Love is Spelled T-I-M-E - Consider Giving Yourself this Christmas

 Sheryl loves on Kenyan orphans – “Religion that our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” James 1:27a

December 5, 2013

Season’s Greetings -

At the beginning of November, I took a much needed break from technology. For a few days, I fasted from using my cell phone; that meant no calling or texting family or friends. It was a ‘solitary confinement’ specifically and lovingly planned by the hand of God through a ministry called www.soulrest.org

Sheryl loves by preaching at a local church - “and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27b

Rest is high priority with God. He rested after the six days of creation, on the seventh day, “God had finished all the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work,” Gen. 2:2.  God has made us to function best with adequate amounts of rest for our body, mind and soul. God’s plan for me at Soul Rest was for me to hold still long enough for Him to love me.

 I had come with anxious questions, an over-thinking mind and an absence of inner peace. At Soul Rest, I had permission to sit and read, worship, listen, wait, focus on God – what amazing remedy. Within a few hours, it didn’t matter whether or not I received answers to my questions.  I had gotten back to basics: “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ “Matt. 22:37

 

“Stand at the crossroads…” Cayucos sunset

Everything goes back to loving and worshipping Jesus. “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you.” Is. 26:3 It seems so simple, doesn’t it. Love God, Worship God.  For many of us, we must give ourselves permission to turn off our phones and computers. It’s ok to stop. This Christmas season, won’t you give yourself and Jesus a gift? Instead of spending money on people who don’t need anything, give the gift time. Spend extra time with others and with God. “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Much Love and Happy Holidays,

Sheryl

 “Be Still and Know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

 

Be Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind

November 5, 2013          

 

 “Sarah settles in to her new home in Castle Rock, CO, Sheryl stopped by for a visit. We are so thankful for family time.”

Dear Friends and Family,

 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,” Ephesians 1:15. Thank you for your continued prayers and partnership, also for our family as we observed the four year anniversary of Paul’s death. I share my thoughts on my blog: From Ashes To Beauty.com “Deathday #4.”

“New Normal (life without Paul) with Sarah & Matt Hunter, Dixie (Matt’s mom) includes a coffee break in their new town – Castle Rock CO.”

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9   Love this verse!  It is evidenced everywhere I go as I share the Good News of how Jesus transforms us by the renewing of our minds.  

"Sheryl with Sharon Renwick, serves as Mt Hermon Guest Services coordinator, was in Sheryl’s wedding party, Sharon worked with Paul at Youth For Christ in Anaheim, CA in 1978.”

As the keynote speaker for the Mt Hermon Christian Camp’s Women’s Conference, Mt Hermon Christian Camps, I taught about the healing offered as we accept forgiveness for our sins and offer the same mercy to others, even those who don’t deserve it.

This is spiritual transformation.

 “The Cross offers total and complete forgiveness. Mt. Hermon women forgave their offenders, wrote their names on sticky notes, placing them on the cross. Colossians 3:13, 14 “He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.”

“Gina came to me at the end of the conference, “I’ve been away from God for six years, didn’t want to forgive my x-husband. I finally did it. I am so excited to be back in fellowship with God again. Thank you, Sheryl. Thank God!”

How do you learn to walk in a “New Normal?” Let God’s word show you how to do it, He did it for me, for Gina and for many others. He will do it for you, too!

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Rom 12:2

By His Grace, Sheryl

ICM Newsletter Fall 2013

Did you get a copy of our ICM Fall 2013 Newsletter by mail? View online here: ICM USA

Equipping for Service - Ethiopia 2013

October 1, 2013

Dear Friends and Family,

“Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done.” I Chron. 16:8. Thank you so much for your prayers for our Fall 2013 Ethiopia team. Excited to share how God provided for our teaching, travel and even trials! I loved making this trip with my daughter-in-law, Megan Giesbrecht. It was a joy to share Africa with her. She is a wonderful woman of God and servant for His people. I am so proud and overjoyed to share our journey.

