Ghosts, Ghouls, Demons, The Paranormal, and Spiritual Perspectives

Today I am doing a blogtalkradio program at www.blogtalkradio.com/thevirtualpew on the topic of Ghosts, Ghouls, Demons, The Paranormal and a Spiritual Perspective. As I have done some promotion of the topic, it is surprising how many jump to preconceived notions, even telling me how wrong I am to address issues like this. Let me give a little background if I may.

I actually begin study of the paranormal, ghosts, ghouls and demons back when I was very young. I was involved in Occult activity for a period of time in my life. While involved in this activity, I did some study, and just as CS Lewis, Josh McDowell, Lee Stroble and others were persuaded to become a Christian by their studies, I was persuaded to give up Occult activities as a result of my study.

An interesting thing about me, and for those that know of what I am speaking of, you will know why this is important. I also like to practice slight of hand, and have studied what I call entertainment magic. Now this is not the only form of magic I have studied but it is one I have studied for years. Several magicians I appreciate, (notice a magician as I speak of it is not involved in Magik) are Denny Koren, Andre Kole, I also appreciate The Amazing Randi and even Chris Angel who gets a bad rap and is misunderstood most of the time. Several of these, Koren, Kole and Randi have done a great deal of research on charlatans who report to have magical, supernatural, or psychic powers. What surprises many people though is there are many who don’t know about the Supernatural, and the power of persuasion, often times using tactics and techniques most magicians and entertainers have been aware of for some time.

I have actually been on ‘Ghost Hunting Expeditions’ and in a few rare cases seen things I could not explain. On the other hand, the overwhelming majority of ‘Ghost’ or ‘Haunting’ hunts I have been on are easily explained. That does not mean all things unexplained are of the ‘supernatural’ realm. I do want to imply though, it is possible that a great deal of the ‘supernatural’ things people experience may in fact have a legitimate supernatural or spiritual explanation.

On Halloween at 5 PM EST, 4 PM CST, 3 PM MST, and 2 PM PST, I am doing the live broadcast for The Virtual Pew Live. I am scheduling 2 hours for this program unless calls don’t come in. I intend to share stories, both fictional and factual, regarding this topic. I hope to have calls come in so we can discuss the topic. As usual, The Virtual Pew Live will welcome the calls from all faith groups, although I do present a Christian Worldview and perspective. All calls, unless trolls, will be treated with respect and given a voice to voice their stories or experiences, no matter what tradition they come from. I will discuss my views from a Biblical Worldview at the conclusion of the program for food for thought.

Now come listen to the program live, and call if you will. Of course the program will be available via archives and you are always welcome to listen to that or other programs in the archives. So before jumping to too many conclusions, listen up, call in, let’s talk about the issues and go from there. Hopefully the program will not only be fun and entertaining, it will also be educational and informative. It would really be great for Wiccans, Atheists, those in the Occult, and of course Christians to call in with their stories. Let’s discuss anything having to do with Halloween, Horror, Ghosts, Ghouls, Demons and the Paranormal. Thanks for the time, and please, no prejudgments until you have heard the program.

Does the following video contain real ghosts and demons? Double click on the video, if the video don't appear, just click on the link provided

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deoJUBW9CI8



Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry. Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.com

You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.

Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
P.O. Box 17731
Wichita, KS 67217

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
Mike Furches MySpace Page
Mike Furches MySpace Blog
Hollywood Jesus
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group
MySpace The Virtual Pew Group
The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page
To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed

Phone Number to Call During The Virtual Pew Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8587

Phone Number to Call During The HJ Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8853

To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/feeds/thevirtualpew

Chicken House

Here goes, some of you know about some life changing decisions as of late for my family and I. Between job searches to tent make and help The Virtual Pew survive, to looking for jobs out of state, in state, local and so forth a lot of things going on in life. Here is where I am at for the moment.

My family will be staying in the Wichita area until at least the end of the school year, hopefully longer. I am out of job discussions in Roswell New Mexico, guess I was too alien. There are still some thought in a Panama City Florida position, I interview in Clay Center Kansas, about 2 hours North of Wichita this weekend, and have had a couple of meetings and interviews with a local ministry in the Wichita are. Plus there is still the possibility that things keep on going with The Virtual Pew depending on the gifts that come in. The last two are things we are actually praying for as it would allow me to stay in the area, keep The Virtual Pew going full force, and allow me to enjoy a new house we have signed a lease on, and will from there likely go to either a lease with option to buy, or buy right out option. We have to do the lease thing first to make sure we get to stay in the area, by the way, pray that God works that out as he has already done some incredible things.

Let’s talk about the new house and a little description. I am a strange cookie. If I were actually a cookie I would be a cross between a Key Lime and Oatmeal Raisin cookie. I never liked chocolate chip and I am unconventional. I have a pretty active social conscious, always have, and have for most of my life lived in the city with a few exceptions. I love it, love downtown apartments where the concrete jungle becomes the playground. I have always kind of longed for a country experience, one I tasted for awhile with my Aunt Ruth in Middle Tennessee but one short lived.

In all of the hoopla going on in our community, between the move, and a number of other things, we realized the need to move. I was kidding with my wife, “I would love to find a place in the country, maybe have a few horses, some goats, and yes, even some chickens.” She liked everything except the chickens’ part of it. Over the last weeks we have leased a house and in the country. We don’t even know if we will have cell phone coverage the house is about 5 miles South of South West Wichita, complete with a garage/barn and a place to have livestock. The house, an underground house is one we love. We actually looked at several places in the Clearwater Kansas area. It is three times larger than the house we are in, three times more storage, on acreage, and all for a whopping $100 more a month, plus no trains 10 time a day or so within 200 yards of the house. In fact, the nosiest things we will have to deal with are the sounds of crickets and other things late at night. We will even get to see stars, an unknown commodity for those living in the city. There is enough land for two horses, 3 or 4 cows, 3 or 4 sheep, a couple of goats, and chickens.

When I first mentioned the chicken part, my wife wasn’t happy. She kept saying, “Horses okay, maybe even a couple of goats, but no chickens unless you have someplace to keep them.” Well on first appearance there was no place to keep them.

