www.kybf.

org

September 2011

A n ewsletter of th e K en tuc k y B aptis t Fel lowsh ip

Living Faith Baptist Fellowship Uses CBFs Finding Faith VBS Curriculum
By Alice Mull When Living Faith found out about the new VBS curriculum, Finding Faith, developed by First Baptist Church, Newport News, VA, and then tweaked by CBF, we were interested! So when a workshop was offered by CBF resource specialist Devita Parnell at Broadway Baptist Church, several of our members attended. We liked what we saw - the exploration of CBFs Together For Hope sites was just what we had been looking for - a way to connect our children to CBF missions. Since our VBS takes place in the evening, we started with supper under the tent at 5:30. Then children gathered for their worship experience. Each day there was an emphasis that began in worship and carried through the Bible Study time and Mission time. On Monday, the Bible verse was Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. This was also the theme for the week. A conversation between the Director and Wacky Traveler introduced each days theme and symbol. For example, on Monday a cross reminded us of the hope that Jesus gives; on Tuesday, a loaf of bread to remind us to share with others; on Wednesday, a hard hat to remind us to care for others (through building); on Thursday, a Bible to remind us to listen and learn; and on Friday, a patchwork quilt to remind us to work together as friends. The Bible story each day supported these themes. A brief video showed real children discussing the theme. On Monday there was an over-view of Together for Hope; after that a cut-out of a yellow bus traveled on a road marked on a large map to the sites where CBF has Together for Hope missions: Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky, Alabama, Texas, and South Dakota. During the week, there was also an emphasis on literacy by bringing books to share. Our youth made this their project and built a book case which they presented, along with the books, to a local organization. There are some things CBF could do to make the curriculum more user-friendly (such as more options of sources for supplementary material), but we loved the way the theme flowed from worship to the other sessions, and it was a good way to educate our children (and many of our adults!) to CBFs Together For Hope.

Reections Of An Intern
By Blair Riddle It is hard to believe my twelve weeks with KBF have already come and gone. Throughout my time I learned so much about the work KBF does and the partnerships it has. I met with more people than I ever thought possible in twelve weeks and have enjoyed connecting with each person. Josh and I spent all of July working on an asset map to be used by congregations. This map shows what KBF churches do well in regards to missions. We met with church leaders across the state. It was so interesting to hear about the different mission programs churches are doing. I was unaware of how many great ministries are going on around our state. I am thankful to have been a part of this very useful asset mapping process. This internship has been a time of personal and professional growth as I have embarked on new experiences. I am thankful to everyone in the KBF office, as well as all the people I have met, for giving me encouraging words and helpful insights into different forms of ministry. I have gained experiences that I know will help me in the future. My internship is over, but my connection with KBF is not. I look forward to reconnecting with people I met over the summer.

calendar
September 3: Owsley County Repair Affair, Emma Quire Mission Center, Booneville September 10: Kaleidoscope Childrens Missions Day, Buechel Park Baptist Church, Louisville September 19: Georgetown Preaching Workshop, Georgetown College, East Campus, Thomas & King Conference Center September 30-October 10: Scatterlings of Africa: Discovering Refugee Ministry in Morocco October 24-25: KBF Current Retreat, October 24-25, Georgetown College October 27-28: Kentucky Council of Churches General Assembly, Faith Baptist Church, Georgetown November 8: Baptist Women in Mission Day, Georgetown College, Georgetown November 17-19: New Baptist Covenant II, Location TBD January 3-5: National Festival of Young Preachers, Seelbach Hotel, Louisville January 20-21: Wakeful Parenting Workshop, Broadway Baptist, Louisville February 27-March 1: CBF ChurchWorks Conference, Norfolk, VA

Excellence In Preaching Workshop

Georgetown College: September 19, 9am - 3:30pm Featured Speaker: Dr. Michael Quicke Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, Professor of Preaching and Communication Place: Georgetown College, East Campus Thomas and King Conference Center Theme: Preaching as Worship... and Worshipful Preaching Cost: $65 (Early Bird registration before Aug. 31 - $55); Students, $35 Cost includes lunch, workshop materials, copy of Dr. Quickes new book Register online at www.georgetowncollege.edu/marshall or by mail to Rev. Ken Holden, Marshall Center for Christian Ministry, 400 E. College Street, Georgetown, KY 40324

