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Janice (Janice)
Posted on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 3:22 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Denise, No, I am not crippled but have had surgery on both feet and know what it is like to be confined and televangelists just don't move me like being among my fellow believers.

I hate that you don't feel welcomed at a church anywhere, but at the risk of patting myself on the back, I will say that my previous husband and I did take one of our crippled friends, wheelchair and all, in a little Honda one time to our church in Marietta, Georgia; and she enjoyed it immensely and was welcomed by our church family and even asked to come back again, unfortunately, she has gone home to be with the Lord now, but the misfortune is really more mine than hers seeing as how she is sitting at the Father's feet now and I am still here. My friend had an inherited disease, I think it was Parkinson's, that took both her and her brother. We often visited both of them at our nearby nursing home.

You know it is hard on those folks in the nursing homes too because so many times the family places these folks there and then just quit coming by to see them except for an occasional visit after church on Sunday evening or on holidays, sad to say but I am also guilty of forgetting about them, they are the forgotten souls that really touch my heart though and always make me feel better after I do take the time to call on them. I really love my friends in the nursing home especially Mama Effie, we have been friends since 1987 when I first moved back to Georgia after my divorce. I really visited the nursing home in order to get off my rear and quit having pity parties, believe me when I say it is a humbling experience. Tealy Anne was another friend of mine confined to a wheel chair as a result of her diabetes causing gangreen that resulted in having her left leg amputated and was about to have her other leg amputated when she just gave up hope and asked God to take her on home. I do miss her very much, she was very sweet and I never left there without her telling me that she always prayed for me.

I didn't say all of this to try and make anyone feel bad, I was just relating that I do have many acquaintances that are bound to wheel chairs and two of those are members of the church where I presently attend services. Miss Jeanette has Cerebral Palsy and is 62 and has never been married, but she has a gentlemen friend that she wrote a beautiful book of poems to and I wish that I had gotten one of them when she had them for sale at the church last year. Her 80 year old mother still takes care of her and Jeanette is a very vital part of our church group. Whenever a member of our church has a baby and brings that baby to church for the first time, the preacher always takes the baby and walks down the aisle to Miss Jeanette and holds them for their "christening kiss", it is a traditional here that I truly enjoy seeing take place. Also, our other member is very active in our church even though he has crippling arthitis, the kids love it when they can catch a ride to children's church on the big red train (his electric wheelchair)and he is also a very gifted Sunday School teacher.

Denise, I hope that you will find a church ministry that will provide accommodations for you to go to church. Have you tried calling any of your local churches to see if they have someone that could come by for you? I will be praying for your situation.

Your sister in Christ,
Janice
Sabra (Sabra)
Posted on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 3:38 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Carol2 We are having fresh oil new wine conference this week, all week (hint hint) Come on up!!

Angie, I used to live in Dayton TN on Back Valley Rd. in 1991 and 1992. I went to the tiny little Graysville SDA church there (when I went) small world hu?
Sabra (Sabra)
Posted on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 3:46 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Oh and Doug,

One thing that we do to draw all types of people is door to door visiting in ALL areas. They go to the government housing area to bus kids in for vacation bible school and then we're on TV so I guess that helps too. We have to go through evangelism classes to go door to door and I want to do that. A couple of weeks ago the pastor asked all members who were members because someone came to their house and invited them and a LOT of people stood.

Some ideas anyways...

Carol2 I have no idea what an Ichthus is and everybody knows I'm not smart! LOL!!
Denisegilmore (Denisegilmore)
Posted on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 4:04 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Janice,

you stated in part:

"You know it is hard on those folks in the nursing homes too........"

Yeah, I know...my best friend of 86 has been stuck in one.
Denisegilmore (Denisegilmore)
Posted on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 4:08 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"I will be praying for your situation."

Janice, Thank you.

Blessings to you IN Christ.

