New life in Christ Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit PENTECOSTTodayIssue 4 2020 Publication of the National Service Committee of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Sky Ranch Ute Trail Family Camp | Lake City, Colorado Family Camp | Lake City, Trail Sky Ranch Ute The Prodigal Son | Design by Buell Stained Glass buellstainedglass.com Bob and Irene Carubia Tom Scheuring Sr. Linda Koontz, SNJM Alan Schreck Lue Ortenzio Dottie DiBella Jim Murphy Chairman’s Editor’s Corner Desk . by Ron Riggins by Sr. Mary Anne Schaenzer, SSND hen one thinks of Walter Mat- Another biblical leader comes to ssue 4, 2020 continues to introduce thews, our long-time Executive mind in reflecting on Walter’s legacy the Malines Documents. Document WDirector who has faithfully – St. Paul. As St. Paul so eloquently served the Renewal, Moses comes to wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have com- IThree, Charismatic Renewal and Social mind. Moses led the Israelites to the peted well; I have finished the race; I Action, is addressed by Alan Schreck in Promised Land, mentoring Joshua who have kept the faith.” Walter, thank you the Theological Corner (p 13). In addi- would then take up leadership. Joshua’s for your impassioned service and lead- tion, there are several witness stories of success, empowered by the Lord, was ership. You competed well, finished the Service to the Poor by people who felt built upon the solid foundation estab- race and kept the faith. called by the Holy Spirit and who share lished by Moses. how they responded to that same Spirit. On a personal note … Walter, it has These include Jesus Under the Bridge (p 3), Similar to Moses in his service to individ- been a blessing to work so closely with The story of Lamp Ministries, Evangeli- you these past few years, especially as uals and organizations in the Renewal, zation Among the Materially Poor (pp 4-5, Walter has persevered with faith and we have huddled together in recent 12), and The Father Rick Thomas Story, trusted in the Holy Spirit. He has exuded months planning the transition now Apostle to the Poor (pp 6-7). Sensing the sacrificial love and a ferventdesire for underway. I admire your dedication, Movement of the Spirit includes three brief others to encounter the love of God organization, long hours and encyclo- Clarksburg, WV Mission; Our Fa- poured into their hearts and to be pedic memory, persevering in the face stories: empowered with charisms to build the of many challenges and toiling tireless- ther’s Table; and Mexico City (p 8). These Kingdom. Walter has been both ly like St. Paul. The NSC could not be may inspire others to allow Christ to pour charismatic and orthodox, prayerful entering this new season of CHARIS out his love through them. and professional, humble in taking with its bold vision, mission and stra- The Holy Spirit continues to work charge, a servant and a leader. For Wal- tegic plan and mentoring our Joshuas among young adults on the Duquesne ter, his decades leading the NSC was if it were not for the strong foundation University Campus (p 9). not really a job … it was his passion, you have constructed. his ministry, and his response to the Walter Matthews is retiring as Executive t Holy Spirit’s call. Come, Holy Spirit. Director at the end of December. He, along with his wife, Claire, briefly de- scribe their journey over the years and PENTECOSTToday express their gratitude (pp 14-15). In this Volume 45 Number 4 issue we are sharing Tributes to Walter, For Your Information most of which are written by people Executive Director Walter Matthews The mission of Pentecost Today is to who once served as the Chairman of the serve and be a voice for the National National Service Committee (pp 10-12). Director Service Committee’s mission “to foster Alicia Hartle the dynamic grace of baptism in the Thank you, Walter, from all of us. Holy Spirit.” We do this by publishing Editorial Board Be blessed! articles that instruct and give practical Jimmy Archer wisdom, with a particular emphasis on See the insert in this issue for a new logo, Jessica Navin strengthening leaders and leader formation, an introduction to the new Director, in a visually appealing and inviting format. Editor Alicia Hartle, an explanation of the Sr. Mary Anne Schaenzer, SSND A limited amount of advertising space is change of name from Chariscenter to Production Manager available. For information, contact Sharon Sharon Fox Fox at [email protected]. Pentecost Today USA, and the com- Advertisements for events not sponsored mitment to “Bring. Build. Serve.” You by the National Service Committee do © 2020 National Service Committee of will also find details for actually and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the not imply endorsement