Thursday, June 18, 2015

Another Church Shooting and My Meeting with the KKK

www.thevirtualpew.com
A number of years ago we adopted our son. He was born in Charleston South Carolina.  He is a creation of God that came about via a rape of a very young woman. He is half black and half white. We knew at the time of the difficulty in the South, especially in South Carolina of child placement in a state with strong roots and history. We felt the call of God to do what we did and for the first part of his life, he grew up in South Carolina.

During that time I actually ran for political office, a state House Seat which I barely lost to a retired postman. It was unique, while I ran as a Democrat I had garnished the support of the NAACP and the National Right To Life and many Republicans, some would say strange bed fellows but both areas of support I appreciated and cherished. From the NAACP for my willingness to stand up against Dick Riley, (former governor and Secretary of Education under Bill Clinton)  who sought to take away land rights deeded to a slave right after the Civil War and from the NRTL for my strong pro-life, Anti Abortion positions. At the time, I even addressed a strong pro-life position of which I received a standing ovation at the time the largest Democratic Convention in the Country, The South Carolina Democratic Convention. It has always been my desire that we come together as people of faith regarding the need to bring about racial reconciliation. Believe me, I learned early on, we still needed that reconciliation.  That place where we see each other,  "judged not based on the color of our skin but on the content of our character." (Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.) 

www.thevirtualpew.comI learned early on that would be difficult, seeing posters for the KKK posted around regions of the Upstate where I was campaigning, hearing the opinions of separatism by the many I came into contact with on the streets, the looks towards us and our son while standing in line at a grocery store and I could go on. One particular incident in particular I will mention is when I appeared as a guest on the Mike Gallagher Show (now nationally syndicated) with members of the KKK. Mike knew of my situation in adopting a child of biracial origins when I was trying to make a point to the members of the KKK on the show who didn't know of my situation. I asked a question to show and draw out their hatred, as to what their recommendation would be to someone who had adopted a biracial child but had later recognized the wrongs of their actions and wanted to join the KKK.  Now understand, this is something I would never consider but I wanted to show their hatred and lack of understanding live on air. Their response helped me prove my point, "That person would be better off going to a dog pound and adopting a dog," they said, "They could at least legally put the dog down which is what it would deserve." Their anger was fuming, not over the desire to have others in their organization, but that someone would consider such an act, which I had not only considered, but done.

In that answer, they became vile, hateful, and let their pure hatred shine through. I thought Mike Gallagher would have a heart attack as I think he fully expected me to come across the table after them. But I didn't, I knew they had castrated their own points by the spirit and attitude they had just displayed.

I understand the reality of my situation, while my ancestry is French/Indian, I largely grew up in Black communities, even have a Black son, I appear white and for those that don't know me, that is their first impression. This has me reflecting in many ways regarding the news lately but it also has me reflecting on another church shooting that has 7 people dead in Charleston South Carolina, the birth place of my son. It is unfortunate, that hatred still exists based on little else other than the color of ones skin.

www.thevirtualpew.comI was a huge fan, still am of the Reverend (I try to never leave that part out of who and what he was) Martin Luther King Jr. I believe in his approach to teaching, living and sharing the gospel, I pray for the time when Red and Yellow, Black and White, and every mixture in between sees each other for the character of the person and not the color of the skin. I understand the power of hate but I also understand the even greater power of love. I understand the difficulty of displaying it, sharing it, giving it, but I also understand the total value of love I am called to display from the one I call King, that being Jesus Christ. I have to question, why do so many of his supposed followers choose to display actions of hate as opposed to actions of love? Why don't we take seriously our actions and beyond that the struggles of those God would have us call brother and sister. This morning I am once again, reminded to pray; to pray for the hurting, the need of our world to experience total, unrestrained, perfect love that only comes from the Son of God via The Holy Spirit.

Today, I pray, I pray for those who suffer at the hands or racism, hate, and a desire to be something other than the intent of God. May all of us who call ourselves Children of God find ways to come together to show the world around us that there is the possibility to love despite differences. In a world where political hatred seems to drive the bus we all travel on, may we seek out a new bus, a new driver, one who would stand for above all things, love and for me, in the conclusion of that, may Christ be glorified and the miracle of love be birthed among those who have never experienced that love.

