The Virtual Pew Daily: December 2009

Saturday, December 26, 2009

The Day After Interview With Santa

To see the news story vido which opened up the doors for this exclusive interview, click here.

I had the opportunity yesterday, Christmas Day to sit and visit with the Jolly Old Elf Santa himself. He was tired, but had recently seen a television report of me being Santa for the Homeless in Wichita and contacted me about how he appreciated that effort. The initial conversation was intended to be brief, but after a few moments he invited me to fly up with him to The North Pole to have an exclusive interview regarding the yearly events, and of the things to come along with desires for people in the future. I was honestly surprised at the seriousness of the interview, and although it wasn’t intended, there were some key spiritual themes that came out. The following are some key highlights of that exclusive interview.

Mike: Santa, after such a busy night you seem to be pretty refreshed, how do you do it?

Santa: It isn’t as bad as some people think it is. I sometimes think there is an assumption that I still live in the Stone Age or something. We have adapted and learned to use technology in the delivery of gifts. While I don’t want to give out too much, we have help with a lot of the gift giving. I don’t have to visit every home like I used to and the willingness of others to take on the spirit of Christmas makes it easier. I have a lot of loved ones providing way beyond what I used to.

Mike: So it is kind of like others are taking on the persona of Santa?

Santa: Exactly! It isn’t that far from what you and your church did when you took gifts to various families’ on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately though, we live in a world where there seems to be more need than ever. It is critical that other groups, especially the churches take on and do more. We already loose out on helping so many people who need just basic things each year.

Mike: Interesting, why would you say the churches need to do more and can you tell us more about how we are loosing out?

Santa: Well it is like this, the church you see should see and understand the seriousness and message of Christmas. I think people forget I was a bishop in the church. It was the love and life of Jesus Christ that drove me to do what I do and did. As a child this started early, when I saw a family with three daughters who were going to be sold into slavery, and likely ultimately prostitution. I realized that in my abundance, I couldn’t sit around and do nothing. I couldn’t just walk by knowing I had the means to help this family out. It was over the course of 3 years that I decided to throw in the money in secret to help so this family wouldn’t have to sell the daughters into slavery. They could have enough money to pay the marriage dowry which was the custom in the day. While throwing in that first batch, it fell into a stocking that was hanging by the chimney to dry. That is how that custom came about. I wanted to do it in secret to make sure God got all of the glory and to keep the family from being embarrassed. It wasn’t just my desire to help though; it was my desire to love as Jesus commanded us and is told by the Apostle John in the book of 1st John in the Bible.

What we are loosing out on is the joy it brings us to give to others. Sometimes people ask me why I am always so happy. Well, the truth is, I am not always happy, but I find myself happiest when I am giving and helping others in need. The sharing of life, the giving of ones self to help another is what truly brings joy. You know my faith is still really important to me. Jesus said that when we give to someone who is among the least, we are giving to him. The Bible goes on to even say if we see someone in need and don’t provide for them, especially if we have the means, then the love of God does not dwell within us. The Bible commands us to share God’s love with others.

So many people think we do this by just telling others about Jesus, yet if we look at the early church, the church I studied on trips to the Holy Land and in the study of Christianity in Alexandria, I saw the early church took this practice of giving and helping others, even those outside of the faith seriously. It is why in the book of Acts it says no one associated with the body had need. Now think about that, while many may think the early church only consisted of followers of Jesus, it simply isn’t true. There were people searching for truth who also lived in these family community groups who hadn’t fully made the decision to follow Jesus yet. While they technically were not a part of the church, they were as they lived among them and were searching for truth. We also know the early church on a regular basis helped meet the need of those around them in their communities. It was then, and still is now one of the early appeals of the church. It is unfortunate that so many that become dogmatic in their political views, seem to totally ignore the history of the early church.

Mike: So are you saying we are loosing out by not giving?

Santa: I am saying more than that, I am saying we have to on a regular basis share the real meaning of Christmas, and then from there, we have to share it in a complete way as we saw the early church do, and preach. We have to do more than tell people we love them, we have to show them by helping provide their needs.

Mike: Do you see a difference in the way world systems or governments get involved in this?

Santa: You bet I do, there is a tremendous difference. The problem though is that so many in the West assume that in the socialist systems of the world people rely solely on the government. The sad truth is that the churches in those countries seem to take their faith more seriously than those in the West. It isn’t that there are those in the West who doesn’t take their commitment seriously, but there are people around the world who practice the totality of their faith in the face of death. There are many in the West who practices their faith in the face of convenience. They seem to be more into their national politics than they are the practice of their faith and believe me, there is a huge difference in whether one practices faith in the face of death as opposed to convenience.

