2021.04 Connect

APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECT TheTshteosriteosribesehbienhdintdhethpeepoepoleplaenadndmminiinsitsrtierisesoof fTTooppeekkaaBBiibblleeCChhuurrcchh Micah Hawkinson: Leader of His Pack

UPCOMING CONNECTING EVENTS HARVESTERS WOMEN’S EXPRESSO volunteer at our hear how God community is moving in food the lives of distribution TBC women 8 AM Tuesday, 7 PM Tuesday, April 13 April 13 & May 11 CHURCH ON MEN’S THE LAWN BREAKFAST worship, food, connect with entertainment other guys – all outdoors! over a hearty breakfast 5 PM Saturday, May 1 7:30 AM Saturday, April 17 and May 15 Visit DiscoverTBC.com for details on these and other upcoming opportunities to connect! Connect magazine is a publication of Our thanks to the volunteers Topeka Bible Church, 1135 SW College who contributed to this issue: Avenue, Topeka, KS 66604, 785-234-5545. Todd Fertig (writing) Please email editorial inquiries to Teresa Jenkins, [email protected]. Don Brent (photography) Heidi Nelson (proofreading)

CONNECT APRIL/MAY 2021 IN THIS ISSUE In this issue of Connect, you’ll hear stories of three people in our church family who are using their unique spiritual gifts in ministry. At some point, they identified skills or attributes with which God has endowed them, and they put those gifts to work for the Kingdom. 2 Leader of His Pack As we start to return to a resemblance of pre-pandemic normalcy, and we begin to 7 Micah Hawkinson honed in on his gifts hold more ministry events, we may find to make the most of serving his church that we’ve become comfortable with not serving like we did before the virus. It’s Confessions of a Camp easier to stay home, not reach out, not Catapult Volunteer connect. 8 Craving Connection But the apostle tells us in 1 Peter 4:10 that 12 we have each received a gift and that we are TBC-supported mission worker Jena Parker to use it to serve others, as good stewards 14 of the varied grace of God. 16 Mission Impact So I challenge you – as our summer min- How Student Mobilization impacted one istry events begin to ramp up and we’re young woman for Christ looking for people to step forward to help – to consider your gift and how you can use Connection Points: it to serve others! How do you de-stress and relax? Jim Congdon Lead Pastor Connecting With: Whitney Frost NEW TO TBC? Text “NEW” to 785-432-4801 We’re so glad you’re here ... welcome! We know it can be difficult to find a good fit in a new church home. We have several welcome events throughout the year to help you get acquainted and to share more about our ministries and beliefs. These casual, get-to-know-you lunches are held on Sundays. To find out more, or to get connected with a Bible study, Sunday school, or small group, simply text “NEW” to 785-432-4801.

When he focused on his strongest gifts, one father of four learned how to best serve at church and still be an effective Leader of His Pack Micah Hawkinson may be best known at Topeka Bible Church for the appearances of his precocious children in our 2020 Christmas video. His intelligent and articulate sons and daughter are never short of comedic insights and expressions. They didn’t fall far from the tree. Hawkinson is quick with a self-deprecating comment or a humorous observation. That talent comes in handy when teaching Sunday school classes at TBC. continued 2 CONNECT • APRIL/MAY 2021

Micah and Magen Hawkinson (above and right) can often be found in the family library, which is also Micah’s home office. The couple enjoys reading to and playing games with their four children (clockwise from upper left) Matt, Myrick, Zed, and Madelynne. APRIL/MAY 2021 • CONNECT 3

