PRESS PAUSE RETURNS TO THE LITTLE LIGHTHOUSE

May 1, 2014 PressPause returned to the Little Lighthouse in Tulsa, OK. The school provides individualized therapy and learning opportunities for children,  ages 0-6 years,  with severe disabilities to grow strong, learn to communicate, walk, sing and praise God. The school is truly a lighthouse of hope for families in the area and there's always a list of children waiting to be admitted.

 Last Thursday night the parents of children "graduating" from that very special school were treated to a free home cooked meal and  inspirational speaker, Marty Hight.

It was the largest gathering for Parents Night yet, with 55 anxious moms and dads attending.  The PressPause volunteers served dinner while the staff of the Little Lighthouse attempted to ease the fears and concerns of these parents as they prepare  to leave the safety of their  beloved school and learn to navigate the public schools in the area.  Marty Hight, a Stonecroft approved speaker, gave tips on how to become their child's advocate in a world that struggles to understand the needs of their children.  Through laughter and tears she encouraged them to trust God to care for them as they forge ahead into unknown territory.

Several booklets, "A New Beginning" were voluntarily picked up by the parents as they left strengthened and encouraged.

PressPause volunteers Laura Francis, Patty Clay, Carolyn Reiger, Sharon Braner and Janet Renfro were privileged to share the love of Jesus with these parents of all faiths and no faith by serving food, smiles and hugs.   Graduation Dinner is becoming a tradition for PressPause and we couldn't be more delighted as relationships are developed with the teachers, therapists and staff. We pray for the precious children and their brave parents as they adjust to their new challenges.

A TRUNKLOAD OF COOKIES FOR THE LITTLE LIGHTHOUSE

What is a Christmas Party without cookies???  That was the dilemma for the staff of The Little Lighthouse of Tulsa this past week.  Budget restrictions stated that NO treats would be available for the party, bringing together all parents, friends and children of that fabulous school for special needs children.

PressPause volunteer Laura Francis was made aware of the need as she volunteered at the Little Lighthouse recently.  The teachers were in the midst of deciding how to make a Christmas Party happen with only colored paper decorations. 

After prayer and discussion it was decided PressPause would try to fill the void so parents of all faiths and no faiths could come together for support and to celebrate the birth of Jesus. PressPause Chair, Sharon Braner sent out an e-mail to the women of Broken Arrow Christian Women's Club and the Tulsa Stonecroft leadership team letting them  know of the plans and the need.

Meanwhile, Laura and her young granddaughter spent 3 days baking and decorating cookies to donate. (50 dozen)

20 women from 3 traditional Stonecorft Christian Women's Clubs in the area responded to the e-mail and a date was set to deliver them.

The cookies started streaming in and we loaded up Laura's trunk to take to the very surprised staff of the Little Lighthouse.

Joyfully they received over 100 dozen cookies for their gathering. NOW, parents could invite friends and neighbors to  come to the party as well. No doubt Jesus will be celebrated, discussed and praised!

As we were delivering I overheard the comment, "Who are these women that would do this?"
The answer came from another LLH staff member, "Its the PressPause ladies!!! Again!!"

It truly is more blessed to give than receive!  The Stonecroft ladies have done it again and will know the results of their efforts when we all get to heaven!!

STONECROFT SERVES!

PRESSPAUSE GOES TO BELTON, MO

Stonecroft Volunteer Kris Driscoll invited Stonecroft Speaker Sharon Braner to Belton, MO. October 13, 2013 to South Haven Baptist Church.

The combined adult Sunday School Classes wanted to hear more about the subject of Human Trafficking as they investigate ways they can personally be involved in combating this 32 Billion dollar a year crime that is spreading across the land. (Most all those attending had never been to a Stonecroft event.)

PressPause Chair Sharon Braner presented an hour long PowerPoint presentation covering the statistics and stories of the horrific subject.
A list of "Ten Things I Can Do Now" was distributed to the group of 75.