Mike: Interesting, so do you see the political systems having an impact on what Christmas is all about?

Santa: No, no, not at all, what I see is people who see it that way, but they have forgotten about this history of the church and the message of Jesus. Political systems have always, at least most always, been largely opposed to the message of Jesus. It is sad that many within the church even end up being more politically driven than spiritually driven. Of course when politics speak out against, harm, and hurt the people they are to serve, especially the poor and needy, the church has to speak out. History shows that the church changed many travesties. In your own country, its role in the abolishment of slavery, the civil rights movement, giving women the right to vote, and so much more was a part of the history of the church. It was the church who brought about the changes your society needed. To keep people from forgetting history, it was also many within the so called church who spoke out against the actual practice of faith. They were telling people that they needed to make sure they only preached the gospel and stay out of politics or even spoke out against the good some within the church were promoting. Unfortunately it was the critics then, and it is the critics now who discourage the followers of God to ignore the totality of the message. It is kind of like the faith and works argument I saw you were involved in. Some seem to ignore that you are talking about doing both. It is the same thing here, we have to talk about justice for the poor and needy, while at the same time acting for it in the name of God because it is ultimately God who gives complete and total liberty. So understand, it is not, nor has it ever been the political systems that drive the meaning of what Christmas is about. They influence it, but for those who know and practice the completeness of faith and action, message and serving, it is those people who will ultimately have an impact even beyond that of governments. Of course this at times comes at a temporary cost, but is not permanently lasting.

Mike: What kind of cost do you see this coming at?

Santa: Well to start of with look at Jesus. The powers that be at the time hated him. Look at Christians today who preach the complete message of loving and serving. You don’t have to go back far here, in your own civil rights movement you see people like Dr. King getting killed, you see churches getting bombed, you see even the homeless get labeled and discriminated against. Then there are the stereotypes towards the mentally ill. For the followers of Jesus who stand up against these types of injustices, they will in fact, have the powers that be and those that have been influenced by those powers ridicule them and try to publicly destroy their image and reputation, and even in some cases perpetuate harm in some way. The sad thing here is that some within the political systems are only using those in the religious community as pawns. The pawns seldom ever acquire royalty or equality, most of the time, they simply are used to advance and help the advances of royalty or the powerful. Just like in the game of chess, but the pawn is ore often than not the fool.

Mike: Wow, I didn’t realize how important these types of things were to you. Where does the drive come from?

Santa: Like I said earlier, before I was known of as Santa, I was Saint Nicholas but even before that, just Nicholas a follower of Jesus. I committed my life to serving the totality of Christ, especially the poor and needy, the orphan and the widow. Being the Patron Saint of Children and of Prisoners is something I cherish, not because of any recognition it has brought to me, but because of the influence and inspiration it has provided some to do the things I believe Jesus taught us all to do.

Mike: So what is the primary purpose you would want people to get from Christmas?

Santa: First of all to understand that for that child born in a manger, it didn’t end there, there is a cross and crucifixion that is a part of that story. The person Christmas is all about told each of us to take up our own cross and follow him daily. To follow Jesus means to follow him in all ways. When we bless ten, and only one comes back to say thank you, that doesn’t’ negate the importance of blessing the other nine. When we feed thousands, it doesn’t negate the fact that some of those fed are people who could care less about why we have fed them. Of course the message has to point back to Jesus, but our actions of following Jesus has to be the same of Jesus. He still washed the feet of Judas, even after he knew Judas was going to betray him. Any spirit that tells us to not listen to that message, likely isn’t the spirit of God because it is contrary to the message and life of Jesus.

Mike: What do you see regarding the future of Christmas?

Santa: I actually see for the immediate future, especially over the next year the potential for something positive if people think about it and get back to the roots. You see, as people who have had much, end up having little, they are reminded of the truly important things in life. They know about the simplicity of life and the importance of being loved. Nowhere is that love as complete as it is when it involves Jesus. If followers of Jesus, if the people of the planet see and understand that it is when they walk their talk that they have impact, people may continue to have less materially, but they will have more joy because they will have experienced ultimate love and purpose, but even more importantly, the hope that is provided by God and God alone.

Mike: Santa I usually ask folks I interview if there is anything they would like to share that they maybe haven’t shared before, how about it?

