Old School Face Time

My mother once told me a few years ago that some of my nieces and nephews were visiting her. They were all in the living room and on their devices. She said that she sat there while no one talked to each other. Suddenly she clapped her hands and exclaimed, “Put those things down and you are going to talk to one another for awhile.” Quietly the phones were turned off as she started the conversation. She has since gone to be with the Lord but believed in old-school “Face Time”. Many studies have shown that social contact can protect against loneliness, suicide and other disorders. But can social media do the same? An article from the Journal of Affective Disorders, Jan. 15th edition notes a study on Veterans, “According to a recent study in an online survey of 587 veterans who all used Facebook, researchers identified participants showing signs of major depression, PTSD, alcohol use disorder, and suicidal behaviors. Their results showed that those who engage in face-to-face contact at least a few times per week had a 50 percent lower risk for major depression and PTSD compared with participants for whom Facebook was the main social outlet.” Studies need to continue on alcohol and suicidal behavior. How many times do we hear about incidents where mass murder occur and the person was a loner, isolated on the internet? God created us to have relationship with direct contact; talking, listening, crying, laughing with one another. Paul once said to the Thessalonians, “17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, 18 because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us.” (1 Thessalonians 2:17-18) Does Satan rob us some times when we get focused on impersonal social media or internet activity that takes time from intimate contact? Maybe God is telling us to put those devices down and spend some time with family and friends. Maybe He is clapping and saying, “put those things down and spend some time with Me.”

Belfast Community Gospel Choir

When you spend time with Marie Lacey you are introduced to someone who just loves life. Marie is from Northern Ireland and to be more specific Belfast. She was born into a time of turmoil and was a young teen the “Northern Ireland Troubles” began in 1968. Terrorism took 3,600 lives as her country was shackled by hate and disunity. Some close to her were killed. Instead of cursing the darkness she kept close to the light of the Gospel. She led others in Worship and Music at home and abroad but felt a new sense of hope when a cease-fire and peace was finally agreed upon on April 10, 1998 now called the “Good Friday Agreement”. Marie has the gift of bringing people together and led an observance by forming a community choir. She did the same when the British government asked her to lead a celebration at the turn of the millennium. Mac Davis once wrote, “Music is the universal language, and love is the key, To peace hope and understanding, and living in harmony, So take your brother by the hand and come along with me, Lift your voices to the sky, tell me what you see.” Marie could have just as easily written these lyrics and loves to integrate “oldies” into their concerts. The flicker of community choirs she organized over the years became a raging fire in 2009 when she formed the Belfast Community Gospel Choir (BCGC). Their message of peace, love and joy with a Gospel flair gets your hands to clapping and your heart forgetting your troubles. The choir is not only Irish but composed of members from Nigeria, South Africa, Greece and Spain modeling diversity instead of division. They have performed for Heads of State and Hoosiers. From Belfast, London, New York, Boston and South Bend. But most importantly you will see a smile in the Irish eyes of Marie because love always wins. I hope you can join us on Good Friday, April 19th, 7PM at Lakeview Middle School Auditorium, 848 E. Smith St., Warsaw for a free concert (Freewill offering to be taken to support Heartline Pregnancy Center). The message of Good Friday and Easter will be shared that there may be trouble but Jesus has overcome this world!

A United Church For A Divided World

There are many who talk about what we need today. Everyone has an opinion. But one I know we need for sure is a “A United Church For A Divided World”. The sad thing is that many times the church, the Bride of Christ, is as disjointed as our culture. I have told others that Christianity is like an ice cream shop. There are many different flavors but you are always getting ice cream with its basic ingredients of water, milk and sugar. As followers of Christ we gather around the fountain of living water given to us through Jesus. As our thirst is quenched we share His love to a world that is parched and dry. We desire the milk of the Word (The Bible) that calls us to repentance and humility before God the Father. We celebrate the sweetness of the New Life through the Power of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:1-6 says, “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” When folks gather on a hot July day at an establishment they don’t argue about the best flavor or sit in the Moose Tracks, Mint or Buttered Pecan section! They just enjoy ice cream! The same should be for people of The Way even though we may have the flavor of Pentecostal, Methodist, Baptist, etc. We should welcome each others company because of Jesus! We strive for unity because we serve the Prince of Peace...and how the world cries out for those who promote accord!

