CHICAGO, IL (August 7, 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.
National Guard Called to Assist Church’s 125th Anniversary
E. Jones from California writes: That Curt gets around. Was he a former pastor of Elim? Don’t you love the brown church? $10 to Congo, 1891, warms the heart. God bless.
One Simple Good Deed Leads to Renovation of House
Linda Barksdale of Niagara Falls, NY, writes: Praise God for the victory! St. Matthew 25:40 says: “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” May your ministry have a prophet’s reward for your kindness. Also, this was the first time I had heard of a ministry that came out of the four walls on a Sunday and did “Street Ministry.” I applaud you for that.
Lilly Endowment Awards $835,000 to Continue SPE
Harvey Drake of Seattle, WA, writes: This is wonderful news and a testament both to President Palmberg’s leadership, by example, and the Department of the Ordered Ministry’s excellent work and commitment to sustain pastoral excellence.
Seaside Baptism Offers Witness to Faith
Greg Cheney of Fayetteville, NC, writes: It is so exciting to see others ministering to the whole body – spiritual and physical! Thanks for sharing how God is working through this ministry. As a pastor and certified fitness coach, I approach ministry in the same way.
Pilgrim Pines Celebrating 50 Years of Camping Ministry
Marieta de Asis of Davao City, Philippines, writes: I am encouraged to pray for the camp who celebrated the 50th anniversary. Indeed God is faithful in sustaining the ministry. I will pray for your camp ministry.
Lois Guertin of Cranston, RI, writes: How we praise God for the ministry at Pilgrim Pines! It has made a real impact on our family, church family, friends and neighbors as we have gathered there each year. Changed lives are what it’s all about and we’ve seen so many. I also remember being a camper at Cromwell and have many fond memories of that. Praise God for all of the faithful support, leadership and workers at the Pines.
Thorpes Honored with Paul Carlson Award
Marian Johnson of Golden Valley, MN, writes: Thanks, Dr. Rog, for being there when I, too, needed you as a doctor, especially when the road bumps were too much for me when Van and I came down from Gbado that Sunday evening. Also for encouraging all of us at our Sunday night services at the dorm, for being a friend “out there” in Congo as well as here in the states. Thanks Eileen, the “hostess with the mostest” both at Karawa and in your home in Chicago where your door is always open to any of us who need a place to stay when in the big city. Thanks for the many times your music and that of your students have lifted me up and energized me to keep on keeping on. To both of you – I appreciate you and am so thankful our paths met for a while. God bless you – mingi mpenza!
Candace Cesarz of Farmington Hills, MI, writes: It was so good to read the article about the Thorpes being honored. I have known them since I was very young when in the mid-50’s they were attending the church where I grew up (Bretton Woods Covenant Church, Lansing, Michigan). They are certainly among those who have strongly influenced my interest in supporting missions.
Services Pending for Jean Lambert
Darrel Hoglund of Lake Forest, CA, writes: I was sorry to read about the passing of Jean Lambert. She is now with the Lord she served for many years. I remember her well, when we attended North Park. Her life was a tribute to the Lord.
‘I Love My Life – But Wouldn’t Wish It on Anybody’
Darrel Hoglund of Lake Forest, CA, writes: I was moved by this story as I have a sister in Minneapolis who was diagnosed with MS when she was 18 years old. She has suffered with this illness for many years, but has also raised two wonderful children, but is now confined to a wheelchair. My son was diagnosed with a genetic disease called Fabry Disease, which means that he has an enzyme missing in his body that breaks down the protein. He is in pain most of the time, but with the help of a new drug, much of the damage that happens to the organs has been stopped or reduced. Heidi has explained how much God has been real in her life, and also how the support of others has blessed her life.
Paul Carlson Partnership Names New Executive Director
Clitus Olson of Westminster, CO, writes: As a former Covenant medical missionary and as a former director of Paul Carlson Medical Program, I am happy that someone with the experience of Byron Miller will be in charge of the Paul Carlson Organization.
‘Break the Chains’ Donations Top $100,000
Mary Christenson of Richfield, MN, writes: Praise the Lord our God – this is great! I would like to hear more on what happens to these children and grown ups.
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.
Judy Howard Peterson Named Campus Pastor
Marybeth Wells of Meridian, ID, writes: The Lord spoke the words to me yesterday “spare change” so I have been on a journey to find out what that meant and our paths crossed – I love your stories on soul to sole. God bless you.
Early Risers Love the Julotta Tradition
Fran Taylor of Arnold, MO, writes: Very nice story. I’ve been trying to find a CD with the Swedish Christmas song on it and your story mentions the song – Listen, Listen, Hear the Angels Singing. Can you direct me to where I could buy a CD with that song on it? I would really like it in both Swedish and English. I hope you can help me. Thank you.
New Enabling Residence Planned in Florida
Michael and Angela Christensen of Hampton, VA, write: We’re very excited about this development as we have a son Phillip (age 25) with Down Syndrome who we would like to locate in a Christian home environment. We anticipate moving to Florida in the near future to be near my parents, Gordon and Geneva Christensen, retired Covenant missionaries.
Thailand Counseling Center Building Opens
Michael Masembe of Kampala, Africa, writes: Thank you for the good work! It is good to share the information.
Racial Reconciliation Program Focuses On Youth
Victoria Crews of Columbus, OH, writes: Excellent activity. What were the outcomes? Has this continued over the years?
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