Although Magen is primarily responsible for homeschooling the couple’s four children, sometimes Micah takes a step away from his home office to check in. I was on my knees, praying and crying out to God not to take Karsyn. His diverse talents have been both a blessing and the youth program to the music and a curse in his life, however. A longtime ministry and technical arts, to maintaining member of a small local church, he the website, and serving on the elder board. frequently found himself overcommitted “It was really fun to be so useful, but other and exhausted. times it was really stressful,” Hawkinson After marrying Topekan Magen Rodgers, recalled. “In a small church, you kind of Hawkinson moved to Topeka and dove have to do whatever is needed or it doesn’t headfirst into involvement at tiny Southwest get done. There is beauty in that, but it can Topeka Bible Church in 2007. Soon he was also be draining.” involved in everything from Sunday school 4 CONNECT • APRIL/MAY 2021

our spiritual life, ever since we were dating. We felt like we were left without a home.” In their search for a new church, the Hawkinsons reluctantly checked out TBC. “We were a little bit leery of it at first,” Hawkinson said. “It felt like such a big church, and we felt like we had the opposite problem of our small church. We wondered ‘How will we get plugged in, and where will we serve and connect with people?’” The Hawkinsons soon discovered, however, that the Family PACK Sunday school class provided a place to land. Family PACK (People After Christ’s Kingdom) meets at 9 AM Sundays in the west end of the College Avenue Building basement. It offers a small community within the large church body where the Hawkinsons can serve without being overtaxed. “One of the first times we visited, we attended the group, and we immediately felt like ‘Oh, this could be our community,’” Hawkinson said. “It just seemed like a place where we could talk about scripture, and share what’s going on in people’s lives, and pray for one another.” Despite bearing a heavy load, the One of the first times Hawkinsons were committed to the small we visited, we attended church. But in the fall of 2019, the elders of the (Family PACK) group Southwest Topeka Bible Church decided and we immediately felt there just weren’t enough leaders left to like ‘Oh, this could be keep things going. our community’ “It was a really painful process to see this thing that you love die,” Hawkinson said. The Family PACK group focuses for short “We felt a little bit unmoored after we left periods on specific books of the Bible. Led our church. It had been such a big part of by Cory Clutter, the group employs rotating teachers, spreading the responsibility of leadership around. continued APRIL/MAY 2021 • CONNECT 5

Micah started learning piano a little over a year ago. It’s a skill that he’s already passing on to his kids (pictured here with sons Matt and Myrick). A computer programmer, Hawkinson committing to things that I did purely out enjoys the opportunity to teach that he has of a sense of obligation, not because I really found at Family PACK. After wearing so believed in it or had a passion for it.” many hats at his previous church, he said Hawkinson remains a staunch supporter of focusing on using his gift for teaching has small churches. But he is thankful to have been reinvigorating. Hawkinson believes found his place at TBC and is happy to it is important for Christians to find their share advice for anyone seeking to find their ‘motivational spiritual gift.’ He explained place in the church. that is a gift that you feel motivated to use in service. Know your boundaries, “I could serve in a lot of other areas, take care of your family, but very little of that makes me feel and don’t compromise motivated to serve. Those don’t touch a the best for the good. spiritual passion.” Magen Hawkinson, an accountant by trade, “I would say ‘Know your boundaries, take maintains a busy schedule homeschooling care of your family, and don’t compromise the family’s children. For the couple, it is the best for the good,’” he said. “Before you important to strike a balance between commit, consider ‘Is this really what I’m meeting the needs at home and serving gifted to do and if it is something that really outside it. Attending TBC has helped the motivates me?’ Part of that is knowing what Hawkinsons find a better balance. your gifting is, which isn’t always easy. It “In my experience, I think about things I’ve took me a long time to learn.” regretted,” Hawkinson said. “In the past, I have regretted over-committing and what that has cost my family. I also regretted 6 CONNECT • APRIL/MAY 2021

