There is so much God has done through our ministry this year to rejoice about: 43 new people have come into our doors for pastoral consultation, our Monday night meetings continue to be a place of refuge for people seeking the Truth, and God’s presence was felt in the form of an earthquake (really!) at our annual retreat held in November.

Did you know that the majority of people who come through our doors are victims of someone else’s unfortunate decision? Week after week, God brings to us friends and families of addicts, abusers, and other lost sheep who are looking for some inner peace.

Next year, we want to do even better about taking James Group out into the world through service projects and by spreading our work to other bodies of believers and non-believers. You can support us as we continue to build a community in more ways than just monetarily: pray unceasingly, tell someone you know about our ministry, ‘Like’ us on Facebook, and sign up for email updates at jamesgroupministries.com.

The harvest continues to be plentiful, and we hope you will continue to support the work we have before us, both in prayer and by your financial gifts. We believe that God will provide through you.

From all of us at James Group Ministries, thank you and Happy New Year!

Whether you attended, or you baked, or you contributed materials, or you contributed money, or you served, or you made coffee, or decorated the venue, or played music, or cleaned up afterward… your involvement and your efforts were invaluable and greatly appreciated. YOU made this a success!

If you weren’t able to attend, we’ll still gladly and gratefully accept your donations. Last but not least… thank you God for blessing this event!

Click on any image below to see a full-size gallery

Here’s all the detailed information you need to make an appearance at this holiday extravaganza!

What:
Dessert and Coffee House night – Enjoy a variety of desserts and coffees in a coffee house atmosphere.

Where:
Fellowship Hall at Webb Chapel church of Christ
13425 Webb Chapel Road 

When:
Thursday, Dec 8th @ 7:00-10:30pm

Cost:
$10, $5 for kids 6-12 and free for kids under 5
All proceeds benefit James Group Ministries

What’s On Tap:
- Unlimited drinks, 2 desserts included per person and extra desserts are $1 each.
- Live music provided by David Bates, Ronnie Bates and Sean Russell.

We’re VERY low on funds and need help right now. If you can help out, you can donate via this website — from this page or by clicking on the Donate Now button to the right — or you can hand cash or check to Steve Steele, Carol Steele, Kevin Reed, Wayne White, or David Bates. Thanks so much, in advance!

Don’t drink caffeine after lunch? No problem, we’ll serve decaf as well.

Further details are forthcoming, so stay tuned!

At James Group we believe God is all around us — waiting for us to take His hand no matter the decisions we have made in life. God reaches out to us in ways we do not often see. The great news is that he’ll keep reaching until he figures out how to get our attention.

There’s an older song by the Christian group Phillips, Craig and Dean that reiterates this very message. No matter how far you think you’ve gone, no one is a “lost cause” with God. He’ll do whatever it takes.

Yep, we were there minding our own business when around 10:30pm we all felt the earth move. There were various responses to it, of course; some thought Jesus had come and were sorely disappointed. Others thought someone had thrown a possum into their room. I was sure someone was rocking my bed but there was no one there.

The lessons taught concerning “Who do you think you are” made lots of people rethink what God might think of our opinion of ourselves. Hmmmm. Our musical evening was rather enjoyable along with a really good brownie and some coffee, which put us all in the mood for a good nights sleep. There was much good food and fellowship as well as a powerful worship service to take home with us.

Everyone is always changed just a little every time we do something in the name of Christ. Thanks to all who participated or prayed for a powerful weekend.

The theme for this year’s retreat is “Who Do You Think You Are? (What Does God Think About That?)”. You don’t want to miss this time of fun, fellowship and relaxation!