Statistics and stories were shared and a question and answer session revealed the commitment of the group to take the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the dark world of modern day slavery.

Prayer, volunteering at a local shelter, lobbying lawmakers, and organizing a "Freedom from the Addiction to Pornography" were all discussed and follow-up plans were made.

The gospel was presented and Jesus was praised as the only way to be free from physical bondage as well as the bondage of sin all mankind shares.  The group prayed that God would make a way of escape for those presently held, healing and rehabilitation for the rescued and that all of us would be aware and willing to notify authorities when suspicious behavior is revealed to us.

The church is engaged, seeking God's power to help men, women and children of our communities that are suffering.

PRESS PAUSE GOES TO SCHOOL!

Emileigh Vasquez, Sharon Braner, Laura Francis

October 8, 2013, PressPause Chair Sharon Braner and Financial Coordinator Laura Francis partnered with Holly Tumpkin and her Girls 101 After School Program.  Holly and her volunteers developed the program for 5th and 6th grade girls for selected Tulsa, OK area public schools and host it several times a year.

The fun sessions are designed to help girls at risk understand their value, develop healthy friendships, foster good relationships, inspire them to dream of a successful future and set goals.  Each session reaches 12-15 girls and sometimes their teachers participate as well.

Holly's dedicated volunteers listen to the stories of their lives, encourage, add guidance and exhibit the love of Jesus, as well as later being dedicated to praying for all the girls they meet through Girls 101. (PressPause provided the girls with a free dinner.)

It's a delightful multigenerational effort that brings a needed positive influence into the lives of young girls.

PressPause HONORS LITTLE LIGHTHOUSE TEACHERS AND STAFF

Marcia Mitchell, Founder
Catherine Zollar, Stonecroft speaker,
Laura Francis, volunteer
Julie Harrelson, teacher

Today, July 19th, 2013, PressPause of Tulsa returned to the Little Lighthouse to celebrate with the teachers/staff/therapists/administration the end of their school year.

Chairman, Sharon Braner, Financial Coordinator Laura Francis and faithful volunteer, Patty Clay provided a free meal, a Stonecroft speaker (Catherine Zollar) lots of hugs, cheers and applause.

40 folks attended, 34 first timers for the Stonecroft Outreach Event. Gifts were awarded the teachers, interns were acknowledged and thanked, and a parent prepared video of the students and teachers past year was enjoyed.

Catherine Zollar presented her story of loss and redemption that brought laughter, tears and finally a standing ovation. The ladies loved her! A few sought her out for prayer at the close of the meeting as they realized their special connection to her story. The gospel was clearly presented through Catherines tale of grief, answered prayer and the hope she has in Jesus Christ.

It is a joy and privilege to serve the folks at the Little Lighthouse.

It truly is "more blessed to give than to receive."

PressPause RETURNS TO THE LITTLE LIGHTHOUSE

L-R: Speaker: Marty Hight, Sharon Braner
Rebecca Zehner, LaDawna Sanco, Laura
Francis, Carolyn Reiger, Patty Clay.

The parents of the Class of 2013 enjoyed the Little LightHouse Parent Dinner, May 2, 2013. Nineteen graduates of the very special school for children with disabilities will leave their beloved Tulsa school and next fall be mainstreamed into the public school system or be home schooled. 

Former LLH Alumni Parent, and Stonecroft approved speaker, Marty Hight shared stories of her daughter, Avery, who was not expected to survive at birth yet is now a thriving delightful thirteen year old. Marty encouraged the audience to become advocates for their child and to trust God's perfect plan for each one. Because Avery graduated from the LLH a few years ago, all the parents could relate to Marty's delightful laughter and tears.

PressPause volunteers served the free home-cooked dinner to thirty-eight moms, dads, teachers, and staff. Janet Renfro and Cheryl Brown also helped provide casseroles and desserts. At least thirty attendees were first time guests to any Stonecroft event. 

