UNIQUE AND EXCITING TOUR OF ISRAEL HOSTED BY CSR MINISTRIES IN 2011
Jim and Anne Bevis, founders of CSR Ministries will host a most unusual tour and strategic briefing trip to Israel tentatively scheduled for March of 2011. In addition to visiting key Old Testament and New Testament sites, Jim and Anne will draw on their previous trips to Israel and their significant contacts in Israel to arrange “behind the scene” experiences not normally available to Christian tourists visiting Israel.
The 8 – 10 day tour will include traditional sites including but not limited to:
• The old city of Jerusalem
• The Way of the Cross
• Gordon’s Calvary
• The Garden of Gethsemane
• The Mount of Olives
• The Temple Mount
• The Western Wall
• The Mount of the Beatitudes
• The Kidron Valley Capernaum
• The Dead Sea Caesarea Philippi
• The Sea of Galilee The Jordan River
plus many more.
Some of rhe unique experiences being arranged by Jim and Anne are:
• A VIP visit and tour of Yad Vashem – the Holocaust Memorial
• A visit to the Temple Institute, a workshop where rabbis are making furniture, utensils and garments for the restored temple
• A visit to the city of David, outside the old city, where excavations are underway on David’s palace and Hezekiah’s Tunnel
• A visit to King of Kings Church, a dynamic Spirit-empowered church in the heart of Jerusalem
• A VIP visit and tour of the International Christian Embassy
• A visit to a Messianic Jewish congregation
• A visit to the Rabbi’s tunnels underneath the Western wall
As time permits, participants will have the opportunity for a:
• Visit to the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus
• Shopping in the old city, on Ben Yudah Street and at a new Mall in Jerusalem
• A visit to a Sabbath Eve Synagogue service in Jerusalem
Participants on the Bevis/CSR Tour will stay in first-class hotels, share a delicious breakfast and dinner buffet each day, ride in their own air conditioned motor coast and have their own certified Israeli tour guide.
Another unique feature of the trip will be strategic lectures and briefings given on select evenings by key men and women from a roster of Israeli educators, historians and archeologists, journalists, ministers and rabbis, government representatives and special presentations by representatives from AIPAC (The American Israel Public Affairs Committee) , Yad Vashem and the International Christian Embassy – Jerusalem.
Although the arrangements are incomplete at this point, Jim is negotiating with four of the U.S./Israel top tourist companies for the best tour at the best price. Cities of departure being investigated are Atlanta and Huntsville. The goal is to have a non-stop flight to Tel Aviv from the city of departure. Jim is making a diligent effort to arrange an all inclusive tour package for $ 2500 to $3000 per person. This is approximately $ 500 less than the going rate for a tour of this length and quality. Excellence will be pursued in every aspect of the tour from beginning to end.
The Bevis’ hope to recruit no more than twenty-five tour participants and no less than twenty. With this number, we will have our own bus, tour group and guide.
If you are interested in receiving the full details of the Tour once everything is confirmed, please contact Jim and/or CSR Ministries leaving your name(s) mailing address, telephone numbers and email address if you have one. You can reach Jim or Anne at 256 718 3775 or 256 718 0738, Email address is jim.bevis@csrministries.org. Mailing address is P.O. Box 1555, Florence, Alabama 35630.
JIM AND ANNE BEVIS PARTICIPATE IN THIRD AIPAC CONFERENCE
Jim and Anne Bevis traveled in March to Washington, D.C. in March to participate in their third AIPAC Policy Conference. AIPAC (The American Israel Public Affairs Committee) is America’s largest and most influential pro-Israel lobbying organization. Over 8,000 attended this years meeting at the Washington D.C. Convention Center, March 21-23. AIPAC and its 200,000 plus members, mostly Jews, are committed to strengthening the relationship between Israel and the United States. AIPAC is a bi-partisanl effort to influence the U.S. Administration and the Houses of Congress to support Israel and her right as a nation to exist and to defend herself against all aggression. Israel has long been recognized as the only genuine democracy in the Middle East and many consider Israel America’s only true friend in the Middle East. Undoubtedly, the United States is Israel’s strongest ally.
Jim and Anne were among some three hundred Christian friends invited by AIPAC to participate in their annual gathering. AIPAC is primarily an organization made up of Jewish people living in the United States. In recent years, AIPAC has opened their doors to select Christian participation.
Jim and Anne both participated in many of the AIPAC sessions. Jim served as a panelist on a workshop focusing on “Why Evangelicals Support Israel.” At the Southeastern dinner at AIPAC, Jim gave a testimony to the group of several hundred as to why he and Anne supported Israel and AIPAC. In addition, Anne sang the national anthem at one of the dinner meetings.
Speakers at the 2010 AIPAC event included Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu and a number of United States Senators and Congressmen. While in Washington, Jim and Anne were privileged to go with other conferees from Alabama to meet with Senator Jeff Sessions, Senator Richard Shelby and Congressman Parker Griffith. Most of the AIPAC conferees descended on Capitol Hill on the final afternoon of the conference to encourage their representatives to support Israel.
Jim and Anne joined as members of AIPAC in 2008 after Jim participated in a Strategic Briefing trip to Israel in late 2007. Jim and Anne were two of approximately 100 delegates attending the Washington conference from Alabama. They were the only two attending from the Shoals.
As a part of their commitment to AIPAC, Jim and Anne have hosted two AIPAC meetings in the Shoals, one in their home and one at the local Jewish synagogue, co-hosted by Bnai Israel, the Jewish synagogue in the Shoals.
Regarding the 2010 AIPAC event, Jim and Anne were quoted as saying, “This was our third trip to the AIPAC conference. Each time we go we learn more and come home better informed regarding Israel and the Jewish people and how we can be true friends of Israel. We have been accepted warmly by the AIPAC members. We feel more ‘at home’ each time we gather with these outstanding Jewish people from throughout the United States. We love Israel, the Jewish people and AIPAC. AIPAC is one of the organizations that give us the opportunity to ‘walk out’ our special friendship with the Jews.”
JIM BEVIS RETURNS FROM YAD VASHEM IN ISRAEL
Jim Bevis, President of CSR Ministries has just returned from a twelve day Seminar at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, Israel. Yad Vashem is the national Holocaust Memorial and Education Center in Jerusalem. Jim was one of twenty-five Christian leaders selected from throughout the world to participate in the first ever Christian Leadership Seminar at Yad Vashem. The theme of the seminar was “The Holocaust, Anti-semitism and Israel. Bevis and the other conferees attended over fifty hours of lectures by some of Israel’s top educators, journalists and government leaders. Bevis was one of ten selected from the United States. Patrick Penn, pastor from Huntsville, Alabama was the only other person attending from Alabama. Other conferees came from Switzerland, England, Germany, Finland, Canada, Northern Ireland and Serbia. The participants represented several Christian denominations including the Lutheran Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the Pentecostal Church the Greek Orthodox church and several came from non-denominational churches and para-church ministries.
The Seminar was sponsored by the International Christian Embassy – Jerusalem and the Christian Friends of Yad Vashem. Each conferee was responsible for his/ her own transportation. The Seminar was led by Dr. Susanna Kokkonen, Director of the Christian Friends of Yad Vashem and Ephraim and Stephanie Kaye, staff leaders from the International School for Holocaust Studies at Yad Vashem.
The Seminar covered the development of anti-semitism which resulted in the Holocaust. Some of the topics covered were:
• Judaism and Anti-Judaism in Medieval Christianity
• The Rise of Modern Anti-semitism in Europe
• Nazi Radical Ideology and the Jewish Question
• The Decision to Kill the Jews – The Final Solution
• The Christian Responsibility and Responses to the Holocaust
• Anti-semitism and the Global Jihad
• The Problems Facing Israel Today
• Confronting the Phenomenon of Holocaust Denial
Among those presenting lectures were:
• Dr. Pesach Schindler, Hebrew University
• Rivka Duker-Fishman, Hebrew University
• Danny Ayalon, Deputy Foreign Minister of Israel
• Malcolm Hedding, Executive Director of the International Christian Embassy
• Dr. Susanna Kokkonen, Ephraim Kaye, Stephanie McMahon Kaye, members of the teaching staff of Yad Vashem
In addition to the lectures, seminar participants took a V.I.P. tour of Yadvashem and met with several holocaust survivors including two survivors rescued by Oscar Schindler. Seminar participants were also V.I.P. guests at the annual Yom HaShoah ceremony held at Yad Vashem on Sunday, April 11. Israel’s president, Simon Peres and Prime Minister, Netanyahu spoke at the ceremony along with many other government and military leaders. The ceremony was attended by some 3000 Israelis including members of the Knesset, Ambassadors representing many countries, Holocaust survivors and several hundred outstanding citizens of Israel.
Regarding the Seminar and its impact, Jim Bevis made this statement, “The Seminar at Yad Vashem was the most intense and emotionally charged experience I have had in fifty years of ministry in over forty countries of the world. We were immersed in the Holocaust for days, from morning until night. We experienced every emotion one could experience including grief, guilt, disgust and anger. We got as close to the ‘fires of the Holocaust’ as one could get without having been there. I will never be the same.”
In reflecting on how God would use this experience in Jim’s life and the ministry of CSR, Jim said, “I am a committed friend of Israel and the Jewish people. In addition, I see myself as an Ambassador of Yad Vashem helping to keep the story alive among both Jews and Gentiles. I have dedicated myself to be a part of the Christian and Jewish Vanguard which will serve on the front lines to see that this kind of tragedy never happens again.”