A list of information about the retreat is provided below. In addition, you can download the retreat flyer to share with family and friends. If you need more information regarding the retreat, you can contact us at steve.steele@jamesgroupministries.com

WHAT:
James Group 2011 Fall Retreat

WHERE:
Pettijohn Springs Christian Camp @ Madill, OK

COST:
- Adults $30
- Children (4-12) $15
- Children (under 4) $0

THINGS TO BRING:
- Bible
- Sleeping bag, sheets, blankets, pillows, etc
- Comfortable clothes + walking shoes
- Flashlight
- Toiletries
- Snack foods to share
- Soft drinks if you want them (tea/coffee provided)
- Recreational items (games, cards, Frisbee, balls, fishing poles, etc)

Click here to download the fall retreat flyer

MAP OF PETTIJOHN SPRINGS CHRISTIAN CAMP:
The map below indicates the location of the Pettijohn Springs Christian Camp. You may click on the red icon or zoom in on the map to see more detail.

Author: Dawn Berthal

When I was asked to write something about the James Group classes, I wasn’t sure what to write! Then, like Step Four, I realized only the truth would work. In short, the James Group meetings saved my life! My physical and spiritual life.

The Monday and Friday night group meetings are one hour meetings beginning at 7:30 pm. They are “closed” meetings, meaning that everyone attending has a “First Step Issue.” Occasionally there is a “Speaker Meeting,” or an “Open Meeting” where anyone is welcome. Also there is a 7:15 Wednesday night Bible Study which is open to all.

Maybe the best way to describe the meeting is found in the Preamble which is read at the beginning of every meeting:

“The James Group is a Bible-based recovery program that practices the suggested 12 Steps because we believe the steps to be the practical application of the life-changing principles which are so clearly defined in the scriptures.”

The meetings are designed to help me (I say “me” because we are encouraged to share our own experience, strength and hope) learn to live life on life’s terms. And, most importantly, we are taught how to have a relationship with God.

For so many years, I carried around all the bad things that had happened in my life. It was like carrying a bag of rocks on my back! It was such a burden, and I would do what I knew how to do – medicate the pain.

In the very first James Group meeting I attended, I heard something that changed the way I viewed my life: “The hell you’ve been through is directly related to how powerful you are supposed to be in the Kingdom.” At that moment it was as though 1000 pounds had been lifted off my shoulders.

For the first time EVER I didn’t look at the past as a heavy burden. Suddenly the negative had become positive! Today I can use my life experiences to share with other girls who have hellish pasts. “There is hope, and you don’t have to live your life THAT WAY.”

There is so much to learn! The most freeing thing for me is learning that God doesn’t want us to have “toxic “ people in our lives… even family members. I know God has not forgotten about them, and I know that they don’t have to live like that anymore.

Author: Steve Steele

Sacrifice.

I look back at the tremendous amount of sacrifice it has taken to keep this ministry viable and effective. The human wreckage is amazing in itself, not to mention the money. The shear embarrassment of the failures of those we choose to represent us. The letdown that follows after Satan snatches one of God’s children right out of our midst.

It always seems we choose the ones we think will surely make it only to have to watch them dragged away by what to them seems like a better way. I can’t tell you how many board members have walked away from what, in the beginning, seemed the perfect fit. Only to be overwhelmed with the tsunami of resistance from so many directions all at once. These were powerful men, dedicated to the Lord’s work and knowledgeable of the potential of this ministry. Some were elders or CEOs, others had been raised in the church and clearly were knowledgeable of the pitfalls of outreach.

Much money was contributed by whole congregations as well as very wealthy individuals. Not one of those walking away wasn’t beaten and battered by the purity of their own powerlessness alone. Much has been said in attempts to make sure everyone left behind to continue the work didn’t feel abandoned. Instead each and every one always put their own shortcomings to the forefront as the reason forleaving. “I can’t take it anymore,” was the familiar refrain.

The truth of the matter is this! They would have to be God to “take it anymore.” Can you imagine the things God sees? I can only imagine what our human struggle looks like to Him. How much more pure is His love for us than ours for each other? How much more must it hurt. How much more can He take? Why does He love us the way He does???