by the NSC/ United States, Inc. Not to be reproduced Chariscenter USA. virtually attending Empowered by the Spirit without permission. National Conference: Jesus 2020, December 11-12 (as well as on the back cover). t 2 PENTECOSTToday Issue 4 2020 www.nsc-chariscenter.org Jesus Under the Bridge by Bob and Irene Carubia everal years ago, at our monthly local ecumenical lun- YOU SHALL BE MY WITNESSES MY BE SHALL YOU cheon, we met Pastor John Rittenhouse. His “church” Sintrigued us. His “congregation” consisted of those who weren’t wanted or accepted in the typical church. He ministered to those in ragged clothes, the unkempt, many times unwashed and emanating various odors. We were invited to The Living Room, a day shelter for those who live on the street. Sometimes a few snacks and some clothes are distributed and referrals for other needs are made. taught pictorially with stained glass. Pictures are worth a Spirit-filled videos, music and books are discussed but most thousand words. Bible and a Breakfast utilizes stained glass importantly, the love of Jesus is shown to all who come there. images of parables with a short teaching that directly relates Pastor John mentored us in the love and knowledge of Jesus to those attending the breakfast. Whether it be the Woman in a most special way. What causes someone to live on the at the Well, the Loving Father/Prodigal Son, the Good street? Alcohol, drugs, other addictions and various mental Shepherd, or the Good Samaritan, the message of God’s love issues cause persons to be outcast. Jesus always reached out is clear. Many of those in need never experienced God’s to those in need, the outcasts of society, with his love. The love throughout any part of their life and showing God’s Living Room is modeled upon his love that cares for those love by our actions continues to change lives. Praise the Lord! “outside” of society. Not only is a large visual of stained glass shown at the Years ago, the need to increase our outreach to those on the Breakfast gathering but a business card with the same picture street was evident. We set up monthly services along a nearby and related scripture verse is given as a reminder of the rail trail under a bridge that is home to some. “Jesus Under message. The day after we shared the story of the four the Bridge” services include music, prayer and food ministries. young men bringing their paralytic friend on a stretcher, More and more of those in need were attracted. Several through the roof, to the feet of Jesus, one young man called Photo: Shutterstock churches, working together, provided food as well as miscel- me over on the street and said someone came to the Sunday laneous items (toothpaste, brushes, toiletries, winter clothing, soup kitchen in a wheelchair. Since there were five steps into and blankets). The one-on-one prayer ministry is the most the dining room, he and three others picked up the wheel- important aspect of street ministry. Names are learned, issues chair-bound person and carried him so he could eat inside. understood, friendships developed, conversions of heart Praise the Lord! encountered, follow-up ministry offered. Jesus’ love flows to The direct street outreach has been welcomed and widely all present. Praise the Lord! accepted by those living in the street and along the byways. There are many groups in Morgantown, West Virginia that Thank you, Jesus! We pray that all continue to encounter the provide for humanitarian needs (overnight shelter, clothes, love of the Lord. May his love lead his children to their ben- health services, daily meals) for those in the street. We realized efit, whether permanent shelter, clothes, a job or to remain that on most weekends there wasn’t a meal offered from in the street to be loved by him. Continue to lead us, Holy t Friday evening till Saturday evening. So we began Bible and a Spirit, as you will. Breakfast on Saturday mornings and have been serving a For more info, go to: https://www.facebook.com/pg/WVLivingRoom/posts/?ref=page_internal healthy breakfast with a bible message each Saturday morning since last October. The COVID restrictions have been more Irene and Bob Carubia lead the weekly prayer meetings of the Light of Life Community severe on the needy (including closed public toilets) and we founded in Morgantown, West Virginia in 1968. thank the Holy Spirit for blessing us with persistence to In addition to street ministry, they are also active continue during these times. With his help, we have overcome in campus, hospital, and radio ministries. They all COVID restrictions on gathering and serving those in need. reside on their rural (almost heaven) West Virginia homestead where they raised their seven Jesus taught in parables so that people could relate his adopted children.