Santa: Hmmm, yea I have something Mike and thanks for asking this. I think people forget that the spirit of Jesus the change that Jesus brings about isn’t just a one day a year thing. The truth is we don’t even know for sure the day Jesus was born. I am honored that we celebrate his birth on December 25, because my birthday was on December 5. But the message we continue on isn’t about us, it is about those that God loved. The Bible speaks a great deal about the importance of helping those, loving those less fortunate. That message, and the message of challenging others to walk with Jesus needs to continue on every day of the year, yet sit back, listen and watch how quickly that message changes. Even now, I hear stories of people planning to indulge in self satisfaction parties where the celebration of the New Year is celebrated with the over indulgence of alcohol and raging parties to have a ‘good time.’ You will notice the desires of helping those in need are suddenly lost, the need to recognize the innocence of children is lost, instead what is important is a focus on self that is so self absorbing that people won’t care about the potential harm that can, and in fact will, come to innocents by intoxication and other self absorbed attitudes.

I want people to know and remember, the celebration of the birth of Jesus isn’t a one day thing, it is for those that follow him an everyday thing. Yet, when we follow Jesus, we need to follow his actions; otherwise, the words mean little. While being born again is important, in fact, critical, we break down the walls of communication when we show love and live with those we love; at that point people are open to the message. Jesus understood that, I only hope we do as well.

Mike: Santa, thanks so much for your time, I know you want to get some rest and I really appreciate you letting us see this side of you.

Santa: No problem Mike, the importance of getting out the complete message is worth it, even when we are tired. Too many of us make excuses, and I want to thank you for getting out this message and to those who adjust their lives accordingly. Now Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Epilog: While we spoke about a number of other things, like the reindeer, the most requested toys and the like, it was clear where Santa wanted the discussion to go. I left the interview feeling good, knowing of my own need to do better. I think it is Santa’s desire we all do better. In contrast to the things we spoke about most, I hope I have included the majority of things Santa wanted me to focus on. The above is a small portion of our interview, but one I think opens up some new light on the person himself. Hopefully you enjoy what I have included here as much as I enjoyed the opportunity to provide it for you.

The following is a video of a little known Christmas Classic. While my wife has her own version on Youtube, I like this one a lot, a classic from Bing Crosby. Just click on the video to watch and listen, if the video don't appear, click on the following link:

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

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Saturday, December 12, 2009

Santa Visits The Homeless

As I stand there as Santa going HO HO HO, and waving at the passers by at the downtown Library, there is a lady sitting on a bench smiling and waving at me. I leave some of the kids and walk over to the small lady who looks unusually out of place. This is after all a place where the homeless congregate through the day. Next to her is a man in layered clothing, a stocking cap, looking me in the eyes, swearing he has seen me someplace before and telling me that he knows me. He takes off his stocking cap to reveal his balding head and asks me if I think he looks familiar. I smile, “I haven’t seen you since you were a little boy.” As I laugh, he responds in all sincerity, “No, I know you from some place.”

The lady sitting next to him on the bench is dressed in nice clothes; she has on rather expensive fur covered boots. Her designer stocking cap reveals she has had money. It is clean enough that it is clear that she has had some income recently. Her nails are done up quite nicely, they are bright red and covered in snowflake decorations. It is clear, they were professionally done. She is smiling now, she has nice, clean, well kept, teeth, and I later find out that she has only been on the streets for a few days. She is scared; she knows she is in a dangerous place. Ken, the man with her has kind of adopted her to keep her safe. It seems as if Nancy was recently had some bad things happen to her that wasn’t all her fought, yet, she suffers the consequences of a bad economy bad luck, and of having no one to help her in this time of crises. Nancy looks to be in her early to mid fifties. She has maintained her age, but the few days she has been on the streets have already started to weigh on her, not just her looks though, but her spirit.

Ken asks Nancy, “Do you want to tell Santa what you want for Christmas?” Nancy simply responds with a smile and motions with her finger for me to come close to her. She wants me to give her a kiss on the cheek, so I do. She then whispers in my ear, ‘Santa, I just want a better life and for people to respect me.” I am ready to cry; I pull a way, keep it together and start to speak. Nancy takes her finger and puts it up next to her nose as she starts to cry, she whispers, “shhhh.” I know her wish is between her, me, and God.

I see another man come by on his bicycle. He is a lucky one because some punk(s) in town have been stealing bicycles from the homeless. It is why several of them have requested that someone consider giving them measured cuts of chain with a lock. It will help them keep their bicycles. Some of the men I speak to today have stated that they are walking as much as 15 miles a day. So much for the idea that the homeless being lazy. I ask this man if he wants a cup of coffee. He gladly accepts. Who knew that an inexpensive cup of coffee would go so far as to show a human being that they are cared for and loved? I ask him if he wants any food. I can tell he wants it, but he is too embarrassed to take it. There are about around 10 cans of food in the bag, a box of crackers, simple things. I ask him if he would like a backpack. He is more inclined to jump at the offer. I then ask him; “Why don’t you just take the food with the backpack?” He gladly accepts then, knowing that he can at least now carry the food, plus other things that he needs. He isn’t unlike others, all of our backpacks and gloves were quick to go along with around 40 or so coats and sweaters. That was about half of what we started with, and with each one there was a story, a life, a human being who wants to feel loved and cared for at Christmas.

