CIRCLE OF LOVE MINISTRIES
Ending Homelessness by Transforming Lives
OCTOBER 2009
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Meet COL Resident, Shayne Silcox
Shayne Silcox has been a resident at Circle of Love for just over six months. He helps out in the kitchen and will soon graduate Phase II of our Biblical Studies Program.
Shayne began drinking beer at age 15 and was doing drugs by the time he reached 17. Addiction followed, and his habit brought on a downward spiral that cost him his marriage and several other relationships. He finally realized his life was out of control and turned to the Lord for help through the influence of his grandfather.
Now 38 years old, Shayne is a different man, a new creation in Christ. He marvels at how God has changed his heart and at how He is working to restore everything around him. Most importantly, the Lord is healing relationships with his 15-year-old son and his father.
Shayne has found a safe haven at Circle of Love. Here he has drawn closer to the Lord, and his mind has been strengthened by studying the Word and through fellowship with his brothers in Christ. He plans to complete all four phases of the COL Biblical Studies Program. Please pray with us that God will continue His work in Shayne and all of the men at Circle of Love!
Shayne began drinking beer at age 15 and was doing drugs by the time he reached 17. Addiction followed, and his habit brought on a downward spiral that cost him his marriage and several other relationships. He finally realized his life was out of control and turned to the Lord for help through the influence of his grandfather.
Now 38 years old, Shayne is a different man, a new creation in Christ. He marvels at how God has changed his heart and at how He is working to restore everything around him. Most importantly, the Lord is healing relationships with his 15-year-old son and his father.
Shayne has found a safe haven at Circle of Love. Here he has drawn closer to the Lord, and his mind has been strengthened by studying the Word and through fellowship with his brothers in Christ. He plans to complete all four phases of the COL Biblical Studies Program. Please pray with us that God will continue His work in Shayne and all of the men at Circle of Love!
Here They Come: Thanksgiving & Christmas
The Holiday Season is right around the corner, and before we know it, Thanksgiving and Christmas will be upon us. We try to make both days special for the residents of Circle of Love, and we invite you to be a part.
We will be serving Thanksgiving dinner on November 26th to our residents, volunteers, and anyone in need. If you’d like to join in the celebration, please let us know by calling 696-3105. Perhaps you or your church would like to contribute menu items or help us serve dinner. Whatever the Lord puts on your heart to do will be greatly appreciated!
At Christmas, we express Christ’s love through gift-giving as we commemorate the birth of our Savior, God’s greatest gift to all mankind. Our main celebration takes place on Christmas Eve as we open gifts, sing carols, and enjoy refreshments. If you’d like to make an in-kind donation of gift items for the men here (usually 30-35 individuals), please coordinate with Betty Ruder at 696-2355.
We will be serving Thanksgiving dinner on November 26th to our residents, volunteers, and anyone in need. If you’d like to join in the celebration, please let us know by calling 696-3105. Perhaps you or your church would like to contribute menu items or help us serve dinner. Whatever the Lord puts on your heart to do will be greatly appreciated!
At Christmas, we express Christ’s love through gift-giving as we commemorate the birth of our Savior, God’s greatest gift to all mankind. Our main celebration takes place on Christmas Eve as we open gifts, sing carols, and enjoy refreshments. If you’d like to make an in-kind donation of gift items for the men here (usually 30-35 individuals), please coordinate with Betty Ruder at 696-2355.
From the Desk of Director E.H. Ruder
Greetings, Friends! September was a tough month, but we are still hanging on, doing everything in our power to keep costs down and stay current with the bills. It’s a challenge. Right now we’re over $5,300 in arrears. But God told us He would never leave us or forsake us, and that’s His promise to us. I keep telling myself, don’t give up.
The 29th of this month Circle of Love Ministries will be 28 years old. I was only 38 when the ministry was founded. Where have the years gone? I am not telling you how old I am. (You do the math!) I keep reminding myself that Moses was 80 before God really began using him, and look what Moses did in his life time!
I believe God is going to do some astonishing things here at Circle of Love. When I think back almost three decades ago to what God spoke about Circle of Love, I realize some of it has already happened but a large part has not yet come to pass. That’s where faith comes in. People may scoff and say your vision will never come to pass, it’s impossible. But you know what? NOTHING is impossible with God. If God spoke it, He will do it!
I remember what Abraham was told to do to his son Isaac. God told him to sacrifice his only son. Abraham was ready to plunge a knife into Isaac’s heart when an angel told him to stop.
Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.
But the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!"So he said, "Here I am." And He said, "Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me." (Gen 22:9-12)
I believe every man and woman who serves the Lord should have that kind of faith in their lives. Then God can say to us, “Now I know that you fear God.”
In His service,
Dr. E. H. & Rev. Betty Ruder
The 29th of this month Circle of Love Ministries will be 28 years old. I was only 38 when the ministry was founded. Where have the years gone? I am not telling you how old I am. (You do the math!) I keep reminding myself that Moses was 80 before God really began using him, and look what Moses did in his life time!
I believe God is going to do some astonishing things here at Circle of Love. When I think back almost three decades ago to what God spoke about Circle of Love, I realize some of it has already happened but a large part has not yet come to pass. That’s where faith comes in. People may scoff and say your vision will never come to pass, it’s impossible. But you know what? NOTHING is impossible with God. If God spoke it, He will do it!
I remember what Abraham was told to do to his son Isaac. God told him to sacrifice his only son. Abraham was ready to plunge a knife into Isaac’s heart when an angel told him to stop.
Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.
But the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!"So he said, "Here I am." And He said, "Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me." (Gen 22:9-12)
I believe every man and woman who serves the Lord should have that kind of faith in their lives. Then God can say to us, “Now I know that you fear God.”
In His service,
Dr. E. H. & Rev. Betty Ruder
MINISTRY NEEDS
We gratefully accept any donation, whether great or small. God will credit it to your account! Our current ministry needs include:
• Prayer and monthly donors
• $2,000 for balance due on September’s JEA bills
• AC mechanic & electrician
• Angel hair pasta, powdered milk, vegetables (fresh, frozen, or No. 10 cans), coffee, sugar
• Personal hygiene products for men
• Toilet paper & paper towels
• Notebooks, paper, pens, pencils
If you can help by donating any of these items, please call 696-3105. We appreciate you. You are such a blessing to this ministry!!!
• Prayer and monthly donors
• $2,000 for balance due on September’s JEA bills
• AC mechanic & electrician
• Angel hair pasta, powdered milk, vegetables (fresh, frozen, or No. 10 cans), coffee, sugar
• Personal hygiene products for men
• Toilet paper & paper towels
• Notebooks, paper, pens, pencils
If you can help by donating any of these items, please call 696-3105. We appreciate you. You are such a blessing to this ministry!!!
SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Spiritual growth is the process of becoming more and more like Christ. When we place our faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit begins to make us more like Him, conforming us to His image. Spiritual growth is perhaps best described in 2 Peter 1:3-8, which tells us that by God's power we have everything we need to live lives of godliness, the goal of spiritual growth. Notice that what we need comes through our knowledge of Him, which is the key to obtaining everything we need. Our knowledge of Him comes from the Word, given to us for our edification and growth.
CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!
Several students who recently completed a phase of COL’s Biblical Studies Program received graduation certificates during the August 9th Sunday morning worship service. Shown above (from left to right) with Pastor Ruder are graduates Darrell Lenard Sawyer (Phase 2), Stephen Craig Powell (Phase 2), Darryl Hix (Phase 1), Shayne Silcox (Phase 1), Michael John Sears (Phase 1), Kenneth Chapman (Phase 2), and Stephen Eric Malachuk (Phase 2). Phase 1 graduates not present (or pictured) include Robert D. Larimore, Juan Nosiglia Sr., and Juan Nosiglia Jr. These men have worked hard to show themselves approved of the Lord. Congratulations to you all!
WHAT IS CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP?
By definition, a disciple is a follower, one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another. A Christian disciple is a person who accepts and assists in the spreading of the good news of Jesus Christ. Christian discipleship is the process by which disciples grow in the Lord Jesus Christ and are equipped by the Holy Spirit, who resides in our hearts, to overcome the pressures and trials of this present life and to become more like Christ.
This process calls for believers to respond to the Holy Spirit’s prompting to examine their thoughts, words and actions and compare them with the Word of God. This requires that we be in the Word daily—studying it, praying it, and obeying it. In addition, we should always be ready to give testimony of the reason for the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15) and to disciple others to walk in His way.
Making disciples is important because it is the Lord’s chosen method of spreading the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ. During His public ministry, Jesus spent more than three years making disciples—teaching and training His chosen twelve.
Though they could not comprehend it, He made the disciples this astonishing promise: “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12). Jesus also promised to send His Spirit to be with them forever (John 14:16-17).
