Live The Great

This article was written by team leader Janet Cross and trip participants.

This is the second year I have had the opportunity to help at the City Union Mission Second Chance Thrift Store. I always appreciate the occasion to get to be a part of what City Union Mission is doing in the Kansas City area. This year it was almost the same group of people I went with last year with the exception of one young man I had an opportunity to talk to about why he was there and what he was doing. Joseph is 10 years old. When I asked him if he knew what City Union Mission was all about, he said “not really.” When I asked him if he had ever done anything like this before, he said “no.” When I asked him why he came, he said because “mom’s here,” yet he was willing to listen as I tried to explain what it was all about, his mission in coming, and what a great mom he had to come and help. He just looked at me wide-eyed when I told him he had served the Lord with what he did, because he thought he had just “straightened stuff up.”

The time I spent with the 26 people  on November 13, 2008 who went was the best. We had fun, had lunch together, and served the Lord together. Doesn’t get much better!

Thanks KCBT for the opportunity.

Janet Cross

We would love for you to join us January 10, 2009, for another mission trip to the City Union Mission Second Chance Thrift Store. Click here for more information or to sign-up!

Words of praise from participants

The City Union Mission clothing sort day was awesome. A group of us went down to the Thrift Store to help sort clothes and do other misc things. It was awesome to be able to serve others and to minister to other brothers and sisters in Christ.

I didn’t really know what to expect, since I’d never done this before, but being with friends and family put me at ease, as well as the fact that the people who met us at the door were very friendly and eager to put us to good use. The time seemed to fly by as I did things I was familiar with, such as organize shelves, sort clothing, and organizing clothes on the racks. It was awesome to be able to serve others in a way that they needed.

I went with a group from Janet Cross’s Bible Study and it was so wonderful to see the group that gathered for this field trip. We had a good mix of people of all sorts, all coming together for the same purpose, to serve and glorify Christ. It was so much fun to listen to the buzz of conversation around me and the laughter, oh the laughter. It was such fun! People meeting others for the first time, working together, with no bias, didn’t matter if you where old or young, black or white, they were going to put you to work doing something and you were going to have fun with the people you where working with.

Afterwards, the church took us out to lunch. That was such a great time of fellowship and a great time to minister to others right there in our own family. You had people that hadn’t seen each other in ages and you had those who had never met and then you had best friends, all sitting in the same areas chatting and ministering to one another. I enjoyed being able to serve others during that time.

This field trip made me realize how much God has blessed me with what I have, physically and spiritually. He has given me so much. A family, a house to live in, a closet stuffed to the brim full of clothes that have been gifted to me, a wonderful church family, amazing church leaders and teachers, and awesome friends. He has given me so much and I’ve been so wrapped up in myself I have been wrong to not realize how much he has given me and sincerely thank Him for it. — Melenia Gibson

On November 13, 2008 I had the opportunity to go on a short-term mission trip with KCBT Thursday morning Bible study class. We visited City Union Mission Second Chance Thrift Store. We were greeted warmly and with much gratitude. After a prayer of thanksgiving lead by the store manager, we were assigned in groups to perform specific tasks.  It was a real joy to participate in a church based-outreach to those in need. As I performed my duties I thought about how the Lord uses organizations like the City Union Mission to minister to the needy. I was thankful that the Lord allowed me to be a part of his plan. I am so grateful to God for his unspeakable gift that keeps giving. — Michelle Ivory

What is exciting about going to the Second Chance Store to help with some of the work that needs to be done? It could be cause of the people you go with and love, and that is true. Also, because what you do there (although little it is), helps someone else that needs help, and that’s true also. I understand that God can take the little that we do and turn it into something big, as he did with the two mites the widow threw into the treasury in Mark 12:41-44. I don’t know what Jesus did with it, but I’ll bet the widow never lacked anything she needed for the rest of her life. Lester Rolloff used to sing a song “Little Is Much When God Is In It,” and it’s true.

