The Priority Now Podcast: Recent Episodes

prioritynow

Equipping women to know God and to make Him known.

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Carmen is joined today by Lisa McGee of Galena Park Baptist Church.  Along with serving her church, Lisa is using her occupation as a nurse to serve God in her community.  

Find our more about Faith Community Healthcare:

https://www.ibsa.org/ministry-resources/womens-ministry/

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Carmen is joined today by Kara Frankford of Charity Baptist Church in Carlinville.  Kara shares about how God is using her in a small church to reach her community for Christ.  Listen to to the encouraging conversation of how a small rural church is being effective in sharing God's love.

Kara.frankford@gmail.com

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Carmen is joined today by Tammy Ratsch.  Tammy is a long time co-worker with Carmen at IBSA, who has decided to enter into the second half.  Tammy will be leaving her position soon and shares about what God is doing in her life.  

Tammy's email:

rocketbandmom98@gmail.com

Colton Dixon - Build A Boat

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjaKKAsQc34

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Carmen is joined today by Austyn Lucas.  Austyn is preparing to graduate in December and begin her career.  She shares about her longtime physical battle with illness that sometimes caused her to question God.  Listen and hear how she is letting the Lord work through her and her illness for His glory!

Austyn's email address:

austnklucas@gmail.com

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Carmen is joined today by Felicia Clark of World Deliverance Christian Center in Bellwood Illinois.  Felicia shares about how her church is serving the mission field of their neighborhoods.  She shares how a simple tic tac toe diagram has opened their hearts and eyes to the community around them.  

https://www.facebook.com/worlddeliverancechristiancenter/

feliciaclark.wdcc@gmail.com

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Carmen is joined by Kaitlynn Dilg.  Kaitlynn shares about how God helped her through a dark time in her life after a broken relationship.  She shares of God's faithfulness and how she is now planning her destination wedding in Egypt with the man God has planned for her.  

Kaitlynn's email:

kdilg0425@gmail.com

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Carmen is joined today by our friend Aubrey Shelby.  Aubrey has served the Illinois Baptist Women community as part of the IBSA team and as a huge part of Priority.  This last year has been a challenge for Aubrey and today she shares with Carmen how her relationship with Christ has strengthened her and equipped her to deal with all she has faced in the last year.   

Aubrey's email address:

aubreyshelby@ibsa.org

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Carmen is joined today by Roslyn Alexander who recently moved back to Springfield after serving with her husband on the mission field of international colleges. Roz shares about how she has used a method of "share a fragrance, share a scripture," to engage women in the Gospel.

Resources mentioned today:

https://www.amazon.com/Essence-Day-Roslyn-G-Alexander/dp/B08F6X4RP6

https://www.facebook.com/essenceofdays

essenceofdays@gmail.com

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Carmen is joined today by Carrie Tabor of Centralia.  Carrie shares about the ministry in her church called The Well that serves young mothers experiencing unexpected pregnancies.  

carrietabor@gmail.com

https://embracegrace.com

https://crossroadschurch.faith

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Carmen is joined today by Irina Yeakley.  Irina just finished an internship at IBSA and shares with Carmen about what it is like to be limb different.  Irina was born with Amniotic band syndrome which affected her leg and both hands.  She is discovering how God is using this to move her to the mission field.  Listen and be encouraged.

iayeakley@gmail.com

@abnormalamputee - instagram

https://nubability.org

Sports Hero of the Week Story on Irina - WANDTV

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Carmen is joined today by Emily Bryan. Emily shares about her journey to a degree in Biblical Counseling and how God's timing made the journey sweeter. In their conversation you will also hear practical advice on Biblical Counseling in your everyday life.

Contact Emily Bryan: emily@mrandmrsjamesbryan.com

Association of Certified Biblical Counselors https://biblicalcounseling.com/

How People Change - Timothy Layne & Paul David Tripp

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Carmen is joined today by Lisa Woodman of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Carlinville, Illinois.  Lisa also serves on staff at Missouri Baptist University as Assistant Dean of Student Success.  She shares today how God placed her right where she is supposed to be.  

Lisa.Woodman@mobap.edu

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Carmen is joined today by Sherry West who attends Logan Street Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon.  Sherry shares about the loss of her son and how God has been with her through the grief.  

Resources mentioned today:

A Grace Disguised - Jerry Sittser

Nancyguthrie.com

While We're Waiting website: whilewerewaiting.org

facebook group: While We're Waiting

email: walk4god@yahoo.com

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Today we revisit with Hadley Stephens of Rolling in Faith.  Hadley has started a non profit ministry called Rolling in Faith that ministers to community members with special needs.  Recently Rolling in Faith completed a Summer Skills program which taught life skills.  Listen and be encouraged in how God is using Hadley.  Hadley is a great resource for special needs ministry.

https://www.rollinginfaith.com/about.html

https://www.facebook.com/rollinginfaith

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Carmen is joined today by Sydney Richards.  Sydney is a recent high school graduate who is completing a summer internship at IBSA before leaving for college in the fall.  Sydney shares about some of the difficulty of being a student during the pandemic as well as the desire to develop a deeper relationship with Christ.  She gives great insight as to what we as Illinois Baptist Women can do to develop relationships with these younger women to encourage them.

ibsa.com/women

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Carmen is joined today by Janet Butler from Alpha Baptist in Bolingbrook.  Janet led the breakout during Priority about Half Time.  She shares about her life and how God had led her through changes in her life.  