I was amazed at how open many of the individuals I came into contact with today were far more open to going up to Santa than they were a regular person. Many still believe, not in the myth, but the concept. They all asked for simple things, things many of us take for granted. The asked for things like, a place to spend the night, a warm winter, a job, a better economy, that the children could have a good Christmas since so many people were out of work.

Several men walk over toward where Chris, Adam, and the two Mary’s are serving coffee. They see Santa over waving at the cars, two of them garnish huge smiles, they ask for a hug. “Santa, thanks for coming to see us,” one of them says with a big smile on across his face. He doesn’t have clean teeth; after all, he doesn’t have any real way of keeping them clean. Seems this man has been homeless for awhile, he is lucky, he and several other homeless people actually have a friend they are crashing with. I ask him if he wants a coat. He quickly picks out a small brown corduroy coat; it isn’t quite big enough for him and is used. We talk awhile; before long he is calling me Pastor Mike instead of Santa, in fact, most everyone is now calling Santa, Pastor Mike. I have to remind them, “Today, I am Santa. Tomorrow I am Pastor Mike.” “Okay Pastor Mike, I mean Santa.” They respond with a big grin.

We talk some more, I am told over and over again, “Thank you so much, you have no idea how much we appreciate this.” “What you all are doing is so wonderful.” They say with as much sincerity as any thank you I have heard in a very long time. Charles and I speak for over thirty minutes; on occasion we are stopped by the children running out of the Girl Scout meetings and celebration being held at the Century 2 Civic Center next to the library. They want to have their photos made with Santa, they are thrilled, cars at the busy intersection are blowing their horns waving, and the Trolleys are driving by, every single one of them ringing their bells. Everyone seems to be happy to see Santa, except for the city busses and police officers who drive by. I guess there is some kind of law that these folks, on this day, can’t show too much joy. Charles though, he asks about the church, he can’t believe that anyone would go out of their way to show love like this. I point out to him, “Hey Charles, there is a nice big, brand new coat, would you like that one as I reach down to pick it up.” His eyes get as big as a kid at a candy store. “Wow, look at that, that is a really nice coat, it is brand new.” “Can I have that one?” He asks, “Sure.” I respond. “It’s yours.” He takes off the older coat, and immediately puts it on. “Wow! If I would have had this one earlier in the week when it was below zero I wouldn’t have been so afraid of dying.”

I’m back with Ken and Nancy now, in front of the library at the bench. I am now sitting on the bench with them. Nancy is crying, she gets a phone call on her cell from her mother. Her mother lives out of state; she is worried about this new situation her daughter is in. She asks to speak to me. I tell her mother that I am praying for her, that I really am a pastor. She says to me over the miles: “Thank you so much, this year you really are Santa, just encouraging my daughter is important, to say you love and care for her means so much.” I about tear up, but I hold it together. Ken then tells me, “Pastor Mike, I just want her to be safe, I am concerned. I would normally make up a sign and go panhandle for her, but I hate doing that scam. You know what I am talking about?” I tell him I do. “The streets aren’t a place for a nice lady.” He tells me. My heart breaks. I decide I need to pray for these two. Nancy is still talking on the phone with her mom. “Mom, Santa Pastor Mike is going to pray for me.” Nancy holds the phone up so her mom can hear the prayer I offer as I hug these two human beings created in the image of God.

It isn’t much later and I have to leave. I long, I pray for, I wish I had the property to buy a three story building in downtown Wichita. The first floor, church, then through the week, a place where people in need, the homeless, the abused, the runaway, can come and get services, a place to be safe, warm in the winter, cool in the summer, get some food to snack on, and drinks. We would have computers and wi-fi so these individuals could touch base with others, and then use current technology to do the things the rest of us need to do. The second floor, it would have a place to offer emergency housing for those needing it, in a safe environment where people like Nancy wouldn’t have to be afraid. The third floor, well I would reside there and if large enough find a way to house others who worked with the program. Of course these are dreams but dreams are all we have sometimes. Of course when those dreams come true, we can experience part of Heaven on earth.

That was my day, my day until on the way home I tell my wife about Nancy and her request: ‘Santa, I just want a better life and for people to respect me.” Earlier in the day, I held it together; I only started to tear up. On the way home, in our dark car, I didn’t do so well, this time, well this time I broke down. Nancy deserves both of her wishes; my prayer is that she will get it.

