Tis the season...to truly be jolly! I pray that your heart is filled with joy as we prepare to celebrate the birthday of our precious King. How magnificent He is! I delight in taking in the sights and sounds that accompany this momentous season. The magical feeling that surrounds us all during this special time can only be explained by the power and majesty of our Lord and King. The Son of God, born in a lowly manger, a man of power and splendor...the same yesterday, today and forever! 

His fortitude and might are witnessed time and again through the awesome work that He is doing in and through our continued efforts. How faithful He has been to us, day after day, year after year. We continue to be overwhelmed by God’s grace. 

Cindy and I experienced an incredible portion of His faithfulness this past month as we attended the National Coalition of Men’s Ministries’ (NCMM) annual conference in Indianapolis, IN. I was again privileged to co-emcee the event with my friend, Leonard Albert, from the Church of God denomination. In addition, I was able to deliver two important and practical workshops designed for senior pastors. I have been honored over the last several years to serve on the NCMM steering committee, perhaps the most powerful men’s ministry movement in our nation today. 

Cindy and I both gained a tremendous amount of spiritual insight from the ministry that took place at this year’s conference. As the event inspired an encouraging turnout of leaders, the exposure that we received as a ministry was quite a blessing. We are hoping to book between five and six events as a result of our interaction with several key pastors and men’s leaders. Praise the Lord!

As of late, we are also discussing the possibility of partnering with the Assemblies of God denomination in connection with our new “On Target Institute,” a one year character building curriculum for men. They have expressed an interest in distributing this powerful resource among their churches, a project that could effect thousands of men across our nation. On December 16-17th I will travel to Springfield, MO to meet with some Assembly of God representatives regarding this opportunity. Please pray that God will orchestrate all of the details surrounding this potential partnership, and for His will to be accomplished through our meeting. 

In addition to this new development, we are currently being encouraged to write another book. We would like to request your prayer over this critical decision. While the prospect is a tremendously exciting one, we know that the timing must be right, and the words must be both relevant and spiritually inspired. We will be sure to keep you up-to-date on how the Lord leads us in the days ahead.

Over the past several months, we are pleased to announce that On Target Ministries has also had the opportunity to gain some ground in expanding our prison efforts. Mel Goebel, formerly with Prison Fellowship, has offered to place 100 copies of “Wired to Work” and 100 videos of our first “Men On Target” session into 100 prison libraries across the United States. One thousand dollars will be needed to see this project through to completion. Our hearts are committed to this outreach and we are trusting the Lord for His provision.

Several years ago, I taught the “Men On Target” seminar in a correctional facility in Anchorage, Alaska. It was the first time that this event had ever been conducted for inmates. The response surprised everyone involved! In fact, Michael Ensch, who is the chaplain for the entire state of Alaska, told us that he had never before seen inmates respond to anything in quite the same manner. A profound impact was made as several men gave their hearts to the Lord that day! As a result of this and other similar experiences, we know that our ministry has the potential to prove itself powerful behind bars and in the hearts of men across our nation!

As you have read, we stand on the threshold of some very exciting opportunities that may prove to become a reality in the year ahead. Please remember us in your prayers as we seek God’s direction in all of these endeavors. We want to insure that any path that we take is both clear and well lit by the ultimate Guider of our hearts.

I would like to conclude by sharing some good news along with a challenge. The good news is that in over eight years of ministry we have never had to inconvenience a vendor by being late on a payment. However, the financial challenge often exists for us on a more personal level. Currently, our ministry is fifteen thousand dollars behind in payroll expenses, a difficulty that often has us compensating with the use of personal savings. 

Upon this last month of 2002, we would like to ask you to consider a special year-end gift to On Target Ministries. It is with humble spirits that we request your support through this final season of challenge. A special offering of any amount would be so greatly appreciated. We heavily rely on your generosity at the close of every year to help us cross over into the new season...one that we sense will be a great time of harvest.

We love you dear friend, and pray that your home be filled with all of the wonder and splendor of this holiday season. A very Merry Christmas to you and yours and a joyous New Year too! 

Tidings of comfort and joy,
Vince