Jim is available to churches and synagogues, civic clubs and others interested in an in-depth report on the Holocaust and it’s causes. Contact Jim at jim.bevis@csrministries.org or 256 718 3775. You may write him at CSR, P.O.Box 1555, Florence, Alabama 35630.
For more information on the Christian Friends of Yad Vashem and to become a member please contact christian.friends@yadvashem.org.il and for activities see the web page www.yadvashem.org.il/Friends/Christian Friends
50 YEARS OF MARRIAGE AND MINISTRY
Jim and Anne Bevis, founders of CSR Ministries, are celebrating their fiftieth year of Marriage and Ministry throughout 2010. The CSR Board of Directors, in their 2009 annual meeting, decided to host five Anniversary Celebration events in the five major cities where the Bevis’ have ministered over the last fifty years. The events, as scheduled, are to be held in Atlanta, Georgia, Houston, Texas, Nashville, Tennessee, Indianapolis, Indiana and Florence, Alabama where the Bevis’ presently live.
The first of the five celebration events took place in the Atlanta area on Sunday, May 16th at the home of Steve and Amy Poe in Braselton, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. Approximately thirty of the Bevis’ friends and family gathered on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Chateau Elan Estates in Braselton. Activities included a duet sung by Jim and Anne entitled “I Couldn’t Have Made This Journey Without You.” Jim and Anne were presented with a “singing telegram” by Arlene and Paul Samuels, friends from Mercy Ships and AIPAC. Arlene serves as Southeast Outreach Director for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee based in Washington, D.C. Steve Morisett, a former member of the Brookvalley Church in Atlanta where the Bevis’ pastured in the 1970’s, shared a testimonial tribute to Jim and Anne. Jim shared briefly the Ten Most Significant Spiritual Discoveries he and Anne have made during their 50 years together.
The program closed with a wonderful, fifteen minute slide show of photos of Jim and Anne and their family, taken over the fifty years. The photo presentation was prepared by Angela Bailey and Kevin and Monica Creekmoore, CSR Board members.
Jim made the first public announcement of his forthcoming book, his autobiography entitled, “I Love To Tell The Story.” The Bevis’ made this comment to those present for the Atlanta presentation, “ We are most grateful for those of you who have come to celebrate this milestone event with us. We have shared from our hearts, what God has done in our lives and ministry. Our prayer is that you will leave impressed with God and not with us.”
The remaining celebration events are as follows:
• Houston, Texas – Saturday, June 26
• Indianapolis, Indiana, Saturday, July 10
• Nashville, Tennessee, Sunday, July 25
• Florence, Alabama, Sunday, August 1
For more information about the Anniversary events, contact Jim or Anne Bevis. Jim’s email address is jim.bevis@csrministries.org. Anne’s is anne.bevis@csrministries.org or you can call the CSR office at 256 718 3775.
MINISTRY NEWS BRIEF - JUN 2009
Jim and Anne have just returned from Colorado and Montana, participating in Two Graduations and One Wedding
In Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jim and Anne participated in the high school graduation services of their granddaughter Amelia Baker. The ceremony took place in the fieldhouse of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Amelia is the daughter of Melody and Bobby Baker. Amelia graduated with “high honors” and “flying colors.” We loved it.
Grandson, Blake Balcom graduated from Flathead High School in Kalispell, Montana. Jim and Anne were present along with other members of the family. Blake is the oldest son of Robyn and Perry Balcom. Blake received the Horseman Foundation Scholarship which is a full, four year scholarship to any college or university in the United States.
We rejoice with all of the family at Blake’s achievement.
Jim performed the wedding of Jim and Anne’s first granddaughter to be married on
Sunday, June 7 in Lakeside, Montana. Maegan (Johnston, Holly’s daughter) married Ty Unruh. They are a godly couple with a passion for Jesus. The wedding took place on a beautiful mountainside on the Amen Ranch.
CSR presents Three Spirit of the Shoals Awards and Three Lighthouse Awards
On Sunday, June 14th, as a part of the 30th Anniversary Service of Christ Chapel in Florence, Jim Bevis presented a total of six awards from CSR to outstanding Christians and Christian ministries. The Spirit of the Shoals Award was presented to Doc Shell, pastor of Christ Chapel and a long time friend of the Bevis’ and CSR Ministries. The second Spirit of the Shoals Award was presented to Paul Slatton, a Christian businessman and President of WBTG Christian radio. The third Spirit of the Shoals Award was given to Alfred and Jean McCroskey, Founder and President of Bibles for Russia. Jim inaugurated a new Lighthouse Award which was presented to Christ Chapel, WBTG Radio and Bibles for Russia. Photos will appear in the 50th Anniversary edition of the CSR Newsletter.
Jim and Anne Give Israel Briefings
In May, Jim and Anne gave briefings to two Shoals area congregations, Temple B’nai
Israel, the Jewish Temple and Grace House, the church the Bevis’ attend. They reported on the AIPAC meeting they had attended in Washington and also presented a brief lesson on Why We Need to Bless Israel and How We Go About Doing This. Their presentations were well received.
Jim Meets with H.B. London
While in Colorado Springs, Jim met with his friend, H.B. London who is Vice President of Pastoral Services at Focus on the Family. H.B. is the cousin of James Dobson, the Founder of Focus on the Family. Focus on the Family has provided many free resources to CSR for distribution through the Ministry of Encouragement.
The Bevis’ attend their Second AIPAC Policy Conference
In May, Jim and Anne attended their second AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. with over 6000 members of the Jewish community across the nation. In attendance, were over 100 Christian leaders from throughout the nation. The Bevis’ had the privilege of hearing President Perez and Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, Vice President Joseph Biden and many other congressmen and senators from the nation’s capitol.
Jim and Anne participate in Nashville Reunion Retreat
The Bevis’ joined ten other couples in Ashland City, Tennessee in April for a week-end retreat focused on giving thanks for what God had done in all of our lives. Many of these couples were friends and associates when the Bevis’ ministered at Belmont Church in Nashville, l985-1991. Al and Era Jaynes, long-time friends hosted the retreat a beautiful retreat site in the Nashville area.
CSR hosts the Pastor’s Roundtable in the Shoals
Jim and CSR hosted a May meeting of some twenty Senior Pastors from the Shoals area sponsored by Focus on the Family. Wade Brown, Senior Director of Pastoral Services came from Focus and Colorado Springs to inquire of the pastors. A number of books, CD’s and other resources were presented to the pastors.
Jim and Anne teach at Restoration Ranch
The Bevis’ team teach occasionally at Restoration Ranch, a Christian Discipleship program, located in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Sabina Brackin is the able director of this Christian Rehab program which usually consists of about 50 men and women who are in recovery from various addictions. It is a very intensive, Bible based training experience for those needing residential care.
LOOKING AHEAD
In addition to the many ministry opportunities that arise from week to week and month to month, here are some of the things coming up during the next 18 months.
Ministry of Encouragement
The Ministry of Encouragement will continue and expand as a result of the motor home recently given to CSR. The motor home will allow Jim and Anne to take overnight trips to communities in the Southeast for the purpose of encouraging pastors, ministers and church leaders.
Another Wedding in Atlanta
On Saturday, August 1st, Jim and Anne will participate in the wedding of their first grandson to be married, Max Poe. Max is marrying Stephanie Stralow also of the Atlanta area. Jim will perform the wedding in Hoschton, Georgia, a suburb of greater Atlanta. Max is the oldest son of Amy and Steve Poe.
50th Wedding Anniversary in January
On Saturday, January 23, Jim and Anne will celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniveresary. They were married on that date in 1960 in Florence, Alabama and honeymooned in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Plans are still in the making.
Shoals Friends plan 50th Anniversary Reception
On Saturday, April 17th at Christ Chapel in Florence, Shoals friends will host a 50th Anniversary Celebration of Marriage and Ministry for the Bevis’ and CSR. Tentatively, the times are from 2:00 – 4:00 P.M.
Anniversary Trip to Europe planned for April – May
Jim and Anne are hoping to return to Europe for the 50th Anniversary Jubilee year in May and June of 2010. Plans are to visit England, Ireland and Scotland. In addition to any ministry the Lord may open up, Jim and Anne want to research their family histories. Jim is English by heritage and Anne is Irish-German.
Return to Israel in 2010
In 2010, the Bevis’ hope to lead a group to Israel. Jim has been there three times and Anne, once. With this experience “under their belts” they hope to put together a unique tour and briefing to Israel. Hopefully, the trip’s components will include:
Visits to Judeo-Christian sites in Israel
Strategic Visits with government, religious and educational leaders
Visits to sites not always included on Christian tours such as the International
Christian Embassy, Refugee camps, The Temple Institute and the Holocaust Museum
Participation in the Feast of Tabernacle Celebration
Visit with Jewish and Arab Christians and churches
If interested, contact the Bevis’ and your name will be added to the mailing list.
MINISTRY UPDATE - FEB 2009
Greetings, dear partners in the Gospel,
What a blessing it is to know that people like you are walking with us in prayer, ministry and financial support. Please know that we know you are a vital part of the CSR team.