Confessions of a Camp Catapult volunteer... “I never thought I’d want to work in Children’s Ministry!” One TBCer is embarrassed to admit As this volunteer met other adult leaders, that she used to avoid working with she learned that many of them were also children, so we’ve agreed to keep her name hesitant to work with children, but they had private. But her story is real, and it just might gifts to share – providing first aid, patrol- resemble the thoughts of others who don’t ing the campus, showing kids how to do think they can serve at Camp Catapult. archery, monitoring children at lunch, and “I wanted to serve, but I thought to myself organizing arts and crafts projects. ‘There’s no way I’m working with kids. I’m “There were so many things that needed just not equipped to handle them’,” she said. doing, and I could see myself stepping into a This volunteer has a gift for administrative number of those roles,” she said. tasks, and she knew there was a need for This volunteer has served at every Camp someone to help with camp registration. Catapult since its first year, and she can’t “I thought if I helped behind the scenes, I imagine not helping in some way. She’s even could avoid being around kids,” she admitted. served as a small group leader for Awana on After she finished her registration tasks each Wednesday nights. morning of camp, this volunteer would stick “I would encourage anyone – regardless of around – curious about what was happening what you perceive as your gifts – to consider during the rest of the day. signing up to help. You’ll make new friends “I was in awe – the music, the movement, all among the other volunteers, and you’ll be the activities – I could tell the kids and the inspired and encouraged as you see the next adults were having a fantastic time! I wanted generation growing their faith. You might to be a part of it!” even help lead a child to Christ!” Camp Catapult is June 28-July 2 We need adults and older teens to serve in a variety of ways! Register to help at DiscoverTBC.com Questions? Contact Children’s Pastor Jason Brent at 234.5545. APRIL/MAY 2021 • CONNECT 7

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For campus ministry workers like Jena Parker, the pandemic has shown that students are eager to learn and Craving Connection Although she’s about 15 years older than the college girls with whom she works, it’s easy to see why young women find Jena Parker so approachable. It’s not just that God has blessed her with such a youthful appearance that makes her blend into a college campus (though that helps!), but also her interest in getting to know everyone she meets. This relational gifting might be why God uses Jena to reach students at the University of Kansas – her mission field. At the start of her freshman year at Topeka West High School, Jena’s family (dad Stan, mom Debi, and younger brother Hobie) looked for a new church. One particular Sunday, Jena announced that the family would be visiting TBC where some of Jena’s friends and a former teacher attended. TBC-supported mission worker Jena Parker At the time, Mark & Wendy Leenerts were TBC’s student ministry directors. Before long, they moved just down the street from the Parkers, making it easy for Jena to participate in mid-week gatherings in the Leenerts’ home. Jena didn’t even own a Bible at the time, but she was very curious. continued APRIL/MAY 2021 • CONNECT 9

she was in Israel, the Bible came alive for her in a whole new way, engaging all her senses. After graduation, Jena was offered a staff position with KSU’s Student Mobilization (StuMo) ministry. She accepted without hesitation. “I was growing so much in my faith,” Jena said, “and I had a heart for sharing it with other people. I was already leading Bible studies in my sorority and sharing Jena leads a small group discussion at a recent StuMo the Gospel with lost girls (Student Mobilization) gathering. at K-State. And now I Jena said, “I didn’t understand a lot of what could do it as a job!” Jena joined the team, they were talking about, but there was planning to serve on staff for one year. She’s something that just made me want to come now been with StuMo (first at KSU and here and be around.” Jena immersed herself now at KU) for 12 years. with student ministry activities – Sunday school, Summer Sizzle, and mission trips. “TBC has been a huge encouragement,” Jena said, citing the spiritual, emotional, We’re saturating the campus with Christ, not just so people can learn about Him for themselves, but so they can pass it on to other people, and the world can be reached. “I was so intrigued,” Jena said. “I was and financial support she receives from the interested in learning more and more about church. More than 25% of TBC’s annual God!” expenses provide support for missions in Jena started attending Kansas State our community and worldwide. University in 2003. She wanted to continue “I wouldn’t be where I’m at in my life and in growing her faith, so she got involved in my faith if it wasn’t for TBC,” she said. campus ministry. As Jena neared graduation, After five years with StuMo at KSU, Jena was she took one of TBC Lead Pastor Jim sent to help relaunch their campus ministry Congdon’s trips to Israel, where Jim baptized program at KU. She explains StuMo’s mission her in the Jordan River. Jena said that while as “saturating the campus with Christ, not 10 CONNECT • APRIL/MAY 2021

