2020.09 Connect

SEPTEMBER 2020 CONNECT TheTshteosriteosribesehbienhdintdhethpeepoepoleplaenadndmminiinsitsrtierisesoof fTTooppeekkaaBBiibblleeCChhuurrcchh For the protection of the TBC-supported mission workers featured in this issue, we have redacted selected content in our online edition. Crazy, Faithful Obedience: XXXX

SEPTEMBER 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, September 8 7 PM Tuesday, September 8 WEDNESDAY NIGHT PROGRAMS • DETAILS ON PAGE 6 Family Dinner Women’s Bible Studies Club Catapult (pre-K thru 6) Men’s Bible Study Pioneer Boys Club Couple’s Bible Study Divorce Care (begins 9/9) (boys grades K-6) Student Ministry (jr/sr high) All programs begin September 16 unless otherwise noted 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. Barry Benteman (photography) Please email editorial inquiries to Teresa Jenkins, [email protected]. Todd Fertig (writing) Parker Robb (photography)

CONNECT SEPTEMBER 2020 IN THIS ISSUE Topeka Bible Church has a 2 Crazy, Faithful heart for missions. Obedience We invest 27% of our annual operating xxx budget in supporting mission work around the world and here in 6 Fed & Led our own community. In this issue, you’ll learn about ordinary A new mid-week gathering for families people who answered an extraordinary missional call to serve. Arnon Batista from 10 The Internship of Brazil wanted to grow his teaching skills, so a Lifetime (through your generosity) he’s studying at seminary. I’m confident that someday he’ll be A brief encounter leads to a young Brazilian’s a tremendous religious leader in his country. seminary education and enviable internship XXXXXXXX and his wife, XXXXX, answered an unexpected call to reach people 14 Connection Points: in XXXXXXXXXXXXX with the gospel. And young Destiny Bruno gives us hope What are TBCer’s favorite worship songs? for the future of ministry by her dedicated service to Awana and our young adults. 16 Connecting With: As our ministry “new year” kicks off, we pray Destiny Bruno that you’ll be inspired by these stories and that you’ll listen more closely for how God is calling you. Jim Congdon Lead Pastor NEW TO TBC? Join us for pizza on October 4! We’re so glad you’re here ... welcome! We know it can be difficult to find a good fit in a new church home. Our next welcome event, Pizza With a Pastor, is at 11:45 AM Sunday, October 4 (after the 10:30 service). This is a casual, get-to-know you event where you can ask your questions about our church community. To RSVP, email Teresa Jenkins at [email protected] today!

2 CONNECT • SEPTEMBER 2020

When a cattle rancher and a teacher-turned stay-at-home mom with three young children (and one on the way) boarded a plane to enter the mission field in XXXXXXXXXXXXX, it could only be described as an act of Crazy, Faithful Obedience On May 8, 2019, XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (and one of their daughters and sons-in-law) waited anxiously to get through customs in a XXXXX airport. XXXXXXXXXXX, who had been serving as mission workers in that country for more than two decades, were returning after an unexpected visit to the U.S. for a family funeral. When they departed XXXXXXXXX the month before, XXXXXXXX noted that immigration control had given his passport a special code. This concerned them because other mission workers who had recently been kicked out of that country had received the same code. But the authorities allowed him to re-enter the country, and the couple breathed a sigh of relief. Seconds later, the officials shouted at XXXXXX to come back. He was arrested and deported to XXXXXX the following morning. And XXXX, still grieving the loss of her mother during their trip to the U.S., was left to pick up the pieces and figure out how to move forward. This part of the couple’s story might sound like something from a movie filled with international intrigue. But it’s really the thing that happened nearly 26 years before – at their home in XXXXXXXX, Kansas, – that’s the most remarkable part of their journey. XXXXXXX was a third-generation cattle rancher and farmer. XXXXXX (a Topeka native) had been a teacher but was now a stay-at-home mom to their two young girls. They were active in their church. He taught a Sunday school class, and she led women’s ministry. Although their church was mission-minded, neither of them gave a thought to entering the field. continued SEPTEMBER 2020 • CONNECT 3

