March 2014 Subscriber Letter

Dear Reconciler Family,

Jannice and I were invited to the Glendora, California congregation by Pastor Neil Earle during Black History Month. Their congregation has hosted Black History Month Events and supported the Ministry since its inception. We’re in our 19^th year as a Ministry! And what a blessing it’s been in which numerous lives have been touched and transformed. And that’s the reason for our existence. We realize that it is of God.

To share a bit of the inspiring services in Glendora, the praise and worship was deeply moving, I was especially moved by songs such as:

IF I CAN HELP SOMEBODY

THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE

WE SHALL OVERCOME (By Diana Ross with Budapest Orchestra and Chorus on DVD)

My message was titled DEALING WITH CONFLICT. Below are a couple of biblical examples that were given.

Numbers 20:7-13 tells us that God spoke to Moses and told him to lift up his rod, and water would come out of the nearby rock to quench the thirst of a complaining nation of Israelites. In his anger over their perpetual complaining, he lashed saying, “You rebels, must we fetch you water out of this rock?” Then he smote the rock twice and water came out abundantly, and the Israelites and their flock drank. And God said, “Because you did not sanctify me in the eyes of the Israelites, you and Aaron shall not bring Israel into the Promised Land.” Lesson: we live to glorify God and honor Him even during times of conflict and stress.

Acts 18:1-6 – The second example of conflict has a positive outcome for the Apostle Paul and many others. He was a tentmaker and apostle, and was witnessing to the Jews that Jesus was The Christ. But they opposed him and became abusive. Paul responded, saying, “Your blood be on your own heads, from now on I will go to the Gentiles!” The positive results were many Gentiles accepted Christ, and Paul ended up writing either 13 or 14 books of the Bible, according to biblical scholars! That conflict resolution turned out to be a blessing to billions over the many years!

Yes, God is able to turn lemons into lemonade indeed! What conflict are you experiencing right now? Let’s turn it over to Jesus. My prayer is that we will all receive the help we need to have a positive outcome. Then, as Reconcilers, let’s share this blessing with others so they may be blessed. Thank you for your prayers and financial support. They help make this Ministry possible. And they glorify our Living Lord Jesus Christ!

Peace and Blessings to you,