By Don Meyer<\/p>\n
CHICAGO, IL (October 17, 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.<\/p>\n
We will share from time to time some of those responses generated through the \u201ccomments\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Sundholm Suffers \u2018Minor\u2019 Stroke, Recovering Nicely Carl Ramgren<\/em> of Spring Valley, CA, writes: Jim, we will be keeping you in our prayers as you fully recover. May God bless you and keep you in his loving care.<\/p>\n Bonnie Siems<\/em> of Plato Center, IL, writes: Please extend a “speedy recovery” to Jim. We will keep him in prayer. He has way too much energy and concern for others to be homebound.<\/p>\n Sweden\u2019s Torsby Band to Perform in Covenant Churches Palmberg: Child Insurance Protection a \u2018Moral Issue\u2019 Paul and Eileen Fondell<\/em> of Burnsville, MN, write: His is an incredible challenge, which you have met with firm resolution. This has been a time when we have contacted our representative in Washington urging him to reconsider his vote and commending the ones who have crossed the party lines and acclaimed this vote as mandatory. We are praying that it will be overthrown and the desperate needs of children lost in the gap might be guaranteed a better life. We have two grandchildren from India brought here from a Christian orphanage in Calcutta. The younger one, Eva Sunama Fondell, has some cerebral palsy and as yet does not walk. She is six years old, cognitively just fine, but the expenses for all her adaptive needs are staggering. Having an entire family of teachers, pastors, and social workers, you can appreciate where our priorities lie. Many thanks for all the challenges you meet daily with graciousness and mercy. Work Progressing on New Mission Meadows Chapel Evicted Worshipers Create \u2018Church Without Walls\u2019 Marilyn Moore<\/em> of Somerville, MA, writes: “The Church” has always been bigger than the walls in which worshippers meet. The Church is in the heart of the people regardless of place of worship. I am so proud of Vida Nueva for their bravery to worship and share communion in the open in such a dignified manner. We pray God will open hearts to restore their worship building to them until they acquire a permanent church. Praise the Lord for their courage.<\/p>\n Stan Barrick<\/em> of Sacramento, CA, writes: I enjoyed this story in today’s news. For the first time, I was led to email the director of tourism (in Spain). I asked how I could visit Spain when, as a devoted member of the Covenant Church, they have closed one of the few churches in which I can worship. I am waiting for the response. I pray that the church may be free to worship.<\/p>\n Lois Guertin<\/em> of Cranston, RI, writes: May these events teach us the reality of our world today. Americans truly have no idea of church “persecution.” We continue to pray for Rob and Nancy (he’s been on our church’s prayer list since seminary!) We do praise God for what he is doing even in this situation. Memorial Service Sunday for J. Armando Machado Dickson Mwati <\/em>of Nairobi, Kenya, writes: To the family ,friends and the church in South Texas, receive our heartfelt condolences during this sad moment. Jehovah Shammah, our ever present God, will ever visit you, comfort you and provide you with all that you will ask of him.<\/p>\n Luis and Flor Retamal<\/em> of Chicago, IL, write: Sad news. We’ll keep his family and the church in our prayers.<\/p>\n Walter Contreras<\/em> of Chicago, IL, writes: I am so saddened by this report. Our brother Machado was a member of the Hispanic Leadership in MHIPE (Hispanic Ministry of the Covenant Church). He was pastoring our first Hispanic Church in the Covenant Church. He was a doctor and preacher. He loved the lord and loved evangelism. He was considering the opportunity to plant a church in the near future. He was a bridge builder and always willing to serve others. Last year he participated together with other Hispanic pastors on a special trip to the Hispanic Prayer Breakfast with President Bush and other elected officials in Washington D.C. representing the State of Texas and the Midsouth Conference. He loved the Covenant Church and as a professional doctor was always willing to serve the immigrant community through the ministry of the word and with a heart of compassion through his medical profession. Please keep his wonderful family in your prayers.<\/p>\n Step-by-Step Guide to Special Needs Ministry Heidi Winter<\/em> of Palmer, AK, writes: I think this is a wonderful story and I look forward to getting and sharing the book with others. I would like to share this email story with a Yahoo group I am on for Christian parents who are using a neuro-developmental approach for helping their children with diverse special needs. Pursue Excellence, Avoid ‘Deception of Perfection’ Older Stories<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Unusual Duo \u2013 Massage Therapy and Spiritual Direction Happy Birthday Women Ministries! Tornado Damages Covenant Church in Siren, Wisconsin
\nMarilyn Moore<\/em> of Somerville, MA, writes: We thank God so often for Jim and his work around the world in the Lord’s behalf. We will pray for a speedy and full recovery for Jim – wonderful servant of God. We are grateful his stroke was not worse.<\/p>\n
\nDavid Bergesen<\/em> of Moraga, CA, writes: It is great to hear of this event. Please welcome the band with enthusiasm.<\/p>\n
\nJane DeYoung<\/em> of Concord, CA, writes: I am once again inspired and encouraged by President Palmberg’s willingness to speak out on a moral issue and not remain silent because it is also a political issue. We evangelicals are developing an increasingly effective voice in society by trying to see with the eyes of Jesus, not with those of a Republican or Democrat.<\/p>\n
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\nJudith McCullough<\/em> of Dennis, MA, writes: President Palmberg’s statement on health insurance for our nation’s children is a wonderful thing. My prayer is for churches to speak out for the welfare of our children. And yes, it is a moral issue. Thank you, President Palmberg.<\/p>\n
\nRalph Youngman<\/em> of Wausa, NE, writes: I’m thrilled about the new chapel. I used the old one when I was a pastor in Ashtabula. I would love to see a site plan of the \u201cnew\u201d Mission Meadows.<\/p>\n