As the evening closed, nine people picked up the Stonecroft booklet, "A New Beginning."  Eight copies of the gospel of John were picked up by the parents also.

PressPause is honored to serve the folks at the Little Light House of Tulsa  by inviting them to "pause" and reflect upon the person and work of Jesus.  

PressPause Presents Human Trafficking Topic to Ladies Networking Group

PressPause was invited to the Bartlesville OK Women's Networking group April 18, 2013. The secular networking group consists of women in the community interested in educating and promoting issues concerning women that are current topics in our national debate. Previous speakers for this group presented arguments on the Equal Rights Amendment,  Evolution, Food Labeling, Women's Reproductive Rights, etc. This group is very active and their meetings are open to the public.

The topic last night was Human Trafficking.

PressPause Chair Sharon Braner and Financial Coordinator Laura Francis met with the leadership of the group for dinner before the meeting and then visited with the 20 folks gathered at the Bartlesville Public Library for the presentation. The 40 minute PowerPoint Human Trafficking presentation raised awareness and sparked discussion in the group. Information was given as how to be involved in fighting this crime, how to address pornography in our churches, and how to warn young boys and girls of danger. One woman shared the story of her 15 yr. old stepdaughter that went missing years ago and was never heard from again.  Two high school senior girls shared their desire to join the movement to combat Human Trafficking and their educational goals to pursue degrees in this area.
Another woman left making plans to organize a "pornography" seminar at her church.

The meeting was promoted in the local newspapers and several attended because of their interest in the topic.

The bondage of sin experienced by all mankind was compared with the bondage of being held by force, fraud and coercion. The group was encouraged to take the message of freedom offered by God into their communities.  Four Stonecroft "A Gift for You" booklets defining salvation and life with Christ were voluntarily picked up and taken home.

PressPause exists to take Stonecroft Speakers into the marketplace. We are thankful for the opportunity to speak to folks that would normally not attend the traditional Stonecroft events.

PRESSPAUSE SERVES THE LITTLE LIGHTHOUSE

TREES!  Felt trees with lots of buttons, leaves and fruit.

It might seem like a toy, but it is a critical tool used at the Little Lighthouse of Tulsa, OK,  the internationally famous school for children with severe disabilities. Children ages 0-6 attend the school at no cost to their families. Parents of all the major religions, and sometimes no religion, wait patiently for their child to be accepted as space allows.

PressPause Financial Coordinator, Laura Francis, was made aware of this expensive item and took it upon herself to provide trees for the children of the Little Lighthouse that struggle to see, breathe, and walk.  Helping them learn to "button up" is a huge step in their progress.  Laura purchased all the necessary parts and spent hours learning to make buttonholes on her new sewing machine. 106 butttonholes and 54 buttons later NINE trees were complete.

The trees will be delivered this week to a very appreciative and surprised therapist, at no cost to the school. Rather than having to share ONE tree with so many kiddos, the teachers now have TEN.

PressPause enjoys celebrating with the staff and parents as the children that were given no hope of a productive life learn to "button up."

Sometimes the love of Christ is delivered in unusual ways! 

STONECROFT SERVES

PressPause has been BUSY serving!

After hosting several events taking Stonecroft speakers into Tulsa businesses these past couple of years, we found ourselves right in the middle of SERVICE.

The Little Lighthouse, a school for severely disabled children, ages 0-6, has been the focus of our efforts.  The school enrolls 60 children per year, without charge to their parents. The waiting list for future students is long. Families that come to the school are of all faiths and denominations, some no church involvement at all. ALL are extremely grateful for the miracles that occur in that fabulous place.  Tiny bodies wracked with all kinds of ailments improve dramatically.

Funding is provided by school  fundraisers and generous donations. There are no government grants or subsidies.

Laura Francis, PressPause financial coordinator, led this effort by volunteering in a classroom for 3 yr olds for the past 3 years.  PressPause has made bibs for the children, paint shirts, craft trays, curtains for the classroom, provided toddler books in Spanish and Laura often cleans the room so the teachers can attend meetings. 

