Forgiveness, Truth, Lies, Love?

I have a stalker, who by his own admission is taking some pride in ‘getting’ at me. This stalker, a supposed Christian is one I have taken up for in the past, and I have offered Biblical reconciliation with him and his pastor. So far, he has refused. He is on facebook and despite the rules of use for facebook; he continues to violate them, on several occasions creating new accounts, and sending emails, calling me ‘childish’ for blocking him, despite the times he has called me a ‘sick pathetic looser’ or even a ‘sad idiot’. I have offered love and respect, and accepted his request for a friend invitation 3X, despite his lies, and untruths, and what seems more like jealousy than anything else. I finally decided to block him for good, and he has still maneuvered the system to send me no less than 4 messages filled with ridicule, lies and hate. I have as of yet named him by name, as I am not concerned about confronting his comments and actions publically. Despite his own tragedies, which I sympathize with, and even expressed concern about publically I can’t figure out his obsession with me and the ministry I am involved in. Despite reporting him several times to facebook I have not contacted him due to my own recognition of him stating he is sorry, him having a mental illness and constantly under a doctor’s care. I honestly don’t know if he has the ability or desire to come to rational conclusions, yet he continues on for a little while with no contact, and then back to the same thing. I suspect it is an issue related to either his illness or medication. I am not sure as I haven’t seen this person in so many years, and really never knew them very well.

Here is the question, when does one forgive, and move on and how difficult is it when not just your reputation but that of a ministry is at stake? What if you make every effort from a Biblical way to confront the issue but the person continues and refuses to accept reality? It is especially difficult when that person thinks they know you and in reality never has known you. Unfortunately, we live in a world where acquaintances think they know you. I have been fooled in this process, but am learning. I have let very few in my life get to know me. I was dealing with spiritual and psychological battles while growing up dealing with the things of my youth. To this day, I am not proud of those things, and have let few get to know me. I have met many on that same journey who have experienced the same emotions, and feelings. In many ways, our little club and the stories we tell and identity of those stories is the verification of truth. Of course on this, I have always felt the need to be able to verify truth, it was one of the things I was especially careful of in my book The Keystone Kid. I have offered up a willingness to provide names to verify the things I have said. Again, I am not proud of those things in my past, but I am honored that God has done so much since then.

I recently received the DVD of the Lifetime television movie Amish Grace for review. It is the powerful story of the school shootings and murders. The incredible story offers some tremendous insight into concepts like forgiveness and grace, and the reminder of the difficulty of those concepts were not lost on me. I was reminded of my own issues with the person who continues to stalk me and their own recognition of their mental illness, and attitudes. When the attacks get personal though, when they are made in ignorance and regarding the people of a church, or other ministry that has done so much good, what do you do? How do you respond?

While there are Biblical concepts to confrontation, the answers are not always clear or easy. The clearest is Matthew 18, here, if there is a dispute you try to work it out with the individual, if it isn’t worked out, then you go to the elders or pastor, possibly even another person to work with that person and you. In the situation which I have experienced, I have offered to do this with their pastor. If resolution doesn’t take place, and one is discovered to be wrong, then the church is to be made aware of the behavior and if need be, discipline to those who are wrong. How often have you seen this action take place? It should be noted, this is never done to punish, and it is done to bring the peson back into right relationship with Christ and those in the church. When across the miles, on the internet, or in a different church, the issue of forgiveness and truth become somewhat complicated, or do they?

Ultimately the Biblical model is Jesus, but even here, it isn’t as simple as some think. While Jesus never seems to have actively gone after individuals, he made his points clear, and he responded, at times, even sarcastically, when confronted by the religious community. Does that mean a lack of love from Jesus? I don’t think so but there is a time to stand for truth and distinguish the difference between the action of the individual and the potential of the individual. There are times the follower of Jesus has to stand for truth. Knowing when that is requires spending time with Jesus, reading the Bible, and studying Jesus teachings. Yet, some refuse to accept the truth of Jesus. Their allegiance is not to Jesus and the Kingdom principals he taught. Jesus did not engage in elongated arguments or debates with his detractors, nor did his followers. They let their lives speak truth. They continued in love and moved on, much like Paul did as a follower of Jesus when he and one of his partners in ministry just didn’t agree, and then moved on and went their separate ways.

