I am writing to commend to you Tom and Cathy Oestreich and River of Hope Ministries. I have known Tom, and through him Cathy, since 1995. Across the years I have had the opportunity to observe Tom and I have been impressed with how he has responded to various challenges that he and Cathy have faced. The result is that there is a greater depth of ministry which has given them a greater understanding to be able to minister in the lives of people in need.

They have also had much experience in the secular world of business as well as local church ministry and is committed to helping churches equip people for the work of the ministry. I wish to commend them and their ministry to others who would be led to support them and make use of their services.

Blessings,
Alan Langstaff
Kairos Ministries, Inc. http://www.kairosmin.org
____________________________________________________________

Dear Friends in Ministry,

I have had the privilege of knowing and partnering with Pastor Tom & Cathy Oestreich since 1995.  Since 1999 they have been members of Bethel Christian Fellowship and both have served faithfully and fruitfully in a variety of leadership positions.  Tom has served in preaching, service facilitation, leading and overseeing small groups and missional communities, and pastoral counseling.  Cathy has also led in small groups and missional communities with Tom and has also overseen our kitchen and hospitality ministry for many years.  Additionally I have partnered with Tom on a number of ministry projects beyond the walls of BCF, including his work with ministry leaders in crisis and transition.

When Pastor Tom & Cathy re-launched River of Hope Ministries, Bethel Christian Fellowship agreed to provide both spiritual oversight and monthly financial support for the ministry.  We do so because we believe in Tom & Cathy and the positive kingdom impact their ministry has and can make.  We commend them to you for your consideration.  May the Lord bless you as you pursue God’s heart in your area of ministry.

Your co-laborer in Christ,
Rev. Dr. Jim Olson
Senior Pastor, Bethel Christian Fellowship
and the Bethel Family of Churches http://betheltwincities.org
_________________________________________________

This letter is my personal recommendation for Tommy and Cathy Oestreich and River of Hope Ministries. I have consulted with Tommy in some clients issues here at MN Adult & Teen Challenge where restoration was needed and he was a tremendous help in our ministry to that client.

Additionally, Tom is also a gifted teacher and instructor and is now serving as adjunct faculty at Teen Challenge Leadership Institute, which is a program for graduates of MN Adult and Teen Challenge. I have come to appreciate his teaching, preaching, communication and the way he approaches ministry and life.

I have found his dedication to serving our students to be extremely valuable and versatile. His character and integrity are evident in the way he leads River of Hope Ministries and shares his ministry wherever he is called. I would highly recommend Tom and Cathy for consideration of any ministry or speaking needs.

Sincerely,
Pastor Jeff Dye
Vice President of Programming
MN Adult & Teen Challenge http://www.mntc.org