Circle of Love is a discipleship ministry following what Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.” We offer a residential discipleship program for men and can house 24 students. Our program consists of four, three-month phases of biblical studies. Our students can stay for up to one year. Upon graduation, they receive a certificate of completion from Circle of Love.
This process calls for believers to respond to the Holy Spirit’s prompting to examine their thoughts, words and actions and compare them with the Word of God. This requires that we be in the Word daily—studying it, praying it, and obeying it. In addition, we should always be ready to give testimony of the reason for the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15) and to disciple others to walk in His way.
Making disciples is important because it is the Lord’s chosen method of spreading the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ. During His public ministry, Jesus spent more than three years making disciples—teaching and training His chosen twelve.
Though they could not comprehend it, He made the disciples this astonishing promise: “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12). Jesus also promised to send His Spirit to be with them forever (John 14:16-17).
Circle of Love is a discipleship ministry following what Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.” We offer a residential discipleship program for men and can house 24 students. Our program consists of four, three-month phases of biblical studies. Our students can stay for up to one year. Upon graduation, they receive a certificate of completion from Circle of Love.
MANY THANKS to those who have given generously to help us pay our summer electric bills. Your sacrifice of love is a sweet-smelling savor to the Lord. We appreciate you and all our donors!
From the Desk of Director E.H. Ruder
First of all, I want to thank all of you who gave from your hearts to help pay our July and August electric bills. God will bless you. Remember, He said, “Give and it will be given unto you; pressed down and shaken together, God will pour out a blessing that you cannot contain” (Luke 6:38). I like blessings from the Lord.
The Lord keeps reminding me, “Don’t lose faith.” We trust He will provide the funds for our next electric bill due in September. I know this economic slump is not going to last forever. I believe we will regain the supporters that we lost and this ministry will be stronger than ever.
God is touching men and changing their lives here at Circle of Love. It would be so easy to give up and go live at our residence in O’Brien, Florida, but I hear God saying, “I want you to continue the ministry.” Every time I minister from the pulpit, I feel the anointing of God and the gifts in operation.
I want to remind you that Christmas is right around the corner and we’d like to get a good start on it. Every year we give gifts to our students and staff members. If you’d like to help, please call Betty at 696-2355. You may be thinking that Christmas is a long way off, but sometimes these holidays sneak right up on us. Remember, let’s keep Jesus in our lives all year!
Many of you may not know that Betty broke her arm again. She was trying to get into my truck and fell backwards, injuring her head and breaking the ball of her shoulder. Please pray for her speedy and complete recovery.
Remember, our goal is to lead and disciple the men who come into this ministry, to bring them to the Lord Jesus Christ. Every gift you give helps us do that. God records your giving and never forgets.
In His service,
Dr. Ed & Rev. Betty Ruder
The Lord keeps reminding me, “Don’t lose faith.” We trust He will provide the funds for our next electric bill due in September. I know this economic slump is not going to last forever. I believe we will regain the supporters that we lost and this ministry will be stronger than ever.
God is touching men and changing their lives here at Circle of Love. It would be so easy to give up and go live at our residence in O’Brien, Florida, but I hear God saying, “I want you to continue the ministry.” Every time I minister from the pulpit, I feel the anointing of God and the gifts in operation.
I want to remind you that Christmas is right around the corner and we’d like to get a good start on it. Every year we give gifts to our students and staff members. If you’d like to help, please call Betty at 696-2355. You may be thinking that Christmas is a long way off, but sometimes these holidays sneak right up on us. Remember, let’s keep Jesus in our lives all year!
Many of you may not know that Betty broke her arm again. She was trying to get into my truck and fell backwards, injuring her head and breaking the ball of her shoulder. Please pray for her speedy and complete recovery.
Remember, our goal is to lead and disciple the men who come into this ministry, to bring them to the Lord Jesus Christ. Every gift you give helps us do that. God records your giving and never forgets.
In His service,
Dr. Ed & Rev. Betty Ruder
MINISTRY NEEDS
We gratefully accept any donation, whether great or small. God will credit it to your account! Our current ministry needs include:
• Prayer and monthly donors
• $2,200 for September’s electric bill
• AC Mechanic & Electrician
• Powdered milk, pasta, vegetables (fresh, frozen, or No. 10 cans), coffee, sugar
• Personal hygiene products for men
• Toilet paper & paper towels
• Notebooks, paper, pens, pencils
If you can help by donating any of these items, please call 696-3105. We appreciate you. You are such a blessing to this ministry!!!
• Prayer and monthly donors
• $2,200 for September’s electric bill
• AC Mechanic & Electrician
• Powdered milk, pasta, vegetables (fresh, frozen, or No. 10 cans), coffee, sugar
• Personal hygiene products for men
• Toilet paper & paper towels
• Notebooks, paper, pens, pencils
If you can help by donating any of these items, please call 696-3105. We appreciate you. You are such a blessing to this ministry!!!
Pastor Ruder Preaches at Edward Waters College
On Saturday, July 11th, Pastor Ed & Rev. Betty Ruder ministered at Edward Waters College at an event hosted by Perfecting the Body Jacksonville, a local ministry dedicated to unifying the body of Christ and tearing down the walls of denomination, race, creed, background, and gender that can separate believers. Several COL residents attended the meeting, including John Callicott, who gave his testimony and sang “My Soul to You,” a heaven-inspired original composition. James Price, Associate Pastor of Celebration Church, and Cheryl Harris, a psalmist from Philippians Church, also ministered.
For more about Perfecting the Body Jacksonville, visit their website: www.perfectingthebodyjax.com. Their focus can be summed up through the words of Jesus in John 13:35 (NKJV): “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
For more about Perfecting the Body Jacksonville, visit their website: www.perfectingthebodyjax.com. Their focus can be summed up through the words of Jesus in John 13:35 (NKJV): “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
THANK YOU DONORS!
We appreciate SO MUCH your response last month to our plea for help with our high summer electric bills. Many of you gave something extra, and we were able to pay JEA before the cut-off date, PRAISE GOD!
Summer’s not over, so please consider an additional gift again this month. We still have a $2,100 balance on July’s electric bill that must be paid by August 16th.
Thank you for all you do to help us fulfill our mission to reach out to the least, the last, and the lost of our community. God bless you!!!
Summer’s not over, so please consider an additional gift again this month. We still have a $2,100 balance on July’s electric bill that must be paid by August 16th.
Thank you for all you do to help us fulfill our mission to reach out to the least, the last, and the lost of our community. God bless you!!!
From the Desk of Brother Tom
Ruder asked me to fill in for him this month while he and Betty take a well-deserved rest visiting family in Michigan. Before they left, Pastor had an opportunity to speak at Edward Waters College on Saturday, July 11th. His message, “Breaking Down the Walls of Denominations,” was well-received by all in attendance. COL program graduate John Callicott played some of his music also.
We got June’s bills paid off, praise God, and ask for your prayers about bringing July’s bills current. Our God is faithful, and I just love to see how He keeps this ministry going month after month as we each do our part (and sometimes a little bit more). Don’t forget our bi-weekly car washes. The guys here are excited about being able to help the ministry by serving our donors. Please stop by between 10 AM and 3 PM and get an exterior wash for a love offering of any amount. Car wash dates for August are the 1st, 15th, and 29th. Hope to see ya’ll there!
I have been asked, “Will the Career Center at Circle of Love ever get going?” The answer is a resounding yes! My vision for the Career Center has three aspects. First is to provide materials and tutor students to help them pass the GED test. Testing can be done at the Northside Campus of FCCJ. They require that students attend a 90-minute orientation session which includes a free TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) to see if they are ready for the GED. One challenge is coming up with the $75 fee required by the State of Florida to take the GED test.
Second is to teach students the computer skills they need to prepare for the job market. I have already obtained an excellent program to help students with their keyboarding skills, and I am looking for other programs as well. Third is to instruct students on resume preparation, application completion, and interviewing so they can land a job.
So what’s the hold up? To quote Jesus: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul (Mark 8:36 NKJV)?” I do not want the activities of the Career Center to interfere with a man developing a relationship with Jesus. If he gets his GED yet dies and goes to hell, what’s the point? If he gets a job, but is jobless and homeless three months later, did he really profit? Consequently, a COL student must be here at least two months, and preferably be a Phase 2 graduate, before he can enroll in the Career Center. This gives him time to develop a relationship with Jesus, which is the priority.
I ask that you prayerfully consider how you might get involved with us. If you have the skills and materials to be a literacy teacher and would be willing to donate some time to the homeless, please call me at Circle of Love (904-696-3105) or email me (t_donelan@yahoo.com). We do get students from time to time that need help in this area.
