AN IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT OUR MINISTRY

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

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 of the purposes of their trip was to introduce some of The Board of Advisors and The Board of Directors along with their spouses. Mark believes that by establishing interpersonal relationships it can only strengthen the ministry to which CRM has been called. Along with 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 to us 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 his message 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)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RETURNS FROM TWO WEEKS IN NC AND VA--May 7, 2008

Mark recently returned from The Atlantic District Conference of The Evangelical Methodist Church. He is credentialed as an ordained minister in the EMC. While he was there, he was asked to speak just to the pastors. It is a relatively small denomination and the pastors don't have a lot of contact with each other. Since Mark began his ministry serving a five-point charge in the mountains of PA, he was able to identify with those who feel isolated at times and all the emotions associated with this feeling. He reminded them that the Lord is just as present within the "dark nights" of our lives, although His felt and sweet presence is most often absent at such times. When we experience what feels like a living contradiction, however, we need to yield ourselves and embrace the thick darkness where God's presence also rests, (Ex. 20:21) for here one can discover "the treasure of darkness, riches stored in secret places." (Is. 45:3) Mark assisted them to understand this by defining the nature of darkness. Although "God is light and in Him there is no darkness," (1 Jn. 1:5) these dark nights have nothing to do with sin, but encompass all the difficulties in life we may encounter. By faith, as we choose to enter and embrace the thick darkness of what we may be experiencing, we can also find the gentle guiding hand of the Holy Spirit, whose name literally means, the One who stands along beside us in the very midst of those contradictions. As another great Gospel hymn puts it: "Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light: Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home."

Among others, Mark and Lynn stopped to see Bob and Joanne Bellman, two very dear friends. Their family moved to Wilmore, Ky in 1962 where Mark was raised. Bob, along with his son Chris, owned a local service station. Bob is another individual who significantly impacted Mark's life during his tumultuous adolescence and early adulthood. Although he didn't condone his behavior, Mark knew Bob loved him with a greater love than he inherently possessed. As Mark shares in his testimony on this web site, this was one of the key components in his conversion nearly 30 years ago. Joanne, of course, remains Bob's faithful prayer warrior who has supported him as his wife throughout his life and ministry and is a very precious and special lady. Bob served as a Lay Pastor at the High Bridge Community Church in KY for a number of years and as a Local Pastor in the UMC in FL before retiring to VA not long ago. Mark has asked all of us to pray for Bob and Joanne as they adjust to this transition in their lives.

During their time away, Mark and Lynn set aside a couple of days for themselves to attend Merlefest, a family oriented Bluegrass Festival, similar to the J.D. Crowe Bluegrass Festival held in Wilmore, KY. The festival included other types of folk music other than just bluegrass, including traditional Gospel Music. Merlefest is held each year in memory of Merle Watson, Doc Watson's son, who was tragically killed in a tractor accident in 1985. Three weeks before he died Doc asked him, "Son, how is it between you and God," to which Merle responded, "I've been on my knees in the woods and I've made my peace with God, and if I have to die, I'm not afraid." Clearly, there are no guarantees in this lifetime. Have you made your peace with God? As the words to a chorus of a great traditional Gospel song puts it, "I want to be ready, I want to be ready. I want to be ready, Lord, to walk in Jerusalem just like John." Let us know if we can assist you in any way.

HAVE YOU RECEIVED YOUR "QUALIFIED CONTRIBUTION" RECEIPT?--APRIL 15, 2008

We just wanted to double check to see if everyone has received a receipt for your "qualified contribution" to CRM for the 2007 tax year. Unlike the out of pocket donations, these contributions are made to a registered charitable organization with the IRS and organizations like CRM have a duty to provide you with a receipt. We would like to thank each of you, once again, who have contributed and supported us this past year. Without your support, we could never have accomplished what we did.

PLANNED GIVING AND DEVELOPMENT REPORT

We would like to invite those of you who have been supporting CRM and some who haven't to consider a few things. To be candid, most of the support we receive are single donations and we are grateful, of course, for each of them. It's been difficult, however, to develop an aggregate budget, much less plan for the future, without any consistent giving. We believe one problem with securing donations regularly from individuals is partially rooted in the fact that a considerable amount of the ministry we do is not visible. Due to the confidential nature of this aspect of our work and the people we're trying to reach, the evidence of progress is difficult to measure for a donor who has a normal expectation of seeing their contributions at work. We encourage you to read an article Mark, our Executive Director, wrote called Prepare the Way of the Lord which addresses this expectation, although it wasn't written with this purpose in mind. To find it, click the link within "A Letter from the President" on our About page. Not only do we hope you will have a better and fuller understanding of the important work we do in this area, but that some of you will prayerfully consider assisting us financially on a regular basis, or, however the Lord may lead you, as we continue helping others, one person at a time. Thank you.

ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER UPDATE--APRIL 14, 2008

After some additional prayer and consideration, Jackie Neidigh, our Administrative Manager, has decided not to pursue her CNA at this time. Rather, she senses the Lord wants her to focus her care on those who are nearing the end of their lives, but on a more involved level. She will be attending classes to prepare herself to work in the ministry of hospice. Jackie has such a warm and tender heart, an ability to set aside some the pleasures of life to enter the darkness, pain and suffering of others. What we also find interesting about her decision is that two other people have now expressed an interest to attend class with her. Continue to pray for Jackie, and also these others individuals, who are considering joining her in this work.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RETURNS FROM FLORIDA--3/25/08

Mark just returned from Florida a few weeks ago as CRM South continues to grow. One invitation a number of years ago has now expanded to caring for a growing number of individuals in a variety of ways. During this trip, he was able to visit about a dozen people in Delray Beach just south of West Palm Beach, Winter Park near Orlando, Avon Park, an hour south of Orlando and Barefoot Bay which is just north of Sebastian. Unless the Lord leads him elsewhere in Florida when he returns, at some point he's beginning to sense he should make himself available in the Fort Meyers' area and the western part of the state as well.

PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD--3/18/08

The article "Prepare the Way of the Lord" found in a link within A Letter from the President on our "About" page is somewhat similar in thought to one written by Andrea Nasfell called "Planting Seeds in Hard Places" published in the May/June 2002 issue of "Good News Magazine-A Forum for Scriptural Christianity." Mark wrote a Letter to the Editor in response to it called "Do God's Will" published in the September/October, 2002 edition. Her article confirmed, once again, that planting seeds in such places is, indeed, difficult work. As as Christian, a number are blessed to witness or be a part of dramatic conversion, a recommitment or a deeper commitment to Christ. However, much ground needs to tilled in the hardened and arid soil of some hearts before most of these life-changing experiences can occur. To read her article type [Andrea Nasfell "Planting Seeds in Hard Places"] in your Google search bar. Likewise, enter [Mark A. Rains "Planting Seeds in Hard Places"] to read his comments, which is the fifth response in that section.

At the end of this News and Updates page, there is another article to which Mark responded. It is called "Keeping Methodists Together." Although his response is addressed to United Methodists, its message is just as relevant and applicable today to any denomination which is accommodating itself to the values and mores of the society where they live. Mark reminds us that any one can rediscover the straight and narrow path at the crossroads and find rest for their souls, if they simply choose to return to the ancient paths. (Jeremiah 6:16, emphasis added)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RETURNS FROM TEXAS--2/20/08

Mark and his wife, Lynn, just recently returned from Texas after seeing Mel and Wanda Miller, some dear friends of the Rains' family. Although the ministry Mark provided them is the same he offers when ever he visits those who are aging and the various medical problems associated with growing older, every now and then Lord creates a time for one to minister and care for those you deeply love and this was, indeed, one of those special occasions. When Mark was born, Mel was living with his folks while attending Azusa Pacific Bible College in California where his parents were teaching. Since he was five, Mel had been a foster child and told Mark that his folks were the only real parents he really ever had. Mel and his wife, Wanda, were married in 1955 and through the years Mark has cherished their relationship. Although Mel has a PhD in Political Science, he and his wife have been missionaries most of their lives. In fact, Mark and his brother visited Mel in India in 1966, traveling the country for three weeks by train. This would become a formative experience in Mark's life. In his testimony, he indicates that it was in India where the needs of the poor were planted in his heart which remains a core part of CRM. Mel also honored Lynn and Mark 30 years ago when he gave the Homily at their wedding. From time to time, Mark is asked what he thinks heaven will be like. He always tries to personalize his response and said in this case that it was a blessing seeing his "ole buddy" and some of his family face to face. And it's just a glimpse of the joy and blessing of that one day when those committed to Christ will see Him "face to face." (I John 3:2)

BIBLE STUDY REFLECTIONS--1/03/08

Mark, our Executive Director, just finished teaching Come Be My Light, a recently published collection of thought provoking letters between Mother Teresa and her Spiritual Directors. The unsettling aspect about these letters was the group's inability to reconcile the fact that a woman who cared so much for the poor throughout the world didn't feel the sweet presence of God in her heart for the last 50 years of her life. She lived in a state of "perpetual darkness" as she called it. What is most inspiring and remarkable, however, is how faithful and obedient she remained to God during these years regardless of how she felt.

