JULY / AUGUST 2017 MEET OUR SPEAKERS JULY LUNCHEON SPEAKER ~ Campbell Middlebrooks ~ July 27, 2017 Campbell Middlebrooks’ first blessing was his wonderful parents who instilled in him the love of the sea. He bought his first boat at age ten with money he made from a paper route and cutting lawns (and a little help from dad). His adventures took him arrowhead hunting at Rocky Point, trout fishing at Big Island near Largo, and to the middle grounds near Gandy Bridge. He collected scallops on the Culbreath flats and oysters at the St. Petersburg power plant. Ten years old was probably too young to be doing this by himself but it seems his father started him into fishing and boating right after the cradle. Campbell, Sr. was an excellent instructor, so to be able to handle a boat by himself came only after several years of hard training. Campbell accepted Christ as his Savior when he was nine while attending Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church in Tampa. After college, he was ordained as a deacon. Read more about this luncheon on page 2 of this JOY Newsletter edition. AUGUST LUNCHEON SPEAKER ~ Michael Francis ~ August 17, 2017 Michael Francis has quickly established himself internationally. Known for maintaining a diverse repertoire while paying particular attention to the composers of his native Great Britain, Michael enjoys a great reception throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Before conducting, Michael was a member of the European Union Youth Orchestra, graduated from the Cardiff University School of Music in 1997, and in 2003 began playing double-bass in the London Symphony. However, he always knew that conducting was his true passion. His conducting career suddenly took off in January 2007 after stepping in at the last moment to replace an ailing conductor of the London Symphony. Critics called it a “triumph for young Michael Francis!” Just one month later, Michael was asked to rescue the London Symphony Orchestra – this time with just two hours notice – when the composer/conductor became ill. Michael rose to the challenge! And in January 2009, he replaced Andre Previn leading a German Symphony group. Success again! Read more about this luncheon on page 3 of this JOY Newsletter edition. Campbell with his granddaughter Michael Francis
Transcript
JULY / AUGUST 2017
MEET OUR SPEAKERS JULY LUNCHEON SPEAKER ~ Campbell Middlebrooks ~ July 27, 2017
Campbell Middlebrooks’ first blessing was his wonderful parents
who instilled in him the love of the sea. He bought his first boat at
age ten with money he made from a paper route and cutting lawns
(and a little help from dad). His adventures took him arrowhead
hunting at Rocky Point, trout fishing at Big Island near Largo, and
to the middle grounds near Gandy Bridge. He collected scallops on
the Culbreath flats and oysters at the St. Petersburg power plant.
Ten years old was probably too young to be doing this by himself
but it seems his father started him into fishing and boating right
after the cradle. Campbell, Sr. was an excellent instructor, so to be
able to handle a boat by himself came only after several years of hard training.
Campbell accepted Christ as his Savior when he was nine while attending Vacation Bible School
at First Baptist Church in Tampa. After college, he was ordained as a deacon.
Read more about this luncheon on page 2 of this JOY Newsletter edition.
AUGUST LUNCHEON SPEAKER ~ Michael Francis ~ August 17, 2017 Michael Francis has quickly established himself internationally. Known
for maintaining a diverse repertoire while paying particular attention to
the composers of his native Great Britain, Michael enjoys a great
reception throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.
Before conducting, Michael was a member of the European Union
Youth Orchestra, graduated from the Cardiff University School of
Music in 1997, and in 2003 began playing double-bass in the London
Symphony. However, he always knew that conducting was his true
passion. His conducting career suddenly took off in January 2007 after stepping in at the last
moment to replace an ailing conductor of the London Symphony. Critics called it a “triumph for
young Michael Francis!” Just one month later, Michael was asked to rescue the London Symphony
Orchestra – this time with just two hours notice – when the composer/conductor became ill.
Michael rose to the challenge! And in January 2009, he replaced Andre Previn leading a German
Symphony group. Success again!
Read more about this luncheon on page 3 of this JOY Newsletter edition.
