Ranting about Pan Handlers

My rant for the day:

Okay don't take what I am about to say wrong as I know many will, but read through what I have to say first.

First, anyone doubting or not knowing of my love, passion, desire to help the down and out, the homeless, abused, hurting of this world, obviously knows nothing about me, or my past.

Yesterday I saw a post from a friend talking about giving a pan-handler money. Don't get me wrong, I have given to them as well in the past, but very seldom and to this day, very seldom do because I know, more times than not that money goes to support an alcohol and or drug habit, even if buying food, it allows them to use other monies to support habits. I seriously question the actions of some that allow one to continue in their addictions. I also know how much money pan-handlers can make, far more than I and or other working people. I also know, that in many cases, it is a scam and frankly, also in most communities, illegal.

Again, don't get me wrong I have given but I have to feel very strongly in my gut (for the non Christian reading) and strongly in my Spirit, (for other reading who are followers of Jesus.) 

Here is my concern, when we give in ways we don't know of how the gift will benefit the person, there is a high risk that we are doing two things, one is helping the addiction which keeps the person in need, and the other is taking away possible funding for agencies and people who are there to help people and frankly, need the finances.I challenge, if giving, find an agency making a difference and give to them so they can help in the best ways possible, but even here, check the agency out. I can name two specific agencies in my town who are themselves not using the money for the purposes they state and have areas of concern that would have me not ever giving to them. I also know of individuals, both Christian and not, doing a great job who could use the money, I would recommend to even give money to those individuals and private groups if having issues with larger agencies. Just remember, there are smaller agencies, like The Virtual Pew and Mosaic, along with many churches and others who are doing great jobs.

This hit home hard recently because the organizations I run, The Virtual Pew and Mosaic helps house individuals in need of housing, either the abused, the hurting, the homeless, or those seeking to come together to help grow spiritually with a focus, on helping with the above mentioned areas. This week I had applications for 3 persons to come into our program, one of them a couple who happens to be homeless.  Yet, we had to go on line again, to ask for money. We get very little from the church organizations, or Christians, or for that matter, even many of the providers who see benefit in a number of things, as opposed to actually helping some, obtain housing.  My wife and I have literally emptied our retirement and savings accounts to keep this program going, don't get me wrong, I am not complaining about that, but wonder, have we as a society gotten to the place that we see more value in helping people stay homeless as opposed to helping them get back on their feet and accomplish their hopes and dreams.

Matthew 25: 1 - 42 is a great chapter of scripture. Many who want to help others choose to identify with this passage, especially the 31 - 42 part, unfortunately we seem to all but ignore the 1 - 30 part.  The part which speaks about the responsibility of the giver and receiver.  I challenge folks to read that, with the understanding that 1 - 30 speaks specifically about the one receiving the gift, and 31 - 42 about the responsibility of the one giving th  Read it, again, think about it, and then, think about how you can best use your gift to help others who really need it, and will do with it what God would expect for them to do with it.

Matthew 25
Contemporary English Version (CEV)

1 The kingdom of heaven is like what happened one night when ten girls took their oil lamps and went to a wedding to meet the groom. 2 Five of the girls were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps, but no extra oil. 4 The ones who were wise took along extra oil for their lamps.

5 The groom was late arriving, and the girls became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 Then in the middle of the night someone shouted, “Here’s the groom! Come to meet him!”

7 When the girls got up and started getting their lamps ready, 8 the foolish ones said to the others, “Let us have some of your oil! Our lamps are going out.”

9 The girls who were wise answered, “There’s not enough oil for all of us! Go and buy some for yourselves.”

10 While the foolish girls were on their way to get some oil, the groom arrived. The girls who were ready went into the wedding, and the doors were closed. 11 Later the other girls returned and shouted, “Sir, sir! Open the door for us!”