A common misunderstanding was initially raised as the study began. If one is obedient to God, a quite a few people believe that He will bless them, which includes feeling His sweet presence, just like Mother Teresa believed and felt before she started The Missionaries of Charity. But if one is disobedient, an equal number believe things will not go well, much less feel His presence. Many in the Old Testament had this limited theological orientation, (Deuteronomy 28) but this is only a part of the truth in one's spiritual pilgrimage. The study uncovered that the metaphor of darkness is more often presented in a negative way and here lies one of its fundamental misinterpretations of Scripture as a whole. Although it is used negatively most of the time, many don't realize this metaphor also has positive connotations. As a result, what are "the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places?" (Isaiah 45:3) Darkness, and the purposes and riches behind it, were introduced by The Three Ages of The Interior Life.

Within the history of Christianity, interior darkness is nothing new, especially for those who are most well known. The notion of a Dark Night of The Soul was initially defined by St. John of the Cross. (1542-1591) This profound book introduces the first two stages of the interior life called "The Night of The Senses" and "The Night of The Spirit" that are caused by immaturity and sin, but are loving and redeeming "nights." Eventually, as one remains open to what God is trying to do in their heart through these two nights, John infers that this will lead one to "divine union," or the third age of the interior life.

Many, if not all, initially believe, when entering The Night of The Senses, they should receive something in return from God for making a commitment to Him. Although there is a significant element of truth in this when one receives the gifts associated with God's saving grace, within this "first night" there is an inherent period of darkness, pain, emptiness and the absence of "feeling" God, as He begins to wean one from loving Him simply for His gifts, instead of loving the Great Giver of those gifts for Himself alone. (Job 1:9) Some people, unfortunately, don't mature past this point, while still others want nothing to do with God anymore due either to the limited theology they were taught about God's inverted ways, or what strikingly appears to be the contradictory nature and reality of this initial night from a humanistic perspective.

But, if one continues to allow God to wean them from this and other things associated with this "first night," they are led into The Night of The Spirit after a much needed period of rest. This second night is where one is cleansed at the deepest roots of their imperfections. It is a state of extreme dryness, accompanied by the "feeling" of being rejected and even abandoned by God. A crisis of faith, indeed, might also occur here. Praying is difficult, if not impossible. Spiritual counsel is sought, but to no avail. As a person remains open, yielded, and obedient regardless of the way they feel, however, a deeper portion of God's sanctifying grace begins to strengthen a person to detach oneself from all created things, and assists them in pursuing the goal of life to "become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:13) The purpose behind this second night, therefore, is to learn how to love God with a pure heart, a heart that is pure in motive, to be holy as He is holy, (1 Peter 1:15) and to live a life of holiness by serving those whom God in Christ has entrusted to us as He so perfectly served the world.

