STEADFAST HOUSE MINISTRY

Our ministry at Steadfast House continues to be a blessing to the ladies of TOF who are participating. We have had some fun with our visits the last few times by giving manicures, haircuts, neck rubs and pedicures. The ladies at SH have really enjoyed the spa treatment and so have the kids who especially enjoyed getting their fingernails painted! Of course, all are loving the homemade meals we are taking. Many say this is the only home cooking they get. The kids have been enjoying their crafts, games and Bible lessons. These ladies and kids are so in need of love and affirmation during a time when their lives have been turned upside down. If you would like to be a part of demonstrating the love of God you can either go with us or help prepare the meal that we take. Annette Wright is the food coordinator. Contact Becky Lathan if you would like to go with us. We visit every fourth Friday evening of the month.

ARE YOU ABLE?????

God has given us the privilege to provide children with an environment to learn and grow in the knowledge of our Lord. To make this happen, volunteers are needed. Kid’s Korner needs are:

• Providing snacks
• Leading scripture memory
• Preparing snacks
• Teaching lessons
• Planning crafts
• Leading prayer time
• Leading crafts
• Crowd control

Some of the work will require being in the FLC during the 11:00am worship and some will be preparation during the week. Are you able to fill one of these roles? Be a part of our children’s future. Contact Pastor Jesse at jesse@trinityoffairview.org.

FOCUS - Carol Clark

“And Mary treasured these things and pondered them in her heart.”
It may seem strange to begin an article about Carole Clark using this famous verse but for those of you who have read her new book, you will make the connection. Inspiring Faith Through Childlike Stories was written by this mother who pondered and treasured the ways God spoke to her through her children. A ‘must read and pass along’ book that will help us all remember how God uses the innocent viewpoint of children for His praise and glory.
Carole was born and raised in Michigan and arrived in Asheville in 1987 because of her former husband’s job opportunity. She has two children, Brad (23) and Chelsea (19). Brad works for his mom and Chelsea just graduated high school.
Carole met Mike in 2000 when they were both taking dance lessons to learn the Carolina Beach Dance aka The Shag. The two attended Carole’s Presbyterian Church but felt it was not a good fit for them as a couple. As God would have it, Brad went on a youth retreat sponsored by TOF and directed by Kenny Adcock. Brad returned excited saying, “That Church has the truth!” Leisa Jackson had already been inviting the two to attend TOF, so they did. On their first visit they knew they had come “home” and have been with us since 2002.
Carole was an elementary Sunday School teacher and a youth leader at her former Church. At TOF, she has been involved in the prayer ministry and fills in for nursery workers as needed. She has always had a passion for sports especially golf and God began to show her how to use that passion to advance His Kingdom. She became a member of the LPGA and after her certification; she is certified to teach golf to any level of player, but especially enjoys working with junior players and women. She and Mike are involved in Crossfire Ministry which shares Christ through sports such as softball and basketball. They are involved in Athletes International which ministers to professional and collegiate athletes in finding their vision for ministry.
One night Carole was awakened by God and told to resign from her job at The Cliffs. This took quit a bit of faith since He did not tell her what she was to do after she resigned. In 2005, He led her to purchase the Outdoor Family Fun Center in Hendersonville, a facility she had worked at a few years before. She has been able to use this business as a platform for relationship evangelism. OFFC offers a golf driving range, miniature golf, batting cages, pro shop, golf lessons, planned parties and, coming soon, paint ball. To learn more visit the web site at www.outdoorfamilyfuncenter.com.
Carole and Mike have their house in Arden up for sale with the intention of moving closer to Hendersonville, between her business and Mike’s business, Clark’s Tire in Fletcher. They are excited to continue following God’s direction for their lives and watching His plans unfold. Carole leaves us with this thought to ponder: “It is easy to let your passions and gifts become a god. Instead God wants to use your passion and gifts to minister for Him.”

North Carolina Baptist Children’s Homes April Food Roundup

“Helping hurting children…healing broken families.” That is the mission statement of North Carolina Baptist Children’s Homes. Almost 1500 children in crisis are served by this loving arm of North Carolina Baptists, and this month they need your help. Each April there is a food drive to help fill the plates of the children in the care of these homes, one of which – Broyhill Home – is located in Clyde in our neighboring county. This month our Women’s Ministry would like to ask you to help provide for the needs of BCH’s boys and girls by donating food for their Food Roundup. There’s a long list of needs, but let’s focus on just a few items: pasta, spaghetti sauce, canned tomatoes, cereal, canned fruit and apple sauce. Starting in April, we will have bags available in each adult Sunday School Class and in the foyer by the Women’s Ministry Table to collect these items. Deadline is Sunday, April 28. Thanks for your generosity!

