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IN THIS ISSUE: Women of Prayer | Hope in the Face of Leukemia | Meet Our New Staff and more!COMMUNICATIONS STAFF: COME SERVE WITH US! Interested in joining one of our Communications Volunteer teams? Visit shepherds.org/ministry-teams for details. COMMUNICATIONS VOLUNTEERS: Thanks to the many talented people who volunteer throughout the year. These include photographers, writers, chalk artists, graphic designers, and those that help with Bumper Crop. Kent Perigo Communications Director Susan Benner Communications Coordinator Editor/Staff Writer Zac Coleman Graphic Designer/Photographer Kirsten Roberson Graphic Designer Katie Horton Lead Videographer Cheryl Coleman Strategic and External Communications 1 Letter from Pastor Davey 2-4 Women of Prayer: Faithful in All Seasons 5-6 One Year In: The Fruit of Faithfulness at Shepherd’s en Espa ñ ol 7-9 360 Conference: Equipping All Believers in the Battle of Ministry 10-11 Hope in the Face of Leukemia 12-14 David Spink: Ready to Shepherd the Next Generation 15 Students: Step Up! 16 College: Discipleship Jesus’ Way 17 A New Chapter for Shepherd’s Library 18-20 Steve Bennett: From Desert Roads to Awana Commander 21-23 David Webb: Faith, Football, and a Heart for Ministry 24-25 Upcoming Events TABLE OF CONTENTS WORSHIP CONNECT GROW SERVE SHARE CALENDAR NEXT GENIt has always fascinated me that Jesus never asked us to pray for the church to grow—He promised to take care of that Himself. But He did ask us to pray for laborers who would serve. As The Shepherd’s Church turns 39 this September, we praise the Lord for continuing to answer that prayer. In this month’s edition of Connections, you’ll be introduced to several new laborers joining our church team: David Spink in Children’s Ministry David Webb leading Sports Ministry Tracy Lee leading our Family Library Steve Bennett as our new Awana Commander You’ll also read about an exciting update on our Spanish Ministry and how prayer and the body of Christ had a profound impact on families in our church . . . and the list goes on! Of course, adding staff members is just the beginning of effective ministry. Someone once remarked that when a man becomes a pastor, he leaves the ministry. In a very real sense, that’s true. The apostle Paul clearly charged the early church to remember that pastors and teachers were to equip the body for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11). With that in mind, I offer heartfelt praise for the Lord’s provision in and through volunteers—faithful members of this local body—who have answered the prayer to “send more laborers into the harvest field” (Matthew 9:38). You don’t have to cross an ocean to become a missionary. Sometimes, it just means crossing the street or talking to someone in the next cubicle. The church historian Adolf von Harnack once wrote that Christianity expanded through “informal missionaries,” a term coined by Justin (also known as Justin Martyr), a second-century church leader and defender of Christianity in Rome who was martyred in 165 AD. It’s a powerful reminder of who we are . . . and what we do. I hope you’ll be inspired by this edition of Connections to mentally and physically step forward as an informal missionary serving in the body, in the community . . . for the sake of the gospel of Christ. And Happy Birthday month to The Shepherd’s Church! Beloved, 1WORSHIPW hen life gets hard, we need a supportive community, and that’s one reason the Shepherd’s Women of Prayer ministry exists. Each week, several groups of women gather to praise and pray together. Like the four friends who carried a paralyzed man to the feet of Jesus (Mark 2:1–12), the Women of Prayer symbolically place one another’s needs “on the mat” and carry them to Christ—entrusting them to His care and finding peace in knowing they are not alone. But these gatherings are far more than just prayer meetings—they are intentional times for women to glorify Jesus Christ. As Sharon Daum, the ministry’s coordinator, remarks, “When we take time to focus on who God is and what He is able to do, our challenges shrink in comparison, and we are better able to transfer reliance from ourselves to our powerful God. When we see answers to prayers we have prayed together, our faith is strengthened and the praise and thanks to God is multiplied! This is another core reason for the Women of Prayer ministry.” Each prayer time begins by seeking God’s face before seeking His hand. The group reads a psalm, letting God “start the conversation” and then responds to it together in several ways. They praise God together for the attributes they find in the psalm, thank God for answers to prayer and then take time for personal surrender. Only then do they bring their requests to the Lord. Deeply committed and grounded in James 5:16, these women fully believe that “the “prayer of the righteous avails much.” This approach has led to numerous testimonies of answered prayer. Diane Knesovich and Mindy Black have personal stories that powerfully demonstrate the impact of corporate prayer. By David Jones, Contributing Writer 2WORSHIPMeet Diane Diane, a homeschool mom of 10 years, began attending Shepherd’s in 2002 through the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) program. After hearing other moms in MOPS talk about the church, she and her husband Steve, decided to attend a service. Overwhelmed at first as they walked into the sanctuary with their two small children in tow, they almost turned around—until one of the MOPS ladies warmly invited them to sit with her. Diane was immediately moved by the glorious worship music, while Steve was impacted by Pastor Davey’s teaching. Coming from a Catholic background, this was all very new—but it led to them returning. Diane later became involved