In January, Anne and I attended the annual gathering of the Charismatic Leader’s Fellowship in Jacksonville, Florida. We have been meeting with these Spirit-empowered leaders for over twenty years. It is always a blessed time of fellowship, spiritual feeding andhaving input. While in Jacksonville, we visited with our dear friends, Richard and Ray Martin and their family. The Martins are long-time friends and supporters. It was also good to visit with Ellen Cavert, Ray Martin’s mother who is a part of the Ray Sutton McGehee family who supported us during the Campus Evangelism decade of the 1960’s. While in Jacksonville, we met with the Martin’s house group. We shared about Marriage and the Family.
Following the time in Jacksonville, we attended a Disaster Training Seminar in Nashville sponsored by Hope Force. Hope Force is led by our friends, Jack and Sherie Minton, formerly with Mercy Ships. One of our good friends, Dan Sneed was one of the resource leaders in the Seminar. We are now qualified to be deployed to a disaster area. This experience was made even more special by the opportunity to stay with our dear friends, Bob and Mamie Mason.
Back in the Shoals, I have begun a thirteen week study of the subject,”What on Earth Is God Doing?” Kevin Creekmore is co-teaching the class with me along with several guest lecturers including Carl Turner, Alfred McCroskey and Leif Hetland. We are dealing with various challenges that confront us in these troublesome times and how we as Christians are to respond to the times.
Anne and I are glad to report that we are a part of the founding of a new church, Grace House, led by Eddie Lawrence, the former pastor at Faith Church. We are excited about what God is doing with this “new wineskin.”
Anne and I celebrated our 49th Wedding Anniversary on January 23. It was a wonderful occasion and ours is a precious union. We love each other more with each passing day.
We are already looking forward to the “Big One” next year, the 50th Anniversary. This will be the Jubilee year celebrating 50 years of marriage and ministry. We’ll keep you posted as plans develop.
On Thursday evening, January 29, Anne and I hosted a Parlor Meeting in our home for AIPAC – The American Israel Public Affairs Committee. It was a wonderful gathering of over thirty of our Jewish and Christian friends. Arlene Samuels from the AIPAC office in Atlanta made a powerful presentation. AIPAC is the organization that sponsored my Strategic Briefing Tour to Israel in 2007. Anne and I attended the AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. in 2008 and hope to attend again this year.
On Saturday, February 21, CSR will host the Discerning the Times Conference sponsored by the International Christian Embassy – Jerusalem. It will be an intensive, half-day study of the times in which we are living. Our featured speakers will be Susan Michael, U.S. Director of the ICEJ and Ron Cantrell, minister and author of Shalom Jerusalem Ministries. See the enclosed card for all the details. We would love for you and yours to attend this event. It will be a great investment of $ 10.00 and one-half day. Call us if you have questions. (256) 718 3775 or (256) 718 0738.
We are disappointed to report that one of our four pillar/support churches has decided to discontinue their support of CSR. We are thankful for the support Faith Church has given us over the last decade. Their $300.00 per month constituted about 25% of the donor support we receive. They gave as their reasons for dropping our support, “a change of leadership and a re-assessment of their financial expenditures.” Would you pray about helping to make up the difference in our monthly support?
Thank you for your continued willingness to partner with us in prayer. Here are some current prayer needs:
Holly, our youngest, continues to be challenged by her latest knee surgery. She is making progress. She goes back to the surgeon this month.
Continue to pray for our health. We are experiencing progress in dealing with our problems. We are continuing on the weight loss journey.
Pray for all of our daughters, Melody, Robyn, Amy and Holly and their families.
Two of our grandchildren, Amelia Baker and Blake Balcom will be graduating from high school this summer and we will be participating in the weddings of two of our grandchildren, Maegan Johnston and Max Poe.
Pray that God will continue to open doors for us and that we will hear His voice and obey Him in all things.
Thanks for your continued support. Let us know how we can pray for you.
Prayerfully and Expectantly,
Jim and Anne
CSR DETAILED REPORT AND UPDATE - FEB 2008
NEWSLETTER - AUG/SEP 2007
Greetings, dear co-laborers in Christ,
We trust that you are having a wonderful summer in the Lord! North Alabama is currently experiencing a heat wave and drought unlike anything in recorded history. However, there is much to give thanks for and He is Worthy of Praise regardless of the heat or the circumstances!
We have completed a very full schedule for the first half of the year and the Lord has given us a slower pace and much needed rest the last few weeks. We are anticipating a fuller schedule in the Fall. In the meantime, we wanted to share some of the things that are stirring.
Jim has begun his long anticipated and much delayed book. For years, many have felt that Jim had a book in him and now it is beginning to surface. The writing of the first draft is underway and Jim, for the first time, is approaching the task with excitement and expectancy. The working title is: My Journey to Jesus: One Man’s Incredible Journey from Sectarianism to a Living Faith in Jesus Christ. Join us in praying that Jim will be able to draw from his seventy years including fifty in the ministry, those things that God wants included.
We continue to call on pastors and ministers in The Ministry of Encouragement. Recently, Jim visited with the campus ministers at the University of North Alabama giving them a copy of When God walked on Campus, the book we studied at the Campus Revival Institute at Yale. Jim and the book were well received.
In November, Jim and Anne will be participating in the 35th reunion of the Koinonia Bookstore and Coffee House in Nashville. God gave Jim the vision for this ministry in 1971. The Koinonia Family Reunion will be Thursday evening, November 1 at 7:00 PM in the Factory in Franklin. Al Jaynes is spearheading the effort. Visit the website at www.KoinoniaFamilyReunion.com.
In September, Jim and Anne will be participating in Restoration Forum XXV at Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri. This is a unity gathering among Campbell-Stone Restoration Movement churches.
Jim and Anne have been gathering with a new, non-denominational church in the Shoals called Point of Recovery – A Simple Church Gathering. In September, Jim will be addressing the group on Religious Addiction.
Jim and Anne are continuing to fellowship at Faith Church as well as many other churches in the Southeast as they continue to “cross-pollinate” across the body of Christ.
We will share with you our fall schedule as it comes together. Join us in praying over the items listed above and also for the CSR Board meeting the first week-end of November. We would also appreciate your continued prayers for our children, grandchildren and sons-in-love. Our daughter Holly and her girls have just moved to Kalispell, Montana where our daughter Robyn and her family live. Pray for them as they get established in a new place with a new life ahead of them.
We love you and we realize that only by His Grace and Power and your help can we continue to be involved in kingdom advancement. We humbly request your continued support, as He leads. We love hearing from you. Send us your prayer requests.
Prayerfully and Expectantly,
Jim and Anne
MINISTRY UPDATE - MAY 2007
Greetings, dear friends and co-laborers with us,
What a month of April we have had and because you “stand with us” we want to share some of the high points with you:
On Thursday, April 12th, CSR hosted the first Retired Minister’s Gathering in
the Shoals area. Our gathering was held at the new Brandon Ministry Center in
Florence. Approximately twenty brothers and sisters attended. Our hearts
were warmed at the richness of their sharing. Our plans are to have quarterly
gatherings of these dear saints of God who in most part have been “shelved and
put out to pasture.”
Anne and I began the first of April teaching the first-ever Bible Class in the
YMCA in Florence. We are now half-way through and it has been a great
experience. We are teaching on “Dealing With the Giants in Our Lives.”
We believe this course has opened a door for our YMCA to restore Christ to
His rightful place in the Young Men’s Christian Association. Pray for us!
On Sunday, April 22, Anne preached , yes, preached at the First Methodist
Church of Tuscumbia, her home town. It was ladies day and the sisters
led the entire service. Anne share on “Tending the Garden of Your Heart.”
Even though I was not able to be there, I know she was a blessing to them.
On the week-end of April 20-23, I attended an Emmaus Walk, a three-day,
72 hour spiritual experience led by the United Methodists at Camp Sumatonga
in central Alabama. Forty-eight of us “pilgrims” were bathed in the love and
grace of God unlike anything I have every personally experienced.
Without you, and others like you, we could not have not have accomplished these divine tasks nor experienced what God had for us.
Thank you, dear ones, and we ask God to thank you! Let us hear from you.
Prayerfully and Expectantly,
Jim and Anne
P.S. In May, we go for a week-end of ministry with our friends, the Moons, in Ohio. They lead a cluster of house churches. Pray for our time with them. In June, Jim teaches in the School of Conversion in Florence on “The Making of A Man of God.”In July, we teach a Campus Ministry Workshop at Harding College in Arkansas.
Jim Bevis, CSR President, participated in Emmaus Walk
A SPECIAL REPORT ON THE EMMAUS WALK
Dear friends who prayed for me and sent those marvelous letters,
I was overwhelmed by your covering of prayer and the special way you encouraged me by your precious letters. I was humbled by the reality that God has used me in some way to touch your life. Praises be to Him!
The Emmaus walk was like experiencing a seventy-two hour ”bath” in the love and grace of God. As many of you know, I have attended many conferences and retreats and I have, by His Grace, experienced many wonderful things BUT never have I experienced such an outpouring of love, mostly from people I did not know and who did not really know me.
During the entire experience, there was a 24/7 vigil in the camp prayer chapel. This is in addition to all of your prayers and those of other pilgrims who had participated in previous Walks across the nation and world. (Over 15,000 have experienced “the Walk” in Alabama alone)
We hear many messages (15 plus) on the multi-dimensional grace of God. I came home believing more than ever before it is Amazing Grace. Each message was processed in groups of eight men. I sat at the Table of Luke. We shared, laughed and cried as God did his gentle work among us.
Even though I cannot go in depth regarding the many special experiences we had, let me just say, His Presence was with us in a mighty way. We are encouraged not to share the details because some of you might attend an Emmaus Walk and we would not want torob you of the “surprises of the Spirit.”