This last week, I was walking around the property, trying to figure out what was ours, what wasn’t and all of that kind of fun stuff. Between walking around the barn, horse stables and stepping in and out of the manure pits I decided to take a walk to the back of the house to look at the well house. Remember the house is underground, a good thing in Tornado Alley. While walking I thought I would take a look at the well house. I walked to the little 10 by 10 shack, kicked the rock from the front door, opened up the screen and low and behold, I had a chicken house. I started yelling and smiling as big as a boy in a candy store at Christmas time with all of the money in the world. My wife comes around the corner of the house, sees me smiling and says to me, “What’s up?” I responded with a smile so big my speech had to be impeded, “I got me a chicken house!” I stated as my wife frowned, “You what?” My smile getting bigger and bigger and my speech patterns and tone so overjoyed one would have trouble detecting what I was saying unless you had been married to me for over 26 years, “I got me a chicken house, that means I get to get me some chickens.” My wife’s response was expected. “Good Lord!” This was all she could say, realizing she had stated the only reason I couldn’t have chickens was because I didn’t have a place to keep them. I can only imagine, and pray, I get to stay in the house to enjoy fresh meat, fresh eggs, and the little chickens running around.

Truth is, life goes on, even in difficulty. Sometimes we put conditions on things, sometimes, thinking there is no way. I don’t know the future in much detail as there is a lot to be decided. I do know I am excited about the possibility of staying in this area, the possibility of a job that allows me to do some work to keep The Virtual Pew Going, plus the hope of living in a little country house, maybe a horse or two, and you got it, chickens. Some say be careful what you ask for, you may just get it. Let me tell you this, when it comes to asking God for things, I think there is hope, ask carefully, you might just get it.


I am going to train my chickens to do this, if you see the video double click, if you don't just click the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXfHyDCcTGQ




Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.com

You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.

Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
P.O. Box 17731
Wichita, KS 67217

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
Mike Furches MySpace Page
Mike Furches MySpace Blog
Hollywood Jesus
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group
MySpace The Virtual Pew Group
The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page
To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed

Phone Number to Call During The Virtual Pew Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8587

Phone Number to Call During The HJ Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8853

What an Idiot! And To Think Some People Get Paid For This

This morning, Monday morning, October 29, 2007, as I got up I heard something on the radio that I didn’t know. Today is National Sleep in Late Day. How many of you reading this knew that, observed that, and is happy about it? Let me give my two cents here. I didn’t know it, didn’t get to observe it, and aren’t too happy about it. There are a few reasons for those feelings on my part and will try to list them here.

Who schedules a day like National Sleep in Late Day on a Monday?

Most people who work would never be able to observe this day.

Is it worth a national protest of not being able to observe this day?

For those that did observe it, did you use sick leave, vacation leave, or what?

How in the He double hockey sticks does someone go about getting a National Day for anything recognized, especially something like this?

Now those are but a few thoughts, feel free to add more thoughts in the comments.

Now there is other news for today, the new National Internet Radio Program HJ Live starts today. An extension of Hollywood Jesus this program is starting off with a bang, well hopefully it is. I have scheduled for interview today Victoria Jackson. Many of you will know Victoria from her 6 years on Saturday Night Live, or possibly other movies and programs she has appeared in. The program starts at 4:30 EST, 3:30 CST, 2:30 MST, and 1:30 PST. For those unable to listen live, you can make sure to listen to the archives. Depending on Victoria’s schedule we may have to change times, but we are keeping our fingers crossed. The call in number for HJ Live is (646) 716-8853

HJ Live kicks off today and we are already starting to schedule future programs including this Friday, November 2, David Bruce Creator and originator of Hollywood Jesus. Then next Friday, November 9 will be Hollywood Jesus Managing Editor Greg Wright. In this particular program we will have a feature titled: Hollywood Jesus Cinema Under the Radar. Here we will discuss smaller movies, normally documentaries and the hope is that this will be a monthly feature.

Click on the video below to see a video clip of Victoria Jackson, if the video don't appear, just click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oghWt-N-WRI

The Virtual Pew Live also has two programs scheduled this week. The Virtual Pew Live normally airs on Wednesdays at 5 PM EST, 4 PM CST, 3 PM MST and 2 PM PST. This week on Wednesday, Halloween we will have a show titled, Ghosts, Ghouls & Demons Looking at the Paranormal. We will hopefully have numerous individuals call into the program this week and share their stories. Then on Friday we have rescheduled our program interview with Sigmund Brouwer author of the new controversial best seller, Fuse of Armageddon. We will take a look at a differing view of the book of Revelation, Israel and Middle Eastern Terrorism. This show will air on Friday at a special time of 11 AM EST, 10 AM CST, 9 AM MST and 8 AM PST. The call in number for The Virtual Pew Live is (646) 716-9587.

Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.com

You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.

Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
P.O. Box 17731
Wichita, KS 67217

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
Mike Furches MySpace Page
Mike Furches MySpace Blog
Hollywood Jesus
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group
MySpace The Virtual Pew Group
The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page
To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed

Phone Number to Call During The Virtual Pew Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8587

Phone Number to Call During The HJ Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8853

Button Code for The Virtual Pew Live


Banners for HJ Live to go directly to the show is as follows:

God, Guys, Chick Flicks, Spelling Bees, Traveling Pants and Movies

One of my favorite inventions during my lifetime is the TIVO or DVR machine, you know, the machine that allows you to digitally record movies or television shows, then watch at a later date, or better yet when involving a television show fast forward through the commercials. I love this machine, especially as a movie buff. Heck, who needs to go the video store? I have over 40 hours of movies to watch, and some have been on the hard drive for almost a year. In the last couple of days, I got caught up on a couple of movies. I found myself watching two films that could be referred to as “Chick Flicks.”

While most macho men may be very reluctant to ever see a “Chick Flick, especially once married, the truth is, as we get older, most of us become more reflective, more sensitive, and more willing to sneak around, and find an excuse to watch a movie with emotional tendencies. Younger men may not want to accept this, but count on it, it will happen, it is a well known psychological fact, in fact, and numerous studies have been done on it so you might as well give in. Oh yea, did I mention one of the benefits of watching Chick Flicks at home, alone, is no one can see you cry? I know, I am already ruining part of the reputation of a big, tough, rowdy, wrestler guy, sorry for those that want to keep that image, it may be a good time to quit reading and go on to something else. For those wanting to experience something more in life, for those willing to take a chance read on, because I am about ready to share an emotional movie experience.