Purpose Driven Seminar #5 completed in Addis Ababa, pastors and leaders are released to teach the same scriptural principles to their own groups.

“We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

 Megan and my translators, Britukan and Ensalle were an encouragement and a delight to share in ministry.

Our Hawassa translators, Ensalle and Britukan have a heart for the women, asked for my full set of teaching notes and powerpoint. Britukan said, after the Fall 2012 conference, shared the message I gave, “Being a Woman God can Use” with a group of a couple of hundred women. A month later attended another conference, my same message was shared there by the speaker. This time the audience was over 10,000 women! We anticipate this same impact with our messages going forth.

 

Pastors and leaders in Hawassa share in small group discussion about how to apply God’s word

“Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” I Chron.16: 9-11

 Through her translator, Britukan, Megan shared how we must trust Christ when we need healing from Him, he will help us take care of the soul and body.

Megan’s contribution to our Africa trip was first aid kit training -- it was an experiment to see if teaching is one of her spiritual gifts. (It definitely is!) We still have an outstanding bill for the first aid kits. (The kits cost $2,500.00. If you are able to donate any additional funding, please earmark your gift Team Giesbrecht Ethiopia 2013.)

                                                    Women at Addis conference receive love gifts from America.

 

 

Hawassa woman receives a first aid kit after Megan's training.

 

Just having fun while serving -  Megan prepares to hand out necklaces from USA.

“To prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” Eph. 4:12 It was thrilling for me to see my sweet daughter-in-law serve the Lord in this way. Not only was it an honor for me to have her join me, but it was wonderful to see her love the women!

 

“Remember the wonders He has done, his miracles and the judgments he pronounced.”  I Chron. 16:12 We praise God for BIG answers to prayer: Our luggage was recovered in Addis, we remained physically and spiritually healthy throughout the trip, through the Biblical teaching women were released from fear. African leaders were transformed to train and equip their churches to maturity. We give God the glory for His wonders! Much love and prayer,

Sheryl

Please earmark your financial gift: TEAM GIESBRECHT FALL 2013 ETHIOPIA

Ethiopia Fall 2013 : Prepare God's People ~ Africa Rising: Invest in Teaching the African Church ~ Eternal Rewards

Sept 7, 2013

Dear Family and Friends,

Ethiopia Fall 2013 is just around the corner. Our theme: “To prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” Eph. 4:12

Dr. Phil Walker will be teaching the Men’s Conferences. I will be teaching Women’s Conferences: Purpose Driven Life Seminar #5 – Spiritual Gifts

                                        Sheryl and Megan prepare for Ethiopia

 “All I want to do is serve;” said my sweet daughter-in-law, Megan, who will be teaching First Aid kit training – we will donate 150 First Aid kits. This has added an additional $2,500.00 to the cost of our trip from Sept. 12 through Sept. 26, 2013.

We appreciate your prayers for planning and for our financial need. (Includes round-trip airline tickets, hotel, meals, in-country transportation, copies of student notes, translators, facility rental and food for attendees.) Please consider sending an extra gift this month to cover Megan and my trip. Total cost: $10,000.00. Earmark: TEAM GIESBRECHT ETHIOPIA FALL 2013.

                                        Africa Rising: ICM 2013 banquet packs a full house

"It is possible to fulfill the great commission in our generation if we do the right things in God's way." —Phil Tuttle, President of Walk Through the Bible speaker at the ICM's Hope of Africa Fundraising Banquet www.icmusa.org

 

 

 

"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field."  Matt. 9:37, 38

 

 

                             Sheryl, Phil Walker and Painito Ambuka, ICM Burundi Director

                                  tell how God is writing the New Story of Africa.

The New Story of Africa is empowering the African church to become more and more engaged in fulfilling the Great Commission. Won’t you help us by sending an additional financial gift for my ETHIOPIA FALL 2013 TRIP?

If you are able to do so, I will send you a special Thank You with a bookmark about The New Story being written in Africa.

