Oct-Dec 2006        Volume 17 Issue Four

THE FALL AC WOMEN’S RETREAT

The AC Women’s Fall Retreat was held at Grace Christian Church in Livonia, MI and it was a marvelous success! There were testimonies of God working miracles of provision, protection and healing. There was a skit that demonstrated a person’s first meeting and how there is apprehension about being there and questioning God; and then the next meeting a couple months later that person comes willingly and progress can be seen. And then the meeting a year later and that once new person is now leading a table with confidence in God and the 12 steps. One of our ladies performed a dance for us expressing our need for God to hold us, and how He does just that. It was beautiful.

The retreat was on Step 7 – all about being humble and asking God to remove our shortcomings. At the end of the retreat we prayed and wrote down the shortcoming the Lord brought to our attention and then nailed it to the cross. Signifying that we have given it to Him and given Him permission to remove it from us. Each lady was given a teddy bear as a symbol of God’s love. We closed with communion and prayer. We were few in number, but mighty in Spirit and God was faithful.

THE FALL AC MEN’S RETREAT
The AC Men’s Retreat was held on October 27 and 28 and once again proved to be a fruitful event. The theme of the retreat was "He Gave It All, Can You?" - Steps 6 & 7. Cornelius Roberson and Jeff Sheetz delivered powerful and Holy Spirit filled teachings on the respective steps. The talks were inspiring and in keeping with the ministry’s desire to return to the original vision.

The praise and worship was led by the men from the Detroit Rescue Mission on Friday night and the Jim Bridges Band on Saturday. Needless to say, the worship was awesome.

As always, the highlight of the weekend was the successful harvest as two men gave their hearts to Christ, adding two more soldiers to the Lord’s army.

Thanks to all who contributed their time and talent and treasure to a great week-end..

PRAISE REPORT FROM OUR AC GROUP IN INDIA
The AC leader, Rahmat, wrote thanking God for 2 baptisms in their fellowship and also they are having 2 AC meetings per week now – one on Friday and one on Sunday. Four new members have started coming! He sends his love to all AC groups and is hoping to come to America next year for a short visit to meet friends in Nashua. He would be very pleased to share what the Lord is doing in India with any AC group that would invite him. If anyone would like to write to him and encourage him, send an e-mail to Pat in the AC Office and she can send it on to Rahmat.

It is so good to hear from our group in India, which is just one of the many International AC groups that have been established by our Lord. Besides the one above in India, there are groups in New Zealand, Sweden, Nigeria, Accra-Ghanna, and Canada. The Lord is using this ministry to reach around the world to help his children suffering from the effects of alcoholism.

REMINDER
The end of the year is quickly approaching and with it comes the need to remind the group leaders that; when AC as a non-profit organization files the required annual return with the IRS, the main office in Royal Oak, MI has to account for all of the monies the groups have collected in the name of AC. Therefore it is necessary for each and every group to turn in to the main office any funds left in your treasury by December 31. If your group has a checking account, the IRS says you can keep just enough in the account to keep it open, but you need to send the rest in to the main office. Please also remember that any funds collected in the name of AC cannot be used for any one individual – per the IRS.

PRAYER
Please keep the AC groups and leaders all across the nation and around the world lifted up in prayer. The enemy does not like the work we are doing and tries in every way possible to discourage the groups and their leaders. He will not only attack them personally, but also their family members. He shows no mercy, but we have authority in the name of Jesus over ALL the power of the enemy, so let’s use it!

Please be reminded that AC is funded only by your contributions and without them there would be no AC. So, if you are able to contribute even just a few dollars on a monthly basis, it would help us to continue to reach out to those who are suffering from alcoholism.

We would like to know how your group is doing, so please e-mail, write, or call Pat with your news. God is good and we should be praising Him for all he has done and is doing for us. If you would like to receive the Newsletter via e-mail, please e-mail Pat in the office and let her know. We are trying to be good stewards of the resources the Lord has provided and this is one way to do that, as it would cut down or mailing costs. The Newsletter is also on our web page, www.alcoholicsforchrist.com

Christmas is nearly here. We pray that everyone has a wonderful Christ-centered Christmas and that we all draw closer to our Lord and Savior in the coming year.

GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU AND KEEP ON 12 STEPPING – all the way to JESUS.