Dear Reconciler Family,

In January I traveled to Washington, D.C. to take part in a Reconciliation and Police Legitimacy Summit at Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), an office of the U.S. Department of Justice.  My son, Brad, of the Pasadena Police Department was also invited to attend.  We were asked to go by Bernard Melekian (former Pasadena Police Chief) who now serves as Director of COPS.

On January 10, I conducted a two-hour session with a predominately African American audience which included some top COPS office leaders on “The Dream,” referring to Jesus’ dream of Luke 4:16-18 “to preach good news to the poor, and relieve the oppressed, give sight to the blind, and liberate the captives.”  Some feel overlooked for promotions and discriminated against.

On January 11, I participated in an 8-hour Summit on Reconciliation and Police Legitimacy which included a number of police chiefs, COPS leaders, pastors, community development leaders and others.  I spoke and fielded questions for an hour and served as a panelist the rest of the time.

In an interview, Garry McCarthy, Superintendent of Police in Chicago, said: “I understand the historical divide between police and communities of color – it’s rooted in the history of this country. The most visible arm of government is a police force, and the institutionalized governmental programs that promoted racist policies that were enforced by police departments are part of the African American history in this country. And we have to recognize it because recognition is the first step towards finding a cure for what is ailing us.”

David Kennedy, Professor of Criminal Justice at John Jay College in New York, said that “affected communities view present law enforcement actions through the lens of history creating a narrative…” The narrative says they believe the laws set up by the government are slanted against communities of color.  Whether true or not this belief is acted upon and helps perpetuate our present conditions.

The bottom line is our prayers and examples are much needed in a dangerous and spiritually starved world. Thank you for standing in the gap with us at ORM.  And many thanks for your faithful financial support which helps enable us to do our part.

Curtis May

Dear Reconciler Family,

This month begins our 16^th year of Reconciliation Ministry, so I wanted to remind us of some of the great blessings the Lord has given us.  He has led this ministry so powerfully, and His miracles have been so amazingly evident that I wanted to share them.

With a small, part-time staff, here are a few examples:

• The ORM newsletter, Reconcile, has been able to reach many people worldwide for the last 13 years.  We have gotten excellent feedback over the years and have sent bulk copies for community outreach events.  God has blessed us to be able to maintain the quality of the newsletter over the years.  And I want to thank Neil and Susan Earle, Mike Riley, and Roger Lippross for their incredible work!
• The website at www.ATimeToReconcile.org.  If you haven’t viewed it lately, please do.  We have some timely and educational material on it.  Here’s a comment from David Kennedy, Professor of Criminal Justice at John Jay College:  “I’ve been looking at Curtis May’s work in anticipation of our upcoming COPS [Community Oriented Policing Services] session and have been hugely impressed.  It’s good to recognize a kindred spirit.  So…could you please introduce us.”  We talked for an hour on the phone, along with ORM Chapter Leaders Ron Washington and Willard High.

David Kennedy, Bernard Melekian and I, along with others, will help conduct a summit on Racial Reconciliation and Police Legitimacy on January 11.  We will meet with the Department of Justice Community Policing Department on January 10^th.  Your prayers would be much appreciated!

• While surfing the site you may want to take note of the many awards and commendations we have received.  Not the least of which is the Key to the City of Memphis and the Human Relations Award.

You all share in these miracles and accomplishments. And I thank God regularly for you all.

Your prayers and financial support are priceless as we move into another year and anticipate what doors God will open to us.

Love and appreciation,

Curtis May

Dear Reconciler Family,

It’s hard to believe we’re in the month of December and another year is approaching.  This new year begins 16 years of successful ministry!  Thank you for your loyal support in helping make it happen.

During the month of November Jannice and I had the opportunity to share in the Annual Outreach Event of the Montgomery, Alabama congregation.  It was a lively and worshipful celebration!  The congregation put on an inspiring program of songs, music, mimes, skits, etc., and the community attendees seemed to thoroughly enjoy it.

