Christ - The ReeseSource August 2007

“For the last seven or eight years, I have been blessed to be part of a Net Work Ministries men’s group. The most immediate benefit has been reading some terrific Christian books and bouncing ideas off the other guys. The insights and ideas on how to apply various aspects of the Christian life have been extremely valuable to me.

Beyond the studies, the relationships have been great. Over the years I have come to know and love these guys, and I consider several of them close friends. One of the unanticipated offshoots of the Wednesday group has been an informal cycling gang with occasional rides involving different guys. We’re still trying to get old Buck out on the Silver Comet Trail in his special spandex shorts. (Not going to happen,)

Even more important than the camaraderie, however, has been the encouragement and support. Over the years, we each have experienced various ups and downs, and through it all, the concern, prayers and support of the group have helped us see the love of Christ in action. I personally experienced this in a huge way in the summer of 2003 when my teen-aged daughter nearly died from a rare reaction to a prescription drug. Although the Lord ministered to my wife and me in incredible ways, the prayers and notes from my Net Work Ministries brothers provided a practical reminder of God’s involvement in our lives.

To sum up, I greatly value my involvement with Net Work and never miss a meeting when my schedule allows.”

Glenn Pearson, Executive Vice President

Georgia Hospital Association

(Glenn is a member of the Net Work Ministries Board of Directors.

He is also the author of a newly published book, “That’s A Great Question!” which is sub-titled, “What To Say When Your Faith Is Challenged.” It is published by Victor Press. It is available on Amazon.com and Christianbooks.com.)

I am proud and grateful to have Glenn represent Net Work Ministries as a member of our Friday Morning Men’s Group and member of the Board of Directors.

MINISTRY NEWS:

• Officiated wedding of young man who I coached at Marietta High. Peggy and I have done pre-marital counseling with the couple since January.

• Facilitated two study groups.

Wednesday afternoons at lunchtime at Goshen Trading, a company that imports fine furniture from China. Our hosts are Seng and Amy Ng. This is a mixed group of men and women. We are studying the book,” The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren.

Friday mornings at CourtMakers, Inc., Georgia’s largest builder of tennis courts. Our host is Marshall Dye. This is a men’s group. We are studying the book, “Prayer” by Phillip Yancey.

• Counseled a couple going through marital difficulty.

• Met individually with numerous men for encouragement and counsel.

MINISTRY NEEDS:

Our contributions are off 40% which resulted in having to use reserve funds again this month to meet ministry expenses. Our expenses were kept 5% below budget.

NET WORK MINISTRIES, INC. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

NET WORK MINISTRIES, INC. EXISTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF BRINGING TOGETHER GOD’S PEOPLE AND HIS RESOURCES TO PRESENT THE HEALING MESSAGE OF CHRIST’S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, THROUGH WORD AND DEED, TO A HURTING AND LOST WORLD.

NET WORK MINISTRIES, INC.

2671 OLD HICKORY DRIVE, N.W.

MARIETTA, GA., 30064-1833

770-422-8638(office) 678-986-4814 (cell)

E-mail address – peggyandbuck@yahoo.com

Website: www.networkministries.blogspot.com

Christ - The ReeseSource - July 2007

On Saturday, July 21st, my good friend Marshall Dye and I boarded a flight to Guatemala City, Guatemala. My flight was made possible by a dear friend who donated a “buddy pass.” We were going on a “reconnaissance” trip for our Friday morning group to investigate the possibilities of a medical, dental, and construction mission trip there next February for the group.

We landed about noon and were immediately transferred to the local McDonald’s (yes…McDonald’s!) by our host Mike Robertson, who is Marshall’s stepbrother-in-law. There we met a mission team from Ohio who were helping Mike that day. They had rented a bus and transported 40 children from the village of Santiago for their first ever visit to the city. The children had been to the zoo before coming to McDonald’s.

Next, Mike took us to the village where his mission is located. It is called Casa De Esperanza (House Of Hope). Mike and his wife Kambria and a local couple, Jorge and AnnaMaria, in whose house the feeding center is located, feed about 45 children each day. They also offer primary education to the younger children as well as Bible stories. Mike and Kambria have also raised money for scholarships for 15 older children to go to the local private Christian school. They have bought clothing and books, and school supplies for the other children who could otherwise not afford to attend public school. In addition, Mike and Jorge have purchased land and a partially completed concrete structure for a new feeding center which will accommodate about 100 children. Kambria is a registered nurse and works in a clinic in the city, after feeding the kids at Casa De Esperanza. They have a one year old daughter, Kirsey.

Guatemala is an interesting country. Everywhere you turn there are armed guards. There are guards at businesses, schools, churches, and homes. Most homes are walled with razor wire on top of the walls. it is my understanding that there is rampant corruption in the police and government. Sadly, at the feeding center, we heard stories of children being abused and raped with little or no police involvement or concern. While Mike, Marshall, and I were in the feeding center, someone stole several concrete blocks we had just purchased for the new feeding center.

Against the backdrop of lawlessness and corruption, Mike, Kambria, Jorge, and AnnaMaria labor on to minister to the poorest families. And I complained today because I ran out of Breyer’s Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream…..


MINISTRY NEWS AND NEEDS:

§ If you would like to know more about the work of Casa De Esperanza and how you can help make a difference in the lives of some children in Santiago or If you might be interested in going to Guatemala to see firsthand the work that is being done, let Marshall or myself know. Your financial support is desperately needed there. Mike and Jorge could finish the new feeding center in about six months if they had the necessary $30,000. You can also sponsor a child for $50.00 per month to feed clothe and educate them. Won’t you pray about your involvement in re-shaping a country, one child at a time? Contact Marshall at 770-795-8400 or me at 678-986-4814

§ We have started a new group that meets on Wednesdays at noon in the Sandy Springs area of Atlanta. Our hosts are Seng and Amy Ng of Goshen Trading Inc. They import furniture from China. They have invited people from their office complex at Morgan Falls on Roswell Road. If you know someone who works or lives in that area, let them know about the group. We are studying “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren. Seng and Amy graciously provide a light lunch so please call 770-998-5289 to make a reservation.