Today was a good day, I think we do it again next week, then maybe the week after, and if Santa gets his wish, each and every day, why, because God created all humans in his image, not just those with nice homes, good jobs, and fancy clothes, but the down and out, the hard luck, and yes, the homeless.

Words from Jesus follow:

(31) "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. (32) All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. (33) He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
(34) "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. (35) For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, (36) I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

(37) "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? (38) When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? (39) When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

(40) "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

(41) "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. (42) For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, (43) I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'

(44) "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'

(45) "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'

(46) "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." ~ Matthew 25: 31-46 (NIV)

The following is an older Christmas Song, one many has heard but with new images, watch, think of these individuals and others that need warmth and love this Christmas. To view the video, simply click on it, if the video don't appear, click on the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG1iicgXi2A

Friday, December 11, 2009

Is This A Pitty Party, A Tell All Sure To Offend Some, Sorry

It is important for this particular article that I give an explanation prior to your reading. This is not written to bring a pity party for myself, neither is it written to make anyone look bad. Some will look bad because the truth sometimes hurts, but the truth needs to be spoken. This is written with the intent of showing that I have experienced what I believe to be unfair attacks, unfair criticism, and bad events that I didn’t bring on myself or deserve. I know as many others that sometimes life does suck. That said, there is hope, purpose and a God that looks out for us.

During the time of year I am writing this I get to play Santa. It brings in a little extra income, (this year being used to help others in need) but it also gives me the opportunity to bring a little joy to others. When we see Santa, we see the world around us, and unfortunately, a time of year people are full of despair and depression. I see one side that brings joy to children, and yet, I am swamped with spending time with people who are hurting for various reasons. To ignore the two extremes can be dangerous. I want to bring a taste of reality to those who are familiar with me and this ministry. The things I write about are things that happened. I know some reading this will be critical, yet, I will provide if need be, specifics to verify every single thing I write about. I am not afraid to face the truth head on; I am not concerned about people offended by the truth. I also realize that knowing the truth doesn’t make one right, yet, motivating others, to have hope is important because someone has to speak up for and to the least of these. I have tried to maintain integrity as much as possible. I wish I could say the same about all of those I have come into contact with, either professionally or in the perspective of ministry. I know many who are, but those people always speak out against injustice and seek to find out the truth by talking to all parties. I will let my record, my words, and my actions speak for themselves. For those who would hurt, lie, and deny the truth, just know this, I will gladly provide evidence to maintain the integrity of the work I do, the people I serve, and the God I live for. People can talk about my name, the ministry I do, but here I am still talking about, serving, and loving my God and those he called The Lost, The Last, and The Least.

I don’t know, sometimes I want to quit. I start out the day today doing the usual routine, checking the email, and responding to people who have emailed me. Most of the emails are from people who are hurting, a girl who quit her job and suffers from depression, a friend who just lost his 103 year old dad, another lady who was sexually abused as a child, a pastor who is having struggles with homosexuality, a person with mental illness I am encouraging to get back on their medication, and the list goes on. There are usually 3 – 10 responses per day like these.

After responding to the emails this morning I got ready to send out my newest newsletter for The Virtual Pew. We send out around 10 newsletters a year to update those who support this ministry. I share about what we are doing, and in this one I am working on raising funds and services to keep the ministry going. Many will be surprised at how little money we bring in, and of that, how much goes to help others.

I am a strange cookie, today I reflect on the difficulty my family has gone through with this ministry. I once had a good paying job, was buying my dream house and doing well in the Mental Health World. I felt God started to call me back to ministry where I could share what I believe to be the full measure of helping others, which is being open to sharing Jesus. My former employer, Crossroads Clubhouse in Tulsa Oklahoma, even though I never was one to proselytize overreacted to one person who had mental illness (who has sense come back and apologized and said they were wrong) who was upset because he voluntarily attended an event at my church with other individuals where religion was being discussed. Somehow I was blamed, was written up and to quote the statement it was stated “In that faith is a personal issue, under no conditions shall Mike share his faith with members and/or staff of Crossroads; neither shall he invite them to his church.” I have come to understand in the last year, that this comment, (A breach of confidentiality) was also included in the employee handbook for future employees, and while my name was not mentioned, the fact that this occurred with a former Executive Director, which I was the only one at the time it was published, was clear indication the comment was speaking of me.