My love and prayers,

Sheryl

 

Africa - From Poverty to Promise

August 12, 2013

 

 

 

Sheryl and daughter-in-law, Megan, plan and pray for God’s will to be done through our Fall 2013 Ethiopia Trip.

 “All I want to do is serve;” said my sweet daughter-in-law, Megan. Newlywed and recent UC Davis graduate, Megan, will finally join her husband to live in North Carolina at the end of August. Our Fall 2013 Ethiopia Trip is planned for a short two weeks after she arrives at her new home. It warmed my heart and encouraged my soul to hear her words of commitment and willingness to do God’s will. The dates of our trip to Ethiopia are Sept. 13 through Sept. 26, 2013.

Ethiopia Fall 2012 in Addis influenced hundreds of pastors & leaders

Dr. Phil Walker will be teaching the men and I will be teaching Women’s Conferences in Addis Ababa and Hawassa on the curriculum: Purpose Driven Life Seminar #5 – Spiritual Gifts. Megan and I chose the team’s theme verse: “To prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” Eph. 4:12. We appreciate your prayers for planning and for our financial need. The individual trip cost is $3,500.00 – this includes round-trip airline tickets, hotel, meals, in-country transportation and conference costs (copies of student notes, translators, facility rental and food for conference attendees.) Please consider sending an extra gift this month to cover Megan and my trip. Total cost: $7,000.00. Earmark: TEAM GIESBRECHT ETHIOPIA FALL 2013.

August 2013 is Africa Rising month!

 

Calling all WOMEN! If you live in the Kern County area, you are invited to join us for a night of encouragement. Sharing the Journey - Connecting and Bonding with Our African Sisters. Sunday August 18, 2013, 6:30 pm at Crossroads Christian Fellowship, 2500 Fairfax Rd. (Exit 178 Hwy. on Fairfax Rd. located on Fairfax Rd. between College and Niles) Church Ph. 377-2500 (RSVP ask for Teri) Find out how God is using women to build His Kingdom in Africa - Delicious desserts and liquid refreshment!

 

ICM: Africa Rising: Hope Renewed – Order your TABLE of EIGHT NOW!

Call (661)832-9740 ask for Lauren. Don’t miss meeting our African directors!

Hope of Africa Fundraising Banquet, Keynote Speaker: Phil Tuttle, President, Walk Thru the Bible. Join us on Tuesday, August 20, 2013, 5:00 p.m. Hors D’oeuvres & Silent Auction • 6:30 p.m. Dinner, Tickets $40 • Table of Eight $300, Olive Knolls Church of the Nazarene 6201 Fruitvale Avenue • Bakersfield, California

 For reservations call - 661-832-9740 www.icmusa.org

Thanks so much for your prayer and financial support. See you soon!

Sheryl

 

 

 

Spring 2013 Kenya/Uganda Africa Trip

Dear Friends,

Thank you for praying for me and my Kenya/Uganda Spring 2013 Team. Our team consists of myself plus Cali & Charlene Ryan (daughter & mom represent 1^st Baptist Lake Isabella, CA), Alisa Rodgers, Raeanne Colson & Ceci Willever (represent 1^st Baptist El Cajon, CA) and Anita Stinnett (North Pointe Community Church, Alpharetta, GA).Our team have not met personally, only through Skype, and will work together for the first time once we are in Kenya. Please pray for unity, health, smooth flights, schedule flexibility, ministry opportunities and strength for our journey. Luke 10:2 “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest field.” Thanks, love and prayers for you, Sheryl

 

Team Schedule for Kenya/Uganda Spring 2013

 

“Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word.” Ps. 119:73-74

 

Tue 4/30   6:30 am Sheryl leaves Bakersfield UAFLT5201

 

Weds 5/1  10:40 pm Sheryl arrives Nairobi, Kenya

 

Thurs 5/2   7:00 am Sheryl leaves Nairobi for Eldoret to Kitale

 

 “Teach me. Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart.” Ps. 119:33, 34

 

Fri 5/3   6:00 pm ATS Graduation Dinner honors ATS graduates

 