Two Chick Flicks I have recently watched, (in a silent whispering tone) and really enjoyed, (back to regular tone of voice) is Akeelah and The Bee and Traveling Sisterhood of The Pants. While this isn’t a review of those movies, a brief synopsis is rather important.

Akeelah and the Bee is a wonderful tale of hope, and inspiration that stars several of my favorite actors. Among those is Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett and the wonderful young newcomer, Keke Palmer as young Akeelah. While some may have difficulty labeling this as a Chick Flick, I would challenge that due to the themes in the movie, no car chases, no murderous blood splatter, no sex, that type of thing, to most guys, it would be classified as a Chick Flick. Of course if able to get over the themes one could see this as a coming of age story with strong themes that reach out and touch all audiences. This wonderful movie is one that if it isn’t on a short list to see, should be. It is one of those movies I would have likely given a 10 to if reviewing it.

Then there is the no doubt about it, in virtually everyone’s definition of Chick Flick, is Traveling Sisterhood of the Pants. This wonderfully entertaining movie follows four young ladies through a summer and the supposed magic that a pair of jeans brings to their life. We see the summer through the experiences of these four young women and those they come into contact with, from finding love, to finding purpose, and from finding family to finding respect, this movie addresses various themes in such a way that if you aren’t crying by the end, you must be out in the fields during a deer hunt with a bunch of buddies watching the movie on a video pod with ear phones in view of your buddies. I will promise, if at home, alone, and you remove the disruptions, things like the telephone, door bell and so forth, you will need a box of Kleenex, of course we won’t go into how I responded while watching this movie.

Both of these movies have a wonderful magic that we sometimes prevent ourselves from experiencing for one reason or another, male or female. These movies and many others like them teach us about life, family, accomplishment, and yes, even God. Not that they preach or anything like that, but they do teach us spiritual truths on things like the importance of loving your children, coming together to make a difference, your family, home, community, and even, your world. Both of these movies, and others have nudged an area of my life and helped rekindle the flame on the importance and wonder of movies. It is I guess why Jesus Christ never taught anything without first telling stories, it is the way to get a point across, to draw the listener or viewer in and touch a part of life that sometimes needs to be touched. Movies can do that, spiritual themes or lessons for life are often involved, sometimes unintentionally, other times intentionally. Touching people in different ways is a part of what art attempts to accomplish, if we could only remember that books, music, and movies are a form of art that attempts to touch each of us in our own way.

I could go on and on today about the two glorious days I spent watching a couple of Chick Flicks. Are you willing to be touched, to be impacted by a movie? Maybe you are willing to read a good book? Or just simply observing the lives of those around you and seeing or hearing their stories? Real life, which movies often reflect, are excellent ways of doing just that, being touched, being impacted.

I realize some may not want this for their life; they may be content to being the rough, tough, wrestler type we all have our masks we like to wear, maybe it is time to take them off, see the world as it is, and in return let others see us for what we can become. Personally, I like to feel a tear roll down my cheek every now and then. I like to laugh; I like to feel real emotion, emotion that helps me become the complete person God created me to be. Don’t hold back, enjoy all of life, whether an exciting roller coaster ride of a thriller, or the emotional tear jerker of a Chick Flick. I really believe that once you allow yourself to experience all of life, then, you can live all of life. If anything is certain, life is too short to not live and experience all we can. When allowing God to touch us in that experience, then maybe, just maybe, we can experience God a little more. Now again, take off that mask, if even just for a moment, enjoy a Chick Flick, enjoy the story, enjoy the discovery, the discovery of you, being you.

To see film clips of these two wonderful movies just double click on the video, if the video don't appear, just click on the link:

Akeelah and the Bee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yb6P-dDMQLI


Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMGKYJyZqRY


Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.com

You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.

Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
P.O. Box 17731
Wichita, KS 67217

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
Mike Furches MySpace Page
Mike Furches MySpace Blog
Hollywood Jesus
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group
MySpace The Virtual Pew Group
The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page
To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed

Phone Number to Call During the Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8587

Fuse of Armageddon Interview with Sigmund Brouwer

Fuse of Armageddon is a hard hitting, explosive, controversial novel that explores terrorism in the Middle East and end times Biblical prophesy. Today on the Virtual Pew Live we will have as a special guest, Sigmund Brouwer, co author alongside Hank Hanegraaff of this new top selling, controversial novel. Join us for the conversation as we take an hour to talk about end times prophesy, the differing theologies on the end times, and terrorism in today’s world. The Virtual Pew Live will air on this special day, Monday, October, 22 at 5:PM EST, 4 PM SCT, 3 PM MST, and 2 PM PST. We will air our regularly scheduled program on Wednesday as we have special guest, Pastor Jesse Moore from Sioux Falls South Dakota. During that program we will talk on everything from the Sermon on the Mount to How to Deal with the Loss of a Pet.

For those wanting to listen to the show, you can listen live or visit and listen to the archived programs at www.blogtalkradio.com/thevirtualpew

An Open Letter to Pastors, Business People, and those who know them.

As most of you know, at least those reading lately, The Virtual Pew Ministry has had a tough few months financially. So far there have been several who have sent money, prayers, and advice, all appreciated. I was given an idea last week and thought it good enough I write this letter. .

There are many who can’t give, and frankly I would advice against it for some because of where your finances are. It is amazing that many non Christians have supported the work we do because they know we do what we say we are going to do. In fact, I have to be honest, we have received more support from Non Christians than Christians. While I struggle some with this I am pleased to know that those we are trying to reach, knows, and appreciates the work we are doing. They and others realize our willingness to help those in need. I was reminded this week, there are other things people can do.

You can all pray, and never devalue the importance of prayer. I believe it is one of the best things you can do. There is something else though, let me explain.

This last week while visiting my Doctor he asked me about the ministry and how things are going. My Doctor, Dr. Tom Kline and I went to college together and he has been a great friend over the years. Tom has always been encouraging but he encouraged me to not give up on The Virtual Pew. He knows what we do and he suggested one of his brothers Tracey who is the Church Moderator at the large Mennonite Brethren Church in the community and I spend some time together. The two of them suggested some things I had not thought of.

