GREETINGS TO EVERYONE -- SUMMER, 2009

Needless to say, we have been busy to say the least. We are in the process of developing a newsletter to keep everyone informed, not just those who have access to a computor. Our Executive Director continues to work locally as this ministry continues to grow, particularly in the areas of counseling, e-counseling and spiritual direction he is providing, regardless of where he's traveling or what he is doing. After teaching a Bible Study in Florida, he has now been given access to the Florida State Prison system and plans to contact the other 19 sites to see if he can be of any asssitance there, plus he continues to visit and speak at retirement communities, caring for those in transition, visiting people throughout the eastern United States who are in crisis, while continuing to work on his PhD.

We have also been making a concerted effort to introduce the members of our Board of Advisors to one another, which has been a very enriching time, along with introducing them to our Board of Directors, with a goal of possibly gathering together for a retreat at some time in the future. With a number of exciting developments, we felt it was necessary that members of both of our boards begin getting to know one another, so we can better accomplish the task that God has laid before us. We look forward to sharing these developments with you in our newsletter and on this web site. Thank you for your patience as we continue to secure the necessary people to communicate more broadly with you in the future.

REFLECTION ON THE SEASON FROM OUR DIRECTOR -- January 1, 2009

I hope you had a blessed holiday season. Each year we are reminded in O Little Town of Bethlehem that in Christ "the hopes and fears of all the years were met in Thee this night." But, what about the hopes and fears that still remain that haven't been met? Some had hoped and prayed that this would be the year our families would draw closer together and would begin to provide some healing in our lives. Others had hoped and prayed we could have given more to our children, but due to the economy we just didn't have enough money.  Still others hoped and prayed that a loved one or friend would draw closer to God, due to the inspiration this season can create by itself, but, for whatever reason, this didn't happen either. If any of us fall into these or in any similar categories, allow me to offer something from the story about The Three Wise Men, which, hopefully, will help put this into perspective for us.

There are quite a number of interpretations on the significance of the gifts brought to the Christ Child. (Matthew 2:11) Individually, all we know with any degree of certainty is they were of great value, but years ago, I began to wonder what they collectively might mean. After a period of prayer and reflection, I came to the realization these gifts represented the best they had to offer the Christ Child. As we apply this to our lives, this is all God expects of us--in any given situation--is simply to offer and give our best.

Along with others, if you are discouraged that your "hopes and fears of all these years" have still yet to be met, simply continue to do your best--just like the Wise Men before you--and offer them into His hands, "who is faithful to all His promises." (Psalm 145:13b)   As the first verse of a contemporary song puts it, "In His time, in His time. He makes all things beautiful in His time. Lord, please show me ev'ry day, as you're teaching me you way, that you do just what you say in your time."

AN IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT OUR MINISTRY -- December 1, 2008

Our Ministries page indicates that Mark, our Executive Director, is available for preaching, teaching, retreats and camp meetings, but CRM functions differently than some para-church or missionary organizations in these settings. Although planned giving and development is critical to any ministry, when we're extended an invitation most often our purpose isn't to solicit donations. Unless a church or a group specifically wants us to introduce CRM for this purpose, or they are financially supporting us and would like a progress report, this part of our ministry is based solely on the needs of others, not ours. Hudson Taylor summarizes this for CRM: "God's work, done in God's way, will have God's supply."

A GLIMPSE INTO A CARING HEART -- November 20, 2008

Lynn, our Executive Director's wife, is not officially associated with this organization. CRM made this decision at its inception "to avoid even the hint of impropriety." A family member on the BOD or BOA can appear, although unattended, to lessen its integrity. But, she exemplifies one of the simple ways CRM does assist those in crisis and transition, helping others, one person at a time.

She knows someone who's experiencing a major transition as they prepare to leave the Harrisburg area. Due to circumstances beyond this person's control, they are not not well liked and few have visited to say goodbye. One day Lynn went to see how things were going and this person was so deeply moved that she began weeping that someone had simply the time to express their concern. As this person regained their composure she said, "I know your husband's a pastor, but you are a woman of God.