She has provided "kitchen utensils" for the class, aprons for the teachers and helped them cook every Wednesday.  Our most recent addition to the classroom is a hand-made and designed vest with pockets on the front and back that hold heavy bean bags.  Slipped on a struggling, wiggly child, it brings calm and peace to his little spirit. We will be providing more of these very effective vests soon.

Everything has been donated and we work from a "wish" list given to us by the teachers and therapists.

The friendships developed with the staff and the children are rewarding for all involved. We have recently been invited to host their "graduation" dinner for the parents of the 6 yr olds that will soon be mainstreamed into the public schools. PressPause volunteers will provide and serve a delicious meal while parents hear a speaker tell of Jesus and His love for them and their child.

Stonecroft Serves at the Little Lighthouse!

PressPause Returns to the Little Lighthouse

Sharon Braner, Janet Renfro, Carolyn Reiger,
Patty Clay and Laura Francis

On May 10, 2012 PressPause returned to the Little Lighthouse of Tulsa, OK.  to serve dinner to the parents of the graduating class.

The Little Lighthouse has been serving children with special needs from birth to age six since 1972. Upon graduation these children move into the public school system, private schools or are home schooled. Leaving the security and expertise of the Little Lighthouse can be a traumatic transitional time.

Twenty seven parents (thirteen daddies) all new to Stonecroft, attended.  Seven staff members encouraged the parents as five PressPause volunteers cooked and served. 

 Marty Hight of Tulsa gave the group tips on how to become an effective advocate for the children in the next phase of their education.  Her delightful humor and personal family stories were encouraging.  Marty shared how her strong faith in God gave her strength and joy in rearing her now 12 year old special needs child, Avery.  Full of confidence and sporting a big smile, Avery joined her mom as she spoke.

Marcia Mitchell, founder and CEO of the school welcomed the group and encouraged them to stay close to the faculty and staff who dearly love each child.  Her strong faith is the foundation of the school as it welcomes people of all faiths or no faith into the state-of-the art facility.  The Little Lighthouse is a Tulsa treasure that is changing  lives locally and has become an international resource as delegations from other countries visit the school.

Eighteen copies of the Gospel of John were picked up by the parents.

The volunteers of PressPause consider it a privilege to serve the parents and staff of this remarkable place.

 



Sharon Braner & Ellen Langland

May 3, 2012, National Day of Prayer, was the day and Tulsa First Baptist Church, Tulsa, OK was the setting.  The ladies of First Baptist invited PressPause Chair Sharon Braner to be the speaker for their spring luncheon.  Sharon shared her Stonecroft talk "What is Your Life Singing Today?"  Lots of laughter and musical memories were shared and Jesus was presented as the only ONE that can change our hearts, attitudes, emotions and life.

A former Stonecroft Village Missionary attended along with approximately 50 ladies that have never been involved with any Stonecroft Christian Women's Club.  New friendships were formed and plans to work together in the future were discussed.

The ladies agreed to sing the "song of redemtion" when they left the meeting, praying that when others look at them they would see Jesus first.

MOM'S PANEL AT REDEEMER COVENANT CHURCH

Julie, Dorea, Sharita, Holly, Sharon

Redeemer Covenant Church of Tulsa, OK invited PressPause to it's campus Sunday, April 22, 2012.  The event was the Mentoring Mom's Spring Luncheon organized to celebrate their nine month program. Women of all ages and stages of life attended. A few babies accompanied their mommies.

Stonecroft's Mom's Panel presented the "Top Ten Things I've Learned or Am Learning" about parenting.  Sharita Bent shared her lessons of life with a toddler, Holly Tumpkin gave tips for moms of elementary age children, Julie Wilson talked about life with teenagers, Dorea Potter covered life lessons with college age kids and Sharon Braner gave lessons about being a mom of married children with children of their own. Dorea also presented the list of lessons learned by Caroline Casselberry who is on a mission trip to Honduras.  Caroline's story involves raising teenagers alone after the death of her husband.