Janet's email address is: butlerbol@aol.com

https://www.alphabaptist.org/our-ministries/

Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance - Bob Buford

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Carmen is joined today by Kaylea Walls of First Baptist Church O'Fallon.  Kaylea serves as a member of the Praise Team of FBCO, which have led worship at Priority for the last two years.  Kaylea shares about how God is leading her to serve through worship.  

Resources mentioned today:

https://fbcofallon.org/worship

Priority Playlist 

https://www.facebook.com/kaylea.a.jones/

Instagram:  @kayleaawalls

Abide in Christ - Andrew Murray

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Carmen is joined today by Cheryl Dorsey of Park Forest Illinois.  Cheryl shares her story of how conversations with God have guided her life and how she finds peace in being obedient to God's direction.  She is a faithful prayer warrior who serves as a Bible teacher as well as a leader of prayer ministry.  

Contact information for Cheryl:

kentashi@aol.com

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Carmen is joined today by Jill McNicol.  Jill shares how she is preparing for the second half of her life after retirement by asking for God's guidance and spending quiet time while waiting.  Listen and be encouraged that God has something for every season of our lives.

Contact information for Jill:

jillmc@frontiernet.net

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Carmen is joined today by Maddie Randle.  Maddie shares about how the IBSA cohorts she has participated in have helped her to grow.  She  shares how she has gained friendships and community as well as valuable leadership tools that she still uses everyday.  IBSA will begin offering a variety of cohorts along with the Edge Courses starting in June.  

Information on the Edge courses and cohorts can be found here:

https://www.ibsa.org/equip/

Maddie's contact information:

ttrain2481@gmail.com

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Carmen is joined today by Melissa Pryer of McLeansboro, Illinois.  Melissa shares how she and her husband served in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and how God led her to serve in a marketplace she had not anticipated.  God has continued to use Melissa to reach people with the Gospel and she is part of the new Faith Community Health Initiative that IBSA is introducing.  

Resources mentioned today:

Faith Community Health Equip Class

Melissa's Facebook

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Carmen is joined today by Lindsay Jones of Springfield Illinois.  Lindsay shares about her ministry to Next Generation women.  She has served alongside her husband for years in youth ministry and in the local church.  Lindsay shares about how God has brought her through a recent darkness and how His grace and mercy have healed her hurt.  She also shares God's love and light through her ministry of art, Drenched in Peace.  Listen and be encouraged.

Resources mentioned today:

Lindsay Dowd Jones at Facebook 

@Watercolor_drenchedinpeace Instagram 

Or Drenched in Peace on Facebook 

https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/Art/Drenched-in-Peace-2131479310276015/

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This week Carmen is joined by Melody Westbrook.  Melody has recently launched a new ministry called The Walk that helps women in their journey with Christ.  Listen as she shares with Carmen how God has brought her to this place in her life, demonstrating that He isn't finished with her yet.  

You can find The Walk on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/thewalk.edw/

Melody's blog:

https://melodywestbrook.com

Watch for an upcoming book by Melody, as well as videos of her teaching sessions from Priority.

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The Priority Now Podcast is back ready to introduce you to more Illinois Baptist Women.  Today, Carmen talks with Patty Wysong of Cornerstone Church in Marion Illinois.  Patty is leading the launch of the new Priority Now Blog as part of the revamped Illinois Baptist Women's webpage.  Patty shares part of her story as a writer and how God has led her to this opportunity to equip the women of Illinois in writing and publishing through the blog.  

Resources mentioned today:

Submission Guidelines and Upcoming Blog Themes

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P7L0p-DsfGDdwdMpTfnOxVxMa6d0EilV/view?usp=sharing

Priority Now Page

https://www.ibsa.org/ministry-resources/womens-ministry/

Contact Patty

patty4prioritynow@gmail.com  

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Today Carmen is joined by Sherry Lewey of Raymond Baptist Church.  Sherry shares about her coming to Christ later in life and how she loves digging into God's Word.  Sherry also participates in Celebrate Recovery and she shares about the Christ-centered recovery for those struggling with hurt, pain, or addiction of any kind.  

https://www.celebraterecovery.com

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Carmen is joined today by Meredith Flynn.  Meredith shares about the gift of content creating through writing, blogging, podcasting, and other ways to share encouragement to each other.  Meredith is now a stay at home mom, after serving as a writer for many years on the IBSA staff.  She will be leading the breakout session tract on writing at Priority this year.  Listen and be encouraged and get excited about all Priority has to offer this year.

https://www.ibsa.org/priority2022/

https://www.facebook.com/meredith.flynn.50

http://www.deltachurch.net/about/leadership

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2531932683700121

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Carmen is joined today by Lindsey Wineinger.  Lindsey serves as the President of Illinois Baptist Women, and she and Carmen discuss the upcoming Priority Conference.  Priority is a great opportunity for training and equipping the women of our churches, and provides tools to help us live the life God has called us too.  God is getting ready to do something big, come join us and see what He has in store for us.

https://www.ibsa.org/priority2022/

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Carmen is joined today by Melissa Melbourn of Marshall Baptist Church in Marshall Illinois.  Melissa shares how she has been guided by the Holy Spirit over the years.  Melissa is currently serving as the Worship & Media Director at her church.  Listen and be encouraged as she shares her story.

Resources mentioned today:

https://www.mbclife.us/staff--leadership.html

https://www.workinggenius.com

ibsa.org/women

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As we start our third season of podcasts, our host Carmen shares some encouraging words for the coming year.  

