CHICAGO, IL (March 27, 2009) – 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.
Jemison Great-Grandson Victim of Fatal Shooting
Joshua Sands of Nassau, Bahamas, writes: My prayers go out my mentor and father in the faith, Pastor Willie Jemison. He is absolutely right. This senseless, unprovoked killing of innocent young men by other not-so-innocent young men has to stop. It is obviously being promoted by the easy access to guns and high-powered weapons. Maybe it’s time the church took a clear stand on weapon access and promoted a no-tolerance policy on residents possessing handguns. Our church, the Bahamas Lifeline Ministries, stands with the Jemison family in this time of grief and we pray for the peace and God’s grace for them during this tragic time.
Phil Jackson of Chicago, IL, writes: This is crazy.
Harvey Drake of Seattle, WA, writes: What an unnecessary and tragic loss. Pastor Jemison is right. Something has to be done to bring an end to this nonsense. Kids are killing kids. Our prayers go out to Pastor Jemison and his entire family.
Campolo Questions If Economic Woes Can Be Solved
Keith Robinson of Rockford, MN, writes: Campolo is correct in saying that “Babylons” fall. Great statement of truth and warning. If I hear him right, however, he is completely incorrect in saying the cause is living beyond our means. The cause of any “Babylon” falling is rejecting God. Read all of the Old Testament prophets, and with one voice they cite the rejection of God as the reason that the enemies will conquer them. Living beyond means and treating people poorly are the result of rejecting God, not the cause for “Babylon” to fall. However, any call to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness is the correct one. So whether or not the present government collapses or not is not the issue. The issue is our primary allegiance to the kingdom of God.
Betty Thompson of Everett, WA, writes: Thanks for this article – very true!
Sherea Riley of Cerritos, CA, writes: I loved this article. I really enjoyed listening to the audio version of the sermon. Life changing! I am very happy that I have the opportunity to invest in the kingdom.
Pastor Sees Board Games Influencing View of Church
Cynthia Alvarado of Dearborn, MI, writes: Gaming, both board games and online, are certainly great ways to reach the current generation. We need to continually develop ways to repackage the gospel message in ways that engage people. If I were a better designer, I would design the journeys of the Apostle Paul as a multimedia, multiplayer online role-play game. What we sometimes condescendingly call “play” is just the kind of low-stress, enjoyable engagement where people can both learn and relate, making it useful for both teaching and reaching the lost.
Kathy Brawley of New Paris, OH, writes: Chris Handy, John’s partner in this venture, also has a great website for learning about games called GatePlay, for anyone who might be interested! I check it out regularly to see what’s new in the world of great board games.
Jennifer Handy of Turlock, CA, writes: I think this is great. Euro-games really do allow for great fellowship. My husband and I have continued relationships with young people in our lives around the game table. It’s amazing how the broad range of themes bring out some of the deepest thought-provoking conversations. I also highly recommend the site, GatePlay.com for beginners to the game world. It’s not an overwhelming site, as some can be, and gives a great introduction to the new gamer!
Funeral Service Wednesday for J. Philip Keillor
Robert Hoey of Detroit, MI, writes: It was such a pleasure for me to get to know Phil a bit at a Central Conference men’s retreat at Covenant Harbor in Lake Geneva. He was so very challenging, humble, dedicated and interesting, all at the same time. I will look forward to our next visit. With prayers for all who miss him.
Laotian Pastor, Ministry Partners, Making a Difference in Laos
Khamphet Keohavong of Surrey, BC, writes: I am so happy for Penkhay who had an opportunity to go and help people who are in need But one thing that I know about is that to talk about Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour is not easy in Laos. I left Laos in 1980, stayed in a Napho refugee camp for seven years before I got accepted by the Canadian government. So when I read that Penkhay has been sharing Christ with those authorities in Laos, it makes me feel relief and thanks to God for his safety.
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.
Car Show to Raise Funds for Marine Families
Angela Matthews of Simi Valley, CA, writes: We were at your fundraiser car show last October and very much enjoyed it. Will you be holding another car show for 2009? If so, when?
Robert Owens Eager to Step into New Role
Laura Cheeney of Lansing, MI, writes: This story brought tears to my eyes. I and my family were members of Pastor Owens’ church in Compton – the “token white family in the token black church,” as the joke went. I was just searching online to see if I could catch up with the Owens family, and I couldn’t be more delighted with what I’ve found.
Ellie Claus Finishes 45th in First Iditarod Run
Heather Reed of Palm City, FL, writes: I have been so impressed with this young and enduring musher. I just love her spirit and have kept prayers around her, Vanilla and Romeo and the entire Christian family team that has encouraged and supported her. We are looking forward to this year’s run and know God will be protecting her and championing her efforts. We love you Ellie!
Michigan Congregation Opens Coffee Shop Church
Frank Greenway of Rincon, GA, writes: I am a truck stop chaplain and I think this is a great idea. I applaud your efforts to use whatever works to tell the world about Jesus and his love and forgiveness. May God bless you and your efforts.
Memorial Service Held for Donald L. Allis
Lewis Lowy of Yreka, CA, writes: I just came across this article. Rev. Allis was my pastor in the late 50’s at the Euclid Avenue Evangelical United Brethren Church in San Diego, California. His wife, Marilyn ,was trying to teach me to play the organ. I have very fond memories of Pastor Don, his wife and family. I was sad to read of his passing in this article.
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