CHICAGO, IL (November 17, 2006) – Hardly a week goes by that we do not receive a few comments from readers on stories published as part of the Covenant online news report.
We will share from time to time some of those responses generated through the “comments” link attached to each published story. This kind of feedback is very helpful to our Covenant News Service staff as we seek to identify and publish stories of great interest to a broad spectrum of online readers of this report.
Following are comments relating to recently published stories, edited in some cases for length. To read a particular story of interest, click on the headline.
Think Slavery is Extinct in U.S.? Think Again
Gail Soper of Caledonia, MI, writes: We need resources to know how to find it. Are there any books or articles to help us identify and then steps to take for protection?
Hunting Expo Creates Opportunity for Relationship Building
Karen Stein of Walnut Creek, CA, writes: How can the gratuitous killing of animals for trophy purposes in any way honor the God of all Creation?
Returning Soldiers Face Difficult Time Readjusting
Kathleen Pearson of Woodbridge, VA, writes: Thank you for this article. It is the soldiers’ timetable that we have to work with when returning home. I think the most unrespectful thing to do is not validate what these soldiers do in wartime. Thank you for validating them. They, at any time, could make the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom! I have never been in a war zone and hopefully never will have to. My best friend from childhood went to the Gulf War and returned a different person. It takes time. It was like starting the friendship at square one again. What they go through should never be minimized. Their emotions, thoughts, feelings, memories are real. We have to be willing to face their pain no matter how we feel. It is their time to heal when they return. It is the least we can do for how much they do for us.
More Than 300 Attend Service for Gospelaires Member
Dean R. Erickson of Spring Valley, CA, writes: Mel Anderson was a true friend of everyone around him. He certainly was a worthy person for the story that you have shared with us all. Yes, the Chapel, Bailey Center, was filled to capacity and overflowing with Mel’s friends and loved ones. Praise flowed from the lips of those who had been blessed by his life. The two-hour service was a blessed time together remembering who Mel Anderson was and what he meant to each one. Mel will be remembered as one who honored the Lord with his life and his singing with the others of the Gospelaires Quartet.
Wallis: Faith Should Be a ‘Thorn in the Side’ of Politicians
D. Schaffer of Englewood, CO, writes: “John Newton, the former slave trader who repented and subsequently wrote ‘Amazing Grace.’ ” I read recently that John Newton repented, wrote “Amazing Grace” and then YEARS later, repented specifically of his participation in the slave trade. “Amazing Grace” predates that part of his conversion. It is a more interesting AND more challenging story in our world with our complex Christian blind spots.
Sharon Held of Lafayette, IN, writes: This guy has missed out on something in his life. Too bad he is now forcing his ideas on evangelicals.
Jeffrey Jones of Biwabik, MN, writes: Wallis’ article was quite compelling. I mourn the loss of unity over the central issues of the faith. I am one who reads and listens to both sides of the religious spectrum and I continue to be frustrated by the attacks from both sides toward the other. The poor and disenfranchised end up getting lost in the rhetoric and policymaking. I don’t know if there is a person or group that can bring us together, but we are beginning to move in the right direction. I pray for leaders in the religious and the political arenas, that they will be so holistically “holy” in their rhetoric, lifestyle and policymaking (backing up their words with actions) that they become respected by all sides. I can’t say that about anyone at the moment. There are committed Christians on both sides, but the flesh seems to always get in the way somehow.
Kelly Cleaver of Washington, D.C., writes: Great story. Absolutely a great story. Thank you for putting this together and posting it!
New Playground Proves Too Popular for Congo Kids
Chris Lyngso of Glenview, IL, writes: I just discovered the satellite photo function of Googlemaps yesterday, and have been amazed at the awesome beauty of Congo and wondering where some of our missionaries were. When I read this story this morning and plunked Gemena Congo into the search bar, up popped an area so deep inland I could hardly believe it. It is amazing how close the image is available for this remote region – you can see an airstrip and village streets. If you’ve never found this new feature and looked at the wonderful planet God has created, do so, and you will feel connected to those we pray for each week in a way you’ve never quite known!
Jeffrey Jones of Biwabik, MN, writes: What a delightful article. I am sure the Sanguma family remembers the playground equipment at North Park and at the other places where they lived while in the States. I was in seminary while he was at North Park. What a joy to see kids playing, especially in the midst of that war-torn area. Thanks for the story. That should be put in the Companion for sure.
Famed Sallman Painting Focus of Christian History Article
Peter Dahlstrom of Davenport, IA, writes: I remember the painting from my childhood. I attended the South Bend Covenant Church when I was in high school in the late 80’s and remember the expanse of his work there. I saw original work by Warner when I did part of my internship at Immanuel Covenant Church in Chicago. Years later I had the honor of seeing Warner Sallman’s work as a mural, based on Luke 5 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines as a CPE student. In hindsight, it may be one of the things that has kept me so very grounded in who I am as an Evangelical Covenant pastor. What a true blessing.
Older Stories
Occasionally we receive comments about stories published some time ago. Most often, readers come across them while topically perusing search engines or when visiting the online Covenant News Archive maintained by Covenant News Service. We appreciate reader comments at any time about any story that has appeared as part of our online Covenant news report.
Andrea Richards of Palmdale, CA, writes: Praise God for Matt and his family and the blessing that they have been to so many. We miss them here in Palmdale and at Desert Christian High School. But we rejoice in the path that God is leading them down. Our prayers are with Matt always, that God would continue to use his gift of music to bless and inspire others, also for an awesome performance, giving all the glory to God! We love you Matt! GO 49ers!
Stem Cell Transplant Offers Hope of a Miracle
Myrtle Ivanoff of Unalakleet, AK, writes: Reading about Nora’s life, it’s amazing how God is holding onto her. She’s a blessed child sent from God and you can see the way he is moving/working in her life. As a family member of Nora, just remember, me and my family are always praying for you. You have a wonderful testimony that will encourage others and hopefully change their lives for the best. Take care and God bless!
Article Features Asian-American Covenant Churches
Solomon Li of Escondido, CA, writes: Though I believe social justice is important, one must remember that it is not at the heart of Christianity as Gibbons says. It is the person of Jesus Christ that is at the center. Any outpouring, emulation, or act thereof should be a result of thanksgiving for the cross. Also, for one to say that the whole of the gospel message includes social justice seems far reaching. Yes, social justice is good, and I am definitely for doing mercy ministries and the like as I often do, and have been doing for years. However, the gospel message is Christ crucified for we sinners who were condemned eternally. If one forgets that Christ is at the heart of Christianity, you need look no further than what the church fathers died for when persecuted. Martyrs of the faith did not die for the sake of social justice – they died for Jesus. In doctrine, it is clear as well in the Heidelberg catechism, questions 1 and 2. We do things in obedience to God out of gratitude. I remember a story of a church in China. It was surrounded by troops that ripped a cross off the building and laid it in front of the door. The man in charge shouted, “Come out and walk over the cross and we won’t shoot.” All those in the church refused to step on the cross and died at the hands of the soldiers. I would hate to think that they died merely for social justice, but rather merely for their faith in Jesus the Christ.
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