Over 90 workers and servers were present during our Walk in addition to the forty-eight pilgrims of which I was one. The service was unlike anything I have ever experienced. They “washed our feet” for three straight days. I suspect that we will never be the same.
Near the end of the Walk on Sunday afternoon, we were given an hour to read the letters we received from brothers and sisters like you. I received over fifty letters from across the nation. What can I say but “Thank You.”
Personally, I felt that a place in my heart, which I call a love deficit, was healed on the
Walk to Emmaus with Jesus. I have know for many years of my wife’s love and the love of my children and grandchildren. In the Emmaus Walk, God further opened my heart and poured in His Agape Love. I now know, without doubt, of your love and His.
Thank you for giving to the Lord and for allowing me to be on the receiving end.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
CSR Ministries and the Brandon Ministry Center are hosting a breakfast gathering of retired and semi-retired pastors and ministers and their spouses in the Shoals area.The meeting will take place at the Brandon Ministry Center (old Brandon School) in Florence on Thursday morning, April 12. A light, complimentary breakfast will be served beginning at 8:30 am. All retired and semi-retired clergy and spouses, from all denominations and races in Lauderdale, Colbert and Franklin counties, are welcomed and urged to attend. Reservations are necessary and can be made by calling the Brandon Ministry Center at 766 4513 or CSR Ministries at 718 3775. Cut off date for making reservations is Monday, April 9. The Brandon Ministry Center is located at 1701 Cole Ave, one block off of Veterans Boulevard at the Lauderdale end of the Patton Island Bridge.
BEVIS’ ENCOURAGE PASTORS IN NEW ENGLAND
Jim and Anne Bevis of CSR Ministries, based in Florence, have just returned from a three- week ministry trip to Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Under the joint sponsorship of CSR and the Cecil B. Day Foundation of Atlanta, Georgia, the Bevis’ took their “Ministry of Encouragement” to New England, for the first time. The Bevis’ spent most of their time calling on churches and encouraging pastors. They visited with twenty-five pastors in their churches and counseled with eight other ministry couples. Jim Bevis spoke at Mt. Carmel Community Church in Chittenden, VT. Jim and Anne ministered to a dinner gathering of pastors in Clarendon, Vermont. All in all, the Bevis’ were in contact with fifty-seven ministers and their churches.
One tangible outcome of the Bevis’ journey to the Northeast was a contact with the head of chaplains at the New Hampshire State Prison in Concord, New Hampshire. As a result of Bevis’ visit with Chaplain Jim Daly, six hundred Bibles, both English and Spanish, were presented as a gift to Chaplain Daly. Participating in the gift of these Bibles were CSR Ministries, the Cecil B. Day Foundation and the International Bible Society. Over $ 5,000 worth of Bibles were provided the prison.
CSR Ministries launched the “Ministry of Encouragement” in 2004. Since that time, Jim Bevis has visited with over 300 pastors in North Alabama and New England. He “drops in” on pastors, without an appointment, and while there he prays for the pastor and leaves a gift which he calls “A First Aid Packet for Pastors.” In 2004, CSR hosted “An Evening to Remember” at the Shoals Marriott Hotel, a pastoral appreciation dinner for ministers and their spouses with over two hundred and seventy five attending. A “Morning of Encouragement” was held in Russellville in 2006 with six retired ministers sharing with the over twenty pastors who attended from Franklin County.
The Bevis’ are eager to return to New England which they see as “the birthplace of revival” in the United States. Bevis said, “it was a wonderful experience to be in New England sharing encouragement and hope with the courageous pastors who serve in a very difficult area. We were received with open arms wherever we went. We left the New England states with many friends. We are eager to return and continue the ministry, as the Lord wills.”
As a part of the Ministry of Encouragement, CSR is hosting a breakfast gathering for retired ministers and their spouses Thursday morning, April 12 at the Brandon Ministry Center in Florence. For more information contact Jim or Anne Bevis at CSR in Florence, (256) 718 3775.
Summer Donor Update from Jim and Anne
July 21, 2006
Greetings, dear family, friends and supporters,
It’s been some time since we’ve sent out a donor report so we will try to touch some of the highpoints for you. In reading these, please be reminded that His faithfulness and your generosity has made these things possible.
- In June, Jim spoke on the Faith Church Camp Meeting in Florence. He spoke on
“What are you doing to nurture your soul?” He also shared about the Ministry of
Encouragement.
- We have recently ministered to the staff and residents at Restoration Ranch in
Tuscumbia, Alabama. This is a Christian rehab and discipleship training program for
those with life-controlling problems.
- Jim is going to teach a seven-week Bible class at the local YMCA in Florence.
This is a first-time-ever experiment for the “Y.” Jim will teach a condensed
version of “Experiencing God” by Henry Blackaby.
- Jim will be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award in August by the
National Campus Ministers Association of the Churches of Christ. Jim and Anne
will be traveling to Dallas, Texas to receive the award on the SMU campus.
(Much more about this later)
- Jim continues to make calls on pastors and ministers as a part of the Ministry
of Encouragement. Additional Mornings of Encouragement are being planned.
- A few weeks ago, we were privileged to have three of our daughters (Melody,
Amy, Holly) and their families visit us in the Shoals. We had a rip-roaring good
time and thoroughly enjoyed one another.
- Jim’s health continues to improve. There is some concern about a tumor on his
adrenal gland and also a newly found growth on his thyroid. Please keep us in
your prayers.
We plan to do a more extensive Newsletter after the trip to Dallas in early August.
We thank you for your continued financial support and most certainly, for your prayers.
Gratefully and Expectantly,
Jim and Anne
PASTOR APPRECIATION
They are pillars of our community, our moral guideposts, the shoulders we lean on and look to for guidance. Pastors and ministers are called upon by great numbers of people. But to whom can they turn when they need guidance or a shoulder to lean on? Of course, they are generally expected to receive all they need from God. But what of the human connection? Pastors are often thought of as being somehow beyond or above the very human needs which they lavish upon their congregations. Time and attention, a listening ear, a bastion of hope and an ever-positive attitude are expected “from” them. But how often are they given “to” them?
According to Maranathalife.com, depression is the most common problem affecting pastors today. Studies have shown that as many as 1,500 pastors quit the ministry each month due to depression, while 70% of pastors fight depression on a daily basis. In fact, 50% of pastors said if they had another form of income, they would quit the ministry. A startling 70% say they don’t even have a close friend or mentor.
“Everyone needs someone to turn to in their time of need, and Pastors are no exception,” says Jim Bevis, President of CSR Ministries. “In the church of today, pastors are placed on pedestals and are often viewed as superhuman. The sad part is this simply isn’t true. I’ve been in the ministry for over 45 years and can empathize with what pastors go through from day to day. I have experienced burnout twice. I can also remember very distinctly, as if yesterday, the two times in 45 years someone came to my offices for the express purpose of encouragement.”
CSR Ministries, based in Florence, Alabama, is an interdenominational Christian ministry seeking to combat this problem by launching a Ministry of Encouragement to support and encourage pastors and ministers locally and across the country.
CSR has teamed with the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa to sponsor “An Evening of Appreciation for Pastors and Ministers.” This unique event will bring ministers together for an opportunity to be encouraged and shown how important they are to our community.
While the gala will be by invitation only, regardless of denomination, race or gender, all Shoals Area senior pastors and ministers, along with their spouses, are invited to attend the special event free of charge, Tuesday, October 18, 2005.
“We’ve mailed information to as many churches as we can gather adequate addressing for,” said Bevis. “We’ve even had notices hand delivered to some churches where we didn’t have a correct mailing address, because we want to be certain that no one is left out. We hope that anyone not receiving their invitation will contact us for information.”
The festivities at the Marriott will include a reception, multi-course dinner and uplifting entertainment by Dennis Swanberg, a noted national speaker and Christian humorist who promises side-splitting comedy with a soul-building message.
“October is clergy appreciation month,” said Bevis. “We are hoping churches will help cover a small portion of the event by sponsoring their pastor and spouse’s dinner, as a gift from the church body to their pastor.” Corporate sponsors are also being sought to help defray additional costs associated with the banquet.
Regardless of sponsorship, Bevis says that all senior pastors and spouses will be invited free of charge. They must, however, register prior to the event so that meals and gifts can be prepared in their honor.
To request an invitation or find out more about
private or corporate sponsorships, contact
CSR Ministries by emailing to jim.bevis@csrministries.org,
or call (256) 718-3775. Visit CSR on the web at www.csrministries.org.
Learn more about Dennis Swanberg online at www.dennisswanberg.com.
SIDE-SPLITTING COMEDY
WITH A SOUL-BUILDING MESSAGE
It’s not your typical pastoral meeting message. But then again, this isn’t a typical event for pastors. In fact, CSR Ministries and Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa are doing everything they can to make “An Evening of Appreciation” for area Pastors/Ministers and their spouses a truly extraordinary event.
Dennis Swanberg, noted national speaker and Christian humorist, will be the featured guest at the gala, offering side-splitting comedy with a soul-building message to those in attendance.
“We want them to leave laughing,” said Jim Bevis, President of CSR Ministries. “There is a genuine need for Pastors and Ministers to be uplifted and encouraged. We think a Christian comedian is perfect for that job. As part of our Ministry of Encouragement, we believe an event like this one is just what’s needed for Shoals Area Pastors.”