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Carmen is joined today by Lisa Misner.  Lisa serves as part of the Communications Team of IBSA and is a lead writer on the Illinois Baptist News.  Lisa shares some of her background as a news junkie and how it has helped her to discern the truth in the culture of misleading information.   She also shares some tips for the women interested in writing.  Listen and be encouraged.

Resources mentioned today:

https://illinoisbaptist.org

ibsa.org

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Carmen is joined today by Paige Hume of Jacksonville, Illinois.  Paige shares some of her journey and how God has gifted her.  They also remind us how it is good to revisit a Spiritual Gifts Assessment.  Listen and be encouraged.

Resources mentioned today:

https://replicate.org/f260-bible-reading-plan/

https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/women-leadership-spiritual-gifts-growth-service

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Carmen is joined today by Traci Price of Bolingbrook, Illinois.  Traci shares about her role in the marketplace for a health insurance company and how God has leveraged that for His purpose.  Traci also shares about her "side gig" of soap making.  Listen to her story and be encouraged.

Resources mentioned today:

honeysheasoap.com

ibsa.org/women

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Carmen is joined today by Becki McNeely who shares her encouraging story of how God has worked in her life.  Starting with her Hallmark story like meeting with her husband to her current role as a stay at mom wife and mother.  Becki shares how God has been continuing to work in her life.  

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Carmen is joined today by former Illinois resident Carrie Jones who many of us know from her days in mission work in our state.  Carrie catches us up on where God has her right now and how He is using her in this changing season of her life.  

Resource mentioned today:

https://www.womenwork.net

carmenhalsey@ibsa.org

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Carmen is joined today by Jennifer Carrothers of Mount Vernon Illinois.  Jennifer works as a physical therapist and shares how the church can walk alongside the families of COVID patients that are still dealing with effects of their hospitalizations.  They also discuss tools for leaders available through the church that also equip women to be better leaders in the marketplace.  

https://www.workinggenius.com

carmenhalsey@ibsa.org

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Carmen is joined today by Andrea Hammond.  Andrea shares about how God has used her to reach out to women in the Illinois Baptist Women community, even though she is an introvert herself.  

This week Carmen has extended the invitation to directly call or email her or Andrea and reach out if you heard something that you want to talk about.  

carmenhalsey@ibsa.org

andreahammond77@gmail.com

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Carmen does not have a guest today, but instead shares some of what God has been revealing in His Word to her in the last few weeks.  

carmenhalsey@ibsa.org

ibsa.org/women

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Carmen is joined today by Norma Webb.  Norma serves the Illinois Baptist Women as a American Sign Language interpreter at conferences.  Norma is also a dedicated Bible teacher who loves to share that love of the Word of God with others.  She shares today with Carmen about the discipline of fasting and studying the Bible. 

Nlwebb103@hotmail.com

ibsa.com/women

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Carmen is joined today by Leah Honnen of Jacksonville Illinois.  Leah serves as part of the communications team at IBSA.  She shares her family's journey through infertility and the faithfulness of God.     Leah's blog https://www.flowinghonnens.com/  

leahhonnen@ibsa.org   carmenhalsay@ibsa.org   www.IBSA.org 

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Carmen is joined today by Amanda Neibel of Carmi Illinois.  Amanda has served on the mission field in numerous locations and is currently serving not the staff of the Baptist Children's Home & Family Services.  Amanda shares encouragement in finding your place to serve.

Resources mentioned today:

Baptist Children's Home & Family Services

The WellHouse

amanda.neibel@bchfs.com

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Carmen is joined today by Sheila Kinney of Fairfield Illinois.  Sheila shares about how God has carried her through difficult times as a younger widow, maintaining her family business and holding fast to the promises of His Word.  Listen and be encouraged in how God provides and teaches us through the hard stuff.

Resources mentioned today:

ibsa.org/women

carmenhalsey@ibsa.org

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Carmen continues her conversation this week with Leslie Lovin as they dig deeper into loving your neighbor.  Leslie shares some of her experiences with refugee friends from Afghanistan.  Listen and be encouraged.  

Resources mentioned today:

leslielovin@gmail.com

https://www.wmustore.com/seeking-refuge-a-refugee-simulation

ibsa.com/women

carmenhalsey@ibsa.org

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Carmen is joined today by Leslie Lovin of Springfield Illinois.  Leslie is married to Brad Lovin who serves as the Mission Director at IBSA.  Leslie shares about her coming to know Christ and how she and her family engage their neighbors on their community mission field through simple conversations.  This is part one of a two part conversation that will conclude next week.

leslielovin@ gmail.com

carmenhalsey@ibsa.org

ibsa.org/women

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Carmen is joined today by Jennifer Damotte of Morton Illinois.  Jennifer serves as the Minister of Education and Worship at First Baptist Church in Morton.  She shares with Carmen about the way God has orchestrated her family life and ministry for His glory.  Listen and be encouraged in how God reveals His perfect plan in our lives.  

Jennifer's email:  jennifer@firstbaptistmorton.com

Morton First Baptist Church

IBSA Edge Courses

IBSA Women

Carmen's email:  carmenhalsey@ibsa.org

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Carmen is joined today by Stephanie Shouse of First Baptist Church in Ramsey, Illinois.  Stephanie shares how God has moved her into a new ministry opportunity serving as a Marketplace Chaplain.  Listen and be encouraged in how God is working in this ministry.

