We all know God has given us each different gifts with which to serve Him while we're passing through this life. Sometimes, though, I'm learning my gifts could be used for so much more than what I'm already doing. As communicators, we use our gifts every day to advance the kingdom. We are behind the scenes mostly, but nonetheless, we are using the gifts God gave us. I love knowing that something I've done - a mailer, an article, a brochure - has helped make another ministry easier. It's my part in the big puzzle of life.

Another way I believe I can use my gifts to make a difference is by serving missionaries on the field nationally and internationally by providing the same communications support services I provide on staff at my church. I can help them with developing brochures or prayer cards or websites. The idea occurred to me that I could start to do this myself - which I am - but in doing so, I thought that others in BCA might want to do the same thing.

It renews my passion for communications by being involved in something outside of my regular routine. God has called missionaries to the field, and He has called me to tell stories and to support my church and missions using the gifts He has given me. I have been in touch with the International Mission Board, and they are ready to send us requests from the field...in fact, I've already received more requests than I can fill myself. Would you like to help serve in this way? Right now, I have a couple of requests for assistance in getting websites started - one in a secure area of the world. These requests can be filled by those of us who are willing to be used.

I know we all have a lot on our plates. But I don't think God gave me a vision for connecting missionaries' communications needs with communications specialists for naught. Just send me an email (stacey@pleasantvalley.org) and let me know you would be interested in learning more or in being added to a list of those who would consider requests as they are made available. With technology and communications as they are in the 21st century, travel might not even be necessary - although I'd love the opportunity to travel if the need calls for it in the future! We can do much of what we do with phone and internet.

As someone who generally likes to have a solid plan when starting a project, I find that God usually prefers that I take one step at a time and have faith in Him as I journey down the road to the goal. I'd love to have some company on this mission journey!

When I started working in Baptist journalism a decade ago, it never even entered my mind that I'd end up in church communications. In fact, 10 years ago, I'm not even sure the words church and communications were put together in the same sentence. But, today, it's a different story. Churches are waking up to the fact they need people with expertise in writing, graphics, websites and printing, and I know there are church communicators out there, but we're rarely connected with each other. So, I'm interested to know where they are. Will you take a moment and answer these questions for me?

1. Does your church have a communications staff person(s)?
2. If yes, paid or volunteer?
3. What is your church's average worship attendance?

But I'd like to take it a step farther than just statistics. In BCA, we've got a gem of a resource to offer church communicators - resources, training and, most importantly, the opportunity to connect with others like us. Serving on the church level often can lend itself to being something of a "lone ranger." So, this year, we want to invite more church communicators to participate in the workshop. There are a few of us already, but we know there are others out there. I know they are just waiting to find out how they can get help for their ministry. (I know because I am one.) I was blessed to be a part of BCA already when I began serving on a church staff. But there are many others who are just waiting for someone to call and say, "Here is something great for you."

Why don't you be that person? Think about why you like BCA and then think about the person at your church who handles communications. Wouldn't he or she benefit from the same fellowship and training you receive during the workshop? You bet! In fact, I feel so strongly that BCA will benefit church communicators, too, that if you'll send me the name of the communications person at your church and the phone number, I will call him/her and offer a personal invitation. I'm happy to do it. I love to talk with others who serve in the same position... we "get" each other. You can email me at stacey@pleasantvalley.org. Or, you can give him/her my contact information.

If it wasn't for BCA and the connections I have been able to make locally with other church communicators, it would have been much more difficult for me to navigate my three years in church communications. So help us reach out to other church communicators... they deserve the same opportunity.

Stacey Hamby - BCA Communications VP
Director of Communications
Pleasant Valley Baptist Church
Liberty, Missouri
816-781-5959