There will be those who will attempt to justify racism, but I am reminded by the words in
1 John 4:20 ~ But if we say we love God and don’t love each other, we are liars. We cannot see God. So how can we love God, if we don’t love the people we can see?

A song I wrote regarding holding fast to dreams.  To see the video just click on it, if there are problems, click on the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G58ekJj0F2A




 The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry.  Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work.  Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the materials provided.


Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid 

You can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99 Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audio book at soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The audio version of the book is available for a free download.

http://www.mosaicwichita.com/#!store
Click here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click to subscribe to my blog

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.

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
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org

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

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

Hollywood Jesus

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News



Thursday, June 11, 2015

Birthday Wishes and a Thank You

Why in the world would someone take the response to reply to some 600 or so birthday wishes on social media? For me the answer is quite simple and something that recently took me almost a full day to figure out how to do it, (with facebook settings it can be tough) and then get the effort done.

You see it is like this, some years ago I was serving as pastor at United at the Cross in Southwest Wichita. One day while out doing home visits, that is visiting the folks in the community, I would often go door to door introducing myself. I will never forget the conversation with this small widow lady and her reasoning's for not attending church.

I knocked on the door, introduced myself and the lady rather quickly stated after figuring out who I was, "I'm not interested in church!"

Now understand, I have never been the hard recruiting type because I truly think I understand some of the reasoning's some have issues with the Church. This lady confirmed my thoughts as I responded, "Ms. I am not here to recruit you to church but to let you know I live in the community and if there is ever anything I can do to assist or help with I want you to know I and our church are available."

Now serving others, in the community has always been a part of the ministry I believe God has called the Church to do. It is one of the reasons that at Mosaic, as small as we are, we help take care of the orphans, widows, widowers, poor, handicapped and the needy among others in our neighborhood as we can. I believe it is a part of the call of the Church to care for the community of which they exist. It is one of the things I have said over the years about the Catholics, they seem to understand the community or parish concept.

The lady, in her early to mid 60's, small and frail, but feisty, was shocked. "Well I appreciate that and it is the first times a church has offered to help me with anything." She went on to tell me and the person with me, "My husband and I used to go to church, (she was specific to the name and one not far from our church in Southwest Wichita) but he wasn't doing well, not that anyone at that church would know. It was near his birthday and I asked the pastor if the church could sing him Happy Birthday. The pastor responded that if they did that for him they would have to do it for everyone and they just didn't have the time for it. Truth is, that was the last Sunday I ever attended church."

I grieved for this woman but also for a church that was to be a representative of the work of Jesus, the Bride of Christ. How could they Biblically justify this type of action for a family in need? My response to this lady, was "What would have been wrong with that, we sing Happy Birthday all of the time and so what if you had to do it for everyone? That's a part of celebrating the life of those in church."

For years, I have made a point that at churches I have been involved in to sing happy anniversary, happy birthday, celebrate days of recovery from addictions and to find reasons to celebrate the things God has not only given the church but the individuals that make up the church.  Recently we had an entire service to celebrate the graduation from High School for one of our members who has Asperger's. It was a great service and a service that I think let that person know they are important. Unfortunately, sometimes the church is more caught up on the programming than they are the people. I understand why some have issues with that. Can you blame them?

Long story made short, I later found out this ladies husband died from cancer and this event kept them from ever attending church again. While we all, (speaking of the church and the members of the church) have issues and at times fail, we have to be careful I believe to make sure to say things like, "Thank You," or sing happy birthday or show an interest in the life of each other. The flip side of this is everyone expects this to always be the pastors job, even though the Bible clearly speaks about the role of the pastor to teach and equip those within the church to carry out the work of the church. This doesn't excuse the pastor for not doing it, but neither should we condemn the pastor when others participate. The bottom line is the church is a group of people, not just a singular one.   

