CHICAGO, IL (September 13, 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.
God Weeps With Us
Don Fensterman writes: Thanks for capturing so succinctly the Christian perspective. Blessings on you and your ministry.
Patricia Anderson of Oak Lawn, IL, writes: I was very touched by Don Meyer’s comments regarding 9/ 11. Having just lost my husband this past summer, I often had some of the same feelings – anger, why, frustration, etc. Somehow picturing God weeping with me in my loss is very comforting. I had never really thought that way before. The two events are so completely different, but we know our God cares for each of us, no matter the circumstances. So thank you for what turned our to be words of comfort to me.
Marilyn Moore of Somerville, MA, writes: Those of us living in the Boston area reflect deeply on 9/11 remembrances with much pain. The two planes that struck the World Trade Center took off from Logan Airport. Christians and many others like to believe that horrid things cannot happen to religious people. Evil is all around us on a daily basis – shootings in school, city streets, family violence. We need to pray for understanding and love for all people in the world. We mere humans cannot cure the problems of the world with a magical wave of the hand. We need to urgently pray for peace in the world and in the hearts of all men, women and children. We must pray that those who do, or wish to do, evil things will be stopped and will have the ability to find the Lord Jesus as their savior and redeemer. Let us build even stronger prayer lives than we have now.
Les Scott of Kerman, CA, writes: It is insights, such as this, that allow us to see God just a little more clearly. Thank you for the story.
Denise Johnson of Chicago, IL, writes: Thanks for putting a human face on this story.
Melissa Velez Luce of Chicago, IL, writes: Thank you for your recognition of this day and the weight it carries for so many of us. May those who have been deeply impacted by September 11th know God’s peace and presence, and may those of us who remain live each day to the fullest, with great reverence for this gift of life we’ve been given.
Martin Marty to Present Two Lectures on Wednesday
Lucile Reynen of Sycamore, IL, writes: As a former Lutheran, I was dismayed to see that you give credence to a man whose theology of the priesthood of believers is unbiblical, whose idea of who should be ordained is questionable. Famous, approved by a society that has redefined sin – why give him a voice on our campus?
Two Recovering Addicts Honored for Outreach Ministry
Thomas Robinson of Seattle, WA, writes: I praise God for Joe and Carmin’s vision and leadership for such a vital ministry. They are truly motivated in making a difference in their community, and this award verifies their commitment to excellence. It’s a real blessing to know them.
Marlowe Shoop of North Bend, WA, writes: This story is a wonderful public testimony to the power of God in redemption. Thank you for reporting it on the website. Thank God for his work in Joe and Carmin and their faithfulness in being Jesus’ hands and feet.
New Provost Seeks to Strengthen Faith-Education Ties
Brian Masters of Chicago, IL, writes: I just thought what Jones said toward the end was very important: “Its our responsibility to model what we want our students to become.” I think that’s a good point because students need that model, especially in education where who we are is formed partly by what we’ll learn. My main comment, though, is that it is important to understand “who” students aspire to become as well.
McKnight Book Seeks to Expand View of Atonement
Stan Hagemeyer of Jamestown, NY, writes: Most of us feel better when we have something important boiled down to a relatively simple formula. Then when someone points out a wider part of the truth, we’re uncomfortable. But the full truth of the Gospel is going to always be bigger than a simple formula. I welcome McKnight’s contribution to help us appreciate and embrace one another in the context of God’s radical love and reconciliation.
Want a Real ‘Rush’ on Your 80th? Try This!
Sue Rode of San Diego, CA, writes: Great example of life is for the living and for all of us (in any way we are comfortable) to enjoy all God has for us each day! I hope to be able to do the same on my 80th. You go girl!
Palmberg Expresses Gratitude for Release of Hostages
Gregory Du Bois of Glenburn, ME, writes: I am very glad they are released, but saddened that their release is being reported as capitulation. The South Korean government is said to have “paid the ransom” of ceasing missionary activity and withdrawing their troops. Doesn’t this mean that the terrorists have won this battle? And now some of our brothers and sisters in the Church, the South Korean Christians, have to decide whether their calling to bring the gospel to Afghanistan will require them to obey God rather than men.
Prayer Answered: Egyptian Prisoners Freed!
Dickson Mwati of Nairobi, Kenya, writes: Great News! Congratulations Jacob and Martin. Our local church, known as ECCK-Kitengela, has a prison ministry where we visit inmates once a week. Our main objective is to secure both physical and spiritual freedom for them. And guess what? It is happening! Therefore news of your freedom sinks deep in our bones. Now evangelists Jacob and Martin, preach in season and out of season, in prison and out of prison. Be sure to know that Pastor Dickson is praying for you and is with you.
Elaine Clauson of Williams Bay, WI, writes: Praise the Lord for this good news about the release from prison of Jacob Emeto and Martin Oky! It is wonderful that Dan Johnson and others in his church have been able to form such a strong bond of support with these men.