Resources mentioned today:

https://fbcramsey.org

https://mchapusa.com/become-a-chaplain/

https://notsoperfectpw.wordpress.com

stephanieshouse@mchapusa.com

carmenhalsey@ibsa.org

ibsa.org/women

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Carmen is joined today by Paula Joy of Mt. Vernon Illinois.  Paula serves as the Director of Development and Marketing at Baptist Children's Home and Family Services.  She shares with the ladies today about how much scripture plays a role in her life and how she has grown as a result of being intentional in her time with God.  

Resources mentioned today:

bchfs.com

ibsa.com/women

paula.joy@bchfs.com

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Carmen is joined today by Mindy Dilg of Dahlgren Illinois.  Mindy serves as the social media specialist for Illinois Baptist Women.  She shares today how God stilled her and her family and is bringing them to the next stage.  Hear how God is using Mindy's gifts to open new opportunities.

Resources mentioned today:

IBSA Edge class & cohorts:

contact carmenhalsey@ibsa.org

Mindy's contact info:

mindydilg20@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindy.r.dilg

https://www.facebook.com/sandsgoldendoodlesofsouthernil

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Join Carmen as she discusses women's discipleship with Chrystie Cole.

AWSOM Registration:

https://www.ibsa.org/awsom-conference/?fbclid=IwAR09NBy9-EFVIbgEZzH1-wFXzfRBaOJC0vRoq4b3wQZfWVWqIRuF2JMO5uQ

AWSOM Promo Video

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WbLezDMMW9bf-OIveNZiZuT_miqYGBC0/view?usp=sharing

The resources Chrystie mentioned can be found at https://gracechurchsc.org/connect/discipleship/women/

Priority Conference breakouts sessions can be found here:

Body Matters: https://tinyurl.com/yct2bx64

Redeeming Sexuality: https://tinyurl.com/ycgkh36m

Faithful Steward-Seasons: https://tinyurl.com/y79b6emr

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Carmen is joined today by Tammy Butler and Linda Darden of Raymond Baptist Church. Tammy and Linda share about the unique situation they find themselves in since Linda and her husband Jerry have joined Raymond Baptist Church.  Listen to how God is working and moving in Raymond.

Resources listed today:

https://www.facebook.com/RBCRaymond.IL

lindadarden@ibsa.org

tammybutler@ibsa.org

carmenhalsey@ibsa.org

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Carmen is joined today by Nancy Taylor of Net Community Church in Staunton, Illinois.  Nancy shares how God created a new heart in her at age 60 and she became a Jesus follower and lover of the Word.  Nancy shares about the transformation in her life and how it has changed her for the better.  

Contacts mentioned today:

Nancy's email:  njt1040@gmail.com

ibsa.org/women

carmenhalsey@ibsa.org

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Carmen is joined today by Brianna Trowbridge of Samaria Baptist Church in Albion, Illinois. Brianna and her husband Nathanial serve as foster parents currently to two young brothers alongside their three biological children. Brianna shares about the foster care journey and how we as the church can walk alongside them and encourage them.

Resources mentioned today:

trowbridge0605@gmail.com

carmenhalsey@ibsa.org

Reframing Foster Care by Jason Johnson

https://www.amazon.com/Reframing-Foster-Care-Filtering-Parenting/dp/1625860951

https://www.facebook.com/Samaria-Missionary-Baptist-Church-122991481082598/

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Carmen is joined today by Amy Richards of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Decatur Illinois.  Amy shares about the birth of ReFramed Ministries and how the ministry is helping women through grief.  

Resources mentioned today:

https://www.facebook.com/ReFramedMinistries

reframedministries

amy@tbc.church

carmenhalsey@ibsa.org

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Carmen is joined today by Becky Gardener.  Becky made history as the first woman to serve as the Chair of the Board of Trustees of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in North Carolina. Becky is married to Joe Gardner who serves as Director of Missions for the Metro Peoria Association and is a Zone Consultant for IBSA. Be encouraged by their conversation around what we can do for the Kingdom of God.

Resources mentioned today:

ibsa.org/women

carmenhalsey@ibsa.org

beckygardner2020@outlook.com

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Carmen is joined today by recent college graduate Rachel Van Bebber.  Rachel grew up as part of Meadowbrook Baptist Church in Auburn, Illinois.  She shares with Carmen about how to walk alongside the young women of our churches.  Listen and be encouraged by the way God is working in the lives of our young Illinois Baptist Women.

Contact information:

ibsa.org/women

carmenhalsey@ibsa.org

rachelvanbebber@ibsa.org

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Carmen is joined today by Ailee Taylor of Staunton, Illinois.  Amy and her husband Derek planted the Net Community Church in Staunton.  Ailee shares today how God has used everything in her life to bring her to where she is serving now.  From her early career in corporate America, making the transition to stay at home mom, serving her community food pantry, church administration, and now to her work for the City of Staunton.  Listen and be encouraged that no matter where God has you now, He is equipping you to serve for His glory.

https://www.netcommunity.org

https://www.facebook.com/netcommchurch/

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Carmen is joined today by Jacqueline Scott of Harrisburg, Illinois.  Jacqueline is a member of First Baptist Church Harrisburg which is part of the Saline Baptist Association.  Today they talk about how God continues to give us new direction in how to serve Him and how we can encourage other women to do the same.