Denise
Angie (Angie)
Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 6:58 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Sabra,small world?I live just off Back Valley and got married in that little SDA church!!Where is this conference at and what is it?? Angie
Carol_2 (Carol_2)
Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 7:56 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Sabra - yes, details. Is this something all week long (some of us have to work you know!! :) Give us information, but I know I don't want to miss Mac Powell here in town this Friday nite. I will get up there sometime though!!! Carol #2
Sabra (Sabra)
Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 10:21 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well it started last night and goes through Thursday or Friday they have day and night meetings and it is Fresh Oil New Wine. They hold it every year and I guess it's kind of like a revival. You can probably get more info from the website www.cbch.org (I think) or Ron Phillips ministries.org

Angie, I lived in a little blue house that was cute at the time but we drove by there last summer and it looks sad. Our church, Central Baptist is on Hixson Pike off of 153 right past Northgate mall. It's about a 30 min drive for you. Do you have a home church? If not it is definately worth the drive.
e-mail me if you want and I can meet you there sometime. sabrastone0539@msn.com
Janice (Janice)
Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 3:57 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Denise, Did you mean that your friend was 86 years young or you knew her from 1986?

It just goes to show that you never really know what tomorrow will bring, doesn't it? Our preacher once spoke out and encouraged all of us to visit the nursing homes during the holidays one year, and he went on to make mention of the fact that "who knows, it may be you in a home some day that hears footsteps down the hall and prays that they will stop at your door." That thought has always stuck with me, and I can certainly tolerate unpleasant odors for a few moments of my time, that is such a pitiful excuse for anyone to give for not going, isn't it? It doesn't take much to put a smile on their faces and I always come away feeling glad that I did visit them. The saddest part in becoming friends though is knowing that they probably won't be with us much longer, surprisingly though, I have been friends with Mama Effie since '87 and she still gives me some really good advice and always keeps me in her prayers and calls me up when she needs mine, but she is in pretty bad shape and needs oxygen round the clock. She has also had skin cancer taken from her nose and has some stomach problems too. She loves Double-Mint Gum and strawberry preserves too, so, I always try to bring some to her when I come. Those folks really love it too when I bring my tape player and sing for them, my ex used to take his guitar and we sang together but that was almost ten years ago.

Guess I need to get my machine back over there and make good my promise to sing them all a special that I learned for my church. Maybe some day I will get over the fear of getting up in front of people to sing.

Guess I have jabbered on long enough for one post.

Good night for now.

Janice
Denisegilmore (Denisegilmore)
Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 5:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"Denise, Did you mean that your friend was 86 years young or you knew her from 1986?"

Janice, she is 86 years old in May of this year.

And the place she is in has no odors....nice place. Just wish I had a way to see her as she is in a city about 40 minutes from me. And like getting to Church, finding a ride to see her is impossible.

I miss her tremendously and would ask you to pray for Arleta.

Arleta has been my friend for years and she is SDA. We used to go to Church together when we both lived in this town I currently reside. Then we lived in this same building that I live in now.

She is the one Christian who taught me what "love" was about. She is my mentor in many ways and if not for God putting her in my life, I would never have known what Christian love was all about.

I cry as I type this....my heart is missing her tremendously.

She is the epitomy of love. I call her "mom."

Pray for Arleta please.

Thank you for asking me about my friend, as she is the most special person in my entire life and I'll never understand why it turned out like this.

Weeping to Jesus again.

denise

"Weep with those who weep."
Carol_2 (Carol_2)
Posted on Wednesday, March 12, 2003 - 2:53 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Ichthus anyone????
Doug222 (Doug222)
Posted on Wednesday, March 12, 2003 - 6:37 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Carol,
Early Christians, those in the early 100s A.D., often used the fish as a symbol to identify themselves as Christians. The word "ichthus" actually means "fish" in Greek.(the original language of the New Testament) During the persecution of the early church this symbol was among those used by Christians as a means of identification and to designate a place of Christian gathering.

The symbol of the "ichthus fish" has endured the ages and continues to serve as a sign of the Christian faith. In time this symbol also took on a secondary meaning from an acronym formed from the original Greek letters that spell "ichthus." An outline of this acronym is below:

English Greek Stands For
I Greek word "Iesous" which means "Jesus"
CH Greek word "Christos" which means "Christ"
TH Greek word "Theos" which means "God"
U Greek word "Uios" which means "Son"
S Greek word "Soter" which means "Savior"

In time, the acronym became understood as meaning "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior.

