CHICAGO, IL (April 20, 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.
Swensons to Assume New Mission Personnel Role
Barbara Tyer of Riverside, CA, writes: You couldn’t have made a better choice! They are an awesome couple who have the gift of leadership and encouragement. They will have a tremendous impact on those they work with and come in contact with.
Larson Award Goes to Support Bi-Vocational Pastor
Jim Black of Boynton Beach, FL, writes: I was excited to see the intentional goal to be bi-vocational in ministry! We used to be called the Mission Covenant Church, with “mission” being the driving force. To establish mission outposts to reach the lost “tribes” here in the U.S. will take the same kind of sacrifice made by missionaries in other countries. Go for it, Andy! Also, Dusty Larson was such a blessing during his life, and this scholarship is an honor to his memory.
Seeds Program Seeks to Help 2,500 Liberian Families
Robert & Yvonne Huse of Strathmore, AB, write: What a great opportunity we have to multiply the “loaves” in our giving for world relief.
NPU President Expresses Sorrow in Wake of Shootings
William Johnson of Orange, MA, writes: My thoughts and prayers go out to the students and faculty of Virginia Tech. I feel so heartbroken inside to hear this kind of horrible act take place. I will also pray for the victims’ families who lost those individuals that were killed in the massacre. I know those individuals are in God’s loving care and God has prepared a place for them in heaven. I will also pray for those hundreds of students grieving at V.T.
KICY-AM Radio License Renewed
Bob Carlson of Grand Rapids, MI, writes: praise the Lord – an outreach to the unsaved and a blessing to those who are committed to our Lord Jesus. May this ministry flourish and proclaim the truth of what this world is in dire need of.
Ronald Erickson of Essex, IA, writes: I am not sure on all the technical details, but I hope KICY-AM can adequately top-load with the guy wires on the AM tower.
Funeral Service April 21 for Elmer Pearson
Laura Duskin of San Francisco, CA, writes: I will be forever grateful for Elmer, his faithfulness and his life. He always, always told the gospel whenever he preached, no matter what. He knew that you never know if there might be one in the audience who has not yet heard the good news. Thank God he was faithful and told the story yet again that Sunday morning, the first day I set foot in a church at the age of fourteen. I had never heard the good news, and now I got to hear it! No gimmicks, no special effects/videos, just Elmer, simply telling the good news. All it takes is the telling, from a heart that knows to one that has not yet heard. I am grateful every day. What if Elmer had not told me that great news that day? What if – it is such a scary and very, very sad thought. Elmer was a missionary wherever he was, no less when he was in the U.S. Your article definitely has that right! Thank you.
John & Lois Swanson of Indian Wells, CA, writes: Elmer was a very special person. When we were young, I broke his glasses while playing volleyball in Los Angeles and took up a collection to pay for a new pair. He was ready to go out as a missionary. Whenever we would go north, we would stop in at Turlock to see Elmer and June, and they dropped everything to spend time with us. We loved to hear his stories, and reminisce with him and June. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. Our prayers are with June and the family.
David Lundblad of St. Catharines, Ontario, writes: I have great memories of Uncle Elmer and his wife, Auntie June. Back in early 50s before there was a dormitory for kids like me at the Ubangi Academy, I lived for several months in Pearson’s house. My own parents were far away at another mission station, so Elmer and June became my parents for part of my life, and for that I am very grateful.
Gary Walter of Palatine, IL, writes: Elmer was pastor at First Covenant Church in San Francisco when he encouraged them to plant a church in the neighboring county. I became a Christian through that church in its earliest days. I thank God for people with a missional heart like Elmer. May we live up to it yet today.
North Park University to Honor Greenidge at Commencement
Jane Hutchins-Peterson of Maple Grove, MN, writes: I had the wonderful privilege of serving with Henry on the most recent Book of Worship Commission. In addition to marvelous dialogue and an education on cross-cultural ministry, I have delightful memories of Henry sitting at the piano when we met at Covenant Bible College in Windsor, Colorado, gifting us with his excellent playing and uniting our group in song. Whether it was leading us at Midwinter or Annual Meeting worship, contributing to the larger dialogue about worship in our denomination, he has, and will continue to be, a tremendous gift to our denomination.
Harvey Drake of Seattle, WA, writes: What a tremendous honor. You could not have chosen a more worthy servant of the Kingdom. I have been touched, personally, by Rev. Greenidge’s ministry and life. He is a true champion of the Kingdom principles and life. He has long been an asset to his community. Praise God for this decision.
Paul Lessard of Strathmore, Alberta, writes: Congratulations to Pastor Henry! His life stands as a testimony of obedience to God’s call.
Art Greco of San Rafael, CA, writes: I can’t think of a finer way to honor Pastor Greenidge than to present him with this doctorate. My thanks to anyone and everyone who had a part in making this happen. Pastor Greenidge is one of the finest pastors I’ve ever known and I cherish his friendship. Now I’ll also be able to watch as the whole Covenant church community makes public and official what so many of us have known and experienced for years – that Henry Greenidge is one of our true champions!
Erika Carney Haub of Los Angeles, Ca, writes: I am so thrilled to hear that Pastor Henry will be awarded an honorary Doctorate of Ministry from North Park. I cannot think of another individual more worthy of this honor! Pastor Henry has served our denomination so faithfully and prophetically, and he remains one of my greatest role models in ministry today. I praise God for his continued leadership and servanthood.
Ruth and Stan Holme of Salem, OR, write: Wow Henry! We are so thrilled with this wonderful news. You are truly so deserving of this great honor. It is a pleasure to know you and know this is all true about you. Congratulations. God bless. Thanks be to God for your ministry.
At Age 86, He’s the Man to Beat
Nancy Reed of La Coruña, Spain, writes: I had a privlege a few years ago to stay with John and Gail during some itineration at the church in Ohio. They were an inspiration. They lovingly cared for me and I still use some of the great recipes! I remember them fondly and was happy to see this news item.
Peterson, Thorpe Return Home Safely
Gidai Duale of Nottingham, UK, writes: In the Congo, we say that real friends are known during difficult times. We are grateful for the support that the Covenant mission and its brave missionaries are giving to the Congolese church throughout this troubled period. Thank God for protecting them.
Dream Not Lost – Just Took New Turn
Daniel Barrett of Saint Paul, MN, writes: Having watched John that first summer on inline skates, his progess is indeed remarkable. It is sad that you note the financial difficulties that saddle our Olympic hopefuls. Particularly in speedskating – which as you state really isn’t as popular in the U.S. – the up-and-coming athletes are very close to living out of their cars to survive while training. No money for rent or food let alone equipment. There’s no poor kids from the “hood” in speedskating. It requires at least middle class financials to support a skater and it’s a financial stress for every skater’s family.
Millie Mehrkens of Goodhue, MN, writes: What a joy to read the story of Olympic speed skating hopeful John Loquai. No one deserves the recognition more and seeks it less. Thanks for a great article and for spreading the word! Thanks also for the consistent high quality of the website and denominational publications.
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.
‘Kid Quest’ Retreats Reach 130 Children
Ryleigh Stevens of Owen Sound, Ontario, writes: Just read about your Kids Quest retreat and your theme “Unlikely Superheros.” I will be heading a Summer Day Camp this July and August for children 5 -8 and would like to do a “Superhero’s of the Bible” theme as our daily Bible study theme. Any ideas for stories, games, activities you found successful and willing to share would be appreciated. Jesus truly is our greatest superhero!
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