Mission Moment 4.17.24

Missy Angalla 
CBF Field Personnel, Uganda 

I first met Justine at a job interview to serve with us on staff as a social worker. Our ministry programs were at an important growth point and we needed an additional social worker to serve with us. 

I remember feeling an instant peace with her. She was humble and had a wise and gentle presence, perfect for a social worker serving among vulnerable communities. Justine has now served on staff with us for the last eight years. She is originally from Uganda, but has lived as an immigrant in Europe and has firsthand experience of living away from home. I have learned and grown a lot while serving with her over the last eight years. She has a strong faith and dependence on God. Whenever there are challenges going on, Justine turns directly to God first to ask for wisdom and provision.

She also has incredible joy of the Lord! I have greatly enjoyed working with Justine because we have been able to find joy in even the most challenging situations. Her joy and laughter are contagious. This laughter is a reminder to me of God’s faithful presence with us. The laughter provides a lightening of tension and the ability to breathe more deeply. 

Our ministry focuses on working with the most vulnerable refugee families within our communities. These situations are often incredibly complicated, requiring a holistic multi-faceted solution. No matter how in-depth and robust our ministry programs, the situation is always bigger than us. Together, we remind one another of the foundational verse for our ministry from Ephesians 3:21 where Paul proclaims “we serve a God who is able to do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.” We see that firsthand every day as God moves powerfully in the lives of the most vulnerable refugees within our community through providing hope, healing and restoration. 

Joe's Window

By Dr. Joe Yelton
Interim Pastor

What’s in a name? Well, as it turns out, a lot ... a whole lot. Beyond the obvious benefits of name recognition during conversations, names also become identifiers. In Biblical times, Hebrew men were often given names in adulthood that described their personality or ethic. For instance, Barnabas literally means, son of encouragement. Man, what a great name! (Don’t we wonder if some men were labeled “Grumpy?”) 

If I think too long about being given a name in adulthood that describes how others see me, I turn away. What name would I have earned among those who know me best? Yikes! 

This afternoon I had a wonderful time visiting some of our people at Skyland Nursing Center. As I prepared to leave, I remembered a person who had been most dear to me during my pastorate at Cullowhee. Would he still be at Skyland after all these years? I didn’t know so, I asked. He was. 

I returned to the floor and found his room. Walking in and seeing him for the first time in twenty-seven years, I hesitated. He was a frail image of the man he used to be. But then ... then ... all doubt was removed, and time disappeared as he shouted, “Joe Yelton.” My heart leapt and my soul smiled. He called my name. He remembered me. And we sat and remembered together the richness of our friendship years ago and, our reclaimed friendship today. 

Some years ago, I was visiting an African American congregation in Brooklyn, New York. The people were so kind, and the pastor was amazing. Beyond that, do you know that the one thing I remember most about that wonderful Sunday morning was something he said at the close of the service. Though I can’t duplicate it, I can gather his meaning: “Never forget, God knows your name. He’s never forgotten it, and He never will. God knew you before you had a name. And even better, if you’ve fouled up your name along the way, God is ready to give you a brand new name, whether others use it or not. At least you’ll know that God knows your name. And one day you’ll hear Him set aside your name as God calls you, “Child.” Enough said! 

Fast Fixin’ Chocolate Chip Cake

(makes 16-20 servings and can be made with sugar-free ingredients as well)

Ingredients
1 package Duncan Hines Deluxe II Devil’s Food Cake Mix
1/4 cup oil
2 eggs
1 1/4 cups water
1 package chocolate instant pudding mix (4 serving size)
1 cup chocolate chips (6 ounce package)

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Pour oil into a 13”x9”x2” pan.  Tilt pan until bottom is covered with oil.  Put remaining ingredients into pan;  stir with a fork or spoon until blended (about 2 minutes).  Scrape sides and spread batter evenly in pan.  Bake at 350 degrees F. for 35 to 45 minutes, till toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.  Cooled cake may be sprinkled with powdered sugar.  (I use brownie icing.)

Alternate:  Prepare pan as directed above using 1/4 cup oil  Add cake mix, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup water, and 1 can (20 to 23 ounces) cherry pie filling.  Mix, bake and serve same as directed for other.

– Provided by Lorie Meservey

Fast Fixin’ Chocolate Chip Cake

Click here to download a printable version.

-Provided by Lorie Meservey

Babysitting Training Is Going Well

For the second session of the Babysitting Training, the potential babysitters interviewed Mrs. Janelle Messer about what a mom looks for in a potential helper with her children. Janelle shared many insights from her experience as a nanny, babysitter, and mother. Then the young ladies split up to observe and play with Janelle’s children: 15-month old Sparrow and five-year-old Siler. They are getting lots of information and materials to help them be great babysitters. 

The next session will be Monday, April 22 with the emphasis on first aid and handling emergencies when babysitting.

Sparrow Messer and her mom, Janelle, enjoyed interacting with Ivy and Ella.

Siler enjoyed building a huge tower with the babysitting training participants.

Salted Nut Bars

These bars were a hit at the Wednesday evening meal last week!

Ingredients
1 package Pillsbury Moist Supreme Yellow Cake Mix
1/3 cup margarine or butter, softened
1 egg
3 cups mini marshmallows
2/3 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup margarine or butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 (10 oz.) package peanut butter chips
2 cups crisp rice cereal
2 cups salted peanuts or cashews or honey roasted peanuts

Instructions
Heat oven to 350 degrees F.  In a large bowl, combine cake mix, 1/3 cup margarine or butter, and egg at low speed.  Mix until crumbly.  Press in bottom of ungreased 9”x13”x2” pan.  Bake 12-18 minutes or until light golden brown.  Remove from pan;  immediately sprinkle with marshmallows.  Return to oven;  bake an additional 1-2 minutes or until marshmallows just begin to puff.  Cool.

Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine corn syrup, 1/4 cup margarine or butter, vanilla, and chips.  Heat just until chips are melted and mixture is smooth, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat;  stir in cereal and peanuts.  Immediately spoon warm topping over marshmallows;  spread to cover.  Refrigerate until firm.  Cut into bars.  

– Provided by Barb Holquist

Salted Nut Bars

Click here to download a printable version.

-Provided by Bob Holquist

First Baptist Church of Sylva, 669 West Main Street, Sylva, NC, 28779, United States828-586-2095fbcsylva@gmail.com

First Baptist Church of Sylva

669 West Main Street | Sylva, NC 28779
828-586-2095

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