In His service,
Minister Thomas Donelan
We got June’s bills paid off, praise God, and ask for your prayers about bringing July’s bills current. Our God is faithful, and I just love to see how He keeps this ministry going month after month as we each do our part (and sometimes a little bit more). Don’t forget our bi-weekly car washes. The guys here are excited about being able to help the ministry by serving our donors. Please stop by between 10 AM and 3 PM and get an exterior wash for a love offering of any amount. Car wash dates for August are the 1st, 15th, and 29th. Hope to see ya’ll there!
I have been asked, “Will the Career Center at Circle of Love ever get going?” The answer is a resounding yes! My vision for the Career Center has three aspects. First is to provide materials and tutor students to help them pass the GED test. Testing can be done at the Northside Campus of FCCJ. They require that students attend a 90-minute orientation session which includes a free TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) to see if they are ready for the GED. One challenge is coming up with the $75 fee required by the State of Florida to take the GED test.
Second is to teach students the computer skills they need to prepare for the job market. I have already obtained an excellent program to help students with their keyboarding skills, and I am looking for other programs as well. Third is to instruct students on resume preparation, application completion, and interviewing so they can land a job.
So what’s the hold up? To quote Jesus: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul (Mark 8:36 NKJV)?” I do not want the activities of the Career Center to interfere with a man developing a relationship with Jesus. If he gets his GED yet dies and goes to hell, what’s the point? If he gets a job, but is jobless and homeless three months later, did he really profit? Consequently, a COL student must be here at least two months, and preferably be a Phase 2 graduate, before he can enroll in the Career Center. This gives him time to develop a relationship with Jesus, which is the priority.
I ask that you prayerfully consider how you might get involved with us. If you have the skills and materials to be a literacy teacher and would be willing to donate some time to the homeless, please call me at Circle of Love (904-696-3105) or email me (t_donelan@yahoo.com). We do get students from time to time that need help in this area.
In His service,
Minister Thomas Donelan
MINISTRY NEEDS
We gratefully accept any donation, whether great or small. God will credit it to your account! Our current ministry needs include:
• Prayer and monthly donors
• $2,100 for balance on July’s electric bill
• AC Mechanic & Electrician
• Angel hair pasta, powdered milk, vegetables (fresh, frozen, or No. 10 cans), coffee, sugar
• Personal hygiene products for men
• Toilet paper & paper towels
• Notebooks, paper, pens, pencils
If you can help by donating any of these items, please call 696-3105. We appreciate you. You are such a blessing to this ministry!!!
• Prayer and monthly donors
• $2,100 for balance on July’s electric bill
• AC Mechanic & Electrician
• Angel hair pasta, powdered milk, vegetables (fresh, frozen, or No. 10 cans), coffee, sugar
• Personal hygiene products for men
• Toilet paper & paper towels
• Notebooks, paper, pens, pencils
If you can help by donating any of these items, please call 696-3105. We appreciate you. You are such a blessing to this ministry!!!
CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!
Those students who recently completed a phase of COL’s Biblical Studies Program received graduation certificates during the May 31st Sunday morning worship service. Shown above (from left to right) with Pastor Ruder are graduates Stephen Craig Powell, Sr. (Phase 1), Cedric Maddox (Phase 3), Kenneth Chapman (Phase 1), Robert S. Dorton, Jr. (Phase 1), and Stephen Eric Malachuk (Phase 1). Darrell Lenard Sawyer and Christopher G. Cole, not pictured, also completed Phase 1 of the program. These men have worked hard to show themselves approved of the Lord. Congratulations to you all!
SUMMER ELECTRIC BILLS
Summer is here, and with it, the sweltering heat that causes those high electric bills. Here at Circle of Love, we do all we can to conserve electricity and keep costs down, but just like you, our energy costs are higher from June through October. With bills ranging from $2,000 to $2,500, we struggle to keep up. We would be very grateful for any additional support you can provide toward helping us meet this obligation. God has always been faithful to supply our needs through His people, and we appreciate it!
From the Desk of Director E.H. Ruder
For those of you who do not know, I would like to offer a brief description of what goes on here at Circle of Love Ministries.
Foremost, we are a discipleship ministry following what Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.” We offer a residential discipleship program for men and can house 24 students for up to a year. Upon graduation, they receive a certificate of completion from Circle of Love.
Secondly, we give food, shelter, and clothing to those who need it as Jesus indicated we should in Matthew 25:35: “for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in.” We feed, house, and clothe the men in our discipleship program as well as those who come to stay for just a night or two. In addition, anyone in need can come and have dinner with us Monday through Saturday at 5:30 pm or Sunday at 1 pm.
Finally, we offer a place for medical recovery to those coming out of the hospital who have nowhere to go; this is the ministry of the good Samaritan in Luke 10:34-36: “So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.'”
On Sunday, we have Bible study at 9:00 am and a worship service at 10:30 am. All are welcome! During the week, our students start the day with chapel and prayer followed by a work period and biblical studies. Weeknight activities start at 7:00 pm and include “Wild at Heart” on Monday, a Christian movie on Tuesday, a Wednesday evening service, praise & worship on Thursday, and a Bible study on Friday. As you can see, we have a full week of activities and our students have a lot of time to focus on the Word, prayer, and getting their lives in order.
Please come out and visit us at 13519 N. Main Street to see for yourselves what we do. Talk with our staff, students, guests, and medical recovery patients. Also, Betty and I are available to come to your church and share about what God is doing at Circle of Love Ministries. My cell number is 904-608-1541.
In His service,
Dr. Ed & Rev. Betty Ruder
Foremost, we are a discipleship ministry following what Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.” We offer a residential discipleship program for men and can house 24 students for up to a year. Upon graduation, they receive a certificate of completion from Circle of Love.
Secondly, we give food, shelter, and clothing to those who need it as Jesus indicated we should in Matthew 25:35: “for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in.” We feed, house, and clothe the men in our discipleship program as well as those who come to stay for just a night or two. In addition, anyone in need can come and have dinner with us Monday through Saturday at 5:30 pm or Sunday at 1 pm.
Finally, we offer a place for medical recovery to those coming out of the hospital who have nowhere to go; this is the ministry of the good Samaritan in Luke 10:34-36: “So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.'”
On Sunday, we have Bible study at 9:00 am and a worship service at 10:30 am. All are welcome! During the week, our students start the day with chapel and prayer followed by a work period and biblical studies. Weeknight activities start at 7:00 pm and include “Wild at Heart” on Monday, a Christian movie on Tuesday, a Wednesday evening service, praise & worship on Thursday, and a Bible study on Friday. As you can see, we have a full week of activities and our students have a lot of time to focus on the Word, prayer, and getting their lives in order.
Please come out and visit us at 13519 N. Main Street to see for yourselves what we do. Talk with our staff, students, guests, and medical recovery patients. Also, Betty and I are available to come to your church and share about what God is doing at Circle of Love Ministries. My cell number is 904-608-1541.
In His service,
Dr. Ed & Rev. Betty Ruder
MINISTRY NEEDS
We gratefully accept any donation, whether great or small. God will credit it to your account! Our current ministry needs include:
• Prayer and monthly donors
• $1,775 for balance on June’s electric bill
• AC Mechanic & Electrician
• Angel hair pasta, powdered milk, vegetables (fresh, frozen, or No. 10 cans), coffee, sugar
• Personal hygiene products for men
• Toilet paper & paper towels
• Notebooks, paper, pens, pencils
If you can help by donating any of these items, please call 696-3105. We appreciate you. You are such a blessing to this ministry!!!
• Prayer and monthly donors
• $1,775 for balance on June’s electric bill
• AC Mechanic & Electrician
• Angel hair pasta, powdered milk, vegetables (fresh, frozen, or No. 10 cans), coffee, sugar
• Personal hygiene products for men
• Toilet paper & paper towels
• Notebooks, paper, pens, pencils
If you can help by donating any of these items, please call 696-3105. We appreciate you. You are such a blessing to this ministry!!!
Thursday, June 04, 2009
STEWARDHIP REPORT FOR 2008
As a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, Circle of Love is required to file a Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990) with the IRS on May 15th of every year. It is an informational return only and no tax is due. The form must be complete, accurate, and fully describe an organization’s programs and accomplishments, and it must be made available for public inspection. The form contains financial data regarding revenue, expenses, and assets as well as a description of program accomplishments and a list of officers, directors, and key personnel.
We at Circle of Love have just completed our Form 990 for 2008, and we would like to share an overview of its content with you, our donors. If you would like to inspect the form itself, please call our ministry office at 696-3105.