12 But the groom replied, “I don’t even know you!”

13 So, my disciples, always be ready! You don’t know the day or the time when all this will happen.

14 The kingdom is also like what happened when a man went away and put his three servants in charge of all he owned. 15 The man knew what each servant could do. So he handed five thousand coins to the first servant, two thousand to the second, and one thousand to the third. Then he left the country.

16 As soon as the man had gone, the servant with the five thousand coins used them to earn five thousand more. 17 The servant who had two thousand coins did the same with his money and earned two thousand more. 18 But the servant with one thousand coins dug a hole and hid his master’s money in the ground.

19 Some time later the master of those servants returned. He called them in and asked what they had done with his money. 20 The servant who had been given five thousand coins brought them in with the five thousand that he had earned. He said, “Sir, you gave me five thousand coins, and I have earned five thousand more.”

21 “Wonderful!” his master replied. “You are a good and faithful servant. I left you in charge of only a little, but now I will put you in charge of much more. Come and share in my happiness!”

22 Next, the servant who had been given two thousand coins came in and said, “Sir, you gave me two thousand coins, and I have earned two thousand more.”

23 “Wonderful!” his master replied. “You are a good and faithful servant. I left you in charge of only a little, but now I will put you in charge of much more. Come and share in my happiness!”

24 The servant who had been given one thousand coins then came in and said, “Sir, I know that you are hard to get along with. You harvest what you don’t plant and gather crops where you haven’t scattered seed. 25 I was frightened and went out and hid your money in the ground. Here is every single coin!”

26 The master of the servant told him, “You are lazy and good-for-nothing! You know that I harvest what I don’t plant and gather crops where I haven’t scattered seed. 27 You could have at least put my money in the bank, so that I could have earned interest on it.”

28 Then the master said, “Now your money will be taken away and given to the servant with ten thousand coins! 29 Everyone who has something will be given more, and they will have more than enough. But everything will be taken from those who don’t have anything. 30 You are a worthless servant, and you will be thrown out into the dark where people will cry and grit their teeth in pain.”

31 When the Son of Man comes in his glory with all of his angels, he will sit on his royal throne. 32 The people of all nations will be brought before him, and he will separate them, as shepherds separate their sheep from their goats.

33 He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 Then the king will say to those on his right, “My father has blessed you! Come and receive the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world was created. 35 When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, 36 and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me.”

37 Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, “When did we give you something to eat or drink? 38 When did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear 39 or visit you while you were sick or in jail?”

40 The king will answer, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.”

41 Then the king will say to those on his left, “Get away from me! You are under God’s curse. Go into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels! 42 I was hungry, but you did not give me anything to eat, and I was thirsty, but you did not give me anything to drink. 43 I was a stranger, but you did not welcome me, and I was naked, but you did not give me any clothes to wear. I was sick and in jail, but you did not take care of me.”

44 Then the people will ask, “Lord, when did we fail to help you when you were hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in jail?”

45 The king will say to them, “Whenever you failed to help any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you failed to do it for me.”

46 Then Jesus said, “Those people will be punished forever. But the ones who pleased God will have eternal life.”

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

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

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


Click here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click to subscribe to my blog

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

Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

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

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

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

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

Hollywood Jesus

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

Scarred for Jesus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


Click here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click to subscribe to my blog

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

Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

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

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

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

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

Hollywood Jesus

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

When I Was Homeless

I recently saw a post by a pastor friend in Portland Oregon, Steve Kimes asking a general question of his friends about what it was like being homeless and the lessons learned, good and bad memories and so forth. Many may or may not know but there were times from about the age of 15 on to about 20 that I was either on the streets or couch hopped from friends and family, to friends and family. I write about the causes of it in my book The Keystone Kid, but Steve's question got me to think. From his question I present the following.

While on my own I couch hopped and at times stayed wherever I could stay including some nights on the streets. I stayed in a mission once and swore I would never stay in another. I never felt good about having to hear the preaching in order to get the food. Neither did I feel safe in a mission as a young man at the time. The streets and being on your own gave a form of independence, staying in a mission to me was a way to take that independence from me. It wasn't that I couldn't take care of myself at the mission, I had had to do that for most of my life but there is something about strangers at night and their advances that never set well with me. There were just too many red flags from personal experiences to subject myself to.