I gave the sermon on the topic of “Reconciliation.”  It was followed by a delicious meal!  The congregation has had several baptisms of guests who have attended the event.  Go Montgomery and Pastors James Lewis and Arthur Carlisle!

We also had the opportunity to visit the Southern Poverty Law Center which tracks and identifies hate groups throughout the country.  Jannice and I also had the opportunity to visit Freedom Church in Georgia.  I gave the sermon on the topic of “Change,” as they have just had a change in pastors.  The new pastor is Lance McKinnon.  The sermon was well received, and many asked us to come back and me to speak again.  Several members are ORM supporters.

I would like to wish you all a wonderful time of Advent celebrations and a Merry and meaningful Christmas!  What a magnificent gift God gave us – His Son!

Thank you again for your prayers and support as we enter a new year.  We are looking forward to some exciting opportunities that are currently in the making!  We are seeking God’s guidance as we proceed.

Love and blessings,

Curtis May

PS: I just received a message from Director of Community Oriented Policing (COPS) Bernard Melekian of the U. S. Justice Department inviting me to participate in a conference on “Racial Reconciliation and Police Legitimacy” on January 11, 2012. It involves police and community relations.  Please pray that God would guide this event and my participation in it. Thank you!

Dear Reconciler Family,

Thank you for your kind support of the Reconciliation Chapter Leaders’ Training Conference in Columbus, Ohio on October 7-9.

It was blessed and inspiring.  We could feel God’s presence throughout the conference.  CEO and ORM Advisory Council member John Connors said this:  “Tremendous weekend retreat!  I think you’ve set the tone for ORM for the next several years.  Congrats!”  We could sense that something special was going on.

I had the opportunity to interview Chapter Leader from Ireland, Evelyne O’Callaghan Burkhard, for a broadcast on KCLE “Big Country” radio in Cleburne, Texas.  You may watch our broadcasts online at www.atimetoreconcile.net.

We also were blessed with a new chapter leader, Larry Hinkle, who is District Pastoral Leader and Pastor in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  He was commissioned at the conference.  He will be a fine asset in an area where we don’t have a chapter.

A member of the U.S. Justice Department sat in as an observer at the conference.  Please pray that this will lead to the opening of new doors for the ministry.

On another topic, we at ORM would like to wish all veterans among us a meaningful Veterans’ Day.  And we would also like to wish you all a very happy and uplifting Thanksgiving Day celebration!  We have so much to be thankful for!

I thank God for all of you and for your being such a blessing to the Ministry of Reconciliation.  Your support is having a major impact on others.

Love and blessings in His service,

Curtis May

I feel that this one was one of the best conferences we have had – perhaps even the best! There seemed to be a unanimous feeling that “something special” was happening. It was as if ORM was about to enter a new phase.

Kimberly Brummett, Director’s Office Program Specialist, of the U S Justice Department was a guest and observer at the conference. She said she really enjoyed and appreciated it and thanked me for the opportunity. She will report back to her boss, Community Oriented Policing Director Bernard Melekian.

They are planning a national event on Reconciliation and Safe Cities in Washington, DC and are considering me as one of the guest speakers.

John Connors, an elder in GCI and an experienced CEO of major standing and start-up companies gave us two presentations, in which he challenged us to take ORM into the next phase of its existence. He pointed out that what began as a rather haphazard idea from “fighting fires of broken relationships” has developed into a full-fledged organization that has the vision and talent to make a significant contribution in a hurting world.

John reminded us that even though ORM was very much “of God,” it was still subject to the rules of good business practice. He told us that ORM had “come of age,” and must be ready for what comes next. John has already been a tremendous help to me. He confronts me with the difficult questions that are essential to sound management.