just so people can learn about Him for gather (observing mask mandates and social themselves, but so they can pass it on to distancing) – something that’s not other people, and the world can be reached.” happening a lot on campus at this time. Jena and the StuMo team accomplish this They are seeing several people at their through a robust schedule of evangelism and gatherings because students are longing for discipleship. Jena has one-on-one connection. appointments where she shares or helps Jena has a heart for a particular group of people process the Gospel. She has young adults who often get overlooked by discipling meetings with young women to campus ministries – the students in the help them learn how to read the Bible, pray, fraternities and sororities. and share their testimony. She coaches “These are the future CEOs and presidents women who are discipling others. As of huge companies all over the world,” she students approach graduation, she helps said. “They’re also future husbands and them decide their next steps – whether it’s wives, moms and dads. They think they have entering the workforce, continuing their it all together, but they need to hear the education, or entering the mission field. Gospel.” Continuing these relationships after students Jena said that one thing that keeps her going have left campus is important to Jena. after twelve years in the StuMo ministry is StuMo has a relational approach to ministry. seeing the “light bulb moments” – when They don’t really advertise. They meet and someone understands the Gospel or biblical talk to people as they’re going about their concepts. She also enjoys hearing from day on campus. They develop a relationship. former students who have gone into the As curiosity grows, the student will often world and continued making disciples – come to a StuMo gathering – either because either through their family, their profession, of something they’ve heard or because or through ministry. they’ve been invited by a friend. As much as she enjoys ministering through Jena said that because of the isolation of StuMo, Jena is open to whatever God has COVID, this relational foundation has been planned for her next. She said that whether even more critical. it’s at KU or elsewhere in the world, whether “People are very lonely right now,” she said. it’s as a single or married woman, she wants “When you’re not a believer, and you’re to be wherever she can be the most effective. lonely, that leads to a lot of depression and “I’m not doing evangelism and discipleship anxiety.” She said that students are and walking deeply with God because I “numbing out” with social media, work for a ministry,” she said. “I’m living substances, and other potentially harmful the way I’m living because of what Christ behaviors more than ever. has done for me. I’m nothing special, just “But God created us for relationships,” she available.” added. And that just might be why ministries like StuMo are critical, especially now. See pages 12-13 for a testimony Jena explained that because these ministry from one of the young women groups are faith-based, they’re not bound by whom Jena discipled on the some of the same health regulations as other journey to accepting Christ! campus activities. They are allowed to APRIL/MAY 2021 • CONNECT 11

In Her Own Words KU Student “Ellen” shares how Jena Parker and KU StuMo played a role in her faith journey Igrew up in an atheist home where we During that fall semester of my sophomore would all talk about how there is no way year, I started hanging one on one with the God is real. I didn’t go to church, and I had woman who led the small group, Jena, and never read the Bible. I grew up with so many asking her so many questions. She shared questions, like why bad things happen to the gospel with me over and over, but it good people and what my true purpose in didn’t click until I was at StuMo’s winter life is, and I would try many different routes conference. I finally understood that Christ and paths to try to find the answers. When died on a cross to bridge the gap between the lack of consistent and satisfying answers me and God that my personal sins had left me restless, I would default to keeping caused. That night, on January 4, 2018, at my schedule really busy during the day and 9:43 PM, I made the decision to not only partying really hard during the night. By the believe that God existed but also to receive end of my sophomore year of high school, and follow Jesus as the Lord of every area of I was the cheerleader that got kicked out of my life. high school for selling drugs. I continued Since coming into a relationship with this cycle into college and then decided I Christ, I have enjoyed nothing more than wanted to try to turn my life around. Fast getting to know the God I used to call a forward to my sophomore year of college at stranger. I have loved spending daily time KU when I joined a sorority (Chi Omega). with God in the Bible and prayer and During a new member meeting, two girls growing in my relationship with Him every that I had known from high school gave day as He continues to change my desires an announcement about a freshman small to His! God has filled the empty places in group Bible study. I didn’t know exactly my heart with an unconditional love and what a small group was, but I knew that I forgiveness that I never experienced before. wanted genuine friendships like they had I have loved learning more and more about and that I wanted my life to look more like God’s purpose for my life and learning how theirs, so I decided to go! I was completely to live a life that is pleasing to Him. clueless during the Bible study, and when Over these past couple of years, I have even we were looking at some verses I added to gotten to lead an evangelistic Bible study the conversation, “Wow, these quotes are so for the girls that live in Chi Omega just like helpful, who said them?” Jena led for me. It’s been amazing getting to 12 CONNECT • APRIL/MAY 2021