A vital relationship with Jesus was presented as critical and  the source of patience, love and wisdom no matter what stage of parenting.

Forty ladies attended the event, thirty-four were first time guests at any Stonecroft outreach meeting. Several Stonecroft booklets, "A New Beginning," were shared as were the Pocket New Testaments, Gospel of John.  Contact numbers and e-mails were exchanged as new friendships were formed.

Carrie Storms organized the luncheon and heads the mentoring program at Redeemer. Amy Clark invited the panel to participate. It was a lovely day of encouraging women of all ages to connect with each other and their God. 

PressPause and Human Trafficking

First Baptist Church of Bartlesville, OK was the setting for Tulsa OK, PressPause p.s.46.10 Thursday April 5, 2012.
The "Adults on Mission" group invited Stonecroft speaker Sharon Braner to give a PowerPoint presentation explaining  modern day slavery known today as Human Trafficking. 38 members and 6 guests attended.  All were Stonecroft first-time guests.
Information was shared and a Q&A time  followed.  Jesus was presented as the deliverer from the bondage of sin that reigns in all hearts that have not surrendered to Him. He alone "sets the captives free."
Contacts were made and new friendships formed. Prayer and encouragement followed the presentation and  everyone left with a new awareness of people suffering in our communities that need our help.

PressPause p.s.40.10 Presents Human Trafficking

PressPause p.s.40.10 held an informal discussion on the topic of Human Trafficking September 26, 2011.   The Broken Arrow, OK  IBC Bank graciously offered the use of their community room for the gathering.  PressPause Chair, Sharon Braner gave a PowerPoint presentation with the help of Janet Renfro, new PressPause Board member. 

Fifteen women gathered (two of whom were new to Stonecroft) to hear the details of the fastest growing  crime that is enslaving hundreds of thousands of men, women and children annually.  Emotions surfaced as the statistics of many folks and the personal stories of a few women trapped in this modern day slavery were revealed. The group discussed child pornography, prostitution, teen Internet use, etc, and opportunities to reach out to people involved. 

Jesus was presented as the source of freedom from the slavery to sin and guilt, and the power to live righteously.  Those held against their will, the perpetrators of this crime, as well as we ourselves, are offered new life in Him.

The ladies left with a list of "how can I help,"  opened eyes, and a prayer for direction.

We agreed that it is painful but critical for us to  look beyond ourselves to see others that desperately need Jesus.

  

Happy Birthday - Tulsa OK PressPause p.s.46.10

On September 1, 2011  Tulsa OK PressPause p.s.46.10 will be ONE year old!  My, how time flies! It was one year ago that the Broken Arrow CWC birthed this baby.  Several committee members gathered on that day at the home of Joan Beavers for a baby shower/announcement/birth! It was a delightful experience and we all felt the nervous jitters new parents and grandparents often encounter. No one knew where this baby was heading, how she would grow and mature or where she would end up! Yesterday PressPause celebrated their one year anniversary with the Tulsa #2 group as they reminisced about many, many years of ministry and gathered for their last meeting  under that name.  Birthday cupcakes, balloons and party favors were shared with the ladies of all four Tulsa Stonecroft groups that attended the meeting  at the Indian Springs Country Club of Broken Arrow.  It seemed so appropriate to honor those fabulous women of past years of  Stonecroft ministry  and  celebrate this new baby at the same time.  

We've checked the baby's pluse and vital signs and are happy to report that she is up and walking!  During the past 12 months PressPause has been invited to TEN different businesses, homes,  country clubs, a school,  a retirement community, a bookstore, etc. and served over 270 people with 200 of those folks attending a Stonecroft event for the first time.  "Too many to count" copies of the Gospel of John printed in partnership through  the Pocket Testament League and Stonecroft were voluntarily picked up.  Hearts were softened as the Gospel of Jesus Christ was presented every time.  Several different Stonecroft speakers volunteered their time, voice and details of their lives.  What a great year this has been!

