CHICAGO, IL (February 11, 2008) – 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.
Conditions in Kenya Difficult, Needs Are Great
Dickson Mwati of Nairobi, Kenya, writes: Yes! Displaced Kenyans are in a needy condition. We thank Covenant World Relief for coming to our aid to assist them. More donors are also welcome to give towards this noble task of assisting our fellow brothers and sisters.
(Editor’s note: Dickson Mwati is moderator (president) of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Kenya.)
Pastor John Kamau Warari of Kitengela, Noonkopir, Rift Valley, writes: I am glad to have read the lead story in your Covenant Newswire concerning the needs in Kenya. This is because I was in that mission and helped in shooting the pictures and also some video clips during the relief mission. I am humbled by the generosity of the Covenant family and I can sincerely say I am proud to be associated with the Evangelical Covenant Church. Lindy Lindquist has a heart for God and his word of encouragement to the victims cannot be overstated. He not only touched their hearts, but also healed them by the word of God. I wish to take this opportunity on behalf of fellow Kenyans to thank Covenant World Relief, missionary (not tourist) Lindy Lindquist, and also I can’t forget Moderator Dickson Mwati – all have been working tirelessly to help the needy here on behalf of the Covenant church. May God bless all of you and see you through all of your endeavors. The Evangelical Covenant Church is doing what Christ commanded the Church – praise Jesus! Kindly continue praying with us for God’s intervention in the current political turmoil, and pray for the chief mediator Koffi Annan as he promised yesterday to Kenyans to expect a very positive and breakthrough statement next week. All this can be possible with God and not any man.
Program Helps Ex-Offenders Reintegrate into Community
Heidi Winter of Palmer, AK, writes: At first I opened this article because I thought this was the church Paul Wilson pastors; but I was still encouraged to hear how the church is reaching out to help ex-cons. This is a whole door of ministry often overlooked by our organized churches. Praise God for what he is doing! May many come to Christ because of it!
Covenant Churches Escape Tornado Damage
Vicki Marxen of Oshkosh, WI, writes: “We didn’t have any churches in the corridor where the tornados went through” (states the online news story), but perhaps the Covenant ought to consider planting churches in those areas. People who have lost so much materially and . . . have been traumatized need the solid spiritual foundation of vital relationships with Christ and with others.
Colombian Covenant Church Elects Escallon as President
Dickson Mwati of Nairobi, Kenya, writes: Congratulations President Escallon and Martha. This is a high calling. God will definitely be with you as you steer the Colombia Covenant Church into higher areas of spiritual awakening. The Covenant Church of Kenya wishes you all the best.
Memorial Service Honors Gordon E. Anderson
Dayle Keefer of Jamestown, NY, writes: Dr. Gordon Anderson’s ministry extended into his last several years of deteriorating health. As his pastor, he would call me up and ask me to go to lunch with him. At the table we would spend hours talking of the Lord and discussing his word. Gordon was a tremendous encourager to me personally, and as a fellow pastor, he would talk me through issues of pastoral ministry that one could only give from years of seasoned pastoral ministry. Gordon did not rust out, he simply wore out! He served God until his dying moment.
Midwinter Conference Enjoys Record Attendance
Art Greco of San Rafael, CA, writes: So glad that so many attended. It was a VERY good meeting. Just hoping we don’t stay with the shortened schedule, though. Another day of rest, teaching and fellowship would have made an already strong event even that much better.
Heavy Snowfall Forces Closure of Covenant Offices
Stephen Sharkey of Chicago, IL, writes: Let’s just call this what it is – a much-needed break after a long week and a job well done at Midwinter.
(Editor’s note: A large number of public offices and schools were closed as the season’s worst storm swept through Chicago and outlying areas. A number of employees who live near Covenant offices were able to walk to work, while the majority worked from their homes.)
Art Greco of San Rafael, CA, writes: In response to Marty Seta’s remarks (near the end of the February 1 Readers Forum): first of all, it’s Reverend Palmberg, not just “Mr.”; second, I didn’t at all appreciate the implication that his was a “socialist agenda;” third, the lack of health care in our country certainly qualifies as more than a “bandwagon” issue. I don’t always agree with President Palmberg either, but I certainly do listen when he speaks. And even in occasional disagreement, I usually learn something.
Pam Darsie of Cambridge, MN, writes: Thank you, Marty Seta, for your response to (President) Palmberg’s child insurance premise. I, and many others who have left the Covenant church, agree that this kind of reasoning is dangerous and has no place in determining what we, as the church and followers of Jesus, should being doing in the name of justice.
MacDonald Offers Pastors Four Principles for Healthy Ministry
Michael Cox of Buras, LA, writes: Thanks for the words. I am 64 years of age and have the calling to rebuild a church in southeast Louisiana after Katrina. We are restoring a building and reaching out to the emerging new community . . . not an easy task, but an exciting one and one filled with promise. Thank you.
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.
Mike Holmgren: His Life Reads Like a Good Book
Robert Roe of Wilmington, NC, writes: He has always been a good coach. Knows how to treat his players and staff with respect and dignity that they deserve. With the right coaching staff and players, he will win another Super Bowl.
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