My blessing came when I met a man that I worked with there. He attends Janet Cross’ Wednesday night Bible study (I’m a Thursday morning person myself). His name is Louie Jones. We talked about the Lord. We fellowshipped together and with the Lord. What a blessed time we had. The time passed all too quickly. I have a new friend, thank you Lord! — Charlie VanZandt

When we got there, we prayed and went in. I met up with a girl named Rosemary. She is from Africa. She told us about her homeland and how it is different than here. It was amazing. We hung up T-shirts and jeans. Some people say that you have to leave the states to go on a mission trip. That’s not true.  Going on this trip was fun. It was a great way to visit and a great way to make friends. Overall, it is the best way to serve your community. — Mathew Gibson

Written by Donna Bruce, KCBT staff member

Christmas is a time when thoughts turn to family, friends, and helping those less fortunate. Angel Tree helps connect parents in prison with their children.  By partnering with Angel Tree, God gave me a Christmas I will never forget.

On a cold, snowy Saturday in December, my disciple and I stopped the busyness of our shopping to deliver a few gifts to kids that will spend a Christmas without a mom or dad due to incarceration.  We didn’t really know what to expect but didn’t let the unknown stop us.

As we approached our second home, we quickly decided which one of us would talk and then knocked on the door.   A grandmother came to the door and invited us into a house so cluttered that there was only a path from the living room to the kitchen.

With gifts in our arms, I knelt down by a little girl who was watching TV.  Her hair was tangled and her clothes were wrinkled.  The moment I started talking to her, all of the surrounding disappeared.  I told how much her mom loved her and that she asked us to bring her something special for Christmas.  She watched and listened seeming without even noticing the gifts.  I then told her that we all do things that get us into trouble.  We laughed as she gave us a personal example of getting into trouble.  I went on to tell her what God said about sin and his offer to forgive us if we accept it just like the gifts we had in our arms.  I told her that God loved her very much.  Her face lit up as she very thoughtfully repeated to herself that God loved her.   She jumped up out of her chair and hugged me like she was never going to let loose.   All of us in that little house were moved to tears and in awe of the spirit of God’s forgiveness and love.

As we said our goodbyes and drove away, we knew that God had given us the greatest gift and a Christmas we would always remember as one of our best.   This year KCBT has committed to give 47 children a special Christmas through Angel Tree.   If you, or your home team, or ministry team would like to purchase and deliver gifts and the gospel to children, contact Jennifer Madsen at 816.358.0988 x 2017 for more information.

Written by staff member, Donna Bruce

Sometimes seasons in our lives, leave us wondering if God really is there.  I was having one of those seasons with God.  In a powerful way God  showed me that He was there . . . here’s how.

As I was working at my desk, Janet, our receptionist called and said that you won’t believe this,  you have got to come out here.  I was thinking, “Alright! I have flowers.” I walked to the office lobby area, and she introduced me to Yuri Alfaro. Yuri is a pastor from Peru. He went on to tell me about Pastor Marco Castro coming to teach a discipleship conference that he attended several years earlier. He told me about that being a time of the Lord’s leading in his personal life as well as his ministry.

Several weeks before Marco left for the trip, he had challenged our church to purchase a Spanish version of Psalms 119 by Pastor Jeff Adams. I willingly purchased a book to support the ministry of our church in Latin America and wrote a note of encouragement in the front of the book.

The man then standing before me was the very pastor who received the book that I had purchased and prayed over. He went on to tell how God had used that book to encourage him as a young pastor. He said that he shared that book with other family members. He told me that God also used it to prepare him for a greater ministry. I stood in awe as God graciously showed me that He notices every small detail of my life and that He is there.

Our acts of kindness and giving do bring glory to His Name and kingdom. You have the same opportunity of being a part of the short-term mission team preparing to go to the Dominican Republic in January 2009. Pastor Marco Castro and the team will teach a discipleship conference to local pastors. Show your support by purchasing a copy of the Spanish Directions for $16 from the Resource Center. Write a note of testimony in the front of how discipleship has changed your life. Then, place the book in the Spanish Ministries mailbox in the office area.