False Witness

There is a frightening trend in our society where folks accuse or make up stories about others. In this era of the 24 hour news cycle and social media people are not just implicated of something, they are indicted before all the evidence is in. I know that some think the Ten Commandments are just suggestions but God hates false witness or slander. Words have consequences and the innocent have their lives ruined by lying tongues. In our polarized culture infected with “tribalism” one side is always trying to get “one up” on the other in hopes to “win points” for their constituency. The sad thing is that lives and reputation are destroyed in the process. Ephesians 4:25 says, “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” False witness is a sin because it destroys, the reason the 8th Commandment says, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Followers of Jesus are called to speak the truth in love, building one another up. My grandmother hated when people were talking about someone else and would reply, “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Lord, in this age of falsehood, may I speak words of encouragement and truth to my neighbor. When we are tempted to share “news” without facts help us to put our tongues in neutral and stay silent. May we all be careful with our Social Media posts. Starting lies about someone or spreading them is bearing false witness, a terrible offense in the sight of a Holy God.

The Conductor of the Universe

Dr. Don DeYoung, recently retired professor from Grace College and President of the Creation Research Society has a passion for sharing God through Science. Years ago I was working on a degree program and needed some science credit. I decided to take an Astronomy class at Grace where I first met Don. I was amazed at how he could take complex ideas and make them understandable. We learned about stars, planets, comets, our sun and other celestial objects as the classes progressed. One of the requirements was to observe the stars at night together. It was winter and the evening “the Prof” picked for us was frigid with crystal clear skies. We stood huddled together listening as he took us on a tour of the universe from our vantage point in Winona Lake. He said something I will never forget, “See the orchestra? All of the pieces of the symphony of the stars and planets are directed by God. The conductor is the Creator of the music of the heavens and keeps everthing in place..” Who can’t look into the night sky and not at least wonder? The Psalmist once wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.” This past January 20th I stepped out into the cold to view the wonder of a Super Blood Wolf Moon. The satellite slipped into the Earth’s shadow turning it a beautiful red when the eclipse was full. The Conductor reached a crescendo with His solar and lunar sections complimenting one another just as I had been taught. Thanks Don for teaching me and hundreds over the years that God has everything under control!

Coach K

1977. Jimmy Carter was President of the United States. Star Wars was the top box office draw. Atari 2600 was released in the United States. Jim Kessler started coaching Men’s Basketball at Grace College. 42 years later and over 1300 games “Coach K” has decided to hand the baton off to Scott Moore next season. Over 780 victories, 10 Conference Championships and an NAIA National Championship in 1992. Who can forget that season in the little “cracker box” gym when the cheers were, “Is this not a basketball?” Gathering during the Championship game to watch it on the “big screen” as we cheered David James, Scott Blum and the rest of the Lancers to victory. When I read about his retirement “Coach K” is more than statistics and accomplishments as he “retires”. (He is going to serve as Special Assistant to the Athletic Director). What has set him apart these four decades is that he loves his players and students. How many has he mentored over the years and helped to develop into winners not only on the court but in life? I do not know him well but just watching one can tell how much he cares for others. The amazing thing is that he has done this over four decades at the same institution which now has a court named in his honor at the MOCC. Philippian 3:14 is his favorite verse, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” We need more like Kessler in 2019 who as Followers of Christ put their faith into action. When the last buzzer sounds and his coaching career ends we all will say, “Well done good and faithful servant!” When time runs out on the clock of our lives may Jesus say the same to all of us in eternity!

Choose Life

My mother went to be with the Lord this past summer. I have had many moments remembering times when I visited her in Iowa. One time we were in the living room watching the news when there was a report about abortion. “How can anyone kill a child?”, she lamented as tears rolled down her cheeks. In February 1963 on Lincoln’s Birthday my mother lost my sister, Sandra, in childbirth. She grieved the rest of her life up to the day she died asking, “Do you think I will see her again one day?” The recent news on the abortion front has been appalling. This is not a political but a moral statement. A nation that allows the killing of children from conception to birth will not survive. History has proven over and over that any nation that devalues life, especially children, the disabled and elderly eventually collapses. The early Christians rescued Roman children who were put out for “exposure” to die if the parents did not want them. I have read about my Viking heritage where the Christians made an impact by rescuing the unwanted and changed their society. They did so because life does not come from the mother (or father) but from God Almighty. He is the giver and taker of life, who even in the Constitution of the United States is called the Creator. The Bible puts it poetically in Psalm 139:13-14, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” This obsession with infanticide does not go unnoticed by God and He will judge America no different than other nations. But He also has mercy and grace. For the one who has been involved in having, encouraging, performing or legislating abortion there is forgiveness in Jesus. He calls us individually and as a nation to repent and turn from our sinful, wicked ways. There is also hope as a follower of Christ. If you have lost a child, even from abortion, one day you will see them again because they are held in God’s hand. My sisters and I encouraged our faithful Mother in her last moments, “Sandra is waiting for you.” She turned and looked at us with the biggest smile. When she died she left a testimony of peace on her face. It must be quite a celebration in Heaven! Choose Life...

