FEBRUARY 2014 EDITION

Last weekend, I had the high privilege of officiating the funeral of my neighbors and dear friends, Vic and Jenny K.  Jenny had died four years earlier but both wished their remains to be buried together. He and his wife were remarkable people. They were both air traffic controllers!  They both lived long, active and fruitful lives, the last forty of which were spent after retirement!  Vic was ninety-five when he died.

During my friend's last weeks of life, he never lost his sense of humor. During his life, he always enjoyed a Beefeater martini. Recently, at one point in our conversation, while visiting him at hospice, I mentioned that fact. In a very small, weak voice, he replied, "Don't tempt me!"  

We enjoyed many wonderful conversations in the past year, filled with stories of his life and laughter. We also talked extensively about his faith in Christ. His life was devoted to his family and service to others. He had served the Church as a Baptist Deacon, a Presbyterian Elder and an Episcopal Warden in his moves about the country. He would eventually head every local organization in which he volunteered.

I shall dearly miss Victor Woodrow Kowalczyk, but I know he is reunited with his dear Jenny and they both stand face-to-face with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that one-day, Vic and I will embrace as brothers in Christ once again.

It is my fervent hope that, one day, I shall, with all of you, my dear friends, stand face-to-face with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and hear Him say, "Well done, my good and faithful servants enter into your rest."

Net Work News and Needs

Our Friday Morning Group is discussing C.S. Lewis "The Screwtape Letters." Our group has been well attended with the promise of more men attending soon.

Continued to work with disabled gentleman in "wading through" the healthcare system as well as the Medicaid and other social services to provide some safety and well-being to this person. This has consumed many hours. Hats off to Zack Barfield of HealthPlanDesign for his assistance with this person's Medicare Advantage insurance as well as my personal health insurance. For more info. On Zack's business, he can be reached at 770-853-3732. (Note: I do not ordinarily endorse businesses unless they are of particular help to those to whom I minister.)

May God richly bless each one of you, my dear friends!

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

678-986-4814          

  E-mail address – buckreese41@yahoo.com

Website: www.networkministries.blogspot.com

JANUARY 2014 EDITION

I came late to the sport of hunting. Oh, over earlier years, I had tried my hand at deer hunting.  The times spent in a tree stand were times of frozen feet and boredom, seeing nothing but a few squirrels and birds. Deer hunting also seemed to be more of a solitary pursuit. Early in my childhood, my father took me with him on some dove hunts.  Mostly I spent my time as either a two-legged retriever or sitting in the front seat of my father's car while sneezing my brains out because of a ragweed allergy.  It was not until about ten years ago, friends introduced me to dove hunting and, soon after, quail and duck hunting.  I soon fell in love with everything about bird hunting.  In the ensuing years, I have had the privilege of hunting bobwhite quail in South Carolina and much of middle Georgia, Chukkar and Hungarian partridge and California quail in Idaho, Mearns quail in Arizona and even dove and pigeons in Argentina (that particular trip came through the kindness of the men in my Friday Morning Bible Study.)

What is it about bird hunting that appeals to so many?  I do not think it has to do as much with the taking of the prey as it is with other things involved in the hunt.  There is the excitement of the stalk, the shared struggles of navigating difficult landscape, the long hours of walking together trying to keep up with the dogs. The resurrection of the world, coming alive once again, sitting in a duck blind, seeing the sunrise through the early morning's mist is almost a religious experience. There is the shock and thrill of a covey rise or the sight of doves flying in your direction at top speed, twisting this way and that with every other beat of their wings. These things are sure to quicken your heartbeat. I believe all this touches something primal and spiritual in each of us.

I think, however, one of the best things about the hunt comes after it is over. The time around the dinner table enjoying a great meal together is a time when stories of the day's hunt takes place and laughter and jesting usually ensues. This is a truly great time. However, the time spent after dinner, sitting by the campfire or fireplace, in quiet conversation and reflection on the day's hunt is something I treasure the most. Deepening friendships seem to occur at this time. This is where, many times, ministry has taken place for me, when true hearts sometimes show themselves.

Young Life has a phrase that describes the process of ministry…"Face to face, friend to friend and heart to heart." Hunting together can be a great facilitator of ministry as long as it occurs naturally and not manipulatively. Folks can usually spot this in a heartbeat. The person you are with must know that you care about them as a true friend and are not just after "another scalp or notch on your gun." Sharing your heart and being transparent may facilitate the same things happening with your hunting friend.

You say, "I am not an evangelist or a discipler of men." "Au contraire", my friend, you are!  If you can care about a friend, if you can listen attentively to him or her, and if you can, with God's help, share your spiritual experience, strength and hope, then you are one! Good news, my friend, this can occur during a fireside conversation after a day of hunting or over the breakfast table or most anywhere.  In all of this, it is about our willingness to make ourselves available and open to the Spirit's leading.  Are you willing to" hunt' for opportunities to share the greatest joy of all with a friend. the joy of knowing and following Christ? I hope so!

Net Work News and Needs

It is a new year! I am excited about the prospects for the ministry. We are always on the lookout for new avenues of ministry so we welcome any suggestions you might have.

I have a heartfelt sense of gratitude to all of you that were partners in ministry last year. You were a great source of blessing and encouragement.

Our Friday Men's Group has begun a very interesting and challenging new study this month. We are discussing C.S Lewis, "The Screwtape Letters." We meet at 7:00 a.m. in the Card Room at Marietta Country Club. Our group is comprised of men between the ages of 40 and 90 years old. Some are retired; others of us work full time. We would love to have you join us. If you are interested, call me at 678-986-4814.

As St. Paul says in Phillipians 1:3, "I thank my God in all of my remembrances of (each one) you."

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

678-986-4814          

  E-mail address – buckreese41@yahoo.com

Website: www.networkministries.blogspot.com