Churches Use Backpacks to Reach Needy Families
Jeffrey Jones of Biwabik, MN, writes: It is so great to see the local church working together with other churches to help those in need in a real way, like Bethany Covenant Church. It is so easy sometimes to try to get all the credit or not involve other churches so that we can say, “Our church alone does this.” I applaud Bethany for doing such a great job and providing such a wonderful service to those who need it most. Wow – 850 backpacks, 500 bags of new and used clothing, 80 haircuts, with over 1,400 people attending. This is but one example for the non-Christians in the area to see the church united together in action. I pray that we together can do more and more of these types of services to our communities.
Grand Forks Covenanter Named Miss North Dakota
Nancy Reed of La Coruña, Spain, writes: Thank you for the interesting article. Wasn’t Brenda Strombeck (married name) also Miss Minnesota before she went to Thailand and Laos?
Marilyn & Gene Grenat of Lafayette City, IN, write: Isn’t it a blessing to see how God works in his own special way and his timing to make all things come together? It seems he did just that for you, to be where you were at the right time to do his bidding and show his love through you to all the right people at the right time. God bless you and may he continue to increase your abilities in his name for all young people who feel offended. If you do it in his name, he will provide and bless all who you touch. I love young people! And now I’m older – but young at heart! Congratulations on your new position!
China: Chance Encounter Leads to New Faith in Christ
Kathy Melton of Murphys, CA, writes: Susan may have been one amongst many, but at that time, it was Susan and the Lord that were connecting. A dove could have come down on stage and there would not have been any questions or ah’s. That was the most beautiful ceremony and I will never forget it. Welcome to God’s family Susan, and God bless you.
Nancy Cramer of Boca Raton, FL, writes: I attended Triennial XII and was there when Susan was baptized. It was probably the highlight of the time I spent there. I went to China a couple of years ago and before I left, I asked my 10-year-old granddaughter what she wanted me to bring her from China. She, too, said, “Everything is made in China, Nana!”
Marti Burger Thankful for Prayers of Covenant Family
Judy Dahlstrom of Lake Geneva, WI, writes: So glad you are on the mend, Marti. Thanks be to God for his loving care of you.
Book Suggests ‘Not Okay’ Is Good Theology
Frank Riley of Orange, CA, writes: I appreciated the thoughts from Doug Bixby. Taking a shot at that 1970’s book, “I’m OK, You’re OK,” I have also added the following phrase from God to us: I’m OK. You’re not OK. But, I can make you OK. OK?
Dickson Mwati of Nairobi, Kenya, writes: This is a lesson for the Church and more here in Kenya. Meet a Christian on his or her way to the hospital. Ask, How are you? The obvious answer will be, “fine, thank you.” Let’s learn to say as Bixby advises, “I am not okay.”
Bill Bowen of Chicago, IL, writes: Bixby’s “Honest to God Church” reminds me of Jess Laird’s paperback (maybe 40 years ago): “I’m not ok, you’re not ok, but that’s ok.” Jess left the D.C. fast track (heart attack) wrote another book, maybe before this one, “I ain’t well, but I’m getting better.” They came out in my time of need. Wish I could find them. Bixby’s book needs to be in every church.
Pastor Monitors Sierra Leone Elections
Daniel Sesay of Golden, CO, writes: I am from Sierra Leone and I have been watching the progress of the elections closely. I’m thankful for how smoothly it went and pray that this is the beginning of a much-needed change in Sierra Leone. Pastor Phillips, I really appreciate what you’re doing. May God water the seeds that you’ve planted – may our people in Sierra Leone reap shalom.
Delgado dirigirá al CHET
Henenel Jimenez, Humble, TX: Yo soy un estudiante graduado del CHET del ano 2006 con una Licenciatura en Ministerio y he tenido el placer de ser estudiante y de conocer al hermano Ed en anos atras. He estado al dia y con la expectativa de quien iba a ser el nuevo presidente del CHET y me alegro mucho que el hermano Ed, que conoce y ha trabajado en el CHET, sea el que continuara dirigiendo la buena obra que el CHET ha hecho hasta el dia de hoy: formado lideres de familia, iglesia y comunidades, donde hay Profesor y Maestro que verdaderamente son siervos(as) de Dios que han ayudan a la comunidad Cristiana Latina, y yo se que el hermano Ed Delgado va continuar con esta mission.
Delgado to Head CHET
Henenel Jimenez of Humble, TX, writes: I was a student who graduated from CHET in 2006 with a degree in Ministry and I have had the pleasure of being a student and meeting brother Ed some years ago. I had been wondering who the new president of CHET would be, and I am very happy that Brother Ed, who knows and has worked with CHET, will be the person who will continue to lead the good work that CHET has been doing to this day: forming leaders of families, churches and communities, where there are professors and teachers that are truly servants of God that have helped the Latino Christian community. I know Brother Ed Delgado will continue this mission.