Both Tom and Tracey reminded me that most businesses and churches are now establishing budgets for the upcoming year. They suggested I contact them to tell what we do at The Virtual Pew. From there we could try to get support from their organizations. I had not thought of this and believe each of you, whether a pastor, in church leadership, a business owner, or someone who knows someone in a church or owner of a business can pass along information about The Virtual Pew to be considered for ongoing support and being placed in their budgets.

If we could find enough churches and businesses that see this as a ministry worthy of support we would be able to go after our dreams and turn this ministry around.

This last Sunday we also had several people from the church we attend come to the house and spend time with us in prayer regarding upcoming decisions. I was reminded of a passage out of Isaiah that indicates we ask for what we need between the height of Heaven and the depths of Hell, or anything in between. I have always been open about what I would love to have financially for The Virtual Pew. Enough money to pay my salary, pay for the benefits, insurance, retirement, to be able to give 20% of our budget to various other ministries, and then have enough to hire one full-time coworker and another half time coworker. After a number of years, I would love to have enough so my wife could retire from teaching and do some other things she loves. If I was to ask for the high of highs for the ministry, this would be it. I was encouraged by those in attendance at our prayer meeting the, to ask for this.

Some may ask about the ministry requests, I will challenge, we are already doing that, reaching those who are not in church, have been hurt by the church or other Christians, and those who I call The Lost, The Last and The Least. Just this morning I have been helping an individual with spiritual and demonic issues. While some will have issue with that, the problems to the individual I am communicating with views the problems as real, and I suspect they are.

Another interesting thing happened Sunday night, every person prayed that God would provide in such a way to keep The Virtual Pew going while at the same time meeting my families’ financial needs. Everyone realizes the impact this ministry has, and the unique nature of ministry. It was a blessing to hear and each person will be sharing with others about the needs of The Virtual Pew..

That is what I am praying for, but I am ending my prayers as I believe we all should, “not my will, but the Father’s in Heaven.” That is really my prayer, I am sharing what we need, what I would love to see happen, but then reminding my self and others, it is what God wants that matters most. He is the one deserving of all Glory and Honor, and it is ultimately He and His Holy Spirit that do the work. I just consider it joy that God would choose to use me and others involved with this ministry.

What does this have to do with you? It is really quite simple; I am requesting this ministry, with the unique mission field, be considered for sponsorship on a regular basis from those in your church, and within the business owners who may also be Christian. I would challenge those businesses; do you share a portion of your profits with any ministry or charity work? If not, why not consider The Virtual Pew? Does your church provide support to missions’ organizations? I challenge you to find one that is as unique as The Virtual Pew or having the impact on lives as this ministry has had? I also challenge you, whether a business or church, to find any organization that has managed their money, and done what we have for the few dollars we have. A few dollars to a larger organization goes a long ways with ours.

I am aware that I may need to send churches, or business owners letters, may even need to visit them in person. I am willing to do that, at my expense, if serious consideration is given to the support of this ministry. I realize, many will overlook this letter, not even open up the email, many though who can help, or knows someone who can from church, or work, are reading this. You can pass this along to those on your email list, to your pastors, and coworkers. I assure you, there are numerous people who will read this that can help. God has used you to come through. This ministry has to have ongoing monthly support; it has to be seen for the effective ministry and mission it is. I ask you to prayerfully consider passing this along to your church, if a pastor consider having me come in or provide information as you establish your budget this next year, and if a business, to consider supporting a mission or organization which is making a difference.

If interested in helping in any of these ways, if needing material or to schedule a presentation, contact me at mike@thevirtualpew.com or at mike@furches.org You can also call me at 316-788-1961. Among the material we can provide is copies of 2 brochures outlining the ministry of The Virtual Pew. I look forward to seeing what God is going to do, whether with one person with big pockets, or a group of people who come together to make a difference in the life of someone who needs The Virtual Pew.


Thanks for your consideration, and blessings on all you do.

Mike

Absolute Reality of Kitchen Nightmares and Kid Nation

Over the last couple of weeks life has been hectic. From a job search, to finding ministry support, and from family issues to seeking God’s direction, this has been an incredible run. This is absolute reality; I am going to try and get caught up on a few things this week, starting with the concept of reality television.

I have to admit, I am a reality television junkie. I have learned to control my fix, thanks to one of the great inventions in my lifetime, TIVO and/or DVR’s. Thanks to this wonderful invention, I can watch two programs in what would normally take me the time to watch almost one. I seldom see commercials, and that saves about 22 minutes per one hour program.

I have many favorites, Big Brother, Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, American Idol and the list could go on. I even get into Dog the Bounty Hunter and programs like Runs House. While I don’t watch as many of those as I could, I enjoy an occasional viewing. This season, right on the heals of one of the best Big Brother Seasons comes two wonderful shows, shows I didn’t know what to expect at the start, but right from the start, found myself hooked.

One of my favorite shows is Hell’s Kitchen. That comes from my love for cooking and having actually managed the operation of a commercial kitchen for a large part of my life. I know some are thinking, “When did you do that?” The answer is simple, in the rehab programs for the mentally ill I worked at and ran, we ran a fully functional commercial kitchen that served anywhere from 2 – 3 meals a day, plus snacks. These kitchens had to meet commercial and city and state health department guidelines. I always took pride in the quality of food and cleanliness of those kitchens.

There is a new show with Chef Ramsey of Hell’s Kitchen fame that has me hooked, and moves me emotionally each week called Kitchen Nightmares. The surprising thing is we still see the gruff, in your face, demanding excellence we have come to expect from Chef Gordon Ramsey. The one who will cuss you out, tell it like it is, and kick you off a show as quick as you can imagine Chef Ramsey that we have come to expect from Hells Kitchen where he is hosting a chef competition. Love him or hate him, there is no doubt, Chef Ramsey is entertaining.

The new show Kitchen Nightmares is a surprising wonderful twist of America’s Most Extraordinary Home Makeovers and Trading Places. There is that touch of Chef Ramsey being Chef Ramsey, calling out people, being critical of their food, and about every other word beeped by television censors. What we see though is a side of Chef Ramsey we haven’t seen much of in the past. Kitchen Nightmares shows a side of Gordon Ramsey that genuinely shows emotion and caring. This former International soccer player is a competitor, he was when he played for his country, and he still is as he works to attach quality to the things he touches. This surprising feel good series is a reminder that we can all come back and go after our dreams. It teaches us how to rekindle the love of our lives, whether running a restaurant, or becoming a loving husband.