with the “Apples of Gold” mentoring program, where she was shaped by the wisdom and faith of older women, including Marilynn Hodgins, who she served alongside from 2004-2011, before suffering a brain injury in an accident. As a result, a therapist recommended she take up a hobby to help overcome the trauma. She chose painting, though she had never done much of it in her life. Now, she is fully recovered, and her paintings are displayed in many places around town. Recently, her piece titled “Triumphal Entry” was featured in Shepherd’s Good Friday Service of Shadows. It was through Sharon that Diane connected with her Women of Prayer group. Meet Mindy Mindy grew up in a Christian home and surrendered her life to Christ at the age of six. Her faith was real even then—so much so that she would invite neighbors over and ask her parents to show them Bible verses. She was pointing people to Christ then and is praying people to Christ now. Mindy, a natural teacher and encourager, has taught 4-year-olds for 18 years. She and her husband Steve have attended the church since 1999. Having known Sharon since she was 11, it was natural for her to join Sharon in the prayer group. Others in the group quickly noticed Mindy’s sincerity, humility, and dedication to prayer. Little did Diane and Mindy know just how significant their fellow prayer warriors would be in their personal journeys. Health Crisis Brings Outpouring of Prayer In January 2025, Diane’s husband Steve suffered a heart attack. The outpouring of prayer from the Women of Prayer was immediate. While walking through the daily grind of hospital visits and uncertainty, Diane felt surrounded and uplifted by the prayers of her sisters in Christ as well as The Shepherd’s Church. She says Psalm 23 took on vivid meaning. Just one example was verse 5: “He prepares a table before me.” Diane recalls how the ICU waiting area overflowed with food and people—often 15-20 at a time during the first weekend. (continued on next page) Diane and Steve Knesovich Mindy and Steve Black 3Diane says it quickly became clear—“It wasn’t about what I did—it was all about what God was doing,” She describes how other people’s prayers carried her through—both the physical and spiritual battles—as encouragement poured in from all over, including people she had not heard from in years. Steve’s condition was very grave, and he spent a month on a ventilator. In fact, 60% of patients with his condition do not leave the hospital. However, Diane and Steve found joy despite the odds, leaning on Scripture, especially the Psalms. After Steve came home, they hosted a celebration to share Steve’s testimony with friends and family—not all of whom are believers. They were able to give glory to God for his progress and highlight the impact the Women of Prayer had on their lives. We continue to pray that the seeds planted by the witness of Steve and Diane will bear fruit “so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.” (2 Corinthians 1:11b) A Walking miracle Mindy had visited Diane and Steve in the hospital to offer prayer and support during his recovery. Little did she know that another medical emergency would bring her back to the same place—just on a different floor. While watching TV one day, Mindy’s husband Steve collapsed because his heart had stopped. CPR was administered, but emergency personnel couldn’t wake him up and there was concern about brain damage. To protect the brain, doctors considered putting him in a medically induced coma for 72 hours. He was also on a ventilator. Sharon Daum immediately went to be with Mindy. They sent a message to the Women of Prayer group and asked them to begin praying, knowing they would be meeting that day from 11:15 am – 12:15 pm. The doctor had said it would be several days before Steve was able to respond. However, at midday Steve’s eyes began to flutter and he suddenly woke up and began to speak. Mindy looked at her watch—it was 12:15 pm. Mindy gives God the glory! “I wish you could have seen the praise party that broke out when we let the prayer group know of that dramatic answer to prayer. Steve is a walking miracle—a Lazarus.” He was released from the hospital just one week later. Faithful in All Seasons The women know that not every prayer is answered with a miracle. But they’ve witnessed God do great things in response to their unified prayers. Whatever His answer, their mission is the same: glorify God. As new challenges arise and fresh names are added to prayer lists, the group continues to deepen their commitment—not only to one another, but to the sacred calling of interceding for their church community and its ministries. They find comfort and hope in the ancient psalms and promises of Scripture. Their fellowship is marked by laughter, vulnerability, confidentiality and holy expectancy. Looking ahead, the Women of Prayer are eager to welcome new faces into their circle, to teach, to comfort, and to pass on the legacy of intercessory prayer. Their journey is ongoing— a living testimony to the power of faith expressed not in grand gestures, but in the quiet, persistent, and courageous act of lifting one another before the throne of grace. How marvelous! How wonderful! If interested in joining a Women of Prayer group, visit shepherds.org/women/ A new semester of Women of Prayer will begin the week of September 15. 