Make a Smilebox slideshow

MINISTRY REPORT...Birthday Bash

Cakes, punch, games, decorations, gifts and a lot of love going around….what more could you want from a birthday party? How about adding support of the Asheville Pregnancy Support Services which is doing its part to make sure that there are a lot more birthdays happening!

The Women’s Ministry welcomed Jill Derrick from APSS who gave an overview of the objectives and successes of the organization. We were pleased to hear that adding the ultrasound service has caused a huge reduction of abortions. It’s true; a picture is worth a thousand words! APSS will be sponsoring a Breath for Life walk 10am, April 25th at Carrier Park and all are invited.

Along with support of the APSS, attendees were challenged to send a red envelope to President Obama in protest of his recent appeal of the abortion restraints initiated by President Bush. Though the mail date was March 31st, you are encouraged to go ahead and send red envelopes to the President. There may be some still on the welcome desk.

Attendance at the party was small - about 25 - but all who were there would agree that the fun and love was really big! And in our book that means it was a huge success! We came away remembering that God loves us and HE celebrates and values our lives!

TESTIMONY

Hello, my name is Donna Goss. My husband’s name is Conrad and our daughter’s name is Catherine. I have been a member of TOF for about six years now. Some of you may know my sister Murphy Kanupp.

As a child I don’t remember ever really attending Church, though I did have some knowledge of the Bible and who God was. My sisters and brother and I grew up with an unstable home life. We moved around a lot and attended several different schools. Times were very hard for us. My mother was trying to raise the five of us for the most part as a single mother with the help of my grandmother. Things eventually fell apart and we were all separated.

Not long after the separation, I went off to college. My college dorm became my only home. I had the opportunity to occasionally visit different Churches and believed in God, but never gave it too much thought. I just lived my life being unsure of much and doing as I liked.

Even though I was busy going to classes, writing papers, studying for tests and hanging out with friends, I felt pretty alone and empty a lot of the time accept when I could visit with family. I started visiting the Baptist Student Center, but nothing really changed.

Things took a really bad turn when the boy I had been dating for three years became abusive. I guess I was looking for love in all the wrong places. In the midst of the worst part of the breakup with this boy, I met a girl in a campus café who asked if she could sit with me. She talked about her relationship with Jesus. She told me she was a “born again Christian” and I replied “I am also,” but the truth was that I didn’t know what that even meant.

Not long after I graduated college, I met my husband who was divorced with three children. Wow, I had an instant family and I felt very needed. But as time went on, my desire to have my own child only increased. Many years went by and I still did not have a child of my own. I felt a lot of despair. During these years, I wanted to attend Church, but my stepchildren were Catholic and I never felt quite right in the Catholic Church.

My thoughts of God increased and after listening and watching Billy Graham several times I felt energized. I knew God was calling me. When I heard that Billy Graham was going to be in Atlanta, I knew I had to be there and could barely wait. I wanted to be there in person when I asked Jesus for my salvation.

When God became my focus, two years later my daughter was born. Life is not perfect, but I know that God is there for me. He loves me unconditionally. His love is true, never-ending love.

THE POWER OF ONE!

She was born, raised, lived 88 years, died and was buried in Baltimore, MD, but she impacted the world like few women have. Her name is Annie Armstrong. Born to a prominent Baltimore family which had influenced the area for generations prior, the city in turn influenced Annie’s life and work. Living in a port, industrial and railroad city broadened her horizons and facilitated her interest in missions. She started and supported evangelism and needs-based programs for port-workers, sailors, immigrants, Blacks, Native Americans, the sick and the poor especially women and children.

Other influences were her mother who took Annie to Church and missionary meetings, her pastor Richard Fuller who deepened her convictions about living a missionary lifestyle and the new Church start in which she participated. Most importantly, she went from being a Church girl to being born again at the age of twenty. With all of these influences it is interesting that God never called Annie to be a missionary…He had other plans for her.

A turning point in Annie's life came in 1880 after she heard a speech on the destitution of Native Americans in Oklahoma. She and other women organized to gather gifts of money and clothing. This experience germinated into the idea of encouraging women to organize into groups to educate and help the needy….the idea became the seed for the start of the Woman’s Missionary Union.

