September 2008 Subscriber Letter

Dear Reconciler Family,

I think it’s important from time to time to stop and assess the impact we’re having on others. So in this letter I am sharing with you some of the feedback that we have received on our work in the communities and the impact it’s having.

Pasadena Chief of Police Bernard Melekian wrote this letter addressed to police chiefs and sheriffs in the state of California:

“I am writing this letter to introduce and provide a recommendation for the Office of Reconciliation Ministries… I have worked directly with the Office of Reconciliation Ministries and Pastor Curtis May to create the foundation for a stronger relationship between police officers and the community.

The Office of Reconciliation Ministries provides a methodology to mend broken relationships without negatively impacting any of the participants, creating a win-win solution. When the Pasadena Police Department faced a situation that stressed the trust of its community, it partnered with Pastor May’s organization to facilitate a better understanding of the situation.

Without reservation, I am providing my highest recommendation for the Office of Reconciliation Ministries…”

Pasadena’s Acting Police Chief for the moment said this: “Your work along with others has helped turn the city of Pasadena around. There has been only one murder since last November.”

There was a recent dramatic drop in crime following 40 days of prayer which included our chapter leaders in Peoria, Illinois (Cliff Parks and Tony Pierce). Here are excerpts from a report by participant Joseph Volpendesta:

“This past weekend I had the great privilege of attending the Promise Keepers conference at Peoria, Illinois. The conference opened with video statements from both the Mayor and Chief of Police. The Mayor stated how, after Peoria had experienced a sharp rise in violent crime last year, he had hit upon the idea of asking ministers and their congregations to engage in Forty Days of Prayer to try to stem this trend. [Mayor Jim Ardis] stated that he had hoped for a dozen or so pastors to participate and ended up with 51 clergymen asking their flocks to pray for forty days. So far this year, Peoria has experienced a 30% drop in violent crime. Did prayer help? I will leave the reader to draw his or her own conclusions.”

It’s very exciting to see the fruits of our labors. To God be the glory! Let’s continue to move forward with great enthusiasm and joy. Thank you very much for your prayers and loyal financial support.

Sincerely in His service,

Curtis May