Saint Nick at The Cross

Every year I joy at getting to play the part of Saint Nick, or as some have identified him as, Santa. This year is no exception. There are 2 things that are new. My hair and beard is complete, no fake beard, no cans of spray paint, I decided to make the commitment, to get my hair and beard done. It has been getting more and more gray so my daughter in law, Emily, willingly volunteered to do it for me. I think there is one more treatment in the works but so far, it has been fantastic. There is something else new this year; the suit.  I have had one suit my wife custom made me around 10 years ago, this year,  we went all out with a very nice, exceptional custom suit. It is so much nicer than the rented suits I had years ago. The finishing touches are being made and it looks great! 

Now as many may or may not know, this is something I have for at least 35 years.  I love the character of Saint Nicholas. A number of years ago I started extensive research on the person of Saint Nicholas and the history behind him. I wrote a one man play called The Real St. Nick and Jesus. I have performed it over the years and am honored to dispel and share the differences between the myths of Santa and the intertwined concepts of the historical character. 

Every year for the last few years I have also done 2 things I love, played the part of Santa to the Homeless which I am honored to say many from across the globe have picked up and done following our model here in Wichita. I have also done Santa for Wichita's professional soccer team, previously, The Wichita Wings, and this year the new Wichita B-52's. Giving back to the community of which I am a part of is a real blessing for me.

This year Tony Schock, a local photographer who runs GS Memorymakers Photography and does a lot of local sports photographs is once again doing free Santa photo give a ways at one of the B-52's home soccer games. I went yesterday to have promo photos taken.


Over the last weeks and even for years I have been intrigued with some of the Santa photos I have seen. The one of Santa kneeling at a manger I replicated some time ago. I have one with me kneeling at the manger from the play I do, but this year, while visiting Hobby Lobby, I fell in love with a photo of Santa holding a snow globe, looking into it and seeing the image of the Christmas manger.  While I don't own that image, I would love to have it to display in our house. It got me to thinking though, if Tony  could do something like that, say with me holding a cross. You see, I have always felt, the Christmas story isn't complete without the cross, in fact, it is with the cross that the Christmas story in some ways comes to a conclusion.  While going to my appointment I took an old cross from the house that had hung in two churches I had been pastor at, United at the Cross in Wichita and the current church I am at now, Mosaic.  I thought what the heck, I'll ask Tony if he would be willing to take a couple of shots like this. 

Tony unbeknownst to him, likely until reading this now, didn't know of the photo of Santa holding and looking at a snow globe the image of the manger I had seen at Hobby Lobby.  He agreed to the photo though and after the photo was taken he told me of a thing he had where he could put the image in a snow globe. The image and idea of Santa kneeling at the cross was my idea, but Tony as I have said before did all of the magic related to the photograph. I don't know if it was by intent or not but if looking closely at the image, blowing it up to my face, it even looks like a snow flake or possibly a tear is falling from my eye. I love the finished image and over the last hours, that image has been getting shared across the net and I am  getting all kinds of responses to the image, a simple one of Santa kneeling and reflecting on the cross. 

That is a reminder I think for some reason touches people, it is an image I genuinely hope causes people to focus on the reality, that yes, Christmas is about the manger but even Saint Nicholas understood the role the cross plays in Christmas. I am sharing it here, and only ask that if sharing it in other places, that respect is given the image but also acknowledgement to Tony, and the work of Mosaic and The Virtual Pew.  I hope to next Christmas have some cards with Santa reflecting on the truth behind God, and Christmas along with other items where the proceeds from the sale of those items benefit various ministries I am a part of, including of course, the homeless we are honored to serve.  Who knows, maybe we can even come up with a real snow globe.  Until then, reflect during this season, just as Saint Nicholas of the role of the cross in the Christmas story.

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 

Click hereto 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

The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page

Santa Claus & Serving Others

Since I was a small child, I loved Santa, despite being a poor child and growing up in a dysfunctional family; I still loved Santa. Over the years I have come to know the true story behind the real St. Nicholas and the history behind the character we know as Santa Claus. I have written a one man play where I present the story of The Real St. Nick and Jesus. In that presentation, I tell the origins of both the historical and mythical character.