Of course there is the assumption that in church we must all get along and agree. That just isn’t possible, as people are different. It isn’t that we should get along and agree but we can find areas where we recognize the greater good and greater harm, and do what is right. There will always be people we don’t agree with for one reason or another. Here, it is critical we keep the focus on the love of Christ that unites us. When we place ourselves over the love of the body, or church which Jesus calls his bride, and on our own desires, then we are in the wrong place. I have seen it get to the place where dishonesty takes place and people take up with, and accept their own perceived truths. I realize there are some who will imply and say that we have a responsibility of pointing out the false, at that point, we must use the tests the New Testament mentions as a guide or a test. That is, who do you say Jesus is, and are you willing to do what he says? If confronted with the biblical solution regarding personal disagreements of following for example the Matthew 18 concept, and you refuse, it is clear at that point, you are not willing to do what Jesus says. Following Jesus is required, not just in the easy things, but the hard things, it is one of the reasons we are admonished and warned of the need to take up our own cross, and follow Jesus daily.

As of late I have been confronted about several things I have said regarding my comments about Hollywood Jesus, and the population of the Tri-Cities. I have also been confronted about talking about the things God has done for me. Despite the importance of testimony as illustrated by Paul and other New Testament writers. Many need to be reminded, their testimony, isn’t just their conversion experience, it is the story of the continuation of God working in their life. For those that genuinely know me, they know I see myself in a lesser role than I likely should since God has abundantly shown me his love in so many ways. That said I am still amazed at the ways God has blessed me. I have repeatedly said, if God would and has done those things for me, he will for others. That isn’t to brag, I know my own unworthiness, it to describe the incredible ability of God.

Of the things I have been confronted with from one person is regarding my home town population and the visits at Hollywood Jesus website, the first was a mistake, and the other was the truth at the time the comment was made. I have been accused of either hyping myself up or lying about other things God has done for and through me. Regarding this one person, even though information and verification is provided, the person either ignores it or is so blinded to their own hate or jealousy they either can’t see it or refuse to see the truth. It is important to realize, in situations like this, the attitude of what drives a person says something about that person. One of my faults is that I have freely and sacrificially given of myself. I really don’t care about wealth, and those types of things. As a result, my family has suffered, but as I observe my daughter in particular and her example, I see a child who has chosen at least part of the path her father led, at least regarding the service and love to the poor, needy, outcast, and in recognizing the call and directive of Jesus that we be peacemakers. Unfortunately, many find ways to change the word of God to fit their theology, unfortunately, their theology may not be the ways of God. I have learned, those among Christian circles most often doing the attacking, are those who say they are following Jesus. Unfortunately, they either don’t care or ignore the harm they do to others, but not just others, but those seeking spiritual truth. Let me ask, would Jesus violate rules, and laws to accomplish his purpose? Would he have his followers harass others? Would he say he is sorry for his actions, and then go back to the same actions over and over?

The truth is, trying to emulate Jesus isn’t easy, but in the words of the famous philosopher Lynn Anderson, we need to remember; “I never promised you a rose garden. Along with the sunshine, there’s got to be a little rain sometime.” Life isn’t always easy; it is far from easy to figure out. Life and getting along with others will be tough. People will say and do things we don’t appreciate. In those times it is important when we don’t know the answers to look to Jesus, our attitude, our actions, our questions; our answers are all encompassed in trying to be like him. Whether that be forgiving one another, or the things we do which would require another to forgive us.