The mission of Circle of Love Ministries is to bring a solution to the problem of homelessness through programs of compassion and service that reach out to spread the love of Christ to the least, the last, and the lost of our community. Our goal is to bring men to Christ, teach them the Word of God, help them recover from their addictions, see them restored to their families, guide them in finding their places in the Body of Christ, and lead them toward becoming productive members of our community. We offer Christian discipleship training to men with life-controlling problems through a residential Biblical Studies Program. We also supply food and clothing to anyone in need and have a medical recovery unit for men coming out of the hospital who have nowhere else to go. We provide information to the community about the problems of homelessness and encourage community involvement as part of the solution. The foundational scripture for this ministry is Matthew 25:35: “for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in…”
In 2008, Circle of Love Ministries assisted over 130 clients. We ministered the Word of God, served over 28,000 meals, provided 9360 nights of shelter, and supplied our clients with clothing and personal hygiene items. Twenty-nine men graduated from our Biblical Studies Program, and one man received a ministry license. Through our monthly newsletter, we provided spiritual encouragement and information about our programs and the problems of homelessness to the community.
Our 2008 donor base included over 100 individuals, six businesses and 16 nonprofit organizations that supplied us with ongoing support in the way of cash contributions. Total cash revenue in 2008 was $54,320. In addition, we received regular weekly in-kind donations of food from several local businesses as well as various in-kind contributions of food, clothing, and household items from individuals, businesses and other nonprofit organizations. Our fundraising efforts involved on-campus events like First Coast PT Cruisers Car Show, yard sales, and car washes, while we held off-campus fundraisers in partnership with local grocery stores, mass merchandisers, department stores, and bowling alleys. Our volunteer staff, teachers, and workers logged in countless hours of service, and several local ministers brought hope and encouragement to our clients through the Word of God and song.
Circle of Love’s Board of Directors strives to practice good stewardship with all that God gives, and we would like to thank our donors for sharing their time, talents, and resources with this ministry. We could not carry out the mission God has given us without your generous support. It takes the Body of Christ working together to accomplish the purposes of God in the earth, and we appreciate your partnership with us! To God be the glory!
We at Circle of Love have just completed our Form 990 for 2008, and we would like to share an overview of its content with you, our donors. If you would like to inspect the form itself, please call our ministry office at 696-3105.
The mission of Circle of Love Ministries is to bring a solution to the problem of homelessness through programs of compassion and service that reach out to spread the love of Christ to the least, the last, and the lost of our community. Our goal is to bring men to Christ, teach them the Word of God, help them recover from their addictions, see them restored to their families, guide them in finding their places in the Body of Christ, and lead them toward becoming productive members of our community. We offer Christian discipleship training to men with life-controlling problems through a residential Biblical Studies Program. We also supply food and clothing to anyone in need and have a medical recovery unit for men coming out of the hospital who have nowhere else to go. We provide information to the community about the problems of homelessness and encourage community involvement as part of the solution. The foundational scripture for this ministry is Matthew 25:35: “for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in…”
In 2008, Circle of Love Ministries assisted over 130 clients. We ministered the Word of God, served over 28,000 meals, provided 9360 nights of shelter, and supplied our clients with clothing and personal hygiene items. Twenty-nine men graduated from our Biblical Studies Program, and one man received a ministry license. Through our monthly newsletter, we provided spiritual encouragement and information about our programs and the problems of homelessness to the community.
Our 2008 donor base included over 100 individuals, six businesses and 16 nonprofit organizations that supplied us with ongoing support in the way of cash contributions. Total cash revenue in 2008 was $54,320. In addition, we received regular weekly in-kind donations of food from several local businesses as well as various in-kind contributions of food, clothing, and household items from individuals, businesses and other nonprofit organizations. Our fundraising efforts involved on-campus events like First Coast PT Cruisers Car Show, yard sales, and car washes, while we held off-campus fundraisers in partnership with local grocery stores, mass merchandisers, department stores, and bowling alleys. Our volunteer staff, teachers, and workers logged in countless hours of service, and several local ministers brought hope and encouragement to our clients through the Word of God and song.
Circle of Love’s Board of Directors strives to practice good stewardship with all that God gives, and we would like to thank our donors for sharing their time, talents, and resources with this ministry. We could not carry out the mission God has given us without your generous support. It takes the Body of Christ working together to accomplish the purposes of God in the earth, and we appreciate your partnership with us! To God be the glory!
From the Desk of Director E.H. Ruder
Recently and in the past, Circle of Love has been called a “cult” by some who don’t know who we are or what we do.
Cult definitions coined from 1920 onward refer to a cohesive social group and their devotional beliefs or practices, which the surrounding population considers to be outside of mainstream cultures. The surrounding population may be as small as a neighborhood or any religious group.
I guarantee we are not a cult. Never have been and never will be. Everything we do is based on the Word of God. We use only the New King James Bible here. People of Paul’s day tried to make his ministry, “The Way,” out to be something other than the Word of God.
I have often wondered why many churches in the area would not support us. Some people tell me, “They think you are a cult.”
Any Pastor or church member can come here and look over our books and see how we operate this ministry. We base it on Matthew 25:35 and John 3:3. We see lives change for the better.
This is completely a faith ministry and we trust the Lord to speak to His people in what to give. We do not take government money because of the control they have over your ministry once they get involved. We are here to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I know there are ministries in Jacksonville that get hundreds of thousands of dollars and even millions in a year. We operated Circle of Love on $54,000 last year.
Our current needs include an air conditioning man to help us here on the campus. All of our units need servicing and one needs to be rebuilt.
In His service,
Dr. Ed & Rev. Betty Ruder
Cult definitions coined from 1920 onward refer to a cohesive social group and their devotional beliefs or practices, which the surrounding population considers to be outside of mainstream cultures. The surrounding population may be as small as a neighborhood or any religious group.
I guarantee we are not a cult. Never have been and never will be. Everything we do is based on the Word of God. We use only the New King James Bible here. People of Paul’s day tried to make his ministry, “The Way,” out to be something other than the Word of God.
I have often wondered why many churches in the area would not support us. Some people tell me, “They think you are a cult.”
Any Pastor or church member can come here and look over our books and see how we operate this ministry. We base it on Matthew 25:35 and John 3:3. We see lives change for the better.
This is completely a faith ministry and we trust the Lord to speak to His people in what to give. We do not take government money because of the control they have over your ministry once they get involved. We are here to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I know there are ministries in Jacksonville that get hundreds of thousands of dollars and even millions in a year. We operated Circle of Love on $54,000 last year.
Our current needs include an air conditioning man to help us here on the campus. All of our units need servicing and one needs to be rebuilt.
In His service,
Dr. Ed & Rev. Betty Ruder
Ministry Needs
We gratefully accept any donation, whether great or small. God will credit it to your account! Our current ministry needs include:
• Prayer and monthly donors
• AC Mechanic
• Donations for septic tank repairs
• Angel hair pasta, powdered milk, vegetables (fresh, frozen, or No. 10 cans), coffee, sugar
• Personal hygiene products: deodorant, razors, soap, toothpaste, etc.
• Toilet paper & paper towels
If you can help by donating any of these items, please call 696-3105. We appreciate you. You are such a blessing to this ministry!!!
• Prayer and monthly donors
• AC Mechanic
• Donations for septic tank repairs
• Angel hair pasta, powdered milk, vegetables (fresh, frozen, or No. 10 cans), coffee, sugar
• Personal hygiene products: deodorant, razors, soap, toothpaste, etc.
• Toilet paper & paper towels
If you can help by donating any of these items, please call 696-3105. We appreciate you. You are such a blessing to this ministry!!!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
WELCOME BACK, TOM
Some time before Christmas 2008, Circle of Love Ministries was blessed to have Tom Donelan return to its staff. Tom, pictured above (from left to right) with Ministry Leaders Chris Morton and Van Pond, and cooks Steve Malachuk and Chris Cole, has become COL’s Ministry Overseer. A former COL student and staff member, he now functions as head of COL’s staff under the direction of Ed and Betty Ruder. Tom, an ordained minister, also teaches Sunday school at COL and is available to tutor residents who are studying for their GEDs or are ready to put together resumes and hone their job interviewing skills.
Tom first received Jesus as his Savior on January 6, 1990, while participating in his church’s visitation ministry. Though a church-goer, he realized that evening, after explaining the plan of salvation to a woman, that he had never actually confessed Jesus as his Lord! Well, that night he did!
Many years later, Tom’s life took a devastating turn when his fiancé killed herself. Feeling responsible, Tom plunged into depression, lost his job, and attempted suicide. The hospital he was admitted to referred him to Circle of Love Ministries where his recovery began in September 2002.
Tom says God used Ed and Betty Ruder to save his life. At COL, he received God’s forgiveness and learned to forgive himself. He renewed his relationship with the Lord, got going in the right direction again, and developed the spiritual disciplines necessary to overcome and remain on track. Eventually, Tom became a staff member and was ordained in April 2004 before leaving COL in July 2004. By then, the Lord had helped him rebuild family relationships, too.