Missionary Lottie Moon (China), desperate for help, wrote home and encouraged women in the USA to band into formal societies to promote foreign mission work. She asked them to send two women missionaries to her aid. Annie took up the cause with a passion. The seed began to grow into a sprout.

Annie began writing relentlessly to other women’s groups asking for monetary donations. By the goal date in December, enough money had been raised to send not two but three women to China.

In 1888, women from 12 states formed an auxiliary to the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Annie was elected Corresponding Secretary. Then in 1890, the name “Woman’s Missionary Union” was adopted (www.wmu.com). Now the flower was in full bloom and Annie continued serving as its leader without pay until 1906.

This short article cannot begin to mention the incredible amount of labor and travel that Annie Armstrong performed to support missions in the USA and abroad nor the powerful influence she had over the continuing formation of the SBC (www.sbc.net). As a result of her efforts, the Home Mission Offering (www.namb.net) was named in her honor. From the beginning to the end of 2005, giving to the Christmas and Easter offerings has blossomed to nearly $3.7 billion. If you are interested in learning more about her incredible life, google “Annie Armstrong missionary” or visit her profile at www.facebook.com. The 2009 Home Missions Offering Goal is $65 million. Be a part of this ongoing legacy…give!

APRIL SPONSOR

Please pray for God's blessing on our April sponsor, who made the newsletter possible:



As well as

New Horizons Office Service
Linda Buchanan
828.628.9500
nhos@bellsouth.net

who provided the printing for the April Newsletter.

PRAYER REQUESTS

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please enter your Prayer Requests in the comment section (see below) and they will be sent out to the "Prayer Chain".

The Story of the Clover

One day St Patrick was attempting to explain the difficult concept of the Trinity. He glanced down and at his feet was the humble clover. The beautiful little sprig was perfect for illustrating this doctrine and since then has been honored in Ireland. While Patrick noted the three leaves being part of one sprig (three in one), we can take it a step further by noting that the leaves are heart-shaped representing the love of God and the color is green representing the gift of eternal life.

How ‘bout that Forgiveness?

Forgiveness…such a beautiful word when we think about receiving it. Especially the wonderful forgiveness that God gives to us. But when it comes to giving forgiveness, the beauty of the word seems to fade. We often feel we need time to overcome hurt feelings or scars that run deep. Forgiveness becomes an internal foe with whom we must wrestle until the battle is won or lost. Is it possible to forgive instantly and immediately? Maybe the secret is what Patrick discovered during his lonely exile. That is, to be so close to God that at every moment one is in a state of preparedness to forgive quickly and instantly. The reward for forgiving is joy, peace and the ability to hear the voice of God. The quicker we forgive the sooner we get the reward and that, folks, is worth the struggle! ….Contributed by Laura Weeks

Recipes—Let’s Get Cooking - Karen’s Chili

The following recipe was used to make
chili for the UNCA BSU luncheon on Feb 12th

Karen’s Chili contributed by Amy Summers
• 1 lb ground chuck, browned (drained)
• 1 pkg French’s Chili-O seasoning
• 1 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1 15 oz can chili beans (undrained)
• 1 15 oz can kidney beans (undrained)
• 1 15 oz can pinto beans (undrained)
• Cumin is optional (about ¼ tsp)
Combine all ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes.
After tasting, add Salt & pepper if needed.

REMEMBERING— Virginia Parker

Recently, Trinity of Fairview experienced a loss in our Church family. Virginia Parker went on to be with the Lord on February 18, 2009 and leaves behind two daughters, Marsha and Vickie, three grandchildren and one great grandbaby. Virginia was married to Barry, worked for the City of Asheville as Risk Manager and was a member of TOF for a long time. When the Parker family moved to East Flat Rock, they began attending Church in that area. After Barry’s passing about five years ago, Virginia felt a longing to return to Trinity. She didn’t mind the drive to be with her former Church family. Not long after returning she took on the role of Women’s Ministry Leader and filled that role well until she had to retire from it. She loved the women’s Bible studies and attended as her health allowed. When failing health plagued her she withstood the trials as a strong, faithful Christian. We remember her as a gentle and sweet person who will be missed. Memorial gifts can be made to TOF and Bible study material will be purchased in her memory.