This article was written by KCBT Staff member Donna Bruce.

For five days, July 14-19, KCBT members painted the new Raytown Central Middle School. Our force was like an army, over 175 people from all ages and nationalities. Once I looked down a hallway and there was someone from South Korea, Kenya and Costa Rica all working side by side. We used 54 gallons of paint in over 31 classrooms, offices, and hallways.

We had the opportunity to meet the principal, many teachers, support staff, and administrators. They all were thankful for the support and encouragement that was offered to them as well as the students. One exciting aspect of the project was the “extreme make-over” of the teacher’s lounge. We wanted to provide a place of retreat for the teachers who invest their lives every day in making a difference in our community.

Serving as one of the project leaders, I was privileged to observe the ways God moved among our volunteers:

• Jennifer was in the principal’s office–painting this time. Andrea Mixon, the new RCMS principal, was painting right along next to her. In conversation, Jennifer realized she was one of her students many years ago.
• Daryl was begging for more work the next day, so he could bring his disciple to get involved. Jeanne also brought her disciple.
• A young couple new to our church made connections to become involved in the Directions and Crossover ministries
• Larry was excited about the true fellowship in their conversations when he painted on Thursday.

I always say, “You don’t really “own” it, until you clean (or paint) it.” For the people who helped, we feel ownership. Ownership not of a building but of the lives that will be changed by the teachers’ investment. Ownership to pray for everyone who walks through the doors of RCMS. Ownership to sign up again next year.

Throw on some old clothes and come join us from July 14-19 at the new Raytown Central Middle School located at 10601 E 59th Street in Raytown, MO (just east of Raytown High School and Benetti’s Coffee Experience). KCBT is working alongside the Raytown School District to add a fresh, new coat of paint to the new Central Middle School. Volunteers are needed in areas such as painters, shift leaders, and food service to be a part of this exciting opportunity as we give back to the community. Register online now through the end of the project. This year several of the teachers and their families want to help by painting their own classroom. How exiting to encourage and support the teachers who make an investment in changing lives. Last year participants wrote the following about their painting experiences: Our teachers give so much and this is just a small way of saying thanks and that we support them. From the reaction you could tell that they were very appreciative.  -Cheryl Adams I participated in the project. I enjoyed meeting new people and working on the project, but the biggest blessing came when the teachers found out that we did the project. One of the emails I received said, “I just read in the Raytown District paper that you (and your church) were responsible for the painting here at RMS. It changed the atmosphere in that the building was brighter, fresher, friendlier. Thank you for extending the kindness!” I will be teaching at the new Central Middle School next year. The Administrators and teachers are excited about KCBT involved in the painting of the school. The teachers want to be a part of the project.  - June Kolkmeier It was an incredible feeling of satisfaction knowing that I was helping to enhance the environment for the children of our city to come to school and see a clean, fresh classroom where they would be spending the day.  I know, the teachers appreciate the time we invested – so they didn’t have to paint the room themselves, nor did the school district have to cover the cost of the hours of labor involved! After all, the teachers invest their life in that room teaching the kids all day anyway, so this was an opportunity to bless them for all their efforts all year long! -LeAnn Carter

Each year at KCBT, November means Amsterdam.  Pastor Jeff Adams leads an annual trip to Amsterdam, a beautiful city with a rich history and has much to offer that will serve to illustrate the biblical truths we are learning.  We will explore some of the important historical sites, as well as several of the area’s world-class museums, while learning to implement what you learn.  Probably the most moving experience of your time in Holland will be your visit to Corrie ten Boom’s Hiding Place in nearby Haarlem, Holland.  It’s an experience you will never forget it!

Amsterdam is a melting pot of various peoples, which will illustrate other biblical truths we will be learning.

Amsterdam is a city whose open wickedness in certain areas graphically illustrates the problems of modern Western civilization.  Many Americans are shocked by some of Amsterdam’s liberal attitudes about sex and drugs, yet the city provides great insight into where we are headed in America.  We’ll help you understand why.