At the point of the evaluation comment I considered it affirmation of my need to leave. I offered a 2 month notice and assisted in the transfer of leadership within the agency. Of course, the rumors and lies started, as they have in several situations in my life, and after the publication of an article in a national magazine about my experiences, I likely ruined my chances of ever working in that field again. I have since, again in the last year, also learned of untrue statements being made by some of those individuals in the community, and internationally within the International Clubhouse Community. That has been obvious by the continued lies, and lack of response from people I once considered friends in a vocation and world that I still deeply love and believe in. I have also had these things shared with me by former employees, professionals still in the field, and consumers who still value the work I did.

I have never quit believing in the original vision to help people with mental illness as was established by John Beard and the original members of Fountain House Clubhouses. As much as I believed in that world though, it has become clear that many in that world turned their back on me, and the opportunity to denounce lies that were spread has been refused to be heard because some of those individuals I once considered friend, never bothered to check out the sources and truth of the matter. I am still open to that, but believe that their actions indicate they have no desire to actually seek out and discover the truth. Thankfully there are some, including many members and former staff of Crossroads (every single staff person there when I was have either been fired or left employment) know the truth and have given me personal encouragement and shared how much my work there meant to them. Thankfully others from around the globe who were a part of that world and life experience have also shared their love.

After leaving Crossroads, I ended up taking a pastors job at a church (out of 4 offers) that paid the least, and was the smallest, (my choice). I know I was listening to God’s call. It was my first Sr. Pastor Job and that church didn’t get the support it needed, (not financial needs as much as mature people coming and helping out) and again, problems arise, especially within staffing and leadership. I know lies were told, and damage done. I have come to realize, not only in the professional world, but even within the ‘church’ world the same types of problems can arise.

I know there could be the appearance of being paranoid, but these things can be proven by others who observed certain behaviors and actions. I can provide witnesses to the situations, but it amazes me that sometimes, people don’t want the truth, they want to have their ears tickled. In the meantime, people are hurt; people who deserve to know the truth and challenged to mature in the reality of even difficult situations. Despite these difficulties, I keep on keeping on, serving Jesus and speaking out to do the work for those who are hurting and in need of love. I have never wavered in my faith, never wavered in what I know to be the truth of the situations I have lived and experienced. I challenge for anyone to prove I have not tried to maintain the utmost integrity. I think all followers of Jesus should maintain integrity.

Today, I wonder, how much has my family suffered and missed out on? One of the difficulties was moving to Wichita from Tulsa. We were living in our dream home. I quit my job when I felt “the call” to move to Wichita and I ended up taking out my retirement to live on and invest in our home. Then September 11, 2001 happens and the investment I was living on was almost all lost.

We later moved to Kansas and decided to rent out our dream house in Oklahoma. We had five renters over time, four of them Christian, and the last one non Christian. Three of the four Christian families either seldom paid rent, or left owing us substantial rent monies which we never got back. The first two we let out of it, the last we sought to recoup our damages, over $5,400 and then we were criticized by other Christians for trying to get our money back, despite the fact we were facing losing our home. We ended up only getting $200 of what this family owed us. The last family owed us three months worth of rent, had a one year lease, but after six months felt God call them to missions, they left us on our lease, and owing us three months rent. I guess again, that even the call of God to missions doesn’t expect one to maintain integrity. This was ‘Christian’ families who had no concerns about hurting a family in ministry. I know I have let people take advantage of me too much, maybe those hurts explain why I challenge the church to be the church, and have such a sympathetic heart to those who aren’t a part of the church. These types of things have happened to me my entire life, but not just there, read on.

A pastor at a small church that makes $15,000 per year with few benefits doesn’t make enough money to pay mortgage and utility payments on two houses. Yet, with the lack of paying of rent, of other ‘Christians’ fulfilling their responsibilities, that is exactly what I had to do. We finally rented our house to a non Christian family, but the damage was done, we just couldn’t catch up. Of course this family never missed a payment and was exemplary renters. We ended up having to sell our dream house short. This means we sold it below the market value and got nothing in return, at least it wasn’t foreclosed on. I could write a book about bad property managers and renters. Of course I suspect others could do the same.

In Kansas the church I was at closed down after five years and efforts to get help. I had planned on leaving and starting The Virtual Pew but in that year when the transition was in place, excuse the expression, but all hell broke loose. We had a great plan in place for the transition to happen. Then the church split and lies and damage done that caused the church to fall apart. We could have made it back from the hole we were in , we just needed a few people with maturity to come on board to help us out with things like child care, despite these calls for help, to larger churches, to various individuals and organizations, not a single effort to help in this area was provided. I know some will be upset by this, but this was a great church that was needed in Wichita, I wanted to see it make it, I believe God did as well. It is why Mosaic exists; it is very similar with some of the same people and other new ones. Yet again the lies to our face by people we had been honored to serve and love.