Campbell with his granddaughter
Michael Francis
He met his wife, Cheri, on a city playground where they both worked
while in college. Cheri and their son Scott also received Christ at First
Baptist. Cheri fostered her love for teaching children at the church
where she and Campbell worked with children in Sunday school and
children’s church for 25 years.
Professionally, Campbell spent 38 years in the commercial banking
industry, retiring from GE Capital. While there, with permission from
his bank president, he was able to take a Coast Guard Captain’s Course at the bank’s expense and
take the corporate officers of GE’s largest customers fishing and diving.
Cheri and Campbell came to IBC 22 years ago wanting to just worship and not get so heavily
involved. That thought lasted about a month and today they both are active in several ministries at
Idlewild.
Back to fishing…. Pastor John Zeller, IBC’s recreation pastor in
2006, passed Campbell in the hall one Sunday, not saying "hello"
but simply saying “you need to be teaching children to fish” and
kept walking. Campbell later met with Pastor Zeller and learned
that he also spoke to six other men on the same subject. With
this in mind, let us stop right here and let Campbell share with
you the wonderful story of our Lord’s fishing ministry at IBC:
Fishing, Faith & Fun (FFF) at the July 27th luncheon.
Page 2
JULY - AUGUST MEET OUR JULY SPEAKER ~ CAMPBELL MIDDLEBROOKS (CONT. )
I’m Kristi Blitch. I was born and raised in Tampa – the middle of three
girls. My sisters and I were blessed to grow up in a family with Christian
parents and grandparents who were very strong in their faith. Our family
was at church every time the doors were open. My dad was a deacon
and worked with teenagers. My mom was always in the choir and small
ensembles. My sisters and I started singing together in church when we
were very young.
I continued singing in the chorus and pop group at Gaither
High School. Our family came to Idlewild the summer before my senior year and I
quickly became a part of the student choir. After Gaither, I was able to transition into
the adult choir since I attended the University of South Florida. This allowed me not
only to lead in worship on a weekly basis, but also to be blessed by participating in
numerous July Fourth and Christmas presentations. My experience in the music
ministry prompted me to become involved as a leader, which gave me many opportunities to travel
and share the gospel around our country and beyond. Currently, I enjoy being a part of the Praise
Team, teaching 2nd and 3rd graders in Worship Quest, participating in the IBC Women’s Ministry
Bible studies, and going on mission trips to share with others who need to know God’s Love.
Campbell and Cheri
Campbell with his FFF Display
Kristi Blitch and Family
Kristi Blitch
JULY MUSIC
JULY - AUGUST MEET OUR AUGUST SPEAKER ~ MICHAEL FRANCIS (CONT.)
Page 3
Now in his second season as music director of the Florida
Orchestra, Michael’s contract is extended to 2021. He has
achieved great success conducting a variety of concerts,
well received by large crowds in the Tampa Bay area. He
has continued to conduct orchestras worldwide - in Canada,
Germany, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Great Britain, Spain,
Finland, and Monte Carlo. Guest appearances in the United
States have included Cleveland, New York, Cincinnati,
Oregon, Houston, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh. Working
with young musicians is a priority with Maestro Francis. He
has toured with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, frequently visited Miami’s New World
Symphony, and recently performed with the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland. Michael also is
music director of the Mainly Mozart Festival in San Diego where he
has launched a multi-year exploration of Mozart’s life. Next season
he will debut with the Bavarian and Berlin Radio as well as
Minneapolis and Pacific Symphonies.
Michael’s wife, Cindy, is from Lutz, graduated from Gaither High
School, is a Harvard University graduate, and met Michael at a
charity ball in London! She has worked in nonprofits and investment
funds, and now manages many aspects of Michael’s career! They
have a beautiful two-year-old daughter, Annabella, and are members
of Idlewild Baptist Church! Cindy’s parents, Eddie and Maria
Rodriguez, are also IBC members. We are extremely proud to have
Michael Francis and his family as honored guests at our August JOY
Ministry Luncheon!