4O n September 1, 2024, Pastor Jose Alonso captured the hearts of our congregation when he humbly referred to himself as the “taco at the end of the buffet,” referencing that he was following all the distinguished guest speakers of the 2024 Summer Series. That sermon was delivered just one week before the official launch of Shepherd’s en Español, which now meets Sundays at 11 am in the Chapel. This vibrant ministry began years earlier as a small weekly ABF and gradually developed into a full church service. Supported by a small and devoted group of believers, it became clear that as Cary’s Hispanic population grew to 12%, this ministry needed to expand quickly to meet the growing need. Now approaching its first anniversary, Pastor Jose reflects on God’s goodness over the past year. He says that every Sunday since its launch, Shepherd’s en Español has welcomed first-time visitors, in addition to its 140 regular adult attendees and their 40 children. “I had expectations of numerical growth—not because of the numbers, but because the numbers represent people,” he explains. “I also had expectations of having a church that makes disciples and not just brings a crowd. So that is our goal—to focus on discipleship.” Because discipleship is central to building a healthy church, events and ministries have been designed to lay a foundation of sound theology, especially for the many new believers. These include women’s and men’s Bible studies, an ABF theology class modeled after the Greenhouse class, marriage seminars with dinner, and baptisms (13 last year). This fall, the church plans to launch a hermeneutics ABF taught by Daniel Kukin, a graduate of Shepherds Seminary and the worship leader for Shepherd’s en Español. Amazingly, an estimated 70% of regular attenders are not yet born-again believers, making Shepherd’s en By Amy McCoy, Contributing Writer 5CONNECTChristmas in September: Bless our global workers by purchasing gifts or gift cards. Immanuel’s Child: Your gift of $25 will bring the hope of the gospel to many hopeless children in Russia this Christmas. Joy Toys Collection: We’re partnering with Child Evangelism Fellowship to help make the holidays brighter for families in need this Christmas. Gift Card Collection: Our Care Ministry will collect Target, Walmart, grocery and gas gift cards to distribute to those in need in our church family at Christmas. HOLIDAY GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Español a dynamic and growing mission field right within the church’s walls. Amid this growth, Pastor Jose is filled with immense gratitude for God’s wonderful provision of facilities and support, and for the many souls now able to hear the Word in their native, heart language. He believes that the congregation’s faithfulness to the Lord and this church has made this ministry possible. “I know for almost 39 years, people have been faithfully attending, giving, loving, and getting together. Last year, finally, Shepherd’s en Español was born—just one fruit of all those great things that Shepherd’s has been doing. So now, as we grow, we want to be the good daughter—the good fruit of The Shepherd’s Church.” This “good daughter” hopes to replicate the model at Shepherd’s by planting Spanish-speaking churches within English-speaking churches that already have infrastructure in place, allowing new ministries to launch quickly and effectively. Two such church plants are already underway through Grace Promise and the Shepherd’s Network: one at Christian Fellowship Church in Hammond, Indiana, and another in Lancaster City, Pennsylvania. Each receives financial support, discipleship training, materials, and mentoring tailored to its needs. It is an exciting time to witness this ministry grow and multiply. Your prayers are appreciated, as we “can do nothing apart from [Him]” (John 15:5). Month of SEPTEMBER: Month of OCTOBER: Month of NOVEMBER: Month of DECEMBER: 6CONNECTJ oin us for the 12th annual Shepherds 360 Conference, October 13-15 . When we began the conference back in 2014, our vision was the same as it is today—to provide a welcoming place for church leaders to get recharged and refreshed. The title of this year’s conference is “Persevering in Ministry.” This year’s conference will focus on perseverance, resilience, and endurance in Christian ministry. This is such an important topic. Christian ministry is not a casual activity but a battleground. Christian leaders must recognize that our ministry is spiritual warfare, not against cultural tides or difficult people, but within their heart. The real threat in ministry is internal, as Satan seeks to discourage and derail leaders through subtle battles of the soul. Therefore, a wartime mindset is essential. Leaders must expect hardship and press on with resilience, perseverance, and endurance. Some Biblical Models of Perseverance Reflecting on our 2025 conference theme, there are some biblical models of perseverance that should inspire us. Here are a few. Noah displayed remarkable perseverance, building the ark over 120 years despite public ridicule. His obedience and steadfast faith are powerful examples of resilience in the face of societal disbelief. Abraham waited patiently for God’s promise of a son to be fulfilled. His story illustrates the reward of trusting God’s timing even when the wait is long and trials are great. Joseph was betrayed, falsely accused, and imprisoned. Yet he never gave in to bitterness and rose to leadership in Egypt. His ability to see God’s purpose in his suffering exemplifies resilient faith. Moses led Israel through years of wilderness wandering, enduring rebellion and complaints. He trusted God’s power and presence, even when the path was long and the people were ungrateful. David endured ten years of persecution before becoming king. Despite unjust suffering, he waited for God’s timing, modeling patient endurance. Paul , the apostle, faced beatings, imprisonment, and numerous dangers, yet he continued his mission. He considered his suffering light and momentary in comparison to the eternal reward. Jeremiah’s experience is particularly intense. Despite his faithful proclamation of God’s truth, he was rejected by By Les Lofquist, 360 Conference Director (continued on next page) 7GROWNext >