Stonecroft Revenue and Competitors

Learning About Stonecroft Ministries Whether you are new to Stonecroft Ministries, or a seasoned volunteer who simply wants to better understand the purpose and history of this ministry—you are in the right place to learn more. The information below will guide you through the mission, vision, ministry, and history of Stonecroft. Today, the outreach of Stonecroft Ministries reaches around the world and touches the lives of thousands of people each year. But the story of Stonecroft Ministries began simply—with one woman—a woman of unshakable faith, a woman of prayer, a woman with a deep concern for the eternal destiny of others. One Woman’s Story Helen Duff Baugh was born into a family with unshakeable faith and evangelistic fervor. As a young girl, she committed her life to Jesus Christ—and as a teenager and young adult, she traveled with her father and her siblings to small towns around the Northwest telling others how they could know Him too. Marriage and family redirected Helen’s ministry and she found she had plenty of time for prayer. She deepened her commitment to spend time with God each day. Soon, God prompted her to invite others to join her in prayer. Before long, 24 different prayer groups were meeting weekly across the city of San Jose, California, praying for “an avenue through which [they] could tell people about God, and His love and concern for them.” A Special Assignment Mrs. Baugh continued to use the everyday opportunities that came her way to tell others about Jesus. Then, her banker husband came home one day with a special assignment. A young woman at the bank had just lost her mother and she was struggling with questions about what happens when life is over. Would Helen talk with her? She readily agreed. As the Baughs discussed the situation, they decided to take the young woman out to dinner and to invite several other secretaries and bookkeepers from the bank to join them. Over the meal, Mrs. Baugh talked about heaven and how to get there. At the end of the evening, several of the young women asked if they could meet again the next week and bring some of their friends. And that was the beginning of Stonecroft Ministries outreach meetings, where people meet together over a meal in a relaxing atmosphere to hear the good news of the Gospel presented in a clear and appealing way. A Time of Growth From that simple start in 1938, similar groups for businesswomen were established across the country. In 1948, Miss Mary E. Clark, a former businesswoman and missionary in Maine, responded to God’s call and joined Mrs. Baugh to assist in leading the rapidly growing organization. Miss Clark suggested that the same outreach meeting format be held in the daytime to make it easier for homemakers to attend—and Christian Women’s Clubs were born. Because of her missionary experiences in New England, Miss Clark shared Mrs. Baugh’s concern for those rural areas across the country where churches were closed for lack of leadership. Village Missions was established in response to that need. Rev. Walter Duff, the brother of Mrs. Baugh, became the National Director. Although Village Missions is a separate corporation and operates independently under its own board of directors, it has been supported financially and through prayer by Stonecroft Ministries since it began. A New Home and New Resources In 1952, God graciously provided property in Kansas City, Missouri, to serve as the national headquarters. The property’s name, Stonecroft meaning “house of stone,” was adopted as the name of the ministry and serves as a reminder that Jesus is the solid foundation and chief cornerstone of all ministry efforts. In the early days of the ministry, Christian bookstores were few and opportunities to purchase good Christian reading were rare. The Stonecroft Resource Center was incorporated in 1958 to help meet his need. A meeting on a train with a stranger who wanted to know about God—and the thought of thousands of people who do not know Christ—prompted Mrs. Baugh to prepare the first Stonecroft Life Publication in 1962. These little booklets with their clear gospel message have shared God’s answers for life with millions of people around the world. As couples began expressing an interest in a ministry together, Stonecroft Couples outreach groups were established in 1964. Reaching the World Stonecroft Ministries went international in 1966, as the first outreach groups outside the United States began in Canada and South Korea. As the outreach groups expanded, the need for another avenue of ministry became apparent—one that would help women and men know God’s Word and apply it to their everyday lives. In 1968, the first Stonecroft Bible Study was introduced. Designed for outreach, these small group studies make God’s Word accessible to everyone and are currently being held in 63 countries around the world. The Story Goes On For nearly 70 years, God has faithfully protected, provided, and guided the work of Stonecroft Ministries. In an ever-changing culture, two things remain constant: our commitment to prayer and evangelism. Prayer is the backbone, the breath, the foundation of all we do. Evangelism is central to every ministry effort. Our ongoing mission remains to equip and encourage people to impact their communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through thousands of volunteers around the world who share that mission and vision, the story of Stonecroft Ministries goes on!