TBC-supported mission worker Jena Parker (left) meets regularly Please pray for “Ellen” as she and another of Jena’s with KU students like “Ellen” (right) to help them process the graduating seniors take a gap year to travel overseas Gospel, grow their faith, and disciple them as they disciple others. to live out the Great Commission. process the Gospel with multiple gals and to in helping to complete the Great continue praying for my future Timothy (2 Commission as I process going overseas Timothy 2:2). to plant churches. This is obviously going Since coming into a relationship with Christ to be a huge step of faith, but I can’t wait to I have seen God develop my heart for the see God move in one of the darkest places world. After graduating this May, I will of the world just because I decided to say have a gap year before attending veterinary the next “yes.” I am so incredibly grateful school (if everything goes as planned). for this life God has brought me, and I can’t During this time, I am hoping and wait to continue to grow in my relationship praying that I can play an international role with Him! APRIL/MAY 2021 • CONNECT 13

CONNECTION POINTS We asked TBCers: How do you de-stress and relax? I have a few stress relievers in my life. The ones I enjoy the most are making furniture in my wood shop and remodeling my house. This forces my brain to focus on the tasks at hand, which takes my mind off other stressors. It also give me the satisfaction of knowing I made an heirloom quality project and/or made my wife happy with a remodel project. Of course, any time I feel anxious, I try to remember Paul’s words to the Philippians: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6 – Brian Budden Cuddle with my kitty, Painting. pet him, and listen to – Steph Munoz him purr. – Rene Campbell Years ago, I would go to the gym or work in my yard to relieve and/or avoid the stress of the day. However, as soon as I was done, my thoughts would begin racing. I realized that my expectations were off. So I made a decision to read and study the Scriptures each day to align my expectations biblically. Throughout the day, I will recall what I have been reading in order to steer my thoughts in the right direction. – Dave Groff 14 CONNECT • APRIL/MAY 2021

My favorite way to relax is at home (music in the background) with my computer on my lap, creating digital pages using words and pictures to document glimpses of God’s Fingerprints in the life of our family. (Yes, scrapbooking ... without clutter!!) – TBC Executive Assistant Leoti Masterson I love, love, love resale shopping at God’s Storehouse. Tons of great books, insane housewares, and it’s a super place to grab a latte and a cookie, too! – Diana Ellis Napping in my Hit the trails with our hammock. bikes. It’s been a wonderful physical – David Erhart and mental health activity for our family. – Scott Stebner It really depends on the time of the day and the year. It could be an 18-36 mile ride on my bike with a friend, a swim in the pool, or a great dinner and good bottle of wine with my wife. Occasionally, all of those things even happen on the same day. That’s a great day! – Ken Vander Hart My de-stress is a little different than my relax! My de-stress is exercising and lifting a barbell, where as my relax is anything from listening to worship music while reading my Bible or devotions to sitting in our driveway with our firepit watching the kids be kids in our front yard. And listening to music watching the sunset with friends and family. – Valerie Tolin APRIL/MAY 2021 • CONNECT 15