I was on today checking out my friend Jon Trott’s facebook page and as usual he was stirring the pot. Not in a bad way but in a way that makes one think. He said some things regarding truth I thought was spot on. Jon wrote: “Truth belongs solely to God. My handling of the truth (as in discovering it regarding those wolves in sheep's clothing) does *not* mean I *have* the truth. At best, the truth has me. Just because I correctly discern error -- bigtime error in the case of Warnke, Stratford, and the "Satanic Ritual Abuse" myth spinners -- I should not compound that error by imagining that I become righteous simply because I tell the truth about unrighteousness. Only God is True in the ultimate sense. These things deeply affect me on a daily basis. I don't mean to posture in some sort of faux humility (confession: humility is a barely visible goal at best in my heart). But I very sincerely believe that love and truth are married. My love is only as strong as my words and actions reflect truthfulness. And since love is the goal of the Christian life, how can we not tell the truth -- even and esp. when it reflects poorly on ourselves?”

Jon said a mouthful there that transcends beyond just the aspect of truth, but from the aspect of where truth comes from. The truth is, God knows, God knows the heart, he knows the intent, it is my goal, my desire, that God’s truth is revealed through me and my life, and that includes having the ability to forgive even those, who may choose to nail me to a cross. My goal, my life, my example is Jesus, he knows, and his Spirit is still wholly powerful enough and able to convince me of where I am wrong, and of where I am right. May in all things, in all examples, Jesus be lifted up, and may my actions, and yours point people to the truth of Jesus. No other, Jesus!

The following is that song with a lot of spiritual truth to it. Just click on the video, if the video doesn’t appear, just click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO4wcNVbYOQ



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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

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Abusing the Abused, The Challenge

Rachel has lived a rough life filled with abuse, neglect, misunderstanding and more. Her story carries the burden many victims of abuse have to carry, rejection, hurt, pain, even into adulthood.

Some of Rachel’s friends and family did all they could to reject and deny the story of her experiences, ‘you must be imagining things, there is no way that happened.’ ‘Rachel must have some issues; I don’t recall any of that happening to her.’ The rejection adds up, the rejection of experiences by others add to the continuation of depression she has gone through, it continues to have a negative impact.

Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you look at it, Rachel has been away from her family for some time, years in fact. She has moved on from the horrors, the nightmares associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She has moved on from the years of counseling and therapy that forced her to either deal with the past or to face the likelihood of isolation and the potential suicide that many victims turn to. Rachel doesn’t understand, she hurts, and she even questions God. She has learned though, talking about her past seems to help. It helps because it opens up doors of talking to others who have gone through the same issues, it helps her understand, ‘I am not alone.’

Rachel still questions God for various reasons, one of which is what she feels in the continued rejection of others. They say they love, but they question either without thinking or in the attempt to protect themselves.

Rachel has relatives who have experienced their own horrors. She wasn’t there for all of the occurrences; she understands the need to block out memories. She has never doubted the experiences even though she has no memory of them, she wonders, ‘why they have to question me on my experiences? They may not remember, they may not have been there, but don’t they understand that when they question my experiences they cause me to hurt even more.’ There are few things worse than the rejection, and denial of stories she has regretted and wished she had never had to go through.

Rachel has gone on to live life, to discover faith, a miracle really because in the same situation, many have gone on to have nothing to do with God. While many blame God, she has sought refuge in God, yet the criticism of things she knows is real is like a fiery dart from the enemy trying to tear her down and break her spirit. If she had not taken her faith so seriously in the study and application of her faith, she would lose confidence and hope, but she knows her faith is real, she has been consistent in her faith and in the practice and living of her faith. It doesn’t help though, when those who had once either walked away from, or not taken their faith seriously all of a sudden know more than her, not just the reality of what she has gone through, but the serious study and conviction of the application of her belief system. While many listened to others around them as to what the Bible said, Rachel decided to look for herself and the reality is, that what she discovered was far different than much of what she had been told. There was a reason so many like Gandhi respected Jesus, but had little good to say about the church or many of those Christians who make up the church.