During a church service in early 1993, a XXXXXXXXXX and progressed in their man from the organization XXXXXXXXX language skills, XXX became a pastor in a XXXXXXX shared about missions in the multicultural, bilingual church, XXXXXXX “10/40” window, the land between the 10th XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. They do services and 40th parallels from China to Turkey, in XXXXXX and English. About a third of which contains many Islamic nations. It’s their attendees are expatriates with the area of the world that is least reached Muslim and Hindu backgrounds, or with the Gospel. The gentleman spoke humanists and atheists. About a third are about XXXXXXXX. XXXXXXXXXXX citizens. And a third are “I heard the Holy Spirit say deep in my soul, missionaries. This is the most significant ‘This is what I have for you.’” XXXXX said. part of the couple’s calling – facilitating He decided to not say anything to XXXX and planting churches, and mentoring and yet. “I didn’t realize XXXXX was hearing the teaching the future leaders of those church same call.” plants. There are six churches under their The couple didn’t speak about that day for mission umbrella. a couple of weeks, but God kept working The XXXXX got so much joy from seeing in their hearts. In a quiet moment, XXXX the Lord at work in the XXXXXXX people. asked XXXX if she’d had any reaction when “To see them come to Christ – which is the presenter talked about XXXXXXX. amazing enough because most XXXXX She shared that she had. “It was one of people would rather see their children be the pictures of a 75 to 80-year-old man in atheists than Christians,” XXXXXX said. XXXXXX, a villager. Who knows when that “Then they grow to reach their own people, photo was taken? That man could have gone becoming pastors, leading worship, and into eternity, never having heard the truth. It writing their own worship songs.” was so stunning to me.” After more discus- Premarital counseling was another sion and prayer, the couple agreed that God rewarding aspect of the mission, especially was calling them to serve in XXXXXXXXX. for mixed-ethnicity couples. “It seemed crazy to do what we did when During their 22 years in XXXXX, XXXXX we started doing it,” XXXXX said. “We were and XXXXX children grew, and some too old, had too many kids, and not enough started families of their own. Their current education.” But the XXXXX were obedient furlough was extended so the XXXXXX to the call. They spent the next four years could celebrate the wedding of one of their raising support for their mission. During sons. Then one of their daughters welcomed that time, they had a son, and XXXXX was a new baby. And by then, the global pan- expecting their fourth child (also a boy) as demic had shut down travel. As of this writ- they boarded the plane for XXXXXXXX. ing, the XXXXXX are planning to return to As they established their residence in XXXXXXXXXX at the end of September. Topeka Bible Church has a heart for missions. 27%We invest supportingof our annual operating budget in mission work around the world and here in our own community. 4 CONNECT • SEPTEMBER 2020

You read that right, XXXXXX – not This weeble-type toy figure is a constant XXXXXXX. That takes us back to the traveling companion for XXXXXXXXXXX, beginning of this story, when XXXXXX was XXXXXXXX a symbol of the resilience that deported. While he waited in XXXXXX, is the recurring theme in their 22+ year XXXXXX packed up 22 years of their mission history. lives into 15 suitcases. A few weeks later, XXXXXX and XXXX son-in-law, who was disciple, we want to mentor, we want to also serving in the field in XXXXXXXX facilitate church planting. If God is merciful, and planned to travel, also got his passport we want to do it in X” coded. He decided not to leave the country The XXXX plan to serve in XXXXXXXXXX but was forcibly deported nevertheless. for at least two more years before taking It’s a trend that the XXXXX and their fellow another furlough. They enjoy their leaves mission workers have seen – government because they get to see friends and family. officials deporting Christians who are It’s also strenuous work – traveling to reach involved with successful, thriving ministries. their supporting churches across the country “Our church and the churches we have to give an account of their work and to facilitated have taken a hit with these types mentor and encourage those considering of deportations,” XXXXXXXX said. But he entering the field. XXXXXX shared what she still has a great deal of hope for the church tells those contemplating missions abroad: in the 10/40 window. “Persecution is always “Be willing. Be obedient. Be ready. Be in the one day late and one degree insufficient. Word, make sure your spiritual life is healthy. History has shown this,” he said. The XXXX Make sure your relationship with God is as keep in close contact with their church in clear as you can understand it. Then let God XXXXXXXXX, which is doing well despite do. Be the clay in His hands.” the deportations. New people are coming to the church, and those people are coming to To protect the identity and safety of Christ. these individuals, portions of this “Maybe I’m a little broken,” XXXXXXX article have been redacted in the said, “but I’m not grief-stricken. We left online version of the publication. something really good, and we left it in good shape. God’s going to take it further SEPTEMBER 2020 • CONNECT 5 now, and we’re going to get to do something really exciting in our next role.” “We were never there because the XXXXXX government wanted us there,” XXXXX added. “And we didn’t leave because the XX government wanted us to leave. We came and we went at the hand of our God.” Support from TBC and other sending churches (who give financial and prayer support for mission workers) is critical to the couple. “TBC and the entire church community have been phenomenal,” XXXXXX said. “Despite our age, we keep hearing it’s no time to quit. We want to