Michael with his orchestra
Michael, Cindy, Annabella, with parents, Eddie and
Maria Rodriguez
Michael and Cindy Triumphant!
Page 4
JULY - AUGUST ON MISSION IN CUBA
By: Beulah Campbell
Excitement is all over me as I write you a note to share some of the joy I
experienced on my mission trip to Cuba. WOW! The Lord never fails to respond
to your prayers as we go forth in the Power of the Holy Spirit to do His work.
In Cuba, we visited the main church and four sister
home churches in the area. There is no transportation,
except a few bicycles, so places of worship must be
near. If they cannot walk, they cannot come to church
so we were able to visit many members and
encourage them. When we went to the house church,
part of the team stayed at the church and the other team members visited
and shared Christ. This gave us many opportunities to share the Gospel
and some prayed to receive Christ. On one visit, a mother, daughter, and granddaughter accepted
Christ. That was exciting! Everyone was receptive and listened to what we had to say, so we
planted seeds and the next team that comes from Idlewild, or local members, can water or harvest.
I shared about the Widows Ministry at Idlewild and its help to many widows. Our
Cuban believers are encouraged and praying about starting one there. It was so
wonderful to encourage and “love on” these many local widowed women. I also
shared my testimony twice, once with the women and once during worship. It
always encourages me to think about how God has changed my life and given
me JOY!
They have a strong church made up of active ministries: children, teens, young
adults, and adults. Skits are a very important part of worship and I enjoyed
them. Even the adults presented a skit. One night was a birthday celebration
for those born in January, February, and March. Four of our team members had
birthdays during those months and we got to celebrate with them. We also gave
reading glasses, which were in high demand.
We presented to the women a very interactive Bible lesson about the lies
that women believe and the truth that sets them free by Nancy Leigh
DeMoss. It was so good; I would like the women to present it to my
widowed group at Idlewild. The men taught about putting on the armor of
God that will prepare us to go forward and live the Christian life. In
addition, Johnny Hunt took our team devotions from “Demolishing
Strongholds”. As you can see, we were also learning while there.
The men helped with construction of the Pastor’s house in the mornings and after lunch, we all went
to the house churches and communities. Their plans are to build a church when this project is
complete.
Just Landed
Family Accepted Jesus
Women Studying Scripture
Decorating Flip-Flops
Page 5
JULY - AUGUST ON MISSION IN CUBA (CONT.)
I guess you want to know about our “social” life while there. Five women
shared a room that was just big enough to fit three bunk beds. It was a
tight squeeze but we were closely knit. All space was very valuable and I
was comfortable in my corner. We acted like college girls; sharing,
laughing, encouraging each other, and actually got the lights turned out
on us twice. The men were trying to go to sleep. The walls were very thin
and they kept their doors open because they did not have air conditioning
and we did.
We ate three home cooked meals each day. The table was set with tablecloth and food served
family style. Delicious! Of course, beans and rice but also many vegetables, fruits, and Cuban
coffee. I lost some inches but as soon as I breathed the American air, I regained them.
God does provide and takes care of those He calls. Normally,
after sitting for a while, when I stand my legs are stiff and painful
and it takes a few minutes to get moving. The other day I was
going through my normal routine of getting out of the car with pain
in my legs and the Lord reminded me of Cuba. He said,
“Remember in Cuba you had no pain” and then I remembered that
was true. I thought what was going on in Cuba was my normal
routine but I was so naïve, God had to remind me of His special
work in me. Thank you, Jesus!
Now, a word of encouragement to you. I would love you to
experience some of the joy found by going to another country and
letting people know that you love Jesus. It is easier than you think.
You will see how they live, the joy they have, and you will be more
thankful for what you have. I would love to talk with you about this. I
know some are not physically able to go but some are just afraid of
the unknown. Let me help you discover the “unknown”. “You can do
all thing through Christ who strengthens you.” Phil. 4:13
One trip completed and two or three more for the year. Thank you for
your support (financial, prayer, & thoughts). You have definitely excelled in the grace of giving. 2
Cor. 8:7. If the Lord is willing, I go to India in June and Israel in July. If the Lord provides additional
resources, I am going back to Cuba in October. Pray with and for me as I seek God’s will for my life.
