CHICAGO, IL (May 5, 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.
Church Family’s Love Overwhelms Burn Victim, Family
Marieta de Asis of Davao City Philippines, writes: I am blessed – I read the verses that the Kerman Covenant Church posted. God bless this church!
Midwest Conference Receives Three New Churches
Paul Lessard of Grand Junction, CO, writes: Congratulations to Pastor Williams and the Abyssinian Church in Fort Collins. For a time, this was our home church and we continue to miss being there with the energy of the Spirit’s presence in worship and Pastor Williams’ “pulpiteering.” They will be a wonderful addition to the conference and the Covenant.
Impossible to Tell Detroit Story Without Bob Hoey
Richard Lucco of Canton, MI, writes: Thank you for the story on Bob Hoey. He is a tremendous gift to the Covenant church and to the Great Lakes Conference. When I think of Bob, I think of an ordination sermon preached by John Weborg years ago. He was talking about Barnabas from the book of Acts, and he said he was a “son of encouragement.” That’s Bob.
(Editor’s note: Lucco is superintendent of the Great Lakes Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church.)
Business Departs City, Yet Covenant Presence Grows
Terry Peterson of Grand Rapids, MI, writes: As I have met a couple of these pastors at Portage Lake, it is impossible not to catch their spirit and hope for their city. It is amazing and encouraging to read more about what they are doing in Detroit. Thanks for this series.
Award Honors Work With Homeless, Hungry People
Tom Swanson of Lowman, ID, writes: Loved the Snodgrass comment: it really is about connecting with people with Christ’s love, not about the stampede to political and environmental correctness evident in other articles on the Covenant website and publications. There is a significant difference between a good sound reason, and a reason that sounds good. We best remember, “the main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing!” They will know we are Christ’s followers by the love we have for each other.
First-Ever Fulbright Award to North Park Student
Amy Mark of Berkeley, CA, writes: Go Rebecca! I knew you could do it! I’m so proud of you, and so excited for what God is doing, and will do, in and through you. You are an inspiration!
Kent Place of Portland, OR, writes: I am extremely proud of Rebecca and her achievement of the Fulbright Scholarship. I have often mused where the unique talents of this woman would take her and in what ways those gifts would be expressed. Her friends in Portland rejoice with her.
Series of ‘Miracles’ Enables New Church Construction
Carl Helgerson of Jamestown, RI, writes: Wonderful! Praise the Lord! A few years ago, the Covenant church we were in at the time experienced God’s grace in guiding us away from a hilly property we thought was surely meant for us. Three times we tried to buy it, but were rebuffed every time. Recently, a developer discovered that it was loaded with huge rocks and bedrock. To develop it must have cost a fortune. God spared us for better things.
McLaren: Stymied? Try Asking Different Questions
Paula Coyle of Hutchinson, MN, writes: Why is anyone who calls themselves a Christian listening to him?
Music Hopefully Soothes More Than Soul
Randall Johnson of Des Plaines, IL, writes: North Park University is very fortunate to have a person with the abilities, accomplishments and personality of Rollo Dillworth.
Challenge to Youth: Become ‘The Greenest Generation’
Ted Nordlund of Minneapolis, MN, writes: Thanks for including this story in Covenant Newswire. It is encouraging to see and hear Richard Cizik as an increasingly vital voice among evangelical circles and beyond. I’m grateful that the NAE (National Association of Evangelicals) did not bow to pressure to let Richard go. He is a vital and prophetic voice in God’s kingdom.
Jeffrey Jones of Biwabik, MN, writes: Thanks for the story. I have followed Mr. Cizik over the last year or so. I was encouraged with his message, especially when it was coming from the organization he represents. I was disappointed at the other leaders (some of which I have also respected in the past) who called for Richard’s removal as vice president of NAE. Thank you, Richard and the NAE board, for standing up to this issue, for continuing to promote a responsible message about creation care. It is not about “worshipping the earth” as some have called it, but just doing what God called us to do – to take care of it. We are not doing a good job today. I hope more evangelicals in the future will come on board and see creation care as an important issue, just as important as some of the other core evangelical issues. I pray that we can have more leaders like Richard that maintain a broader balance in their spiritual and social beliefs, backed up with tangible actions. His message puts most of us to shame for how we have destroyed God’s creation out of our own desire for money and pleasure.