Amsterdam is a medium sized and safe city with an excellent public transportation system, enabling us to move around easily and get a complete survey of the area.

Amsterdam is a city where English is frequently spoken, providing a chance to explore another culture on your own without ever feeling intimidated.  Dutch people are genuinely friendly and the food is first class.  You will have so much fun and see so much you’ll think you’re on vacation, but you will be very much a part of a structured learning experience.

Amsterdam serves as a site to teach truths that you could study at home, but never understand them to the same degree as studying them in the context of a foreign culture.

In 2008, our team will depart Kansas City, Missouri on Thursday, November 6, 2008, returning Friday, November 14, 2008. Each participant should return home with a satisfactory understanding of what the Bible says about missions, what God is doing in the world, and his or her own role in that mission; a better understanding of culture and the various people groups of the world; an increased understanding of his own culture; and a renewed burden to be obedient to the Great Commission.

What’s the next step for you?  Make plans to come to the first informational meeting held at KCBT on Sunday, July 20 at 12:45pm.  For more information contact Jay Grimwood.

No…it’s not a new summer blockbuster but Taiwan will definitely be an adventure for members of Kansas City Baptist Temple and Lee’s Summit Community Church!

The team will be joining our missionaries the Heckmans and the Lovelands on a mission to teach English to university students in Taiwan. The adventure is already well underway in Taiwan as our missionaries have been reaching out to the community offering free English classes. The team has also been emailing various students in Taiwan hoping to establish relationships that will provide the opportunity to connect and share lives.

The adventure will begin in Taichung at Lyou Bau Church. The team will then move to a camp in Wu Lai with activities such as climbing, biking, and a float trip. From there they will trek to Pu Li to join Grace International Church.

Members of the team include Pastor Gary Hart, Pastor Jay Grimwood, Kuanyu Chen, Megan Grimwood, Mike Hudson, Roger Lantz, Pam Lantz, and Rachel Latore from KCBT. From LSCC we have Nancy, David and Mark Burmaster, Todd Jones, and Russell Loveland. Tim Maurer from Iowa will also be joining the team. The actual adventure will be July 3-17. Please join with us as we pray that many will begin and continue an adventure of a lifetime with the Lord Jesus Christ.

This article was written by KCBT member Pam Lantz.

July 14-19, 2008 KCBT members will be challenged to Paint A School in the Raytown School District. The new Raytown Central Middle School is located at 10601 E 59th Street in Raytown, MO (just behind Raytown High School and Benetti’s Coffee Experience). Our goal is to captivate the community with irresistible care. Please pray for KCBT as we partner together to serve our community through this project. If you would like to help paint the schools then sign up for this project – we need you! Thanks for being willing to serve.

Volunteers are needed in areas such as painters, shift leaders, and food service to be a part of this exciting opportunity to give back to the community. Register online now through the end of the project. Join us as we make new memories serving together. Last year participants wrote the following about their painting experiences:

What great fun to get to know others in the church and work with them. Our teachers give so much and this is just a small way of saying thanks and that we support them. From the reaction you could tell that they were very appreciative.
-Cheryl Adams

I got to serve the food, which I was very grateful for, at least I knew I was involved somehow, it was really neat watching those who had been painting coming in and the happy faces, made me realize how neat it was to be doing something for others and how the Lord was blessing each and everyone, thanks so much for the opportunity to give my experience, it was fun.
-Dolores Foutts

I enjoyed it because you got to know people I would not have otherwise met or I got to know them better. Even though it was hard work, it was fun at the same time!
-Roberta Morgan

I participated in the project. I enjoyed meeting new people and working on the project, but the biggest blessing came when the teachers found out that we did the project. One of the emails I received said, “I just read in the Raytown District paper that you (and your church) were responsible for the painting here at RMS. It changed the atmosphere in that the building was brighter, fresher, friendlier. Thank you for extending the kindness!” I will be teaching at the new Central Middle School next year. The Administrators and teachers are excited about KCBT involved in the painting of the school. The teachers want to be a part of the project. June Kolkmeier

