Interview: Lori Tugwell

Lori Tugwell is the name of the woman who will be speaking at the HeartLife Christmas tea. When asked, Lori described herself as a "Disciple of Jesus Christ, wife of Noel, Mom to 4 amazing children who were not born under my heart, but in it, founder of the Titus Task -  a nonprofit organization that pursues a brighter future for orphans like our son Titus who went to Heaven before coming home to his forever family. I am passionate about caring for orphans and thank God for the mission He gave our family through the life and death of our son, Titus."


The following is a sneak peak interview into the bright and God-gifted person of Lori Tugwell. Come to the Christmas Tea, December 10, to hear from her in person. Ticket sales end on December 6.

What is the Titus Task?
The Titus Task is a non-profit, 501c3 organization.  100% of the donations to The Titus Task will be used to pursue a future for orphans.  Although The Titus Task believes the family is the answer for the orphan, our mission support is three-fold.

1.  Our funds are used to support local NW Arkansas families who are in the process of domestic or international adoptions.

2.  Our funds are also given for life-sustaining support of orphans worldwide.

3.  And last, funds are given to support The Titus Task-Haiti Project, a partnership with a Haitian church currently caring for over 25 of its own orphans.

this link tells how/why the Titus Task was started.
 http://www.thetitustask.com/about-the-tugwell-family.html


How many children do you have, and what are their names?
 My gifts (children)
Louis age 13 - adopted at age 11 from Haiti
Lily age 8 - adopted at 8 months China
Silas age 5 - adopted at age 31/2 HaitiEsther Joy 2 1/2 - home since August 2011 China


Do you have any stories to share about  your family from the last few months? 
There are SO MANY stories from the last few months...  The sweetest moments are the every day small moments that I have been able to slow down and ENJOY!  The watching of children becoming siblings - Esther sitting next to her big brother on the couch - Lily helping her Mei Mei (little sister) with her shoes, Silas so proud that he has taught Esther new words like jump, and noises to make when you slide into the room on your knees.


What has God been teaching you the last few months?
There are three things God has been  teaching me lately - I will share more about these three at the Christmas tea.
    1. How much I need Him.
    2.  How much I have in Him.
    3.  How much He wants ALL of me.


Can you give us a little peak at what has He laid on your heart for the Christmas Tea?
I have prayed daily since the day I was asked about sharing this day with the ladies of FBC. I believe in the power of a story - we all have one! I know God wants me to be a good steward of the story He has given my family. I pray that as I share about God' s redemptive work in my life, love, loss, and the miracle of adoption that we will rejoice together over the Greatness of our God.  I am thankful for the opportunity to share my journey - you have given me a gift in spending time reflecting on all the ways God has been present and active In our family.

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Ladies Christmas Tea

The annual Ladies Christmas Tea is approaching! 

Lori Tugwell will be speaking about family, adoption, and the way we are children of God during this sweet time of celebration and fellowship. There will be festive food, hot tea, and music. 

Tickets are only $3.00 so sign up soon!

Tickets are available either at the front desk after Sunday service. Also, the Heart Life Team is selling tickets. For more questions contact Laura.Macfarlan@cox.net

Sugar N Spice: The Art of Pie Making

         Long-time FBC member Cheryl Harrison is known for not only having her servant's heart, but also for her beautiful (and delicious) homemade pies. Last Friday, Cheryl opened up her lovely kitchen to five FBC ladies, teaching them the "art of pie making". The ladies were able to have 'hands on' learning, each preparing her own crust and pie filling. While their pies were baking, Cheryl served pie & coffee, and they were able to visit and learn more about each other. Each lady was then able to take their beautiful and delicious pie home to share with friends & family.

 Abigail and Sara measuring spices.

 Tammy, Abigail, and Sara are measuring and working away.

 Tammy and Sonya licking the bowl.

Cheryl serves pie and coffee while the ladies are baking.


Story by: Brenda Hall

HeartLife Seminar: Walking in Obedience

Last weekend women from various areas of Northwest Arkansas gathered together for a one-day retreat at First Baptist. Brenda Crim, director of Alaska Missions, talked about living missionally.