Icould leave it at that and let you marvel over my brilliance, but that would be dishonest. Actually I did a google search and came upon the Incthus Ministries website. That's where I found this information.

In His Grace

Doug
Carol_2 (Carol_2)
Posted on Wednesday, March 12, 2003 - 7:08 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thank you Doug! We all think you're brilliant anyway!
Sabra (Sabra)
Posted on Wednesday, March 12, 2003 - 9:40 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Doug, You da man.:)
Denisegilmore (Denisegilmore)
Posted on Wednesday, March 12, 2003 - 10:28 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Janice,

You stated this in part:

"Denise, I hope that you will find a church ministry that will provide accommodations for you to go to church. Have you tried calling any of your local churches to see if they have someone that could come by for you? I will be praying for your situation.

Your sister in Christ,
Janice"

Dear Janice,

In case you haven't noticed, you are the only person on this forum who addressed this issue of people who have no way to Church. You and you ONLY addressed my desire to speak of "diversity" in ALL it's forms. As "diversity" goes, it should be absolutely clear to all who read, that this subject of "cripples" and this woman's (me) heart in mourning, was as "diverse" as "diverse" can get.

Did you notice? Nobody approached the subject of people who are physically challenged nor did anyone approach the subject of a hurting Christian sister over here who is crying over a friend.

And yet, I tell you that there are some here posting that know me in person and live within range to take me to Church. They also know my love for Arleta (it's also recorded in the archives), yet not one,,,,,no, not one person addressed either issue but you.

However, if you transfer over onto the "Tithing" thread, you will read thus:

"Instead Christians should imitate Christ by,"being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose" (Phil. 2:2)."

Now, allow me to type the entire passage out for all to see.

"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ,

if any comfort from His love,

if any fellowship with the Spirit,

if any tenderness and compassion,

then make my joy complete by being like-minded,

having the same love,

being one in Spirit and purpose.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,

but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

Each of you should look not only to your own interests,

but also interests of others.

You attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:............"

Now, I ask you, how is one to be able to do any of this without "fellowship" and how is one to have "fellowship" without others following the above Scriptures??

Does this make me out of line on this forum for bringing up something that was absolutely ignored and that my "un-believing" friend couldn't even believe herself as she witnessed "Christians"?

Hopefully, Colleen and Richard Tinker, you will not delete this message as it is truth and I'm only speaking from my heart that is very much hurt.

Doug, if we are to approach "diversity," and you encouraged others to speak up on what they've witnessed, then why is there not a ministry, on this forum, for people who could use "encouragement" and perhaps "possibilities" to rectify this issue of "cripples, homebound, and hurting" (in other ways besides by the cults or occults), that exists in this world?

I am not the only one reading this forum who is "crippled, handicapped, homebound and hurting."

I am not the only one who cannot secure a discussion regarding this type of ministry for people like myself, let alone a ministry in our real lives to secure a ride to Church services.

Why in the "tithing" thread is giving only meaning money?? What happened to "love, encouragement, tenderness, compassion, like-mindedness, one in the Spirit and purpose, considering others better than ourselves, the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, etc....????

What is the difference between "giving" and "giving?" Whether it be of "monies" or "rides" or "love" etc. etc.????

To me there is a problem with all this between these two threads and the posts I'm seeing addressed and the posts I'm seeing ignored.

Is anyone else seeing this or is this ALL in my head (which I know it is not).

And please, no gang mentality. Speak truth.

Thank you,

Sincerely,

Denise Gilmore

"Weep with those who weep."

P.S. If no posts are posted by me, then I've been banned from this forum and hopefully someone will copy both threads. I pray that "banning" is NOT an option.
Jerry (Jerry)
Posted on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 1:37 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dear Denise,

When I read your post, I became very sad. I had to think about this for a while before I posted.

I must apologize for my insensitivity to your situation. I cannot speak for others, but when I saw your posts about Arleta, I did not know what to say. Perhaps, I assumed that others would console you and then put it out of my mind. Although I cannot promise to respond to everyone on the forum who is hurting for some reason, that is no excuse.