There is another show, on the same night on CBS television I thought I was going to hate. I decided to set the DVR and watch it just to see how bad it was. Kid Nation has been an unbelievable program. CBS takes 40 children, from the age of 8 – 15 and place them in a ghost town in New Mexico where they will stay for 40 days. The purpose was to have the children rebuild a town and see if they could make it succeed where adults had failed. This fascinating study of childhood behavior and maturity has been a thought provoking blessing.

The town which features no adults other than an occasional visit from the shows host does not kick children off the show but allows them the opportunity to leave every 3 days if they desire, so far only 2 have left the show. While on first impression this show may seem bad, it has wonderful lessons that are important for not only children, but parents.

Parents can reflect on how children pick up on our behavior and habits. It helps illustrate the importance of how to raise children, and the character traits taught children. From a young girl on the counsel who refuses to do her fair share of work and tells others to “Deal with it!” on a constant basis, to a young Jewish boy who goes through the town doing his work, but always with a carefree, wonderful enlightening attitude. We even see one country boy who stares down a bull with unbelievable courage, inspiring other children to face their fears.

On last weeks episode there was a wonderful, thought provoking conflict played out. One of the things about the program is the children will get instructions from the unseen producers who leave notes and directives as if they had been written by former towns people. The object is to learn from the mistakes of the past. This last week there was a note that the town needed to consider the development and opportunity to establish religion for the town.

The conflict of establishing religion for the town was not only entertaining, it was thought provoking. The town council, a group of 4 youngsters decided to dictate to the town that a singular religious ceremony would start to be held on a regular basis. Amazingly, the town which consists of children from Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Islamic, and Atheistic backgrounds rebelled against the demand of the leaders. They wanted to stay in their own particular faith group and when commanded to come to the town religious service, not a single one of the towns’ children showed up as they rebelled against the mandate of attending a religious service.

The children of the town appreciated the concept of religion as was indicted when one of the towns’ children decided to go to the other children on her own to gather for a prayer service around a bond fire. When given the opportunity to voluntarily go to a religious service without being forced to, the majority of the towns’ children showed up. There was respect given to all faiths as each child prayed in their own way. These were some of the best prayers I have ever seen or heard on television, and the sincerity of the children showed through their tears as they prayed. In this particular program there were so many lessons, lessons one would have never imagined existed among children.

Each week on the program there are competitions that establish the role of the children for a particular week. They may be a laborer who has to clean bathroom latrines, or they may be an upper class person who does little. If all children complete the given task, they are all eligible for a prize, normally a choice between something that will be fun, and something that will provide something the town needs. On this particular week, all of the children completed the task and the town was offered one of two prizes. One was an 18 hole putt putt course, something bored children in a town without television or music would enjoy, and the other choice was a collection of religious books for all faiths represented in the town, and different translations of various books like the Bible. Surprisingly, the children chose to take the religious books over the putt putt course. The footage closing out the program was touching as it showed the children reading the books of their faith, and at the same time, attempting to understand the books of faith of other religions.

Many have given up on children. Many have expressed the future is in danger, but I have to say, shows like Kitchen Nightmares and Kid Nation provide hope. Hope that adults can still conquer their dreams, change their behavior, and that the children aren’t as messed up as we make them out to be.

When it comes to reality, especially absolute reality, a couple of things come to mind. One is the new upcoming documentary I recently reviewed and spoke to the movie producers about, Rebellion of Thought, post-modernism, the church and the struggle for authentic faith, and the song by one of my favorite bands, The Alarm. I have had for a long time and expect I will for a long time to come, The Alarm as my featured artist on my myspace page. They did a song a number of years ago called Absolute Reality. The song kind of sums up the concept of my thoughts on these subjects, hopefully the lyrics hit home for you as well.

The Alarm
Absolute Reality
MacDonald/Peters

Hey now now
Hey hey hey

You may be rich
You may be poor
You may have nothing in this world at all
You may be black, you maybe white
You may be a prisoner in your own times
You may be lost. You may be found
You may have been beaten up and knocked to the ground
You may have belief, suffer from deceit
Or you just might be blind
Oh no no

You may affect the truth
You may be seen as false
You may be a king or a vagabond
You may be up, you may be down
You may sit in judgment with the rest of the clowns
You may have love
You may have hate
You may be the president of the United States
But even you, you can’t sit and hide
While the world’s resources die

This is absolute reality reality reality
We are all the cause,
The solution to reality

Ooh yeah yeah
Hey now now
Hey now now

You may be in control
You may be controlled
You may sit down ’till you do as you’re told
You may work hard
You may never work at all
You may be accused but you don’t know what for
You may be innocent or partly to blame
You may just be afraid in this power mad age
But there’s one thing we all must find
Some peace in our time

This is absolute reality reality reality
If I may speak of truth this is absolute reality
The absolute time, the absolute place
The absolute now for the absolute solution
It’s absolute reality now
Now now now

This is absolute reality reality reality
This is absolute reality reality reality
This is absolute
Oh reality

La la la la la
This is absolute
La la la la la
Reality
La la la la la
This is absolute
Reality

To watch past episodes from this season for Kitchen Nightmares click on the following link:
http://www.fox.com/kitchennightmares/

The following is a teaser of Kitchen Nightmares:



To watch past episodes of Kid Nation click on the following link:
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/kid_nation/

Kid Nation Takes a look at Religion:



To see and hear the song Absolute Reality by The Alarm, double click on the video below. If the video don’t appear, just click on the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRlqOGGHVQk


Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.com

You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.

Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
P.O. Box 17731
Wichita, KS 67217

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
Mike Furches MySpace Page
Mike Furches MySpace Blog
Hollywood Jesus
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group
MySpace The Virtual Pew Group
The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page
To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed

Phone Number to Call During the Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8587

Top Selling Author Creston Mapes on The Virtual Pew Live

Today I am excited to announce that Creston Mapes, author of the books Dark Star, Full-Tilt and the new release Nobody is going to be the guest on The Virtual Pew Live at www.blogtalkradio.com/thevirtualpew The program starts at 5 PM EST, 4 PM CST, 3 PM MST, and 2 PM PST and runs worldwide via the internet.