On his website under the heading of “Why I do what I do,” Swanberg said, “I try to bring people laughter, but my point is always that joy is a choice. Happiness is dependent on what happens, but joy is a choice.”
The festivities on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 at the Marriott will include a reception, multi-course dinner. A few churches and area businesses are assisting with some of the costs of the event which will also include special gifts and prizes for the Pastors. Bevis said they hope that more sponsorships will be generated as the date of the event nears.
“My company is participating because we want the Pastors to know we’re behind them and appreciate what they do for our community,” said Charles Rickard of Heavenly Ham in Florence. “Many of our employees and their families are strengthened and encouraged by what they get from the local church, so we want to encourage and strengthen those leaders who make much of that possible.”
Bevis said that every Shoals Area Senior Pastor and their spouse or guest is being invited to attend the event at the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa.
“Invitations are being sent to every Pastor we can find,” said Bevis. “But many mailings are being returned to us for lack of adequate addressing, and there may be some churches we don’t even know about. That’s why we’re asking those who happen not to get an invitation to contact us with their mailing information.”
Bevis said that the invitations will serve as tickets to the event, but that Pastors must confirm their planned attendance by calling the phone number shown on the invitation to reserve their seating.
To request an invitation or find out more about private or corporate sponsorships, contact CSR Ministries by emailing to jim.bevis@csrministries.org, or call (256) 718-3775. Visit CSR on the web at www.csrministries.org. Learn more about Dennis Swanberg online at www.dennisswanberg.com.
OCTOBER IS CLERGY APPRECIATION MONTH
As pillars of our community, moral guideposts, shoulders we lean on and look to for guidance, pastors and ministers are celebrated as heros in our midst, especially during the month of October, which is Clergy Appreciation Month
This year, on Tuesday, October 18, 2005, CSR Ministries is teaming with the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa to sponsor “An Evening of Appreciation for Pastors and Ministers.” This unique event will bring ministers together for an opportunity to be encouraged and shown how important they are to our community.
The festivities at the Marriott will include a reception, multi-course dinner and uplifting entertainment by Dennis Swanberg, a noted national speaker and Christian humorist who promises side-splitting comedy with a soul-building message.
While the appreciation gala will be by invitation only, regardless of denomination, race or gender, all Shoals Area senior pastors and ministers, along with their spouses, are invited to attend the special event free of charge.
“We’ve mailed information to as many churches as we can gather adequate addressing for,” said Bevis. “We’ve even had notices hand delivered to some churches where we didn’t have a correct mailing address, because we want to be certain that no one is left out. We hope that anyone not receiving their invitation will contact us for information.”
“With October being clergy appreciation month,” said Bevis. “we are hoping churches will help cover a small portion of the event by sponsoring their pastor and spouse’s dinner, as a gift from the church body to their pastor.” Corporate sponsors are also being sought to help defray additional costs associated with the banquet.
Regardless of sponsorship, Bevis says that all senior pastors and spouses will receive invitations free of charge. They must, however, register prior to the event so that meals and gifts can be prepared in their honor.
For more information, or to insure that your pastor or minister is celebrated this October, contact CSR Ministries by emailing to jim.bevis@csrministries.org, or call (256) 718-3775. You may visit CSR on the web at www.csrministries.org. Learn more about Dennis Swanberg online at www.dennisswanberg.com.
“Spirit of the Shoals” Award
Call For Nominations
Nominations are currently being sought for the 2005 Spirit of the Shoals Award which honors men and women of faith in the Shoals Area.
CSR Ministries inaugurated the Spirit of the Shoals Award in 2003 with the first recipient being Reverend Howard Speegle. Reverend Henry Melton and Jane Blair were honored as 2004 recipients.
The Spirit of the Shoals Award is a nondenominational recognition of local clergy or laity and is designed to recognize the unsung heroes and heroines of faith in the Shoals Area. Recipients are selected by a Shoals Area group of Christians and ratified by the CSR Board of Directors.
“We seek to honor Christian men and women often overlooked, who display the character of Christ in life and ministry,” said Don Soula, CSR Board Chairman.
The Call for Nominations is currently open for the 2005 Award which will be presented in October of this year. Citizens are encouraged to nominate those individuals whose faith has impacted their own lives, as well as the lives of others. Submissions through letters of support, detailing how the nominee meets the criteria for the award, will be accepted when received by August 15, 2005. Submissions received after that date will be considered for the 2006 Spirit of the Shoals Award.
“There are so many people who have been pioneers of faith for the Shoals Area and who have not been adequately recognized for their countless contributions to the community,” said CSR President Jim Bevis. “We want to honor individuals who exemplify the person of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives, and who affect the lives of others through their daily walk.”
Nominations of Shoals Area residents for consideration of the Spirit of the Shoals Award, along with letters of support regarding their ministry, should be forwarded to CSR Ministries, P.O. Box 1555, Florence, AL 35631.
RENEWAL NEWSLETTER
WINTER 2005
Greetings, dear friends and partners in Ministry,
We trust that you had a wonderful holiday season enjoying each other, your family and the Lord Jesus who makes it real! May 2005 be an even higher place in Him and with Him and may you walk in His destiny and purpose for your lives.
May you and your family rise to God’s highest plan for your lives.
As we write this Newsletter, we are in Northwest Montana (Kalispell) overlooking the beautiful, snow-capped Glacier mountains. We have about eight inches of new snow on the ground. Yea, God! It’s beautiful and we’re enjoying every moment of it.
OUR GREATEST MINISTRY – OUR FAMILY
We’ve had a wonderful three weeks in Montana with the Balcoms. Among the many activities we attended was a wonderful holiday concert with the Von Trapp children, great grandchildren of “the Sound of Music” Von Trapps. On New Year’s Eve we participated in a community-wide “First Night” event which is now held in over 1000 communities across the nation. Our favorite performing group was the “Left Over Biscuits.” I had a couple of great radio interviews while in Montana. One was with Sarah Weaver Cooper, a part of the family that experienced the Federal Siege at Ruby Ridge in 1992.We enjoyed the Amtrak trip to Montana. Beautiful country and beautiful people.
In early December, we had a wonderful visit with the Bakers in Houston. It was great in every respect. Spent a lot of time loving on the kids and grandkids. Claire, our youngest, was a delight to all of us. Would you believe it snowed in Houston after we left. We participated in an awesome worship experience with our dear friends, Clint and Rose Anne Summers, at Morningstar Fellowship.
We spent time with the Poes around the Thanksgiving Holidays. Actually, we went with Steve’s family to Florence, South Carolina where we had Thanksgiving with over fifty members of the Macmillan family. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with the Poes. They have a beautiful new home in Dacula, Georgia near Atlanta.
While with the Poes, we attended an amazing worship service featuring Doyle Dykes, an absolutely amazing Christian guitarist. It was held at the church the Poes attend, Crossroads Community Church.
Although we have not seen the Johnstons, Holly, over the holidays we have been in close touch with them. Holly, and daughters Maegan and Elizabeth have had a wonderful, spiritual rebirth in 2004. They have found a blessed, little fellowship of God’s people in Darien, Georgia.
POPPI AND MIMI
Anne and I, continue to enjoy one another and we can honestly say, “our love grows sweeter, year after year.” This is the beginning of our 45 year together. Anne and I are at a point that we are doing almost everything together. We travel together, we minister together and we cook together. She gets more beautiful with every passing moment.
This does not mean that we have not had some serious challenges this past year especially in our ministry. Actually it has been one of our most challenging years of ministry, much transition and many changes. However, we are learning a principle we learned from Graham Cooke that is changing our lives. It goes something like this. A Christian has no good or bad days. Every day is a DAY OF GRACE. Some days we are privileged to enjoy His Grace. On other days, He gives us the strength to endure, but nevertheless all are days of Grace. We believe that consistently walking in this reality will enable us to experience the abundant grace He came to bring.
LOOKING BACK OVER 2004
One our most rewarding experiences in 2004 was the completion of the TENNESSEE RIVER PRAYER INITIATIVE. What a blessing to work with our Native American brothers and sisters, alongside of our many diligent co-workers in the Shoals. We believe the impact of the TRPI will be felt in the Shoals and across the Valley, for generations to come.
We participated in the second major bi-centennial event at Cane Ridge, called The Great Gathering. It was the bi-centennial of the Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery. This was a major, historic document in the Campbell-Stone Movement. At Cane Ridge, we made a wonderful new friend, Dr. Douglas Foster, professor at Abilene Christian University. It was an added Blessing to discover that Dr. Foster is also a native of Northwest Alabama and a graduate of Mars Hill Bible School, our alma mater.
As a result of meeting Dr. Foster, he invited us to come to Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas and participate in a living history project. Anne and I accepted the invitation, and with our dear friends for Campus Evangelism days in the Churches of Christ, we went to Abilene. We did a several hour television interview on Campus Evangelism and the impact it had on the Churches of Christ in the Sixties and Seventies. Dr. Foster and others believe CE helped in putting a major “crack” in the sectarian wall of Churches of Christ. In addition to the video interviews, I was privileged to speak to Dr. Fosters graduate class on Restoration History. It was exciting to experience first hand, the new spirit that is blowing across Abilene Christian University and her students and faculty. What a historic experience.
One of the most rewarding experiences of 2004 was the opportunity to host Judge Roy Moore for a one-night program at Highland Baptist Church in the Shoals. Judge Moore loves the Lord and loves our country. Would to God there were more like him.