The PressPause calendar is filling up for this next year and we couldn't be happier about it.  New venues and partnerships are being explored.

Recently several CWC committee members have inquired about the popular topic of Human Trafficking wondering if it is appropriate for the traditional CWC meetings, so we've organized a free event for anyone that would like to preview this PowerPoint presentation in a smaller setting. (Men can come too.) If you're in the area and interested, you're welcome to PressPause from your busy life and consider how the person of Jesus Christ offers freedom for all of us....freedom from the slavery  and power of sin.  





 



ON THE ROAD TO TEXAS

PressPause p.s.46 took a road trip!  We (Chairman Sharon Braner and Financial Coordinator Laura Francis)  packed up our luggage, a computer, projector, screen, and cords of every kind imaginable and drove to Mansfield, TX August 10-11, 2011.  After consulting maps, two or three GPS devices, and a couple of phone calls to husbands we arrived intact.

The purpose of the trip was to present a PowerPoint Presentation on Human Trafficking to those lovely women of the Mansfield CWC.  Much more transpired!

After introductions and hugs, their lovely team informed us that this luncheon was their last.  Their club was ending their traditional monthly gatherings in that very upscale country club.  Attendance continued to slide, and finding people to fill the leadership roles were almost impossible.  Just telling the story brought tears to their eyes, they did not expect their efforts to end in this way.  THEN, they shared that they were continuing their Stonecroft Bible Studies, TEN in the area.  Over one hundred ladies from various neighborhoods were faithfully attending Bible Studies they had organized and were leading, not interested in the luncheons but VERY interested in the Word of God.  WOW!  We were so encouraged by their zeal and love for Stonecroft's mission of evangelism.

Now they plan to gather to PRAY and to seek new ways of meeting people in their community with the love of Jesus.  We were able to share with them how we had been taking Stonecroft speakers INTO the marketplace where people were already gathered, rather than inviting them to come to us.  The conversation got very exciting.  We prayed together, shared ideas and made promises to keep in touch and perhaps get together again for some brain storming and encouragement.  New friends for eternity!!!

Oh, yes, Human Trafficking was also shared.  After the pictures and shocking statistics, stories poured out of personal experiences of exploitation and  real fears for wayward children and grandchildren. Promises were made to speak up if (or when) abuse of women or children is identified. The motivated ladies vowed to keep their eyes and ears open, to closely monitor computers  in their own home, to give their daughters and granddaughters the teen-age quiz to start conversations about dating relationships,  and to talk to their husbands, sons and grandsons about the commonplace violence and disrespect toward women everywhere.

We came home confidant that those TX women are on the move.  This was not an ending for them but a brand new beginning that will take them places they never dreamed they would be.   They're moving on with a smile on their face and a zeal for the solution for all slavery from sin and bondage, the person of Jesus Christ.

Once again, we went to be a blessing and received a bigger one instead.  Isn't that the way it always works?

PressPause Goes to the Country

PressPause p.s.46.10 traveled to the Broken Arrow, OK country home of Andy and Shelly Franks July 18, 2011.  Shelly and her mother Mrs. Barbara Simmons invited friends and relatives to join them for an informational meeting concerning the very serious national business of Human Trafficking.  These gracious ladies offered simple snacks and a cool place to gather on a hot July evening.

Thirty-four moms, dads, grandparents and teens sat attentively in the Franks living room as PressPause Chair Sharon Braner and Financial Chair Laura Francis presented the PowerPoint Presentation on  modern day slavery and exploitation of women and children.  This was a first-time Stonecroft event for thirty of those folks.

