See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. — Isaiah 43:19 Dear Friends, If you have been following along with the Pilgrim Center this year, you know that Isaiah 43:19 has been our theme verse. As 2021 comes to a close, we look back on all that God has done in our Year of New Beginnings. We are so encouraged by these Stories of Transformation where individuals have been renewed, relationships restored, and communities revitalized. Thank you for your faithful partnership with us and with God, who makes this ministry possible!

Presence: Jesus, Who Goes With Us

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. — 1 Thessalonionas 4:13-14 As we continue to remember and celebrate the life and legacy of PCR co-founder, Rev. Dr. Arthur Rouner, Jr., we invite you to read again the piece he wrote for our Fall/Winter 2021 issue of The Journey Out. Arthur's article is a testament to his faith, and a reminder to us all that Jesus does go with us in all things. Click here to read Presence (page four) by Arthur Rouner.

South Sudan: Peter's New Beginning In the wake of multiple hardships (civil war, drought, insecurity), Rev. Dr. Monica Yugu and a team of PCR facilitators have been reaching out to heal hearts in South Sudan. Peter is a young man who joined for a youth retreat in Juba, South Sudan. This is his testimony of healing: It has been tough for me to forgive my friends and family members whenever we disagreed over something. I would always seek revenge. But during these two days at the youth retreat, Jesus has changed my entire life. I now see the world in Christ’s point of view where repentance and forgiveness are the right things to do. Jesus completely healed me. My heart is now light and peaceful. My own family members to this day marvel and ask, what happened to you at the retreat? Click here to read Peter's full testimony (page three).

USA: Transformation Through Courses Throughout 2021 we offered multiple sessions of our six-week courses, The Way of Reconciliation and Becoming a Reconciler. Through small-group discussion, instruction and reflection, these courses engaged and equipped participants to take practical steps toward reconciliation in their own lives. Calvin participated in The Way of Reconciliation in Fall 2021. He shared this testimony about his experience: I got so much out of the class it is hard to know where to start. Everyone was engaged and our breakout sessions were a good part of the study. Hearing the responses of others on tough subjects, such as recognizing trauma and unresolved trauma symptoms, was especially helpful. The class presented tough subjects without losing the faith approach that is essential to us as believers.   Sometimes you don’t know what is missing from your spiritual life until the Lord guides you to it. Through this course, my own walk with Christ was enlivened. I felt encouraged and greatly blessed by the experience. My wife and I found ourselves looking forward to the classes each week. We are looking forward to the next step, “Becoming a Reconciler." Are you looking for ways to deepen your journey to reconciliation? Registration is now open for The Way of Reconciliation Course (Tuesdays, March 1st - April 5th, 2022). We hope you will join us!

Click here to register

Uganda: New Hope at Christmas Christmas in Uganda is a time to celebrate and share a meal with family and friends as we remember the birth of Jesus Christ. Pilgrim Center Uganda organized its annual children's Christmas party that hosted children from the slum areas of Katwe and Nsambya. These children are from Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda and Burundi. The Christmas party was filled joy and gladness as the children shared a well cooked meal and sweets, while their mothers get medical care from our medical team. The children sang Christmas songs, received gifts, and had fun as they refreshed and renewed their minds away from the guns shots and violence that they have witnessed. We are blessed to have been able to provide medical assistance to over 150 women, and host over 400 children for a delicious Christmas meal.

Thank you for the many ways in which you partnered with Pilgrim Center during this Year of New Beginnings. Your gifts, prayers and support have all produced much fruit for the ministry of reconciliation. We are so thankful for you.   May the God of Infinite Love bless you and send you a happy new year, Anna Jeide-Detweiler PCR US Ministry Director Jim Olson PCR President