\nDee Ann Tasler<\/em> of Newcastle, OK, writes: When I read this story, I immediately prayed for the Vida Nueva church to prosper and grow in spite of what looks like adversity. Then the article was forwarded to fellow mission team members, friends, and to my pastor, Paul Cunningham, of Westmoore Community Church, Moore, Oklahoma, as a prayer request. We had a similar sequence of events years ago, although it didn’t go so far as to shut our doors. We were meeting in a small shopping center. A neighbor behind the shopping center started calling the police complaining of the noise our music created every Sunday morning. When that didn’t get the result he wanted, next the neighbor tried calling the local TV stations. Praise God! It was the best publicity we could have asked for. The newsman carrying the story said (live during the news), “Cool, the Flock That Rocks! I like it!” From that time, Westmoore Community Church has grown by leaps and bounds. We are now in a beautiful new church away from the complaining neighbor, but we keep praying that one day he’ll become a Westmoore Community Church member! When asked how the church grew so rapidly, pastor Paul jokes, “Get a neighbor to call the police and the local TV stations and complain about your loud and rockin’ music!”<\/p>\n
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\nSheri Cross<\/em> of Chandler, AZ, writes: Please know that the Global Outreach Team of Hope Covenant in Chandler will be praying that Vida Nueva will receive a \u201cdoor-opening\u201d miracle, to bring “New Life” to La Coruna, Spain! We serve a mighty God!<\/p>\n
\nNoe Castillo<\/em> of La Villa, TX, writes: Just had to post this to get something off my chest that I have been dealing with since early Sunday morning. The La Villa Cardinals have lost a fan, a friend, a father, a husband and a pastor. Over the weekend, Pastor Jose Armando Machado was involved in a rollover accident in Mexico and tragically lost his life. This man and his family moved to La Villa about five years ago and made a big impact with a lot of people here. Man this guy is going to be missed by a lot of people here in La Villa. The reason I am posting here is because Pastor Machado, as everyone knew him, was unofficially the pastor for the Cardinals from the Pee Wee level all the way up to the varsity level. I cannot recall a time or a game that he was not around to inspire and motivate our kids. I know when I was involved with Pee Wee football he loved to go the games and cheer for our kids. Another reason that I am posting here is because Pastor Machado was a proud father of two of our very own Fighting Cardinals – Jose Armando Machado, #51 at the Junior High Level, and the big man in the middle at the varsity level, #77, Eder Machado. Pastor, you will be missed and you will never be forgotten. We love and miss you dearly. May you rest in peace.
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\nWillie Peterson<\/em> of Coppell, TX, writes: Thank you on behalf of the Midsouth Conference for forwarding the news of our tragic and painful loss to the larger body of the Evangelical Covenant Church. My previous appreciation for your Covenant News Service is increased even more.<\/p>\n
\nJeanne Holland<\/em> of Lafayette, IN, writes: I thought this was a great story. It is encouraging to me that the Covenant is starting to rally around this issue and offer resources, suggestions and help. Learning about the various ways that the children’s needs may be approached helps me relax a little. There are times that I feel totally inadequate to the task before me. Not doing enough!<\/p>\n
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\nKyle Small<\/em> of Chanhassen, MN, writes: Thank you for this story. Rice Creek Covenant Church in Shoreview, Minnesota, has taken this seriously in the architecture of their building. Also, I just noticed that Western Seminary in Holland, Michigan, has just dedicated a residential building for both seminary students and adults with cognitive impairments.<\/p>\n
\nPhyllis Schoonhoven<\/em> of Alexandria, MN, writes: It was fun to see my granddaughter’s name in your article as getting credit as the coach for the winning novice rowing team. This is Alli Koubsky’s first year in coaching rowing. She was on the team last year and graduated last June from North Park.<\/p>\n
\nPaul Lessard<\/em> of Strathmore, Alberta, writes: Sue’s ability to bring two seemingly disparate disciplines together in such a coherent way give witness to the depth of understanding she has of faith and healing. I expect she’ll make a unique and profound contribution to the health of many. Kudos to her church for recognizing this and supporting her continuing education.<\/p>\n
\nPaul Gregersen<\/em> of Pocatello, ID, writes: The story needs to be taught in public schools, and also become a part of national recognition for religious women in the history books.<\/p>\n
\nJessica Shipley<\/em> of Siren, WI, writes: I was never able to tell people about my experience about the Siren Tornado that hit six years ago at approx 8:20 p.m. I would like to take this opportunity to do so. I am currently 22 years old and expecting my first child at the end of May. I no longer live in Siren, but will remember that town and that night for the rest of my life. I was 17 years old the night the tornado struck. I was working at the grocery store, which at the time was Main Street Market and is now Four Winds Market. It was a normal summer night. I had expected some scattered showers and maybe a thunderstorm sometime that evening, but I never expected this. I received a phone call from one of my managers about one hour or so before the storm hit. She lived in Alpha and said a tornado was headed for Siren. I took out all the flashlights I could find and made sure they all worked. I turned on the local radio weather channel. All of a sudden the phone rang and it was my manager again. She said to get in the backroom, grab all the customers and lock the doors – the tornado is gonna hit Siren and it’s gonna hit hard. I heard the radio tornado warning as well as Siren Police Chief Dean Rolland in his squad car, patrolling the street and warning people to take cover immediately. I locked the doors, ran up and down each isle of the store and grabbed all the customers to get them into the back room. I was able to get everyone to relax except for one girl – she was sitting near the south end wall of the store and could feel things hitting the building. I just held her until it was all over. When the noised had stopped, we went outside to see a sight I will never forget. The town was gone. There was almost nothing that was still standing. I wanted to post this on your website because I never thought anything like this would happen to me or in a small town like Siren, but it can happen anywhere. So always be prepared – I know I will be.
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