One of my friends, Mr. Jim Ward went home to be with the Lord last week. He died quietly at 74 sitting in his chair in the den of this home. He lived a life of a servant, helping those who were dedicated to spreading the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. He gave freely of the resources with which God had blessed him, from buying thousands of Bibles to be shared with the people of the Ukraine and other former Communist countries, and giving his life for missions in the states and abroad as a Christian layman. He stood tall as a Deacon who loved his pastors and the body of Christ, the church. He loved Jesse Crooks and supported his ministry from its inception to continuing to being on his board at the time of his death. He made many mission trips to the Ukraine giving out Bibles to hundreds on the street, hungry for the Word of God. No one will ever know how many people have and will be won to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through the "behind the scene man of God, Jim Ward." He was a friend of the senior citizens serving as chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Baptist Retirement Homes of N. C. He served on a mission board led by his former pastor, Dr. Joe Hester. He was a friend of the Baptist Children’s Homes of N.C., and other institutions of the Lord. He came out of retirement as owner of a furniture plant in High Point making quality leather chairs and went to First Baptist Church of Dallas, with his Pastor and the Tanner’s Pastor for a while to help Dr. Mac Brunson in his ministry at Dallas. Dr. Brunson said at the funeral, "I was able to preach the Gospel of Jesus and fulfill the purpose to which God called me as a result of Jim taking care of the business affairs of the First Baptist Church, Dallas. Jim was willing to confront the "impossible" task and with the help of God bring them to fruition. Dr, Brunson said, A Pastor is courageous while he stands in the pulpit, but he must have Christian layman like Jim Ward to encourage him when he is not preaching. Then he said if there is any greatness about my ministry, it is because of the men who have surrounded me with support, prayer, and encouragement and have allowed me to be what I am today. Then he pointed down to Jim’s casket and said, men like Jim Ward have been there through thick and thin and I thank God for "Godly laymen" who have heard the call of God and allows their life to be used in making the ministry of pastors and churches successful for the glory of the Lord." Thank God for laymen like Jim Ward. (Disclaimer: I may not have recalled exactly what Mac said, but I believe the above is the spirit in which he said it. Read it for what it is and put the grammar where it needs to be.)

In His Grip,
Pastor Charles Tanner
NewKirk Baptist Church
Rock Hill, SC

Family News

Sorry we haven’t gotten out a newsletter sooner. We have had a very busy year thus far. Jesse has been busy learning to walk on his new hip and battling some other health issues. Jaye Lynn gave us another GRAND daughter on May 3ed. Her name is Ceana Mairi (pronounced Kenna Marry). Of course Maw Maw Linda is keeping her while her parents work. She keeps the baby, has put in a garden, and does the yard work which I am no longer able to do. Besides all this we have done three revivals Sunday through Wednesday and two one-day revivals, plus a number of other speaking engagements.

We are not sure of Jeff’s whereabouts as of now. He is still our prodigal and desperately needs your prayers. Julian and Gina just returned from Honduras where they conducted a VBS in one of the churches Julian helped build. Two of the grandchildren were with us that week and two stayed with a friend at Julian’s home taking care of the house and pets. All four girls passed their grades with flying colors. Lauryn is now a big first grader and Julieana is in fourth grade. Katlin is in sixth grade and will be going to a different school and Hillary is entering High School as a ninth grader. She has been chosen as a varsity cheerleader. So I guess Linda and I will become Trinity Bulldog fans.

Jaye Lynn and Dan are still working at FurnitureLand South. They are enjoying our newest granddaughter, Ceana. Jaye Lynn reads stories and prays with Ceana every night. Dan is still a little nervous with a newborn but he is learning.

ATTENTION PRAYER WARRIORS Pray for our leaders on all levels, local, state, and national. Pray especially for the critical situation in the Middle East. It can and will affect all of us.

2. Pray for mine and Linda’s continued health. I am having somewhat a struggle learning to walk on my new hip. Linda has recently been diagnosed with diabetes.

3. Pray for Julian and Gina. They are raising four girls. Gina works from home. Julian is a full time salesman at FurnitureLand South and Interim youth director at his church. Along with all this, they are still leading mission trips.

4. Pray for the Ward family as they grieve over the lost of Jim. May the Lord comfort them as only He can.

Schedule

As of August 7, 2007

8/12-15/’07 Albertson Road Baptist Church High Point, NC

9/9/’07 Cedar Crest Baptist Church Monroe, La.

(postponed until Spring)

9/29/’07 Supporters Day in the Park Salisbury, NC

(Dan Nicholas Park)

10/4-7/’07 Kenly Baptist Church Kenly, NC*

10/14-18/’07 First Baptist Church Connelly Springs, NC

*=Marvin and Kathy will be with us.

Please join us in prayer that God will fill our schedule by opening doors He wants us to walk through.Ministry Totals January-July

Revivals…5 Sermons Preached…31 Children’s Church…1 Approx. Mileage…4197 mi.

From the Bean Counter

Hello. My name is Grady Workman.  I assumed the Treasurer responsibilities for JCEA on January 1 this calendar year. Financial data was transferred from 'Bean Counter' Mike Riling.  Mike continues to work on various matters related to governmental requirements. I appreciate you Mike!