In 2004, we entered the Marketplace Ministry in a significant way. Led by our dear friend, Mike Riggs, I have co-partnered with Mike in seeking to mobilize the men and women in the Shoals area as a “strike force” for the kingdom of God. We have already had several marketplace meetings and marketplace prayer meetings are cropping up across the Shoals. There is much more to come.
THE FIRST-EVER CSR BANQUET
Probably the most rewarding as well as challenging event of the year was the Spirit of the Shoals Awards and Benefit Banquet Celebrating CSR Ministries. We have never worked as hard on any event and never has we had so many good brothers and sisters working with us. Sandra and Russell Harper along with Angela Bailey Henderson joined our banquet leadership team in producing a wonderful evening done with great excellence. Over 200 Shoals believers gathered in the Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum on Monday evening, December 1 to celebrate CSR and to honor two wonderful servants of God in the Shoals, Rev. Henry Melton and Jane Blair. We were joined by the Mayor of Florence, key governmental officials, scores of pastors and many Shoals area citizens in an evening of fun and fellowship. The Bevis’ Girls (Anne, Robyn, Melody and Amy) captivated the audience with their songs. Angela presented an outstanding, eighteen minute , DVD she had produced on the Bevis’ and CSR. The event was made even more special by having several our board members present with their spouses including the Soulas from Houston, the Poes from Atlanta, David Sewell from Indianapolis along with our board members from the Shoals.
THE MINISTRYOF ENCOURAGEMENT
One of the highlights of the year was the emergence of The Ministry of Encouragement as a vital part of CSR’s future. In January of ’04, I began calling on pastors, ministers and other leaders across the Tennessee Valley. There were personal visits I had with these ministering servants to bless, encourage and pray for them. Thus far, I have visited personally with over seventy leaders in their church offices. I left with them a little “first aid packet for ministers” provided by ministries such as Focus on the Family, CBN Network and David Jeremiah’s Turning Point Ministries. My visits have been well received. In addition to these “office calls” Anne and I have visited over 40 different churches usually selected from the list of churches I had visited the previous week. Some of the ministers have given glowing testimonies as to the value of these encouragement visits in their lives and ministries. Having now covered most of the Shoals churches, I will move into the countryside and then into “Judea, Samaria and the rest of the world.” We are believing God for a Recreational Vehicle for traveling the “back roads of America with the Ministry of Encouragement.”
LOOKING AHEAD
Because of the nature of our ministry and our walk of faith we never quite know what lies ahead but we know He is trustworthy.
CSR Ministries is sponsoring the “Experiencing the Father’s Embrace” Conference with Jack Frost of Shiloh Place Ministries. February 17-20. Christ Chapel of Florence will host the event. There will be a special Leadership Component of the conference, Thursday evening and Friday morning, February 17-18. The general conference begins Friday evening and concludes with the Sunday morning service. Registration is $40 for the Leaders Session only, $40 for the general sessions only and $60 for both leadership and general sessions.
We are convinced that fully Embracing the Father’s Love is the key many of us are looking for to open wide our own hearts as well as the hearts of those we serve. Jack Frost has a very special revelation of the Father’s Love and he knows how to communicate it. For more information call us at 256 718 3775. E-mail us at jim.bevis@csrministries.org or consult the CSR webpage at www.csrministries.org.
CSR Ministries, the Minister’s Prayer Fellowship of the Shoals and a broad based coalition of Shoals churches is sponsoring a regional Family Life Conference, September 9-10. The conference will be presented by Family Life Ministries, a division of Campus Crusade for Christ. The conference will be hosted by Highland Baptist Church. We are presently working on a Leadership Component of the conference to be held in the Spring of ’05.
I am hoping to lead a team of Anglo-American/African American pastors to Nigeria sometime in the Fall of ’05. The ministry trip will include stops in Lagos and Onitsha, Nigeria. This journey will be sponsored by CSR and Bishop E.C. Okoye and Gospel Mission Outreach in Nigeria. Space will be limited. If interest, contact us.
Be watching for major expansion in our new Ministry of Encouragement and the efforts we are making in the Marketplace Ministry and God knows what else.
OUR FINANCIAL PARADOX AND DILEMNA
On one hand the ministry is expanding, undergoing changes and pioneering two new and potentially dynamic aspects of the Ministry. We are exciting about what is revealing to us and where He is point us. On the other hand, we have never been in tighter financial straits. For several years we have had sufficient salary and ministry funds created by the sale of a building that was given to us. We thank God for this, another blessing out of the secret places.
ALL OF THOSE MINISTRY FUNDS HAVE NOW DRIED UP. We are operating day-by-day. For the first time in 14 years, we were not able to make the payroll on December 15. Because of the severe shortage, we were not able to draw a support check. We are cautious but hopeful regarding the January 15 check. We are perplexed because we believe we are doing what God has called us to do. We are confident that He will supply as He always has. Is it possible that God wants to use you as a part of the solution?
CSR operates on a very low overhead. We try to remain “lean” in all areas of expenses. We believe we have been good stewards of His provisions. As successful as our first Banquet was, including the offering, we cleared only $440 above expenses. We had hoped for over $10,000.00. Many of you have supported us in the past and for some reason you have dropped our support. Would you pray about re-joining the CSR team? A small team of faithful supports have been with us for years and continue to participate financially up until now. We hope you will continue and even increase if you can.
Please help us if you can. Make Checks out to CSR Ministries and send your check to CSR Ministries, P.O, .Box 1555, Florence, Alabama 35631.
Please continue to pray for us. This is a valuable aspect of the ministry that all of you can participate in. Let us know how we can pray for you.
Prayerfully and Expectantly,
Jim and Anne Bevis
CSR MINISTRIES BRINGS JACK FROST TO THE SHOALS, FEBRUARY 17-20
CSR Ministries is sponsoring a major conference in the Shoals, February 17-20. The conference, Experiencing the Father’s Embrace, will be hosted by Christ Chapel in Florence, E.M. “Doc” Shell, Senior Pastor. The conference leader is Jack Frost of Shiloh Place Ministries.
The general sessions of the conference will begin on Friday evening, February 18 and conclude on Sunday morning, February 20th. There will be three sessions of a special Leadership component of the conference. They will be Thursday evening and Friday morning. The leadership sessions are open only to full-time or bi-vocational pastors, ministers, their staff, leadership teams and others as designated by the pastor.
Jack Frost has been given a unique understanding and revelation concerning the Father Heart of God. He believe that “embracing the Father’s love” is the key that many of us are looking for to open wide out own hearts as well as the hearts of those we serve. As a result of this personal revelation to Jack, a former hard-nosed commercial fishing boat captain became a warm, tender-hearted father and husband. One encounter with the Father’s love revealed to Jack that he was loved not for what he could do,but simply for who he was in Christ.
Jack and Trisha founded Shiloh Place Ministries in 1991 with a vision to see the Father’s healing love flow though the hearts of leaders. They spend much of their time today ministering to pastors’ and missionaries’ families, conducting ministers’ retreats in different nations, teaching leaders how to bring healing to the broken hearted and teaching seminars and conferences on the Father’s love.
Jim Bevis, CSR President says, about the Jack Frost Conference, “Attending a Jack Frost conference has powerfully impacted our lives. We would put it on the “Top Ten” list of all the conferences we have ever produced or participated in. We guarantee your life will never be the same.”
Registration fee for only the leadership component of the conference (Thursday evening, Friday morning) is $ 40 per person. Registration for the general sessions (Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday morning) is $40. To attend both the leadership sessions and general sessions, the registration is $60 per person.
The Friday evening and Saturday evening sessions are open to the public without charge.
There will be a special Leadership Luncheon on Friday, February 18 at Christ
Chapel. This luncheon is included in the Leader’s registration fee.
For more information on the conference including lodging, directions, etc. contact CSR Ministries at 256 718 3775. You may e-mail us at jim.bevis@csrministries.org or write us at CSR Ministries, P.O. Box 1555, Florence, Alabama, 35631.
Melton, Blair to be Honored at Monday Banquet
Times Daily (Oct 30, 2004)
STAFF REPORTS
Henry Melton and Jane Blair, both of the Shoals, have been selected to receive the Spirit of the Shoals Award. The award is a nondenominational recognition of local clergy or laity, given periodically as worthy candidates emerge. Recipients are selected by a group of Christians from the Shoals.
Blair and Melton will be honored at an awards and benefit banquet hosted by CSR Ministries on Monday at the Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum.
The Spirit of the Shoals Award, initiated by CSR Ministries in Florence, is designed to recognize the unsung heroes of faith in the Shoals. Jim and Anne Bevis, founders of CSR Ministries, and their board of directors seek to honor Christian men and women who display the character of Christ.
"There are so many people who have been pioneers of faith for the Shoals area and who have not yet been recognized for their countless contributions to the Christian community," Jim Bevis said. "We want to honor individuals who exemplify the person of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives, and who affect the lives of others through their daily walk."
Melton, who retired in 2002 as senior pastor of Faith Tabernacle in Florence, had been in that position since November 1959, after being honorable discharged from the Army. Faith Tabernacle began that year with 50 members and grew to 125 members in the mid 1970s, then moved to accommodate 325 in a new building on Thompson Street.
After continued growth with Melton as pastor, by 1983 the church relocated to a building on Florence Boulevard that seats approximately 1,000 people.
