Romans 12:12-13 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
That seems like a strange scripture to start a year end ministry letter. But with the year we just had, it is quite fitting. We have had our fair share of challenges just like so many of you had in 2020. But overall, God blessed us once again in so many ways.
We had the opportunity to preach at the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church in NYC for Pastor Jim Cymbala in March. That was the week the virus shut down our country. I spoke at their Sunday service, and that was the last live Sunday service they had to date.
From that opportunity, numerous doors opened for Encounter to expand. I was scheduled to visit numerous churches in the NYC area associated with the Brooklyn Tab, going up every 3 months since March.
We were working with churches in KY and then planned on expanding to other states. We had a good plan in place and then the virus not only shut the country down; it shut down the momentum Encounter had to expand and grow. All those opportunities have been put on hold as we trust God to reopen those doors in His perfect timing.
The good news is that we have had the best year ever with our live services on Friday nights.
Numerous Anchor teachings have been added. Hundreds of people have made first time decisions to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. A record number of people have completed the Encounter Bible Study in person and on Zoom.
My dear friend John Adams produced the new video teaching series on the 12 Anchors of Hope which is perfect for any future Encounter Bible Study. https://www.thehopeencounter.org/12-anchors
Carolynn and I are truly blessed to be home in KY, close to our children and surrounded by so many friends. We do miss the many dear sweet friends we have made in California, Illinois, CO, and other parts of the country we have ministered in.
We are extremely grateful for your love, friendship, prayers and financial support of Encounter. Since the inception of Encounter, we have always made it a priority to be joyful in hope.
Our hope for the vision and ministry of Encounter is still as strong today as it has ever been. We have always been patient in affliction. While I have had my fair share of physical afflictions in the past, Encounter has experienced the toughest year financially since its inception. Encounter does not receive financial support from the church I work at, but they do want me to build it and take it around the country. To do that, I have to seek support from individuals who approach me and want to support Encounter. I also have to seek support from people around the country who believe in our mission and vision like so many of you do.
Through it all we have been faithful in prayer and continue to pray for you, your family and the growth of Encounter. We are confident in our God that He will continue to bless the ministry of Encounter.
For as long as Encounter has ever existed, we have always tried to faithfully share with the Lord’s people who are in need, and to always practice it by providing opportunities to bless others with our resources.
We have not been able to do that in 2020. There are people and organizations that we need to bless that need help just like Encounter does.
Due to the reasons stated, 2020 resources have been used mainly just for payroll. As of today, we have approximately 45 days until our resources run out. We need help just to make payroll through January. But God has bigger plans for Encounter that go beyond just making payroll. Souls are on the line, and we exist to help broken and hurting people overcome life’s adversities so they can discover the free devoted life to Jesus Christ. Hope really has been found by hundreds of people who have been blessed by Encounter.
Would you please consider making a generous year end donation to keep the vision of Encounter strong and stable going into 2021 that would allow us to get back to sharing with the Lord’s people who are in need through our hospitality, and fulfill the vision and mission God has given us.
For those of you who have financially supported us in 2020, I cannot express in words how grateful we are for your support. Every dollar contributed has helped us press on toward our goal. Thank you very much for your generosity.
We know that 2020 has been tough on everyone, but we are trusting that God is allowing this letter to reach you for a purpose. Maybe it’s just so you can pray and intercede for Encounter. Maybe it’s so you can share your gift of generosity with a ministry that is in need.
There are many ways to give to Encounter. You can go www.thehopeencounter.org and click Give.
You can mail a check made out to Encounter to 352 S Main Street, Versailles KY, 40383, or download our App by typing in encounter hope and look for the blue anchor logo.
While I have tried my best to live out Romans 12:12-13, I am making it my prayer for you as well. That you would be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
I pray that the Spirit of the Lord will comfort and bless you with a heart of thankfulness and gratitude this Thanksgiving and Christmas Season.
Be Blessed and Encouraged
Bill Rieser
Pastor of Encounter