Sat 5/4   10 am ATS Kitale, Kenya Graduation honors ATS graduates

 

Sun 5/5   9 am Speaking in Church

 

 “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes.” Ps. 119:97-99

 

Mon 5/6 – Weds 5/8  ATS Summit Meetings

 

Thurs  5/9 – Visit orphans & widows at Kipsongo Slum

 

Fri  5/10 – Visit women & children in women’s prison in Kitale

 

 “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27

Sat  5/11 – Sheryl departs for Mt. Elgon, Kenya - ATS Mt. Elgon Graduation

 Sat  5/11 - 2 am team arrives in Nairobi, take flight to Eldoret 7:40 am Saturday. Driver transports to Mt. Elgon for ATS Graduation.

Saturday 5/11 – USA team arrives Mt Elgon Graduation at 10:00 am

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” I Peter 3:8

Sunday 5/12 – 9 am Mother’s Day Service & VBS preview at Great Mercy Children’s Home with ATS Graduate/Orphanage Director – Judith Mutange

2 pm – Mother’s Day - Women’s Conference at Revelation International Church in Kitalale, Kenya with ATS student Pastor Peter Ndiwa

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”1 Peter 5:7, 8

Monday 5/13 - Great Mercy Children's Home – VBS/The Armor of God & First Aid Training

Tuesday 5/14 – VBS/Daniel and Lion’s Den & First Aid Training/Anita Stinnett arrives

Wednesday 5/15 – Travel to Torroro, Uganda to ATS Uganda Director Grace Koelewijn to Namugongo Children’s Village - 6 pm evening VBS program - The Armor of God

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” I Pet. 2:9

Thursday 5/16 – Women’s Conference at ATS Uganda in Torroro, Uganda

Friday 5/17 – VBS/Daniel and the Lion’s Den and First Aid Training

Team - Sheryl Departs for Nairobi (Sheryl nominated to received Woman with a Heart for Bakersfield humanitarian award on 5/21/13)

Anita Stinnett will serve as Team Leader until team departs for USA.

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father may give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know Him better.” Eph. 1:17

Saturday 5/18 – VBS/David and Goliath and First Aid Training

Sheryl arrives home to Bakersfield at 8:31 pm

Sunday 5/19 – 9 am Church in Torroro, Uganda – 2 pm VBS & First Aid Training

Monday 5/20 – 8 am Team travels to Nairobi

“I pray that the eyes of your heart my be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” Eph 1:18

Tuesday 5/21 – 9 am First Aid Training at ICM Nairobi Office

1 pm Sightseeing - Karen Museum/Giraffe Feeding

Weds 5/22 – 9 am Baby Elephant Feeding/Kuzuri Beads/Wild Animal Park

 USA Team prepares for departure at 3:45 am Thurs 5/23 to arrive in USA 5/23 at 4:30 pm

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus.” Eph. 3:20

Thank you so much for your prayers and financial support! I am representing you. I look forward to sharing Team Kenya/Uganda Spring 2013 updates on Facebook, Twitter and Sheryl’s monthly ICM newsletter for June 2013. My love and prayers - Sheryl

There is No "I" in Team

March 18, 2013

 

 

 

 Pastor Victor Airiohuodion of CityGate Church leads the weekly ICM Hour of Power prayer time.

 

ICM staff and community prayer partners join hearts in prayer for Hour of Power.

There is no “I” in TEAM. I am convinced Jesus showed us how to do this in His life of service. Jesus’ time was concentrated on twelve men, His focus was narrow, yet His intensity increased incredibly because He poured Himself into a few trusted servants. He lived, worked and died in their presence. John 15:5 reminds us, “I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

 

 

 

 Alisa Rodgers, wife of Pastor Kevin Rodgers of First Baptist El Cajon leads the FBEC team. Pray for her as she directs her group to complete the many details necessary to travel to Africa.