Philippians 3:13-14 has special meaning for Tom:
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Tom desires to fully equip the men at Circle of Love so that when they leave, they’ll never have to come back. His hope is that they will come to know the Lord and develop the spiritual disciplines they need to succeed. His message to them is: Do more than the minimum. You’ll get back what you put in. If you give 100%, you’ll get 100%. In other words, you reap what you sow.
Welcome back, Tom! We appreciate your labor of love!
Tom first received Jesus as his Savior on January 6, 1990, while participating in his church’s visitation ministry. Though a church-goer, he realized that evening, after explaining the plan of salvation to a woman, that he had never actually confessed Jesus as his Lord! Well, that night he did!
Many years later, Tom’s life took a devastating turn when his fiancé killed herself. Feeling responsible, Tom plunged into depression, lost his job, and attempted suicide. The hospital he was admitted to referred him to Circle of Love Ministries where his recovery began in September 2002.
Tom says God used Ed and Betty Ruder to save his life. At COL, he received God’s forgiveness and learned to forgive himself. He renewed his relationship with the Lord, got going in the right direction again, and developed the spiritual disciplines necessary to overcome and remain on track. Eventually, Tom became a staff member and was ordained in April 2004 before leaving COL in July 2004. By then, the Lord had helped him rebuild family relationships, too.
Philippians 3:13-14 has special meaning for Tom:
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Tom desires to fully equip the men at Circle of Love so that when they leave, they’ll never have to come back. His hope is that they will come to know the Lord and develop the spiritual disciplines they need to succeed. His message to them is: Do more than the minimum. You’ll get back what you put in. If you give 100%, you’ll get 100%. In other words, you reap what you sow.
Welcome back, Tom! We appreciate your labor of love!
PRAISE REPORT
COL has received the van donation we have been praying for. Thank you, Al & Debbie Monte, for your generous gift!
From the Desk of Director E. H. Ruder
In preparing for the May 2009 newsletter, I asked Betty what we should talk about this month. She said one word: “LOVE.” I suppose that sums up what Circle of Love Ministries is all about — an unending love for God and an unending love for our brethren. Jesus put it this way:
“These things I command you, that you love one another.” (John 15:17)
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
As I read the Times Union, I don’t see much love expressed. How can people love one another when they are killing one another or robbing one another? The paper is full of hate and bitterness and contempt. We as Christians need to show love toward our fellow being. I didn’t say weakness — I said love.
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Cor. 13:1-13)
Will you help us love the unlovable and show them that God loves them and that we love them? It does not matter if we have 20 guys or 34 guys — the overhead for Circle of Love is still the same.
God bless you! Come out and see us.
In His service,
Dr. Ed & Rev. Betty Ruder
“These things I command you, that you love one another.” (John 15:17)
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
As I read the Times Union, I don’t see much love expressed. How can people love one another when they are killing one another or robbing one another? The paper is full of hate and bitterness and contempt. We as Christians need to show love toward our fellow being. I didn’t say weakness — I said love.
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Cor. 13:1-13)
Will you help us love the unlovable and show them that God loves them and that we love them? It does not matter if we have 20 guys or 34 guys — the overhead for Circle of Love is still the same.
God bless you! Come out and see us.
In His service,
Dr. Ed & Rev. Betty Ruder
Ministry Needs
We gratefully accept any donation, whether great or small. God will credit it to your account! Our current ministry needs include:
• Prayer and monthly donors
• AC Mechanic
• Electrician
• Angel hair pasta, powdered milk, vegetables (fresh, frozen, or No. 10 cans), coffee, sugar
• Personal hygiene products: deodorant, razors, soap, toothpaste, etc.
• Toilet paper & paper towels
If you can help by donating any of these items, please call 696-3105. We appreciate you. You are such a blessing to this ministry!!!
• Prayer and monthly donors
• AC Mechanic
• Electrician
• Angel hair pasta, powdered milk, vegetables (fresh, frozen, or No. 10 cans), coffee, sugar
• Personal hygiene products: deodorant, razors, soap, toothpaste, etc.
• Toilet paper & paper towels
If you can help by donating any of these items, please call 696-3105. We appreciate you. You are such a blessing to this ministry!!!
Friday, March 27, 2009
WHY A PROGRAM FOR HOMELESS MEN?
Today, advocates for the homeless seek public support by drawing attention to the number of homeless families on the streets. That is an understandable tactic, because Americans respond to social issues on the basis of sympathy for the innocent or deserving– those whose blamelessness touches the heart and who we see as unable to care for themselves, like women with children.
But the fact is that the problem of homelessness is essentially a problem of single adult men. Far more men than women, and far more single adults than families, end up homeless.
But the fact is that the problem of homelessness is essentially a problem of single adult men. Far more men than women, and far more single adults than families, end up homeless.
Out of every 1,000 homeless people in America, 100 or so are adults with children, another 100 are the children themselves, and the rest are single adults. Out of those, 80% are men; and out of those, 70% are single men. Out of all homeless people, fully 65% are single men.
Even these figures do not give the full story. Our federal welfare system aids mainly women with children. That means most of the families on the streets have either fallen through cracks in the welfare system or have not yet entered it. They will, in the end, have access to some sort of shelter and aid, while it is the single adults, most of them men, who will be left permanently on their own.
Think of the phrase "helpless as a woman." This demeans women. But it also does violence to men. It implies that a man cannot be helpless and still be a man, or that helplessness is not a male attribute, or that a woman can be helpless through no fault of her own. But if a man is helpless, it must be his fault. We have to wonder how far back such attitudes go. Think of the Bible and the first disobedience in the garden, when women were cursed with child-birth and men with labor. The same assignments hold true today.
The truth is that all are helpless apart from God. No man can save himself. Salvation belongs to the Lord.
Even these figures do not give the full story. Our federal welfare system aids mainly women with children. That means most of the families on the streets have either fallen through cracks in the welfare system or have not yet entered it. They will, in the end, have access to some sort of shelter and aid, while it is the single adults, most of them men, who will be left permanently on their own.
Think of the phrase "helpless as a woman." This demeans women. But it also does violence to men. It implies that a man cannot be helpless and still be a man, or that helplessness is not a male attribute, or that a woman can be helpless through no fault of her own. But if a man is helpless, it must be his fault. We have to wonder how far back such attitudes go. Think of the Bible and the first disobedience in the garden, when women were cursed with child-birth and men with labor. The same assignments hold true today.
The truth is that all are helpless apart from God. No man can save himself. Salvation belongs to the Lord.
From the Desk of Director E.H. Ruder
It’s a time of not knowing what tomorrow will bring, but we have confidence that God has everything under control. He said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” If we trusted Him for salvation, then we must trust him with our future. During the Great Depression, men jumped out of tall buildings to their eternal deaths because they had no assurance. Instead of trusting in Jesus as their Savior, they were trusting in their money and their money could not save them.
That’s where faith comes in. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb 11:1). Faith is trust in the unseen. It is not trust in the unknown, for we may know by faith what we cannot see with the eye. As we grow in the Lord, we need to trust Him more and more. For example, Daniel knew he had much more to do in his lifetime. No lions were going to stop him and no king was going to tell him he couldn’t pray. He was a man of faith who trusted God.
Let us draw strength from God and put our hope in His Word. If we do not believe the Bible, what good is it? For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope (Rom 15:4).
This ministry trusts God 100%. Nothing is guaranteed; not one cent. It is God’s ministry and He will take care of it. Oh believe me, my flesh gets in the way many times. I wonder how we will pay our $2,000 monthly electric bill or the $850-a-month insurance premiums, but you know what? God comes through every time! How? God speaks to men and women to give. God puts this on their hearts, and they are obedient to the Lord.
Will you pray today and ask the Lord what you can do to help the homeless? You might approach your Pastor and discuss Circle of Love, or a Bible school class in your church might be looking for a project to do. There are many ways to help. Please call us at 696-2355. We would love to have you participate in God’s work here.
In His service (an unending “circle of love”),
Dr. E.H. & Rev. Betty Ruder
That’s where faith comes in. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb 11:1). Faith is trust in the unseen. It is not trust in the unknown, for we may know by faith what we cannot see with the eye. As we grow in the Lord, we need to trust Him more and more. For example, Daniel knew he had much more to do in his lifetime. No lions were going to stop him and no king was going to tell him he couldn’t pray. He was a man of faith who trusted God.
Let us draw strength from God and put our hope in His Word. If we do not believe the Bible, what good is it? For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope (Rom 15:4).
This ministry trusts God 100%. Nothing is guaranteed; not one cent. It is God’s ministry and He will take care of it. Oh believe me, my flesh gets in the way many times. I wonder how we will pay our $2,000 monthly electric bill or the $850-a-month insurance premiums, but you know what? God comes through every time! How? God speaks to men and women to give. God puts this on their hearts, and they are obedient to the Lord.
