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Church marks International Women's Day Bringing Cultures Together

bgreen@thefellowship.info — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:46:00 GMT

Carol B. tells how her church marked International Women's Day by bringing together women from many cultures for an evening tea event. The event has led to formation of relationships and other interfaith type events.

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Getting Started in Addressing Human Trafficking: A Step by Step Guide for Churches and Faith Based Groups

bgreen@thefellowship.info — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 01:18:00 GMT

The purpose of this short article is a “how to get started” when addressing the issue of trafficking. I hope you find the following suggestions helpful. I invite you if you are reading this on our website or on my facebook notes, to please offer whatever suggestions you may have, so that others might glean from your experience.

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Mall Walking by Carol B.

bgreen@thefellowship.info — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 19:20:00 GMT

For five years now I have been walking for exercise twice or more times a week in our local malls. I have been so wonderfully blessed in these walks these past five years to be given a greater goal than that of physical health. Although about 20 women at different times have alsked with me individually to share in the goal, mostly I have walked alone, (but/and with the Lord). Here are some of the things I have learned from this joyful activity in which I feel the Lord used some things thay may be of interest to you.

1. Have an intentional on going goal to meet and befriend those whom God leads you to. Sometimes I go early when they are setting up their kiosks and no customers are around.

2. Always share the Word either verbally or written. In conversations many have asked me to bring them the source of the scripture that was quoted so many Bibles have been given to those who asked. They will give you their books also and even information on other beliefs.

3. Some have said it takes a hundred times to hear. Do not give up. God is at work in their lives long before we meet them. Ask about their families and share regarding the problems we all face. Let them help you as you help them with needs they may have.

4. Ask questions and show genuine interest. I have learned a lot from other faiths just by listening. Always be ready to give an answer when they ask you something. If you don't know, say so and tell them you will find the answer and bring it to them. Let the fragrance of Christ in your life, entice them to wonder what makes you joyful.

5. Generally go to people of the same gender. Learn their names....their given names, even though they may give you an easy American name to say to call them by. Learn to say hello and goodbuy in their language. If you do not know how, ask them. They love teaching this.

6. Invite them to your home, church, or community event only after you have established a relationship with them. It takes a long time to become friends.

Some ways in which these relationships resulted in more than mall meetings:

1. One couple came for tea and brought their baby. They value hospitality. We have now exchanged many visits.

2. I visited with one family by phone several times before they invited me to their home. It was a multi-family household and I met 12 family members. Later I was invited to a special gathering with a reading from their holy book. There were over 200 people there with wonderful food. Later I participated in a wedding celebration.

3. After showing interest in the songs one young woman was singing, I was able to learn more about her faith. Then she asked me to teach her English. I had opportunity to share my scriptures with her during that time. I have met four other families through this young woman.

4. Once I was invited to women's meeting at one of their places of worship. After several exchanges of gifts and hospitality, one of the women is opening her home for Christians and others to gather and learn more together.

If you have been mall walking and would like to share your experiences, and/or have questions, please leave a comment and we will respond.

FBC Shelby, NC Mission Trip to Canada

bgreen@thefellowship.info — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:05:00 GMT

FBC Shelby goes on mission to Ottawa, Canada to work with Marc and Kim Wyatt and local churches in their ministry to internationals.

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Prayer and Visioning Encounter on Human Trafficking

bgreen@thefellowship.info — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 01:29:00 GMT

Margaret reflects on the experience in Los Angeles.More...

Prayer and Visioning Encounter on Human Trafficking

bgreen@thefellowship.info — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 01:24:00 GMT

Cara Lynn reflects on the experience in Los Angeles. More...

Prayer and Visioning Encounter on Human Trafficking

bgreen@thefellowship.info — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 04:17:00 GMT

Melissa reflects on the experience in Los Angeles. More...

Prayer and Visioning Encouter on Human Trafficking

bgreen@thefellowship.info — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Cindy Dawson reflects on the experience in Los AngelesMore...