April 20-21: KBF Spring Gathering, Georgetown College, Georgetown

Coordinator to take Sabbatical/ Study Leave

By John Lepper After more than 13 years as coordinator of Kentucky Baptist Fellowship, I have decided to take advantage of the sabbatical/study leave policy. The policy allows for a 12 week sabbatical/study leave after seven years of employment. I appreciate the fact that a sabbatical/study leave is now provided and also appreciate the fact that the Administrative Work Group has approved my request for this leave. I will take six weeks beginning October 29 followed by two weeks vacation and Christmas Holidays. I will then take six weeks during the first part of 2012 and return to the office on February 12, 2012. I plan to write a resource for church leaders to use during an interim and also take a class at Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. Most of the sabbatical will be spent in Virginia. I also hope to make this a time of rest, relaxation and renewal. During my absence, Josh Speight, Associate Coordinator, will cover my responsibilities. This has his full agreement. During my sabbatical, I will seek to absent myself from day-to-day operations but will be available, if needs arise. A dimension of the sabbatical will include minimizing my business email activity and telephone calls. During this time, I will be available for urgent matters but ask that you rely on Josh Speight for day-to-day matters.

KBF Childrens Missions Day

WHERE: WHEN: WHO: COST: Buechel Park Baptist Church 2403 Hikes Lane, Louisville, September 10, 2011 | 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Preschool (3 years old through Kindergarten) and Elementary (1st - 6th grade) $20 per child (adults are free) Register online at the KBF website

Kaleidoscope Mission Emphasis: EDGE Outreach In a world where more people die from waterborne disease than die of armed conflict, HIV/AIDS, and cancer...combined, EDGE Outreach performs a vital role. By empowering ordinary people to provide safe, reliable drinking water and improve community health EDGE has a global impact. Learn more about EDGE at www.edgeoutreach.com

Build Up Hope: KBF Mission Offering Moved to Spring 2012

Materials for the annual KBF Mission Offering Build Up Hope will be available beginning in February, 2012. KBF will be encouraging churches to promote the mission offering in April 2012, which will lead up to the KBF Spring Gathering held at Georgetown College April 20-21, 2012. Contact Josh Speight for more information (josh@kybf.org, 502-426-1931).

A Letter from our Coordinator

Dear Friend of Kentucky Baptist Fellowship, Our nations leaders have been consumed for most of the spring and summer with financial matters regarding our national debt and spending priorities. The crisis was averted (at least temporarily) as agreements were reached to curb spending and raise the debt limit. What has happened in the capital reflects an ongoing concern for businesses, nonprofit organizations, churches, and families. At every level of our society, we are living with a diminished pool of resources in austere times. We in the Kentucky Baptist Fellowship are certainly not exempt. We face the same challenges as your church of achieving our mission with less money. All of us are in this together. As you make decisions about where you share your resources, I want to encourage you to remember the important ministries of Kentucky Baptist Fellowship. Your continuing support of Kentucky Baptist Fellowship is deeply appreciated AND needed. Our ability to achieve our mission is tied directly to the ongoing support from individuals like you who value our mission, to equip and empower Kentucky Baptist churches and Christians, cultivate partnerships, and engage in missions. KBF is vital because we are an extension of the local church and numerous Christians as we seek to be the presence of Christ: Through Mountain Hope and the various ministries in Eastern Kentucky, In Morocco as we partner with congregations and the Protestant Church in Morocco, With our youth including youth mission weekend and the youth choir festival, With our children through KBF Childrens Mission Day, Through Education as we provide a scholarship for a BSK student and also as we provide various educational opportunities.