One of the things that hurt is that Rachel has tried to love, she has tried to understand, yet every time she starts to get close to someone, it seems the pain resurfaces. ‘What are my options,’ she wonders silently but with deep conviction? ‘I can crawl back into bed and try to sleep it off, I can engage the pain, but it will be painful, or I can totally remove myself from my family. The rejection of family isn’t what I want to do, but I have to wonder, what is the best option for me to continue in life?’ Rachel contemplates on her faith, she remembers the stories of Jesus, not that she is a Jesus, but she remembers how he was not accepted by many in his family and community. She realizes that sometimes the people closest to you know you the least, they don’t always see or understand the experiences one close to them goes through. This is a sad commentary on relationships and friendships, even family, the denial of experiences. There has to be an openness of these types of things, but it isn’t easy to open up to real feelings, real emotions, especially when we have to recognize our own failures and weaknesses. It is so easy to ignore and deny reality, especially when it keeps our world in a nice clean 50’s Leave it to Beaver kind of way. That isn’t always reality though. It certainly isn’t reality the way Rachel has experienced life. If only more people understood and sought to understand instead of making judgment of things they know nothing about.

There are also those that are so nit-picky. There is the focus on a specific date or a simple mistake in timing. Those people also seem to ignore the pain, the hurt the reality of the overall picture that Rachel has gone through. In their self righteous indignity, they make accusations; they make comment of things they know nothing about, as if someone could be with someone else for 24 hours in a day, 7 days a week. She also knows her own loner ways, she knows of how she was seldom around people in her life where the abuse was taking place. She knows of her efforts to discover truth and the discovery of certain aspects. If the abuse, if the horrific situations people go through took place in public, they wouldn’t take place, but Rachel knows all too well, they do take place, they took place with her.

Rachel should keep on sharing her story though; she will keep on because she has seen her story impact others. She has seen the value of the release of pain from other victims of abuse who have shared their own stories. She realizes, ‘I have discovered a new family, a family that understands, and a family God has blessed because God has used the story to relate to others in a way they understand and escape the bonds of hell that have held them captive.’

Now understand, Rachel is a fictional character, the experiences are unfortunately all to real, I know, I speak to people almost daily that have experienced the pain and rejection of things they know they have lived. They and I have lived these things, these experiences and unfortunately still live them in ways I wish I didn’t. What can you do for a victim of abuse, love, try to understand, and by all means, understand, these are stories, experiences that no one wants to make up. While false memories do exist in rare cases, it is rare. It should be noted, blocking out events is not a false memory, and it is a coping mechanism. Two different things, that impact a victim in an all too real a way. For me, the accusations, the assumptions have been in some ways especially difficult. It is hard enough for a male to share the experiences of abuse, to have people pile on, to take on the judgment role makes it even more difficult. Essentially, we all have our experiences, for those of us who have gone through abuse; we realize the importance of discovering, as much as possible, the part of ourselves that can give emotional health. It is also important that those of us who have gone through the horrific experiences have the potential for help, that is if we realize we are not alone and find a way to share of ourselves.

I have seen several times the documentary Finding Angela Shelton. For those who haven’t seen the movie, (it is available on line and via order through the web site) there is a confrontation scene between Angela and her father. This scene unfortunately all too often plays itself out in real life. It happens in large ways, it happens in small ways, but to ask one who has been through abusive situations to deny their own story, their own past, still hurts, it still causes one to question their own reality, not from an experiential perspective, but from a perspective of self value and self worth. I wish I didn’t have these feelings, I didn’t have to go through these emotions, but I do. It is a part of the hurt and harm abuse perpetuates on others. May God help us all, and may we learn the value of helping each other.

A movie I would strongly recommend to see is Searching for Angela Shelton. To see the trailer for the movie click on the following video, if the video don't appear click on the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-zRe2voQoo


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

Oh God Forgive This Bully

I have to admit, with great regret, I was a bully. I can recall to this day the idiocy I was engaged in. To those I bullied, I am so sorry. Unfortunately nothing can take away the cruelty of my own actions. Of all the things in my life I could change, this would be among the top. In my own life, I think this was a way to seek out recognition, to seek out love, I didn’t know what I was doing, my mind had been polluted, but despite that, on my own part, how stupid!