Aside from those 40-plus years of ministry at Faith Tabernacle, in the mid-'60s, Melton was a charter member of the East Florence Ministers Fellowship, which consisted of several churches in the East Florence area. He has been involved in the Florence Ministerial Association, March for Jesus events and ministers prayer meetings in addition to his many other responsibilities in the community and at home with his three grandchildren and seven-grandsons.
"Henry Melton is a senior shepherd and Christian statesman in the Shoals and Tennessee Valley," Bevis said. "He is loved by all who know him regardless of religious persuasion. He has done more to bridge the gap between
Evangelicals, Charismatics and the main line Protestants in the Shoals that any other man in this-generation."
Jane Blair is a "Shoals prayer warrior and a general of prayer and intercession," according to Bevis. Even at the age of 93, she is still in prayer almost every waking hour of her day. Upon her move to the Shoals in 1944, she was the sole provider for many years for her daughter, mother and grandmother. Blair attended Trinity Episcopal Church in Florence until moving in 1954 to Grace Episcopal Church in Sheffield where she has been a member for 50 years.
Blair eventually became interested in healing ministry and was a charter member of the Shoals chapter of the Order of St. Luke. Members of the Order weekly ran an ad in the newspaper that read: "If you need prayer, call Jane at 383-3195. Strictly Confidential." Blair's telephone ministry became known throughout the Shoals. Her ministry of prayer has been used in helping countless lives of unknown people. Blair and a friend also prayed daily for the patients of a local oncologist, praying discreetly at the office as patients waited to see the doctor. Of Blair, people would often say, "Yes, we know her. She's that little white-haired lady who prays."
"We are delighted to recognize Brother Melton and Jane as our 2004 Spirit of the Shoals award winners," Bevis said.
"Their individual impact on the Shoals area for Christ has been tremendous in ways both seen and unseen by the public eye."
The late Howard Speegle, born Feb. 15, 1910, at 93 years of age became the first recipient of the Spirit of the Shoals Award. It was presented in a surprise ceremony last year, honoring him for more than 70 years in ministry.
The awards banquet Monday will also serve as a benefit for CSR Ministries, which reaches out to assist numerous and various other ministries in the Shoals. One of the main emphases of CSR Ministries continues to be a ministry of encouragement to ministers and leaders.
Tickets for the awards and benefit banquet are $12 each and include dinner catered by Chester Watkins. Tickets may be purchased at area Christian book stores and Christian radio stations. Although tickets will also be available at the door, those who wish to attend are encouraged to reserve early as dinner seating is limited.
Future nominations of Shoals residents for consideration of the Spirit of the Shoals Award, along with letters of support about their ministry, can be forwarded in care of CSR Ministries, P.O. Box 1555, Florence, AL 35631.
CSR MINISTRIES ANNOUNCES
A MINISTRY OF ENCOURAGEMENT!
“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory.” I Thessalonians 2:11 NIV
As some of you know, Anne and I have been in full-time ministry for over forty-three years. We have served as senior pastor, executive pastor, campus minister, Christian Education director and executive director of two international ministries. In addition, we served for a number of years as Ambassadors-at- Large with Mercy Ships, a division of Youth With a Mission. The ministry He has graced us with has taken us to over forty nations and to many, many churches.
As a result of our experience ministering across the body of Christ, we have seen over and over again the need for encouraging Christian pastors and leaders. We have tried to do that. Thousands of ministers are leaving the ministry each year primarily because of discouragement. We can most certainly identify with the discouragement, defeat and disillusionment. We believe that it is possible that the Lord is leading us into a full-time ministry of encouragement for the remainder of our ministry lives.
On Sunday, December 28, 2003 while traveling from Texas to Alabama, the Lord gave me, in an instant a mind picture of a new ministry which I believe is a ministry for us. There was a mental picture of Anne and me traveling in an RV vehicle going from church to church across America encouraging pastors, church staff and churches. It appeared that we would travel down the roads of America, stopping at every church, encouraging and praying for the pastor, staff and church. We would in turn leave a small gift of appropriate reading materials for the pastor. On Sundays and Wednesdays, we would stop and visit various churches, again blessing, encouraging and praying for them.
We are presenting this “vision” before the Lord for His confirmation. If it is from Him, we would plan to begin in mid-2004. We would vacate our house and take to the road on His/our mission of encouragement.
Our needs would include a mid-size recreational vehicle, in good condition, an up-to-date notebook computer, books and materials to distribute and personal support. We believe most if not all of the materials would be donated by publishers and ministries. We would also need some printed materials that we could leave behind.
We would appreciate you counsel, prayers and participation. CSR Ministries, P.O Box 1555, Florence Alabama 35631
Jim and Anne Bevis
RENEWAL NEWSLETTER
Summer 2004
Greetings, Dear Ones in Jesus Christ,
We apologize for being so long overdue in getting this update posted for our ministry partners. Your prayers and participation are so vital to what the Lord has us doing. We draw great strength from the reality that you are standing with us.
The Family
This continues to be the “season of the family” in our lives. We have spent many hours ministering to our family in recent weeks. Since our last communiqué with you we have visited the families of Holly in Bruswick, Georgia, Amy in the Atlanta area and Melody in Houston. Our plans are to return to Montana for a visit with Robyn and the Balcoms before the year’s end. We are thoroughly enjoying this more flexible season in our lives and more time with our children, nineteen “children” (daughters, sons-in-love and grandchildren).
A Changing Season
Speaking of seasons, the Lord showed us in a rather extraordinary way that the “season of drawing us aside” is over. Recently, we were sharing with a friend the unique place in which God has had us for the past three years. As we shared, the Lord made a strong impression in my spirit that “you are speaking of this season as if it were the present season and you should be speaking of it as a season that has now passed.” Although the new season has not completely unfolded, we are trusting Him that new things are in the making.
One of the most significant developments in this “past” season has been the 40 day fast that Anne and I observed at the beginning of the year. It was one of the greatest experiences of our Christian life. We felt renewed, revitalized and re-fired. The Lord dealt with many things in our lives including but limited to food. We received new direction regarding a new Ministry of Encouragement as a part of CSR. We now plan to do a 40 day fast each year. We will notify you of our next one. Maybe some of you would want to join us.
A Special Commemorative Newsletter – A CSR Banquet
If the Lord wills, we will do a very special commemorative Newsletter in the Fall of this year with any stories, pictures, etc. etc. In addition CSR Ministries will have its first CSR Banquet, Monday evening, November 1st at the Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum. All of you are invited to join us. At this stellar event, we will present several “Spirit of the Shoals” awards and share ministry highlights from our 44 years together. You will receive a personal invitation but even now mark November 1st on your calendar.
A Few of the Things God Has Done
Because of the Newspaper Edition coming out in the Fall, we will only touch on some of the things God has been doing in and through us since we last communicated with you.
Jim and Anne participated in the Charismatic Leader’s Fellowship in Jacksonville, Florida. While in Jacksonville, we had the privilege of visiting with our friends the Martins, the Cases, and the McGeehee family that have meant so much in our lives over the past thirty years.
We have participated in conferences in Columbus, MS, Experiencing the Father’s Embrace and the Marketplace event led by Ed Silvoso in Murphesboro, TN.
We continue to have the “Gatherings at the Bevis’s” on a bi-monthly basis in our home. Thus far Glenda Gleaves Sutton, Carmen Falconi, Joni Ames and Joe Brock have been our teachers. John Buhler, one of our CSR Board members will teach in August.
Jim continues to meet with Christian leaders on a city/area, regional, state-wide and national level. He is a members of several “round tables” including “Churches for a Better Alabama.”
Jim taught for a week in a Spiritual Warfare School at YWAM in Las Vegas. We both returned to LV several weeks later to minister at Greater New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church.
We have ministered recently at Faith Mission Outreach in Russellville, AL and Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Leighton, AL. Anne ministered in the Faith Tabernacle Women’s Conference and to a women’s group at First Methodist in Tuscumbia, AL.
Anne and her good friend, Charlotte Matthews, recently participated in a tow-week, intensive spiritual warfare SWAT training school in Oklahoma led by Native Americans, Dr. Niegel Bigpond and Dr. Jay Swallow. She will be telling you more about this in the Fall publication.
The two-year, Tennessee River Prayer Initiative has been completed with a week-lonhg prayer mission to eight strategic prayer sites in the Shoals. Jim and Anne were on the Leadership team for the Native American Prayer Summit and the Celebration of Protocol event in the Shoals.
Jim continues to disciple five, young “history-makers,” He continues his weekly radio interview program, “What On Earth Is God Doing.” And he leads the Servant Leadership Team. We continue to lead our Thursday Night house group.
Jim has been asked to serve on an accountability board for Leif Hetlund and Global Missions Awareness, a world-wide missions endeavor now based in the Shoals.
We have visited personally with over fifty pastors and churches in the new, “Ministry of Encouragement.” God has led us into some powerful experiences. We will share more later.
Looking Ahead
In addition to visiting with our family over the holidays, we continue to be available for any assignment from God, anytime and anywhere. We are working on:
The CSR Banquet and Board Meeting, October 29-November 1
The Experiencing the Father’s Embrace Conference with Jack Frost, in the Shoals, February 17-20, 2005 Please carefully consider attending this event.
The Word, Spirit and Power Conference in Huntsville in 2005
Jim and Anne will lead a Sunrise Communion Service at the 200th Anniversary Service at Cane Ridge in Kentucky, June 25-27. This is the 200th Anniversary of the “Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery” an important document in the history of the Campbell-Stone Restoration Movement.
