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======================= Hope to see you at "Worship Fest '06"
Info. in our latest newsletter:
*** Website is updated most Tuesdays *** Please come back soon!!! -------------------------------- Back To School Rally '06
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August at RRM * Augest 6 - Taste of Reconciliation... A special welcome to those visiting who just learned about our ministry at the "Taste"! Thanks for "stopping by"... please drop us a note to sign up for our quarterly newsletter, let's see how we can work together for the kingdom of God. This years event was a tremendous blessing... I believe God used it to touch many hearts ... we might be able to make a DVD of the event so we can continue to enjoy our spiritual feast throughout the year. Let me know if you would be interested in this. I need to shout out a special THANK YOU to my special partners of the Building Bridges Committee - there is no way this could have happened without your dedicated work. They invested untold hours behind the scenes: Marlene Garrott, Mary Marsh, Wayne Aardsma, Mia Franklin, Melanie Jongsma, Dave Shepard, Karen Vredeveld, Julia Yang, Imogene Harrell, Julia Washington. Thanks Pastor Dave Izenbart & Living Springs Community Church for hosting this event. Dorothy Huisman did sooooo much - I'm not even going to try to list all everything, just offer a sincere thanks... Others: Ed Stroh, video; Chesterfield Awning, road sign, Jean & Carl Steiber, Ken Adair, sound; Holly Janssen, visuals; Jay, Josh and all the awesome musicians, all those who brought the awesome food or cultural booths; servers, L.S youth group; participating music groups: Living Springs Praise Team, Choir, Youth Ensemble, & Dancers of Zion; Kings Community Choir; Altar, South Suburban Chinese Church, United Methodist Korean Church; and all those that jumped in to the combined choir such as Jeannie Williams, Sheryl, and Galillee Baptist; I also need to mention my two special assistants Jeff Bryson, Tommie Beasley; and all others who helped in various ways. Last but not lease - my awesome wife Lisa, for putting up with a my crazy schedule of late and for working so hard especially the final day ... love you... * New Fundraising material we prepared for the "Taste of Reconciliation": * Please Print and help spread the word- Together, we can make a difference!
July '06 at RRM * July 2 - Homewood Church. (http://homewoodchurch.com) I thank God for this awesome church which has supported our ministry in various ways for ages. Reminiscence - In the early years of my ministry, I faced a challenging decision. Should I stay with the Urban Church/ministry that the Lord led me to start or should I seek a more traditional Pastoral role that would be more financially secure and also not have the special pressures of Urban Ministry. The Lord raised up a couple men from Homewood Church (Dick Jones and Bob Heirsh) who along with a few others (such as the Siefermans & Bob Sterling from Thorn Creek Reformed and Steve Welborn of Ashburn Baptist) who came along side of me, encouraged me, and provided a way for me to go full time into Urban Ministry. I also remember Pat Johnson enouraging me and helping me get the word out about the Christmas Toy Project (Joan Vanna also played a key role in the establishment of this program which now touches hundreds of lives.) Pastor Ankerburg was a great encourager and role model. Anyway, I was blessed to be at Homewood Church. The music was great. The "connection point" class is a great concept: to reflect on the day's preaching and also have the spiritual benifits and encouragment that comes from a small group Bible Study. The preaching spoke to my heart. Michael Prachar was the guest preacher. What jumped out to me was that while we go through adversity, "endurance" will/can produce "hope". More thoughts on "HOPE": HERE
June at RRM
* New Date for "Taste of Reconciliation" - August 6, 2006. Information HERE
* Please prayerfully consider including RRM in your VBS plans - two great ideas: 1) Have the kids collect juice boxes and snacks to empower RRM and other Urban Ministries to have youth outreaches this summer. (Thank you Crete Reformed Church VBS) 2) Have the VBS collection designated to RRM's "Little Angel Fund". These funds would empower RRM to take urban children on fun youth outings. It's a real treat for the kids to get out of the "hood" and go to a fun safe environment. Pictures can be taken at these events, so the kids can see the difference they made in someone's life. Of course RRM has a policy to include a spirtual component in it's youth outings (actually it's the main purpose). (Thank you First Reformed Church of Lansing VBS - WOW, over $600 raised for the "Little Angel Fund") * Help...