1 Peter 3:4 describes Lynn so well. What has been nurtured in her life from an early age is centered in her "inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."

Although Lynn is not officially connected with CRM, her "inner self" remains a integral part of it.

MARK, OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RETURNS FROM NOVA SCOTIA --October 30, 2008

We wanted to update you that we've now spent a total of six weeks over the last two and a half years--on three separate occasions--exploring the possibility of creating a small counseling center in Nova Scotia.

If you're not aware of this effort, click the Vision page. Each time we've stayed in a different location. Some significant developments occurred the first two trips, but I wasn't quite sure this last trip.

We stayed in a cabin out in the woods this time. A little less than a week after we got there, I went to talk with the man who owns the place. When we had arrived, he told us that we could come and gather the remaining vegetables that were left to harvest. One morning Lynn went to the garden, talked with him shortly, and, he nonchalantly mentioned that he had built the cabins on his property.

When I went to thank him for the vegetables, we talked about how busy people are these days. Although he has walking trails all over the 200 acres of woods he owns, he told me the vast majority of people who visit there leave early and don’t return until late at night, but he said he noticed that we didn’t go anywhere for quiet a few days. Of course, if you're there, you have to drive the Cabot Trail and experience the unique beauty of Cape Breton. However, where one goes, we need to take some time for ourselves. I told him I was from the south and lived on the mountainous slopes of the KY River and a number of other places in the country to which he said, “ you don’t have problems slowing down, do ya?” We talked for two hours.

In the course of our conversation, he asked me what I did and I introduced the overall ministry of CRM, in addition to our effort to explore the possibility of building a small counseling center about an hour away. As the Vision page indicates, we've been able to identify the two areas of need that emerged when the steel industry collapsed at the same time the fishing industry was decimated about 10 years ago. He seemed interested in what we were trying to do, so I gave him one of our cards. To be honest with you, I didn’t think we had accomplished as much on this last trip, but the man must have spent some time reading our web site over the next week.

When I returned the keys and we were about to leave, the last thing the owner said to me was that "if you ever need any help with anything you’re trying to do up here, let me know.” Obviously, if this vision is going to materialize and it would be more economical to build than to rent, we would need a carpenter to make it happen. Upon reflection, all of us have experienced those times when it appears we didn’t make much progress on something we wanted to accomplished, but, who knows, perhaps the Master Carpenter nailed two pieces of that vision together that day as only He could providentially do.

Another group, on the other hand, perhaps an organization indigenous to the area, would be better skilled to facilitate this project. The door into Bithynia does not always open for us, does it? (Acts 16:7) But, if this is the case, we are at peace about this, for we have initially fulfilled one of the responsibilities associated with this vision by identifying and reminding the folks who live there, along with the local and regional governments about the various problems that exist in this region. Whatever the Lord’s good and perfect will is for this potential part of our ministry, we will remain waiting, yielded and still. As John Milton put it: “He also serves who only stands and waits.”

TEACHING OPPORTUNTIES AVAILABLE --

Our Executive Director continues to teach, another very important ministry of CRM. Click here to view a sampling of the Topics Mark has taught over the years.

A PERSPECTIVE ON THE ECONOMY FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR -- October 10, 2008

This has been a difficult week for all of us emotionally. The anxiety, and even the panic in some cases, has entrenched itself into the hearts of many. I want you to know that I am no expert on the economy, but I would like to offer a point of view that some have found helpful during such times. I can only do this, of course, by informing you about where I find myself and how I have cared for some I know.

When many of us discovered how much we perceived we "lost" in our 401k and in our other retirement investments, I've never witnessed people who've been more  devastated  from an economical standpoint.

It has given me a very small glimpse into what people experienced on an unprecedented scale during The Great Depression. It also reminds me of the frame of reference a good number still possess as a result of the recessions and economic scandals over the last 35 years and allow me to put this in perspective.