Mapes newest book Nobody is a story bout the underworld of Las Vegas. This well researched book is a page turner and one that will continue to lend to the respect Mapes has for his gritty novels dealing with Rock N Roll, Dark Star and Full-Tilt. Mapes addresses the need to reach out to the homeless and needy in the book Nobody. He is able to address world and spiritual issues in a way that has him among my favorite authors on the planet. That’s right, Creston ranks right up there with Dean Koontz, Ted Dekker, Renee Gutteridge, John Grisham, and several others.

I am excited about talking to one of the people I read religiously. He is one of the hottest new writers in fiction today for a reason. He simply knows how to tell a great story, insert spiritual truths and not be overly religious about it.

This conversation is sure to include everything from Rob Zombie, to drug addictions and then from Christians in Media to the Sopranos. You don’t want to miss this exciting hour of programming that is welcome to take your phone calls at (646) 716-8587.

The following is my review of the book Dark Star. If interested in purchasing those books, or Nobody, you can visit the store at http://www.thevirtualpew.com/

Dark Star Confessions Of A Rock Idol
By: Creston Mapes
Format: Paperback: 400 pages.
Publisher: Multnomah Pub (06/01/2005)
ISBN: 1590524721

Review by: Mike Furches

Not in a very, very long time, have I had as much joy and pleasure with reading a book as I just had with Dark Star Confessions of a Rock Idol by Creston Mapes. This book, the first of a three part series is in one word, G-R-E-A-T!

Mapes recently sent me Dark Star along with the second in the series book Full Tilt. I had had the book for a month or so and finally decided to give it a read. Well, to say the least, I couldn’t put the book down. Not only is Dark Star responsible for giving my mind a good work out, while working out at the gym, doing my cardio, it gave my body a work out. I didn’t miss a day at the gym until the book was completed and the read extended my workouts on the exercise bike for the longest time frame in about 3 years. I was so enthralled with the story in Dark Star, that my body literally forgot it was working out.

I love Rock N Roll as is evident from my past experiences. Unfortunately, in most “Christian” circles you see the genera knocked down and ridiculed, the truth is that what has been written in the past, from a Christian perspective, including the novels has been largely trash. Not worth the trees it took to make the books. Dark Star is as far on the opposite end of that spectrum as one could imagine. It is a breath of fresh air, that not only Christians will read and enjoy, but so will those who simply love a good story, whether Christian or not.

Mapes does as good a job of story development as anyone I have read since Ted Dekker, Rene Gutteridge, Dean Koontz, and Tim Downs. He understands the importance of characters the reader can relate to. It is why all kinds of people, no matter what their religious persuasions will enjoy these books. They will find someone in the story that they can relate to, thus drawing them deeper into the story.

Dark Star revolves around Everett Lester a young man growing up in a troubled family. His father doesn’t understand the concept of love. As a result Everett turns at an early age to Rock N Roll. What transpires is every boys or girls dream who has ever dreamt of being in a Rock N Roll Band. He along with several friends forms the group Dark Star and the rest is legend. All of the stories about Sex, Drugs, and Rock N Roll are found to be true and Everett indulges in all of them as much as is humanly possible.

Everett Lester is an individual we see as searching though despite his own indulgences. He is searching for meaning and truth in life, he realizes his escape mode and just don’t know how to get out of it. It is through his association with Endora Crystal, a popular psychic to the stars that the story unfolds. Creston mixing in murder, mystery, the occult, hypnotism, a trial, and Rock N Roll has written one of the great stories of the last year. What we have is a page turner that will have you laughing, crying, angry, sad, and every other imaginable emotion that you can think of.
Dark Star is not just a book that is a fun read; it is a book that will cause you to reflect on your own life, and your own journey. What role have others played in the development of your personality? How much are you willing to compromise truth for your own self gratification? What is the reality of consequences for your actions? And on and on questions are asked and the reader provoked into thought. One of the beautiful things about this book is that not only does it ask the questions; it dares to give the answers to those questions. It gives the answer in such a way that some will appreciate and have life changing experiences, and others will scoff at and go on in their own way, experiencing their own reality of never experiencing joy of fulfillment.

I can’t think of any author right now that I would rather read than Creston Mapes. He has earned a spot right up there with Ted Dekker, Rene Gutteridge, Tim Downs, Dean Koontz and I could name numerous others.

The book was so good, that it wasn’t 5 minutes after finishing it that I picked up and started reading the next book in the journey Full Tilt. I appreciated them both so much that I listed them in my Virtual Pew Store for sale. I became not only a reviewer of this work, but a fan, and that is saying something. I can’t think of any book I can recommend more than Dark Star. If you are wanting a good read, while at the same time getting some valuable nourishment you could do yourself well by visiting the Virtual Pew and ordering a copy.

On a scale of 1 - 10, for one of the most enjoyable reads of my life, I give an energetic and exciting, very rare 10.

Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry. Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.com

You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.

Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
P.O. Box 17731
Wichita, KS 67217

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
Mike Furches MySpace Page
Mike Furches MySpace Blog
Hollywood Jesus
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group
MySpace The Virtual Pew Group
The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page
To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed

Phone Number to Call During the Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8587

The Virtual Pew Needs YOU!

I just sent the following letter out, please consider it an invitation to you, the reader now. Pleae prayerfully read, and consider how you can help.

The Virtual Pew
P.O. Box 17731
Wichita KS, 67217
(316) 788-1961 or 316-258-3952
mike@thevirtualpew.com

Dear Friend,

I am writing this letter with the hope that you will prayerfully consider the requests I am making. I am sending this to you because you are a family member, a dear friend, or a person who has in the past benefited from, possibly prayed for, or financially supported The Virtual Pew. As you may or may not know, I started looking at the development of this ministry mid 2006. What has transpired has been more than I would have ever dreamed or hoped for as the ministry we have seen has been incredible. From almost daily interaction with troops in Iraq, to online counseling of people dealing with drug issues, or sexual issues to face to face support and help of various people, ranging from those living on the streets to those involved in the wrestling community, my days are full, and blessed with ministry.

I have come to recognize that The Virtual Pew is a unique and different kind of ministry. We are a mission reaching out to the world through the internet in many ways. Sometimes face to face encounters have changed lives such as a lady who was sexually abused as a young girl in California and a young woman in Kentucky who is being physically abused by her husband. God has, and continues to open doors for us to reach out and touch, The Lost, The Last, and The Least with a hand of compassion and a hug filled with love.