Resources mentioned today:

https://www.facebook.com/jacqueline.scott.35574

Jacqueline's email:  preacherladyj57@yahoo.com

First Baptist Church - Harrisburg:  http://www.fbcharrisburg.com

Saline Baptist Association:  http://www.salinebaptist.com

https://www.lifeway.com/en/product-family/elijah-bible-study.html

Carmen's email:  carmenhalsey@ibsa.org

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Carmen is joined today by Lindsay Wineinger who is now serving as the Woman's Missionary Union State President for Illinois.  Lindsay shares today about her family adventures in business in Princeville Illinois.  They also discuss a vision for the coming year for Illinois Baptist Women under Lindsay's leadership.

Resources mentioned today and to contact Lindsay:

lindsay@wineingerfarms.com

IG :: @thewineingerfarms FB :: www.facebook.com/wineingerfarmsblog The Wineinger Farms YouTube Channel   Country Feed & Supply - store The Feed Store - restaurant       

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Carmen is joined today by Jill McNicol who shares about the literacy program Language Olympics.  The Language Olympics material is designed to use Bible stories to teach others to read.  Jill shares the importance of reading skills throughout life and how this material combines Bible truths with learning for a positive outcome.  

Language Olympics website:

https://www.languageolympics.org

One-on-one tutoring program that helps with both learning to read (Literacy) and learning to speak English (ESL). Invite your community to the table to learn how their child can bump up their reading level or catch up where they may have fallen behind as a result of distance learning, etc., while introducing them to the word of God.

Chet Cantrell, CAC, once told us that the greatest outreach a church could do was to make sure every child in their community could read by the 3rd grade. 

Email CarmenHalsey@IBSA.org or call (217)391-3143

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Carmen is joined today by Christina Goble.  Christina serves along her husband Rex at Clarksville Baptist Church in Marshall Illinois.  Christina shares about her love for Christ and how prayer plays such a vital role in her daily life.  

https://www.facebook.com/clarksvillebaptist.il/

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Carmen is joined today by Makenzie Goble of Casey Illinois.  Makenzie shares an encouraging message of the importance of discipleship along with exciting news about how God is using her and her husband, Jacob.  This fall, Makenzie and Jacob will leave the comfort of their home church to become church planters.  She shares about their journey to plant the Rooted Community Church in Lebanon, Illinois.  

To learn more about their journey:

https://www.thegobles.net/calling

https://www.facebook.com/makenzie.ward.12

Resources mentioned today:

https://replicate.org

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Carmen is joined today by Ashley Covell of Sterling, Illinois.  Ashley attends Emmanuel Baptist Church in Sterling.  She joins us today to share how God is moving in her church and her life.  She is another example of an ordinary woman, serving an Extraordinary God!  

https://ebcsterling.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ashley.cappcovell

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Carmen is joined today by Missy Doyle.  Missy has served as the Illinois WMU President until 2021, when she and her family moved to Mississippi in July.  We get a chance to catch up with Missy and be reminded why we loved her Closet Talks last year leading up to Priority.  Missy's husband Dwayne is the Pastor at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi and they are adjusting to life along the coast.  

Resources mentioned today:

Missy's contact information

https://www.emmanuelchurchos.org/meet-the-team/

https://www.facebook.com/MelissaWoodwardDoyle

National Woman's Missionary Union

https://wmu.com

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Carmen is joined today by Misty Lucas.  Misty works as the Executive Director of the Madison Adoption Associates, helping families find each other.  She shares how God has used her vocation to help families in various situations over the years and how her family welcomed another daughter through adoption.  

Contact Misty:

https://www.madisonadoption.org/misty-lucas/

Priority Conference

https://www.ibsa.org/ministry-resources/womens-ministry/priority2021/

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Carmen is joined today by Sharon Carty.  Sharon is a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Carlinville and a long time leader of Illinois Baptist Women.  Sharon shares with us today how her role has changed in leadership, she is now serving as a director of the new food ministry that the Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief has undertaken since the pandemic.  Sharon encourages us to be obedient in whatever role we have and to lead by example.

Resources mentioned in today's podcast include:

Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief

https://www.ibsa.org/missions-2/dr/

Chaplaincy

https://www.ibsa.org/chaplaincy/

Emmanuel Baptist Church - Carlinville

https://ebccarlinville.org

Grief Share

https://www.griefshare.org

Priority Conference

https://www.ibsa.org/ministry-resources/womens-ministry/priority2021/

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Carmen is joined today by Barb Troeger. Along with being a colleague at the Illinois Baptist State Association, Barb is a member of Riverton First Baptist Church where her husband Kip is the pastor. Barb shares about how God continues to work in her life through her love of learning and serving others.

Links mentioned in today's podcast:

https://www.rivertonfirstbaptistchurch.com

https://www.facebook.com/Rivertonfirstbaptist/?ref=bookmarks

Contact Barb: BarbTroeger@ibsa.org

Cohort: How to Lead When You are Not in Charge https://www.amazon.com/How-Lead-When-Youre-Charge/dp/0310531578

ibsa.org/women

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Carmen is joined today by Nikki Tibbetts of First Baptist Church of Machesney Park.  Nikki has been a homeschool mom for all three of her children and is a valuable resource for others.  Nikki shares how she became a liaison between the home learners and the school during the pandemic with the Rockford Lutheran School district.  She shares with Carmen how we can support and encourage families during the difficult process of home learning.

Resources mentioned in today's podcast:

http://www.fbcmp.net

https://www.imb.org/prayer/yangon-myanmar/

https://rockfordlutheran.org

https://www.liberty.edu/online-academy/

https://www.abeka.com

https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/content/home

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Carmen is joined today by Alicia Woodman of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Carlinville, Illinois.  Alicia shares what is like to live life from a wheelchair.  As a young woman living with spina bifida, Alicia opens our eyes to some everyday things we don't always notice.

