CEM’s 2014 Calendar of Events

April 20—Easter Sunrise Service and BrunchMay 3—Spring Work Day

May 31—Graduation and CelebrationJune 27-30—Family Camp

July 25-26—24-Hour Agony Bicycle RideOctober 18—Autumn Work Day

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDGRASS VALLEY, CA

PERMIT NO. 60

Christian Encounter MinistriesPO Box 1022Grass Valley, CA 95945CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Tending Lives…Training Leaders

Christian Encounter MinistriesJanuary 2014

Since 1970

Contact us at:www.ChristianEncounter.orgcem@ChristianEncounter.org

530-268-0877

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Christian Encounter Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational, residential program helping 16- to 25-year-olds by providing love, spiritual guidance, high school education, counseling, and 24-hour supervision. Internships are offered to qualifying upper level college students and graduates.

An Honor to Serve, the Glory is Hisby Mike Petrillo

“This old house is falling down, but our new house will never wear out.” (Paraphrase of II Cor. 5:1)“I found some evidence of dry rot, termites, weather damage, and poor maintenance.” (Inspection report)

Those were my first two thoughts when I sat down to write this letter of retirement from CEM. Human condition and God’s eternal promises. Reality. Time. Pass the baton well. That’s the quick summary of many months of contemplation.

But what an honor to serve Christian Encounter Ministries these past 35 years! I have few words that could describe my humble thanks to God for allowing me to be a part of His work at CEM. When I was selected as a staff counselor in 1978, I knew the Lord had led Susie and me into an amazing adventure of faith. When I became the interim director in 1994, I expected only a brief stint in the leadership position handled previously by Paul Cecil and Jim Parker. These two men of action and power left me an unachievable goal—follow them.

In the first days of that challenge I was faced with another unexpected hurdle. Just a week after beginning in the director’s role I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I knew from that first week that I would have to rely completely on God for strength in weakness. The Lord, of course, is utterly dependable. For each of these 20 years as Director He has provided. He has led us through difficult times. He has given victory and hope to those who need it most, and continuously reminded us of His love and grace and kindness along the way. Though the old house squeaks and creaks and now makes odd snapping noises, God’s grace is, and always will be, sufficient.

God’s grace arrived, throughout these three and half decades, through a team of coworkers who shared the burdens and responsibilities of Christian Encounter Ministries with me. I wish each of them the greatest of God’s gifts for blessing me so frequently and so deeply. I needed their assistance every single day. Alongside the staff have been interns of outstanding quality, men and women who are now towers of strength and faith in the Body of Christ. They are a mighty source of inspiration to me.

The center points of Christian Encounter Ministries are the students. The hundreds of students that Jesus brought to an encounter with Him here at CEM are the reason for our existence. The calling upon the CEM founders was to provide a place for their healing. The Lord loved them through the front entrance to the Ranch, His arms of love waiting for each one. Jesus healed, called, redeemed and brought many into His family. What a testimony! Praise God for each of you.

Finally, I am confident that God will add much more in the future to what He has been doing at Christian Encounter Ministries since 1970. It is indeed His work, His idea, His family, and He is very great indeed. Unfortunately, my health does not permit me to continue adequately addressing the demands of the position. This has been a difficult reality to face. Therefore, 2014 will be my final full year as Director of CEM. The next thirteen months (through Jan. 31, 2015) are intended to provide sufficient time to organize a transition team of Board members, CEM staff, and advisory persons. I am confident that the current Board of Directors, along with the staff team, are well-equipped to carry the transition into new leadership. The privilege of serving as a counselor and then as CEM Director is so much more than I ever imagined or deserved. I am deeply thankful to God for arranging His grace so beautifully in my life that I would encounter it fully right here. The momentary afflictions are indeed minor inconveniences.

The foundations of CEM are being strengthened so that it may continue to serve as the Lord designs. I know that God enjoys the healing of lives that He accomplishes at CEM. I know that He rejoices over those who follow His calling into ministry. I long to hear His joy expressed as young disciples of Jesus follow Him. Will you be praying with me, as we watch together God’s purposes fulfilled? May the Lord enjoy Christian Encounter Ministries.

Thank you to everyone who supports CEM sacrificially. May God provide abundantly for you. May His fellowship fill the hearts of those who pray for us. We will continue to work excitedly for our wonderful Savior with the strength and might that He provides. His power is made perfect in weakness!

May His Word speed on in triumph.

CEM staff—answering the Lord’s call.