FEBRUARY 2012

I am a sellout. Well, sort of…

I have to admit it. I have a Facebook page… but you must know, I did not completely sell out. I do not have a Twitter account. I can honestly say this…I have never" Tweeted", at least never knowingly or on purpose and, by all means, never in public. What would my mother think of me! After all, I am a Buckhead Native (B.N, as those of us in the know call it., (according to Facebook, (again, F.B., as those of us in the know call it.)  

This relatively recent phenomenon known as the social media is fascinating to me. I believe there are both good and bad sides to see in it for me. As for Facebook, I have had the positive experience of reconnecting with people I have not seen or heard from in years. I probably would never have connected with them in the comings and goings of my daily affairs. I do not stay in touch with all these old friends, but now I know where I can reach them if the need arises. I can disseminate important information to a large group of friends very quickly. I can use it to publicize new postings to my website, as I will do with this newsletter at its completion. The downside to Facebook is that it can be a real time waster if you allow it. It can be very dangerous also as your postings can give out personal information that, in the wrong hands, can lead to your becoming a victim of criminals. 

The one thing I see driving the explosive growth in the social media is that, in some way, in our human nature, we all want to be known and loved. We want to be valued, and whether we admit it or not, we desire approval. Sadly, the truth is that Facebook and Twitter can never satisfy that need. There is only one source that will fully and completely satisfy that desire and that is a personal relationship with the One who created us to be in relationship. The One who cannot love us anymore, nor can He love us any less for what we do or do not do. I am speaking of Jesus Christ. Friend Him in The Bible, (God's Love Story, as those of us in the know call it.) He is waiting to meet You there.

MINISTRY NEWS

As I meet with men on an individual basis, I realize what a great privilege it is to be able to hear their life story and walk with them in their journey from both a secular and spiritual perspective. In addition, as I sit with the group of men on Friday mornings, I marvel at their transparency and willingness to share their

thoughts and opinions on the topics we discuss.  

I am truly blessed by those of you that partner with me in this ministry You enable me to be involved in the lives of so many men and their families . I am so grateful to you. 

Henry Nouwen writes in "Gracias" the following:

“It is a privilege to have the time to practice this simple ministry of presence. Still, it is not as simple as it seems. My own desire to be useful, to do something significant, or to be part of some impressive project is so strong that soon my time is taken up by meetings, conferences, study groups, and workshops that prevent me from walking the streets. It is difficult not to have plans, not to organize people around an urgent cause, and not to feel that you are working directly for social progress. But I wonder more and more if the first thing shouldn’t be to know people by name, to eat and drink with them, to listen to their stories and tell your own, and to let them know with words, handshakes, and hugs that you do not simply like them, but truly love them."

JANUARY 2012 EDITION

"Who's your Daddy?" That question has, at one time, both a humorous and a serious side to it. On the humorous side, it is questioning who is looking out for you. On the serious side, it is questioning who your biological father is.  Most of us hear that question in the humorous vein in movies or TV shows. Some cannot answer that question at all. Sadly, in today's culture, the unanswered question is happening more often. 

Another similar question that should be asked is "Where's your Daddy?" All too frequently, a child may answer that they do not know. This pertains not only to the physically absent father, but also to the emotionally absent father. Divorce and abandonment are causes of the former. Overwork, self-absorption, and marital and financial stress affect the latter. 

Yet another question that should be asked is "Who is your hero?" or put another way, "Who would you want to emulate or be like?" It is my contention that a father should be at or near the top of a child's list.  

In an era when fathers in the media either are absent or made to look like buffoons, it is incumbent on us as Christians to model both for our own child and the children we encounter the type of man, father and, where possible, husband the Bible would have us be.  

The good news for those whose fathers have abandoned them either physically or emotionally is that they and we have a Father in Heaven who will never leave them or forsake them. He is always available for them. He loves us all no matter what.  

When asked "Who's Your Daddy?" we can all say with confidence, no matter what our earthly circumstances, we have a Father In Heaven who we can call "Abba", the Aramaic word for "Daddy". 

(As a side note, I would commend to you the movie "Courageous".  It is the latest and best film produced by the makers of "Facing the Giants".  It is a great film about fatherhood and its challenges.) 

As I have stated in previous newsletters, Net Work is always seeking new ways to serve the Lord by ministering to men and their families.  We welcome your input and suggestions as to how we can reach more men.  It is our belief that, in a time when the traditional family structures are under assault, as we help men begin and grow in their relationship with Christ, their families will be strengthened. 

This year will mark the twentieth year our mission has been able to challenge and equip men to answer the biblical mandate to be the spiritual leaders of their families. By God's grace, Net Work Ministries has impacted the lives of many men and their families. Without your prayers, encouragement and financial support this would not have been possible. We have been honored to have you as partners in ministry. We would ask that you prayerfully consider continuing your partnership in this vital ministry by your prayers, encouragement and financial support again this year. 

May God shower you and yours with His richest blessings in the year ahead.

DECEMBER 2011 EDITION

What a great year 2011 it was for Net Work Ministries!   We are excited about the New Year as we enter the twentieth year of ministry.  Thank you for making it possible with your prayers and support.

To recap some highlights, we were able to minister to individual men well over 200 times last year resulting in marriages revived and strengthened, employment found, and relationships with Christ begun and enhanced.   We have walked alongside men in the various struggles and challenges of life.  We facilitated a men's group on Friday mornings that has been meeting for sixteen years. This is amazing considering that the average men's group lasts three years at most.

What about 2012, what would we like to see happen? 

·       We would love to facilitate another morning men's group.   If you and some of your friends have been considering getting together to help each other deepen your relationships with Christ, we can help.  

·       If you would like to start a group that is made up of guys who are looking for ways to strengthen their marriages and family relationships, we can help.

·        If you have a few friends who are interested in honestly exploring what this "Christian" thing is all about, we can help.

·       We would also love to facilitate weekend or longer retreats.  We have many years of experience in leading retreats.

·       I would love to walk alongside you or your friend who may be experiencing any number of problems. Give me a call at 678-986-4814

Once again, bless you for helping to make 2011 a memorable year for Net Work Ministries. We look forward to serving you in 2012.