Resources mentioned in today's podcast:

https://ebccarlinville.org

https://www.facebook.com/beinginawheelchair

https://www.mswheelchairusa.org

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Carmen is joined today by Jennifer Smith of Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church in Jacksonville Illinois.  Jennifer is currently living and serving in the Middle East.  She joins Carmen today to share about the plan to help Illinois Baptist Women find renewed joy in prayer.  Jennifer is leading the Prayer Team for Priority Conference and welcomes volunteers to join her in prayer.

To become a prayer partner for Priority:

Will you consider joining one of the volunteer teams listed below? If yes, simply fill out this form and an IBW team member will contact you

  • Prayer Champion
    • Our prayer champions will work together with a team from across the state on targeted prayer. Prayer champions will be guided in specific prayers focusing on aspects of the conference keeping us in a posture to see God revealed to the women and fresh life breathed into weary bones.

To follow Jennifer as she serves in the Middle East send an email to smithjen552000@yahoo.com and receive her monthly updates.  

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Today Carmen visits with Debbie Giacomo from Oak Grove Baptist Church in Pinckneyville, Illinois.  Debbie shares how she has experienced God in the different seasons of her life.  She demonstrates the way our extraordinary God uses ordinary women everyday.

Links to resources mentioned today:

Experiencing God

Debbie Giacomo Facebook

Oak Grove Baptist Church - Pinckneyville

WMU Podcast - David George - When Your Wife Has Alzheimers

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Carmen is joined today by Lisa Hannel of First Baptist Church in Pleasant Hill, Illinois.  Lisa is married to Pastor Don Hannel, and serves on the staff of the Pleasant Hill school district.  She brings insight to help us understand how the pandemic has introduced new challenges to the schools and teachers, along with upcoming proposed legislation.  It is tough to work in the school system, and there are many challenges still ahead.  

http://www.fbcphill.org/index.html

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Carmen is joined today by Grace Baker of University Baptist Church in Macomb Illinois.  Grace recently celebrated her 100th birthday in January, and today she shares about her life.  They are also joined by Pastor Rich Barnett who shares how having Grace as a church member enriches their congregation.  

Links mentioned today:

https://www.ubcmacomb.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ubcmacomb

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Carmen talks today with Amy Neibel of Carmi First Baptist Church. Carmen and Amy recall a mission trip they took together to South Asia and how they experienced an event that continues to have profound influence in their lives.  

Special note:  this recording originally included more members of that mission team, but due to technical issues had to be recorded again.  Our plan is to share more from the other team members in future podcasts.

FBC Carmi Website: https://www.firstbaptistcarmi.com

FBC Carmi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstbaptistcarmi/

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Carmen is joined today by Sandy Thomas of First Baptist Church  Pleasant Hill.  Sandy shares how God had taken her from her small town of Pleasant Hill, Illinois, to all around the world as the wife of an Army Chaplain.  God has shown up at every stop of Sandy's journey and given her strength to conquer her fears.  Sandy is now leading and mentoring women in her church, back in Pleasant Hill.  

Resources mentioned in today's podcast:

IBSA Lending Library

https://www.ibsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Lending-Library-Master-List.pdf

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Carmen is joined today by one of our own Illinois Baptist young women, 20 year old Brooklyn.  We are not sharing her full name because Brooklyn is preparing to enter into a year of service on the mission field and we are conscious of security.  Hear Brooklyn share her story of how she is putting her nursing career on hold to answer God's call to the mission field.

Resources mentioned today include:

IBSA Missions contact:  bradlovin@ibsa.org

WMU: https://wmu.com

Hannibal-LaGrange University: https://www.hlg.edu

International Mission Board: https://www.imb.org

To get updates from Brooklyn, please email Carmen at carmenhalsey@ibsa.org and ask to be placed on email list.

AWSOM You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUkIP4ddrberCVh-qOzFDA

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Carmen visits with Sarah Bordewick who serves a the Director of Family Ministry at First Baptist Church in Mt Zion, Illinois.  Sarah shares about her heart for missions and how God has placed her on mission fields that don't always look like she expected.  She encourages us to rest in where God has us.  

"Where ever you are, be all there."  Jim Elliot

First Baptist Church Mt Zion Illinois.

Jesus and Women Bible Study - Lifeway

Bible Teacher Kristi McLelland

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Carmen is joined today by Hadley Stephens of Metropolis Illinois.  Hadley is an inspiring young woman who shares with us how God is using her disability to further His kingdom.  Hadley leads the non profit Rolling in Faith, which serves the special needs community with opportunities to know Jesus.  Hadley is available to share about how to do something similar in your church through the contact information below.

https://www.facebook.com/hadley.stephens.7

rollinginfaith.com

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Carmen talks with Jonathan and Emily Martin about family worship in your home.  Jonathan and Emily are worship leaders who share about their newest project "God of Generations;" a worship album for the whole family.  

WEBSITE - www.jonathanandemilymartin.com

FAMILY WORSHIP INITIATIVE - www.jonathanandemilymartin.com/familyworshipinitiative

LYRIC & MOTIONS WORSHIP VIDEOS FOR KIDS MIN - https://jonathanandemilymartin.com/god-of-generations-lyric-and-motion-videos/

"CROWN" MUSIC VIDEOS - https://www.youtube.com/playlistlist=PLQywJhJ1AUnecPDn9JLzoxMLMwxIh4kiM

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Carmen talks with Robin Long about grief and the benefits of being part of a Grief Share group.  