Shepherds

After the birth of the King of all Kings the appearance of angels visiting shepherds is an interesting twist. They are out in the country tending sheep. Suddenly the starry sky is filled with beings telling them not to be afraid, something wonderful has happened! I’m sure they wondered why these celestial visitors came to them, lowly agricultural workers. They were instructed to go to Bethlehem and see this child who has been born. One of my Pastors, Scott Greene of WCC, threw in one of his rabbit trail thoughts recently in a message, “What did the shepherds do after the Angels gave them the news? They didn’t go to a local department store and buy gifts for one another! They went to see Jesus!” Christmas is a time for giving but if we don’t take time for Jesus...it really can be hollow and empty. The Shepherds, unlikely recipients of unbelievable news, headed to see the babe in the manger. Joseph and Mary must have been pretty surprised when they showed up with their flock! But Luke tells us, “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” (Luke 2:17-18) Christmas can be a stressful and lonely time for many. Part of the reason may be that we focus too much on gifts, gatherings and galas. This Christmas focus on The Gift, Jesus Christ, and like those herdsmen of yore share the Good News of His love, grace and mercy to your neighbors, friends and strangers. Go shopping, attend events and serve with a better attitude everyone will appreciate. Merry Christmas!

Plastic Jesus

I stopped at Central Park to take a break and look at the Nativity Scene. Joseph, Mary and Jesus made of plastic with lights inside glowing at night. It reminds those who pass of the real “Reason For The Season.” I wonder if there are times when people look at followers of Jesus (I’m including myself) and see us being synthetic. The world is starved for that which is real and don’t need factitious religious folks. Many years ago William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army, was asked about a new translation of the Bible and whether Christians should be reading it instead of the King James Version. Booth’s answer was very insightful, “"I want to see a new translation of the Bible into the hearts and conduct of living men and women." He was alluding to verses like Colossians 3:16 that says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” The figures in that Nativity scene are clean, serene and lifeless. Not like the young couple who travelled far and delivered a child in a smelly stable surrounded by livestock. Jesus, the Word of God, put on skin and lived in this messy world showing us The Way. His followers are not called to be statues but living witnesses who reach out in this chaotic world with His love and mercy. Christ should be “translated” into our daily actions as our lives are gifts to “Others” sharing the Good News of Christmas throughout the year!

Trusting God

Watching the 24 hour news cycle can be rather daunting at times. The competition drives the reporters to sensationalize current events. I am not diminishing that there is pain and suffering in our world today. We should never grow callous to the cries of others. One reporter was talking about the issues of our day and saying that this is one of the darkest moments in our history. I almost laughed out loud. Yes, we are divided and I pray we can find unity to solve our problems but we are blessed in so many ways. Take one hundred years ago. The “war to end all wars” had concluded with over 116 thousand killed and more than 200,000 wounded Americans. The numbers for other nations were staggering. During the war the worst flu pandemic in the history broke out. Over 500 million were infected worldwide and estimates of 50 to 100 million died, primarily healthy younger adults. Walking through Oakwood Cemetery one day I noticed in the older section many markers with 1918 or 1919 as the death year, many infants and young. Imagine the fear gripping Kosciusko County in those days! During World War I, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed on May 11, 1918: “‘It being the duty peculiarly incumbent in a time of war humbly and devoutly to acknowledge our dependence on Almighty God and to implore His aid and protection...I, Woodrow Wilson...proclaim...a Day of Public Humiliation, Prayer and Fasting, and do exhort my fellow-citizens...to pray Almighty God that He may forgive our sins.” Though public assembly was discouraged a few months later to reduce infection, calls for prayer to Almighty God spread across the globe. At the end of the pandemic 3-5 % of the world’s population had died. Today is not the darkest moment in our history. The murkiness of our day is that as a Nation we continue to push God out of our public life. A century ago the United States heeded the Word of God, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me." - Psalm 50:15. In these days it would behoove us to look to the God we proclaim we trust and ask Him to forgive us of our sins. Live not knowing what the future holds, but always seeking and thanking the One who holds the future.