You were obviously hurting over your friendís situation and needed comfort. Having lost my father several years ago to pancreatic cancer after a long, agonizing period of illness, I think I can relate, somewhat, to your situation. It is heartbreaking to see someone you love decline dramatically and experience such devastating pain over a long time. I do not know what will help you with your grief. Please know that you and Arleta are in my prayers.

As for your comments about a ministry for disabled, sick or homebound people: Most of the churches I have attended have had an active visitation and transportation ministry. One of my fatherís ěspecialtiesî as a pastor was ministering to the sick and homebound. Every Sunday, there was a place in the service where he, or someone else, informed the congregation about who needed help in any way. This was done with the standing assumption that if no one else helped, he would see to it in some way. He was always finding rides for people who needed it, not just to get to church, but to the stores and to recreational activities. Some of his churches were VERY small. Nevertheless, I do not remember him ever neglecting that issue. Maybe that is a rare experience. I do not know.

I think that is simply the way that it should be. There is no question about it.

Now, my mother has problems getting out and she attends a church that has an active ministry of that type. She has no car, but always gets a ride to church, which is several miles away.

If you are neglected in this regard, I am not at all happy about the people who should be helping you. If I were in your area, I would help you myself.

God bless you,

Jerry
Denisegilmore (Denisegilmore)
Posted on Friday, March 14, 2003 - 12:12 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dear Jerry,

Thank you for acknowledging my pain and my prayers.

Your father sounds like he was indeed a "man of God" and I can imagine the grief that you had when you lost him and also too, the grief of all of those people whom he blessed with his heart of compassion. For God does not want our sacrifices but desires Justice and Mercy. This your father lived. God Bless him!

Now there's a father to be very proud of and hopefully someone has come in to take his place in helping those he helped.

He is most definately one of a very few who would do such beautiful things for people.

In my experience, I've found that I'm not alone in this. Many of us have grief that we endure alone because sad to say, most Christians do not want to hear your tears.

Not only in this manner are we alone. For lack of a ride to Church, we have no encouragement either except through the type written pages of the internet. But what a difference in our world it would make if we had real life friends that we could fellowship with. My depression is high, I readily admit. And the lack of fellowship and the knowing just how much of an "inconvenience" we are to others, only adds to this depression.

It is hard enough to have a disability that causes pain almost 24 hours a day, that causes distortions of the body and which has 'John Q. Public' and your neighbors staring at you as though you are some kind of freak. What isolationism there is in all of this.

However, when I've solicited for a ride to Church, there is always some excuse i.e. "time" (one I commented on in another thread), "gas" yet I'm more than willing to pay gas monies, "embarassment" to be seen with me, and of course the good old word of "inconvenience."

All of this wouldn't be so bad if someone would come by from time to time to visit and go through Scripture, hold me up in this very distressing and very lonely time that isn't going to go away.

Even if some would take turns to call, it would make me feel good just to know that there are fellow 'brothers and sisters in Christ' who actually thought of me and took the time out to call.

But that isn't happening and yet most everyone that knows me, knows that I am indeed having a rough time......they just don't know how rough a time because 'they don't want to know.'

It is almost as if I'm invisible except for this internet and un-believers. Yes, it is the un-believers who come by to check up on me and it is the un-believers who come by and have a cup of coffee or a good laugh together.

Just today, I've been bed ridden all day but thankfully to God, a 'new convert' cared and stayed the entire day. And I was not much of a hostess, infact, was in tremendous pain and slept quite a bit. Yet she didn't mind and I hadn't asked for her to come by either. This was in her heart without me having to beg.

It is a sad day when "Christians" forget about their suffering brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus. We do so much for others in other countries and yet, in our own Churches, with people we thought as our friends, we, in the United States of America, are forgotten.

If I were blessed with a car, no physical problems, and an active life, I could not be so complacent in 'my riches' to "forget" my friends who suffer and do not have those luxuries.

I've heard it said that there are those praying for me and that is great. Don't think that I'm not appreciative of that for that is a great comfort to hear those words. But, day after day, in my apartment alone, full of pain and depression, oh how beautiful the feet of anyone coming by to 'pay a visit!'

