Salt and Light
Jesus said: Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand-shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16, The Message
Try out these salt and light resources:
* Tools from NCF at http://www.ncf-jcn.org/publications/main.php-multiple resources, free and for purchase, some downloadable, updated regularly.
* Launch at http://launch.intervarsity.org/-free sessions (videos, testimonials, Scripture text, leader's notes) addressing hard questions people ask about Jesus.
* Thirsty at http://thirsty.ifesworld.org-Watchhttp://vimeo.com/28412649 and join others from all over the world who want to drink deeply from daily Scripture and reflection questions. Delivered free to your phone or computer.
Member Benefits
* Membership Matters! NCF members play a crucial role in God's work in nursing. Dues and additional financial gifts support ministry to students, educators, and nurses across the United States and internationally. NCF reaches out through student and nurse groups, conferences, e-mails, letters, phone calls, Web sites, Twitter, Facebook, blogs, JCN, healthcare mission education and resources, and on it goes. NCF Staff encourage, teach, pray, answer questions, offer support, and lead nurses to biblical, godly, and professional resources. You have a part in this work through your membership, gifts, and prayers!
You sent me aid for my needs... not that I seek or am eager for your gift, but I do seek and am eager for the harvest of blessing that is accumulating to your account... Philippians 4: 16-17, NIV.
* CE Discounts: Members-receive 30% off all JCN CE (print and online) and 25% off all other CE (online) at Lippincott's http://NursingCenter.com. Learn how to obtain your discounts at http://www.ncf-jcn.org/jcn/lwwce.php. JCN offers over 40 contact hours and there are over 1,100 CE opportunities at http://NursingCenter.com.
* http://Journalofchristiannursing.com: A link to activate your online JCN account is sent to members via e-mail from Lippincott when you join NCF. If you are an NCF member and can't access your JCN online account, contact LWW Member Services at (866)489-0443 or [email protected] with your name and NCF membership number.
Intersections
Connecting Faith and Nursing
Are you seeking innovation in your personal and professional life? Look no further! Plan to attend Innovations in Faith-Based Nursing, June 18-21, 2012, on the beautiful campus of Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana.
4 Days Monday evening-Thursday afternoon
4 Tracks: Culture-Faith-Education-Practice/Advanced Practice
4 Keynote speakers:
Dr. Josepha Campinha-Bacote President of Transcultural C.A.R.E. Associates Designer of The Process of Cultural Competence in the Delivery of Healthcare Services Model
Anne Dabrow Woods MSN, RN Chief Nurse Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Publisher, American Journal of Nursing Dr. Verna Benner Carson President, C&V Senior Care Specialists, Inc. Renowned author and speaker
Dr. Kathy Schoonover-Shoffner Editor, Journal of Christian Nursing Staff, Nurses Christian Fellowship USA Staff nurse, Via Christi Behavioral Health
48 Podium and poster presentations
Cost is only $500 (includes registration, CEs, meals, and housing). Hosted by IWU, NCF, and Eta Chi chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, Innovations offers a time for connecting with God and nursing colleagues. See http://www.indwes.edu/Nursing-Innovations/ for registration.
Spotlight On...
Jane Hall, BSN, MS, RN, National Director, Nurses Christian Fellowship USA
Jane never imagined being the National Director of NCF USA, but God was preparing her for this job for many years-through professional experience, Christian service, and spiritual growth. Jane, a lifelong Texan, graduated from Baylor University School of Nursing in Texas in 1972 and started work as a public health nurse, then entered home health nursing. She went on to Texas Woman's University and worked in continuing education and nursing education at the collegiate level. Jane has worked with students, staff nurses, educators, advanced practice nurses, and administrators across the spectrum of nursing.
Jane joined NCF staff in 1997 as the Regional Coordinator for Texas and Louisiana. When asked to serve as the Interim Director of NCF in November 2010, it quickly became clear to InterVarsity and NCF staff that Jane was the leader of God's choosing for NCF USA. She became National Director in July 2011. Staff members appreciate Jane's vision, collegial leadership approach, and her spiritual maturity and ability to build and inspire others.
What does Jane see for the future of NCF? Jane relays, "When I was 8, my parents noticed I had a vision problem; I've worn glasses ever since because everything is blurry otherwise. But I don't need glasses to see the vision God has given NCF. Our vision is to see nursing students transformed by Christ, their campuses become places where Christ is exalted, and for all nurses to be Christ's change agents in the world. Flowing out of our vision, our direct mission is to engage students and nurses with the good news of Jesus Christ to bring God's love and healing to nursing and healthcare. We will continue to join with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in fulfilling our vision-by growing student ministry on campus through evangelism and discipleship, and using social media, technology, and the Journal of Christian Nursing to influence nursing for Christ. I'm excited to watch God fulfill his vision and mission in nursing through NCF!"
On Campus
NCF groups meet regularly on over 100 campuses in the United States, developing world changers! Here's an example of students making a difference:
Nursing students at Newman University (KS) who volunteered to perform vision and blood pressure screening discovered some of the low-income children demonstrated a visual deficit year after year but weren't getting corrective lenses. "These kids fall through the cracks. I heard about a little girl who borrowed the secretary's glasses to take exams," said Amy Siple, Associate Professor of Nursing and Faculty Advisor for the NCF group at NU. Amy launched a vision service project. She started by calling several Christian optometrists and all were willing to provide free eye exams if she could find funding for the glasses.
"When I spoke to the NCF students, they were ready to help. Some raised money to cover costs and others sought help from local optical distributors and got vouchers for more glasses. Two NCF students agreed to help coordinate the effort. They created a chart of optical programs in the city to determine where the gaps were and sorted out which program would best suite children with identified deficits," reported Amy. As the service project grew, Amy learned Newman University would provide assistance if a student organization took responsibility for the project. "Of course, I picked NCF. I am excited this will give the NCF students a chance to serve others" Amy said. Amy also purchased and wrapped Bibles to offer to the children and families who would like one after completing their eye exam. When they ask who their benefactor is, she asked the optometrists to simply say, "God wants you to see."
Support NCF ministry through prayer and financial gifts. Give at https://donate.intervarsity.org/ to "NCF Student Ministry." Find a student chapter and resources for nursing students at http://www.ncf-jcn.org/student/main.php.