For more information and resources:

www.griefshare.org

Carmen's webinar on Grief Share:

https://register.gotowebinar.com/recording/7337652831965831938

IBSA Lending Library:

https://www.ibsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Lending-Library-Master-List.pdf

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Carmen is joined this week by Rita Klundt of Pekin Illinois. Rita is a member of Liberty Baptist Church in Pekin Illinois. Rita shares how her writing has opened doors to help others see God at work in their lives.

Connect with Rita on Facebook:

RITA KLUNDT - Rita Klundt

Goliath's Mountain book: https://www.amazon.com/Goliaths-Mountain-Rita-Klundt/dp/1512794198 Scrivenings Press LLC - Publisher of Clean and Christian Fiction

Newest book available late January 2021: Real Life Real Ladies: Short Stories from the Pews

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Carmen finishes her conversation with Nelda Smothers about how God has used her life on mission to make His name known.  Nelda shares more stories of the God moments in her ministry.  Listen and be encouraged by this faithful servant.  

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Carmen is joined today by Nelda Smothers of Metropolis Illinois who shares how God has used her on the mission field.  After becoming a young widow, 30 years ago, Nelda began a new phase of her life that has taken her around the world sharing the Gospel.  

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Carmen is joined today by Judy Taylor of Dorrisville Baptist Church in Harrisburg Illinois.  Along with serving alongside her husband DeWayne, Judy operates an Air BnB apartment.  Judy shares how this marketplace endeavor has allowed her to continue to show hospitality and serve God.  

Dorrisville Baptist Church:  http://dorrisville.com

Dave Ramsey resources: https://www.daveramsey.com

Business Boutique: https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/business-boutique-make-money-doing-what-you-love

The Apartment at 217: https://www.atjudyt.com

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Join Carmen as she talks hospitality with DeWanna Oliver.  DeWanna shares ways that she and her husband Joe have used the gift of hospitality to love others over the years.  DeWanna shares her joy in Christ and challenges us to love others.  

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This week Carmen shares her vision for Illinois Baptist Women around hospitality, discipleship, and encouraging one another.

ibsa.org/women

Rosaria Butterfield - The Gospel Comes with a House Key

https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Comes-House-Key-Post-Christian/dp/143355786X

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Carmen talks today with Amy Cordova who serves as the Missions and Women's Ministry Partner for Oklahoma Baptists.  Carmen and Amy share about the upcoming One Day One Focus women's event.  Along with being a leader in women's ministry Oklahoma, Amy is a pastor's wife and mother of young children.  

Register for One Day One Focus here:

https://www.accelevents.com/e/onedayonefocus

Contact Amy here:

https://www.oklahomabaptists.org/women/

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Carmen discusses the upcoming AWSOM conference with Dawn Wright of First Baptist Church in Casey and Bri Henry of Cornerstone Church in Savoy.  Both ladies share how they are using the AWSOM conference to minister to the student girls in their churches.  

Bri Henry - http://cornerstonesavoy.org

Dawn Wright - http://caseyfbc.com

Register here for AWSOM

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Carmen talks with Sue Hodnett of Michigan.  Sue is the State Director of Women's Ministries and Executive Director of Michigan WMU.  Sue discusses how God is working in her state as well as in her own life.  

The Baptist Press article about the Women's Ministry Center can be found here:

http://m.bpnews.net/tags?t=WMU&page=1

Contact information for Sue Hodnett and The Baptist State Convention of Michigan can be found here:

https://www.bscm.org

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Carmen talks with Jenny Binkley and Alyssa Merritt of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Decatur Illinois.  Jenny and Alyssa talk about discipleship within their church.  Jenny and Alyssa also lead the Illinois Baptist Women Connection Group REfresh for Pastor's Wives.

You can register for the connection group here:  

https://tinyurl.com/y45hztu9 

For more information on Tabernacle Baptist Church click here:  https://www.tbc.church/lifegroups/

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Carmen visits with Alyssa Caudill of Carmi First Baptist Church.  Alyssa shares how she was discipled as a young woman and how she now disciples others.  It is an encouragement to hear how God continues to work through generations of faithful women.

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Carmen continues to talk with Lori McDaniel about discipleship.  Today they discuss how to disciple within your family and your friends.  Lori also shares how she is currently drawing closer to the Lord in her daily life.

Connect with Lori through instagram @lorimmcdaniel

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Carmen is joined today by Lori McDaniel.  Lori shares about her life as a wife, mother, and former International Mission Board missionary and employee.  Lori and her husband planted a church 19 years ago after returning from the mission field.  She shares how God continues to guide her in each season of her life.  

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Carmen is joined today by Pat Scarbrough.  Pat serves as a member of the IBSA Special Needs Advisory Team and today she shares about lament when things don't go exactly as planned.  

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Join Carmen as she discusses how Aleyda Munoz serves along with her husband Tony at the Iglesia Bautisa Latina in Effingham, Illinois. They discuss the role of the Hispanic church in Illinois especially through the pandemic.   

https://www.facebook.com/Iglesia-Bautista-Latina-1415473048669910/

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Kimberly Sowell joins us again this week to finish teaching us about methodology in teaching and leading Bible studies.  