Will you pray today and ask the Lord what you can do to help the homeless? You might approach your Pastor and discuss Circle of Love, or a Bible school class in your church might be looking for a project to do. There are many ways to help. Please call us at 696-2355. We would love to have you participate in God’s work here.
In His service (an unending “circle of love”),
Dr. E.H. & Rev. Betty Ruder
Ministry Needs
We gratefully accept any donation, whether great or small. God will credit it to your account! Our current ministry needs include:
· Prayer and monthly donors
· Ministry work van
· AC Mechanic
· Electrician
· Angel hair pasta, powdered milk, vegetables
· Personal hygiene products: deodorant, razors, soap, toothpaste, etc.
· Toilet paper & paper towels
If you can help by donating any of these items, please call 696-3105. We appreciate you. You are such a blessing to this ministry!!!
· Prayer and monthly donors
· Ministry work van
· AC Mechanic
· Electrician
· Angel hair pasta, powdered milk, vegetables
· Personal hygiene products: deodorant, razors, soap, toothpaste, etc.
· Toilet paper & paper towels
If you can help by donating any of these items, please call 696-3105. We appreciate you. You are such a blessing to this ministry!!!
Monday, March 09, 2009
BIBLICAL STUDIES PROGRAM GRADUATION
On Sunday, February 22nd, Circle of Love Ministries honored seven men who completed a phase of the ministry’s Biblical Studies Program. Shown above (from left to right) with Pastor Ruder are graduates Dale Edwards (Phase 1), Cedric Maddox (Phase 2), Ernest E. Wustenburg (Phase 1), James Kinsey, Jr. (Phase 3), John ‘Doc’ Carpenter (Phase 4), Lorenzo Scott Knight (Phase 1), and John S. P. Callicott (Phase 4). These men have worked diligently to show themselves approved of the Lord. Congratulations to you all!
Kids Can Help COL
Hey kids! Have you ever seen a homeless man on the street and wondered who he was and how you could help him? Circle of Love Ministries helps homeless men by giving them a place to stay, providing clean clothes for them to wear, feeding them three meals a day, and teaching them about Jesus.
Here are some ways YOU can help:
· Write "Spare Change” on a can and take it to church on Sunday morning. Ask people to put their spare change in the can to help the homeless. Send the money you collect to COL.
· A group of preschool kids could help their mothers plan and serve a meal at COL.
· An elementary school class could make up "Care Bags" with soap, shampoo, combs, and toothbrushes, etc. for the men at COL. You can even enclose a personal note!
· A group of kids could throw a "Holiday Party" for the men at COL.
· Collect food for COL by making a sign that says "Will Work for Food." Take the sign to church and offer to run errands or do chores for people in exchange for canned goods.
· Be creative! Maybe your Scout Troop or Youth Group could think of a way to help COL by raising funds, serving, or just "being nice."
Please call us at 696-3105 to let us know how you’d like to help. God will bless YOU!
Here are some ways YOU can help:
· Write "Spare Change” on a can and take it to church on Sunday morning. Ask people to put their spare change in the can to help the homeless. Send the money you collect to COL.
· A group of preschool kids could help their mothers plan and serve a meal at COL.
· An elementary school class could make up "Care Bags" with soap, shampoo, combs, and toothbrushes, etc. for the men at COL. You can even enclose a personal note!
· A group of kids could throw a "Holiday Party" for the men at COL.
· Collect food for COL by making a sign that says "Will Work for Food." Take the sign to church and offer to run errands or do chores for people in exchange for canned goods.
· Be creative! Maybe your Scout Troop or Youth Group could think of a way to help COL by raising funds, serving, or just "being nice."
Please call us at 696-3105 to let us know how you’d like to help. God will bless YOU!
THE DIRECTOR'S DESK by E. H. Ruder
Dear Friends & Supporters,
On March 3rd Betty and I will celebrate 30 years of marriage, most of which has been in the ministry. We were married in 1979 and founded Circle of Love Ministries in 1981.
It all started when I said, “Send me, Lord. I am ready to go to the mission field.” We lived in Arlington at the time. God heard my prayer. He sent us across the Matthew’s Bridge into Springfield, and we have been at it ever since.
Some of you have asked what I did before the ministry. The other day, I ran across an article that was written 30 years ago that describes much of what I was up to. It’s reprinted on the following page.
My memories of ministering to the homeless go back to when I was about 4 years old. My family lived in the country, outside of Coldwater, Michigan. There was a train track behind our farm, and hobos would jump off the train and come to our door to get something to eat. My mother would cook them bacon, eggs and toast and send the food out to the barn.
I never forgot that act of kindness on my mother’s part. Later, while still young, I messed up my back in a tractor accident and added to the injury by falling down some basement steps while working on a job. It was then that I began to reach out to hurting people to fulfill their needs. When I was a young married man with small children, my wife and I would bring people who had no place to go into our home.
Betty and I will continue to do what God has called us to do until He takes us home. As of this writing, we are expecting two more men this afternoon at Circle of Love, which will bring our total to 32. We appreciate your help in fulfilling the call of God to help these men find Jesus and discover His plan for their lives.
In His service,
Ed & Betty Ruder
On March 3rd Betty and I will celebrate 30 years of marriage, most of which has been in the ministry. We were married in 1979 and founded Circle of Love Ministries in 1981.
It all started when I said, “Send me, Lord. I am ready to go to the mission field.” We lived in Arlington at the time. God heard my prayer. He sent us across the Matthew’s Bridge into Springfield, and we have been at it ever since.
Some of you have asked what I did before the ministry. The other day, I ran across an article that was written 30 years ago that describes much of what I was up to. It’s reprinted on the following page.
My memories of ministering to the homeless go back to when I was about 4 years old. My family lived in the country, outside of Coldwater, Michigan. There was a train track behind our farm, and hobos would jump off the train and come to our door to get something to eat. My mother would cook them bacon, eggs and toast and send the food out to the barn.
I never forgot that act of kindness on my mother’s part. Later, while still young, I messed up my back in a tractor accident and added to the injury by falling down some basement steps while working on a job. It was then that I began to reach out to hurting people to fulfill their needs. When I was a young married man with small children, my wife and I would bring people who had no place to go into our home.
Betty and I will continue to do what God has called us to do until He takes us home. As of this writing, we are expecting two more men this afternoon at Circle of Love, which will bring our total to 32. We appreciate your help in fulfilling the call of God to help these men find Jesus and discover His plan for their lives.
In His service,
Ed & Betty Ruder
Arthur Mathews was down on his luck, behind in paying bills, unable to work because of a heart condition and cataracts in both eyes. Federal aid was delayed while papers were processed. Meanwhile, his electricity and water were turned off. He became confused and depressed. Who would help?
Gladys Rigby, confined to a wheelchair, survives on a limited income. She needs transportation to the doctor, pharmacy and food stamp office. Often there is no food in her house. Who would help?
The answer is Ed Ruder. Since becoming a volunteer with HRS Specialized Family Services in Jacksonville, the 36-year-old father of four has assisted a wide variety of clients.
Himself partially disabled due to a back injury, Ruder works part-time five days a week with HRS, performing the duties of a volunteer social work assistant: taking people such as Ms. Rigby to medical appointments when Medicaid is unable to pay transportation costs, serving clients all hours of the day and night, including attending movies with lonely individuals such as Mr. Mathews, whom Ruder helped receive emergency city welfare. He also delivers holiday food baskets to the needy at Thanksgiving and Christmas, takes elderly shut-ins out to the Jacksonville Little Theatre, and chaperones underprivileged youngsters at the Shrine Circus. He even has recruited other volunteers.
Ed Ruder 1979 – “Mr. Helpful”
Social Worker Robert Roche noted, "Ed doesn't just cart people around. He has contacts and friends in the community and approaches them to get needed goods and services for his clients. He is truly a friend to the clients he helps."
By Fred Phillips
Phillips is volunteer services coordinator, Client Support Services, HRS District Four. Client names have been changed in this story.
The preceding article was taken in its entirety from ACCESS, Vol. II, No. 4, Feb/Mar 1979.
Gladys Rigby, confined to a wheelchair, survives on a limited income. She needs transportation to the doctor, pharmacy and food stamp office. Often there is no food in her house. Who would help?
The answer is Ed Ruder. Since becoming a volunteer with HRS Specialized Family Services in Jacksonville, the 36-year-old father of four has assisted a wide variety of clients.
Himself partially disabled due to a back injury, Ruder works part-time five days a week with HRS, performing the duties of a volunteer social work assistant: taking people such as Ms. Rigby to medical appointments when Medicaid is unable to pay transportation costs, serving clients all hours of the day and night, including attending movies with lonely individuals such as Mr. Mathews, whom Ruder helped receive emergency city welfare. He also delivers holiday food baskets to the needy at Thanksgiving and Christmas, takes elderly shut-ins out to the Jacksonville Little Theatre, and chaperones underprivileged youngsters at the Shrine Circus. He even has recruited other volunteers.