Joy Comes In The Morning

There is a “club” that exists in Kosciusko County and everywhere. It doesn’t have regular meetings because many times its members hide in pain. They stay in the shadows and don’t talk about their loved one who is far away from them and God. Alcohol, drugs, pornography to name a few prey on their weaknesses. Their loved ones watch as they spiral into the abyss of despair and destruction. Hope seems to go out the window. Relationships are destroyed by neglect and abuse. I am a member of this lonely hearts society. I wake in the middle of the night at times calling out their name to my Heavenly Father. Why don’t they change? Why like a dog do they continue to return to the vomit their sin draws them to? Why? It seems at times when we pray the sky is built of brass and our prayers bounce off of its surface not getting to Heaven. Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” In the story of the Prodigal Son I sense that the Father often went out and looked down the lane to see if his wayward son was coming home. One day a creature wearing rags and smelling like pigs humbly walked toward him. He ran toward him not caring about the stench or asking about the mistakes he had made. Only hugs and tears were given. That father had hope, though there were many sleepless nights. He had patience though many times afflicted with doubt. Prayers were lifted above and they went past the brass. They always do. Please be encouraged that God hears our cries. He can lead us through the worst of affliction. Even when your loved one is down, they are never out because God sends messages and help their way through you and others. Keep loving and do not give up hope because Jesus can reach and heal the darkest soul through His love and mercy. Find someone to share your burden with and don’t tough it out alone. Hold on...joy comes in the morning...

War To End All Wars

It was called the “war to end all wars”. 100 years ago this week World War I was coming to an end. Finally on the “11th month, 11th day and 11th hour” of 1918 the Armistice was signed and celebrations erupted that peace finally had come. But that war was really the foreshadowing of the horror of the 20th Century. According to Matthew White’s estimate in “Worldwide Statistics of Casualties, Massacres, Disasters and Atrocities” it is estimated that a total of about 123 million people worldwide died in all the wars of the 20th Century. Imperialism, Nazism, Communism, Socialism to name a few made that hundred years the bloodiest in history. Western Democracy bore the brunt of turning back these ideologies that threatened life, liberty and goodwill to all mankind. I am old enough to remember some of the Doughboys who fought “over there”. Two I recall were gentle souls who had been to hell and back. One Veteran who lived around the corner from us had been gassed in the trenches. He shook like he had Parkinson’s Disease and struggled to take care of himself. The other was homeless and suffered from what we would now call PTSD. Our church set up a room for him in the basement and he lived there as the “custodian”. Our parents communicated to us that if these men needed anything we were to help without question. Later they were taken care of at the Iowa Veterans Home until they died. Once in a message our Pastor read Matthew 24:6, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” I looked over at the “custodian” and he had his head bowed with tears moistening his eyes. He understood that the war he fought in was not the last as America at that time was calling its young people to Vietnam and thousands had died in World War II and Korea. As a follower of Christ we hope for that day when He returns and there is an end to conflict and bloodshed. Until then we owe a great debt of gratitude to Americans who serve in our Armed Forces around the world because war is not going away until Jesus returns. This Sunday, November 11th is Veterans Day. Please take a moment of silence to remember the sacrifice that has been given for Liberty over these 10 decades. At 11 AM the bell in the Kosciusko County Courthouse dome will be rung 21 times to remember. If there are other bells we encourage them to be rung too. Let us pray for peace and renew our trust in the God who has preserved us all these years. To those who currently serve in our Armed Forces and to our Veterans, both living and who have received their promotion to eternity...thank you...