My cup overflows!
Beulah Campbell: 813-240-5972 16353 Ashington Park Drive, Tampa, FL 33647, [email protected]
“I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the
task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace”. Acts 20:24
Cleaning Rice
Transportation
Making New Friends
Page 6
JULY - AUGUST GRACE FALLS UPDATES
Summer is Here
By: Buff McNickle, Pastor
Grace Falls Church
Around here, the Jersey Shore is gearing up for “the season,”
which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Following the
winter snow, you can feel the buzz all around as people
anticipate the warm weather. Over 2 million visitors will hit the
shore in just the span of 3 months. They come from all over, and I love it. I pray that we get
to meet people from all over the world and we get an opportunity to share the gospel with
them. Please pray for us as we get ready to take the gospel to the nations!
I’m excited, as well, for two teams coming here from Idlewild. We have some folks from the
Marriage Matters Bible Fellowship class coming at end of June to help us with several
different projects. They will help by doing some light construction and remodeling of our Kids
Gathering area, as we are growing! They will also help us with a Couples Date Night event
by facilitating a discussion on marriage. We’re looking forward to having them here. We also
have a team coming in August to help us with our VBS. We hope to have a record turnout for
kids this summer, so join us in praying that kids will sign up and be a part of this important
event! Pray for leaders and for kids’ hearts to be ready and open to the Gospel. I am praying
for salvations and for God to use the kids to help reach more families!
God remains so faithful and we are seeing the fruit of His Word spring forth in many who we
have been discipling and pouring into this year. One of our men, Randy, has really been
growing and serving with joy as Jim Webb has been discipling him. Terri is wrestling with
truths that she is learning from God’s Word. As we gather with her each week, the hunger
she has for God’s Word and the pursuit of truth is evident. Pat is one of our faithful ladies
that God is truly working in her life. She is being discipled by Tami Webb and Tami can
attest to seeing Pat really grow as she is being pushed by the Spirit of God to truly walk by
faith. Mike, Carolyn, Andrea, and so many others are growing as well. We are seeing our
attendance grow and we have had visitors almost every week. God is truly working and the
momentum you and I have been praying for is finally happening. Keep praying and let’s keep
asking God to give us more!
Page 7
JULY - AUGUST GRACE FALLS UPDATES (CONT.)
Prayer Requests:
Pray for our Summer Bible Studies – pray for men and
women to sign up, be faithful and be changed as a result.
Pray for our leadership – pray that we continue to have
unity, grow and multiply.
Pray for strength and wisdom, as summer is both an
exciting and challenging time. Pray for the teams and
people that will be coming to serve alongside of us.
Pray for God to multiply our reach and influence of the
gospel because of so many who are partnering with us.
Pray for Pastor Buff as he is coaching and helping with
various church plants & planters, in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Pray for the specific people to come to Christ – Chrissy, Sean, Carly, Carolyn, Megan,
Joel, Caitlyn, Leah, Meg, and Glen.
Pray for Jeff & Leeza Thomas who are interning here and helping us for the next year as
they prepare to plant in the future.
Pray for Loves Way Out Ministry and specifically a girl who recently reached out as a
result of their ministry. Pray that the relationship only grows and she would be saved.
Pray for a young man named Brandon and for God’s Spirit to reveal and convict some
strongholds and barriers in his life.
Pray for our finances as we are transitioning now and we need more partnerships and
support.
Pray for our VBS, July 1–August 3.
Pray for Mike and Randy as they grow as leaders. They will be hosting a few student
events in hopes to start a youth ministry in the fall.
Buff McNickle, Pastor Grace Falls Church Hope Found Here 306 N. Shore Rd. | Absecon, NJ 08201 Call or Text (609) 241-6615 | www.gracefallsac.org