James H. Melancon of Huntsville, AL, writes: One of the more substantive and pointed “discussions” on the potential of American youth to displace my generation – the generation of World War II veterans currently acknowledged as “The Greatest Generation.” How glad I’d be – all of us WW II vets – to be displaced by so noble an undertaking by American youth now coming of age. Shame on Dr. Dobson and his likes for calling Cizik anti-capitalist, un-American!
Congregations Join for Monthly Multicultural Worship
Thomas Robinson of Seattle, WA, writes: This is a great testimony of how the Lord is moving us toward the bond of unity. Praise God for stirring us to good works. As Dr. Dolphus Weary states, “we should stay at the table” even when it appears to be difficult. We can turn perceived difficulty into a blessing if we can be sensitive to what the Lord will have us to do. The next step is “social integration” among the congregations, beyond a church setting.
Cyclist to Raise Funds for Zambia Ministry
Randall Johnson of Des Plaines, IL, writes: Way to go, Gary! How can we contribute to the cause?
Students Use 30-Hour Famine as Way to Fight HIV/AIDS
Michael Wang of Sugar Land, TX, writes: I did the 30-hour famine and being without food for 30 hours isn’t hard. As my friend Chris said, “All you have to do is try.”
CMJ Events Seek to Inspire, Define Future Goals
William DeVaughn of Casa Grande, AZ, writes: I am a field director of Re-entry/Aftercare for Prison Fellowship, Chuck Colson. My wife is Yvonne R. DeVaughn, the new director of Advocacy for Victims of Abuse. I am interested in being part of an expanded development of prison outreach to prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families. I currently run the faith-based Re-entry Program for Prison Fellowship in Arizona.
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.
A Box of VaporRub for a New Water Well?
Corinne Boldt of Los Angeles, CA, writes: I love this story, but signing on to “waterblogged” comes up as no longer available. How can I find out more information about the water wells?
Editor’s note: For some reason, the sponsor of the website supporting the waterblogged content withdrew the information with no additional explanation. We have removed the link originally contained in the story.
Drug Use, Prison Time Spark Recovery Ministry
Wade Tonkin of Sedro Woolley, WA, writes: I met Joe this weekend and he is truly a story of the redemptive power of the blood of Jesus Christ. He is an awesome man of faith who is a gifted preacher and is uniquely called to help men who are transitioning from prison or addiction into a relationship with Jesus Christ. The men of Bethany Covenant thank you for joining us.
Oakland (NE) Food Bank a Growing Success Story
Chris Kungl of Medina, OH, writes: I recently found your success story online. Our church food bank is getting very low and I need help to find ways to get the food into our pantry. Can you offer any advice? We’ve done cute little things to involve our church members such as raffles, but I want our food pantry to be overrunning with items, not down to 20 things like it is. I liked your idea about the fruits and vegetables from the garden in the summer time. If anyone can offer suggestions, please let me know!
Pastors: Joint Fellowship Reaps Rich Benefits
Bruce Quay of Portland, OR, writes: Great to hear your ministry continues on, Roland, and that you continue to broaden the faith and the expressions of faith. God continues to use you, and watching from afar, encourages your fellow brother. Continue in his work vigorously. A fellow pilgrim (Young Life – 1962-1985).
New TNIV Bible Translation Center of Controversy
Lisa Starr of Lafayette, IN, writes: I have to agree with the writers who see this new translation as politically correct. Too many in our churches today are afraid of offending others. They try and smooth over everyone’s feathers and in the process have changed important language aspects that should not be changed. My own church has switched to using the TNIV and I have not enjoyed listening to this version or reciting the Lord’s Prayer from this version. I do not see that they have made small changes, but drastic ones. I will continue to recite the Lord’s Prayer loudly from the NIV bible, which I believe (and have learned through my professors at a well-known and respected college) to be the most accurate next to the KJV.
Judy Howard Faces Next Big Step of Faith
Pat Gibson of Loveland, CO, writes: I enjoyed your journey. My daughter just returned from a women’s retreat in Washington State where you were the keynote speaker. She raved about you, and now I will try and get you to Colorado!
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