AUGUST 2013

I am involved in a study group on Christian Caregiving on Monday nights at my church. One of the discussion questions posed was, "Why do you do what you do?" "What motivates you to do what you do?" At first blush, it was an easy answer for me. I could go the "Sunday School answer" route and say something like, "I want to serve God." The more I pondered the question, the deeper it penetrated my spirit. Why have I been involved in a ministry to men and their families for twenty-one plus years?

The following response reveals my thoughts on why I do what I do:

Initially, I responded to my own needs: to be known, really known, by others; to have a safe environment where I could share my struggles and victories with other men without being judged; to grow in my Christian faith through an open and honest dialogue in a small group setting.

I had and still have a great sense of calling to walk alongside men, to share in their story, to listen, When it is sought, to impart some wisdom, given by the Holy Spirit, learned through life experiences, to men who may not have journeyed as far down the path of life as I have. I have been called to create safe places where men can be real, where they can explore how to grow in their faith as men who live in a twenty-first century world with all the challenges that entails. From time to time, I have had the privilege of counseling men, who I have known and their fiancés, as they plan their marriages. I have had the joy of officiating their weddings and the sorrow of officiating their funerals.

What motivates me to do what I do?

For me the highest motivation is to see "the light go on" when a man comes to truly realize how much he is loved by the Father, what it cost the Son to pay for our sin. When he finally "waves the white flag of surrender' of self and commits himself to the One who promises to begin to make us all that He intended us to be as men who are followers of Christ is the greatest joy of all.

I love helping men wrestle with their faith in a thoughtful and intelligent manner.

Seeing men work to restore relationships broken by their own selfishness and sinfulness as they realize their error is one of the great joys of my work with men and their families.

I do what I do because people, like you, share with me the vision of helping men become all that God intended them to be through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

You make Net Work Ministries possible through your prayers, encouragement and support. For that, I will be eternally grateful.

Net Work News and Needs

Warren Herron, former Chairman of the Board of Net Work Ministries, spoke to our Friday Morning Men's Group for two sessions on Science and Religion. It was a fascinating and informative time.-

Laurence Lines, a member of the Friday Morning Men's Group, made a presentation to the group on his visit to the House of Hope Ministry in Guatemala. The Friday Morning Men's Group has heavily supported this ministry.  House of Hope feeds, helps clothe and educates more than 100 children in the village of Santiago. They are also building houses for needy residents through their Houses of Hope ministry. "Sewing into the Kingdom" has been developed as a sewing business to help employ the mothers of children involved in the House of Hope ministry. If you would like more information on this worthy ministry, please contact me at 678-986-4814.

Net Work is assisting a disabled person in recovering funds taken from him by an unscrupulous person. We are also assisting him in getting his daughter the power of attorney needed to manage his affairs.

Net Work is involved with a monthly outreach ministry at The Parc at Duluth senior living community.

Net Work continues to meet with individuals and couples to offer counseling and encouragement.

Financial Report:

Donations down 35%

Expenses cut 22% (including salary 3 months in arrears)

I pray God will bless each of you this day and forevermore.