The Virtual Pew Daily

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Larry Norman Good Bye Friend, See You Later

Over the years I have been blessed to be unique in ministry. I believe I am someone that seems to be understood and accepted by those often called the Lost, the Last, and the Least by those in religious circles, or even sometimes within their own communities. I have been blessed to call those often neglected by the church friends, and they likewise. While some may have no understanding of this, I consider it among the greatest honors of my life. I have had people ask me from all walks of life, “How did I get to be the way I was?” “Why do I seem so different from other Christians?” Those questions and others of that type remind me that I am reaching out to, hopefully showing love and compassion to people who don’t always receive it from the religious community. While people have talked about my hair, or other aspects of my life, I hope it is obvious; here I am talking about Jesus just the same.

I have heard people say, “Mike marches to the beat of a different drummer, I wonder where he gets his thoughts. I hope that all of my thoughts, actions, and beliefs come from Scripture, but sometimes we study, learn from people who helps mold us. There was a time in my life where the single most important things of life were missing; among those was an understanding of love, and a future with hope. While Christ, a youth pastor named Tommy and my wife showed me what it was to love, there was another who gave me an measure of hope that would grow, but they also provided much of the theological understanding that I would put into practice for likely the duration of my life, not just in vocation, but ministry, but not just ministry, but in day to day, moment to moment aspects of life. I looked many places for answers but was always challenged with the question, “Why don’t you look into Jesus, he’s got the answer.”

There is no doubt, Larry Norman was a man who moved me and motivated me in ministry. He planted a seed of hope through his music that would grow like a mustard seed, to the place that I would dedicate my life of not just talking about being like Jesus, but I would actually try to become as much like Jesus as is humanly possible. I wouldn’t just preach the words, but hopefully live a life that showed love and compassion to all segments of society, including the homeless, the prostitute, the drug addict, the abuser, the abused, the Atheists, the Wiccan, the Christian, the Homosexual and the list goes on and on. It is an approach that has cost me finance, lack of respect and then some from the religious community, but I know that before me, it also cost Larry Norman as he lived a life and wrote music that inspired and encouraged this type of walk with God. While I have had physical threats, I knew that Larry had death threats. Maybe one day, I will make such a change that people are threatened. Threatened with the real love, and the real salvation provided by Christ. I want to sing that Sweet Sweet Song of Salvation just as Larry sang, I want to sing it with my life.

I had the honor to meet and talk to Larry several times over the years. I was always blessed, Larry, before he ever knew it, was the one God used to provide a homeless kid from Tennessee with something called HOPE! I had the chance to share that with Larry a number of years later while we were doing a concert at Cornerstone in Chicago when I worked with the Rob Cassels Band, aka Rob Castles. Larry was there that year and we got to spend some time together. This was special as we had spent some time backstage a number of years earlier in Knoxville Tennessee which is still to this day, thousands of concerts later, the best concert I ever attended. I think the first time I saw Larry I was a little star struck, after all I was a new Christian who had just become familiar with his music and was actually homeless at the time, living in a YMCA homeless shelter. It was almost as if Larry was an unidentified flying object. I didn’t quite know what to expect, but I was impacted and moved, I knew and learned about Jesus, that even if there was life on other planets, I was sure that he must know, he would have even gone there once already and have died to save their souls.

Larry Norman was special; he attacked the gates of Hell with full force. He didn’t sit back, waiting on the church to come on board; he was in the front lines of battle, challenging the church to come along with him. Some years later, many came on board; there are a few of us who were there on the forefront in those battles with him, maybe not side by side, but in spirit and in our own communities. I will admit, I wept like a baby as I read the news of his death this week. It is ironic though, on the morning of his death, I had the honor of presenting to about 4,500 people in Kansas City at Municipal Auditorium. It was a wrestling tournament to a largely unchurched audience. For some strange reason, one I don’t know, I felt compelled to share the message of John 3:16 with an audience I normally don’t share that message. I normally share a message titled, Wrestling with God, but for some reason wanted to do a more straightforward message about faith and the person of Jesus Christ. I spoke to the tournament director, a Christian, who told me to pray about it. I had, and was drawn to the John 3:16 message. I knew I was ready, but I had known for many years that when it came to sharing the message of Christ, I wish those who call themselves followers of Christ could say without doubt, without hesitation, I wish we’d all been ready.