Pessimism is a prerequisite for every 'Bean Counter'. Assuredly, these responsibilities were begun with a healthy dose of doubt. Realizing that God owns and has concern for everything that exists, and actively participates in the sustaining of all He owns, watching Him work becomes fun.

God changed my natural negativity to optimism by His daily presence and involvement with His Ministry, the one called Jesse Crooks Ministry.

I am blessed with being a part of the Jesse Crooks Evangelistic Association.
Grady

Greetings from REACH OUT:

Hola mi amigos Christian, (that’s Hello my Christian friends to those who don’t speak Spanish). Just thought I would try my Spanish out a little. It really seems to be getting better. Well, we just returned from our third mission trip this year. We were in Honduras again July 28 through Aug. 4. We were there, hosting VBS. Gina and I led a group consisting of 10 students and seven adults (including Gina and myself). The travel was great and the weather was hot, yet beautiful. Our time there also included some painting on the most recent addition to that church that was completed when I was there in January. God has blessed that church in mighty ways. The very first day of VBS we had over 200 kids ranging from 4 to 13. Pastor Mario said that was the most the church has ever had in VBS since the church was planted over 5 years ago. What an awesome milestone to be a part of. All of the students had never been to a foreign country and most had never flown on a plane. We prayed for progress and blessings, so it looks as though God is coming through (as if we had a doubt). That is the business God is in anyway!

As the ministry carries on, I have decided to adopt this Church for VBS as long as the board members ok it. This would mean I would be hosting VBS once a year from now on or until the Church can facilitate it themselves. I have already made plans to return in June of 2008 for the next VBS and also help with the development of a community park. The park property has been purchased and now awaits God’s people to help create a playground and soccer field. Reach Out Ministries plans to be a vessel in this endeavor. I have plans to work with a Catholic group there in the area to make this happen. A very wealthy businessman has built an amazing facility for this Catholic group in a remote part of Villa Alicia, which is used only to host conferences, youth camps, training seminars etc…for anyone needing to use it. It can house up to 350 people and includes a worship center, fully staffed cafeteria and several cabins for sleeping. They have graciously offered to let us stay here free of charge while we help develop the community during the time we are there hosting VBS. This will allow us to keep our expenses to a minimum. The Catholic group is Christian in faith and only Catholic in some doctrine. However, this is the relationship we all should have in helping further God’s Kingdom. I know our practices and ceremonial actions can vary, but we would be ignorant to think that there are not Christians in other denominations also. It is God’s responsibility to judge our works and differences. We need to share the common thread that Jesus is Lord and in him alone is our belief and faith to abide, allowing us entry to heaven.

In closing, remember our annual softball tournament is in September. Our goal is to raise $3000. I am still working on my associate’s degree which is slowing down considerably what with me being a missionary, youth pastor, student, salesman, father and husband. So far God is allowing this to work, however, my prayer is that he moves me permanently out of secular work and into the ministry. As God continues to work in our lives, whether you participate financially or not, always remember to PRAY!

Committed to Him,

Julian & Gina Crooks

Jesse Crooks is a dear man of God who has a heart and vision for the Lord's people and His work. The One-Day Revival that we experienced while Jesse was with us is still bringing forth fruit. It was a One-Day Revival in name only!

Our folks were encouraged, convicted, strengthened and revived by Brother Jesse's preaching and his testimony. Jesse Crooks has a tremendous burden for those who are lost in sin and for those who are struggling with discouragement and depression. This is a much-needed Ministry in the stress filled days in which we live.

I know that you and your Church family would be blessed to have Jesse Crooks share with you from God's Word and I encourage you to invite him to minister to you.

Pastor Steve McSwain
Hope Baptist Church
Sophia, NC 27350

My first encounter with Jesse was in March 2007. I was praying about who God wanted to conduct our revival. I received a flyer on Jesse Crook Ministries when I attended a pastor's seminar and had filed it away. I read the flyer and then went to Jesse's website to gather more information. To be totally honest, I had some reservations about how Jesse would be received by my congregation. I was afraid that Jesse's physical challenges might make it difficult for the people to understand his messages.

I hope that does not sound too judgmental, but that was a valid concern.

I am glad to admit that the challenges Jesse deals with had the exact opposite effect on my church family. Jesse did a fantastic job of preaching the word of God and quickly won the hearts of my people. They loved his preaching and his humorous approach to the life struggles he faces daily. If fact, I believe that the audience actually listened more intently to his sermons than they do mine. He also displays through his commitment that there is no reason for any believer not to serve the Lord Christ. When I reflect on how well Jesse ministers, I am humbled to think of the times I complain and grumble about how difficult life can be.

Thanks, Jesse, for faithfully serving the Lord, and thanks Linda for your ministry in the support of Jesse. God has a special reward for you.  Your ministry to Jesse enables him to touch countless numbers of lives. 

Serving Until Jesus Comes Again, 
Rev. Larry Cheek
Edgewood Baptist Church
Mebane, NC