Tony Pierce and Cliff Parks updated us on the progress on their fascinating cross-cultural outreach in Peoria, Illinois. Their work is complex, expansive, and fits right in with the message of Jesus in Matthew 25 on helping to meet the needs of the poor, hungry, imprisoned, etc. The scope of what they are involved in is “mind-bending.”

Tom Pickett reported on ORM’s new broadcast opportunity on KCLE Big Country Radio Station in Cleburne, Texas. The weekly program, titled “A Time to Reconcile” now has four regular broadcasters: Tom, his son David, Pastor Charles Dorsett and yours truly. (You can hear the program on the web site: www.atimetoreconcile.net)

Other speakers at the conference included Jeff Broadnax, Evelyne O’Callaghan Burkhard, Willard High, Ron Washington, John Halford and George Hart. We also commissioned Pastor Larry Hinkle as a new chapter leader in Florida.

We were joined in our final session by the Columbus, Ohio congregation. Following my sermon on John 4, “An On Sight Job of Reconciliation,” we ended with Communion led by Jeff Broadnax and me.

ORM is now incorporated as a non-profit organization in its own right, and we are focusing on reaching an even larger community as God leads us. Our vision is to put the teachings of the Word of God into action by advancing relationships between people of different beliefs and points of view.

2012 looks like being a special year for ORM. Keep in touch through our web site: (atimetoreconcile.org)

What I liked was seeing how far the church has come and I don’t ever want it to be like it has been in the past.  I am glad we stayed to see these things happen.  I have customers that tell me they are not happy in their church.  They don’t feel welcome.  So I say, “Shop around and you will know it by the fruits of the people; you will say this is the place you can grow.  And by all means stay where you are planted.”

I liked the videos of hearing how people of all races and walks of life talk about the realness of racism and how it made them feel.  This truly touched me on a personal level, being an African American myself.  This workshop opened up some resentment that I need to overcome.

The atmosphere of openness and honesty, and that nothing was forced upon anyone.  The knowledge of reconciliation flowed freely.

Much needed – was well done, with time divided between information and instructions.  Options on opportunities.

Informative.  Mr. May was thorough, friendly, gave us time to make comments and answered questions.

I enjoyed all videos.  I especially enjoyed Mr. Curtis May’s presentation on the topic of Reconciliation.  It was indeed informative, full of laughter and driven by a passionate and sincere man of God.  Thank you!

I enjoyed the Masters of Invention video.  As a teacher, I can incorporate this for my students.  I also enjoyed the openness of discussion – I believe people felt safe to be honest and that’s extremely important

The openness/transparency of Mr. May and the opportunity for discussion/interaction.  Appreciated knowing the ministry exists and reminder of the role the body of Christ plays in reconciliation.  Truly enjoyed conversations with Mrs. May and the beautiful scarves.

Eye-opening films – follow up by discussion.  We appreciate the sacrifice and dedication Curtis and Jannice have displayed to keep ORM Christ-centric.

Really appreciated and enjoyed this seminar.  [To cover] the subject with Scripture was very helpful.  The presenter demonstrated great sincerity and passion – saying he felt an obligation to promote this ministry.

The outgoing and friendly presentation was very good.  The handouts were well done as well.

It was great – mind changing.  Answered a lot of questions.  Made me realize I still have more to do myself.

That I felt like I was really learning something and it was important.

The way it was presented, non-threatening and positive.

Everything.

I liked that it was the ‘Truth” information and that it offered several views/steps that can be taken to soften people’s hearts and bring forgiveness.

- How to respond to others in their hurt.

- I learned there are a lot of areas that need reconciliation – areas I never thought of.

- Films – the one with the interviews of people’s experience.

Everything!  The presentation was great, as were the comments and experiences given by the congregation and Mr. May.  I’ve learned so much!  The problems go so much deeper than simply being able to go wherever and whenever you please.  Prejudices and inequalities seem to permeate every aspect of human civilization and is evidently worldwide.  This is not right!

Films were good.  Audience participation was very good.  Good example from Curtis May.