STARTS SEPTEMBER 16 • REGISTER NOW! A mid-week gathering for the entire family! Dinner served 5:30-6:10 PM (on-campus location to be announced) followed by: • Men’s, Women’s, and Couple’s Bible Studies • Club Catapult or Pioneer Boys Club for children (childcare available for younger children if parents are volunteering or in a class) • Student Ministry meet-up for jr/sr high students This program is for the entire family. We ask that parents of children participating in Club Catapult to stay on campus for a Bible study or volunteer at Club Catapult. HOW TO REGISTER • DISCOVERTBC.COM Tell us you’re If you have Sign up for joining us kids grade K-6, a men’s, for dinner register for Club women’s, or (participation Catapult at couple’s Bible in the meal is optional). DiscoverTBC.com. Pioneer study. Or volunteer for Register for Fed & Led at Boys and Jr/Sr high students Club Catapult. We ask that DiscoverTBC.com. don’t need to register for parents of children in Club their Wednesday programs. Catapult participate in one of these activities. 6 CONNECT • SEPTEMBER 2020

All Wednesday night classes begin at 6:30 PM September 16 MEN’S BIBLE STUDY COUPLES BIBLE STUDY The Book of Job Anxious for Nothing: Finding Led by Jim Congdon Calm in a Chaotic • 10 weeks World In Job’s day, as in ours, By Max Lucado the world no longer makes sense. Bad things Led by Brent & are happening to good Angie Boles • 5 weeks people. The airwaves are dominated by popular voices who tell us what to think, We all encounter anxiety, but we don’t have ridicule those who disagree, and mock the to let worry and fear control our lives. This godly. We want to trust in God, but we study provides a roadmap for battling with can’t understand why He lets this go on. and healing from anxiety and invites Join this discussion-format study as we readers to delve into Philippians 4:6-7. examine issues such as God vs. Satan: Partner with your spouse on this journey the war of the ages; the world: why it is to true freedom and experience more joy, the way it is; and trust and doubt. clarity, physical renewal, and contentment No registration necessary. through the power of the Holy Spirit. Class location TBD. Class location TBD. WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDIES Chronological Bible Chasing Vines: Study Finding Your Way to an Immensely Led by Patty Diliberto Fruitful Life This study has been By Beth Moore meeting since January, but you’re welcome to join Led by Rinda Wech • 6 weeks in as we wrap up the Old Testament and move into the Gospels! Looking through the lens John 15, Beth Class location: Mulvane Lower Auditorium. gives us a panoramic view of biblical teachings. Along the way you’ll discover Women’s and Couple’s studies: why fruitfulness is so important to God – Purchase your book on your own and how He can use anything that happens prior to the first class session. to us for His glory and our flourishing. Class location TBD. SEPTEMBER 2020 • CONNECT 7