I don’t need much to remind me of my nightmares regarding bullying others; it was in my relationship with Jesus I recognized my own need of help in this area. In my late teens I was speaking at University Parkway Baptist Church in Johnson City Tennessee. I was sharing my story, when I see a guy I used to bully when I attended University High School. My heart broke; my mind realized the harm I had done. ‘Oh God forgive me,’ was the first thing that came to mind. He left before I could tell him I was sorry, I have yet to see him again to my knowledge, and now, some 30+ years sorry, I want to tell him, and others, I am so sorry. I am not the same person I once was, I am a new creature, but the memories haunt me of how unkind I was, of the hurt I perpetuated on others. I think it is one of the reasons I am so driven to try to make up for the horrors I perpetuated on others. I know that nothing I can do will do that, but I can’t help but try. I know my God has forgiven me but I can’t help but remember I am driven to address issues like this.

There are other ways I address this memory, I am an advocate for the abused, not just the sexual, but also the physical. I have stopped and intervened many times to help a woman getting beaten on the side of the road with a tire iron, a lady at the beach being beaten by her lover, or even a child being abused at a local department store or another at a movie theater. I speak up now, I stand up, and I run the risk of someday having this older body attacked by one of those I confront. I have said for many years, I suspect this could be one of the ways I meet God, standing up, speaking out, and intervening when one has to. The lady who was getting beaten by a tire iron, I could have just called the police, I could have waited for them to get there, to likely arrest the man who had murdered her, but she needed help, and she needed it then.

I only have to turn on the television, and look at the news to see this epidemic. Another student has committed suicide, another friend is reminded of his own bullying, his own abuse. ‘Oh God, send your love, let us who walk this earth learn to love.’ I pray that, I hope that, I know it won’t erase the memories through.

Now don’t take me wrong, I’m not trying to beat myself up, I’m not wallowing in pity, but I wonder, should I? I honestly don’t know the answer to that question, all I know is I have to do all I can to correct my own behaviors, yet I know that as much as I try, there are those whom I have hurt that I can’t change. The best I can hope for is that those who are like I was can hear what I say. I hope you will change your behavior. I know this; my relationship with Jesus is the ultimate change that occurred in me. I am a better person; I can’t comprehend ever doing what I used to do again. I can’t comprehend not standing up and speaking out against this behavior.

I wish I could say I’m sorry to each and every person I hurt. I wish I could go back and change my actions. I can’t, I can say to my friends like Rush, I’m so sorry, please forgive me. I can’t change what happened, but I will say; I will do my best to be a voice against bullying. I hope you can still love me, still respect me with the love only God can give. I wish all of those who have hurt you would know what I know, know of the pain they have caused to an unbelievable person created in the image of God.

In closing, here is a piece of advice, our actions, and our lack of actions has impact. It is time we learned to love and respect each other, no matter where the other person is coming from. We have to take into consideration how our actions, how our influences hurt others, whether from bullying or leading friends down the wrong path that would ultimately do them harm. I assure you, there will come a day, there will come a time, when you will regret your actions, if not now, certainly when you meet God. You may not believe in God, but is that a risk you can take? Is the possibility that you have hurt the very creature created in the image of God, something you are willing to face God on with no regret. Then there is something about when you will ultimately see your own loved ones bullied or led down the wrong direction by those who think only of themselves. I assure you there is a time that is coming, a time when you will realize, people matter, people need love, and that love starts with you.

The following is a video I encourage you to watch, just click on it and if it don't appear click on the link. The video was posted by my friend Rush on Facebook. It inspired me to write this posting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWYtkn_8D-g
 



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.


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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

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A One on One with Dr. Anthony Campolo on the Arts

I recently had the chance to speak with Dr. Anthony Campolo regarding the arts and the influence of the arts on today’s society. We spoke about other things, like how the church or community of faith can use the arts to reach a secular society and the role they have played in relation to God. For those that know me, you will be surprised, surprised at how little I actually say in the interview. It was a rare opportunity and Dr. Campolo had a lot to say. I didn’t want to interrupt him so I let him go.