For some reason, I will always remember, that on the day God took Larry home, I did something I normally don’t do. I think that was the Holy Spirit doing something in my heart that would give me the ability to reflect on the work Larry did in life, and then be challenged to keep on in my work. I don’t know? I do know I grieve, and I do know that with the life Larry led he motivated me and moved me, not just a few times, but many times over the years. I knew, I could be a righteous rocker, even a holy roller, I could be most anything, but without love I ain’t nothing.

If you don’t know who Larry Norman was, you should, especially if involved in music, the arts, or anything of that nature. There is no doubt that he had an impact on society. Time Magazine called him the most proficient song writer of the 20th Century, there was a reason groups like U2 honored him, Bob Dylan learned from him, and others have been moved by him. I was honored that I could call Larry friend. He, his dad and I spoke over the phone over the years. I had the honor to spend one on one time with him a few times over the years, although longer ago than I would have liked. There is good reason I grieve, because I will greatly miss the man Larry Norman. I will see him again though; after all I as well am only visiting this planet.

Below follows various videos of Larry, or tributes to his music by other artists. If the video appears, click on it, if it don't, click on the link:

Why Should The Devil Have All The Good Music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BznsjIe5sMk

]

Song for a Small Circle of Friends
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkbSanu__w8

Why Don't You Look Into Jesus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TliWDSLrYb8

I Wish We'd All Been Ready
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QyVx41IPBc

Sweet Sweet Song of Salvation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M64Izj7na0E

The Outlaw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuGcLDv5nvM

Messiah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdynIgBCYGs

Sitting in My Kitchen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG6-cPmaE7s

Larry Norman & Michael Roe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmdvYmx-RFw

The Great American Novel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTlr-73DQq8

Six Sixty Six
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4qJYjDPZ78

I Hope To See You In Heaven
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBODgYVVGvY

Goodbye Farewell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkX3kj5o0Yc

I Am A Servant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75KPMIAUfww

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

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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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P.O. Box 17731
Wichita, KS 67217

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

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

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Tuesday, February 19, 2008

The Virtual Pew News #16, Thank You

Well after a crazy few weeks I figure it is time for an update. You will quickly see why it has been a few weeks since I sent something out.

I guess one of the last things people heard about was the request for funds regarding my wife Mary Jane’s need to spend some time with her brother Larry before he died. Larry has cancer, and short of a miracle from God he only has a short time. At the writing of this newsletter Mary Jane will be returning to Kansas from Tennessee tomorrow afternoon. I can’t say thanks enough to those who supported and believed in this ministry enough to provide the needs in getting Mary Jane to Tennessee, plus enough to get her there for the funeral when it occurs. All I can say is God is good! We obtained enough support allow Mary Jane to spend time with her brother, but also to return for the funeral. There is also the possibility that Nathan and I will attend the funeral. I must say, I feel that I made a mistake and if I had things to do over I would do them differently. Nathan and I would have gone on the initial visit to spend time with Larry while he is still alive. I know I don’t always make the best decisions and this is one I would have made differently. That said, we know each of you who provided financial support or prayed for us have been used by God. Our prayer is a blessing from God, and an opportunity for you to experience the fullness of love from God.

There is another reason I have not been as active lately. While hosting a poker night at the house a few weeks ago, we had a number of friends and former church members over; I accidentally ran a wooden skewer from a ka-bob almost through my hand. It didn’t bleed much, didn’t think that much of it after putting on Neosporin and washing it out. That wasn’t enough though. The hand developed a rather serious infection which is just now clearing up. Mary Jane talked me into going to the Doctors and I am glad I did. I would have never thought an infection could hurt that bad, and run the risk of damage it did. The hand is close to 95% better though, and I am soooooo, glad.