The Virtual Pew has also been instrumental in the articles I have written over the last year. Whether looking at the need for Christians to love all people, even those considered unlovable, to the importance of looking for hope in the middle of despair, the articles put out by The Virtual Pew on our web site, www.thevirtualpew.com, or myspace at www.myspace.com/mikefurches, to Hollywood Jesus at www.hollywoodjesus.com have been read by millions. There is no doubt as to the importance of this ministry in the lives of people across the world.

Some of the brief testimonials of those people include things like:

I'm only 15, and I believe what your doing is a message sent from God.

I've been trying to muster up the strength to go back to church, have done it a couple of times....but can't get myself to stay. My last church went through a vicious split...I have no idea why it affected my life so much, but now when I think of going back to church and getting involved with "church" people again - I just can't right now.

I am divorced with two children. I lost everything to meth and heroin except my Faith in God. Thank you for helping me in that journey.

Keep up the good work Mike. Your message will help thousands of people.

These fields are ripe unto harvest, Mike. Now is the appointed time. This is the day. And maybe, just maybe, God has brought you here for such a time as this...

You give me such encouragement when I need it most.

Mike, as I read that I think you've spoke in such a way that we all agree. I really hope that us few that share your sincerity can help to try and change the world, and really see that to be a Christian = integrity.

Mike -- you took the words out of my mouth! People need to see real faith in action, not be preached at. Faith in action is not shoving what we believe down other peoples' throats, it's living a life of faith.

Just last night I shared Jesus with a young man we have been reaching out to over the last year. I am confident he will make a decision for Christ as he is so close. I also received this email, within 10 minutes of that conversation from another individual, “Mike please pray for me, I think I am bisexual and I need prayer. Thank you I know I can depend on you.” These types of things are a daily occurrence.

These are but a few examples of comments that came in over the course of one week. Imagine this multifold by the hundreds if not thousands and you can get a small flavor of the work The Virtual Pew is doing. This doesn’t include the seven or more individual counseling sessions a day, whether in person or on line.

Between writing for Hollywood Jesus, My Space, and The Virtual Pew, we also have a new radio ministry that includes a weekly broadcast across the globe at www.blogtalkradio.com/thevirtualpew the show airs every Wednesday for an hour live at 5 PM EST, 4 PM CST, 3PM MST and 2 PM PST. From promoting ministries like Compassion International to interviewing top film makers The Brothers Williamson, the weekly show features top notch guests. If unable to listen live, archived shows are available.

I love what I am doing; I have never felt God using me more than I feel Him using me now. I know that because of the massive response we are receiving.

Now for the reason I write this letter. I have tried to make it personal. First, if you have gotten this addressed to you privately it is meant to be private, and please know I am addressing you with our need. If you are getting this via our mail list, or via a posting on MySpace or some other web site, please understand, we still value you and want you to consider our request.

At this point the ministry is looking at drastic cutbacks and is in danger of being shut down. Over the last year and a half we have had some minimal support come in, and while some have been faithful others have not given at all. It is why some of you, possibly family and friends are getting this for the first time. This ministry needs your support. It isn’t that we are asking for a lot, but we are definitely asking, begging, and pleading, if you will, for a pledge of support for The Virtual Pew.

There are several ways you can support the ministry of The Virtual Pew.

One way of support is a one time gift that would provide immediate support. This could be designated if you desire, for wrestling related ministry or even the edit of the book The Keystone Kid. The book for example has several people who are interested and is in need for a final edit. I have a dear friend who would offer a final edit for $1,000 which substantially below the going rate. There are numerous people who have read the book that have commented that the completion and publication of this book is the key to the success of this ministry. Of course there are other areas that a one time gift may be appropriate such as counseling, or substance abuse help. I’ll let the individuals consider that.

I am also asking for individuals to consider supporting this ministry on a monthly basis. I am asking you to prayerfully consider what you can give on a monthly basis and then commit to that gift. I firmly believe that everyone I am sending this to can give at least $5 a month, and there are others that could easily give $500 or even $1,000 a month. The bottom line is we need it. So far this year, we have only brought in $6,000. Simply put, that is not nearly enough to survive and provide the ministry we do.

I am asking you to pray and consider, how much can you give to support the ministry of The Virtual Pew? There is no doubt this ministry has been incredibly effective. Are you willing to let it die? Are you willing to do your part and keep it going? I will assure you, there are few ministries doing what we are doing and reaching the people we are reaching. Please, help keep it going. Without immediate response and support, it is likely my family will have to consider other vocational positions which will take me away from the things I have dreamed of, and have enjoyed doing because I know it has touched the lives of people who would have otherwise not been helped. There is a high likelihood that we will have to relocate if this support does not start coming in immediately.

I’ll leave it at that for now, I’ll let you think about it, and consider the support of The Virtual Pew. My prayer and my hope is that you will be open to helping this ministry out. If able to give you can do so either online via check or credit card, or via sending a check to The Virtual Pew. If giving on line you can go to the url, http://www.furches.org/donations/index.html If giving via mail you can send donations to:

The Virtual Pew
P.O. Box 17731
Wichita KS 67217

Blessings and thanks,

Mike Furches

Matthew 25: 31-46

Some Music History and Appreciation Plus: Rob Cassels Band Is Back

Over the next weeks I am going to on occasion talk about some of my old experiences with a dear friend, and a great band, Rob Cassels, AKA Rob Castles. Rob finally has a web site up and going, along and will have in the near future some of the old songs, videos and a lot more. You can visit the official Rob Cassels site by going to http://www.robcassels.com/

Truth is, I love this guy as you can tell from the following. I am honored to call him friend, and honored to know that the band is making a comeback. For music historians this will be a big deal. Some of the old players are with Rob, and hopefully we can plug in together along the way. His music has been incredibly respected from the likes of Marshall Tucker Band, and numerous others. Read the following, then if a member of MySpace send a friends invitation to him. This is all new to Rob and he is getting things up and going.

I did the following as a tribute that was going to be a part of the re release of the 4 Albums. Not only does it say something about one of the great musicians of our time, it says something about doing things with quality. Go to the web site, listen to a sampling of music, and realize that in a few weeks you can listen and see more on the web site. Until then you can also send a friends request to www.myspace.com/robcassels While there, tell him Mike Furches sent you. You can also go to my MySpace page at www.myspace.com/mikefurches to see all of the old photos I have just posted.

