlds collide
In a glorious display

It’s all up tonight
When we step across the LINE

We can sail across the sea
To a city with one King

A city on our knees”

Check out the whole song at the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFL2NDxF-CA&feature=channel

2009-09-15T16:17:00.002-05:00

Tonya Rawson Crittenden Wrote:
We had our first Draw Near family fellowship last night and I am so proud to announce that all four of my children have memorized their verses for the week, along with the signing. We are excited to grow in the Lord together.

Draw Near Saturday Night

2009-09-15T16:16:00.002-05:00

Beth Kenyon Wrote:
In a small group Carol Richards was leading one SNiK evening, she asked the kids what it meant to follow Jesus. One young girl said her mamma told her, “It means waking up each day and saying, God you’re the boss of me today!”

What would happen if we began each day of Draw Near by saying these words, “God you are the boss of me today.” To God to the Glory!

Team Leader for Elementary Ministries & Family
Fellowship Bible Church NWA

Drawing Near to the Father

2009-09-15T16:14:00.002-05:00

Rachel Osborn Wrote:
Over the past couple of months, I have often heard the leadership at Fellowship say “we won’t know what Draw Near will look like or how God will use this.” One applicable example that really resonated the Draw Near process was through an experience with my daughter, Greenlee, this past week. She is two and had woken up in the middle of the night screaming for me (her mom). I went to her room, refilled her sippy cup, took her to the bathroom, found her a baby doll, etc. but the crying worsened and she wanted me to take her to my bed. I sat with her on her bed hoping that it would help suffice her screams to come to “mommy’s bed,” but after a few minutes I went ahead and drew her close to me and sat holding her in my arms.

It was in drawing her close to me that her screaming stopped instantly. She looked up at me, said “I love you, mommy” and within moments, she was back to sleep. I sat there holding her in my arms for several moments and spent some time praying over her little life. This simple expression unveiled so much to me. It made me realize that I am much like my two year old in my own walk with the Lord. Many of us seek to fill our needs with objects -- houses, cars, clothing, or in my daughter’s case, I tried giving her a doll or a sippy cup. However, all my daughter wanted was to draw near to me, and when I drew near to her, she rested in my arms.

When we can submit to our Father like this and desire to draw near to Him, His promise is to meet us in return. Just like the leadership of Fellowship is unsure what Draw Near will look like, so am I. However, this small experience gave me renewed hope in His promise of James 4. If we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. And how much greater will drawing near to our eternal Father be than any earthly mother/father whom we have.

Draw Near Blog :: Purpose

2009-09-01T16:35:00.002-05:00

The purpose of the Draw Near blog is to share stories of how God is drawing near to us as we draw near to Him during our 50 day challenge.

We want to share your stories, prayers, and life changes. This blog will serve as a forum for your stories, pictures, and video during Draw Near. Fellowship leaders will also have the opportunity to share their Draw Near journey through this blog.

Visit the Draw Near website at drawnear.fellowshipnwa.org to submit your stories online or email us at drawnear@fellowshipnwa.org. Your life change stories will be reviewed and posted to this blog regularly.

We look forward to seeing how God is working in and through Fellowship, the lives of our congregation, in NWA and the world!