* Pictures from the Mother's Day Outreach...
May at RRM
* Thanks to the Children's Hunger Fund, The Agape Center, and you our wonderful supporters, we will be able to have a special Mother's Day Evangelistic Outreach. We will be able to distribute a nice meal, evangelistic materials, and a Mother's Day gift to 250 area families. * I could use some volunteer help with this endeavor on Friday and Saturday (May 12 -13) * Praise and Prayer: Cardel (age13) is a young man that comes to our house (Reese's Refuge) for a safe "hang out" place almost every day. Some of you have noticed on the news that there has been a new gang war here in Chicago Heights. Last week Cardel's sister was standing near the 17 year old boy who was shot to death when the shooting began. We praise God that she was not shot and we also pray for the family who lost a son and brother in the prime of life. I am praying that this rash of shootings will make hearts softer to the gospel as young people are reminided that they could die and face God at any time. * Internet Evangelism Day was May 7, 2006. In you have not already done so, please check out www.internetminister.org - we would love to empower you to share your faith online.
March & April at RRM:
* Our Urban Ministry Page has just been updated: HERE - it also contains an abbreviated history of RRM.
* "Gangland violence" was the lead story on all the TV network newscasts today (Friday April 21) because an incident was caught on videotape in Sauk Village. It is a good reminder to pray for those who live in urban areas. The neighbor who was interviewed on the news I had just talked to the day before. She is a single mom and we have been providing Christmas gifts for her mentally handicapped son for over 20 years. There have also been several high profile murders in the Englewood (Chicago) area - These have been just a few blocks away from some of the "little angel kids" who helped us distribute the Easter gifts to the urban Nursing Home. This is a world very different than what most of us face. Please pray not only for RRM but also the other fine Urban Ministries and Churches that share the "GOOD NEWS" in these areas so filled with "bad news". * The Easter Evangelist Outreach was a blessing to nearly 100 families. A lovely Easter Meal along with candy and gospel materials were distributed along with an invitation to attend an Easter Service. We thank the Agape Center and the Children's Hunger Fund for their help in making this outreach possible. * The Urban Nursing Home Outreach brought many smiles to Seniors who were unable to attend Easter Services. Small gifts were distributed along with gospel tracts. We thank the "Little Angel" youth for their involvement in this. * A newsletter just went out, let us know if you did not receive it:
We need volunteers, Saturday Morning, April 1. We will be helping the Agape Center sort and pack supplies for the Easter Evangelistic Outreaches. Please call me if you or your small group could help. Scott Reese: 708-709-0469. There are a couple of Easter Outreach programs that you may wish to have a children's Sunday School Class participate with:
1) Making of homemade Easter Cards. On Easter Sunday some of the kids I work with will be going to Urban Nursing Homes. It is our goal to spread joy to those who are unable to get to an Easter Service and to clearly remind the residents about the meaning of Easter - Since Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again on the third day, we can have forgiveness of sin and the promise of eternal life. We will be passing out Homemade Easter Cards, gospel tracts, and small gifts like hand creams, Klenex, etc.
2) On the Saturday before Easter we will be visiting homes that are struggling financially to deliver food to help with an Easter meal. To those who are Christians, it is a reminder of the love of God and that Christians do care. We encourage them to share the meal with someone who does not know the Lord as a way of a Christian witness. For the rest we with God's help endeavor to share the GOOD NEWS 3) We are also taking designated donations to purchase Campus Crusade's Jesus Video to be distributed to visitors on Easter Sunday at Urban Churches. Especially in Urban areas, many people visit church who normally wouldn't. This resource will provide a continued witness to those visitors. 4) On Saturday, May 13, we will be empowering Urban Churches to reach out to their communities through a Mother’s day outreach. We will be distributing food items i.e. canned hams etc., candy, and small gifts, along with a gospel witness and an invitation to attend a special Mother’s Day service. We will be collecting these items from supporting churches. * I also wanted to give you the date of "The Taste of Reconciliation". It will be July 30 at Living Springs Community Church. This is one of the biggest events of the year for us. From 5:00 to 6:00 there are various ethnic foods, games, and booths on various cultures. At 6:00 we have a multi-cultural worship service. God has used this event to promote understanding and unity between racial groups. Last year we had a great turn out, probably 400 to 600. This year we hope to follow up the event with some online Bible studies that will help Christians as they face various difficult issues in regard to race.