 The event was complete with a delicious breakfast and lunch.

 ....as well as a fun skit performed by the eccentric Aunt Mamie,
who also brought along her good friend Pearl.

 The women of HeartLife participated in last summer's "Salmon Frenzy" with Brenda. This is the Go Team that witnessed and experienced the beauty as well as the brokenness of Alaska for themselves.

Although the event was a fun time of fellowship and laughter, Brenda Crim also challenged the ladies in many different ways. She challenged them to check their spiritual pulses, and look for specific indicators of the Holy Spirit's work in their lives. 

Also, she took the ladies through what she calls "The Freedom Process," which focused on repentance as well as claiming the Truth that sets us free. At one point during the Freedom Process, Brenda made the statement, 

"This is why the church is apathetic today. They're under the trap of hidden shame." 

Brenda leads Eskimo women through The Freedom Process as a way to release them from their shame and bring them into the arms of their Father.

Brenda's message of sacrificial and bold obedience will not soon be forgotten in the hearts of the women present.

"Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess." -Deuteronomy 5:33

HeartLife Seminar: Walking in Obedience

There are only a few chances left to sign up for Walking in Obedience, the one-day Women's Retreat, which will be hosted at First Baptist. The topic is "living life in mission," and the outstanding Brenda Crimm will be speaking. It's going to be a message that challenges your heart and possibly the way you do mission. Please sign up at your Sunday School class or at the HeartLife Women's table this upcoming Sunday.

contact  Laura.Macfarlan@cox.net for more ticket information.
If you are a college student who needs a ticket, contact wilsonde@jbu.edu.

Sugar N Spice: Home-made Noodles

Sugar N Spice is a Heart Life ministry that seeks to bridge the generations. Throughout the year multiple women who are talented in the kitchen invite five women into her home to teach her art. 

Last week Jane Mickel taught a small group of women how to make home-made noodles. One woman who attended said, "Jane was a great teacher and I plan to try her recipe on my own before the week is out. I love this idea for a ministry and hope we keep it going."

Here's Jane's noodle recipe for those of you who would like to try this on your own!

Jane Mickel’s noodles This is the amount Jane used the day we were there. Adjust for your family size or freeze some. Beat 4 eggs with a Tbs of salt (more or less to taste)Add flour ¼ cup at a time, stirring well until the dough is the right consistency – when you can make a ball. We used approximately 1 ½ cups. Split the dough into 2 balls. You need to work the balls smooth so there are no wrinkles then gently pat flat with hands. Make sure it stays smooth & add flour as needed on top & underneath to keep it from sticking. Continue to flatten with a rolling pin. Don’t add too much pressure; you want it to stay smooth. Flatten until the dough is about 1/8 inch thick, leave to dry at least an hour or two. Repeat with the second ball of dough If you try to slice the noodles & they curl up they aren’t dry enough yet. When ready, slice them about ½ inch wide or however wide you want your noodles. You can freeze them at this stage in a freezer bag or go ahead & cook. To cook: bring chicken or turkey broth to boil. You want a rolling boil. Add noodles, stir occasionally until done. Add salt & pepper to taste. Eat plain, serve over mashed potatoes or add chicken & vegetables. Yum!

The next Sugar N Spice class the ladies will be learning the secrets of pie making from Cheryl Harrison. See the Heart Life ministry table to sign up.

HeartLife: Walking Green

HeartLife has four Seminars each year, with the purpose of the seminars being to draw women from the community to First Baptist with a desire to share the gospel with them during fun and fabulous events. October's seminar was Walking Green.

Lanae Pierce, past Mrs. Oklahoma, came to share her passion for creation care. She focused on a verse from 1 Corinthians 10:26-"The earth is the Lord's and everything in it." With a flurry of statistics, fun information, and new ideas, Lanae thoughtfully taught the women who gathered together about taking care of what God has given them.

The ladies spent their time together eating, admiring the beautiful (and recycled) table decorations, and praising the Lord for the beautiful creation He designed.