Pastor Appreciation

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. For those of us who attend a church we can sometimes take this person for granted. According to Lifeway Ministries about 250 leave the ministry every month. Around 50 churches close each week in America. The stress of ministry can take its toll on spouses, family and the Shepherd inwardly as well. One survey asked, “What do you struggle with most in ministry?” The answer, “Loneliness.” But they do amazing things serving their flocks and others in the name of Jesus. John B. Lowe II is the Pastor of New Life Church and World Outreach in Warsaw. A dynamo for God, the church he and his wife Debbie have led will celebrate 35 years this Sunday! I thought it would be interesting to ask someone with this much experience, “What are four things your desire from those who attend your church?” He responded with the following. “1. Encounter Jesus in a tangible way. 2. Accept the challenge of not letting anyone out love you. 3. Experience consistent transformation. 4. Give their life away to the world they live in.” To appreciate Pastors the best thing we can do is to put into practice the truths the Lord places on their hearts as they share the Word with us weekly. They don’t want us to focus on them but on Jesus, and love this World as we grow in His grace and mercy. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 says, “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.” Pray for and support your Pastor. There is a spiritual battle going on all around us and many times they are the casualties. Take a moment to thank them and their family this month. To Pastors John and Debbie and many others in Kosciusko County who selflessly serve, “well done, faithful servants!”

WCC Anniversary

I had given up on Christianity. I just didn’t think it worked for me any more. I had to leave full time ministry in 1990 from The Salvation Army because my marriage was falling apart. I tried to salvage that relationship but went through a divorce. Suddenly I was a single dad taking care of three children. I tried to keep things together on the outside but inwardly I was crushed. It felt like a scarlet letter “D” always hung above me. I contemplated suicide. My family Physician, Dr. Matt Datzman, came to my aid with counseling and care but I really believed God had given up on me. Certainly I was a failure in His eyes. In 1994 a good friend of mine was totally mistreated by a congregation which for me was the final straw. I quit going to church. But loneliness gnawed at my soul. I was working at Cardinal Center at the time and Cookie Wilson talked about this new church her husband Denny and some others had formed at Harrison School. For some reason I felt compelled to visit even though I dreaded seeing this Pastor I admired from afar, sure he would define me by failure as well. I headed to Harrison one Sunday in October and walked into the gym, cartoon characters on the wall, and canvas on the floor with metal chairs. I was used to pews and a more traditional setting. Worship was accompanied by guitar and words were up on a screen, no hymnals. I tried to hide in the back so I could escape. The songs ended and Denny stepped up to the microphone. He just stood there with this forlorn look on his face. Finally he explained how he had been struggling and then said, “I can’t do this anymore.” The silence gripped the room. Suddenly, person after person began lining up and taking turns wrapping their arms around Denny and Cookie who had come up front. I was shocked. I wanted to run out of the building but with tears running down my face I got in line. When I got up to Denny I put my arms around him and wept. I stammered, “I can’t do it anymore either.” We cried together, Cookie and others joining us. That day was the beginning of healing for many. Psalm 51:17 says, “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” God loves the broken hearted. I learned that day and continue to be reminded that I am desperately in need of His grace, mercy and leading. Denny was willing to be honest with a simple five word message. We used to sing a song by Micah Stampley that “brokenness is what I need and long for” and then sang in the chorus, “So, take my heart and mold it, Take my mind, transform it, Take my will, conform it, To Yours, to Yours, oh, Lord” I humbly look back and thank God for my wife, Sina (Denny performed the ceremony) my family and restoring me back to ministry in The Salvation Army and the community. This Sunday, October 14th, 10 AM at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center in Winona Lake, Warsaw Community Church will observe its 25th Anniversary. A celebration of Jesus, the wounded but worthy Savior, who compels his broken but redeemed followers to live His love in this lost and sin sick World.

Two Were Thrown

Two were thrown in the dust of the American stage on Thursday, September 27th. People gathered with stones in their hands, ready to support their side and destroy the other. Kavanaugh and Ford were laid bare before the world, alone to defend themselves. The hurt and pain seen in both of their eyes. Their families and friends devastated. Teeth sharpened for power, not truth. I wonder what Jesus would have done if He walked into the room? I think He would stoop down and begin writing in the grime that floated down from the stink of indignation and accusation. Maybe he would write over 60 million babies killed since 1973? How about women and children treated like meat, only objects for a sex crazed pornographic society? How about the injustice of false witness against your neighbor? How about the lust for power and money instead of servant hearts? These are just a few of the sins of America. Time for everyone to drop our rocks and humble ourselves before the mighty hand and holiness of the Creator. America's only Hope is a moral people who stand for truth, rule of law and care for the downtrodden. God be merciful to me and my fellow Americans, our sin is a stench in His nostrils. One thing I do know, my Lord Jesus would go to both sprawled on the floor of this arena and help them get up. He would tell them how much He loved them and to move on in His grace. He would look around at the crowd and viewers from afar looking and listening for falling stones. May we "Appeal To Heaven" asking God to show us the way in humility before judgement comes. Let us pray for another Great Awakening in these United States!