While I cannot speak for others who suffer, I will say this about myself. When pain is non-relenting and depression ensues, it is only hightened by the alone-ness and the feeling of being forgotten by your family but most of all my Christian brothers and sisters who once told me they 'cared.' And infact, even put on such a good act that I believed them. This is the worst.

For the first time ever, there is a support group for people who suffer with what I suffer with and the next meeting will be one the 3rd of April. One major set back is getting there. While these are not necessarily Christian folk, the idea of being with others is uplifting to think about. Yet here again, nobody has responded to my emails, soliciting for a ride to this meeting. And I don't have expectations on them as I do on "Christians."

If we are God's children, wouldn't it be great if we acted like it and helped each other?

My friend Arleta is another aspect of my life where I covet your prayers. Even though she is SDA, she is the most loving, Christ Centered Christian I have ever known. And we are now apart by approximately 30-40 miles. How we long to see each other. There is a bond between us that goes beyond words and neither of us can explain it to anyone.

An interesting thing between Arleta and myself is that as she goes downhill, so do I and when I'm going downhill, she too is going downhill. And this, without phone conversations, or letters to each other! Who can explain this phenomenon? Yet it is real and has many baffled. That's how close Arleta and I are and our longing to see each other is an impossible feat because nobody will take me to see my most cherished and beloved friend. I fear we may never see each other again, this side of Jesus's Coming.

I want to start a ministry in something akin to what your father did in his life, yet I need to get to the Churches in order to present this type of ministry. As it is not one that is even thought about really other than Wednesday nights perhaps, when people get together in a Church and prayer for the sick.

But my question is, yes we pray, but other than that, what do we do for them? Are we there to put a smile on them or spend a few hours in the Bible together or simply chatting and laughing? From my experiences in the Churches, no, we are not there "physically" with them. Well, that is unless they happen to be dying and that's a sad thing that one has to be taking their last breath in order for fellowship.

This is what I've witnessed in Christianity today. In this, the 21st Century, where everyone claims to be 'one of God's children.' And while I've heard that there are indeed Churches that do what your father did in his beautiful life, I've not experienced nor met those type of Christians. At the first, I thought I had those type of Christians in my life but when my legs could no longer work very often and my body jerks around, those "friends" of mine went into hiding. With an exception, "the new converts!" These new converts will come by from time to time to ask questions pertaining to God's Word and when they see my condition, they have not run away or pretended I'm invisible, no, rather, they being new, have gone to the Churches to try to acquire "God's children" who would help them help me. All this to no avail I might add.

When the new converts and the un-believers are seeing this, do the "people of God" think they are Glorifying their Father's Name? For I tell you that I'm finding myself trying to defend the "Church goers" to these new converts and the un-believing. And I can no longer 'defend' the ones who do NOT Glorify our Father's Name. It would be hypocritical of me to do so and it would also give the WRONG message and somehow embolden these new converts and the un-believing to act in like manner. This, I cannot do. Infact, woe to me should I put such a stumbling block in their path!

So, here I am, taking a stand, not just for myself, but for all the others that lurk here that find themselves in this same position as myself. And it's a sad day when the "Church" needs to be reminded, especially in public.

Again Jerry, May God Bless you and your household for He has seen your heart! You too, are a "man of God" and your post showed this and I'm praying to our Father that there will be more men and women of God who will acquire a heart such as yours. God will reward you, for it is our hearts that He judges.

Your heart melted my heart. Thank you.

May Peace rule your household of hearts! In Christ, Jesus Name, this I pray for you and yours. amen.

Denise Gilmore
Carol_2 (Carol_2)
Posted on Friday, March 14, 2003 - 4:25 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dear Denise:

I too am sorry for your hurt. I'm sorry I didn't respond sooner, as it was on my heart. I could see you were in pain, and lonely. Again, I am so sorry. Please forgive me.

Do you mind saying what part of the country you live in? Maybe you have mentioned in prior posts, but I'm not real good and searching this site.

Love and prayers to all, Carol #2
Denisegilmore (Denisegilmore)
Posted on Friday, March 14, 2003 - 7:47 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dear Carol,

May God Bless you for opening up the heart HE touched!

In God's Word, we are to forgive each other as often as asked. Being a child of God, of course my heart has no inclination to hold any grudge towards you and infact I pray the Lord give you His Peace and Blessings.

