NEWSLETTER: Bringing the Presence of Christ to the Courthouse.

[Reimagine Curator]

Bringing the Presence of Christ to the Courthouse.

”Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?  I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Dear Friends of Courtside Ministries,   Greetings from the Board of Directors! It has been my privilege to serve as Board President since 2020. As you know, COVID has presented profound challenges during that time. But, by the grace of God, our ministry has continued to fulfill its vital mission at courthouses around the country.   I’d like to provide a brief summary of highlights from this past year.   In 2021, our team members prayed with more than 14,000 people, referred over 1,700 to local churches and resources, and gave away almost 2,000 Bibles. Like Juan, whose moving testimony you will read about below, more than 500 ministry recipients prayed to commit their lives to Christ.   Courtside presently has 95 courthouse locations in 17 states. In 2021 we launched five new locations, including in two new states (Pennsylvania and Alabama). The Board and Executive Director Eric Nelson are developing strategies to increase the number of chapters and states served in the incoming year.   To adjust to practical challenges presented by COVID, and to increase the scope of our outreach, we have transitioned from one national banquet to Regional Gatherings, which were held over the past few months in Kokomo, Indiana, Richmond, Indiana, Chicago Heights, Illinois, and Palmetto, Florida.   Notwithstanding the pandemic, due to the generosity of our donors and the sound stewardship of our staff, donations exceeded expenses in 2021, for which we praise God! Through the end of June, we have a matching grant for former donors who last contributed to Courtside on or before December 31, 2019. Please spread the word and encourage anyone who fits this description to donate by June 30.   We are profoundly grateful for the ministry God has entrusted to us and for your prayer and financial support. Thank you for the ways that you contribute to furthering the Kingdom of God through Courtside. We look forward to what God has in store for 2022!   God bless!   Mike Hernandez President, Board of Directors Our first Regional Gathering of 2022 occurred on Saturday, March 12 in Palmetto, Florida It was a wonderful time of fellowship, worship, testimonies, introducing friends and family to the ministry, and praising God for all He is doing in Florida and around the country; thank you Jesus! We are planning other events in the summer and fall, so please stay tuned for further details of the dates and locations. We hope to see you there!

Joliet, Illinois We met a young man named Juan on a Tuesday morning last November at the Crown Point, Indiana courthouse. It was cold as winter was setting in. Juan was rushing into the courthouse and I asked if I could pray with him and offered a Daily Bread devotional. He said he didn’t have time and hurried off. I prayed for him as he went in.   Juan exited the courthouse about an hour and half later with a smile and said he could use prayer now. We talked a bit about his life and what brought him to court. He said he needed change in his life. I prayed for Juan, asking God to reveal Himself and remove any obstacles in Juan’s heart preventing him from receiving the Father’s love and knowing His grace. I shared the Gospel with Juan by having him read it, showing him that forgiveness is available through the sacrifice of God’s Son Jesus. Juan realized his need for a Savior and opened his heart to receive God’s forgiveness and redemption.   We prayed together as Juan asked God to forgive him of his sins and asked Jesus to come into his heart to save him and wash him clean. It was quite a while letting Holy Spirit do His work. After a few minutes I asked Juan if He felt anything and he said “I’m different, I can feel it, I feel His peace.” I gave Juan the Bible he had read the scriptures in and prayed over him. As he left he was so full of joy; he said excitedly “I am going to tell my Mom and take her to lunch.”   Thank you Jesus! Please join us at the times listed below to share testimonies, pray for Courtside and one another. The first and third Thursday each month  April 7th and 21st May 5th and 19th June 2nd and 16th 5 pm PT, 6 pm MT, 7 pm CT and 8 pm ET Conference call # 302 202 1110 Code 729943 “And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.” Leviticus 26:8 Please prayerfully consider supporting us to sustain and grow. Thank You! DONATE Please LIKE and SHARE us on Facebook. @CourtsideMinistriesUSA Copyright © 2021 Courtside Ministries, All rights reserved. Thank you for your partnership with Courtside Ministries. Let us know how we can help you. Our mailing address is: Courtside MInistries One N. LaSalle St. Suite 600 Chicago, IL 60602