It is ironic as I was given an option to stay in a mission last summer when speaking in California. I had my wife with me, and still couldn't bring myself to stay there, it may have been a great mission but it brought back too many personal memories. There was something about those feelings even some 35+ years later that remained with me. It is one of the reasons I have enjoyed giving counsel to some missions and homeless programs in recent years. I am grateful that some things are changing but there is still a lot of work to be done.  

In my later teen years, mostly during my Junior and Senior years of High School and a year of college I was blessed to stay off and on at a YMCA Transient Shelter in Erwin Tennessee. I had a room, a hot plate (which I wasn't supposed to have,) a bed, dresser and closet. I didn't like the community shower due to memories of the abuse I had gone through in the years prior. Staying at the YMCA though, and those community showers got me used to getting up early as I would get up to shower before anyone else. I write some about this in my book which is available at Amazon from anywhere from 99 cents to $30 or more depending on if one gets the kindle, paper back or hard back. One can get the audio book for free from Soundcloud.com. It is professionally done and I am very pleased with it. The name of the book is The Keystone Kid. 

Now after that shameless promotion. I don't mind talking about being homeless for a couple of reasons. I have had the honor of telling my story to as few as a few, or one to one in casual conversation up to thousands at a time. I don't mind because, 1) there is a sense of credibility I gain among the abused and homeless of which God has blessed me to be in ministry with. They hear my story and know of its truths. In this process I have seen God use my story to help others. While I am far from totally delivered emotionally from my past and memories, I have new memories and a promising future. There is also the reminder of how good God is and what he brought me through. I know this may sound crazy, but years ago I had a conversation with my friend Glen Kaiser from Jesus People USA and Resurrection Band. I was having trouble in feeling loved by God and he reminded me of the passage of scripture that says those who have sinned more has been forgiven more and therefore loves God more. I don't like the pretentiousness that can come about from thinking like this, but I will admit, I love God with all of my heart. I know from where I came, where I am and the promises God has for me. While His people, His church, our society often fails, God never has and I don't expect ever will. I know my story and my past and I know God knows me better than I know myself.

I will admit, when homeless and on my own, I enjoyed the ease of life and not having to be accountable to anyone. I had no responsibilities and a number of Christians were there to help me. I hated not being understood, of course looking back on it, I wonder how much more I could have done to let people know about my situation so they could better understand me? I think a lot of it was the times I was in the situations I was. It was an ongoing issue. I think though that those on the streets or experiencing the tough times think they are responsible for communicating their feelings and experiences when in reality, they don't always understand them themselves and how they came about.

I was homeless and stayed with others the later part of my high school years and then some before, a little after those years. There was one instance while in high school where I was sick and literally had to serve a month or more of detention because I didn't have a parental excuse for the school. One day while in the guidance counselors office during detention they, (a married couple, Doc and Gail Clark) asked me why I was there every day. I didn't seem like a bad kid? I went ballistic saying all they, (the schools administrators) had to do was call the YMCA and they would verify I was homeless and lived at the Y. The Clarks made a phone call and easily verified that what I said was true. They got me on the free lunch program which was a big deal for a kid used to eating meals made either on a hot plate or bummed from someone whose home I just happened to show up at during meal time. The YMCA which was funded by private donations and The United Way was a huge help. Neither can I ignore though some of the Christians and others in the church I was attending that helped. This is how, where and when I met my wife.

There is a lot of things I can reflect on. I would say to those on the streets;  as hard as it is, don't give up. Faith and my relationship with Christ was also critical for me although in those early years I wasn't very good at living it out, mostly because I didn't understand it. It was a learning process but one I  took seriously despite my own ignorance in the area. I wanted to learn and was blessed to be smart enough to seek out those who lived their faith for advice and teaching. I figured if they didn't live it, they weren't worth learning from. I will also say, I was the one that had to take on the responsibility of finishing school. I look back and consider that a miracle. My education was an important part of my getting to where I am. While many may not think the place I am in now is a good place, compared to where I was, on the streets living a life most can't imagine, to where I am now, this place is a tremendous place that has involved a tremendous and exciting journey.

