I’d like to introduce you to Marcia and Rob McCure, who are friends of Ministry Ventures. I have known them for over 20 years and watched them walk with Jesus through the high mountain tops and the lowest of valleys. Please celebrate with us her story of God’s healing and faithfulness!

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In November 2003, Marcia was diagnosed with Leukemia, treated for several months, and declared to be in remission the next March. In June 2005, the Leukemia returned in the form of a brain tumor. The only chance she was given for recovery long term was with a bone marrow transplant, which they declined because of the extraordinary process and the slim chance for success.

Instead, Marcia chose to be treated with radiation for the brain tumor and chemotherapy for the Leukemia and was released from the hospital in September, declared as in remission again in October, but given no chance for living past the next year.

Here they are, almost three years later, and she is in good health. They say that they know that this healing is from Jesus, the only One who can heal anything. The One who can heal physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally!

For some the healing comes when a believer meets Jesus face-to-face, but for now He has decided to give Marcia some more years with her husband and with us. To God be the glory, great things He has done – and continues to do.

If you live close to Marietta, Georgia, please stop by their flower shop at Robb’s Flowers of the Field and greet them.
In Christ,

Boyd

My son-in-law Todd Coons and four of his friends meet monthly for accountability. Below is a good outline to follow as you are developing your own accountability group. I joined an accountability group 8 years ago and it has been a great value in keeping my life encouraged and accountable. Enjoy! Boyd

Men’s Breakfast – Accountability Group
2008 Outline
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another
Proverbs 27:17

Purpose of Group:

To productively build relationships and community, and to participate in prayer, encouragement, and accountability with other men in the small group Bible study.

Frequency / Setting of Group:

Meet for breakfast once a month at same agreed upon location and time, unless another time and place has been designated. Each man will be responsible for his own breakfast payment.

Structure of Group Time:

I) Begin with relational time, general hang out, and breakfast order

II) Open in prayer, person leading/facilitating time opens or appoints another to lead

III) Discuss the following three questions, each on a major aspect of a man’s life. Take time for each guy to answer briefly:

1) Relationship with God: What is God most teaching you these days?

2) Relationship with wife/ family: What are you learning from your family?

3) Relationship with work: What is your number one issue at work?

IV) Discuss topic of the month – Either decided in advance, or a pertinent topic that is brought up by members of the group during question answer/discussion time.

V) Close time in prayer, again person leading/facilitating time closes or appoints another to lead

Group General Guidelines:

1) Everything discussed in the group is to remain confidential, unless otherwise specified.
2) Each participant does not have to answer questions or participate in topics in which they do not feel comfortable.
3) Group members will take turns facilitating the prayer and discussion time.
4) Group members will be asked to make maintaining consistent attendance, though not binding, a priority in their lives. Commitment will be made on a semester by semester basis to follow church calendar.

Future ideas for group:

Blueprint for Life – Life planning and coaching system

Man in the Mirror – Patrick Morley

Love and Respect – Emerson Eggerichs

Conformed to His Image – Ken Boa

Every Man’s Battle – Arterburn / Stoeker

Captivated – John and Stasi Eldridge

Experiencing God – Henry Blackaby

Perfect Leader – Ken Boa

Visioneering – Andy Stanley

I was fascinated and encouraged by this brief article on faith influencing our nation in the November 30, 2007 edition of the Wall Street Journal. The article is titled “The Currency of Faith: How one man put God into Circulation.”

I have always been intrigued by God’s influence on our American culture and our brief history as a nation. For 1996 Atlanta Olympics, our family purchased a $35 brick with the inscription “In God We Trust.” Our family believes his posture of dependence on God is a bedrock for the Lord’s continually favor on families and governments. Therefore, as we look to men and women to lead our Nation, let’s ask God for those who embrace and cherish our heritage of honoring Jesus Christ by embracing his values and principles for living. “In God we Trust” is not a trite or passing phrase. It is commitment to Christ and His grand scheme of things. Lastly, it is a reminder, because it is embedded on money, to make and manage money well. This will one day invite the affirming words of Jesus, “Well Done”!

More details and supporting information can be found on the Department of the Treasury site.