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Carmen talks with Kimberly Sowell today about thinking critically when studying the Bible.  Kimberly explains why as Bible Study leaders we need to give our students time to think about the scripture and actively engage in the learning process.  Kimberly was with us at Priority this year and we encourage you to listen to the recording of her teaching session.  

https://www.kimberlysowell.comhttps://www.kimberlysowell.com

Kimberly's Priority Session:

https://tinyurl.com/ya323sqo

Kimberly starts at 6:45

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Join Carmen as she introduces us to Polly Vandever and Katie Kimbrough, who will be leading two of the fall online Bible studies.  Polly and her husband currently serve at the Lake Sallateeska Baptist Camp, while Katie and her husband serve at the Streater Baptist Camp.  These ladies are eager to share their heart for Bible study and serve our state beyond the camp walls.  You will find links below for registration for the online studies, Bible study books, and the camps.

https://www.ibsa.org/discipleship-groups/

https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/jude-bible-study-book-P005812989

https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/jesus-and-women-bible-study-book-P005821584

https://www.ibsa.org/streator/

https://www.ibsa.org/lakesallateeska/

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Carmen talks with fellow Illinois Baptist State Association colleague Aubrey Krol.  They discuss the upcoming opportunities for connection and discipleship for Illinois Baptist Women.  Details for the connection groups, Bible studies, and online classes can be found at the IBSA Website:  ibsa.org/women .

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Carmen talks with Jill Finley of Bethel Church in Troy Illinois.  Jill serves as the Women's Minister at Bethel and talks about continuing to minister to women during the pandemic.  

https://www.bethelchurchtroy.com/team

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Terri Stovall of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS) joins us today to talk about how women can utilize seminary to sharpen their knowledge of God.  Illinois Baptist State Association will be offering class from SWBTS starting this fall.  Listen to how you can be a part of this exciting opportunity.

  1. How to Teach the Bible: Aug 18 - Sept 22
  2. Overview of Old Testament 1: Oct 6 - Nov 10

Each course is delivered fully online through SWBTS's system and led by adjunct members of their faculty. You can feel confident that these high-quality courses will strengthen the biblical and theological understanding of women equipping them to be more effective leaders in the local church. Course Fee: $50 If interested in signing up for one or both, please visit: www.ibsa.org/women then click Leadership, then Online Courses.   swbts.edu/women tstovall@swbts.edu  

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Carmen continues her conversation with Mary Jo Sharp.  

Bible Study tools:

keybibleconcepts.org

Logos.com

wordsearchbible.com

Mary Jo Sharp website and link to books

maryjosharp.com

maryjosharp.com/books/

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Maryjosharp.com

Confident Christianity

https://maryjosharp.com/books/

Why I Still Believe

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Carmen talks with Jill McNicol and Jeanette Cloyd of the Illinois Baptist Women about the Priority Now Conference.  As the COVID 19 pandemic began the whole process of planning the conference shifted to online.  Listen as Jill and Jeanette share how God worked through a group of women focused on making His name known.

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Carmen continues her conversation with Kathy Litton of the North American Mission Board about God's design in suffering.

website:  ibsa.org/women

Facebook:  Illinois Baptist Women

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Conversation with Kathy Litton of North American Mission Board.  Kathy shares with us the necessity of dying to self.

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Join Carmen as she discusses women's discipleship with Chrystie Cole.  

The resources Chrystie mentioned can be found at https://gracechurchsc.org/connect/discipleship/women/

Priority Conference breakouts sessions can be found here:

Body Matters: https://tinyurl.com/yct2bx64

Redeeming Sexuality: https://tinyurl.com/ycgkh36m

Faithful Steward-Seasons: https://tinyurl.com/y79b6emr

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Carmen talks with Scott Foshie of Illinois Baptist State Association about women's discipleship. 

Experiencing God - Henry Blackaby

https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/experiencing-god-P005123828.html

4 Steps:

  1. Come & See

  2. Follow Me

  3. Abide in Him

  4. Go and Tell

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Carmen talks with Katie Orr about her newest Bible study "Secrets of the Happy Soul."

https://katieorr.me/secrets-of-the-happy-soul/

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Carmen talks with Pat Layton about Surrendering the Secret, a Bible study that ministers to women who have an abortion in their past.  

https://www.surrenderingthesecret.com/find-help/

https://www.lifeway.com/en/product-family/surrendering-the-secret

Episode

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Carmen is joined today by Lisa Misner of Illinois Baptist State Association and Sarah Ursery of Baptist Children's Home and Family Services.  Lisa informs us about the Illinois Reproductive Health Act while Sarah shares the upcoming plans for a pregnancy resource clinic in Mt. Vernon Illinois.  

http://bchfs.com

https://illinoisbaptist.org/alabama-bans-abortion-illinois-looks-to-expand-it/

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Join Carmen as she discusses and upcoming conference for girls.  The AWSOM conference combines Biblical teaching, missional mindset, and leadership development to guide our young girls to know Christ and make Him know.  

AWSOM faculty, Betsy Bolik, Savanah Wood, Haley Ahn, and Carrie Jones.

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Conversation with author and speaker Mary Selzer.  Mary has served as a leadership coach for many years.  

https://maryselzer.com

https://coachingforward.net

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Discussion with Tami Heim, CEO of Christian Leadership Alliance.

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On this episode, we're joined by Lifeway's Kelly King who spoke at Priority 2019. Kelly talks to us about discipleship and how women learn to study the Bible in the local church and at home.

https://www.lifeway.com/en/shop/ministries/women