These days of economic instability have brought renewed challenges to churches and church-based organizations like Kentucky Baptist Fellowship. Your over and above contribution NOW would help sustain our financial stability during these unstable times! We pledge our careful stewardship of funds entrusted to us. Thank you for your prayerful consideration. Gratefully, John Lepper KBF Coordinator

Update from CBF Field Personnel Steve & Annette

Of all the things we love about our ministry among refugees from Burma, being involved with high school students may be the part we love the most. Since February 2007 when we first meet Karen refugees resettled in Louisville, students have asked us for help with English and school work and the other challenges that they face as they try to discover who they are in their new place in the world. So it was especially wonderful in June when we celebrated as the first nine Karen high school graduates in Louisville received their diplomasthe first generation in their families to do so. When they first arrived in the United States, all spoke little or no English. They faced many challenges along the way, but they didnt give up. At the time of graduation, four were planning to attend college, but soon we discovered that the others had received little help in understanding that it would be possible for them to go to college, too. Some thought they would have to leave their families in order to go to college. Others didnt know that they could get financial aid. Once they knew there was help for them, we rushed to apply for school and financial aid so they also could begin college in August. After seeing them struggle so much, it is thrilling to see them graduate and go on to college. Really, its exciting for the whole community. When families make the decision to move half way around the world and start over, they do it for their children. They are hoping they will receive a good education and have a better life. This first group of graduates is their hope realized and hope renewed for others. Yet, even as these first graduates are starting college, we know that some students are not going to be able to finish high school before they age out. Many teens come to the United States with little previous education, and when they are placed in high school based solely on their age, the task can be nearly insurmountable. But they dont want to give up. They want to learn, and they are asking for help. Last year, when one young man told us that without a high school diploma he would never have anything and never be able to help his family like he needed to do, we knew we had to do something. So we are starting Hope Academy, a high school where students can focus first on learning English, get more individualized attention with classwork and homework, and at the same time have a chance to discover who they are. Because of the quick start up and not having funding already in place for such an endeavor, we are starting very small, but we have to start now. The school is starting with eight students and volunteer teachers in space provided by Crescent Hill Baptist Church, but we hope to have the funding to become a boarding school by the spring so that the students can have a supportive, focused environment in which to study and develop skills to aid them in their new American lives. In Jeremiah 29, God makes a promise to folks struggling to find their way in a new land. I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. We believe God also has plans for the lives of these young people we love so much. It is our great honor to be a part of bringing hope to them. If you would like to be a part of bringing hope to the lives of refugee youth, there are several ways you can help. Hope Academy is seeking additional teachers to volunteer four hours one day per week and tutors who can commit as little as two hours per week. If you are interested in volunteering or contributing other support for Hope Academy, contact us at 502-500-1172 or 502-435-7670.

225 S Hurstbourne Pkwy. Suite 205 Louisville, KY 40222 Phone: 502-426-1931 Fax: 502-426-1612

www.kybf.org
KBF Coordinator John Lepper - jlepper@kybf.org

KBF Associate Coordinator for Missions Josh Speight - josh@kybf.org KBF Administrative Assistant Shannan Posey - shannan@kybf.org

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On the Road Again

John Lepper, Coordinator
September 6: Extreme Build Debrief, 2012 Pre-planning Meeting, Louisville September 19: Georgetown College Preaching Workshop, Georgetown

Visit www.kybf.org

Traveling Around Kentucky with our Coordinators

Joshua Speight, Associate Coordinator for Missions

September 4: Preach, Broadway Baptist, Louisville September 6: Extreme Build Debrief, 2012 Pre-planning Meeting, Louisville September 10: Kaleidoscope, Buechel Park Baptist, Louisville September 13: CBF Global Missions Staff Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia September 19: Georgetown College Preaching Workshop, Georgetown September 22-24: Idea Festival, Louisville September 28: Extreme Build 2011 Report, Georgetown Baptist, Georgetown September 30: Depart for Morocco - KBF Scatterlings of Africa trip

John Lepper and Joshua Speight are available to speak/teach/lead at your church. Please contact the KBF office at 502-426-1931 for information and availability.