Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3: 20-21
This past summer, as our US Ministry Director Anna and I were having a "walking staff meeting" through the beautiful gardens of nearby St. Kate's University, praying about where God might be taking us in this expanding work of healing and reconciliation, this scripture came vitally alive in our prayers. We sensed clearly that this was His word to us for this year and already we are seeing immeasurably more fruit from our prayers and His word then we could ask or imagine!
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!
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Journey Out to Mexico: January 2022 |
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On Wednesday January 5th, a small team including Jim Olson, Pastor Sam Snyder (PCR Senior Facilitator), and Jim's 21-year-old son Noah embarked on an 11- day trip to the Roca Blanca Mission Base in Oaxaca, Mexico.
On the first full day, the team headed to Juquila, a city located in the Sierra Madre mountains. There we meet the pastors of the first Christian church in that city. They shared the remarkable story of how the church began with the very first believers in the region about 30 years ago. They shared about their ongoing work of spreading the gospel in that city and in all of the surrounding villages.
The state of Oaxaca has the most distinct tribes and also the most unreached people groups in all of the Americas. In the last 30 years, 77 churches have been planted out of the base here. In addition to church planting, the base hosts a three year Bible school with about 120 students currently enrolled, a music school with 30 students, a K-12 school with 60 students, a Spanish language learning school with 25 students, and an expanding trade school. This is definitely a testimony of immeasurably more!
Our primary work on this trip was to host two Healing and Reconciliation Retreats: one for about 30 staff members of the base, and another for about 20 Zone Pastors and their spouses. (Zone pastors refers to pastors who minister their own churches plus oversee several other churches in their region.)
It definitely felt like we were operating under an open heaven! There was remarkable openness to the retreat journey. Jesus came powerfully to touch and transform both individuals and the teams as a whole. As the founders of the ministry shared with us, they had never experienced the level of open and transparent communication that they did during our days together. Wounds were shared and healed. Weariness and isolation was confessed, and encouragement received. Wondering was expressed, and discernment given. It was all immeasurably more!
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The Way of Reconciliation Course with
Zion Baptist Church & Wayzata Free Church
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On Wednesday, January 19th, we launched another cohort for the Way of Reconciliation Course. We are partnering with Zion Baptist Church (Minneapolis, MN) and Wayzata Evangelical Free Church (Wayzata, MN) to offer the Way of Reconciliation as a joint course for the two congregations.
These churches have been partnering and praying together since the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, and we are grateful for the opportunity to accompany them as we all go deeper our call to become Christ's ambassadors of reconciliation.
We believe this may be our largest cohort yet (more than 40 participants in total) and even through our Zoom screens we felt strong movement of the Spirit during our first session. Please continue to pray that God would open new doors, strengthen relationships, and make us agents for the work of the Kingdom.
Would you like to host a Way of Reconciliation course for your congregation? Contact US Ministry Director Anna Jeide-Detweiler at ajeide.detweiler@pilgrimcenter.org for more information.
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Upcoming Events
"Growing Common Bonds" – Thursday, Feb. 17th (virtual)
In times of polarization and isolation, how do we grow common bonds? How can we build community in the midst of conflict? Join us via Zoom for "Growing Common Bonds," an interactive workshop that will provide you with new tools for building healthy relationships. Click here to register.
Tuesdays, March 1st through April 5th (virtual)
In a time where we have experienced intensified stress and isolation as well as increasing polarization in our communities, how can we experience true reconciliation? Join us for this six-week, interactive group study as we explore the fundamental concepts of reconciliation that lead to Shalom. Click here to register.
Maundy Thursday Day of Prayer
April 14th (virtual)
Join the PCR global family for a day of prayer on Maundy Thursday of Holy Week. This year we will be praying the various names of God from 7am (CST) - 7pm (CST). Save the date now. Zoom details to come.
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Memorial Service for Rev. Dr. Arthur Rouner, Jr.
The Rouner family has planned a memorial service for the Rev. Dr. Arthur Rouner Jr. on Thursday, April 21st, 2022 at Colonial Church of Edina in Edina, MN. Exact time is TBA.
Dr. Rouner died peacefully on December 16th, 2021. In his final days, he was surrounded by family. We invite you to join us in celebrating the life and legacy of our beloved PCR co-founder in April.
Molly Rouner and the family would like to thank everyone for the kind notes of encouragement and blessing that they have received since Arthur's passing.
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Thank you for your continued prayers, partnership and provision as we enter into the Year of Immeasurably More! We cannot wait to see what God has in store, and pray that this would be a year of abundance in your life, too.
Faithfully,
Anna Jeide-Detweiler
US Ministry Director
Jim Olson
President
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