Ed Ruder 1979 – “Mr. Helpful”
Social Worker Robert Roche noted, "Ed doesn't just cart people around. He has contacts and friends in the community and approaches them to get needed goods and services for his clients. He is truly a friend to the clients he helps."
By Fred Phillips
Phillips is volunteer services coordinator, Client Support Services, HRS District Four. Client names have been changed in this story.
The preceding article was taken in its entirety from ACCESS, Vol. II, No. 4, Feb/Mar 1979.
The Apostle Paul urged the Corinthians to "follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1). Pastor Ruder would like to challenge you to follow his example by making service to "the least of these" a part of your life. Please call him at the COL Parsonage 696-2355 or email him at drehruder@bellsouth.net.
“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” (Matthew 25:37-41 NKJV)
“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” (Matthew 25:37-41 NKJV)
Ministry Needs
We gratefully accept any donation, whether great or small. God will credit it to your account!
Our electric bill is our single, highest monthly expense, even though we make every effort to conserve energy. Any extra money you can give toward that obligation would be great! Other ministry needs include:
· Insulation for shelter upstairs
· Work van
· Spaghetti & pasta
· Paper towels, toilet paper, napkins
· Personal hygiene products: deodorant, razors, soap, toothpaste, etc.
· Paper, pens, spiral notebooks
If you can help by donating any of these items, please call 696-3105. We appreciate you. You are such a blessing to this ministry!!!
Our electric bill is our single, highest monthly expense, even though we make every effort to conserve energy. Any extra money you can give toward that obligation would be great! Other ministry needs include:
· Insulation for shelter upstairs
· Work van
· Spaghetti & pasta
· Paper towels, toilet paper, napkins
· Personal hygiene products: deodorant, razors, soap, toothpaste, etc.
· Paper, pens, spiral notebooks
If you can help by donating any of these items, please call 696-3105. We appreciate you. You are such a blessing to this ministry!!!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
CHRISTMAS DAY 2008 CELEBRATION!
On Christmas Day, COL residents feasted on a delicious meal of turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, macaroni & cheese, field peas, green beans, corn, and cranberry jelly. Dessert included all types of pie, cake, and pudding. On Christmas morning, volunteers of all ages from various churches (Northside Presbyterian, Fellowship of Believers, Normandy Heights Baptist, The Chapel at Jacksonville) gathered to assist COL Ministry Leader, Van Pond, in preparing and serving Christmas Dinner. After dinner, Becky Gresch and Eric Lampe led the students in a Bible trivia game. What a blast!
COL RESIDENTS RECEIVE YOUR GENEROUS GIFTS
On Wednesday evening, December 24th, COL residents, staff, and friends enjoyed a Christmas Eve party in the student lounge. Board members D. A. Lampe and Carol Watkins helped the Ruders hand out presents. Others attending included Mrs. Lampe’s husband, Eric, and her two sons, Matthew and Nathan, as well as Mrs. Watkins’ mother, Jean, and her grandson, Israel. After opening gifts, everyone sang Christmas carols and enjoyed refreshments in the dining hall. A great time was had by all, and the men so appreciated the gifts that were donated by COL supporters. Thank you for your generosity!
From the Desk of Director E.H. Ruder
With the holidays over, we’re now about the business of this new year. First, we’d like to express our appreciation to every one of you who made Christmas 2008 at Circle of Love a special event that the guys here will never forget. The residents were very thankful for the gifts received on Christmas Eve as well as the delicious meal served on Christmas Day. To the many individuals and churches that were involved, we want to say THANK YOU for allowing the Spirit to shine through you. God will never forget your labor of love!
We are working on tax receipts for your 2008 contributions and should have them to you shortly. Because of your generous gifts, we have managed to pay all but two expense obligations for last year. We are working on those and are confident that with your help we’ll be in the black in 2009. GLORY BE TO GOD!
We still plan to develop a career center. Rome wasn’t built in a day. We will continue to hold fast to that vision and wait for the Lord’s provision.
For our current operation, we need a good air conditioning man who can service all of our units and have them ready for summer. We’re also looking for an electrician willing to rewire our parsonage. Our work van bit the dust last year and we still haven’t been able to replace it. We’ve been using our passenger van for pick-ups five days a week. Gas prices coming down sure helped; I just pray they don’t go back up.
It’s a wonderful thing to see a man come off of alcohol or drugs and become a brand new person, free from the influence. Alcoholism affects the mind and causes people to do and say things they normally wouldn’t. Drug addiction makes men unpredictable; they lie, cheat, and steal to get a fix, and you can’t trust them. We thank God that Jesus came to set the captives free! That’s what He is doing through this ministry. With your help, we are touching lives in this city and men are being saved.
Pastors, we’d love to meet with you and share the details of what God is doing at COL. Church members, please ask your pastor if we can come and make a presentation about the work of God in this place.
In His service,
Dr. Ed & Rev. Betty Ruder
We are working on tax receipts for your 2008 contributions and should have them to you shortly. Because of your generous gifts, we have managed to pay all but two expense obligations for last year. We are working on those and are confident that with your help we’ll be in the black in 2009. GLORY BE TO GOD!
We still plan to develop a career center. Rome wasn’t built in a day. We will continue to hold fast to that vision and wait for the Lord’s provision.
For our current operation, we need a good air conditioning man who can service all of our units and have them ready for summer. We’re also looking for an electrician willing to rewire our parsonage. Our work van bit the dust last year and we still haven’t been able to replace it. We’ve been using our passenger van for pick-ups five days a week. Gas prices coming down sure helped; I just pray they don’t go back up.
It’s a wonderful thing to see a man come off of alcohol or drugs and become a brand new person, free from the influence. Alcoholism affects the mind and causes people to do and say things they normally wouldn’t. Drug addiction makes men unpredictable; they lie, cheat, and steal to get a fix, and you can’t trust them. We thank God that Jesus came to set the captives free! That’s what He is doing through this ministry. With your help, we are touching lives in this city and men are being saved.
Pastors, we’d love to meet with you and share the details of what God is doing at COL. Church members, please ask your pastor if we can come and make a presentation about the work of God in this place.
In His service,
Dr. Ed & Rev. Betty Ruder
MINISTRY NEEDS
We gratefully accept any donation, whether great or small. God will credit it to your account! Our current ministry needs include:
· Prayer and monthly donors
· Ministry work van
· AC Mechanic
· Electrician
· Angel hair pasta, powdered milk, vegetables
· Personal hygiene products: deodorant, razors, soap, toothpaste, etc.
· Toilet paper & paper towels
If you can help by donating any of these items, please call 696-3105. We appreciate you. You are such a blessing to this ministry!!!
· Prayer and monthly donors
· Ministry work van
· AC Mechanic
· Electrician
· Angel hair pasta, powdered milk, vegetables
· Personal hygiene products: deodorant, razors, soap, toothpaste, etc.
· Toilet paper & paper towels
If you can help by donating any of these items, please call 696-3105. We appreciate you. You are such a blessing to this ministry!!!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
THANKSGIVING 2008 CELEBRATION
Thanksgiving Day, November 27th, COL residents feasted on a delicious meal of turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potato casserole, green beans, corn, deviled eggs and cranberry jelly. Dessert included all types of pie—pumpkin, pecan, apple, blueberry, peach, and cherry. Much of the food had been supplied beforehand by members of Vision Baptist Church. On Thanksgiving morning, volunteers of all ages from various churches (Northside Presbyterian, Fellowship of Believers, Normandy Heights Baptist, The Chapel at Jacksonville) gathered to assist COL Ministry Leader, Van Pond, in preparing and serving the fare. Flutist Melanie Davis played beautiful dinner music. Everyone had a wonderful time in the Lord and much to be thankful for!
Biomet Employees Surprise COL
On Friday evening, December 19th, COL residents, staff and friends witnessed Biomet Microfixation President Adam Johnson surprise Dr. Ed Ruder with a donation of over $2,400. The gift represented months of fundraising activity by Biomet employees who have truly learned the meaning of our Lord’s words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
In 2007, Biomet employees began giving back to the community around them. Instead of receiving turkeys or hams from the company at Christmastime, they raise money for local charities and needy families. Employees form 10- to 12-man teams and compete to see which team can raise the most money. Each team chooses its own charity and raises money through bake sales, car washes, talent shows, barbeques, and various other means. This year, company employees raised over $21,000.
Steve Zemke and wife Tami were largely responsible for COL’s blessing. Steve has been teaching a Bible study at COL on Friday nights. His wife Tami promoted the ministry as a worthy cause to her team, whose members worked hard to raise money on COL’s behalf.