In closing, in looking back, the things people did for me are greatly appreciated but they were not as important as the understanding that I knew someone cared for me. In this, remember that sometimes the things one does gives another the understanding that they are loved. Doing for others helps one earn the right to reach in and touch another persons life. I am not disputing the importance of the things but I'm saying the things in and of themselves are not the end all to what one should be doing. The need to feel loved and in fact, be loved and accepted has far more value than the things people do. Everyone needs to remember that. I get hugs, voluntarily without asking for them from people I am blessed to do ministry with because I think folks who know me, see me and know I care for them whether they are on the streets or not. I know I can always do and be more but nothing replaces someone knowing your name and telling you they care for you and then you, because of their actions, know they in return, care for you.

For me and my house know, we have gone the extra mile for those we are called to love.  We don't just do the things we do for some people where they are, we engage them in our lives and for some, we live with them, literally. We have given our lives, our home, and made tremendous sacrifices to show love and be Christ as best as possible to those we are called to love. I am bold about the services, agencies and churches I like, and those I don't like and think may be doing more harm than good. Why?  It is simple, the people I am blessed to serve and speak out for aren't projects, they are family. I have learned from my experiences, not my experiments, I am blessed and see God in the individuals I am honored to live and be with, I literally see them as brothers and sisters, not projects that make me look good.

Some don't get it, I suspect, never will, but it all started for me with a simple concept, the love of Jesus who was willing to sacrifice all of himself for me and his command and call for me to love my neighbor, especially my poor neighbors in the same way he loved me. I have realized, many can talk about it, but God calls us to do it. I am glad I have listened and realize, there is much more to do and much more to learn, after all, I'm not in Heaven yet. I want to bring along as many as I can, for I realize, and want the world around me that I am called to love that God so loved this world that he sent his one and only son so that whosoever believes in him will not perish, but they will gain eternal life. I have come to realize this and more that; God is good, all the time, and all the time, God is good.


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.

The following is the award winning short film, The Long Walk, based in part on my life. The complete DVD is available with over 2 hours of special features by contacting me through the contact information listed.  To watch the film, just click on the video, if there are problems with the video click on the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10JWEVO1JYk&list=UU7Bks_yQBtQdVl7am_2o7vw



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


Click here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click to subscribe to my blog

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

Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

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

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

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

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

Hollywood Jesus

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

Things Are Not Always As The Seem

The green Nissan was waiting at the red light with its radio blaring. The old man was taking his time getting across the street, he wasn't quite half way across the crosswalk when the safety light changed colors, he was now walking in the crosswalk when the sign indicated stop. The man behind the wheel of the Nissan was getting more and more aggravated. He wasn't the most patient person when behind the wheel. Downtown was bad enough because the lights weren't synchronized, time was a valuable commodity. It wasn't long before the man behind the wheel of the Nissan was lying down on his horn, "Damn old man get across the street, MOVE!" The driver was now yelling at the top of his lungs, drowning out the radio. 

A well dressed lady is walking down the street to a coffee shop for an early morning cup of java. Like many others before going to work at one of the local businesses, she needed a wake me up. Looking down thumbing away on her cell phone she bumps into a man.  The man is wearing some rather worn clothes and falls to the ground. The woman just looks at him as he lies there, she walks by, thinking to herself, "A drunk early in the morning who can't stand up and keep his balance, geez man, get a life!" She walks by, the man is on the ground, not saying anything but struggling to get up and not being very successful in his efforts. Others see his effort and pay him no mind, after all, they don't care for downtown homeless "drunks."