* The official launch of the Internet Ministry will be Thursday, May, 4, 2006. Internet Evangelism Sunday is May 7, we'll have free materials for it. * Thank you Crete Reformed Church and Teens of the South Suburban Chinese Church for participating with our "Heart for the Homeless" Project. You helped spread love and joy during a difficult time for some homeless individuals.
JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2006 HIGHLIGHTS AND PRAYER REQUESTS:
THANK YOU FOR THE AWESOME PARTICIPATION WITH THE "CHRIST THE GREATEST GIFT" CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE AND WITNESSING PROJECT.
* Hundreds of children were blessed ! * Children laughed, parents were encouraged, churches were strengthened. The GOOD NEWS of what Christmas is all about went forth in WORD and DEED. * TOYS WERE DONATED BY: INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTERS FIRST REFORMED CHURCH OF LANSING CRETE REFORMED CHURCH LIVING SPRINGS COMMUNITY CHURCH - Glenwood HILLSIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH - Crown Point NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH - Knox SOUTH SUBURBAN CHINESE CHURCH - Tinley Park FELLOWSHIP BIBLE CHURCH - Joliet GLENWOOD BIBLE CHURCH EAST HAZEL CREST BIBLE CHURCH LIVING GRACE FELLOWSHIP - Lynwood FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH - Munster (+ a couple drop offs I'm not sure where from)
* TOYS WERE DISTRIBUTED TO NEEDY FAMILIES BY: Reconciliation Resource Ministries (Regional) Peace Baptist Church - Ford Heights (North) First Union Church - Ford Heights (South) Saint Bethel - Chicago Heights (North-East) Christ Temple #1 - Chicago Heights (South - East) New Life Baptist - Chicago Heights (West) The Mighty Medlens - Harvey Living Grace Fellowship - Lynwood Set Free Ministries - Robbins & Chicago Galilee Baptist - Chicago (Roseland)
Some of the volunteer wrappers at Crete Reformed Church.
Children at a Christmas Program in Roseland before getting their gifts. * I hope to have pictures and video up soon from the "Christ the Greatest Gift" Project.
*** Your year end tax receipts will go out Saturday, Jan. 28 - Thank you so much for making this ministry possible. *** As you know our secretary/treasurer, Sandy Schaap Sullivan passed away this past year. Words can not describe how much of a blessing she was to me and the ministry these past 15 to 20 years. Please continue to pray for her husband Jim and Parents: Rich and Marcia. We are now in need for volunteer help in these areas and would appreciate your prayers in regard to a replacement. *** Another dear friend went home to the Lord - Dick Jones. Many years ago, I decided to quit my job and step out in faith to minister full time to the poor and needy. He, along with some others gave in a sacrificial way to help me get going. He had a passion for children. He was responsible for finding monthly sponsors for 244 children through Compassion (www.compassion.org?). At his funeral at Homewood Community Church over 20 more people decided to become sponsors. ***Thank you Tommy Beasley and Jeff Bryson for being my right and left arm - you made the Toy Project a success. I also want to thank you along with Kim, Roland, Sherry, and Kevin for your willingness to share your testimonies. ***Congratulations to Dan Gute, Brother Ceaser, Glen, Chruches Embracing Unity, and Lomier Baptist Church of Dolton. Your unity service was wonderful. ***Homemade Valentine Cards and cookies are needed for an evangelistic outreach to the homeless - "A Heart for the Homeless". Please call for details if you think you can involve your Sunday School Class. See "MINISTRY PROJECTS" FOR FURTHER DETAILS. ***Thank you Agape Center for providing 20 "Homeless Aid" packages. ***GREAT IDEA: One of our supporting families cooks a meal once a month for the needy / homeless (Pictured Below). Let me know if your family or small group would like to do the same. The gentleman pictured in the middle requested prayer. He has a college degree yet due to a crack cocaine habit he is homeless. He was scheduled to go into a treatment center. He (and I) believe that prayer can make the difference if the treatment is successful or not.