What suggestions do you have, if any, that might improve the workshop?

I can’t think of any suggestions at the moment.  Please continue doing what God has called you to do!  Reconcile broken relationships among humans and their spiritual lives.  This was awesome.  Learned a lot today.  Loved the invention film on our people.

The workshop was perfect.

I thought the entire presentation was very professional.

Please keep these workshops going as they are indeed a blessing!

Group activities that challenge preconceptions in a safe way would be, in my opinion, quite productive.  Or follow-up activities.

None, excellent.

What must one do to “train” to become a moderator/facilitator could be promoted in a way that opens ideas for community action.

A short session on the effectiveness of these principals dealing with other issues of contention, not just race.

Be hard to improve on.

More interaction: because I did not realize another view until we discussed it (about the DVD’s).

More personal examples.

Please don’t stop!  Everything was great with wonderful films.

Perhaps more emphasis on who we are in Christ – being a new man – new creation. I know this was addressed.

It was great.  I really cannot think of anything.

Drawing people out even more in discussion.

Other comments:

I think (Mr. May) you better stay in good health.  We need a lot more men like you.

I hurt so much hearing when Mr. May speaks of his past and how he was mistreated severely with the police officers.  To see him laugh and talk about it now brings hope and healing to my heart.  Thank God for ORM!

Keep up the good work of God!

Very informative!  Greatly appreciate you taking the time to come and make us more aware of the importance of Reconciliation within the Body of Christ and within the world.

I love to see how this has developed over time.  Kind of interested in bringing ORM into the classroom.

Loved the beautiful scarves!  Please come back, this topic is never old and/or outdated.  We’ve come a long way, even locally but still could use more diversity.  Please come again!

We may have to work on this together: how could we impact Tulsa, OK – the place where America’s largest race riot took place together?  As a couple who wants to make a difference in our urban area – how can we move something like an ORM conference forward in Tulsa?

Have more of them.

Good!  5 stars * * * * *

Thank you.  It helps me as a teacher.

This is God’s way and walls will fall with it by love extended to all.  Thanks for coming!

I think more interviews with different people is helpful in seeing the other person’s side and why they feel the way they do.  Really do appreciate your work in this area.

Keep up the good work!  People need to be made aware.  One can harbor prejudices and not even be aware of it!

Very well done.

Dear Reconciler Family,

A couple of weeks ago my wife Jannice and I had the opportunity to experience a foretaste of Jesus’ dream.  His dream is that we all become one, unified and fully accepting of each other.  I have often spoken on the topic over the years.

The experience was attending a multi-national and multicultural worship service in San Fernando, California at Communion de Gracia congregation, pastored by Heber Ticas. Seven Latin American countries were represented, along with some Latino Americans – a total of eight countries.  They were Argentina, El Salvador, Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, Honduras, Columbia, and of course, the United States.

Pastor Ticas translated as I spoke about how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!  We celebrated together through praise and worship accompanied by a keyboard, a guitar, and drums!  Along with adults, teens and preteens sang and praised God!

Services were also bathed in prayer as babies were blessed and had hands laid on them and requests were made for their needs.  The colorful dress, outstanding food and beautiful people made for a very special day!

In the sermon I emphasized the need to embrace diversity rather than allowing it to be a point of divisiveness, as it often is in the world, and even the church.  Emphasizing God’s love for us all, I encouraged them to be sure to teach their children to love themselves and each other in obedience to God.

On the night before His death Jesus asked the Father “That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they may also be in us, so the world may believe that you have sent me” John 17:21.

Thank you all who pray for and support this ministry of reconciliation.  You are helping events like this happen – advancing Jesus’ dream.  He is the one leading the charge!

Love to all,

Curtis May

Dear Reconciler Family,

What if all Christian churches were to come together in unity?  What would be the result?  How would it impact non-Christians?  I believe the impact would be phenomenal!  I believe the Church would grow dramatically.  It would render dead the argument many non-Christians use on what keeps them away – our divisiveness.