The third age of the interior and "exterior" of one's life is called The Night of Dark Faith. This stage has nothing to do with sin which Teresa had never been taught until a Spiritual Director brought this to her attention. In the early years of her life, she believed all of the darkness and loneliness she felt was in some way a direct result of sin, just like so many other Christians believe today. The previous two nights that she experienced were, indeed, for the shortcomings and sins she had committed as God removed His sweet presence to mold and shape her into His loving spouse and servant, (cf. 2 Chronicles 32:31b) but this is not the case at this deepest level of one's spiritual formation. The experience of this third night--and everything associated with it--was Teresa's identification with Christ for the redemption of others on His behalf. Just as Christ fully identified with us, yet was without sin, (John 1:14; Hebrews 4:14-16) we are equally called to identify with Him and His sufferings. (Colossians 1:24; Mark 8:38) Like the other two dark nights, the purpose of such suffering was redemptive, but spiritually it was not for her benefit. (2 Corinthians 4:7-12) Through this night, Mother Teresa came to the realization the agonizing darkness was not a consequence of any conscious sin on her part and was not her personal anquish for something she had done did wrong. Rather, it was His pain and His suffering that she learned to embrace and carry. To paraphrase Paul, the pain and deep darkness she carried in her body was the death of Jesus, and the purpose of this night was that His life would be revealed to those through her. (2 Corinthians 4:10-11) Paradoxically, she indicates in an entire chapter that she had come "to love the darkness" over the last 40 years of her life as "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6) was manifested in her life to others. Alluding to Philippians 3:10 she says "The joy of loving Jesus comes from the joy of sharing in His sufferings. So do not allow yourself to be troubled or distressed, but believe in the joy of the Resurrection. In all of our lives, as in the life of Jesus, the Resurrection has to come, the joy of Easter has to dawn."

CLICK THE LINK ON THE "MINISTRIES" PAGE FOR SOME OTHER TOPICS MARK HAS TAUGHT

THE RAINS FAMILY: CURRENT UPDATE

A number have asked how the Rains family is doing. Lynn is a senior staff/charge nurse in the Emergency Department at The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, a Level 1 Trauma Center. Mark and Lynn celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary last year. Luke, 27, teaches Art Education and Art History in Alexandria, Virginia for the Fairfax County School District. (K-6) To keep his certification current, he's taken Spanish for Teachers and Chinese for Teachers which he indicates has been most helpful. Peter, 25, graduated last year with a degree in Sociology. He is trying to discern whether to pursue a MSW or to become a Clinical Psychologist. He lives in Brooklyn, New York. Sarah Lynn, 23, just graduated with a degree in English. After taking a short break, she senses she should pursue a Masters in Speech Therapy. Mark is working on his dissertation entitled, "The Way of Holiness: Spiritual Direction in The Carmelite Tradition and its Intrinsic Correlation within Wesleyan-Arminianism." Over the last ten years, Mark's been learning that both traditions embrace "the holiness of heart and life" as the very essence of one's spiritual formation. Continue to pray for their entire family as they follow Him.

NOTES OF APPRECIATION

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 don't often hear the teaching in preaching that Mark does anymore. 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 the way you identified with us so totally. Bless you.  -- MW

I'm 83 years old. Every time I go to one of Mark's Bible Studies I learn something new. -- BF

Since the Rains family invited me for dinner 13 years ago, they’ve treated me as one of their own. 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've driven 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 prepare 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 at such times has been invaluable. Furthermore, he 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 and at the same time enriched me spiritually that enabled me to move on with my life and share my great love of Jesus with others. – MF

                                                                                                                                                                                              

CRM CONTINUES TO GROW--UPDATE AND PRAYER REQUEST

Connie Vass, our coordinator of Planned Giving and Development, continues to develop another part of CRM SOUTH, a ministry in Florida where she spends most of the winter. Her husband, Al, died four years ago. The winter before last, no one called or contacted her for three days and she began to wonder if there were any other widows or widowers in the building where she lives who had experienced the same thing. As a result, she took the initiative and contacted close to 25 people and developed a network of "phone buddies" to check on one another on a regular basis. Not surprisingly, quite a few of them didn't even know each other and many of them have already gathered socially to meet one another. About three other ladies volunteer to assist Connie in this work, but she remains in contact throughout the year.

All of them have been appreciative for the effort Connie made in coordinating all of this. One phone call or contact can make all the difference in the world. This is another glimpse into the heart of CRM. Consequently, Mark has broadened his counseling and other ministries into this area of Florida now as well.

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 as we continue helping others, one person at a time.

ANOTHER LETTER TO THE EDITOR BY OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Addressing the Theological and Ethical Crisis within United Methodism:

"Keeping Methodists Together" is located in FIRST THINGS: A Journal of Religions, Culture and Public Life in the November, 1998. Mark responds to an article by William J. Abraham entitled, "United Methodists at The End of the Mainline." Type ["Mark A. Rains Keeping Methodists Together"] in your Google search bar to read Abraham's article. His response 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. We have included this to demonstrate as an organization we are commited to remaining faithful to one of the Statements of Belief upon which CRM stands "to contend for the faith once for all entrusted to the saints." (Jude 3)