***Do you want to see Narnia or go bowling? Even though we have the van up and running again - we could still use some additional help with transportation for a couple activities . We want to take some of the kids soon, so let me know... ***Please pray for us and the people we are ministering to. I hope to list some some specific prayer requests soon. February is usually the slowest month of the year for our ministry. I will be investing much of it in developing the Internet Ministry we will be launching in April. If you know of anyone who may be interested in helping, please put them in touch with me. You don't have to have any computer skills, just a burden to share your faith with the lost. *** A thanks goes out for the supporters who took the tour of Ford Heights - I appreciate the interest and I enjoyed showing you the "hood". *** Coming in April of 2006: (It's OK to go ahead and take a peek now.)
A place of training and opportunities for Web Evangelism.
*** Do you know what "myspace" is?
http://webevangelist.blogspot.com/2006/02/myspace-paul.html
***A tribute to Mrs. Coretta Scott King - many famous people are very actually quite rude to people who are not in their circle of important friends. Many years ago I had the privilege of meeting Mrs. King - she was delightful, warm-hearted and kind. I came across her a half hour later and she paused what she was doing and introduced me by name to her friends. She has crusaded for justice and peace. Because of who she was and what she stood for, she has had her husband murdered, her home bombed, and many acts of hatred committed against her. Yet her inner demeanor did not harbor bitterness but love and hope. Her Christian faith was deep and real.
*** A special thanks to the "Christ Club kids" who threw me a suprise birthday party today!!! ...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- November and December 2005 Highlights: *Hallelujah for the "Hallelujah Parties"
THANKS to your help; children and adults, many who don't attend church, went to a church. They had a great time and were given a gospel witness. We were able to empower New Life Baptist Church with games, candy, and gospel tracts to host this outreach event. To a lesser degree we were also able to help Living Springs Community Church and the East Hazel Crest Bible Church.
Thank you AVON. We were able to help Galillee Baptist Church with their truck load of donations from AVON. We are also able to bless many other churches because of this donation.
Thank you Agape Center and Lenscrafters for making arrangements to get free eye exams and eyeglasses for about 100 people we are working with. |
We also want to thank the Agape center for providing 100 "Boxes of Love".( A Thanksgiving turkey, meal, and witnessing material) |
Thanksgiving food drop off dates: Saturday, Nov.12 & Sunday, Nov.20 (Call 708-709-0469 for details) |
Hillside Community Church : (12/06/05) Thank you for the opportunity to share with you on the 6th. Glad to hear and see all the wonderful things God is doing. I was especially thrilled to hear about the Wednesday night outreach to children. Thank you for your prayer and support. |
"Christ the Greatest Gift" |
Toy drop off date will be Dec. 18 & 19 Volunteers are needed on the 21st: Shift 1- 1:00 PM, Shift 2- 6:00 PM |
Don't forget to check out our Internet Ministry Guide (www.internetministry.info) Please pray as we add and launch this ministry. |
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Protect your family, your computer, & help a missionary - free trial of Internet filter, anti-virus, & accountibility software. |
Cardell: A Christ Club and after school drop in center regular.
THANK YOU SALEM COMMUNITY CHURCH FOR DONATING A 15 PASSENGER VAN!!! * IN THE FIRST COUPLE WEEKS SINCE GETTING PLATES WE WERE ABLE TO USE IT TO GET A THANKSGIVING MEAL AND A GOSPEL WITNESS TO ABOUT 100 FAMILIES!
BOXES OF LOVE PROGRAM (Pictured: Peace Baptist Church of Ford Heights, one of 6 groups we were able to empower) (Frozen Turkey, trimings, Bible, etc.) REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BOXES OF LOVE PROGRAM: * Genuine need * To be used for EVANGELISTIC purposes as a tool to reach out in love to the unchurched in the area. (A "churched" family can only receive one if they use it for evangelistic purposes by inviting and witnessing to unchurched friends.) * An evangelistic/witnessing visit. 11/20/05 SOUTH SUBURBAN CHINESE CHURCH * I look forward to the third Sunday of every month to be with my friends at the South Suburban Chinese Church. I am honored that you have allowed me the privilege to minister with you on a regular basis for the past 15 or 20 years. You are in my thoughts and prayers...