I have also been active doing some things with Hollywood Jesus. I was able to watch a couple of screeners. I am working on reviews of a documentary with an interesting twist towards Christian film making, and a wonderful movie that just came out on DVD called Martian Child. I was honored to get to interview 10-year-old child star Bobby Coleman. He starred with John Cuscak in the movie. I will be running the interview and getting the review up this week. For those critical of Hollywood, know that wonderful movies like this encourage and tell the story of adoption, plus the love of a father and child. The interview with Bobby which you can hear by visiting www.blogtalkradio.com/hollywoodjesus is one of the most fun interviews I have ever done. In the interview Bobby brought up his involvement with his church and how much fun church can be.

Things are also continuing at Youth Horizons. I am working three nights a week which is allowing me reading time, devotion time, as well as time to get caught up on things. I am also using this time to interact with friends and individuals using the ministry via personal messengers.

Lastly, over the last weeks I was reminded of the importance of ministry and The Virtual Pew as I got to spend some one on one, face to face time with Curt Nelson. Curt is in the United States Army and recently returned from his time and service in Iraq. Curt and I maintained a regular interaction during his time in Iraq. To be blessed to spend face to face time, even at 3:00 – 5:00 AM was worth it. Curt is a dear brother, and one I expect to keep in touch with. We had an early morning breakfast on his drive back to Texas, and we stood outside in the winter morning temperatures for over an hour talking about everything from dating to family relations. Curt asked if I was going to do a blog on the time together. I told him I would write something, and I think a newsletter mention is a step up from what we spoke about. Hopefully, this a reminder that you are praying for and supporting a ministry that makes a difference, and is hopefully something that reminds you to develop real and lasting relationships with others.

The last weeks have been hectic. Of course there was the controversy that comes with this ministry at times. I challenged Christians to speak truth, alluding to the false email that many have sent around or seen about Barack Obama. Not as an endorsement of Obama, but as an illustration that with all people, even those we disagree with, truth matters. Then I have done a few video presentations, using the television show South Park to show some aspects of spiritual truth, including the language we use. It is amazing how some can find reason to complain, yet most of those very people are doing nothing to develop relationships with, or reach those who have been hurt by the church or for whatever reason not a part of Christianity. Our hope remains to show Christ to people and while there are those who disagree with the methods at times, I challenge that anyone can look at the testimonies of those who have responded, and then from there, argue with the methods that have brought people either to Christ, or to a point where they are willing to hear the message. I am confident; this is a part of what Paul meant in the Bible when he said he has become all things to all people in order that he may win some. Paul never compromised his relationship and obedience to Christ, but found unique ways to reach a culture in their environment.

Truth is, while family members die, hands have injuries, and other difficulties come about, God is still good, all the time! He provides funds when funds are needed, he has doctors in place to help as help is needed, he reaches people most consider unreachable, and he develops relationships and friendships across oceans. One thing is for certain, those who know me, know I speak my heart and speak the truth as I see it and know it. That said, for those who don’t know Christ, I challenge, he is still alive, and still working on this planet. Some of you are helping to assure that, some of you are praying and responding to encourage me and others. To all of you, thank you from the bottom of my heart, God bless you, and know that God is still love and that when we love Him, and love people, we have kept the greatest of all commandments. Thanks for your love, it has touched my family.

I wanted the video from the movie The Gospel, God Is Good All The Time, but couldn't find it. I did find this one from Dan Moen and it is kind of fun and has the lyrics with it. If you don't see the video just click on the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQhB-c0cIhw

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

South Park Video and The Bad Language of the Church

This is the second in a series of presentations I am doing using short film clips from the South Park television show. I am using federal fair use copyright law in using these. The intent is to give short teachings related directly to the clip which is part of falling under fair use.

This particular clip is one of my favorites. When I do my presentation across the country, it is one that seems to get the biggest laughs. It is funny, but rich with meaning. One has to watch it several times due to the ease of missing things in the video.