BIRTHDAY BASH!

Come be a kid again! Join us for the TOF Women’s Birthday Bash on March 21, 2-4pm. This is your invitation to this special celebration of birth. Please RSVP by signing up at our Pink Table in the foyer. There will be games and lots of fun. Tables will be decorated and cakes will be baked with a theme representing each month. We will also be honoring the Asheville Pregnancy Support Services. A collection of Wal-Mart gift cards will be taken up for APSS. This gift is optional. Volunteers are needed to bake cakes and decorate tables. If you are interested in doing either or both, please sign up at the pink table’s easel or contact Laura Dotson at 628-1762 or campdotson1@bellsouth.net.

FOCUS— Becky Lathan

Becky and her husband Jeff have lived in Fairview for 28 years. Jeff is a life-long resident of Fairview while Becky grew up in Oakley. Both attended Reynolds High School and, on February 6th, celebrated their 28th Anniversary. The Lathans have three daughters: Natasha 26, Alivia 20 and Lillie 18. A wonderful son-in-law Lonnie (married to Natasha), three beautiful granddaughters and one on the way (sex is undetermined but "his" sisters say it's a BOY).

Becky attended the Seventh Day Adventist Church for ten years before coming to T.O.F. seven years ago. She and Jeff are excited to be in the fellowship of people who love the Lord and allow the Spirit of God to move.

Jeff is a self-employed carpenter while Becky was a stay-at-home mom. Now, she has a part-time cleaning business and rents satin chair covers (you may have sat on one at the Valentine's Dinner). She enjoys fishing, quiet time with the Lord, fellowshipping and sharing the love of Jesus with the ladies at Steadfast House. Her greatest desire is to study God's word. She leads a Bible study group here at the Church on Tuesday mornings (not just for women, thanks to Kyle. We love you!). This quarter the group is studying "Believing God" by Beth Moore. "Esther" will be the study for fall. Becky's longing is to do the will of God and for others to "taste and see that the Lord is good!"

UPDATE: Doctors say it IS a boy!!!!!!!

Ministry Report—Lunch for the UNCA BSU

Starting college can be a lonely and frightening experiencing. It is nice to know that a ready-made group of friends is available to newbies on campus. A college freshman armed with the contact information for the Baptist Student Union on his campus will have an instant Christian community upon arrival.

Our local BSU is thriving, active and appreciative of the support given by the local churches. One of the many activities UNCA BSU sponsors is a Thursday luncheon with food provided by local Baptist Churches. TOF ladies had the opportunity to provide chili with all the trimmings for the February 12th lunch.

The two Laura’s (Dotson and Weeks) had the privilege of delivering the food and meeting the Intern, Amber Reeder, the Missions & Outreach Coordinator, Jessica Walton and the Campus Ministers, David and Christin Stone. They were impressed with the spacious house owned by the BSU and the welcome they received. Go to www.unca.edu/bsu if you would like to learn more about UNCA BSU or Google Baptist Student Union for a nationwide view of the ministry.

A big thank you goes to all of the ladies who participated by making chili and providing other items to create this hearty meal. If you want to participate in such events, call Laura Dotson at 628-1762 and discuss how you would like to be involved. We need ladies with all kinds of talents to make TOF Women’s Ministry a success.

Household Tips

• No More Mosquitoes . . . Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.
• Squirrel Away! To keep squirrels from eating your plants sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.
• Flexible vacuum . . . To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It will bend or flatten to get in narrow openings.
• Reducing Static Cling . . . Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and -- ta da! -- static is gone.

MARCH SPONSOR

Please pray for God's blessing on our March sponsor, who made the newsletter possible:

Brian Keith, CPA
828.676.6108
briankeithcpa@mchsi.com

As well as

New Horizons Office Service
Linda Buchanan
828.628.9500
nhos@bellsouth.net

who provided the printing for the March Newsletter.

Looking for a few laughs? Go to www.youtube.com
And search for Jeff Allen.

Occupational Hymns

The Dentist's Hymn....Crown Him With Many Crowns
The Weatherman's Hymn.....There Shall Be Showers of Blessing
The Contractor's Hymn.....The Church's One Foundation
The Tailor's Hymn.....Holy, Holy, Holy
The Golfer's Hymn.....There is A Green Hill Far Away
The Politician's Hymn.....Standing on the Promises

Thank you, Men of TOF.