CLUBAll Wednesday night classes begin at 6:30 PM September 16 CATAPULTCHILDREN’S WEDNESDAY NIGHT PROGRAMS Propelling Kids to Life in Christ CLUB CATAPULT Propelling Kids to Life in Christ Pioneer Boys Club Club Catapult For boys K-6 • 10 weeks • Free For kids pre K-6 • 10 weeks • Free Pioneer Boys learn Bible stories, do building Get ready for an evening of fast-paced, projects, play active games and take high-energy fun, Bible lessons, and adventure, nature, and camping excursions. Scripture memorization. Register for Club Location: Mulvane Gymnasium Catapult at DiscoverTBC.com. No registration necessary. Parents, we need you! STUDENT MINISTRY You may wonder why we ask parents of Club Catapult kids to stay on For junior and senior campus – either at a Bible study or as high students • a volunteer. For one, Led & Fed is about 10 weeks • Free feeding all family members, physically and spiritually. Additionally, in order Join us for dinner with for our children’s ministry programs to your family or friends be effective and for children to get the starting at 5:30, then attention they need, we need lots of we’ll gather in the College volunteers! Avenue basement at 6:30 to hang out and play games, worship, and choose from one If you’re not doing a Wednesday of three different classes. night Bible study and can commit just 10 Wednesdays nights this fall No registration necessary. to Club Catapult, please register at DiscoverTBC.com. 8 CONNECT • SEPTEMBER 2020

OTHER FALL PROGRAMMING AT TBC WOMEN’S WEDNESDAY WOMEN’S EXPRESSO MORNING BIBLE STUDY Get Out of Your 7 PM on the second Tuesday of the month, Head September - November, Mulvane Lower Auditorium By Jennie Allen Expresso was created to provide an Led by Ruth Davidson atmosphere where we can hang out and hear women share how God is moving in 9:15-11 AM • 6 weeks their lives. It’s a great tiime to invite friends! Are your thoughts September 8 - Stacy Waldy & Abby holding you captive? Jennie Allen knows Holloway what it’s like to swirl in a spiral of destructive thoughts, such as “I’ll never be October 13 - Diana Ellis & Mona Cope good enough”. “Other people have better November 10 - Kelly Crandall & Erin Dykes lives than I do.” “God couldn’t really love me.” But Jennie also knows we don’t have to stay stuck in toxic thinking patterns. Class location TBD. Purchase your book on your own prior to the first class session. Register for this class at DiscoverTBC.com. DivorceCare • FOR MEN AND WOMEN New, updated curriculum 6:30 PM Wednesdays starting September 9 this fall! College Avenue Building East Conference Room 13 weeks • Free Register by contacting Jerry Millican at [email protected] DivorceCare is support group for individuals who have been through a divorce or are currently experiencing a divorce. Video lessons are from a solidly biblical, Christian perspective. SEPTEMBER 2020 • CONNECT 9

Arnon had a unique opportunity to deliver a sermon entitled Restart Vision on July 12 as part of our [re]START series. Watch Arnon’s message at DiscoverTBC.com/media 10 CONNECT • SEPTEMBER 2020

While translating a sermon for a Topeka pastor who was visiting Brazil, Arnon Batista had no idea that the brief encounter would lead to The Internship of a Lifetime An intern hosted this summer by Topeka Bible Church hopes to soon take the lessons and blessings from our church and share them with the world. Arnon Batista, a 26-year old from the city of Manaus in the Amazon region of northwest Brazil, worked at TBC this summer under the mentorship of lead pastor Jim Congdon. The connection between the Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) student and the Topeka church was cemented four years ago during a TBC short-term outreach in Brazil. But the seeds were planted many years earlier. Unfortunate circumstances and a stubborn attitude eventually led Arnon to the many blessings he is now receiving. When his parents divorced when he was 10 years old, Arnon’s performance at school took a nosedive. To his displeasure, his mother enrolled him in a bilingual international school, where he would be forced to learn English to survive. Arnon resisted until one day he and his Portuguese-speaking classmates were told that they would most certainly score worse than the two native English speakers in the class on some standardized tests. Suddenly motivated by the perceived affront, he applied himself to his studies and scored extremely high on the tests, prompting his teachers to view their stubborn pupil in a different light. At 18, Arnon was set to study engineering in college, but found himself challenged by Romans 12:1-2 to consider a career in ministry. He enrolled at Cariri Baptist Seminary, where he met Janet Roudybush continued SEPTEMBER 2020 • CONNECT 11