I remember a number of years ago watching a musical artist Time Magazine called the Most Prolific Song Writer of the 20th Century talk about how Christians in particular just didn’t know how to communicate. That musician, Larry Norman, couldn’t have been more correct. It seems that after people become Christians they learn a 2nd super secret, coded language. Terms like, “Born Again,” “Saved,” “Baptism of the Holy Spirit,” “Slain in the Spirit,” “Washed in the Blood,” and among my favorites, “Sanctified,” “Anointed” or “Glorified.” This language spiritualizes things that don’t need to be, and makes things confusing for the person we are speaking to.

I know a little American Sign Language. It is one of those things I practice and use often, although not as much as I would like. Sometimes I have fun with it and speak to people who I know knows nothing of it. They become confused, paranoid and to be honest, normally don’t like it because it is as if I am flaunting my knowledge. When we over spiritualize things, speak in terms that aren’t typical then we tend to have the same effect on people.

As a Christian, I am amazed how easily my fellow followers of Jesus forget that one of the beautiful things about the person of Jesus was his willingness to go out of his way to communicate and relate to the common person. His actions in remind me of something my grandfather taught me when I was growing up. Paps told me that whenever I was speaking I needed to make sure I spoke in a way the least educated person in the audience could understand. He knew what he was talking about as he was the smartest man I ever knew, and he only had a third grade education. Paps understood when sharing about faith with others, or when carrying on a conversation with a group, that if the least educated understood then every person understood. If someone had to use big words to show their intelligence, they would often garnish little respect.

I love this clip because it helps illustrate some of those concepts. It illustrates how religious people take their faith and make it so hard to understand that it will have little effect on those hearing it. My forgiver and leader, Jesus Christ spoke often about becoming as a child, he also had a special place for children. These children, whether intending or not, teach us lessons about how confusing our language is. See if you can relate. Until the next South Park Lesson, enjoy, have a laugh, and learn once again, from Cartman.

Now if you see the video below, just click on it, if not, click on the following link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZkiXw7de6E

Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew

P.O. Box 17731

Wichita, KS 67217

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

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

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

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

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Thursday, January 31, 2008

Religious People Who Lie, Or The Barack Obama Emails

Wow, a lot has been going on over the last few days. I could go into much detail but will mention only a few things.

First, to all who have given or pledged help for my wife, thank you! We are close to having enough money for her to make the two trips. Gifts of love and support have come in from across the globe. We did not ask for money regarding myself or our children making one of the trips. If people designate gifts for that, great we will attend the inevitable funeral as a family. Again, ministry is tough, and while we don’t have all of the money for two trips, it is close. Close to $1,000 is needed, currently we are about $200 short. We have enough for her initial trip if all of the promised gifts come in, and will hopefully have a little time to raise the remainder for the funeral she will attend later. Click here to get more information about the situation with my wife.

Now to the other topic at hand; yesterday I took my son to see and hear Barack Obama. I know most are familiar with him and his run for the president. I posted at The Virtual Pew Live radio program Senator Obama’s speech from El Dorado Kansas. The second half of the program, a two hour special, Pastor David Jenkins of Servants of Grace Ministries and I speak about Biblical Leadership and the political environment. While we did not agree on everything, there were things we did agree on and we had a civil conversation.

The program had a larger than normal audience for a couple of reasons. I ran the entire speech by Senator Obama without interruption as well as the endorsement by Kansas Governor Kathleen Sabelious of Senator Obama. There was another reason the program had a large number of listeners. Yesterday while in El Dorado, I was interviewed by http://www.salon.com/. For those not familiar with Salon it is a very large web magazine that has a lot of respect from around the world. Their article on Senator Obama included a good amount of the interview with me, and the message boards for the article had some good exchange. There have also been various other publications that picked up my comments from the article. The interview is available at Salon and with a simple Google. The radio program is available by visiting the Virtual Pew Live radio program. You can also click here to see the article and letters from Salon.