Now on a side note, my time on facebook is largely ministry related time for me through The Virtual Pew. It is why I challenge some to search deep for answers, share my heart, and just try to be honest. It has also been a time though that has been a blessing to me and those I love. For that, I am grateful.

Now let me say a few things, please, never take lightly the "Happy Birthday," comment you leave for someone at facebook or the kind words you may share with another. For some, those who are lonely, hurting, or down and out, it may be the boost to get them over the hump they are at in that point in time of life. For others, like me, it is worth it to also take the time to try as best as I can to respond and at the least say thank you.  For me, I try to genuinely respond, for those I know well, to add a note of thanks, blessing or a personal note of where God may be leading me. Does it take up time to do so? With approximately 600 responses, you bet it does. Do I regret it? Heck No! These are people who took the time to offer a well wished thought. I am honored that real friends as well as FB friends would take the time to do this. 

Now in conclusion am I saying everyone should do this? No I am not, I am saying though, that for a community of believers, a church if you will, it is important to take the time to give the individual the time they need, as we can, even if that time involves singing happy birthday to a dying man looking for the comfort of friends. I am also saying there are those in the church who can find ways to make special days special. I will never forget at United at the Cross the effort to sing Happy Birthday to each individual but I am also reminded of a lady named Katie Flores who each year took the information from each member, or participant, and writing out and addressing a birthday card to them.  All I had to do was put a stamp on it, sign it and mail it. It was a practical way that those of us in the body let each other know that we loved each other. So there are ways to do it, we should never be answering questions on things like this on why we can't do it, instead, may we search for ways that we can. 

In that regard, for those taking of their time, to show and share love and the kind words to me. I know, I can say with all sincerity, yes it was worth it to take the time to personally thank you and if I failed to do that with anyone, forgive me, it was never my intent to leave out anyone.  Now there is another reason to share this though, that is to let you know, that you actions matter and saying Happy Birthday to someone like me, or anyone for that matter, may have more of an impact than you will ever know. 

Once again I say to all of you, Thank You and all of God's Blessings!


The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry.  Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work.  Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the materials provided.


Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid 

You can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99 Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audio book at soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The audio version of the book is available for a free download.

http://www.mosaicwichita.com/#!store
Click here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click to subscribe to my blog

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.

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
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org

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

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

Hollywood Jesus

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News



Friday, June 5, 2015

Scarred for Jesus

I know some take me wrong sometimes, and this may be one of those times but I try to always share with the utmost of integrity my heart and I sincerely post things to get people to think; to think about their faith, the world around them, the reality of God etc...

In all honesty, I don't want people to take this wrong, so please understand it is not my intent to get sympathy, I am not trying to raise money or anything of that nature, I am just trying to be honest and share my life and thoughts with you.

I just got back from a visit with my doctor this morning to check on recent headaches and a rash type thing I experienced during my last couple of days in Sedona and for a few weeks thereafter. He explained what it was, (a medical term I don't even know how to spell) and had him check out my chest as he had wanted to do a few weeks after he had removed a skin cancer on my chest. He explained to me there would be a lot more to cut out after the biopsy came back but wanted to do a follow up even after that prior to cutting. 

I  some get upset at me getting upset at others sometimes. One such thing came up a while back after a gal said we were using church money for vacations and the like. The truth is, we have never done that, my wife and I have made many sacrifices for the ministries we have believed in over the years. Not just at Mosaic, but for the duration of our marriage and walk with Jesus together. I can honestly say, while I have had weak moments in my life around various issues, I have never given up on, doubted, or not loved Jesus with all of my heart since I came to know Him. I have not accepted or received a salary from Mosaic for over 5 years and most of the time don't get a housing allowance, in the amount of $300 a month. Which has been less than 6 times in the last 12 months and less than 10 times in 2 years.) Do we get to travel? Yes, from speaking, (where I give the money back to the church) and from friends who gave us a time share which we get to visit (and or others) 2X's a year and other times from friends that take us with them once or twice a year. We have learned, like in Sedona to get free visits to other places and take an hour and a half of our time to sit in on a presentation, say no thank you and receive free food and or show tickets. It is a way we believe God has blessed us.

