CEM Launches Phase Two Ministry House for Young Menby Mike Petrillo

The Men’s Ministry House has opened! November 2010 marked the official opening of the Men’s Ministry House for Christian Encounter Ministries. This moment has been long awaited by the staff and students. It was February of 1999 that Jim Parker, Karen Thompson, and Laressa Dickey formulated the philosophy of house ministry for CEM. They wrote, “The primary purpose of the Girl’s House is to provide emotional and spiritual encouragement to women who have successfully completed their time at Christian Encounter Ranch.” Karen and Laressa then served as the original House leaders and developed the format for both leaders and residents to succeed during their tenure. Since then, we have been anxiously awaiting the correct timing and placement of people and facilities so that we could add a men’s program.

Former CEM intern Tim Walz provided the “unofficial” Men’s House for about 5 years, renting rooms to former students at his nearby

residence. This fall, Tim offered to lease his house to CEM when he moved from the area. At the same time, Nate Boyd, who had served an internship with CEM in 2010, accepted the challenge of being the first Mens’ House leader. These eleven years have produced infinite good fruit in the lives of our Girls’ House residents. Our expectation is that God will similarly bless, lead, develop and encourage the men who continue the growth they began as CEM students.

Nate Boyd has extensive experience working with youth in local ministry organizations. He served at Wolf Mtn. Conference Association from 2006 to 2009

in various capacities, including Junior Adventure Camp Program Director. This year he was the Program Director at Camp Del Oro, and was an instructor in an Outdoor Education Program. Nate is a graduate of Patrick Henry

College in Purcellville, Virginia.Our first Men’s House resident is Sean Thompson.

Sean attends Sierra College in Grass Valley. He was a 2010 graduate of CEM High School, at which time he was awarded the Salter Scholarship for outstanding academic achievement. Sean is active with the Christian Club on campus at Sierra, and is a full-time encourager of the CEM family! He also works at Starbucks and adds light and life to the daily “grind.”

Certainly, God’s timing is perfect. Our thanks to all who have prayed for this occasion and who are adding their support to the ministries of the Men’s and Women’s Houses. May God’s grace shine on each one who dwells therein!

Nate Boyd’s experiences have pre-pared him well to become the first leader of the Men’s Ministry House.

The Men’s House is located four miles from Grass Valley, providing a nice rural setting for the guys.

The warmth of the wood stove matches the warmth of the friendship between Sean and Nate.

Current students Travis, Josh, Rob, Chris, and Sam are potential future Guys’ House residents.

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 2011

Since 1970

Contact us at:www.ChristianEncounter.orgcem@ChristianEncounter.org530-268-0877

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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.

Financial Condition 1-1-11How does God do that? For more that forty years God has supplied every little and large item,

each need, meal, and dollar for hundreds of students, interns, and staff members. Guests, campers, clients, kids and mountain climbers have enjoyed the facilities and programs of CEM. It has been, I think, God’s gift to each individual. How does He do it? I really can’t figure it out, I just know that He should always get the credit for all that happens because He provides everything out of His good pleasure.

From time to time we get behind on finances. God comes through in unique ways, occasionally with odd or awkward timing from our perspective. Yet in the 41st year of operation we are still here. However, a very few times we have had to let you know that we have not received enough support to continue all the programs of CEM. The last six months of 2010 saw us accumulate a $125,000 deficit.

We are asking for your immediate help so there will be no layoffs or discontinuation of service to those who come to us for help. Would you consider a special gift to eradicate that deficit? Perhaps you are the one God will use in His miraculous ways to display His wonderful love and care. Thank you so much.

In His Grace, Mike Petrillo