The Virtual Pew News: The Virtual Pew News #16 Thank You

Well after a crazy few weeks I figure it is time for an update. You will quickly see why it has been a few weeks since I sent something out.

I guess one of the last things people heard about was the request for funds regarding my wife Mary Jane’s need to spend some time with her brother Larry before he died. Larry has cancer, and short of a miracle from God he only has a short time. At the writing of this newsletter Mary Jane will be returning to Kansas from Tennessee tomorrow afternoon. I can’t say thanks enough to those who supported and believed in this ministry enough to provide the needs in getting Mary Jane to Tennessee, plus enough to get her there for the funeral when it occurs. All I can say is God is good! We obtained enough support allow Mary Jane to spend time with her brother, but also to return for the funeral. There is also the possibility that Nathan and I will attend the funeral. I must say, I feel that I made a mistake and if I had things to do over I would do them differently. Nathan and I would have gone on the initial visit to spend time with Larry while he is still alive. I know I don’t always make the best decisions and this is one I would have made differently. That said, we know each of you who provided financial support or prayed for us have been used by God. Our prayer is a blessing from God, and an opportunity for you to experience the fullness of love from God.

There is another reason I have not been as active lately. While hosting a poker night at the house a few weeks ago, we had a number of friends and former church members over; I accidentally ran a wooden skewer from a ka-bob almost through my hand. It didn’t bleed much, didn’t think that much of it after putting on Neosporin and washing it out. That wasn’t enough though. The hand developed a rather serious infection which is just now clearing up. Mary Jane talked me into going to the Doctors and I am glad I did. I would have never thought an infection could hurt that bad, and run the risk of damage it did. The hand is close to 95% better though, and I am soooooo, glad.

I have also been active doing some things with Hollywood Jesus. I was able to watch a couple of screeners. I am working on reviews of a documentary with an interesting twist towards Christian film making, and a wonderful movie that just came out on DVD called Martian Child. I was honored to get to interview 10-year-old child star Bobby Coleman. He starred with John Cuscak in the movie. I will be running the interview and getting the review up this week. For those critical of Hollywood, know that wonderful movies like this encourage and tell the story of adoption, plus the love of a father and child. The interview with Bobby which you can hear by visiting www.blogtalkradio.com/hollywoodjesus is one of the most fun interviews I have ever done. In the interview Bobby brought up his involvement with his church and how much fun church can be.

Things are also continuing at Youth Horizons. I am working three nights a week which is allowing me reading time, devotion time, as well as time to get caught up on things. I am also using this time to interact with friends and individuals using the ministry via personal messengers.

Lastly, over the last weeks I was reminded of the importance of ministry and The Virtual Pew as I got to spend some one on one, face to face time with Curt Nelson. Curt is in the United States Army and recently returned from his time and service in Iraq. Curt and I maintained a regular interaction during his time in Iraq. To be blessed to spend face to face time, even at 3:00 – 5:00 AM was worth it. Curt is a dear brother, and one I expect to keep in touch with. We had an early morning breakfast on his drive back to Texas, and we stood outside in the winter morning temperatures for over an hour talking about everything from dating to family relations. Curt asked if I was going to do a blog on the time together. I told him I would write something, and I think a newsletter mention is a step up from what we spoke about. Hopefully, this a reminder that you are praying for and supporting a ministry that makes a difference, and is hopefully something that reminds you to develop real and lasting relationships with others.

The last weeks have been hectic. Of course there was the controversy that comes with this ministry at times. I challenged Christians to speak truth, alluding to the false email that many have sent around or seen about Barack Obama. Not as an endorsement of Obama, but as an illustration that with all people, even those we disagree with, truth matters. Then I have done a few video presentations, using the television show South Park to show some aspects of spiritual truth, including the language we use. It is amazing how some can find reason to complain, yet most of those very people are doing nothing to develop relationships with, or reach those who have been hurt by the church or for whatever reason not a part of Christianity. Our hope remains to show Christ to people and while there are those who disagree with the methods at times, I challenge that anyone can look at the testimonies of those who have responded, and then from there, argue with the methods that have brought people either to Christ, or to a point where they are willing to hear the message. I am confident; this is a part of what Paul meant in the Bible when he said he has become all things to all people in order that he may win some. Paul never compromised his relationship and obedience to Christ, but found unique ways to reach a culture in their environment.

Truth is, while family members die, hands have injuries, and other difficulties come about, God is still good, all the time! He provides funds when funds are needed, he has doctors in place to help as help is needed, he reaches people most consider unreachable, and he develops relationships and friendships across oceans. One thing is for certain, those who know me, know I speak my heart and speak the truth as I see it and know it. That said, for those who don’t know Christ, I challenge, he is still alive, and still working on this planet. Some of you are helping to assure that, some of you are praying and responding to encourage me and others. To all of you, thank you from the bottom of my heart, God bless you, and know that God is still love and that when we love Him, and love people, we have kept the greatest of all commandments. Thanks for your love, it has touched my family.

I wanted the video from the movie The Gospel, God Is Good All The Time, but couldn't find it. I did find this one from Dan Moen and it is kind of fun and has the lyrics with it. If you don't see the video just click on the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQhB-c0cIhw