Christ - The ReeseSource: February 2012

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

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."

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

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.

Net Work Ministries, Inc. Purpose Statement

The purpose of Net Work Ministries is to bring hope and healing to men and their families by exposing them to the love of Jesus Christ in word and deed. Net Work also encourages men in living out their Christian faith in their day-to-day lives.

Net Work Ministries, Inc. is a pastoral counseling and resource networking ministry that brings God's people together for mutual support and enables them to use the abundant resources He provides. It is directed towards men, to bring them into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and to help them use the power of this relationship to become the men God intended them to be. This ministry helps men deal with issues that affect their everyday lives. It is a faith ministry that depends entirely on the Lord for resources and does not charge for its services. It is a fully accredited 501c3 I.R.S. organization.

Net Work Ministries was begun 1991 by a group of men who knew Buck Reese's giftedness in the areas of pastoral counseling and resource networking. Buck, who is a native of Atlanta, has been in ministry since 1975 and is an ordained minister. He was responsible for starting the Young Life high school ministry in Cobb County in 1977 and served as Area Director for 12 years. Buck was the Director of Church Relations for Rapha, Inc., a Christian counseling program, as well as serving as a pastoral counseling intern at Wesley Woods Geriatric Center. For 20 years Buck served as chaplain and assistant coach of the Marietta High School football team. Buck was selected to be a member of the 1998 class of Leadership Cobb and the 1999 class of the Honorary Commanders, programs of the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce.

Buck's full-time commitment is to Net Work Ministries. He is in contact with men of all ages and walks of life. A typical routine would include: Having breakfast or lunch with a businessman to offer counsel and encouragement to strengthen their commitment to Christ and to enjoy each other's fellowship and support. In all these situations, Buck offers a listening ear and a caring heart and shares Scripture and wisdom given by the Holy Spirit. The goal in all of this activity is to bring those who do not know Christ into a saving relationship with Him. To those who are committed to Christ, but are dealing with issues of day-to-day living, he gives loving and effective counsel, encouragement and support.

Recently, I have added a new role to my ministry. I have accepted the role as volunteer Chaplain to the Staff of Young Life Southeast Region, which consists of the states of Georgia and Alabama. There are currently 50 local area ministries with staff. I will be the"minister to the ministers."

The Concept of Net Work Ministries

From Henri Nouwen’s book “Gracias”:

“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.

From "The Hole In Our Gospel" by Richard Stearns, President of World Vision:

It is rare that a simple recitation of the gospel will cause people to instantly change their minds. It usually takes much more than that. Our own narrative typically involves a journey of discovery marked by relationships with respected friends and loved ones, reading, discussions, learning about the basis for Christian faith, seeing the difference faith made in the lives of people we know, and witnessing genuine faith demonstrated through acts of love and kindness towards others.

I Stand At The Door - My Calling To Men's Ministry

I Stand at the Door

By Sam Shoemaker (from the Oxford Group)

I stand by the door.
I neither go to far in, nor stay to far out.
The door is the most important door in the world -
It is the door through which men walk when they find God.
There is no use my going way inside and staying there,
When so many are still outside and they, as much as I,
Crave to know where the door is.
And all that so many ever find
Is only the wall where the door ought to be.
They creep along the wall like blind men,
With outstretched, groping hands,
Feeling for a door, knowing there must be a door,
Yet they never find it.
So I stand by the door.

The most tremendous thing in the world
Is for men to find that door - the door to God.
The most important thing that any man can do
Is to take hold of one of those blind, groping hands
And put it on the latch - the latch that only clicks
And opens to the man's own touch.

Men die outside the door, as starving beggars die
On cold nights in cruel cities in the dead of winter.
Die for want of what is within their grasp.
They live on the other side of it - live because they have not found it.

Nothing else matters compared to helping them find it,
And open it, and walk in, and find Him.
So I stand by the door.

Go in great saints; go all the way in -
Go way down into the cavernous cellars,
And way up into the spacious attics.
It is a vast, roomy house, this house where God is.
Go into the deepest of hidden casements,
Of withdrawal, of silence, of sainthood.
Some must inhabit those inner rooms
And know the depths and heights of God,
And call outside to the rest of us how wonderful it is.
Sometimes I take a deeper look in.
Sometimes venture in a little farther,
But my place seems closer to the opening.
So I stand by the door.

There is another reason why I stand there.
Some people get part way in and become afraid
Lest God and the zeal of His house devour them;
For God is so very great and asks all of us.
And these people feel a cosmic claustrophobia
And want to get out. 'Let me out!' they cry.
And the people way inside only terrify them more.
Somebody must be by the door to tell them that they are spoiled.
For the old life, they have seen too much:
One taste of God and nothing but God will do any more.
Somebody must be watching for the frightened
Who seek to sneak out just where they came in,
To tell them how much better it is inside.
The people too far in do not see how near these are
To leaving - preoccupied with the wonder of it all.
Somebody must watch for those who have entered the door
But would like to run away. So for them too,
I stand by the door.

I admire the people who go way in.
But I wish they would not forget how it was
Before they got in. Then they would be able to help
The people who have not yet even found the door.
Or the people who want to run away again from God.
You can go in too deeply and stay in too long
And forget the people outside the door.
As for me, I shall take my old accustomed place,
Near enough to God to hear Him and know He is there,
But not so far from men as not to hear them,
And remember they are there too.

Where? Outside the door -
Thousands of them. Millions of them.
But - more important for me -
One of them, two of them, ten of them.
Whose hands I am intended to put on the latch.
So I shall stand by the door and wait
For those who seek it.

'I had rather be a door-keeper
So I stand by the door.

Net Work Ministries Testimonials

Quotes

“I have been involved in Net Work Ministries for almost six years. I am privileged to serve on the Board of Directors and work with Buck on a variety of projects i.e.: Young Life, Good Samaritan Health Clinic, P.A.C.E., working with the poor and indigent, and supporting the men who attend Buck’s groups.

Buck and Peggy have been there for my wife Rita and I through our most difficult times. They are always loving, always supportive. Buck and his ministry are a wonderful example of what it means to serve. It’s what the love of Christ encourages all of us to do for each other.”

Dwayne Lambing,
Regional Vice President
Nordco, Inc.

The Friday group began as an opportunity for me to have in depth conversation about subject matter that I was not totally comfortable with i.e. formal religion and my personal relationship with God. I believed intellectually that the universe was not an accidental explosion, but it demonstrated a purpose that only a Creator could know. I felt a part of that universe and was comfortable with my life and the roles I played in it. But I still asked myself, is that all there is to life.

Through a series of very diverse and interesting books it became increasingly apparent that no growth in self is possible without the "pains" of self examination. Sometimes this would occur during the course of "intense" discussions and other times would occur in moments of quiet reflection on these conversations. I began to notice that in this crucible of frank and honest discourse that I could find a voice for my beliefs and at the same time be intellectually true to my beliefs in science.

As it has turned out for me, the books have been less important than the comfort and strength that I find in the relationship of men willing to discuss matters that are not in their comfort zones , and that require an intellectual and emotional honesty that are not found alone on an island.
Thank you for your role in making all of this possible,

Dr. Peter Re’,

Neurologist