Dr. Campolo is a widely respected theologian who has written various books including: Red Letter Christians, The God of Intimacy and Action, Letters to a Young Evangelical (The Art of Mentoring), Things We Wish We Had Said, Church Enslaved: A Spirituality For Racial Reconciliation, and many more. He has appeared in such films as Lord Save Us From Your Followers, and been on countless television and radio programs. While a professor at Eastern University, he has lectured across the globe. It may surprise some at the perspectives Dr. Campolo takes regarding the arts in its various forms. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did, sit back, relax, and enjoy. (note this is not the interview in its entirety, but does hit on the highlights of our conversation.)

Mike: Hi Dr. Campolo, this is Mike Furches in Wichita Kansas.

Dr. Anthony Campolo: How are you doing? How is the weather in Wichita?

Mike: Not too bad it is about 50 degrees today so not too bad.

Dr. Anthony Campolo: Oh Gee, your lucky. Every place I’ve been going lately is around zero, man you’re lucky.

Mike: Well we were about 4 degrees and 10 below zero last week. You’re coming to Wichita in the near future aren’t you?

Dr. Anthony Campolo: Yes I am

Mike: I’m looking forward to seeing you when you get here. A friend of ours, Mark Hollingsworth told me to make sure I said hi to you.

Dr. Anthony Campolo: Yea I was just with him a few days ago, I guess around 10 days ago in Nashville. He’s a very special person.

Mike: Today I wanted to specifically look at the influence of the arts on a contemporary and secular society and how it is that the faith community can use the arts to make a difference for people.

How do you see the importance of the arts in the eyes of God?

Dr. Anthony Campolo: Well first of all God is an artist, he is a creator. When we are exercising our creative juices we are imitating God. It is apart of what it means to be in the image of God, to be creative. Creativity can be expressed in music, in storytelling, in drama, poetry and more. Obviously Jesus himself was an incredible artist. It tells in one place in scripture that everything he taught he taught in parables. When he wasn’t speaking in parables, he didn’t say much at all. The scripture says that everything he taught he taught in parables, which is story, an obvious art form. Jesus artistically communicated the Gospel.

Mike: So you would say the Biblical examples of that would be like in Gospel book of Mark where it says, ‘He never taught them anything without first telling them stories.”

Dr. Anthony Campolo: Right, that’s correct.

Mike: So would you say movies, music, television, those types of things are a contemporary form of storytelling?

Dr. Anthony Campolo: There is no question that when we come to sharing the Gospel we must bring every skill, every creative gift, and every innovative technique that is possible. Let’s use everything that we can in all ways and in all manners to do our best to communicate the story of Jesus.

Mike: What are some ways you’ve seen the church actually use the arts in the sharing of Christ with people?

Dr. Anthony Campolo: Well, there is many ways of looking at the arts. First of all are the overt signals as Jesus did much of the time when communicating the Gospel in an artistic fashion. You can do that with Christian paintings, Christian movies, Christian Concerto’s, or Classic Gospel songs. These are all overt methods that tell the story of Jesus.

But there are other ways of looking at the arts. For instance the question is always raised, ‘what about non Christian artists? Can we use them?’ The answer to that is very important. People like Steinbeck, people like JD Salinger, these people say some things that we need to hear, but mainly, Tennessee Williams would be considerable. These people tell the story of Jesus. What these people often do, brilliantly, is give a very good, and bad description of what life is like without Christ. They really capture the meaninglessness of life apart from God.

Learning from people who are as atheistic as Jean-Paul Sartre and others including Nietzsche’s writings. These are antichristian writers in many instances, but what they do very brilliantly is they make us very aware of what life is like without God, without faith, without a quality of scripture. What is life like from that point of view? Insured, if our task is to speak to the millions of people apart from Christ, we need to know what their needs are and we need to preach the Gospel to those who are outside of the household of faith. We need to know what they are going through. What their emotions are, what their anxieties are. The other thing is what they are experiencing in their lives. We cannot project what we think they are experiencing. We must listen to them and we must respond to the reality of their existential situation. We can reach souls from learning from them.

