December 2009 ORM Letter
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 15th:
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 15th 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