November 2007

Dear Reconciler Family,

I was asked the other day by a friend, “How did ORM get started?” I have been asked that question many times. I told him that the ministry began in response to a need. There were racial tensions in several churches that flared up to the point that two pastors joined together and requested help in resolving them.

As it turned out, our church headquarters dispatched a fellow pastor (Greg Albrecht) and me to help mediate and seek to help bring about harmony. We were joined by the Center for the Healing of Racism. The resulting full-day workshop and worship service became the model that we have used for the last dozen years.

We have held 150 or more workshops, seminars and presentations on five continents. We have established 24 ORM chapters on these five continents. We have published a book and periodic newsletters, made videos, created a website and, of course, we have a monthly letter—which you’re reading. We have also partnered with several organizations that do this kind of work.

The latest chapter to be added is in Peoria, Illinois, headed by co-chapter leaders and pastors Cliff Parks and Tony Pierce. They merged their churches, thus crossing barriers of denomination, race, cultures, etc. Our hearty congratulations to them!

We have received many encouraging comments over the years. Below is a small sampling.

“God is so merciful that I’m able to participate in your program and I’m hoping and praying that one day I’ll be able to attend one of your conferences.

“Just a note from one Alabamian to another. Thank you for letting God work through you in this Reconciliation Ministry. Keep up the good work God has placed you into.”

Thank you for your part in helping make it all happen. Without your prayers, financial and moral support we could not have done it! God bless you all.

Love in Him,

Curtis May