The arts are very very crucial from that point of view. I know that when we’re working with a group of people who would be called secular. There will be Christians who have made all these plays. They have really pulled these bits of life that we have lived, that we have imitated on the surface because of God. Then the play is over. The characters come out, sit on the stage and the discussion moves forward. Then that is an excellent opportunity to say what life is like apart from God and in response, hope is the answer to the worrying needs of the people in the face of life.

Another thing that the arts do and another reason the secular artist has to be taken seriously is because, it should be noted they paint a picture of the church. You know we protect ourselves with lots of good friends, but to look inside what the secular world sees in us has to be taken seriously.

As a young man I remember very well reading the Sinclair Lewis book Elmer Gantry. I remember the way in which this slick new writer viewed evangelism. It viewed the way evangelist behaved on the circuit. That’s important for us to think, we need to see ourselves as people do that are apart from the faith. We will find the truth of how others see us. We need this because they see through us and see the shortcomings of us, but we’re not aware of how their knowledge of us can help us. To see those things in us that we need to see if we are to become better communicators of the Gospel. To see the examples of what a Christian should be in the eyes of the world.

Mike: It is like what you see in the film, Lord Save Us From Your Followers, the film you are in. Some of the comments in there talk about how we aren’t listening to each other and don’t understand the secular community.

Dr. Anthony Campolo: It’s what people feel about us. That movie Lord Save Us From Your Followers is pretty straight forward. People on the outside can say, this is what we see is wrong with you.

A good artist however does more than just tell us what’s wrong with us. A good artist gives us a sense of how the world outside of the church feels about us. They are emotionally reacting which may be even more important. They have the intellectual critiquing.

Mike: Do you see the church of doing a good job of using the arts right now? Or even listening to the community telling us what they are telling us?

Dr. Anthony Campolo: I think we’re doing a pretty good job of using the arts to communicate the Gospel. I mean if we look at Willow Creek, their morning worship service is very artistically designed, with drama, with skits, with good music. I think that from that respect, in regards to telling our message to the world, I think we are using the arts very effectively.

Shadowlands is a movie, Lord of the Flies, Lord of the Rings, the C.S. Lewis movies, all of these become great instruments. The Passion of Christ, my goodness, what an effective instrument that was at communicating the Gospel. The Jesus film that went all over Africa and still goes around Africa, the powerful impact and huge numbers of people coming to know Christ. In so far as we’re using the arts to tell our story to the world, we’re really pretty good at it.

In listening to what the world has to say to us through their arts, in interpreting it, in critiquing and reflecting on it. We’re not doing much of that at all. For instance, I could go on for at least 20 minutes talking about the way in which we could read JD Salinger’s book The Catcher in the Rye. You’d say, wow, that has a lot of insight that Christians need to pay attention to. The Christians response to JD Salinger was to not allow Salinger to speak to us and to teach us some things that we need to learn, but to say we want to ban the book from the library. (laughing) We’re great banners of books.

Mike: We even see some Christians doing that with the new current movie Avatar that are saying negative things about it.

Dr. Anthony Campolo: I didn’t realize that they have started picking on that.

Mike: Oh yea!

Dr. Anthony Campolo: So they’ve started picking on that?

Mike: It’s probably the most controversial review I have done in some time. Not sense Bruce Almighty have I done a review that was as controversial. It has the same type of criticism that ET and Star Wars had when they first came out. It’s getting blasted by a lot within the Christian community.

Dr. Anthony Campolo: Well the Christian community has a capacity to over estimate the influence of Satan.

Mike: Yea.

Dr. Anthony Campolo: There are two mistakes that can be made. One is to underestimate Satan and the work of the demonic in the world. Remember, it is not just God who works through the arts. The evil one has worked through the arts. I think that when we look at what has happened with teenagers we cannot separate the denigration of young people in today’s society from the kind of music that they listen to and the kind of movies they see, and the kind of television that they watch. I mean, there is no question that the evil one has brought these principalities and powers under control to serve his purposes. There is no question about that. So, let’s not underestimate Satan, but let’s not over estimate Satan either.