McClanahan, a Topeka-born mission for them was right there in rural Brazil. worker supported by TBC. Arnon’s English But that’s when the connection to TBC skills caught her attention, and in October produced a career-altering opportunity. of 2015, she connected him to TBC, a “I looked at the prices of seminaries (in life-changing appointment. the U.S.), and I thought ‘This is just With only one previous experience impossible,’” Arnon said. “We became torn translating a sermon from English to between this big dream of studying at an Portuguese, Arnon was asked by Janet to acclaimed seminary or staying at this church translate for Jim Congdon when a group with a congregation of about 12 people. I from TBC visited in 2015. really didn’t know what God was going to do, so on my end, I was just giving up on the dream. “Then one day, Janet came to my wife and said ‘Pastor Jim wants to hear from you guys about studying in the U.S.’ I thought ‘This man has about 1,500 sheep to shepherd and he’s traveling all over the world. Why would he care about this one seminary student that he met a year ago?’” Arnon was frank with Jim about his inability to afford the cost of a Arnon translated Pastor Jim’s sermon when seminary in the U.S. Jim responded that Jim traveled to Brazil in 2015. TBC had set up a fund to be the ‘sending “I thought ‘This guy’s good,’” Arnon said church’ for Arnon as a missionary-in-train- about his first encounter with Jim. “What ing. When TBC celebrated his 40th year in struck me was that, normally, when I was ministry in 2016, Jim created the scholarship translating, my mind was going very quickly, fund to provide quality seminary training to so I usually didn’t get emotionally affected the next generation of international by what was being said. But that sermon Christian leaders. was so different, and at the end I needed to “It was really a story of reversal and mercy,” talk to this guy and ask him how he knew so Arnon said, reflecting on being forced to much and what his views were. attend an English-speaking school as a child. “Since that day, we both had a connection. “The school I rejected was the very thing We thought similarly, we both had a passion God used 10 years later to bring us here, for biblical studies. He heard a little about and to equip me for the opportunities and my background, and we talked just briefly desires I have for the kingdom now.” about studying abroad.” Just a few days after arriving at DTS in In college, Arnon served at a small rural August 2017, Arnon and Jessica found church. He and his wife, Jessica, had just themselves in Jim and Melody Congdon’s about given up the dream of studying Topeka kitchen, where Melody embraced abroad, believing that perhaps God’s will them as her “Brazilian children.” “It really was that kind of kingdom 12 CONNECT • SEPTEMBER 2020

mentality of if you lose a family in one place, wherever you go, God is going to provide you new mothers and new fathers, new brothers and sisters,” Arnon said. “That was our first experience in Topeka. We stayed for a week, and that really established the connection with the church and the community.” Arnon will graduate in December with a Master of Theology degree. Required to do an internship, Arnon was invited by Jim to spend the summer working at TBC. Arnon had the opportunity to experience “I’ve been impacted by TBC’s way of something many TBCers could only dream of – leading people to life in Christ, Arnon a summer internship with Jim. said. “TBC is a church that’s very relation- longer. Another door opened in 2019 for a doctorate program, courtesy of the support of al, very welcoming. (It is) a church that is a DTS donor. professional, yet informal, so that non-Christians can feel comfortable here. “It’s a re-crafting of the vision,” Arnon said. “It “We have been so well-received and so loved. wasn’t something we expected, but it seemed Topeka is a hospitable town.” like another opportunity that we feel will benefit the people of The Batistas made their Brazil through our first trip back to Brazil ministry.” at Christmastime, ...we want to go returning just before back to Brazil Arnon’s long-term international travel vision for his career is to with vision of a invest in future pastors was shut down by at a seminary or institute COVID-19. Brazil has been rocked by mobile ministry, in Brazil, and to serve on a pastoral staff. But his COVID-19. The virus goals have grown since he arrived in the U.S. has claimed more than able to travel to “Spending three years 100,000 lives in the at DTS has enlarged my South American nation, prepare pastors. second only to the U.S. Arnon said he is thankful they could visit vision,” Arnon said. “I have made close friends before travel between the two countries was from India, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, prohibited. He said the pandemic has only England, and across Africa. So I’m starting strengthened his and his wife’s resolve to be a to think of ministry at more of a global level, blessing to their native country. partnering with schools and friends around the world. Perhaps it would be teaching in “Our plan has always been to return to Brazil,” Portuguese-speaking countries like Angola, Arnon said. “We love our people. It’s a very Mozambique, and Portugal. So we want to go messed up country, especially right now, but back to Brazil with vision of a mobile we really want to minister there.” ministry, able to travel to prepare pastors.” But the return to Brazil will be delayed a while SEPTEMBER 2020 • CONNECT 13