Now, not to be political but I know the Affordable Health Care Act helped many people, it hurt me as I have not had insurance since it went into effect. Our income before deductions is too high and my premiums went up while the benefits went way down.  You see our donations back into ministry are extremely high on a percentage level. That said, I have no insurance as we simply can't afford it. We are extremely blessed that I have a good friend who is a great doctor who sees me for free and everything done at his offices has no charge. Over the last 3 - 4 years though, there has been extreme medical debt, from CT Scans, MRI's and much more, most recently, the skin cancers I have had that could not all be done at the offices.  

Today I was told that I needed to have an even bigger section cut out of my chest than even last thought. Tom wanted to schedule it today if at all possible as the cancer has rapidly grown but he also stated it would be best to see a plastic surgeon. He could do the surgery in his office but would look liked a botched tummy tuck that would leave a pretty nasty scar. No money and no insurance will lead to a nasty scar that will look like a botched tummy tuck in the center of my chest. That surgery will be at 2:45 PM June 15, the soonest we could schedule it in the office. The size cut out of the center of my chest will be about the size of an egg. In this, I remember Isaiah and the scorched lip that reminded him of the touch he had received from God given to him by an angel touching his lip with a burning coal. While it may end up looking like a "botched tummy tuck" to many, it will be a reminder of God's call on my life to give all.

Now why do I say all of this? Actually for 2 reasons, don't tell me about the cost of ministry, from losing our dream home on the lake, a Cadillac, Mustang GT, and boat in the driveway and a 6 figure salary to now giving it almost all back and our family living on less than $10,000 per year, it has been worth it. We haven't taken a proverbial vow of poverty but in many ways a literal vow of poverty. We don't do work with the homeless, we are blessed to be a part of a ministry that has set some of the homeless free and works at giving family to the homeless who have not experienced family. But, this all hasn't been just for the homeless, we have friends through The Virtual Pew and real life that we have been blessed to share in life with, whether they be people who have been physically and sexually abused, someone going through sexual confusion and gender identification, atheists who can see the power of Jesus in a life like mine, those who ask questions but have been judged once too often by a Christian who doesn't come across as loving and I could go on and on. None of this to brag, but to simply say this, I would live my life no other way than walking side by side with my best friend, the leader of my life, the savior of my situations, Jesus Christ. I say it to instill and offer hope because without Jesus, I would have no hope and believe that Jesus Christ is easily, the chief author of Hope. I believe God is no respecter of persons, if he will reveal Himself to me as The Great Provider, He would love to reveal himself to you as The Great Provider.

I say this for another reason though; there will be those who will offer to pray for me. While I appreciate that, the truth is, my situation is my situation, God has I believe instilled natural law and spiritual laws. It is simple, there are consequences for violating those laws whether you intend to or not. You get out in the sun without appropriate sun screen and it is possible that skin cancer is the consequence. I have some Indian blood, (I am French Indian) but part of the dark skin does not negate the need for me, or any of you, to protect yourself from the ultraviolet sun rays which can do harm to your body. That is a part of the consequences for violating this natural law. I will likely have a pretty nasty scar for the rest of my life that will be a reminder to use sunscreen instead of Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil, (or any other brand for that matter). 

The lessons from these two things? Learn to protect your mind, body, and soul.  Do the things necessary, and instead of making this an argument or debate about healing, politics or whatever, let that BS go, let it instead be a lesson or discussion about how we should take care of ourselves and beyond that, best serve those around us who may need some measure of hope, not speaking of me, (I promise), but for those worse off, those who have no support, no love, no compassion, no understanding, no hope.

May we accept the consequences of our actions, learn lessons from them and fall so much in love with Jesus today that we can't help but share him with those we come into contact with tomorrow. 


The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry.  Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work.  Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the materials provided.


Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid 

You can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99 Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audio book at soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The audio version of the book is available for a free download.

http://www.mosaicwichita.com/#!store
Click here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click to subscribe to my blog

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.

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
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org

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

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

Hollywood Jesus

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News