July 2011 Subscriber Letter
July 2011
Dear Reconciler Family,
Here’s a brief update on some of our recent activities in the Ministry of Reconciliation.
On Thursday, May 26, I was asked to lecture at two classes at Marshall High School in Pasadena, California. The topic was “Proper Conduct When Interacting with the Police.” I was accompanied by two police officers, Veronica Burros and Rodney Sanders, along with Human Relations Commission’s Event Producer Nat Nehdar. The teachers of these advanced 6th graders were both elected “Teacher of the Year.” They are Mrs. Nancy Green and Ms. Marysia Narvaez.
On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, May 31–June 2, I was guest speaker at an inter-denominational, multi-ethnic conference on the topic of “Church Growth in a Changing World.” It was hosted by the Baptist Church Missions Association. On Tuesday evening in a Bible study format I spoke on Jesus’ example of crossing barriers in John 4 and then held a Q & A session.
On Wednesday I spoke to pastors on “Church Growth in a Changing World” where I emphasized the need for three things: prayer, love and willingness to fellowship with people of all walks of life. Then we held a round-table discussion including a Q and A session. Ephesians 2 was my text.
On Thursday Baptist Mission Director Scott Whitson led a round table discussion where pastors were asked to share their issues relating to church growth and diversity. It led to some lively discussion as some churches are homogenous and seeking answers. Then Scott asked me to answer their questions and angsts. Pulpit exchanges was one suggestion. With God’s grace and prayer it went well.
We ended with a round table discussion at a Hispanic congregation with a group of white, black and Hispanic pastors. I closed the session with my final message on Acts 10 where a Roman Centurion and a Jewish Apostle were brought together by Jesus Christ. A great example of cultures, ethnicities and beliefs coming together under one roof – Jesus and His teachings. Overall we had the opportunity to share with about 80 to 100 pastors. What a privilege!
Most of the preparatory work was done by GCI Pastor/ORM Chapter Leader Tom Pickett, assisted by Baptist Pastor Charles Dorsett. Pastor/ORM Chapter Leader Arnold Clauson also attended a session, as well as Tom’s wife Adrianne and other family members. We ended with Tom and Charles interviewing me at Big Country Radio Station KCLE in Cleburne, Texas.
Thank you for your heartfelt prayers and kind financial support!
God bless you,
Curtis May