CONNECTION POINTS We asked TBCers: “What worship song is your anthem right now?” Peace Be Still - It is the Man Of Your Word - song that both brings It helps me regroup me to my knees and after reading and to my feet with hands experiencing the raised high to the sky. chaos in this world. Life is often hard and It reminds me that God, uncertain; knowing that our God is my beloved Father and protector, with us in the midst of the storm, is timeless. Despite humanity’s and that He invites us to walk out depressive state, His word is onto the water with Him is powerful. infallible and relevant, reassuring me of where He stands when it – Jared Broyles comes to His children. – Gemima Joseph Raise A Hallelujah - Whatever you’re going through – it’s not over! He’s continuing to write your story. The headline, “Victory, my weapon is a melody.” During a crazy time, when anxiety and fear can become crippling, we move our focus to the victory that Jesus won for all eternity. The lyrics in this battle anthem remind us that God is calling us to praise Him in our storms. We sing louder and louder as we remember who He is in the middle of our circumstances. When we pause to make our weapon a melody of praise, Heaven comes to fight for us. Maybe you are looking for hope, for joy, for peace. Maybe the enemy has something that belongs to you. Reclaim it! All you have to do is raise a hallelujah. – Jeremiah Devine Only Jesus - It’s a constant reminder to me over the past couple years to focus on humbly glorifying Christ and his name in a world that encourages us to make a name for ourselves and build our own reputations. – Moriah Day 14 CONNECT • SEPTEMBER 2020

Yes I Will - I love these lyrics because although we live in uncertain times, there is one thing we can ALWAYS count on, GOD! He is unchanging, everlasting and constant. “In the waiting, The same God who’s never late, is working all things out.” I love that it reminds us to bless HIS name even in the lowest valley and even when our hearts are heavy, He is there. The bridge reminds us we get to CHOOSE to praise and glorify HIS name…“That NOTHING can stand against.” So in this season of uncertainties, confusion and opinions YES, I WILL choose to praise my God because He is bigger, stronger, and greater than all things of this world. – Amanda Devine Great Are You Lord - Fighting for Me - I love Even with everything this song so much going on around us because I’m a single that we can’t mom and it gives me control we know our peace of mind and God is Great and gives hope that God is fighting us breath and life and is worthy of for me on the hard days. praise! He is our light in the darkness! – Dave Packard – Maria Ortiz Rattle - It is a reminder of how powerful our God is and that He will move as He sees fit in my life despite all the chaos in the world around me. It reminded me of the man who was dead but when he was thrown on Elisha’s bones he came back to life. – Linda Limon Peace Be Still - As a musician, I adore being a part of the creation of music. “Be still and know that I am God ...” is a verse that has always seemed nice to me, yet completely out of my reach. To those who know me best, I am anything but still (I’m a drummer). When I heard the song Peace Be Still for the first time, I literally stopped what I was doing to listen (and cry). It was as if the artist and lyrics were able to speak directly to my soul: the parts that were anxious and unable to rest. It is that powerful of a song to me. I know it was the Holy Spirit reaching me in a way that He knew I was able to respond ... musically. – Becca Livgren SEPTEMBER 2020 • CONNECT 15