When I left the local Church and began serving in the community 12 years ago, even as of today, I still have well over twice the amount in my retirement accounts with which I started in 1996, but many don't view it this way. Each quarter when we receive our statements-when things are going well financially-we believe the amount on paper is "our money." But now that a significant percentage of that amount is no longer there, many have concluded we've lost that money. The point I am being led to raise is not just a matter of reverse psychology, but a perspective on the market, in my judgment, that could assist us in coming to grips with where we may find ourselves today. It is during these and all the other crises we face in life emotionally that we do tend to lose sight of the proverbial forest for the trees.

With this perspective, I am most concerned about those experiencing the real losses, particularly the ones, for example, who are being laid off or losing their jobs, families with young children, those nearing retirement or those in retirement on fixed incomes, whose retirements are heavily invested in the market. Please, don't misunderstand me here. I'm just as concerned for any of you, who are in the same position emotionally and psychologically in which I once found myself, and I want you to know that I am praying for you. However, I would also like to ask if you would join with me in prayer to surround these and any other individuals or groups, who are truly experiencing a major crisis in their lives.

I was reminded of a verse of Scripture in which my mother shared with some of her students, who had come to see her in the hospital after she experienced a TIA before the first massive stroke she suffered. I believe it is most relevant and applicable to wherever we may find ourselves emotionally on this day. While he was in prison, the apostle Paul wrote these words to the Church at Philippi: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, dwell on these things." (Philippians 2:8) If I can be of any help to you in this matter, please don't hesitate in contacting me. Peace among the thorns.

UPDATE ON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MINISTRY--SEPTEMBER 15, 2008

Mark continues his work in the community, the greater Harrisburg, Allentown and Philadelphia areas and in New York City through counseling, speaking and officiating at Funerals, helping those in grief and crisis and assisting those from another country through a very tough transition. During this time, he's also been working and just finished a 70 page project in partial fulfillment for his PhD in Counseling. An Integrated Theology of Healing broadly outlines Mark's holistic approach to this area of his ministry that he's been developing for over 25 years to assist those who need a special touch of the Master's hand. If you are interested in a copy, please contact us and we'll send one to you.

Mark, Lynn and Connie Vass, one of our Board of Directors, are also going to Nova Scotia and into the Cape Breton Islands in October to continue to network with those who may be interested in partnering with CRM. If you're not aware of this two and a half year effort, click the Vision page. Please continue to pray for this possibility and the other ongoing ministries of CRM, and, also for Mark, personally, as he continues to strive--with God's help--to maintain a balance in his life.

WEBSITE UPDATE -- September 2, 2008

Please note the link the News Archives link at the top of the page. As this ministry continues to grow, we felt this would provide quicker access, not only to the News & Updates, but to some of the information in the other sections on this web site. Thank you for your patience as we try to inform you better.

TWO PRAYER REQUESTS -- August 27, 2008

Mark was just asked to officiate at the Funeral of a member of one of the five churches he served over 20 years ago. It always humbles him at such times when he is so affectionately remembered. The person he buried just loved to sing. In fact, the whole family loves music and Mark told the congregation at the beginning of The Service of Death and Resurrection just to leave their Hymnals out, because they were going to do a lot of singing. The family chose four hymns and they also asked Mark chose some. One of the accompanists played Gospel Hymns in preparation for the Service. Mark said it was such a precious time. Most Funerals he does usually last about 30-45 minutes, but this one lasted for exactly one hour. And one of the hymns the congregation sang that day was Sweet Hour of Prayer. Although we ask you to undergird this family in prayer as they continue "to walk through the valley of the shadow of death," it was sacred time and a glimpse of what it will be when we sing in that choir, "in the sky, Lord, in the sky." Another interesting thing happened that day which we would also like you to commit to prayer.

One of the daughters of the person who died had never been around those involved in Hospice. Mark said he always knew what a gentle and sensitive heart this lady possessed. She's been following our ministry for a while and the last thing she said to him after the luncheon was that she would like to join CRM to care for those who are either terminally or chronically ill. Commit this person to prayer and the others whom God appears to be sending us as we continue to do our best, helping others, one person at a time.