Biomet Microfixation manufactures craniomaxillofacial products and is headquartered in Jacksonville near the airport. For more information, visit www.biometmicrofixation.com.
THANK YOU Biomet Microfixation employees for working so hard for COL and other local charities. You are a blessing!
In 2007, Biomet employees began giving back to the community around them. Instead of receiving turkeys or hams from the company at Christmastime, they raise money for local charities and needy families. Employees form 10- to 12-man teams and compete to see which team can raise the most money. Each team chooses its own charity and raises money through bake sales, car washes, talent shows, barbeques, and various other means. This year, company employees raised over $21,000.
Steve Zemke and wife Tami were largely responsible for COL’s blessing. Steve has been teaching a Bible study at COL on Friday nights. His wife Tami promoted the ministry as a worthy cause to her team, whose members worked hard to raise money on COL’s behalf.
Biomet Microfixation manufactures craniomaxillofacial products and is headquartered in Jacksonville near the airport. For more information, visit www.biometmicrofixation.com.
THANK YOU Biomet Microfixation employees for working so hard for COL and other local charities. You are a blessing!
From the Desk of Director E.H. Ruder
Can you believe we are in 2009 already? I have said it before and will say it again: I think time is moving faster. You know, time doesn’t exist in heaven. But while we are still here on earth, we must deal with time. And as I look at my watch, it’s time to get busy!
I believe we as Christians are in a time of preparation—a time to get ready for the rapture of the church and for the second coming of Christ. You might ask, what can we do? We can have a closer, more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, we can learn to have more compassion for others, and we can spend more time in prayer. Our goal for 2009 is to reach as many people with the good news as possible. As the Lord leads, we will follow.
At present, our shelter houses about 30 guys, all hungry for the Word of God. Two men who received ministry licenses from COL have returned to the ministry to share and teach.
Our bare-bones budget for 2009 is about $60,000. That’s just running expenses, no extras or funds for ministry development. I know the world is at an economic standstill. But thank God, His economy is not of the world! Remember what He says, “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:37-39). God wants to pour out a blessing that you cannot contain, and He will do so as you give into His Kingdom!
Will you commit yourself this year to helping the homeless through Circle of Love Ministries? We would appreciate your partnership so very much! Together, we can make a difference.
May God’s peace and prosperity be yours in 2009!
In His service,
Dr. E.H. & Rev. Betty Ruder
I believe we as Christians are in a time of preparation—a time to get ready for the rapture of the church and for the second coming of Christ. You might ask, what can we do? We can have a closer, more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, we can learn to have more compassion for others, and we can spend more time in prayer. Our goal for 2009 is to reach as many people with the good news as possible. As the Lord leads, we will follow.
At present, our shelter houses about 30 guys, all hungry for the Word of God. Two men who received ministry licenses from COL have returned to the ministry to share and teach.
Our bare-bones budget for 2009 is about $60,000. That’s just running expenses, no extras or funds for ministry development. I know the world is at an economic standstill. But thank God, His economy is not of the world! Remember what He says, “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:37-39). God wants to pour out a blessing that you cannot contain, and He will do so as you give into His Kingdom!
Will you commit yourself this year to helping the homeless through Circle of Love Ministries? We would appreciate your partnership so very much! Together, we can make a difference.
May God’s peace and prosperity be yours in 2009!
In His service,
Dr. E.H. & Rev. Betty Ruder
MINISTRY NEEDS
We gratefully accept any donation, whether great or small. God will credit it to your account! Our current ministry needs include:
· Prayer!!!
· Ministry work van
· AC Mechanic
· Electrician
· Pasta
· Personal hygiene products: deodorant, razors, soap, toothpaste, etc.
· Toilet paper & paper towels
If you can help by donating any of these items, please call 696-3105. We appreciate you. You are such a blessing to this ministry!!!
· Prayer!!!
· Ministry work van
· AC Mechanic
· Electrician
· Pasta
· Personal hygiene products: deodorant, razors, soap, toothpaste, etc.
· Toilet paper & paper towels
If you can help by donating any of these items, please call 696-3105. We appreciate you. You are such a blessing to this ministry!!!
BIBLICAL STUDIES PROGRAM GRADUATION
On Sunday, November 9th, Circle of Love Ministries honored seven men who completed a phase of the ministry’s Biblical Studies Program. Shown above (from left to right) with Pastor Ruder are graduates Cedric Maddox (Phase 1), Jerome Belizaire (Phase 1), James Kinsey (Phase 1), Greg Smith (Phase 1), Roger Ford (Phase 2), Floyd Scoble (Phase 1), and John Callicott (Phase 3). David Bruce, pictured below with Pastor Ruder, received his Phase 4 certificate on Sunday, November 23rd. These men have worked hard to show themselves approved of the Lord. Congratulations to you all!
Switzerland Community Church Blesses COL
Switzerland Community Church, long-time supporter of Circle of Love Ministries, hosted the staff, board of directors, and residents of COL at their 8:30 and 11 am services on Sunday, November 16th. Pastor Ed preached on the problems and solutions of homelessness, taking his scripture texts from Isaiah 58 and Matthew 25. COL residents Floyd Scoble and Greg Smith testified to the goodness of God in their lives, as did John Callicott, who also ministered two of his original musical compositions. The congregation of SCC presented COL with a variety of much-needed items including cash, canned goods, clothes, office supplies, household paper goods, and toiletries. After church, everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner and time of fellowship. It was awesome!
From all of us at COL, to everyone at Switzerland Community Church who worked so hard to make this special day a reality, THANK YOU! You blessed us mightily!
From all of us at COL, to everyone at Switzerland Community Church who worked so hard to make this special day a reality, THANK YOU! You blessed us mightily!
From the Desk of Director E.H. Ruder
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." (Matt 1:23 23)
Shall we put Jesus back into Christmas, celebrate the birth of Immanuel, and make it the holy day that it was intended to be? We need to get back to the Bible and pray for this country that we live in, that we will once again be a Christian nation as we were at the founding. Let every family start the day off by prayer and studying the scriptures.
Remember what Jesus said in the Book of Revelation: But hold fast what you have till I come. And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations— (Rev 2:25-26)
This is all about Christianity and following what the Word of God says. It is not a popularity contest, making hopeless promises, but rather, making a stand for what is right. Heb. 3:6 tells us “…Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.” Our hope is in Christ! We have nothing to worry about as long as we keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
Here at Circle of Love, we will continue to preach the gospel and we will continue to be obedient to the calling. It makes my heart glad to see success in a man’s life in fulfillment of scripture: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation… (2 Cor. 5:17-18)
It’s your support that keeps this ministry going, and we appreciate you so much. If your church would like to bless a COL resident worker with a little pocket change, please designate your donation to the position. God bless each and every one of you!
In His service,
Dr. Ed & Rev. Betty Ruder
Shall we put Jesus back into Christmas, celebrate the birth of Immanuel, and make it the holy day that it was intended to be? We need to get back to the Bible and pray for this country that we live in, that we will once again be a Christian nation as we were at the founding. Let every family start the day off by prayer and studying the scriptures.
Remember what Jesus said in the Book of Revelation: But hold fast what you have till I come. And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations— (Rev 2:25-26)
This is all about Christianity and following what the Word of God says. It is not a popularity contest, making hopeless promises, but rather, making a stand for what is right. Heb. 3:6 tells us “…Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.” Our hope is in Christ! We have nothing to worry about as long as we keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
Here at Circle of Love, we will continue to preach the gospel and we will continue to be obedient to the calling. It makes my heart glad to see success in a man’s life in fulfillment of scripture: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation… (2 Cor. 5:17-18)
It’s your support that keeps this ministry going, and we appreciate you so much. If your church would like to bless a COL resident worker with a little pocket change, please designate your donation to the position. God bless each and every one of you!
In His service,
Dr. Ed & Rev. Betty Ruder
MINISTRY NEEDS
We gratefully accept any donation, whether great or small. God will credit it to your account! Our current ministry needs include:
· Christmas gifts for 30 men (Please call Betty Ruder @ 696-2355.)
· Cash for overdue bills
· Cereal, coffee, creamer
· Spaghetti sauce & pasta
· Personal hygiene products: deodorant, razors, soap, toothpaste, etc.
· Toilet paper & paper towels
If you can help by donating any of these items, please call 696-3105. We appreciate you. You are such a blessing to this ministry!!!
· Christmas gifts for 30 men (Please call Betty Ruder @ 696-2355.)
· Cash for overdue bills
· Cereal, coffee, creamer
· Spaghetti sauce & pasta
· Personal hygiene products: deodorant, razors, soap, toothpaste, etc.
· Toilet paper & paper towels
If you can help by donating any of these items, please call 696-3105. We appreciate you. You are such a blessing to this ministry!!!
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