History of R.E.L.A.T.E Ministries

1. History of R.E.L.A.T.E Ministries Produced by DeWayne Thomas Pastor R.E.L.A.T.E. Ministries Inc.

2. Inspiration For RELATE • My lovely wife and I had been married for 7 years at the time when we were inspired to create RELATE Ministries. Remembering the difficulties we experienced during our first few years of marriage. We knew had it not been for the skills and knowledge of relationship education we would have failed. Thank God for the new understanding that made such a dramatic difference in our lives and the joy of our marriage.

3. The Birth of RELATE • In 1998 Jacqui and I were pastors of The North shore Community Church of all Nations. We decided to Form a special auxiliary dedicated to helping strengthen Marriages. We had come to believe that the strength of a marriage was based on the individuals relationship with God first then the love of one self then your soul mate then others. And the church was found in the “other” section. No it was not God’s design to place the church above the bonds of holy matrimony. Instead the marriage was the model for the Church to follow . In fact looking at scripture we Gen 2 the pattern of Marriage was formed before the need for an offering of any kind.

4. Activities • Our efforts were especially received by the youth pastor and his members most of RELATE efforts were accomplished with an eight month period. When the project was completed we were lead by God to move to Hampton roads Hampton Virginia and a new assignment. • After receiving our none profit status along with our incorporation as a 501c-3 God gave us a very sure vision. • “Our system of delivery consisted of life changing seminars for a very low price 50% below the market price. We partnered with the Military, Union Street CDC and other local agents in the north shore area. • After four years of operation our local membership was merged with another local church and the RELATE auxiliary was made responsible for the merger process and the organizational development. Membership and attendance increased from56 on a Sunday morning to more than 250 .

5. Walking in God Plan • We let the light in • We Started the remodeling • Formed a neighborhood association • Held house meeting, cook outs and rib sales • The members conducted their own improvement projects. Some trade other who needed help the end results was positive change • Drugs sale ended, prostitution ended, resulted in beautification and an improved quality of life. This three year success story was the results of of work , prayer and manifestation of power . We experienced several occasion of men just showing up at our door with provocation to ask to saved.. • The promise of God’s clear we were to move and He would prove to us power and glory. RELATE was charged with community organization . God promised that as we walked in our calling He would transform our neighborhood before us .

6. Resting In the Lord • These failures placed stress on our marriage but We resolved to truly enter into the rest of God. With in three week of April 2007 God had open to doors and brought I to our live almost everything we had asked the Father . And with 5 months we had sold our home and was of to a year long sabbatical in Turkey no less. Wow! What an Awesome God • With RELATE blessing we also experienced failures. • God sent us unto a local pastor to be his advisor and administrator. The word of the lord was confirmed by the Senior pastor and the apostle of the that body. But the plan did not come to pass. Other projects experienced mixed out come. To say the least we were challenged

7. Thoughts