As a Santa I am unique, I am also a pastor that uses my Santa project to assist in ministry and/or service related projects. Last year for example I was Santa to the Homeless in Wichita KS as was featured on the local news programs, and I also collected presents to give to poor and needy children, where I delivered those presents, yes on Christmas Eve. For those who remember last Christmas Eve, that was a chore as we had a snow storm, but I was still there with my elves delivering love and smiles on the faces of children in our community.

This year we will continue the Santa for the Homeless project where we will deliver Winter Wear to the homeless in the Downtown Wichita area. This year is unique in that we are also recruiting people from across the country to also help with the project in their own communities where we are encouraging people to do something for someone less fortunate on December 18. On this date Wichita will once again see Santa at the Downtown library handing out needed items to the homeless. We also plan on delivering presents again on Christmas Eve, rain, or snow. If we did it in last years blizzard we can do it this year.

To assist in this project and the ongoing ministry I am involved in, you can hire me out to be Santa for your event. I am presently booking dates and times for this and would be honored to serve you. I have an original suit and a joyous laugh. I also have other Santa’s which have been approved that I can book out as the times and dates start to fill up. The rates vary, and of course we also consider some charity events as time permits, but our paying customers have to come first.

Rates for Santa are as follows:

November 25 – December 17: $75 per half hour, $125 per hour, maximum, $250 for up to 6 hours for school day events etc…

December 18 – December 23: $100 per half hour, $150 per hour, maximum, $300 for up to 6 hours for school day events, etc…

December 24 - $150 per half hour, $200 per hour, maximum of $500, for 5 hour event.

Some will think the prices are high, some will think they are low. I realize they are a little higher than many standard Santa rates, but realize, the proceeds of this project and what is done with them, you also get what you pay for, and I really do have a great time blessing and being there for the kids. As a father, and now a grandfather, I also understand and appreciate the history behind the character. I doubt many have studied the character as much as I have. I even communicate with kids on a minimal basis with sign language, and this year, am using my real hair and beard.

To schedule events, contact me at one of the following methods, mike@furches.org or call 316-807-8034. Dates are already booking and cancellations with less than 48 hour notice are still responsible for full payment. I have performed at various schools, museums, grocery stores and more in the Wichita area.

For those who would like to contribute to the cause we still are in need of toys for the children, and winter items for the homeless (no ankle socks please, regular socks yes) You can contact us for information related to those items or you can make an online donation at the links provided to help with the costs of these items. You can also email regarding the donation of items for the projects. We would also invite you to attend a training for the project at Pawnee Avenue Church of God on December 10 from 7 – 8:30 PM and attend the give away on December 18 with us.

To see more on this years project, click here:

To see the video from last year; see below. If the video doesn’t appear, click on the link provided.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGNKN2EpKNE

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

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Wichita, the Church in Wichita Kansas where Mike is the pastor.

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.

You can also Help The Virtual Pew by shopping on our web site or at Amazon, click here to shop at Amazon and help The Virtual Pew, it won't cost you anything extra, but we get a small percentage of the purchase.

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.

Click to visit Mary Jane Furches' new MySpace Page

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.comYou 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

Mary Jane Furches MySpace Page

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

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


Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Wichita, the Church in Wichita Kansas where Mike is the pastor.

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.

You can also Help The Virtual Pew by shopping on our web site or at Amazon, click here to shop at Amazon and help The Virtual Pew, it won't cost you anything extra, but we get a small percentage of the purchase.

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.

Click to visit Mary Jane Furches' new MySpace Page

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.comYou 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

Mary Jane Furches MySpace Page

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

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


Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Wichita, the Church in Wichita Kansas where Mike is the pastor.

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.

You can also Help The Virtual Pew by shopping on our web site or at Amazon, click here to shop at Amazon and help The Virtual Pew, it won't cost you anything extra, but we get a small percentage of the purchase.

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.

Click to visit Mary Jane Furches' new MySpace Page

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.comYou 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

Mary Jane Furches MySpace Page

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