March 2010

Dear Reconciler Family,

It’s always a thrill to get feedback on changed or changing lives. We at the ORM headquarters feel we’re on target in fulfilling our mission when we receive such good news.  One such example that came to us recently was from James and Joyce Scales.  Here’s what they wrote:

“Joyce and I really appreciate ORM.  Growing up in the South, we remember thinking we weren’t prejudiced against any other races.  Now we know better.  So now we are working with God and ministries like ORM to root out those wrong thoughts against other races.  Thanks again for what you and others are doing.  We are pleased to make a small donation.”

James Scales

James is a co-pastor in his 80’s.  He’s still leading and teaching others to change and become more Christ-like.  And he’s still changing, even in his 80’s.  What a marvelous example!  Thank you, James and Joyce, for stirring others toward good works.

And I realize that there are many examples of changed lives out there and we applaud each one.  Because that’s what it’s all about!  Thank you for your fine examples of living out the Ministry of Reconciliation.

Many opportunities are opening up as we are well into the first quarter of the year 2010.

Your prayers and loyal support are deeply appreciated.

In His service,

Curtis May

Director, ORM

PS:  The interview of me by Jan Markowitz of Moody Radio aired on Monday, February 8^th.  You can listen to it online by going to www.Moodyradiocleveland.fm .  Click on “God at Work,” go to “past programs,” click on the date Feb. 8.  Then click on “part 1” or “part 2.”  It will be posted for 1 year.

December 2009

Dear Reconciler Family,

On Sunday evening, November 1, 2009, I was flying from Denver, Colorado, to Palm Springs, California.  A gentleman from Toronto sitting next to me asked me what I do.  I said I direct a ministry of reconciliation, conflict resolution and ministry development.  He was amused and said, “I’m a businessman, but you have the tough work.”  Then, after much discussion, he asked what example of success I have had that stands out.  I told him about a workshop in West Virginia in which a man stood up and confessed that as a church deacon and board member he has just come to realize how prejudiced he was and he deeply apologized.  A woman then stood and made a similar confession.  The gentleman insisted on being my driver back to the airport, two hours away.  He talked non-stop the whole trip!  He felt liberated, rejuvenated, a changed man!

I would like to share with you a few other examples for your information as supporters of the ministry – some recent and some previous:

“I owe you an apology.  I was one of those people who, when I knew you were coming to speak, thought to myself, ‘Oh, brother, I hope he doesn’t speak about racial reconciliation.  My pastor has already covered that material and we don’t need to hear it AGAIN.’  I was wrong.  I did need to hear it again.  It was shocking to me to hear your stories of prejudice and discrimination still going on today.  And while I tend to think of myself as a prejudice-free person, when I dig deep and look closely, I have to admit that there are remnants of cultural conditioning still dormant in my psyche.  And it’s good to be reminded of it, to root it out.”  J.A., Providence, RI

“This was a most empowering, uplifting and motivational reconciling adventure.  My eyes were opened as well as my heart and a healing occurred for me as a young Africa-American woman.  God bless this work and all of its undertaking in the future.” Y.P., Detroit, MI

When asked at a recent workshop in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina last October, “What did you like most about it?” some responses were:

“Hearing the personal stories/experiences of the presenters; having the psychological basis of prejudice and racism defined and explained; receiving some concrete, practical steps to put into practice to foster reconciliation and alleviate conflict.”

“It helped me to understand the situation a lot better including myself.”

“The main thing that I picked up was the involvement of Christ in this process.”

And this message came from Pastor Mark Stapleton of San Diego, CA following a training session on November 15^th:

Curtis May with Mark Stapleton, Virginia and Al Liburd and their granddaughter, Genesis.

“It was wonderful having you and Jannice at Cornerstone [Church] for our worship gathering and the Reconciliation Workshop.  You do an excellent job – God has the right man in the right place.  The info you provided will serve as a foundation for our outreach and work in reconciliation.”

It’s hard to believe as I reflect on the coming New Year that January 2010 will mark the beginning of our 15^th year as a ministry.

Thank you for standing with us in prayer and financial support as God continues to change lives through your backing of this ministry.

Sincerely yours,

Curtis May

November 2009

Dear Reconciler Family,

Thank you so much for being such a close knit and supportive group.  Since my last letter I attended a conference in Chicago on evangelism with an emphasis on youth and conducted a reconciliation workshop in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, assisted by John Connors.  We received positive feedback from the group.  Some requested a follow-up session.

Since we flew into Charleston, South Carolina, we spent a couple of days touring some of the amazing history there.  Much of it has to do with the transatlantic slave trade.  We toured some of the mansions, slave quarters and cabins that have been well preserved.  The tour guide gave fascinating narration on this remarkable history.

Tour guide shows Gullah basket weaving.

One very interesting bit of history is that of the Gullah/Geechee people brought there as slaves from West Central Africa around the Sierra Leone/Gambia coastline.  They have their own language, culture and queen – Queen Quet.  She is Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation according to their official website.  They brought rice planting and harvesting to America which gave the economy a huge boost in South Carolina and Georgia.  As a result, rice is now also grown in Arkansas and central California, according to local historians.

I met the queen of the Gullah/Geechee people in London, England at their 200^th Anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade.  They live mostly along the coastline of South Carolina and Georgia.

Another interesting bit of their history is African American blacksmith Philip Simmons who was honored as a living treasure by the Smithsonian Institution.  He died last June at the age of 97.  His ironworks can be found in the Smithsonian Museum, the Charleston Airport and all over town.  President Reagan even invited him to the White House.  Mr. Simmons supported many charities during his lifetime.

In closing, we have begun to set up reconciliation events for the year 2010.  Our aim is to use all our knowledge of history and the present and resources to help build bridges of unity among people of broken relationships, to the glory of God.