What a great time everyone had at the Banquet. The food was delicious, tables were great looking, and the carnations were a great surprise, mine still looks good! All the men looked great and you guys did a great job of serving. We all felt very special.

Thank You again,
Vera Ray on behalf of the women of TOF

Make a Smilebox slideshow

March Testimony

My name is Roberta Keith. My husband's name is Brian and we have three children: Sarah, Caleb and Noah. I am a new member of TOF and was asked to give a testimony. So, I guess this is a way of saying, Hi, to all of my new family.
Since I was a child, I can remember praying and talking to God. But there came a time when "I did my own thing." I met my wonderful husband and we decided to move from New York to Vermont to raise a family.
I can’t remember how it came about, but I was invited to go to church. I had long before given up on my church, since the pastor there started calling himself the messiah. I decided I would worship God alone and needed no one else and wouldn't trust anyone but God. But for some reason -- (God) -- I decided to accept the invitation. This pastor held his Bible, read the Bible, taught from the Bible. This church was the one for me.
Brian and I were told we would never have children due to inactive sperm. I didn't get depressed but just knew that some day we would. As time went on God kept dealing with me. I did get pregnant but had a miscarriage, my dog died and I was faced with the idea of going to jail for disobeying a court order to change a witness’ testimony (I was a Court Stenographer). It seemed as if my guts would pour out of my skin. I cried, practically, nonstop. It was the very best and the very worst time.
I went to my pastor and told him I wanted to be saved, to be baptized and that I was going to jail because I wasn't going to change the witness’ testimony. We prayed and he suggested that I should obey the authorities but not swear that it was accurate. So, I did just that. I affirmed that “this stenographer does not agree with the attorney's corrections.”
Well, God kept dealing with me, and I couldn't stand my job. God wanted me to rely on Him and my helpmeet. I asked God, “Who is going to provide for the family if I quit?” God's simple answer was Himself and my husband. So, I quit my job and God blessed me with Sarah, my daughter. At three months pregnancy, me and my daughter within, were baptized together.

The Story of Saint Patrick

Just when you think things are going along well and all is right with the world, life can take an unexpected turn. Such was the case with a teenage boy who lived a long time ago. Patrick, born in modern day Cumbria County in Britain, was a person who had to live with just such a turn. Fortunately, he was born into a Christian family, his father being a deacon and his grandfather a priest. It was good thing because he was going to need this faith.
When Patrick was about sixteen, he was captured and carried off as a slave to Ireland. Patrick worked as a herdsman remaining in captivity for six years. He wrote that his faith grew during this time and that he prayed daily…no doubt the key to his ability to forgive his captors.
Near the end of the six years, he heard a voice telling him that he would soon go home then later the voice said his ship was ready…time to go. Fleeing his master, he traveled to a port two hundred miles away where he found a ship and made his way home. By this time he was in his early twenties. So it seems that life returned to normal except God had other plans.
A few years after returning home, Patrick had a vision in which he saw a man named Victoricus coming from Ireland. The man gave a letter to Patrick which stated “The Voice of the Irish” at which time Patrick heard the voice of the people from whom he had escaped calling him to come back to them. Patrick did return to them with forgiveness and love and as they say, the rest is history. His evangelistic work among NW Ireland left a lasting legacy for which the Irish still honor him today.

information derived from two Wikipedia articles.

Sarah Hagan's son, Bud, has been diagnosed as "brain dead". I do not know whether or not he has been provided life support. Sarah is currently at Anders Rice Funeral Home making arrangements and we do NOT know for sure whether or not Bud is perhaps now with the LORD. Sarah did not leave details in our voicemail, but did request prayer.

Karyn Franquez

I need to ask for an immediate prayer request. My co-worker just rushed his four-year-old son to the Emergency Room. Last Friday his son was in surgery. The Surgery was more complicated than expected and now his son, Trace Johnson, is suffering serious complications from the surgery. Whenever my co-worker called me, just moments ago, I could hear Trace in the background crying. My heart is breaking and I know that this family needs our prayers. Thank you so much for joining with me before HIS THRONE. Karyn Franquez