CHRIST - THE REESE SOURCE NOVEMBER 2008

At the season of Thanksgiving, it has been a tradition for me to enumerate some of the many things for which I am thankful.

First and foremost, I will be eternally thankful that on Tuesday, April 29, 1975, God revealed Himself to me and adopted me as His child. On that night, I surrendered my life to Christ. What a great adventure it has been since that time!

I am thankful that on May 20, 1967, Peggy Wilkerson became my bride. She is my greatest earthly blessing.

I am so very blessed to have two beautiful daughters, two fantastic sons-in-law, and six amazing grandchildren and one wonderful sister! All of these know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. What more could a man want in life?

I am thankful for great friends, who have been so kind and patient with me over the years. They have taught me so much. They have opened new doors. We have shared great adventures together. We have laughed together and cried together. They have encouraged me and admonished me. They have loved me “in the morning sun and the evening rain” of my life (to paraphrase Brennan Manning, a Christian author)

I am thankful to have work that I love. They say if your love your job you never have to work a day in your life! This is true for me. I cannot wait for the phone to ring, to open the mail or to see who God puts in my path for ministry. Each day is different, with a great adventure awaiting me!

I am truly thankful for these tough times we are going through right now. As my friend and Christian humorist, John Riley, says in his Abbeville, Alabama style, “This is where the fork meets the grits.” He says this concerning the testing of our faith in God and His provision. It is easy to trust God in the good times. When contributions and what little investments you have are down thirty percent,
do you really trust God to care for you and provide for you?

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1: 1-4)

Finally, I am thankful for so many of you who have faithfully stood with us and partnered with us in ministry. Without you, so many lives over the years would not have been changed by the love of Christ through Net Work Ministries. You made it possible with your prayers, encouragement and support. May God shower you with His richest blessings this holiday season.

MINISTRY NEWS:
Participated in a weekend retreat with 12 young African-American men from Atlanta area high schools to discuss the idea of where they came from, where are they going and how they plan to get there. This retreat was jointly led by Dr. Bob Mitchell and Shawn Lee of Young Life.

Facilitated Friday Morning Men’s Group.

Met individually each day with men for counsel and encouragement over the breakfast or lunch table.

Assisted disabled man in the transition from a nursing home environment to his own apartment. Helped to arrange finances and logistics of setting up a new place to live.

MINISTRY NEEDS:
Our needs are the same as all the other worthwhile organizations from whom you have been getting urgent requests. I pray that God would direct your heart in this matter, whether it is to some of the agencies I have mentioned in a previous newsletter or Net Work Ministries.

MAY YOUR HEART BE FILLED WITH THANKSGIVING TO GOD FOR THE ENUMERABLE BLESSINGS WE ALL SHARE.