Also I wanted to share with our reconciliation family our budget projections for 2010.  The costs for professional fees, part-time secretary, postage, transportation, meals, contracted services and supplies came to $49,720.91 in 2008.  It will be about the same by the end of 2009, and we project about the same or a bit more in 2010.  I wanted to take the time and space to keep you abreast of how we’re doing.

I can’t thank you enough for your faithfulness in standing with us in the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In His service,

Curtis May

Director, ORM

September 2009

Dear Reconciler Family,

We have all seen our country and the world grow more and more divided in the last decade or so. And from time to time people have asked for my opinion on how we should think about what’s going on.  I have often responded with “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20), “Let this mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5), or “Let’s all pray for our leaders” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

I think ORM Chapter Leader Richard Parker also points us to the Scriptures with a very mature approach. In the Office of Reconciliation we don’t take sides.  We look to Christ for guidance.  I’d like to share Richard’s recent post on his blog called Thoughts 871 – Which Political Party Does God Like Best?

Greetings to you all!

Humanly, we like to take sides.  We have our favorite sports team, our favorite city or state, our favorite political party, and the list goes on.  We invest these favorites with our favor and even feel that God just might support our favorites as well.  For instance, we pray for our favorite team to win, and/or thank God for His favor on that team when it does win.  But does God have a favorite team, city, party, etc.?  Well, no. 

You see, God is not into taking sides as humans do.  As Paul says in his confronting of both Jews and Gentiles with this issue: “For God does not show favoritism” (Romans 2:11, NIV).

In fact, the judgment from God is the same on all: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23).

The fact is that we humans flop around in great darkness on so many levels.  As we do, we embrace parts of our darkness and give them special favor—not realizing that those parts will one day fail just like all darkness fails.

However, God is in a position to grant special favor to all humans, and this favor is His mercy through Jesus Christ.  As Paul further says to the Romans: “For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all” (Romans 11:32).

The point to remember is that God stands above human favoritism.  One day, all will be shown this reality, and hopefully, most, if not all, will accept the God of all people through belief in the name of Jesus Christ.

Until next time, may you always see Jesus living in you!  Richard
My blog site: http://justmorereligiousthoughts.blogspot.com/

May God continue to bless and keep you all as we go through political, economic and other struggles.  Keep the faith, stay focused and stay the course.  Jesus said he will be with us always, even to the end of the age.

Thank you so much for your faithful support, prayerfully and financially.

Love always,

Curtis May

Director, ORM

August 2009

Dear Reconcilers,

In order to keep you updated on our ORM activities I am including a report on our workshop in Jacksonville, Florida.  This will also give you insight into one aspect of how your support is helping to further the work of ORM:

Jacksonville, FL Church Hosts Reconciliation Weekend

Jennie & Calvin Mitchell with Curtis & Jannice May

Church members, families and guests from Florida and Georgia gathered in Jacksonville, Florida, for a two-day Reconciliation Workshop, June 27-28.  The seminar was presented by ORM Director Curtis May, accompanied by his wife Jannice.  Over 70 church brothers and sisters from a variety of ethnicities and backgrounds gathered at the Jacksonville Christian Family Fellowship and Grace Communion International church building for the presentations and discussions.  Topics presented included Jesus’ Dream and His Ministry of Reconciliation, ORM promotional videos, Inventions and Contributions of African-Americans, Different Types of Conflict and Broken Relationships, and Solutions and Ways to be an Ally for Healing.

A variety of helpful resources were available, such as videos, booklets, the book Mending Broken Relationships, newsletters and handouts.  Host, Pastor Marty Davey of Jacksonville, commented how the workshop addressed reconciliation in three key ways:  Recognition and Repentance of our individual and national faults, Inspiration and Encouragement in moving forward, and Information and Resources for recognizing the need for and accomplishing reconciliation.

Workshop attendees: Michelle & Amanda Davey

Additionally, several other neighboring GCI pastors were able to attend as part of their continuing education goals, and for their personal instruction and inspiration.

Once again I would like to thank you all for helping to make these sessions and other parts of the ministry possible.  Thank you for your prayers and faithful financial support as we get through this economically challenging year.

God bless you,

Curtis May

Director, ORM

July 2009

Dear Reconciler Family,

Curtis May with Rosilyn & Jesse Vereen

As we march rapidly through 2009 we seem as busy as ever.  God is opening doors of opportunity in a number of places, and as we walk through them, often on faith, He continues to bless our efforts.  One recent door was a mentoring and training session on Reconciliation and Conflict Resolution in Newark, New Jersey.  We established a chapter there in September 2008 with Jesse Vereen as the new chapter leader.  He has strong local church support from not only the pastor but the lay members as well.  Their heavy involvement in the local community, which is quite diverse, opens unique possibilities of service for the Ministry of Reconciliation.

Sgt. Thuilliez, Police Chief Coe, Curtis May & Roger Lippross

Reconcile newsletter Consulting Editor Roger Lippross and I were treated to a breakfast meeting by Beaumont, CA Police Chief Frank Coe and Sgt. Sean Thuilliez to get better acquainted and discuss the possibility of partnering in future events.  We shared in their 9^th Annual Faith and Justice Summit on May 19 where I was a keynote speaker and workshop presenter.

Some other great news that we’re excited about is our 10^th anniversary issue of Reconcile newsletter.  It’s read around the world.  If you’re not a regular subscriber be sure to request your free subscription and read all about some of our major events and achievements.

A special thanks to Editor Neil Earle, Art Director Mike Riley, Consulting Editor Roger Lippross, secretary Susan Earle and proofreader Michael Morrison.  And thanks to all of you who helped make it possible.  Thank you for your continuing prayerful support.

God bless you all,

Curtis May

Director, ORM