In addition, Jim and Anne will be participating in the David Wilkerson conference in Birmingham in August. Richard Simmons, one of Jim’s “disciples” from Ghana will be visiting us in Alabama in August. Anne and sister Becky will be singing at their high school reunion. Jim and Anne will be leading a retreat at the Doublehead Resort in October PLUS whatever else God has in mind.
Pray For Us
Please continue to stand with us with your support and prayers. Our support picture continues to decline. We believe this is due to the economic upturn in the nation and the apathy that prevails over much of the church. The enemy continues to strongly resist the divine assignment God has given us to help in the maturing of the saints and the renewal of the WHOLE church. We need for all of you who are supporting us to continue to do so. We need for those of you who have stopped supporting us to “return to the table.” We need for the Lord to raise up some new supporters who will join in Christ’s mission of renewal.
Continue to pray for our health. Anne struggles with her legs, feet and knees.
Pray that our minds will remain sharp and we will hear even the slightest promptings of the Lord.
Pray for our children, grandchildren, and sons-in-love. They often experience the attacks that come against us.
Pray that God’s direction for our future will be clear an that we will obey all things.
Pray that the Lord will provide us with the RV/Motor home we will need to expand the Ministry of Encouragement.
Thanks to those who have sent us your prayer requests. Continue to send them. We take each request seriously.
We love you and thank God for you.
Prayerfully and Expectantly.
Jim and Anne Bevis
"SPIRIT OF THE SHOALS AWARD"
GIVEN TO
"A FATHER TO THE SHOALS"
June 15, 2003
On June 15, 2003, Howard Speegle, born February 15,1910, at 93 years of age became the first recipient of the “Spirit of the Shoals Award” initiated by CSR Ministries in Florence, Alabama. The Award is a non-denominational recognition of local clergy or laity selected by a Shoals Area group of Christians. CSR Ministries, Jim and Anne Bevis and the CSR Board of Directors seek to honor Christian men and women who display the character of Christ.
“There are so many people who have been pioneers of faith for the Shoals Area and who have not yet been recognized for their countless contributions to the Christian community,” said Jim Bevis. “ We want to honor individuals who exemplify the person of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives, and who affect the lives of others through their daily walk.”
“Howard Speegle has been a ‘Father to the Shoals in the area of faith for many years,” said Jim Bevis, “so it is only fitting that he be honored on Father’s Day.”
Howard Speegle has been in the ministry for over 70 years. Initially, he was a Baptist minister and then became a non-denominational minister. He has served many churches in many places. Speegle hosted a radio program in Athens for 35 years. Since his “retirement” he has continued to serve by ministering in area jails, prisons and nursing homes.
The Speegles have been married for 67 years and have lived in the Shoals, off and on, for 65 of those years. Anne Speegle has written numerous articles and poems. In addition she has written three books, Shepherd’s Manna, Morning Manna, and Ain’t Sadie Sez. But perhaps most remarkable of all, for over twenty years she has daily written a scripture and “Thought for Today” for her husband-which he has often shared with others.
Speegle has been a faithful participant in the Ministers Prayer Fellowship of the Shoals since it was begun in 1993. He is considered to be a “Father in the Gospel” by many of the area ministers.
“The Speegles are faithful prayer warriors, spending hours in prayer each day and each week,” said Bevis. “They have had hundreds on their prayer lists from across the world.”
CSR Ministries is delighted to have recognized Howard Speegle as our first ‘Spirit of the Shoals Award' recipient.
CANE RIDGE PRAYER GATHERING - AUGUST 8-10, 2001
Seventy-five men and women of prayer gathered at the Cane Ridge Meeting House, August 8-10, for approximately twenty-four hours of intensive prayer, intercession, worship and earnestly seeking the Lord. Prayer Gathering participants came from seventeen states and fifteen denominations. Approximately 60% of the prayer team were "sons and daughters" of the Campbell-Stone Restoration Movement, equally divided among representatives from Acapella Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christ and Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ. In addition to those from a Campbell-Stone heritage, another one-third came from denominations and groups such as the Presbyterians, Southern Baptist, Methodists, Anglicans, Roman Catholics and Charismatics/Pentecostals. Participants included a sister who was a direct descendant of Barton W. Stone, a Welch sister whose mother was in the revival in Wales and an eighty-two year old seasoned prayer warrior.
Jim Bevis, President of CSR Ministries, the sponsor of the Prayer Gathering, facilitated the three day sacred assembly for prayer. Bevis comes from the Acapella Churches of Christ. He has led CSR Ministries since its beginning in 1978. CSR is a ministry seeking to facilitate renewal and reconciliation in the body of Christ. CSR Ministries, under Bevis’s direction has conducted some eighty conferences of spiritual renewal across the nation and world.
The Prayer Gathering was only a part of The Great Gathering, August 4-12, a nine-day Bicentennial Celebration of the Cane Ridge Revival of 1801. Several thousand participated over the nine days of Cane Ridge activities. Most of the activities took place on the grounds at Cane Ridge or in The Cane Ridge Meeting House, erected in 1791.
Prayer Gathering participants came together on Wednesday evening, August 8, and found themselves almost immediately of "one accord" as they participated in the opening session of Worship and Praise, led by Martha and Bill Jobe of Corinth, Mississippi. "Heavenly strains" of worship were offered up to Father God and the Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit, His presence and participation, was a common thread that ran throughout the three-day prayer meeting.
Thursday of the Prayer Gathering, was spent in the confession and repentance of sins, both personal and corporate. God had made it know to the prayer leaders before the gathering that a major focus of the prayer gathering would be spent in "preparing our hearts." For three hours on Thursday morning, participants confessed sin focusing on each of the Ten Commandments. Confession and repentance extended into the afternoon as one after another came to the microphone confessing their sins, receiving forgiveness and "hands on" ministry from the brothers and sisters who gathered around them.
Thursday evening’s session continued with confession of sins, hurts and woundings by representatives from each of the three major streams of the Campbell-Stone Movement. Participants were quick to respond to these confessions by the acknowledgment of their own sins and those of their forefathers, and by asking for forgiveness from the others. Foot washing took place with some as a natural response to the climate of contrition that settled on those gathered. Many tears flowed on Thursday evening and there was much evidence that healing was taking place. The final waves of repentance and reconciliation took place between those from the Campbell-Stone Movement and those of other religious groups. Both sides made confession to one another, and offered and received forgiveness.
On Friday morning, the people of prayer gathered around the Table of the Lord, outside the Meeting House on a long, continuous line of tables, covered in white. Having prepared themselves these three days for communing with the Lord, they gathered with gladness, joy, and singleness of heart. It was a moving experience for all.
Jim Bevis, Prayer Gathering facilitator, said, "Some came hoping for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, expecting signs and wonders. Others came seeking renewal for themselves and their churches. Others came not knowing what to expect. I firmly believe that the Lord met all of us in our place of deepest need. Time will tell how far reaching the Cane Ridge experience will spread." Don Soula, CSR Board chairman and Cane Ridge participant said, "If what happened atthe 2001 Cane Ridge Prayer Gathering spreads across the body of Christ, as it should, it could be ever bit as significant at the Cane Ridge Revival of 1801."
CSR, Jim Bevis and those attending will continue to seek the Lord as to how to follow-up on Cane Ridge and how to spread the spirit of what happened there. For a current Cane Ridge update and more information as it unfolds, contact Jim Bevis at CSR Ministries, (256) 381-9034 or (256) 718-3775 or visit the CSR website at www.csrministries.org
The
Tupelo Covenant is a document that emerged out of the
Conference on Reconciliation held in Tupelo, Mississippi in 1996. Jim Bevis and Randy Skinner, conference participant, drafted the covenant, presented it to the conferees with an opportunity to sign it as a statement of their commitment to be ambassadors of reconciliation.
An enlarged replica of the covenant was presented to the mayor of Tupelo outside of his office as a part of a press conference covered by area TV and newspapers. During the press conference, representatives of the African American, Native American and Anglo American races confessed to each other, asked for and received forgiveness.
The Tupelo Covenant
In a humble act of faith in Jesus Christ and
in a sincere desire to fully obey our Lord according to His Word,
enabled by the Holy Spirit;
we confess and repent of all our sins of strife, racism, sectarianism,
divisiveness, pride, and competition,
and receive our Lord's forgiveness and deliverance.
We confess and repent of our sins,
and those of our ancestors,
in the atrocities committed toward one another as
Anglo Americans, African Americans, Native Americans
and as all other peoples created equally by God,
receiving our Lord's forgiveness and
the complete forgiveness of one another,
as we pursue His calling to reconciliation and revival.
By God's help
we will not listen to nor speak negatively about
the life, ministry or congregation
of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
We covenant before God this day
to follow and serve our Lord Jesus Christ
in harmony with one another.
We covenant and pray for one another,
asking God to bless the personal life and family of each fellow Christian
and to richly bless the ministry of each congregation.*
We covenant to employ our energies, time, and resources
to be effective witnesses of our Lord
by encouraging and complementing fellow servants in ministry,
and building up the entire Body of Christ.
Together in Christ,
we will now grow in the service of God's Kingdom
to reach all people for Jesus Christ
in the Power of the Holy Spirit
and declare that we are gathered as the Church
under the authority of Jesus Christ
to the glory of God our Father.
* For Pastors:
We covenant to pray for one another,
asking God to bless the personal life and family of each fellow pastor
and to richly bless the ministry and congregation of each.