Now to reality as opposed to some hopefully thought provoking metaphors that many  have either experienced, witnessed or know about. There are people we see all of the time that we think we know, often based on initial visual observation, sometimes from talking to them, but truth is, there are often times things we don't know and the assumptions we make are incorrect, especially when made on initial visual impressions. For example, on the above observations, what if I told you I used as an example,  two friends, both homeless, one with Parkinson's, the other in need of a knee replacement. What if I went even further and told you that after taking time to get to know these people, having them share their stories, there was much more to them than meets the eye. 

Both men are well known to the homeless advocates and homeless population in Wichita, one having the respect to the point that most everyone on the street and service providers refer to him as Mr. Gracen. I have spent quite a bit of time with the two of them as of late and have become more than a service provider but a friend and a pastor. One common interest as I came to find out was a love for football and sports, something in and of itself that for me was unexpected, especially at the level it has become. It is amazing at the common points of interest we can find with each other in life if we will but spend time together, getting to know each other.

Gracen Guice is an almost 60 year old man in desperate need of a knee replacement. I will hopefully be assisting him in the next weeks to meet with the specialist to get this taken care of. Of course he has a little trouble getting around, isn't running the 40 yard dash like he used to when he was a star football player out of Wichita. A top notch cornerback in his day is now paying for the sacrifices on his body of entertaining thousands.

Mr. Gracen started playing football at Wichita South East High School. He went on to Garden City Community College and from there to Kansas State University. He had a short stint also playing for the Kansas City Chiefs and believes that if he had gone to a school other than Kansas State he would have been drafted higher into the NFL. Kansas State in those days just wasn't the recognizable power it is now. After his football career he worked for Boeing Military Aircraft for 12 years. He hopes to have a home in the next few months.  Mr. Gracen is as nice and kind a human being as you will ever meet. There is reverence when others call him Mr. Gracen, a reverence that I nor others who observe, can help but admire.

Then there is Richard Metts. What a joy to find out he was originally from North Carolina, a state in which I had lived. He also has a pretty interesting background that drew my interest and curiosity. Richard, who is now in his 50's played football at the University of North Carolina from the late 70's until the early 80's. He was a star running back who was introduced to college football by getting laid out by teammate Lawrence Taylor who flattened him in the backfield. As a Freshman Richard was a 2nd team tail back who was practicing against the 1st team defense. After Lawrence Taylor flattened him in the back field on a pitch out, he pointed at Richard's face saying, "Welcome to college football." Richard went on to play in the Liberty Bowl and the Astro Bluebonnet Bowl. He tells many stories about his teammates like Lawrence Taylor, his coaches and more.

Richard's accolades doesn't stop there though as it was on a more important field of competition that he garnered my attention. Richard also served as a United States Army Ranger for 13 years. He did tours of service in Beirut Lebanon, Panama, the 1st Gulf War, Bosnia and Somalia. It was on Richard's last tour of service that he was injured, sent to Germany for treatment and ultimately medically discharged. Through the Veterans Administration he hopes to be in housing in the next few weeks. Mosaic is providing some home furnishings, helping with the move and providing him a 37" television. 

Over the last weeks I have spent hours sitting and talking to these two gentlemen. Some may say or think, "what a blessing I have been to them," but to the contrary, I would say, "what a blessing they have been to me." You see, I have new friends, friends I respect, admire and appreciate. Men who participated in a much higher level of sport than I and men who have served our country with diligence and pride. Mr. Gracen is, as he should be, respected by most all on the streets who know him, unfortunately, he has also shared with me the perceptions he has seen from others, the comments that have been said about him being a little slow, being impatient as he walks across a crosswalk, talking about him being drunk, although neither him or Richard drink at all. Then there is Richard.

Richard after coming home from serving his country developed the horrible disease of Parkinson's. Unfortunately, he says I am the first one to be honest with him about what all that is yet to come, the long term effects. Sometimes an honest friend who will tell the truth is something people need. Richard can hardly sit down or get up now without having to be helped. Yet he keeps on, he has been bumped into on the streets, fallen down, only to have the person walk by thinking he is a drunk. It won't be long now before Richard is wheel chair bound. I have kidded him about hitching a ride on a hover round. He laughs it off and talks about how I will need one before long and we can race each other. I have asked friends, "How does he do it, walking the countless miles across town, going from one place to another?" They reply: "He just does it, he has more will power than anyone I know."