We sucked it up, tried to make it right, but to no avail. While I know I made mistakes in my first pastorate, I am confident other serious mistakes were made and the movie Second Chances by Ben Pearson and Steve Taylor, says it well, there is actually little help from people when it comes to actually helping inner city urban churches. I specifically requested help during the difficult times, even prior to the difficulties that led to the church closing down, but the sponsoring agencies, while agreeing with the mistakes they made in the formation of the church, did little or nothing to help make those things right. Often there is the assumption that all problems can be solved with money, while money may be needed, it is often people that make the real difference.

How much trouble was it, what kind of difficulties did we experience? Two years after this church was closed we found out that even though taxes had been taken out of my paycheck, those taxes had never been paid to the state, or federal government. When the IRS Audit is done guess who has to pay taxes back, with penalty? That’s right, my wife and I. Over $7,000 had to be paid back, essentially out of 5 years of service, I lost the $6,000 that was initially withheld from my check, plus over $7,000 that we had to pay back. That is essentially like a years worth of wages.

I was a part of a denomination I loved deeply; I hear nothing from them anymore despite my efforts to stay involved. My wife put it best, “It is as if they forgot you exist.” My daughter who was the Director of Creative Affairs for the Mennonite Church USA was also appalled at the lack of support we received, she and others saw what happened, they had knowledge of how some church denominations take care of their pastors. I suspect some who were a part of that experience will read this and wonder, “what the…” some may respond, I will welcome that, but it won’t change the reality of the last years. I love the Anabaptist, I love and believe in their theology, and value the Mennonite Brethren people, but even in this situation, I can’t help but say, it feels like we were once again, cast out and abandoned by the church, left to make it on our own.

I know this may sound like a pity party, maybe it is, but I think that with what seems like the luck I have experienced, from childhood, and later in life the abuse from individuals and agencies, I deserve that rare party. Recently this hit me hard. You see my wife is looking at retirement in the next 2 years, and I honestly don’t know what I have provided her or my children. I see friends who are making a lot of money, have great retirement plans, nice homes, and on and on. On the home issue, we are living in a home we had a lease option on and the landlord/owner filed bankruptcy. We never missed a payment and were a year out of hopefully purchasing the home. We don’t know what our future is for the house. I have to wonder, has a life of giving to the poor, the abused, to the call of Christ been worth it?

I can honestly think of few people who has had as much ‘bad luck.’ On the flip side I can think of few who has been given more when they need it from God through the hands of others. When my wife’s brother died, she was able to go home because of the generous gifts of others. When my mother died; I was able to go home to see her at Christmas and another time to be there the day she died, because of the gifts of others. Grace Hill Media made it possible for my wife to fly there to be with me. I have been blessed to have moments of magic where I could taste and smell Heaven. I have seen and been a part of blessing others, seeing their tears, sharing a hug, giving a place to stay when needing a home, and on and on. I have hopefully to some, been a mirror representation of Jesus especially to many of those Jesus loves and cares for that are often neglected or forgotten.

Today, likely tomorrow and the day after, I will again hear the ridicule of the doubters and haters, of people who seem to have it all. I wonder though, do they really have it all? Do they know the joy of serving someone that Jesus said when we serve and love them, (the least of these); it is as if we have served and loved him?

Last night my wife and I were driving around some nice neighborhoods in Wichita looking at Christmas lights. She asked, “Mike, do you think we will have homes in Heaven?” I responded that the Bible talks about mansions in Heaven, and that we would indeed have a home in Heaven. I don’t know how it all works out, but I believe God knows the truth, I am confident he does. He knows the truth of my life, he knows what happened regarding me leaving employment in the Fountain House Clubhouse world, (although I would hope to always be a part of that world because I love and believe in it so much) he knows what happened with our house in Oklahoma, he knows what happened at our old church United at the Cross, he knows the truth and he knows my heart.

This isn’t an attempt to get self pity, which does little good and may even make some things worse. At the moment I don’t need much, although nice things and experiences are nice at times. Mosaic, the church I serve has potential; we seem to have the possibility of growing. Things at The Virtual Pew in regards to ministry have never been better. While I don’t have all I want, I have all I need. I would just say this; tell the truth; don’t build up hope in others if you don’t plan on helping them. Remember broken promises and broken dreams result in broken hearts, for some of us; we can’t take any more brokenness. I want to say this as well, especially to those who are hurting. While others may ask me; “Has it all been worth it?” I can answer with an emphatic, “You betcha! It has been worth it because Jesus is worth it. I can only hope and pray, that those who hurt, who have difficulty will find out as I have, the hope of eternal blessings that comes from the eternal savior, Jesus Christ. Then you can have the satisfaction of knowing that life is indeed worth it, no matter what the experience, or the hurt, it is worth it because you are of value and Jesus sees you as a person with incredible beauty and incredible potential. One thing is certain, people, organizations; things we love will let us down, but in the things of God can make an incredible difference, no matter what. It is why that at this time of year I love to give, and share of God’s love and what he has done for me, despite the hard times. God loves and provides hope like no other. The birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ, was an indication of that love. May we all surrender to his desires for our life, and give up the concepts of self, that so often hurt others. When we do that, I think God smiles; personally I hope to make him laugh with joy.