And if in any way, I have offended you, my prayer would be that you will also forgive me.

I've read all of your words in your many posts in different threads and knew our Father in Heaven has touched you in many ways. I'm grateful for this. And each and every time I percieve this in anyone, Praise goes to Jesus Christ, our God. For He is an Awesome God, full of Mercy and Compassion, slow to anger. His Power (dunamis) is inspiring to behold and never ceases to amaze me.

In answer to your question as to my location, I live in Southern California not far from Redlands (approx. 30-40 miles).

The particular city I live in, is in need of services of the kind that Jerry speaks about when his father was a Pastor. It is sorely lacking here and there are many who are homebound.

Although I've tried to inspire a ministry for the homebound, the transportionless and handicapped people in this area, it has been a rather fruitless endeavor.

Now that I'm "one of them" (the handicapped, homebound and transportationless), my sights are set on the Redlands/Yucaipa area for help.

If I could secure a ride to the Churches in that area, perhaps there is a possibility to acquire a team of folks willing to pick a few of us up from this city and take us to Church.

And if the others didn't want to travel 30-40 miles to Church, I'm still desiring it for myself. Although I don't believe my body will allow that for every weekend. However, once or twice in a month would be great.

Or, if that couldn't be worked out, even a visit from time to time from members of the "Church" would be VERY uplifting and a great source of encouragement to me. Infact, this has been missing since I began to attend Church in 1999. With the exception of a few meetings I went to and a few times (count on one hand and perhaps an added few fingers), nobody has paid a "visit" nor called. So less than one dozen times since 1999.

Not much and at the first, it didn't bother me as it was God who was my instructor and my physical disabilities hadn't flourished as they have in the past few years.

I have attended a few Churches after dropping them all the latter part of 2001 or so.

I stopped going to Churches due to many reasons and yet as well liked as I was in the Churches (or so I thought), nobody ever came by nor called to see how I'm doing. I thought this a strange thing because of my many activities in the Church while going. And the many smiles and kind words while in the Church. Much to my sadness, they were simply "words."

As it is now, I feel like John on the Island of Patmos. Or worse yet, a prisoner given only loneliness, pain and depression as my lot in life.

Yes, I have God's Word but contact with Christians, especially now in my life, can only do me good and help uplift my spirits. I love speaking about what God has done, is doing and His promises of what He is going to do! These things, above anything else, raise me from the dust and ashes I'm currently located.

Not only that but the thought that some of my brothers and sisters in Christ would care enough to stop by and visit, sure would make me feel as though I'm part of the Church and that indeed the Love of God is flowing in His people.

For now, I'm cast out of every walk of life, including and most importantly my brothers and sisters who has the same Father in Heaven that I do.

May the Lord Bless you and Keep you, in Jesus the Messiahs Name, this I pray. amen.

Denise Gilmore
Doug222 (Doug222)
Posted on Friday, March 14, 2003 - 8:15 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Denise,
You mention a very sad state in the church. I think that we do tend to compartmentalize far too much. There is church, then there is the rest of our life. I think that we have been influenced by the norms of our society--which places a high value of our privacy. My goodness, most people don't even know their neighbors.

As far as churches go (and I can only speak about my SDA experience, since the church I currently attend is too large for me to know what really goes on), I think their focus tends to be on caring for the currently attending members. You know the old saying, "out of sight, out of mind." That is no excuse, but it is reality.

It would be really nice if the church could get the names of people who are homebound from a social service agency (whether they are church members or not), and then set out to help meet their needs (social, physical, financial, etc.). Isn't that what Jesus' ministry was based on. Of course I think many people would be leary, because they would suspect (and probably be right), that the church had an agenda--to preach to them. But what if that wasn't our agenda? What if we genuinely cared about these people, and therefore sought to demonstrate God's love to them without regard to whether they were receptive to our message. Oh, what an awesome thing that would be.

Unfortunately, the church has adopted the philosophies of the world. We want a "return on our investment." In other words, we want to see the results in the pews. Also, we are afraid that someone might take advantage of us. Its a sad situation.

Thank you for opening our eyes to a definite need.

In His Grace

Doug

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