As a follower of Jesus I am appalled at how we as "Christians" sometimes treat people, including the homeless, the veteran or the hurting. Do we consider their contribution to society, these two men at one time had young people seeking their autographs. They served our country, they entertained tens of thousands, yet they are often treated as infidels and trash because of the initial impression many have of them. All because some didn't take the time to get to know them. It reminds me of Jesus own words, what you have done for the least of these you have done unto me. Then, while not technically appropriate theologically, it also reminds me of the concept that we as followers of God don't know when we are entertaining angels. Here is the irony though, of all of the people I have met in the last few years, I can think of few that have inspired my faith like these two. They did something for me that hadn't occurred in several years at a recent church service at Mosaic; they brought me to tears to the point that I had to get a Kleenex. They shared that despite their accomplishments, despite their needs, despite their situation, by and far the most important thing to both of them was their relationship to Jesus Christ.

Many wonder about the need or reason to push Jesus at times, why it is that I stress and never compromise my relationship with Jesus nor the aspect that I think he meant just what he said when he said about himself, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the father except through me." The reason is, when asking Mr. Gracen and Richard they both say, they know their conditions are temporary. They know, one day they will live in mansions, with complete whole bodies, free from injury and pain and they have the hope, expectation, knowledge that because of their relationship with Jesus they will experience eternal life. Because of their faith in their condition, I have been moved to have faith and confidence. Yet, they are presently, and have been for some time, homeless. I can talk about a hamburger, barbeque, a needed shirt, all of these things but it is our relationship with Jesus that we share which provides the opportunity where we can talk for hours about things like heaven, housing, hope, and yes, even football. That all said it is our common relationship with Jesus, our brotherhood if you will, that brings us together. Without Jesus they may inspire, we may even be friends but we wouldn't be brothers. Because of Jesus, we are family, not just a proverbial, hypothetical, allegorical family, but a real, honest to goodness, family. That is one of the many benefits of sharing a faith in Jesus.  

The following video shows some of the work we do at Mosaic.  To see the video just click on it, if it doesn't appear, click on the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elyITjtiUUc




Please note, some of these photos are courtesy of Shayla Duart and Jonni Rich Tennant.


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


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


Click here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click to subscribe to my blog

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

Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

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

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

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

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

Hollywood Jesus

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

           

Washing Feet, The Forgotten Day of Holy Week?

During the Easter Season and Holy Week we remember Jesus and his ultimate sacrifice of love for all of us. Today is a day during Holy Week that I especially appreciate. It is a day many in the church seem to have forgotten about, Maunday Thursday. It is the day when Jesus took up the towel, lowered himself to the lowly role of servant by doing a job that the lowest of the low were required to do during that time, he washed the feet of the disciples. It amazes me at how many say they are followers of Jesus and have never washed the feet of another, whether it be literally or metaphorically, or beyond that, been willing to have their feet washed. Let me quote a little scripture here: 

John 13: 6 - 9 ~ 6 But when he came to Simon Peter, that disciple asked, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

7 Jesus answered, “You don’t really know what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

8 “You will never wash my feet!” Peter replied.

“If I don’t wash you,” Jesus told him, “you don’t really belong to me.”

9 Peter said, “Lord, don’t wash just my feet. Wash my hands and my head.”

That passage has always impressed me, I played the part of Peter in the Play The Body and the Wheel and I recall this part vividly. But what also impresses me is the reality that Jesus didn't only wash the feet and offer service to Peter but he did this for all of the disciples, even Judas who he knew was going to betray him. 