FOCUS— Three Sisters

This month’s focus is on three women. God has blessed TOF by placing three of the Dotson sisters in our Church family. Vera, Linda and Annette grew up just a bit down the road from TOF along with three more sisters and two brothers.

The family is very close and tries to get together once a month and on each other’s birthdays. Sadly, one brother passed away and the other moved to New Mexico but he stays in touch by calling each sister once a week.

Vera is formerly married to Howard Ray and has three sons: Ron, Sam and Tom along with eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. Vera has lived in Texas, Mississippi and Georgia then moved back to the home place in 1991.

Linda is formerly married to D.A. Todd who passed away in 2007. She has two children: Tim and Tammy (Bell) and four grandchildren. Linda has lived in the area and been an active member of TOF for many years.

Annette is married to Gerald Wright and has three children: Sandy (Dalton), Dean and Karen (Jones) along with eight grandchildren and one “great on the way.” Sandy was born in New York State while Gerald was in the military. They returned to Fairview when she was nine months old.

The Dotson family’s spiritual journey started at Tweed’s Chapel, which was Methodist, but the siblings enjoyed visiting Oak Grove Baptist on Sunday evenings for Baptist Training Union. Eventually, Vera, Linda and Annette ended up at TOF and they have had a lot of involvement in the Church over the years. All three have been in the choir and Annette used to play piano.

Vera likes to help Manuel Franquez weed the TOF lawn and volunteers as needed. She is a member of the Singles Sunday School class. Linda likes to volunteer as she is able and appreciates the various social functions at TOF. She reminisced about D.A.’s involvement in starting the Royal Ambassadors and coaching the Church’s basketball team. Annette has recently accepted the position of food coordinator for the monthly visitation at Steadfast House and serves on the Building and Grounds Committee. All three sisters enjoying the trips sponsored by the Joy Seekers.

These sisters are crafty, too. They teach a craft class at the Cane Creek Community Center each first and third Thursday at 10am. Everyone is welcome and the only cost is for materials which is minimal. The three even formed their own Weight Watchers group meeting weekly to support each other in their quest for good health!

When asked what they feel is the most important characteristic of our Church, all three agreed it is the love and friendliness of the people. Annette added that over the 34 years she has attended, she has seen the Church grow from being just another Baptist Church to a Kingdom Church. Vera made this wise observation, “God has a place for all of us and we need to find it.” All three hope that everyone at TOF will be diligent in searching out how God wants each to be involved and are grateful for the opportunities they have enjoyed.

“Breath of Life” walk

Asheville Pregnancy Support Services (APSS) will be having a “Breath of Life” walk on April 25th at 10am to raise awareness and support for APSS. There will be live music, inflatables, face-painting, food and snow cones. The plan is for each person to enlist sponsors for his/her own walk. If you are interested in being a part of this fun day and wonderful ministry, please send an e-mail to ed@preginfo.org or call 252-1306. There is a special request: “Please no pets.”

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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!

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

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.

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

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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.

Tithing and still in debt?

Tithing is only one part of God’s financial plan. Try these resources to learn more about His plan.

Acronym for Debt
D oing
E verything
B ut
T ithing

www.daveramsey.com
888.227.3223

www.crown.org
800-722-1976

www.faithlifenow.com
888-391-5433

FEBRUARY TESTIMONY

Wow! God, is so awesome! I feel so blessed, to share this with you. We have prayed several years for family members to be saved. Sometimes, you feel as though your prayers are never going to be answered, but that's what the enemy wants us to believe. The adversary, tells you to give up & give in! Oh, but that's when the Holy Spirit says persevere! You, may have to fight a battle more than once to win it. We are the Army of the Lord. Never give up!

With continued faithful prayer, our family members were getting saved. Three family members within one month's time, another family member within that same year. This past Christmas, we were blessed with another saved family member. PRAISE GOD! (And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. 1John 5:14-15)

We will continue to persevere for lost souls. Remember, the Victory is ours! ("But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1Corinthians 15:57)

If this is something you have been praying for, but have not seen anything change, my prayer for you is to TRUST the GOD of our SALVATION with continued faithful prayer. (The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16)

Contributed by Heather Balken