CHICAGO, IL (June 18, 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, click on the headline.
Two Covenant Camps to Mark 60 Years of Ministry
Alvern (Sandberg) Friedman of Boca Raton, FL, writes: Thank you so much for the article. I was at Covenant Harbor during the “Mansion” years, both winter and summer. I can remember sliding down on the toboggans right into the lake. Also walked across and back on the ice one winter. Great memories. My dad was one of the men that went up there and helped mix cement for the walkways around there. God bless and may the summer festivities be one of rejoicing and commitment to our Lord.
Professor’s Life Provides Lesson in Dying
Kathy Brawley of Chico, CA, writes: I remember well sitting at NPTS in David’s class on Women and Ministry, having continually battled to find places to serve. His interaction with those in the class who would deny my gifts based on gender encouraged and solidified for me that the call of God is just that – the call of GOD – regardless of the discomfort and loud protesting of some brothers and sisters. It was a welcomed gift at a time when discouragement came easily. David’s knowledge of biblical context and historical settings always made biblical classes even more insightful. I am grateful that he continues to share his knowledge, gifts, home and heart in such a marvelous way despite circumstances that might seem prohibitive to a person of less character strength! I pray he will be able to continue to serve in such a way and continue to surprise his doctors!
Readers Share Their Thoughts
Adam Phillips of Chicago, IL, writes: I was happy to be part of a Covenant delegation to the Bread for the World conference and lobby day, which followed Sojourner’s recent Pentecost gathering. While in Washington, we prayed and lobbied to help end hunger in our time. It was very clear to the 15 of us that were gathered that God was calling us to even more intentional political engagement for poor and hungry people in our world. We were particularly active on issues around the Farm Bill. While our churches certainly have a role in addressing poverty, our government has a role to play as well. It was very moving to represent poor and hungry people and the mission of Christ in our lobby visits on Capitol Hill. Pray that God would bless our advocacy efforts.
In Grief, Parents Reach Out to Encourage Others
Linda Kirsop of Greenville, SC, writes: My heart truly goes out to the Smith family. I will be praying for the Smiths and for their friends. I know God’s grace is more than enough. I myself am a SM West grad and have an 18-year-old daughter. Although we are so far away, we want you to know that we love you and care for you and will pray for you. May God’s love surround you and know that he is in control and he will be glorified in everything. May he comfort you through these most difficult of times. I am so thankful that we have that blessed hope.
Quest, Interbay Celebrate New Ministry Partnership
Leonid Regheta of Saint Petersburg, Russia, writes: As a member of the Interbay Covenant Church, I am more than excited to become part of Quest. May this celebration of God’s work result in the spiritual synergy for his kingdom and many more efforts to proclaim the good news around the world.
Self-Mutilation Focus of Thursday Conference Call
A reader from Duluth, MN, writes: I was diagnosed finally as bipolar and borderline personality disorder in 1999. I never cut myself, but my form of self-mutilation was breaking my own bones. It was all the same symptoms as a cutter, but I didn’t like cuts or the thought of stitches. It didn’t start off as breaking bones, either. I would slam doors in my face, or things like that starting as early as elementary school. I grew up with an alcoholic father and didn’t want others to know the pain I felt inside. Almost two years ago I surrendered my life to Christ, and what a miracle – my spiritual rebirth. The doctor has me down to 3 medications now. I can laugh, I can look around and admire the beauty of this world that God created for us, and I know that God has forgiven me and healed me. Our God is so awesome.
Editor’s note: the name of this writer was withheld out of concern for privacy.
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.
CHIC: ‘Jesús quiere estar dentro de tu dolor’
Alexander Trujillo of Bogota, Colombia, writes: Jesus me esta cuarando por eso tengo mucha fe. (Jesus is healing me, and that is why I have a lot of faith.)
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