Celebration Of Life

I was told many times that you should never reveal a lady’s age. But I’m going to break that rule because I watched Mary Louise Lowe rise before the crowd at the MOCC in Winona Lake on Monday, September 17th to confer an award named after her to a deserving couple. The throng rose in a standing ovation for her before that presentation. A fitting tribute to a wonderful woman 93 years young. (Yes, I broke the rule. Please forgive me Mary Louise!) I sat there with a piece of paper in front of me and started jotting down some statistics and thoughts. The Roe vs. Wade decision was in 1973. Mary Louise has been fighting for life and the rights of the unborn for just under 45 years when a Right to Life group was formed in Kosciusko County. It was also noted that over 60 million children have been aborted in America since that date. That’s 1.33 million on average per year. Only God knows how many children have been saved in our area because of her and others who have carried this banner for almost a half century. The speaker for the Right to Life of North Central Indiana Banquet, Retired Lt. General, Jerry Boykin, ended his gripping talk with this question about abortion, inspired by his wife whose mother chose not to terminate her in 1957 and his leadership in the United States Army. He asked everyone, “Have I done everything within my power to save the lives of the unborn?” Boykin, in his plain speaking way said, “Abortion is murder, period.” A nation that does not protect life is moving toward an appointment at the judgement bar of God, the Creator who has given us Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Life is the key issue of our day from womb to the tomb. Thank God there are folks like Mary Louise who have graciously borne this torch of truth along with many others. Micah 6:8 says, “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” As we follow Christ seeking justice for the unborn, may we show forgiveness, mercy and humility because of our own sins. Thanks Mary Louise for your example (and Jerry, wow I just called a 3 Star General by his first name!) for your perseverance!
There are bright signs that folks are becoming more pro-life...let us pray and work for that day when abortions are rare in this land of liberty...His truth is marching on...

Abuse In The Church

Recent reports of sexual abuse occurring in the church have risen to the surface. Children have been abused and targeted by priests, pastors and leaders. High profile men in houses of worship have used their power to be sexually inappropriate with women. They are without excuse as their sin puts children and women in horrible situations. Victims have carried pain and suffering for years because of this corruption. Churches and religious organizations must be held to a higher standard to prevent this wrongdoing. Taking the letters of the word “Abuse” the following should be followed to prevent future indiscretions. A - Accountability: Pastors, priests and leaders are human. There must be a system of accountability in the church or organization that maintains a watchful eye by a board that is not “hand picked.” B - Believing the Victim: People are innocent until proven guilty but the church must change its practice and listen to someone who reports. There are situations where the person has been asked to leave instead of confronting the perpetrator. U - Unreported: Any suspicion of a minor being abused must be documented and reported to civil authorities, period. Many of these instances have been brushed under the rug to protect the church from any damage. Adults taken advantage of by leadership should be granted a grievance process of their claims. S - Sexual Purity: There is no excuse for a leader of a congregation or organization to take advantage sexually of a child or adult under any circumstance. Individuals should have background checks done before they work with children and never allow one on one contact. E - Environment of Safety: The church or religious organization should be a place of safety where the Spirit of God resides. If a group can’t provide security then close your doors. You are a danger to people and a detriment to the Kingdom of God. In this sexually charged society where porn is one click away and morality continues to slip on shifting sands the church is being called out. Our Heavenly Father is calling us to holiness and appropriate sexual contact. The church should be a haven where people struggling with the “stuff of life” may come and find mercy, healing and forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I hope as His follower’s our hearts break over the silence, cover-up and abuse of power we hear about each day. 1 Peter 4:17 (NIV) says, “For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household” Light is exposing darkness, sadly in cathedrals and chapels all around. The World is watching to see if we really live what we believe...God help us...