It was an incredible feeling of satisfaction knowing that I was helping to enhance the environment for the children of our city to come to school and see a clean, fresh classroom where they would be spending the day. I know the teachers appreciated the time we invested – so they didn’t have to paint the room themselves, nor did the school district have to cover the cost of the hours of labor involved! After all, the teachers invest their life in that room teaching the kids all day anyway, so this was an opportunity to bless them for all their efforts all year long!
-LeAnn Carter

As a product of the Raytown school district, it was a great opportunity for me to give back. I was also was able to meet a lot of new people and labor side by side with our pastors and their wives.
-Erin Coleman.

This article was written by Thao Romero, KCBT’s Military Fellowship Contact. Thao is the wife of Major Chris Romero.

The Memorial Day Holiday conjures up images of picnics, barbecues and spending time with our loved ones. However to the military family, it is a reminder of the sacrifices that have been paid and paved the way for the freedoms which we celebrate today. Below is a status report of the active military personnel at KCBT. If we missed your spouse or son/daughter, please contact Jennifer Madsen and help us to update our records.

1LT Jeremy Rickard (Army Reserves)—He is returning home in the middle of May after a year’s tour in Kuwait.

TSgt Thomas Wilkes (Air Force Reserves) - He is returning home at the end of May after four months in Kirkuk, Iraq.

SGT Matt Hicks (National Guard) - He is currently serving in Kosovo.

Corporal Neal McGaughey (Marines) - He is currently serving in Afghanistan.

Major Chris Romero (Army Reserves) - He is currently commanding in Baghdad.

SGT Billy Ward (Army) - He is currently serving in Iraq.

Marcus Ivory (Army) - He is deploying to Afghanistan in June.

We also have active military personnel currently stationed in various parts of the United States. They are Amy McGaughey; Anthony Dedmon; Ryan Carter; Eric Gerdeman; Estiven Gonzales; Christian Ivory; Terrence Johnson; Joshua Keatts; Edwin Salgado; Jonathan Vasquez and Joshua Ramey.

We would like to give honor where honor is due. As you are reading about these military servicemen and women in our church body, would you please stop and pray for them and their families?

KCBT is gearing up for our second annual Paint A School Project. We are excited to announce we will be painting the new Raytown Central Middle School and we will have more information regarding the specific dates of this project in the upcoming weeks. For more information updates on this project or to sign up please click here.

The Raytown School District Newsletter, The Edge, published the following article of appreciation in regards to the project and I want to share this with you and ask you to pray for us as we continue to roll out this project for 2008. Your hard work and service is going to be very much an integral part to make this another huge success.

Beautiful, glossy walls, newly painted by volunteer hands greeted students at Laurel Hills Elementary, Eastwood Hills Elementary, and Raytown Middle School as they returned to school in the fall of 2007.

Thanks to the efforts of a group of volunteers which originated from the Kansas City Baptist Temple and the Serve Kansas City project, the face –lift has had a great impact on the students and staff at each building.

“It looks great at Laurel Hills,” Principal Matt Miller said. “We are very grateful for the group efforts.”

Former Kansas City Baptist Temple Missions Director Cathy McGaughey and her assistant Jennifer Madsen served as liaisons to the school district, and assisted in organizing crews to complete the work. Volunteers worked three shifts each day for a number of days to complete the task.

The crews consisted of volunteers from every age range, and some of the volunteers are also school district employees, including Raytown Middle School teacher June Kolkmeier and Raytown High School teacher Michael Ogelsby.

The church held a Celebration Sunday to commemorate the completion of the project and to honor the teachers and faculties who would be returning to work in the buildings.

“We are so pleased to have had the chance to partner with the paint crews to make the buildings look nice for our students,” Executive Director Dred Scott said. “We appreciate all you have done and we look forward to continuing this partnership.”