October 2015 Monthly Letter

Dear Reconciler Family,

A few days ago I was invited to a meeting by a friend in ministry, Dr. Alice Patterson, Founder and Director JusticeAtTheGate Ministry. Part of her mission statement is to: “Build strategic partnerships to connect with key ethnic leaders. Prepare a place of healing in God’s presence by continuing the reconciliation work of black and white abolitionists.” By the way, her granddad was a member of the KKK. I’m deeply impressed with her boldness and love for all people.

Alice invited me to attend a conference of the National Black Robe Regiment (NBRR) for African American Pastors which was held on September 24th and 25th near Detroit, Michigan. She wrote in her book, Bridging the Racial and Political Divide, “The divide is not just racial but political as well. In this time in our nation when racial unrest and division are higher than any time since the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s, we must stand in that gap/breach/wound together and trust God to heal hearts and heal our land. And what better place to be than in Detroit, Michigan.”

The presentations by a number of high-ranking pastors, community leaders, law-enforcement and the like were powerful and revealing! The praise and worship helped us all to feel a sense of healing by soothing our collective consciences. God’s Presence in the building was obvious!

Pastor Ron Washington (also an ORM Chapter Leader) and his wife, Carolyn hosted me in their home during my stay. To say the least, I was well-fed. One of their 2 daughters, Rachelle, a college student, was there as well.

Following the conference, Ron and I toured the Michigan African America History Museum along with some Michigan State University students. The tour guide was excellent in telling many stories without any notes. And she even sang the song “Strange Fruit” by the late Etta James, which had to do with the lynchings that took place in days gone by.

On the way home we stopped by the MOTOWN MUSIC STUDIO. With such heavy issues that we had discussed in the meetings and the museum, MOTOWN was a breath of fresh air! As you may know many great musical talents were developed by Director Barry Gordy at that studio.

On Sunday I gave the sermon on how we should respond to some of the news of police/community issues. It was based on reflections by New Orleans Saints football tight end Benjamin Watson, after a grand jury decided not to indict Ferguson, Missouri police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown. His reflections ended up pointing him to be encouraged by the gospel of Jesus Christ. He ended up saying that these altercations are a sin problem, not a skin problem. And the Gospel is the answer.

My assessment is that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). And there’s brokenness in all human beings regardless of race creed, color or occupation.

Thank you all for standing by me and the Ministry of Reconciliation. As we know it is a heart ministry that belongs to Jesus. And he will never forget our work on His behalf. Peace and Blessings.