Acts 10 tells the story of two men who were dramatically different.  They were from two very different cultures that had kept their ethnic groups apart.  Were it not for God’s intervention, it would have continued.

Cornelius was a gentile centurion of the Roman army.  They considered the Jews weird and even barbaric because of their practices such as circumcision and their animal sacrifices and eating habits.

Peter, being a Jew, had never invited a gentile into his house to eat because they considered them to be “common and unclean” because of their eating habits.  They didn’t eat kosher.

But God changed that through two miracles that brought them together in very dramatic fashion!  The results were: The Holy Spirit coming into Cornelius’ household and their consequent baptism into the Body of Christ – the Church.

Peter not only went into the home of a gentile, but baptized his household and even ate with them.  This was earthshaking!  And the Church grew.

Since both of these men were praying when God spoke to them, perhaps that’s the cue that we as the Church need to have a special prayer focus on “reaching the unchurched for Christ” and fellowshipping in the marketplace – sharing the love of God with “spiritual gentiles.”

Thank you for your help in the effort to follow the example in Acts 10.  You may want to review it.  It truly is advancing the gospel message. Your loyal support is doing much good.

Love in Jesus,

Curtis May

Dear Reconciler Family,

The story is told about a five-year-old boy who was asked by his mom to get her a can of soup from the pantry.  He replied, “Mom, it’s dark in there!”  She said, “Jesus is in there.”  He said, “Jesus, hand me a can of soup.”

I gave a sermon recently titled, “Fear, Faith, and Reconciliation.”  In it I talked about our need to face our fears which can paralyze and stunt our growth and advancement in kingdom work.

I had the opportunity to face one of my fears a few weeks ago – the fear of heights.  I went out on the Sky Walk at the West Rim of the Grand Canyon.  It’s a horseshoe-shaped structure that’s built into the side of the canyon.

Statistics on the Sky Walk:

• Suspended 4,000 feet above the Colorado River
• Can withstand the weight of 71 fully-loaded Boeing 747 airplanes
• Immune to winds in excess of 100 miles per hour
• Can survive an 8.0 earthquake within 50 miles

These statistics helped reduce my fear and increased my courage to step out onto the Walk.

It can also be quite scary doing the work of reconciliation (or the gospel work) because we often deal with relationships.  Some people have post-traumatic stress syndrome or PTSD. Some have stuffed bad experiences and have never dealt with them.  I’ve learned quite a bit on this topic from Dr. Archibald Hart, former chairman of the Psychology Department at Fuller Theological Seminary. He wisely teaches us to face and confront the past and not live in denial.

What gives me and our team courage is Jesus in us and personal experience with Him:

His word also gives us great comfort. Also His “statistics:”

• The words “fear not” appear 365 times in the KJV – one for each day of the year!
• The word ‘faith” appears 247 times.

Acts 17:28 – “In Him we live and move and have our being.”

Colossians 1:17 – “In Him all things consist” – hold together.

Hebrews 12:2 – “He is the author and finisher of our faith.”

So we can boldly tackle any challenge that may threaten our growth, whether bad experiences of the past, present or future – anything that may threaten to cause failure, traumatize or debilitate us.  We can face it through Jesus.  The main reason is Jesus lives in us through the Holy Spirit, our Teacher.

In closing I would like to announce that we are scheduled to conduct a Reconciliation Chapter Leaders’ Training Conference on October 7-9 this year in Columbus, Ohio.  We haven’t had one in three years, and we have several candidates who want the training.  We all need the refresher and focus on the future of the ministry and to seek God’s lead in that focus.

There is such a need for this ministry in our broken and divided world!  Thank you for any contribution you may be able to make toward the conference expenses.  And thank you for what you’ve already done in support of the daily operations of the ministry.

God bless you,

Curtis May