The following is a song that I wrote around a song that a friend named Barry DeFleron wrote. I used his chorus, and wrote the verse to this version as well as the music. It is different, and hope you enjoy it. Just click on the video, if the video don't appear, click on the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAOlX2tkTjM

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

GPS, A Marital Relationship Improvement Tool Plus More

Yesterday I purchased something that was on sale at one of the local department stores. It is something that will benefit and improve the relationship with my wife. I am still learning new tricks and I have come to realize, technical advances can often work at improving relationships. On the way home from church I was talking to my wife about our new marital relationship improvement tool. I made mention of it in church, and this new tool is something that goes by another name. We were trying it out last night and today on the way home from church. I couldn’t believe how I used it as an illustration at church today. The other name this marital relationship improvement tool is known as is a GPS or Global Positioning System.

Now I know some are asking; “how is this a marital relationship improvement tool?’ The answer is actually quite simple, at least for me. I have always loved to travel and as a result my wife has been on many trips with me as a navigator, sometimes driver. Along the way on those trips we have followed maps or trip tickets from things like map quest or some other online directory. Needless to say, those things aren’t very accurate and wee have gotten into more than a few arguments with more than a few frustrations over our inability to read the maps or follow the directions. We realize the GPS won’t be perfect, but it will be better than the maps or trip tickets we have followed over the years. The voice on the GPS also makes it easier to yell at it than each other.

There was something else I noticed about the GPS I alluded to in church this morning. There are a number of features on the GPS that do things like inform me when I am going above the speed limit, where the closest business or gas station is, when I am entering a school or church zone, even when to turn, if there is construction ahead, or if there is an accident down the road. It is a road map to help in more ways than just giving directions. As I looked at the message and prepared it today for church I recognized that in many ways, Jesus is a road map to help us. He knows the way we should go, he has given us the warning signs that are ahead, and he can help us stay out of problem zones if we listen. In some ways, Jesus is also a GPS, but not a Global Positioning System, but Gods Positioning Savior.

You see it is quite simple, Jesus is there, he is in position and one who has gone through many of the conflicts we have gone through. While he is fully divine, he was also fully human. The Bible tells us he went through the same difficulties we do. He came to earth to help get to the relationship God wants to be in with us. It is up to us to listen. Jesus is much like the GPS in another way, we can go away from the directions we are given, but as soon as we go away from those directions, new instructions are given to help us get back on track, of course we can listen or not, but there is always someone there, willing to help us get back on course. We have a choice when we hear those directions, either listen, or continue on a course that leads us away from God. The course we take is up to us, while we have the voice, those directions; we still have control of the steering wheel, brake, gas pedal and in my case clutch. It is our decision, we can listen to the direction we know will get us to our destination, or we can choose to go our own way. Of course going our own way when we have a GPS seems to be a waste of a great, beneficial tool. I know some of us go our own way when we have a GPS, but I have to ask, is it any wonder some of us experience the tough road that robs us of joy, happiness and hope? If Jesus is your GPS, use him, he knows what he is doing, of course the instruction manual, the Bible will be of benefit to read to fully understand the directions we are given. Then the voice we hear, the Holy Spirit, will be a gentle voice, that even when we are off course will gently lead us back to the place that leads to the things God would have for us. We can charge each other to stay strong and make sure our batteries never die, but those responsibilities still lie with us. What will you do?

Some have asked me which GPS I purchased. Well the following is a video of one of the best on teh market. It is fairly new and not many people are aware of it. I highly recommend that you check out the video, just click on it, and if it doesn't appear, just click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDaxjEu-Qck

Just For You

You are important and I want you to know that you can feel free to contact me at any time. I always try to respond to comments posted here, when appropriate, and have learned from my work as a counselor and pastor that people need to know that they are important. My contact information is available and I encourage you to contact me when need be. The fact that you are a real person is not lost on me. While you are at it, if needing a place to plug in, you can also join and become a part of The Virtual Pew. Message boards and interaction are available there as well. Thanks for visiting and know that God loves you and so do I.