Shane and friends

bgreen@thefellowship.info — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:06:00 GMT

Like a cork exploding from a well-shaken champagne bottle, my six foot five inch body finally popped from my seat and I emerged from the airplane at the airport in Dakar, Senegal. I had prepared for weeks in advance of the trip by studying about the people of Dakar and the local languages, but nothing could prepare me for the swarm of overly helpful taxi drivers and baggage handlers who were waiting as we stepped outside the airport. Fortunately, I was traveling with a friend who spoke Wolof, the local language, fluently. Once we agreed on a price for the cab ride, we sped away through the cool air and darkness in the wee hours of the morning to our accomodations for the week, The Pharedel'Espérance, or “Lighthouse of Hope.”

We slept a few hours that first morning so that we could adjust to the time change and then headed out to explore one of the many markets in Dakar. Being six and a half feet tall and white did not help me blend in well, so I attracted a lot of attention. Everywhere we walked, we were surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of Africa. Anything and everything could be purchased in the market… live chickens, fresh fish, spices, fabric, clothing, cooking items, etc… The market was my first experience interacting with the people of Dakar, so I thought I should try out some of the Wolof language that I had been practicing. I did fairly well with simple phrases such as “Thank you,” “Yes,” and, “No.” Well, I say fairly well. Judging from the belly laugh reactions from the Senegalese people I tried to talk with, maybe I did not do as well as I thought! One phrase in particular that I really messed up was “Maybe later,” a phrase I used often in the market. Each time I used the phrase, I would receive a puzzled look from the person standing in front of me as I turned to walk away. I found out later that what I was actually saying to the person trying to sell me something was “Peanut butter!” Truly, a smile transcends all cultures and languages!

Some of my favorite experiences in Dakar included being in the midst of thousands of people, knowing that everyone who sees you knows you are a stranger, and yet you are treated as a friend, riding on the car rapide, eating in local restaurants, and spending time enjoying ataya, the Wolof name for a traditional tea ceremony. I discovered the definition of hospitality while eating in the homes of Senegalese families. When you were invited to eat, you are with your hand from a common bowl, and you left with a gift! People are more important than time in Senegal.

My favorite place in Dakar was an area named Grand-Yoff. According to the local people, Grand-Yoff has been, and continues to be, one of the poorest areas of Dakar. A center built by Baptists exists in Grand-Yoff that used to house bible studies, work training, language classes, athletic camps, and a medical clinic for local people. As I stood outside the gate of the center, a small group of children gathered to shake the hand of the “white man” as they called me. Using the little bit of French I knew, and the little Wolof I had learned while in Dakar, we sang a few songs together and taught each other a few games. I asked them about school and about life. We ate some chewing gum together. They offered hugs and high fives as I left.

As my travel companions and I pulled away from the Center in Grand-Yoff that last day, in Dakar, inside our taxi with a cracked windshield, no muffler, and doors that would not open from the inside, I wept quietly. I am not really sure if I wept for the children I had just met or for myself. For them, I hoped for a better life with more opportunities and possibilities. For myself, I hoped that one day I could return and make a difference. At the end of that taxi ride, we pulled up one last time to the gates of The Pharedel'Espérance, or “Lighthouse of Hope.” I can remember thinking about how appropriate the name of our hotel was…not just for the place and what it offered to guests, but for the place where I was in my heart… Hopeful.

Pastor Christy

bgreen@thefellowship.info — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:01:00 GMT

On April 1, Nell Green and I headed to North Africa to lead a conference for migrant pastors of various churches. This trip was my second trip to the area. I traveled with a team from our church, Oakland Baptist in January of 2008 to study the refugee highway. While there, we worshipped with one of the churches. What we discovered in our first trip was that there are many Christians living in the midst of a Muslim country. The pastors of these churches rarely have the opportunity for continuing education or seminary classes. Nell taught the Bible portion of our conference and I taught leadership skills. These pastors lead churches of 50-75 people in one or two room apartments. The pastors, along with the people who attend their churches, are from Sub-Saharan Africa. They have left their homelands because of famine, war, and extreme poverty. They have left in search of a better life and if possible make it across the sea to Europe. Not only were we able to teach the pastors, we were also able to encourage them as they minister in a very difficult situation. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip and look forward to my next adventure with Nell!