BOTH BOARDS OF CRM CONTINUE WITH THEIR WORK -- July 25, 2008

As indicated on our Leadership page, The Board of Directors is not limited to monitoring CRM and what we collectively sense God is leading us to accomplish, but we are involved in the specific ministries that God has called us in the communities where we live. The Board of Advisors is involved in their work and ministries as well. In the future, we plan to introduce each of them and what they do. Continue to pray for all of us as we work where God has placed us.

PRAYER REQUEST -- July 12, 2008

A retired, fully credentialed United Methodist minister, has recently expressed an interest to explore the possibility of working with us in Florida. He is involved in prison ministries, working with the poor, pastoral counseling and many of the same ministries with which we're involved. Please join with us in prayer as we seek God's good and perfect will in this possible endeavor.

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE EMC -- July 10, 2008

Our Executive Director attended A Special General Conference of The Evangelical Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas. He is an ordained "Traveling Elder" in this denomination. It was called to consider a plan that would restructure the overall organization of the Church. As with most any Annual or General Conference, there were opposing viewpoints and debates that can get somewhat contentious at times. Mark was led to share from the floor the spirit and unity that we are called to maintain in the midst of this kind of atmosphere by quoting a man whom many consider the most influential missionary of the 2oth century that is just as applicable to us in so many different ways when interpersonal conflict arises. E. Stanley Jones once said "Here we enter into a fellowship; sometimes we will agree to differ; always we will resolve to love, and unite to serve."

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING --JUNE 25, 2008

The BOD of CRM met and attended to a few items of business, but the majority of our time was spent preparing the mailing of the CRM booklet that contains much of the information listed on this web site. It's purpose is to reach those who don't have access to a computer, or for those who would rather read it at their leisure in their living rooms instead of spending time on the computer after a long day. Mark said he would like to thank everyone for making this possible by updating addresses and all the other tasks required for non-profit organizations as they prepared for a mailing like this. If you know someone who would be interested in receiving a copy, please contact us and we can send them one.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RETURNS FROM KENTUCKY--May 26, 2008

Mark and his wife, Lynn, along with Connie Vass, a member of our Board of Directors, just returned from Wilmore, KY, the town where he was raised. One purpose of their trip was to start introducing The Board of Advisors and The Board of Directors along with their spouses to one another. By establishing these relationships, Mark believes it can only strengthen the ministry to which CRM has been called.

Along with privately caring for a few additional people, the other purpose for the trip was that Mark was invited to speak at the Vespers' Service at Wesley Village, a retirement community in Wilmore. His text for the day was taken from Isaiah 46:3-4 which seemed most fitting in this setting, a reminder that just as God has been faithful to those in the past, He will remain faithful in the present and future as well. It was a real privilege for him to be able to assist some of those in transition. He ended with his life's verse: My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the source of my strength and portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)

THE RAINS FAMILY: CURRENT UPDATE

• We want to update you on how the Rains' are doing. Lynn is a senior staff/charge nurse in the Emergency Department at The Hershey Medical Center, a Level 1 Trauma Center. Mark and Lynn will celebrate their 32nd wedding anniversary in August. After a grueling professional life in Emergency Medicine full-time, Lynn is now working part-time. When she retires, Mark and Lynn have sensed for some time that the Lord wants them to to work in both national and international disaster relief as the need arises well.

• Luke, 29, teaches Art Education in Alexandria, Virginia for the Fairfax County School District. (K-6) He recently relocated to Alexandria and is only three miles from Clarmont Elementary School where he teaches. To keep his certification current last year, he took Spanish for Teachers and Chinese for Teachers. He has started to play golf and also enjoys playing soccer.

• Peter, 27, graduated in 2005 with a degree in Sociology. He has beem in a period of transition, discerning where the Lord is leading him. He recently moved to Astoria, a borough of Queens. He senses he would like to return to school an work on a MSW, possible majoring in running a non-profit organization. Columbia University is three miles from where he lives and The City of New York University has regional campuses that are close. Peter is also a musician and enjoys walking and riding his bike.