CTING WITH:CONNE With parents who were involved in full- time ministry, Destiny Bruno grew OCCUPATION: up in church. She accepted Christ and was Financial analyst in the financial reporting department at Capitol baptized at age seven, and “I’ve been Federal. living for Christ since then,” she said. MINISTRIES: When her parents separated while Children’s, Young Adults she was in junior high school, LIKES TO: Destiny had to learn about Dance (especially swing dancing), forgiveness. “God let me be play card games (Hearts is a favorite) angry and talk to Him” Destiny FAVORITE TRAVELS: said, “I can see now the plan Bay Islands, Honduras He had for our lives, and how He grew my family from that 16 CONNECT • SEPTEMBER 2020 situation.” Destiny used her own experience just three years later to help counsel a friend who was experiencing the same thing. Destiny was born in Topeka, grew up in Overbrook, and moved to Gardner around the age of 17. Her friend Hannah Powell invited her to come to TBC. She felt God calling her to get back to working with kids. She served one year with the fourth grade girls in Awana, and the following year became a Sparks director. “One of the times when I’ve seen the largest impact is when I go for a walk with a child, talking with them, helping them give it up to God through prayer,” Destiny said. “Seeing through their eyes their absolute trust in what God can do. He’s a superhero to them! It reignites my fire.” In addition to Awana, Destiny serves in the Young Adults Ministry, organizing monthly lunches and the memory verse challenge. Some may wonder how she has the time to juggle working full time, working on her master’s degree, and being so involved in ministry. “When you consider the things you’re spending time on, make sure you find time that you’re serving others and serving God,” Destiny said. “Don’t let busy-ness be the reason you’re not taking the opportunity to serve, because you won’t regret doing it.”

#discovertbc – photos from our feeds FAMILY CAMP The Bufords were just one of the 38 families who converged upon New Life Ranch in the Oklahoma Ozarks July 23-26 for fun, food, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Families also participated in the challenge course, swam at the aquatics center, enjoyed paddling and “the blob” along the waterfront, and rode horseback! YOUTH TENNIS CLINIC A record-breaking 120+ kids and teens participated in this year’s clinic, August 3-7 at Kossover Tennis Center. They received tennis instruction, got experience playing games, enjoyed snacks, and grew their faith through daily devotional time. This year’s theme was “Love God. Love Others.” Our thanks to all the adult and teen volunteers who helped make it happen! Tag your TBC event pics with #discovertbc or email them to Teresa@DiscoverTBC. You might see one of your photos in our next issue! CONNECT WITH US! @discovertbc @topekabiblehurch Topeka Bible Church

UPCOMING EVENTS In this season especially, events are subject to change with little notice. You can stay informed by subscribing to our weekly e-bulletin (sign up at DiscoverTBC.com) or by downloading the Topeka Bible Church app from your favorite mobile marketplace. SEPTEMBER 2020 16 Fed & Led begins (Wednesday night programs) 8 Harvesters Food Distribution See pages 6-9 inside 8 AM, Stormont Vail Events Register at Discover TBC.com Center parking lot Volunteers needed 19 Foster Care & Adoption Ministry 8 Women’s Expresso Muffins for Moms 7 PM, Mulvane Lower 9-11 AM, College Ave North Auditorium Lawn or Mulvane Parlor (TBD) Hear how God is moving in Connect with other adopting the lives of TBC women. This or fostering moms. month’s speakers: Stacy Waldy and Abby Holloway 26 TBC Fall Festival 9 DivorceCare Begins Details to come 6:30 PM Wednesday nights, College Avenue Building East Conference Room A 13-week video seminar and support group for those working through separation or divorce. Free. Register at Discover TBC.com LADIES! Mark your calendars for our Christmas LOL event Thursday and Friday night, December 3 and 4 Our popular women’s Christmas comedy event will be held in-person AND livestreamed. Plan a party with your friends in your home or via a watch party on Facebook! Ticket distribution begins in November. NEW TO TBC? Text “NEW” to 785-432-4801 and we’ll be happy to help you get connected!