 

Please pray for our Spring 2013 Kenya/Uganda Team, as we prepare and fundraise. Thanks to modern technology, we are able to meet bi-monthly by Skype from four different cities. It’s amazing to plan and organize our trip this way. Please pray for our team by name: Cali Ryan,co-leader, Cali’s mother, Charlene Ryan, craft coordinator, Alisa Rodgers, FBEC team leader, Sylvester Warsaw Jr., men’s conference teacher, Raeanne Colson, VBS coordinator, Susy Pearl and Ceci Willever.

 

 

 

Ben and Megan Giesbrecht celebrate Ben’s March 8 graduation from his Navy training program. Ben moves to Fayettesville, NC on April 6 to begin medical training, Megan will join him mid-July 2013.

 

 

 

Sheryl with Sarah (Giesbrecht) and husband, Matt Hunter, celebrate Ben’s graduation at Dewar’s. Matt is considering attending a welding school; please pray for confirmation and direction.

 

My prayer for you, ICM, myself, my family and all the areas God allows me any influence, I will remain in Him. I pray we will stay connected to the Vine, remain in His words. And fulfill John 15:7 “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you.”  

 

Glad YOU are on the TEAM!

 

Sheryl

 

 

Carol Wilcox, (Sheryl’s ministry assistant/editor) at Parkside Mission’s Conference give God the glory for the release of Sheryl’s book Get Back Up: Trusting God When Life Knocks You Down

 

 

GET BACK UP: Trusting God When Life Knocks You Down...available on line...

https://www.amazon.com/GetBackUpSherylGiesbrecht

 

ICM Spring 2013 Kenya/Uganda Team Plans Underway

Greetings Friends and Family –

 

 First Baptist El Cajon MOM’s group is one of the opportunities Sheryl had to connect with leaders.

At the ICM USA office, we’ve implemented a weekly prayer time, led by Nigerian Pastor Victor Airiohuodion. We are committed to get things done God’s way, and that is by prayer. If you are in the area, please join us Mondays from 12 to 1 pm at the ICM USA office. I’m committed to pray for you regularly. Send your prayer needs to: sherylg@icmusa.org.

 

The ICM display attracts many interested in supporting the work in Africa.

I covet your prayers as we implement our strategic plan for 2013. One of our goals is to encourage Kingdom connections. God is allowing this to take place as I will be leading a Spring 2013 team from First Baptist El Cajon.

 

Jim Turner, Sheryl, Alisa & Pastor Kevin Rodgers, Ben Giesbrecht gather around Marsha & Ron Reece, with the Rodgers’ kids. Sheryl presented ICM opportunities at First Baptist El Cajon .

I am thrilled to announce my non-fiction book “Get Back Up: Trusting God When Life Knocks You Down,” will soon be available through Amazon and on bookstore shelves. It is very exciting to see how God will use my story to connect ICM with those who want to invest in leaders.

Get Back Up:Trusting God When Life Knocks You Down - Available at www.Amazon.com

Upcoming events:

2/19 – MOPS Calvary Bible Church, Bakersfield, CA

2/20 – AWANA First Presbyterian Church, Bakersfield, CA

2/24 – Missions Conference – Parkside Church, Bakersfield, CA

3/20 to 3/26 - Atlanta & Cummings, GA – North Pointe Church & Walk Thru the Bible  meetings

4/6 – Women’s Retreat – First Baptist Lake Isabella, 4201 Ardmore Ave, Suite 2, Bakersfield  (open registration)

4/12 to 14 – Women’s Retreat – Cambria, CA - Rosedale Bible Church

4/19 & 20 – CMTA (Formerly GLASS Convention) www.CMTAconvention.org

5/1 to 5/23 – ATS Graduation/ATS Summit meetings/First Baptist El Cajon Team  to Kenya & Uganda

9/12 to 23 – Purpose Driven Conference Team  to Ethiopia

As you can see, my schedule is packed with ministry.This year, I am in need of $15,000.00 in travel and conference costs. I look forward to see how He plans to meet the needs of this work

Much love and prayers,

Sheryl

“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Rev. 12:11