Ministry Update

March 2008

At least once a month, we take the opportunity to thank our friends and supporters for caring, sharing, praying, and sacrificing so that OCM can be an extension of your passion to a hurting world.  Thank you for standing with us as we encourage faithful Christian men to build a legacy of faith and great character.

This past month was one of the most exciting times in our twenty-seven years of ministry.  God allowed us the privilege of providing ministry and encouragement in five states.  During our 10-day West Coast trip we met with several large groups of pastors.  Through a number of presentations, they received some of our new OCM Men’s Ministry Tools and Resources.  After the event, we heard most pastors share their grateful hearts about how much they appreciated the encouragement and culturally relevant strategies on how to connect with men. Two of our volunteer sports ministry speakers shared their testimonies at various Beast Feast Programs.

We praise God for the opportunity to speak at three Sports Show Programs to scores of outdoorsman and women about the wonder of God’s creation and His love for each of us.  At these meetings we focused upon the importance of discipleship in the life of the church.  The presence of the Holy Spirit could be felt as several people, for the first time, accepted Jesus. Praise God!

We continue to work with over 25 engaged churches whose pastors and men’s ministry leaders are receiving our regular counsel and messages that assist them in building vibrant men’s ministries.  Someone the other day asked us, “What is a vibrant men’s ministry?”  A vibrant men’s ministry is one that assist men in becoming the true spiritual leaders of their homes, churches, and communities.  It is a men’s ministry that reaches out to the community with a caring heart and a loving spirit.  Vibrancy is demonstrated through encouraging relationships between men within the group and where accountability is a welcome guest. It is a place that inspires men to demonstrate the fruits of the spirit while refining their character.  Also, an effective men’s program is one that stimulates men to know God and make him know – outreach and discipleship are of primary concern. 

Today, OCM is on the brink of creating some tactical relationships with organizations like Promise Keepers, Man and the Mirror, Discipleship Network, and Iron Sharpens Iron.  These organizations have demonstrated a serious interest in utilizing some of our new management tools, leadership building models, printed OCM products, and other strategic resources to assist them in effectively helping local churches and other men’s organizations.

We are humbled by the way God has utilized this ministry to expand His Kingdom.  We continue to ask for your prayers, encouragement, and support that we will continue to be obedient to His leading and open to assist churches seeking to reach men for Christ.  The aforementioned is truly shared from humble and appreciative hearts.  This report and the attached notes are provided as accountability to our supporters and that all of us will give praise and glory to God for what He has done.  Amen

In His Service, Jim, Louise, James, Whitney, and Kristi