CHICAGO, IL (March 19, 2007) – 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, search for the headline.
Memorial Service Tuesday for Kathryn “Kay” Sundstrand
Karen Hearl of Lincoln, CA, writes: Kay Sundstrand had a big impact on my life as a child in released time education in Rockford, Illinois. Her love for the Lord and her gentle grace-filled heart drew me to her and to her Savior. She always had a smile on her face, I recall, whether in class, in church, or on the ice rink. Peace be to her memory.
Jerry and Nancy Reed of La Coruña, Spain, write: Kay was always a model for us when we were college students and worked at First Covenant Church of Sacramento. We wanted to be like her!
Shirley Gustafson of Batavia, IL, writes: I knew and admired Kay when I knew her in Rockford. We were in classes together at North Park, and I prayed for her as she served in Africa. She was my mentor, my example and my friend. It was my privilege to visit her three times at her apartment in Mt. Miguel. I thank God for her and her influence in my life and many others’ lives.
Susan Olander of Eufaula, OK, writes: Kay was my mentor, from our days at Bethesda Church and all through my life. Kay shared personal memories with all us Rockford “kids” on line from 2000 until 2006. Her first love was her spiritual connection with the Lord and all the children and families in Rockford and Africa – and, in California. Kay shared her Lord with all of us. Kay grew up two blocks behind us, and Susie Bergstrom and I would bring her hot fudge sundaes on warm summer nights. We would hand them to her through her window screen. What a beautiful girl who radiated hope for our life hereafter and being reunited with friends and family. Kay would tell me during our telephone conversations how she loved to hear me speak of that glorious day. Kay made a big difference in a lot of lives. I can still see Kay standing behind the church pulpit, sharing her experiences in the Congo on her visits home. We will all miss Kay’s encouragement and beautiful smile.
Dick Martenson of Glendora, CA, writes: I was very sorry to hear about the passing of Kay Sundstrand. She was a beautiful person. I remember her as being a very upbeat person and being very active in the Young Peoples Society.
Debbie Blue Nominated to Head New CMJ Ministry
Karen Hearl of Lincoln, CA, writes: A good choice for this position. Debbie is a woman who loves God and seeks to bring reconciliation through compassion, mercy and justice. She was the co-facilitator on the Sankofa journey I took a few years ago and I was so impressed with her leadership.
Don Nelson of Chicago, IL, writes: I praise God for the wonderful gift Debbie Blue is to the entire Evangelical Covenant Church and to me and my family personally! The Executive Board could not have selected a better candidate for this critical ministry. May God richly bless Debbie and, through her, our denomination and culture.
Linda Forbes of Chicago, IL, writes: Hurray! I can’t think of a better candidate for this position. Debbie is one of the most kind, generous and humble persons I know. In her, God has combined both intelligence and a deep compassion that I think makes her perfect for this new ministry. Now I only wish I were going to the Annual Meeting so I could vote for her! I hope that people realize what a gift she is!
Dawn Jones of Chicago, IL, writes: What a great story! I couldn’t be more excited for Debbie Blue as she answers a new call on her life.
Precious Williams of Chicago, IL, writes: Great! Inspiring!
Mary Thomas of Calumet Park, IL, writes: I met Debbie Blue over 25 years ago at church, and she has been a blessing to me and to my family ever since. I think she is the right candidate for the position because of her compassion for life and the Covenant Church.
From Victim to Victor – A Painful Journey of Faith
Carolyn Larson of Londonderry, NH, writes: Thank you, Debbie, for sharing your difficult journey of faith. I have NO DOUBT that God will redeem every bit of your pain and suffering, preparing you to serve in this new role to grow his kingdom. You will bring your experiences as both victim AND victor, making you uniquely qualified to understand and address the challenges before you as you minister to others. I’ll be praying for you, dear sister in Christ, as you continue on your journey!
Miericke Stepping Down – ‘Time for Younger Leadership’
Ginny Ellis of Belmont, CA, writes: Thank you for the well-written piece on Kurt Miercke. Our family has known him since 1993 when we were part of a group he and Cyndy led to Israel. Thanks to his pastor’s heart, one of the most meaningful events of my life took place at the river Jordan. This past year I have seen him several times since my son and family now live in Orlando. Each time was a blessing. Kurt has brought the light of Christ to so many well beyond the borders of the Southeast Conference. May God continue to bless him and his family, give them needed downtime and a wonderful future.
Martin Nelson of Rockford, IL, writes: I wish Kurt best wishes for his future. Kurt left our church, Broadway Covenant, in Rockford to become the conference superintendent of the Southeast Conference.
Wayne Rife of Phoenix, AZ, writes: I have known Kurt all my life – he is my cousin and we both lived in the Chicago area as kids. When we were about 10 or 11, I knew that he was going into the ministry when he grew up. Even as a young boy, he had the compassion and demeanor that is required of a person being called to work for the Lord, and I could see that, even though he says he did not know at the time what he was going to do in his life. So you might say that he was born to be a minister and I believe that he fulfilled his role exceptionally well.
Rollin Persson to Join NCP Real Estate Services
Ron Persson of Carrollton, TX, writes: I enjoyed the article. I think it should have included more information on the strong influence of his two older brothers and father and less on Rollin to help keep him humble!
Funeral Service Thursday for Carl H. Janson
Greg Asimakoupoulos of Mercer Island, WA, writes: Carl cultivated me when I was just a shoot. He tilled my soul so that my life would bear the Spirit’s fruit. Much like the farmers in his flock, ol’ C. J. worked the land. He pruned young pastors like a vine and helped us understand that our call is for a lifetime. This farmer in God’s vineyard refused to just retire – he plowed new ground and planted seeds. He knew how to inspire. Though older, he stayed current – this farmer lived to read. And though he loved old-fashioned ways, he valued hybrid seeds. That’s why those who are grieving aren’t just his wrinkled peers. This farmer’s life touched young and old for nearly ninety years.
Kerls to Assume New Leadership Role in Europe
Kenneth Lundell of St. Louis Park, MN, writes: I was serving in the Department of World Mission when they went out to serve in Congo. Processing of applicants for short-term service was one of my responsibilities. John was planning to go alone – I heard about the woman, Letha, to whom he was engaged, as I recall. John wanted Letha to join him in Congo, but she said no. But I recall the day when John came into my office and asked if it would be possible for two people – he and Letha – to go. I told him she would have to be processed. She was and that year they went out together and served very effectively in Congo, and later in Mexico. I pray God’s richest blessing on my dear friends as they “up” their new responsibilities in Europe.
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.
Delegates Approve Human Sexuality Report
Alan Blaine Stone of Fredericksburg, VA, writes: Amen. Christ was clearly compassionate, but he was also the fulfillment of the law. By preaching the law we realize we are sinners and can only be saved by the Grace of God. As Bonhoeffer stated, “We shouldn’t be so quick to get to the New Testament . . . we need to meet Moses before we proceed to Christ” (paraphrased). Continue to stand firm in the faith.
COVENANT NEWSWIRE: To make certain not to miss a single story, sign up for the free Covenant Newswire headline news report.