CONNE CTING WITH: When Whitney Frost leads worship Sunday mornings, it may OCCUPATION: be difficult to imagine that she was Assistant Branch Manager once apprehensive about singing in at Envista Credit Union front of others. MINISTRY INVOLVEMENT: “I loved singing from a very Worship Team vocalist young age,” Whitney said. “But I FAMILY: had a little stage fright.” Whitney has a seven-year-old Whitney was active in youth daughter, Siah, and is engaged to ministry when she was a teen Josh Vowell, who has a 16-year-old at Northland Christian Church. daughter, Lailah. Like many young adults, Whitney MOST MEMORABLE CONCERT attended church less frequently in EXPERIENCE: high school and college. She had a lot “When I surprised my daughter of questions about her faith and theology. Lailah with Tedeschi Trucks (a blues Years went by and, after a difficult divorce, rock band) concert tickets on her she found herself in a dark place. 14th birthday. What a fun evening Whitney’s friend, Josh Vowell, asked her to that was!” be part of his band, Soul 2 Soul. Josh was also struggling with some things. But he 16 CONNECT • APRIL/MAY 2021 shared his faith with Whitney. She started to get answers to some of the questions that had been troubling her. “I fell in love with the Lord all over again,” Whitney said. “We helped each other come back to Christ. Jesus pulled me out of the deepest, darkest place I’ve ever been, and He saved me.” Whitney also fell in love with Josh during those first few years together. The couple plans to marry in May. They enjoy playing and singing together as part of the TBC worship team, and they continue to do faith-based original songs and covers when they perform with Josh’s band. Whitney admits that she planned to be an art therapist when she got her BA in psychology with minors in business and art. She didn’t take that path, but considering her service as part of the Worship Team, one could say that she did follow her dream after all –using her gifts to provide inspiration and encouragement to hundreds of TBCers.

#discovertbc – photos from our feeds BIG WEEKEND Our annual in-town student ministry retreat looked a little different this year, but it was still packed with games and plenty of time for our students and adult leaders to connect. (Left) Matthew Hochuli (an adult leader) and Cooper Hight play a heated game of cornhole. (Right) Henley Murray-Brent, Abby Holloway (an adult leader), and Kaithlyn Vincent catch up with one another. HARVESTERS After the disappointing cancelation of our February Harvesters food distribution (due to the extremely dangerous cold weather), volunteers came out in droves on March 9 to serve the hundreds of cars waiting for food. Among them were (left) Judy Graber and Lorie Myers and (right) Athan Murray-Brent, Ben Riddell, and Brayden Riddell. CONNECT WITH US! @discovertbc @topekabiblechurch Topeka Bible Church

UPCOMING EVENTS Events are subject to change with little notice. To stay informed about changes, subscribe to our weekly e-bulletin (sign up at DiscoverTBC.com) or download the Topeka Bible Church app from your favorite mobile marketplace. APRIL 2021 MAY 2021 13 Harvesters Food 1 Church on the Lawn: Distribution Spring Fling 8 AM, former Gordman’s 5 PM, College Avenue parking lot, SW 32nd Ter & Building north lawn Topeka Blvd Church service for adults Volunteers needed. & children, meal, and entertainment. (This will be 13 Women’s Expresso the only church service offered during this weekend.) 7 PM, Mulvane Lower Auditorium 11 Harvesters Food Inspiring stories from TBCer Shay Nelson. Distribution 17 Men’s Breakfast 8 AM, former Gordman’s parking lot, SW 32nd Ter & 7:30 AM, Mulvane Lower Topeka Blvd Auditorium Volunteers needed. Kick off your weekend with breakfast and hear how God 15 Men’s Breakfast is moving in the life of TBCer Randy Crask. 7:30 AM, Mulvane Lower Auditorium 24 Sharefest Kick off your weekend with breakfast and hear how God 8 AM - 12 PM, various locations is moving in the lives of TBC TBC is a partner church in this men. community-wide outreach event. Sign up yourself, your family, or your small group to do outdoor projects in our community. Register at SharefestTopeka.com. NEW TO TBC? Text “NEW” to 785-432-4801 and we’ll be happy to help you get connected!