As expected, I received a good number of emails today from people regarding my statements of liking and respecting Senator Obama, most of those from Christians. Unfortunately, most informed me of how he was a Muslim, against Christianity, and a number of other things. Many may have seen similar emails sent out by many in the Christian community. Here is my issue with virtually 100% of the comments leveled towards me today from Christians. The comments about Senator Obama are false, and easily proven to be untrue.

This got me to thinking about the responsibility to speak truth. I was reminded by various passages in the Bible regarding speaking truth and lying. Some of those passages follow.

By putting a bit into the mouth of a horse, we can turn the horse in different directions. It takes strong winds to move a large sailing ship, but the captain uses only a small rudder to make it go in any direction. Our tongues are small too, and yet they brag about big things.

It takes only a spark to start a forest fire! The tongue is like a spark. It is an evil power that dirties the rest of the body and sets a person's entire life on fire with flames that come from hell itself. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures can be tamed and have been tamed. But our tongues get out of control. They are restless and evil, and always spreading deadly poison.

My dear friends, with our tongues we speak both praises and curses. We praise our Lord and Father, and we curse people who were created to be like God, and this isn't right. Can clean water and dirty water both flow from the same spring? Can a fig tree produce olives or a grapevine produce figs? Does fresh water come from a well full of salt water? – James 3 3-12

We are part of the same body. Stop lying and start telling each other the truth. – Ephesians 4:25

Do not steal or tell lies or cheat others. - Leviticus 19:11

And stop lying to each other. You have given up your old way of life with its habits - Colossians 3:9

There are six or seven kinds of people the LORD doesn't like: Those who are too proud or tell lies or murder, those who make evil plans or are quick to do wrong, those who tell lies in court or stir up trouble in a family. - Proverbs 6:16-19

The LORD hates every liar, but he is the friend of all who can be trusted. - Proverbs 12:22

Your sins are the roadblock between you and your God. That's why he doesn't answer your prayers or let you see his face. Your talk is filled with lies and plans for violence; every finger on your hands is covered with blood. - Isaiah 59:2-3

Where do lies come from? I think the Bible answers that question.

Your father is the devil, and you do exactly what he wants. He has always been a murderer and a liar. There is nothing truthful about him. He speaks on his own, and everything he says is a lie. Not only is he a liar himself, but he is also the father of all lies. - John 8:44

Peter said, "Why has Satan made you keep back some of the money from the sale of the property? Why have you lied to the Holy Spirit? - Acts 5:3

Then there are other passages:

I can't stand liars, but I love your Law. - Psalms 119:163

The godly hate lies; the wicked cause shame and disgrace. - Proverbs 13:5

I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence. - Psalms 101:7

An honest witness does not lie; a false witness breathes lies. - Proverbs 14:5

I know, I know, I have probably made my point. It is just that some who professes Jesus as their leader and forgiver often resort to telling lies. When confronted about those lies, they make excuses or something else. Here is the raw, uncut, truth. We all at times lie, either intentionally or unintentionally, that fact does not change the fact that a lie is a lie. I would go so far as to say a little white lie is the same as a great big, smack you in the mouth lie, a lie is a lie. We all make mistakes, but when we realize that mistake we should change our actions and make it known.

Here is the problem, can all of those who spoke lies about Proctor and Gamble take back the damage they did? Can all of those who have spread untrue rumors about their neighbor take back the damage they have done? Can all of those who are so caught up in their political party take back all of the lies they have spoken such as the lies regarding Barack Obama or others that have spread all over the net? Truth is I don’t think you can, all you can do is ask for forgiveness, and go to those you have harmed or spoken mistruth to and try and make it known that you made a mistake, you are sorry, and ask for forgiveness. The sad thing is these rumors spread like wildfire, whether about Obama, our most hated rock star, or whoever.

I challenge Christians to do something unique, are you ready for it? Speak truth, or shut up! If you refuse to do this, you need to realize, another biblical truth about practicing your sin.