You know, you mentioned some films there that I find have very wholesome messages. ET certainly has a whole array of positive messages. There is what we call Christ figures in these people. You know there is that great word that says, if we do not declare the word of truth, yea, the very rocks will cry out. I can say that if we don’t speak the word of truth, the very rock stars will cry out. (laughing)

I think God is speaking in our time through the likes of Bono; as a matter of fact I am one of those strange people that really felt that Harry Potter had a powerful message, a message that Christians need to be facing. As you remember, the Harry Potter story, Harry is born in a lineage that is very evil, but when he goes away to this place where all these other young people who have these supernatural powers go for training, he has to make a choice. He can go with the bad group which is where his biological character would direct him, or he can go with the good group which he does choose to do. In the end, regardless of what evil tendencies that are born within your psyche, you are a free individual and you choose your destiny.

Secondly, it’s a good indication that no matter what forces molded you in the past through decision making. You’re able to transcend your origins and become a good person. Harry Potter does that. Now, that’s not a Christian message, but it certainly is a message that Christians can use, namely that we are not fatalistically controlled by our biological inheritance. All of us are in fact free to become what in fact by nature, or by socialization we have been conditioned to be. We are free human beings; we can in fact choose to be other than who we are. I think all through the Harry Potter story Harry and all his friends are confronted with moral decision making. I think we have to recognize that we have not put enough emphasis on moral decision making in our society. We see people as inevitably constructed by social forces when in reality their not.

Mike: Quick questions to finish up with. You’ve given me some great material that will be wonderful for people to read. Questions or comments though; your favorite movie and what would be your favorite CD?

Dr. Anthony Campolo: One CD, I mean, I’ve got to tell you, when it comes to CD’s; I love two kinds of music. I love Bill Gaither and Country Gospel and I am also really hooked on opera. Don’t try to explain how those two go together, but they are what speaks to me and what nurtures me.

Bill Gaither’s music always picks up my spirit. It causes me to think that there is something good and positive about to happen in my life. Opera always does what I think secular art should do; it introduces me to the deepest emotions of the human personality. In terms of a CD, that would have to be it.

In terms of reading I’m hooked on Fyodor Dostoyevsky, particularly The Brothers Karamazov which I think has more spiritual truth than almost any Christian book I have ever read.

Mike: And a movie or program if you were going to watch something?

Dr. Anthony Campolo: A movie I was going to watch? My favorite movie, and once again this isn’t going to sound very profound, it was My Fair Lady.

Mike: That’s one of my wife’s favorites.

Dr. Anthony Campolo: I love the music number one, and in terms of a musical on Broadway; there’s nothing that speaks more spiritual truth to me than Le Mis. That closing song of Le Mis should be sung in the church instead of some of the junk that we sing. I can almost hear Jesus singing that song. I don’t know whether you remember the words; ‘Who will be brave and stand with me. Who will join my crusade, for beyond the barricades is the world you wish would be. Can’t you hear them sing this song, can’t you hear them beat the drum. It’s the future that they bring when tomorrow comes.’ (Do You Hear the People Sing) I can almost hear Jesus pleading with people to respond to his call and to march in his crusade. The same with the Man of La Mancha; I think the song, to dream the impossible dream, to beat the unbeatable foe to strive with the last ounce of courage to go where the brave dare not go and the world would be richer for this. That one man, scorned and covered with scars, still strove, with his last ounce of courage, to reach, the unreachable star. I think we could use that song in missionary conferences to challenge young people to live heroically for Jesus.

Mike: To some of the folks that read this, maybe they’ll do just that. Dr. Campolo, thank you so much, what an honor and I look forward to seeing you in Wichita in the near future.

Dr. Anthony Campolo: Thank you Mike, hang in there.

The following is a video of those two songs Dr. Anthony Campolo would like us to see in the church as well as a bonus. Just click on the video to watch, if the video don’t appear, click on the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgQgzKVX9jc


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgIGfa0s1H8


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWYtkn_8D-g


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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.

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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

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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


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