Now to that tribute.

The year was 1978 and I had just become a new Christian. Life was difficult. I was living on my own and missing the old days of Rock N Roll I had grown up with. After becoming a new Christian, there wasn’t anything I was aware of that would satisfy my thirst. I had a new girlfriend and we had become aware of a festival in Myrtle Beach South Carolina called The Son Festival. It was there my life would change.

I’ll never forget the first time I heard of Christian Rock Music. My first experience was with Larry Norman, and while I loved his music it just didn’t satisfy the taste for the Southern Roots Rock I had become so accustomed to while growing up in Johnson City Tennessee. The summer of 78 would prove to be one of the most satisfying summers of my life.

I’ll never forget all of the people performing at this festival from Barry McGwire to Mickey and Becky, Christian artists abound, but I didn’t get my thirst quenched for real Southern Rock until late on a Friday evening. I’ll never forget the evening concert on that particular Friday night. Taking the stage was The Rob Cassels Band.

I can still see and envision Robs’ long dark wavy hair. He not only sounded like Leon Russell he sort of looked like him except with black hair. Rob kicked off with music from his soon to be released album Evening Pastoral and I was enthralled. The jazzy southern tunes were phenomenal and I was more than impressed with his ability not only as a musician, but also as a performer. I would return to the Son Festival again the next year, to once again be impressed by The Rob Cassels Band. To this day, after literally thousands of concerts, his concerts there are still the most memorable and touching concerts I have ever attended.

Later on in 1979 I attended Tabor College in Hillsboro Kansas. It was while there that I had begin to promote concerts across Kansas. I always knew that if given the opportunity I would bring Rob and his band to Kansas. It wasn’t long into my sophomore year that I decided to have Rob do a concert series. Not many people came but this became my first professional experience of working with Rob. The band was loud, rowdy, tight, and of all things fun. I had worked with other bands in the past but was amazed at the love for ministry these guys had. They had released their second album, Kamikaze Christian, and the professional work that had been included on the first album continued here.

Rob always had a knack of getting the best of the best on his albums. It is a shame because Rob likely had the best albums technically and from a musician’s perspective of any ever put out within the Christian Industry. His albums included members of Blackfoot, The Marshall Tucker Band, and numerous others, including according to many, the best guitar player alive, Steve Morse. Rob had developed a friendship with some of the best musicians in the business; forget about the Christian industry, these were the best in any industry. As a result, the guitar work and quality production on his albums were second to none. To this day, I still say that the greatest tragedy in the history of Christian Music Awards is that Rob was never recognized for his groundbreaking work. His records garnished the respect of top notch individuals in the music world but went largely ignored in the Christian industry. When giving a listen to the work technically on these albums one can’t but agree with the impact and quality these albums had on the music industry. It is why up until now they have sold for a small fortune on the collectors market.

It was during the second series of concerts in Kansas that Rob and David Hosler invited me to come to South Carolina and work with the band. A few months later, I would start my Christian ministry working as Rob Cassels Band, Ministry Coordinator. With the success of the second album Kamikaze Christian, we would now begin to experience success with the third album, Off The Wall. Having some of the songs chart highly we knew deep down inside that the band desired more, more than just the typical concerts at Christian venues.


At that time, the band, which is how the band would come to be known by most consisted of Rob on keyboards, piano, guitar and vocals, Kent Redd on Bass guitar and vocals, David Hosler on lead guitar and vocals. A friend of mine from college, Mark Ediger would replace long time drummer and friend Mark Childress. From 1985 until late 1988 the band would lay the ground work for what many would consider the first Christian Band to cross over into the non Christian world successfully. That didn’t come without a cost though. Early on, many in the Christian industry renounced the work the band was doing, and there would even be times that some would protest and boycott the band.

Rob Cassels Band had been playing almost non stop, but in return, just like many in the Christian industry, was playing before few non Christians, and getting paid even less. It became difficult to tour with a large truck and trailer, and a touring bus, the expenses continued to mount and after awhile, with the input from the band I recommended that we start praying about going into the non Christian market. It was here that the band would lay the foundation for many bands to come.

In the early days we agreed to play primarily non Christian venues. We still played Christian venues but the primary target area was non Christian venues. From AJ’s Rock N Roll Emporium, to The Crazy Horse Cabaret in Nova Scotia, the band played almost non stop up and down the Eastern Seaboard. In 1988 those efforts paid off. The band after working with many groups in the non Christian field began to have some success. At times the band played with the likes of The Marshall Tucker Band, Kansas, Joan Jett, Steppenwolf, and many others. The band at my suggestion changed its name from The Rob Cassels Band to Rob Castles. This was to bring an emphasis on the band as opposed to the individual but also to help break away from the association the band had with the Christian industry.

That effort didn’t take long to produce some success. It wasn’t long before such bands as The Tragically Hip, and Jackyl were opening up for Rob Castles. Rob Castles had become a staple on the weekly top grossing shows according to Performance and Poll Star Magazines. In 1988 the band had the top grossing show in North America in theaters 2,500 and under, The Judds and Black Sabbath followed respectively. Rob Castles also had three of the top 10 grossing shows in North America in that year in clubs 800 and under. From military bases to large club venues, the band was packing them into various venues.

Over the years, I have never forgotten about Rob Cassels. While the band went through several incarnations, the driving force was always Rob. Seldom has anyone ever garnished my respect as did this man. I have stated for years, and still do, that I believed in him and his ministry so much that if he ever went back on the road, I would quit what I was doing and go out and do all I could to help him. He loved God and his audience that much.

As I have become involved in various ministries and vocations over the years, I am prouder of none more than my association with Rob Cassels Band and later Rob Castles. We were way ahead of our time and it is a shame that others haven’t heard or seen this man or heard this band. Hopefully with the re-release of this material those that love Christian music and its history will get a listen to one of the true pioneers in Christian Music. If you love Southern Rock and honest content, you will love this band. Sit back, turn up the stereo and listen to the roots of Christian Rock. Not just great Christian Rock though, great music period. You’re in for a treat, I promise you that.

Now to see a song we had chart at #1 on American Rock Countdown, and go into light rotation on MTV and Heavy Rotation on other video channels back in the day, double click on the video below. If the video don't appear, just click on the link.
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=19683239
Off The Wall Rob Cassels Band

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