So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. - 1 John 1:6

If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. - 1 John 2:4

But I will tell you what will happen to cowards and to everyone who is unfaithful or dirty-minded or who murders or is sexually immoral or uses witchcraft or worships idols or tells lies. They will be thrown into that lake of fire and burning sulfur. This is the second death. - Revelation 21:8

Now that is all, other than to say, if you want to see more references to lying from a Biblical perspective, visit: http://www.bible-topics.com/Lying.html

Here is Barack's response to the comments and the emails that are going around. If you see the video, click on it, otherwise you can click on the link. By the way, go to YouTube, type in Barack Obama Faith, and you will see a ton of videos that deal with the lies spread by many who call themselves Christian, as well as Obama's testimony videos. You can do this in a number of areas, but just wanted to post this one out as an example.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkxsfXNrQ8c

Now regarding those emails, comments, hearing gossip, reread the verses above and think about appropriate things to do with your tongue.

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

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

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

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

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

Click to subscribe to my blog

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

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

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

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

Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew

P.O. Box 17731

Wichita, KS 67217

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

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Barack Obama, Dennis Kucinich and the Political Process

The Virtual Pew Live and HJ Live this week has a wonderful series of programs. Starting today will be a complete replay of the Barack Obama presentation yesterday in El Dorado Kansas as well as his endorsement by Kansas Governor Kathleen Sabilius. As a part of this special 2 hour program we will also speak with Pastor Dave Jenkins from Servants of Grace where we will speak about Christians and Politics. This will run for the second hour of the program. I will also speak some of the interview I did yesterday with Salon Magazine which is running nationally today.

Tomorrow, we have as a special guest, James Oliva, producer, writer, and director of the new wrestling movie 7-Minutes. James and I will speak of wrestling, faith, title IX and much more.

Both of these programs will run at www.blogtalkradio.com/thevirtualpew Todays program will start at 3:00 PM CST and can be heard nationally over the internet by visiting the above link. We will also take phone calls for the 2nd hour of the program at (646) 716-8587 and at the same number for the program on Thursday, January 31.

On Friday we will continue somewhat with the theme of Politics and the arts at the HJ Live program. At HJ Live we have as a special guest, Alex Arndt from Los Angeles California. Alex, an independent music artist recently had his song chosen as a campaign song by former presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich. Alex is very involved politically and in various causes. We will speak about artists involvement in politics and special causes. The url for HJ Live is www.blogtalkradio.com/hollywoodjesus and the call in number for the program, which starts at 4 PM CST is, (646) 716-8853.

A reminder that all programs can be heard via archives, and we love to hear back from those listening in, whether at The Virtual Pew Live or HJ Live.

Urgent Prayer Request and Help for my Wife

In the past I have had to send out urgent prayer request and thankfully those familiar with this ministry has come through. Today is another such request for my wife. As most know, our family has made the decision to be involved in ministry to the poor, and as a part of that is living a life where we don’t make much money. While we have money that comes in from Mary Jane’s teaching salary, and my salary from Youth Horizons and The Virtual Pew we give a lot of that back. In fact, with me, I only take a combined salary of $375 a week from The Virtual Pew and Youth Horizons. With the unique nature of The Virtual Pew Ministry sometimes money comes in, sometimes it doesn’t.

I am in the need of making the request that if possible some individuals provide some level of help for Mary Jane, my wife. A few years ago she lost her sister Geri to cancer and during that time, we were blessed to have people help us. With the help we received, as well as some of our own finances, we were able to visit with Geri for a few weeks as a family, and Mary Jane was also able to return for the funeral. Without the help of others this would have never been possible.

Unfortunately, our involvement in ministry, and helping others has made the reality of being with family very difficult and at times impossible. I know how much my wife has given to me as a wife, and this ministry over the years. There were months that the only tithe or offering checks that came in came in through my wife, and that money in return went out to others in need. It is with a humble heart I ask you to make it possible for my wife to visit with, and be with a member of her family again.