* I've been helping East Hazel BibleChurch get the GOOD NEWS to every home in their community. Many say knocking on doors and passing out tracts is a outdated. Call me old fashioned - I still believe that a church should attempt to get a clear gospel witness to every home in their community. I'd be happy to help any church with this vital mission.
* WE ALSO WANT TO PRAY FOR SAM WILLIAMS OF SET FREE MINISTRIES. THE FUNDING FOR HIS COUNSELING JOB RAN OUT AND HE HAS ENDURED MANY HEALTH PROBLEMS LATELY. WE WERE ABLE TO PROVIDE HIM WITH BALNKETS, FOOD, TOILETRIES, AND GOSPEL TRACTS TO HELP HIM MINISTER TO THE HOMELESS IN CHICAGO. ____________________ DEC. 6 TYSON CHICKEN IS DONATING 2,500 POUNDS OF FROZEN CHICKEN TO US!!!!! IF YOUR CHURCH HAS FREEZER SPACE THAT WE COULD USE FOR A COUPLE DAYS IT WOULD MAKE IT MUCH EAISIER FOR US IF WE DID NOT HAVE TO DISTRIBUTE IT ALL ON THAT DAY. I COULD ALSO USE A COUPLE VOLUNTEERS TO HELP ME PICK IT UP (1:00 TO 5:00 P.M.) * Thanks Jeff and Rowland for your help in picking up this donation. We also thanks the Chicago Bulls for Co-sponsoring this with Tyson Chicken. Even Scottie Pippen was there! By the way I have a funny Scottie Pippen story to share ... ___________________________
CRETE REFORMED CHURCH- DEC. 4 AS ALWAYS MY TIME AT CRETE REFORMED WAS WONDERFUL! YOU ARE BLESSED TO HAVE ONE OF THE BEST PREACHERS AROUND. THANK YOU - YOUR CHURCH AND CONGREGATION HAVE PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN MAKING RECONCILIATION RESOURCE MINISTRIES POSSIBLE - WE WILL ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL! ___________________________
URGENT INFORMATION FOR URBAN PASTORS AND MINISTRY LEADERS, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
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LIVING SPRINGS COMMUNITY CHURCH - DEC.11 Wow - how can I ever adequately say thanks to Living Springs- God used you to bring my wife and oldest daughter into the Kingdom of God. I was touched by the awesome response to get coats and toys to needy children. I also appreciate the many kind words of encouragement.
Special Christmas need- 3 and 4 xl coats and white shirts for men and ladies. Used is fine the super large sizes are hard to find at thrift stores. FIRST REFORMED CHURCH OF LANSING - DEC. 18 YOU BY FAR ARE THE LARGEST DONORS FOR OUR BACK TO SCHOOL AND CHRIST THE GREATEST GIFT PROGRAMS. IT WAS AN HONOR TO BE WITH YOU AND I'M SO GLAD KIM AND TOMMY HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE THEIR TESTIMONIES. I HOPE I CAN COME BACK SOMETIME AND LET JEFF SPEAK. THANK YOU!!!
CONTACT INFORMATION: RECONCILIATION RESOURCE MINISTRIES Scott Reese - Pastor/Director 223 W. MEMORIAL DRIVE CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL. 60411 USA 708-709-0469 temporary backup email:
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... Our van (pictured here loaded down with 250 food baskets) needs help. We are looking for a mechanic to volunteer some time - we can provide the parts. The van has a major radiator fluid leak - I believe it is the Water Pump - the main issue is that it is difficult and time consuming to get to - the last time this happened, it cost about $300 in labor and $20 in parts. I'm not very mechanical so I could use some help with this. Also we have an exhaust leak and a broken door handle that we would like to eventually fix - If you would like to make a designated offering to get this fixed or if you are mechanical and can volunteer some time, call seven,zero, eight-709-0469.
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