Following the riveting pictures and statistics there was  a lively Q&A time and opportunities for one-on-one conversation.  Tips on how to identify women and children in distress were discussed, as well as the need for believers to engage in God's plan of freedom from sin and slavery.  Hand-outs to spark conversation and involvement included suggestions for personal action and a quiz for teen-age girls and their moms. Ten copies of the Gospel of John were distributed.

A simple invitation to meet friends and family on a summer evening with eternal results.

PRESS PAUSE AT TOWN VILLAGE

Michelle Miller & Sherry Williams

                                                                   

PressPause was invited back to Town Village, a retirement home in Tulsa, OK today, May 31, 2011.  Activities director Robyn Thompson and Michelle Miller graciously invited the residents there for the afternoon gathering.

Stonecroft speaker Sherry Williams of Tulsa brought her many antique hats and gave a delightful presentation of  "Hats Through the Decades."  She shared funny stories of the styles that reigned during the 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's!  Memories were rampant as we all participated in guessing  the names of the "style setters" of each period.   Following her demonstration Sherry shared her personal story of an early marriage, divorce, single parenting, extremely short engagement and the abundant life with her husband of 31 years. She stressed the critical nature of her relationship with Jesus Christ as the focal point of her life and marriage as her husband battled cancer.  She shared scriptures and her utter dependence upon the word of God.

Seventeen folks attended the event, eleven were first time guests to a Stonecroft event.  Six copies of the gospel of John were voluntarily picked up at the close of the meeting.

It was a delightful afternoon as folks paused from their daily routines and seriously considered the person of Jesus Christ.

GRADUATION DAY FOR THE LITTLE LIGHTHOUSE

 PressPause p.s. 46.10 returned to the Little Lighthouse in Tulsa, OK Thursday evening May 12th, 2011.  The occasion was a dinner honoring the parents of children graduating from the school for special needs. The graduates, age 6, have all spent several years at the school receiving very specialized training, therapy, prostheses, and social skills.

PressPause volunteers included: Pam McDonnel, Patty Clay, Laura Francis, Carolyn Reiger, Sharon Braner and Cheryl Piper. 

 Marty Hight encouraged the parents by telling her story of her own daughters experience of transitioning from this very specialized school into the public school system. She encouraged them to seek God's plan for their precious children, to pray for His strength, guidance and protection as His will for them is revealed. She reminded everyone of the supernatural love, patience and faith exhibited by children with special needs.

Lighthouse President and CEO (and former Stonecroft speaker) Marcia Mitchell also encouraged the parents to pursue a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as their hope and stability during this fearful time.

Thirty-four moms and dads, six volunteers and three Little Lighthouse staff  enjoyed the home cooked meal and the evening of encouragement. This was the first time these parents have ever attended a Stonecroft event.  PressPause is honored to have had  the opportunity to serve these brave and beautiful parents.

Marty Hight & Sharon Braner

TWO WORLDS BRIEFLY COLLIDE

It was a lovely setting for a very unlovely topic. The dark evil world of Human Trafficking and the beautiful peaceful world of a planned golfing club community met head-on Wednesday April 20, 2011.

The members of the "Ridge Readers" book club of the Forest Ridge neighborhood in Broken Arrow, OK organized the event.  They invited Stonecroft Ministries PressPause Chair Sharon Braner and  PressPause Financial Coordinator Laura Francis to the Players Grill for the presentation.  Eighteen mothers and grandmothers from the area attended. Thirteen of those women had never attended a Stonecroft event before that day.

Laura provided technical support for the Power Point presentation as Sharon explained the world of Human Trafficking.  A  Q&A time followed the pictures, stories and statistics.   Hand-outs included tips to recognize this modern day slavery, ideas for how to protect teens and children and a take home quiz for teen-age girls. 

Jesus was presented as the only way to freedom from the slavery of sin and the only One that can change hearts. Nine copies of the Gospel of John were picked up at the close of the meeting. 

The ladies shared stories and plans to take the message of help and hope back to their families, churches and sphere of influence.