For the last weeks, Mary Jane’s brother Larry has been suffering with cancer, the same disease her sister died from. We had been talking about trying to get Mary Jane to Larry to spend some time with before he died. This morning things took a turn for the worst and we don’t know how much time Larry has left. We expect the same need as with her sister. We are asking for help in getting her there to spend some time with her brother before he dies, and then some help to go back home, to Tennessee to be there for his funeral. For those who know my wife, you know how special she is. You also know how lucky over the years I have been. You also know that we have never had much money, and how little over the years we have been to Tennessee to visit family. I will assure you, if not for the love and generosity of my wife, the ministry I have been involved in would have never taken place.

I am asking that for those that can to contribute to helping get Mary Jane home immediately to spend some time with her brother Larry, and then hopefully we will also have enough to send her home for the funeral which is inevitable to happen. She needs to leave for the Tri- Cites in Tennessee as soon as possible, and will have to make a return trip. To fly from Wichita to the Tri-Cities even with the family emergency discount will cost around $400. We also realize that some friend may have a travel voucher that would get her there, this as well would be greatly appreciated. While our family, myself and our two children would love to be there for one of their Uncle Larry’s, (the other is actually Papaw Larry), we are not asking for this. It is our expectation that we just won’t be able to go as we know we can’t afford it and we don’t want to impose on others to give the amount needed even for one trip for all of us.

I ask and implore you to please give to help Mary Jane spend the little time left with her brother. You can do so by sending a gift to Mary Jane at 5410 Annapolis Avenue, Clearwater, KS 67026, or The Virtual Pew at 5410 Wichita, KS 67217, or by giving on line. If wanting to, or willing to give on line with your credit card or some other form of support you can copy and paste the following link and give via on line, this gift is instant. The link is as follows: http://www.furches.org/donations/index.html

For those that know me, and know this ministry you know how important the concept of integrity is. Last time we made a donation request of this nature, for a funeral to attend, We requested $400 and within 2 hours had enough money and sent out a notice that we had enough money and to not send any more. This time is a little different. We don’t know exactly how much we need, outside of the air travel. There will be some additional minor expenses but we anticipate those to be minimal. For Mary Jane, with the two air trips anticipated, and some additional minimal costs we will have a need of around $1,000. It is possible, that Mary Jane will also have to take some time off of work without pay, we are not certain yet as we don’t know the details surrounding everything. Again, we are also not figuring in any costs for our family, if anyone wanted to designate money for that we wouldn’t turn it down as long as we had enough money for Mary Jane. Her getting to spend time with her family, brother in particular, is our first priority, until this need is met, we won’t under any conditions won’t accept money or support for us being there. Again, we are not talking about just money, the donation of a airline voucher or ticket would also be a great help.

I don’t know what else to say, other than we really appreciate your prayers right now for all things, not just getting Mary Jane there, but her brother, the rest of the family, and the incredible hurt my wife is feeling right now. It has been hard to stay focused during the last few weeks, some may have noticed. Now you know why. Please don’t hesitate asking any questions, you can do that by calling me at 316-258-3952, or at home at 620-545-7029, and if you wanted to speak to Mary Jane you can call her on her cell phone at 316-350-4969

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

Friday, January 25, 2008

Out of the Mouth of Rock Stars

What is the deal with music artists addressing issues of politics, social conscious, and religion with their music? I recently saw a Kid Rock video on a Country Music Video Countdown Program. The title of the song was Amen and frankly I was a little surprised. I guess the concept of mixing these things with music isn’t new, has actually been around for quite some time.

There won’t be a lot said today, just hoping to spur discussion. Of course these two by Kid Rock may be a little controversial, but still, worthy of discussion.

Only God Knows Why
To see this video just click on it, if having trouble click on the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujQwTQ8JnNc

Amen is another Kid Rock Video. Same as above, if having trouble with the video, just click on the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-hzDriqlK8

Now do you have other videos from artists that follow these concepts? Share them! Tell us your thoughts, good or bad.

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

Just For You

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