Gus Sideris

Where do you begin to describe someone like “Gus” Sideris? He recently was called home by his Lord and Savior on August 4th and leaves a big gap in our community. Gus was a fixture at Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church and spent time listening, helping and praying with those who are hurting. He led many Bible studies and pointed people to Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life. He always greeted someone with a story, a smile and brought joy into any situation. There were times when I was down and I would have some reason to go to WEPC just to see him. There was something infectious about him. I would kiddingly say it was because he was Greek and he would just laugh. The reality is that he had the comfort of the Holy Spirit that came from deep within. In reading his obituary he had many accomplishments. He served his nation in the U.S. Navy when called. He volunteered on many occasions and was a successful businessman. But his most important accomplishment is that he loved. There is a great celebration in Heaven right now! Thanks, Gus, for being a great example of a follower of Jesus. “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

Marshalltown Strong

The last column that I wrote appeared in the Times Union on July 19th. It’s ironic because on that day an EF3 tornado went through the center of my hometown, Marshalltown, Iowa causing massive destruction. I had just been in Marshalltown for a reunion at the church I grew up in. The storm took the roof off of that structure and it will have to be demolished. We moved my mother out of the home I grew up in three years ago but that neighborhood looked like a war zone. Thankfully no one was killed as the storm tore trees, houses, buildings and the cupola off the Courthouse. I left as soon as possible to join the relief efforts of The Salvation Army in the area. Recently it was reported that 40% of downtown will have to be demolished and almost 100 homes were lost, mostly in the poorest part of town where I grew up on 4th and Bromley. I was working 10 to 12 hour days and then visiting my Mother at the Iowa Veteran’s Home which was not damaged by the storm. The Lord decided in the middle of this mess to call her home. One day when I got a break to see her I apologized for not being there more. She looked me straight in the eye and said, “Go to work!” She was the last of the Greatest Generation in my family growing up during the Great Depression and then working at Marshalltown Manufacturing during World War II - a “Rosie the Riveter” She didn’t get to see how people came together to help their neighbors in a time of crisis but it would not have been a surprise. That’s what you do when you are Hawkeyes and Americans. People volunteered with chain saws, gloves and helping hands. It will take a long time for recovery in "M’Town" but their spirit is strong, many of those values instilled in us by people like my parents. John 3:8 says “So don’t be so surprised when I tell you that you have to be ‘born from above’—out of this world, so to speak. You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where it’s headed next. That’s the way it is with everyone ‘born from above’ by the wind of God, the Spirit of God.” We spent time hearing stories, wiping tears and praying with people who were affected by the storm. It was an opportunity to share that even in the storms of life there is a God who cares. I stood at the cemetery with my family as we said farewell to our progenitor being committed to the rich soil of Iowa. I looked over the landscape seeing the damaged Courthouse in the distance. We don’t know which way the wind blows, so how can we plan tomorrow? But the wind of the Spirit of God can see us through any storm of life during our temporary stay on this sphere. More importantly, if we ask for forgiveness and place our trust in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and His resurrection that spirit will carry us in peace to eternity.
Thanks to everyone for their financial support. words of encouragement and prayers!

Foundation

This past weekend I headed out to Marshalltown, Iowa for a reunion with folks who attended the church I grew up in. Five years ago we were saddened when it was closed, something happening to many congregations across the land. I tell people that I had a drug problem when I was growing up. My parents drug me to church every time the doors were open. Bethany United Methodist Church (an EUB congregation before that) was never large in number but great in heart. It was a community that was an extended family showing me four important components of a foundation for life. First was always that the Bible can be trusted as the Word of God. It was preached and taught with passion by pastors and lay people alike. Secondly that group was our “community center” as we learned to love one another striving to serve others. Third was the challenge to live holy lives and “don’t let the world squeeze you into its mold.” And finally that Jesus is the Way, The Truth and the Life. I had a Sunday School Teacher and Youth Leader, Barb Elliott, who had a great impact on me. She could play the guitar and had a beautiful voice that sang from a love deep in her heart. One time she “made” me sing “I’d Rather Have Jesus” with her. I did my best making a joyful noise against her talent. But when we got to the end the silence was pierced with a question, “Do you mean it?” I reluctantly said “yes” but as a teenager there were many things competing for Lordship in my life. That question haunted and reminded me of poor choices I was making in High School. I would live one way on Sunday and another the rest of the week. I was invited to a meeting at The Salvation Army where the Major said, “someone needs to get serious about Jesus.” Barb’s words came back once again. I went forward to the altar and answered her question. “Yes, I’d rather have Jesus.” Those foundations I learned in my youth have carried me through life. On the corner of Bethany, now a Hispanic congregation, is a stone engraved with these words, “Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2:20) In this crazy mixed up world we all need the foundation of the Word, Community, Holiness and yes, Jesus. More than anything this World affords today.