Norm and Vivian Harpole of Westminster, CO, write: What exciting and wonderful news! May God bless you, Ed, in your new ministry.
Harvey Drake of Seattle, WA, writes: Congratulations to Ed! May he be blessed and a blessing in his new assignment.
Nelly Bothi of Concord, CA, writes: I am excited for Ed’s return to CHET.
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.
Twin City Covenanters Minister to Grieving Families
Marian Johnson of Minneapolis, MN, writes: Thanks for sharing this much of the news. Daisy Anderson from Excelsior Covenant Church was attending a class and was a part of the rescue team – worked with the children taken from the bus. She is the wellness coordinator at Covenant Village of Golden Valley.
First Class of Spiritual Directors Graduates
Paul Bramer of Chicago, IL, writes: This program has the potential to deepen the heart of the Covenant as people seek discernment and spiritual growth through the prayerful listening of a companion. It complements our outward focus on justice and mercy in the Covenant.
Steve Ingham of Leawood, KS, writes: We as a Covenant church have departed from the true Word of God. It is tragic to see this New Age gnosticism taking over a formerly Bible-believing denomination. What happened to “Where is it written?” and “How goes your walk?” This “catholic” and eastern mysticism practice does not lead one closer to the Jesus of the Bible. Which Jesus are you conferring with? What spirit?
Johnna Hayward of Waterloo, Belgium, writes: This is a great moment in the history of the Covenant. Congratulations to all who graduated! After being exposed to four months of language school with priests, nuns and monks (and before that, having studied the roots of spiritual direction in seminary), I heard stories of how in some regions, the Catholic church is losing some of the richness of spiritual direction that they began. I hope that by us adopting this tradition and adapting it to our Covenant culture, it could perhaps renew the tradition in other expressions of Christian faith as well!
Cho Concerned about Hostages, Reaction
Randy Rodenborg of Wausa, NE, writes: I agree with Pastor Cho. Why don’t we hear more from our own people when our brothers and sisters in Christ suffer around the world? It’s a little thing, but I try to include a current story from the suffering church around the world in the bulletin each Sunday. I do not know how many answer the call to pray, but I can do this and pray for them from the pulpit.
‘That Was God Preparing Us for the Girls’
Mary Pachmayr of Lafayette, IN, writes: Again, I had a slight connection. I was in BSF at the time and was in the same fellowship group with your mom, actually we were in the same group for two years. She kept all of us informed of what was going on, so even though I didn’t know you at the time, I felt close to your family.
Losing Jeremy
Mary Pachmayr of Lafayette, IN, writes: This is so touching. I don’t think I ever told you, Sandy, I was working for Home Health at that time. I was stopped at 9th and Union for the procession. My heart ached for you at that time, and yes it was a long wait, but I was pleased to be able to sit there and grieve with you and pray for all of you. Thanks for sharing.
New Name, New Faces, Same Mission
Debbie Wareham of Bartonville, IL, writes: I have to be honest – I don’t understand why you had to change the name at all. I grew up in that neighborhood and don’t recall it ever being called the Cuyler neighborhood. It’s always been called the Lakeview area, hence Lakeview High School. A church does not die because of its name. Cuyler has reinvented itself over the years with the changing of the neighborhood and its needs. It makes me very, very sad that you thought you had to change the name in order to attract more people. It’s not the name, but what the church has to offer. The saddest thing is that people that were lifetime members of Cuyler, who contributed many of their younger years as volunteers for many activities that Cuyler offered, have now left the church they called family for more than 50 years because they were offended by the change of the name. Don’t get me wrong – I know all about change, but I also know that there are certain things that don’t need to be changed. The name Cuyler was one of them.
New Book Explores Why Jesus Had To Die
Ernisy A. Charles of Grayson, KY, writes: I think that is a great story . I myself struggle with the idea why Jesus chose to die for a sinner like me. He made a sacrifice for me and I am so happy that I choose to follow him and no one other.
Centering Prayer: Rediscovering God’s Presence
Frank Clarke of Deloraine, Tasmania, writes: Your comprehensive information is “spot on”. It has made me aware of Satan’s insidious methods on the unsuspecting church. Though the majority of its members do not want to hear the warnings, nevertheless they have heard the warnings. Your newsletters are invaluable for combating the apostacy.
Bellevue (WA) Service Thursday for William Peterson
Haydee Ruiz of Boca del Rio, Veracruz, Mexico, writes: I am Mexican and looking for my host family that I used to lived with in 1983 – Trauty, Mercer and Becky – and I remember that we went every Sunday in that summer at the Covenant church in Bellevue (or near there). I hope you can help me to find them.
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