• Sarah Lynn, 25, graduated with a degree in English last May. All three of Mark and Lynn's children have now graduated from Penn State University. Sarah Lynn is employed at Work Net, an Occupational Medicine facility, as an administrative and medical assistant. Recently, she was offered the opportunity to manage the Milton Hershey School account for Work Net and is considering that offer. She still plans to pursue a Masters in Speech Therapy in the future as well.

• While directing and being involved in CRM, Mark continues to work on his dissertation entitled, Spiritual Direction in The Carmelite Tradition and its Relevance Today. Over the last 12 years, he has been devotionally reading and studying Carmelite Spirituality. After neglecting its value for many centuries, Spiritual Direction in this particular area of formation is on the rise.

              Please pray for their entire family as they do their best to follow Him.

TESTIMONIALS

There have been numerous people who have expressed appreciation for what CRM has been doing for them over the years. Here is just a sampling. If you would like to express something about how CRM has helped you, click our contact page and share your thoughts. All names will be kept confidential.

I have been so grateful for your open hearts and open home. You have both been beyond gracious and I have reveled in the sense of family. --SB

Thanks for making us aware of the sacrifice you're making to meet the needs of others. Know we will be praying, with gratitude for you and all God has done in your life. --AY

The two of you are leading a busy and worth while life. I like to be a part of good things so please accept this gift.  I know it's small for all that you're doing. I am also thankful I volunteer at the hospital. Just think, I would never have met Lynn and Mark. --HB

I don't often hear the teaching in preaching that Mark does. I especially appreciate how he uses the stories of the Old Testament and applies them to our lives today. --RS

Even though this is a lonesome kind of life at best, we love and thank you for the heavenly hours of visiting, the gift of yourselves and how you identified with us so totally. --MW

I'm 83. Every time I go to a Bible Study Mark teaches I learn something new. -- BF

The Rains family has treated me as one of their own for 13 years. In youth group, Mark taught me the Bible, but helped me in other ways like finding a new job and going to college. I treasure his friendship and am grateful to have his family in my life. – GH

I drove a school bus with Mark for years. He’s been a father to my daughter and others, a friend who’s just a phone call away and a pastor leading us down the right path. I am truly blessed to have him in my life and many feel the same way. – CD

The way you both touch peoples' lives has touched us as well. Thank you for tracking us down after all these years. -- KP

Thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to teach this little group of people. We truly do appreciate your teaching and you make us feel so special. -- GT

The care Mark provides patients and their families is well known. We face end-of-life decisions and his input has been invaluable. He also has assisted the nurses, respiratory therapists and physicians like myself, who must deal with death regularly. – JS

Thank you for your love and guidance over the last eight years. You're both good people and I'm glad you're a part of my life. --DB

Mark helped me cope with my husband’s death, but also directed me spiritually into a deeper level of the interior life, so I could share my great love of Jesus with others. – MF

                                                                                                                                                                                              

LETTER TO THE EDITOR BY OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Addressing the Theological & Ethical Crisis in United Methodism

"Keeping Methodists Together" is located in FIRST THINGS: A Journal of Religions, Culture and Public Life, November, 1998. Mark responds to an article by William J. Abraham. To read his article type William J. Abraham United Methodists at The End of the Mainline into your search bar. Click on the name of the article itself on the www.leadru.com web site. To read Mark's response to Dr. Abraham, type

www.firstthings.com/article.php3?id_article=3592 in your goggle search bar. In the FIRST THINGS search bar type Mark A. Rains Keeping Methodists Together and scroll down to "Web Search" and his Letter is the third one in that section.

The point Mark raises can be applied to any church or individual who is theological or ethically "drifting too far from the shore," as an old Gospel song puts it. Weve included it to demonstrate as an organization that we're commited to being faithful to one of the StATEMENT OF BELIEFS upon which CRM stands "to contend for the faith once for all entrusted to the saints." (Jude 3)