I will tell you, I know it is hard to love those who you know don't love you, or may even intend to do you harm, but it doesn't change the example of Jesus. Neither does it change his comments in verses 12 - 17:

12 After Jesus had washed his disciples' feet and had put his outer garment back on, he sat down again. Then he said:

Do you understand what I have done? 13 You call me your teacher and Lord, and you should, because that is who I am. 14 And if your Lord and teacher has washed your feet, you should do the same for each other. 15 I have set the example, and you should do for each other exactly what I have done for you. 16 I tell you for certain that servants are not greater than their master, and messengers are not greater than the one who sent them. 17 You know these things, and God will bless you, if you do them.

That all said, here is a good word for all of you today that call yourself a follower of Jesus, in both a metaphorical and in a literal way, go wash someone's feet and tell them why you are doing it. Tell them you are doing it because Jesus loves you, you in return, choose to love and serve them.  

The following is an inspiring video regarding the washing of feet, to watch it, just click on the video, if the video doesn't appear, click on the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfaEPWLmLzo

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


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


Click here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click to subscribe to my blog

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

Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

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

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

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

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

Hollywood Jesus

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

Saint Nick at The Cross

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

Click hereto visit the web page The Virtual Pew

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click to subscribe to my blog

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

Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

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

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

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

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

Hollywood Jesus

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page

Who is Mike Furches, What Am I Called To Do

Who am I? I am first and foremost a willing slave to Jesus but I am more. I am a writer, speaker, author, I actually have 3 jobs although many think I only have one. I write, often contribute to Hollywood Jesus and The Virtual Pew, although I wish I was doing more for Hollywood Jesus, my own fault though because of the time it takes to do other things.  I operate an online ministry previously referenced called The Virtual Pew which I started a number of years ago with the help and advice from some rather respectable people in Christian Ministry, that ministry, The Virtual Pew is also about helping people who are tired of church, been hurt by the church, our focus of ministry has always been The Lost, The Last, The Least and the challenge to those in the church to do the things Christ has called us to do. There is a strong aspect of teaching with The Virtual Pew but also helping people, one at a time, with love and compassion. There has been everything done there from Evangelism, (actually speaking with altar calls and street evangelism or one on one evangelism both face to face and on line), to Suicide Prevention or Grief Counseling and because of my own story, often times helping people who have gone through abuse in one form or another, most often sexual abuse. I have worked with gangs, and troubled youth through that ministry and despite what some believe  I don't do homeless ministry 100% of the time because the lost and hurting involves more than just the homeless.  

 I also pastor a church, albeit very small, Mosaic Wichita. We have as a primary focus the charge of making disciples.   We support other ministries and the work they do, there are first line ministries and others that we like and support, some like that of Breakfast Bob that is a front line meeting initial and immediate needs of those he comes into contact with. We know of his intent to share Jesus and  it is as mentioned in scripture, some water, some plant, some cultivate, and ultimately it is the Holy Spirit who obtains the harvest.

We don't try to make just Christians, or people saved by the skin of their teeth but disciples, truly dedicated 100% willing to surrender all to Jesus. We are to make Disciples, period. While we are to reach, love and serve the poor among others, (Jesus ministry was not only to the poor) his final words commanded us prior to departing this earth was to make disciples. It is our belief at Mosaic that while our primary area of ministry is to the poor, including the homeless, that does not negate the demand and command of Jesus, that we make disciples among all people.

There are other things I used to be, a lifeguard, a factory worker, a construction worker, a carpenter, a football player, a soccer player.  I worked and did pretty well in the music business and in the world of psychiatric mental health rehabilitation.  While those are experiences and parts of me I am appreciative of, have learned from, is still a part of me, they are not the all of me.

Oh yeah there is something else I am besides all of this, something many of those in ministry seem to forget about, I am a father and a husband. If those aren't my first callings or priorities to ministry and I believe the first callings for all of those in ministry, then the ministry one is involved in is not the ministry God has endorsed.  Think about it, pray about it, search scripture for the truth on it. On those matters of Biblical truth, I will not compromise. It is not always easy but if I can't love and serve my own wife and children, how can I really love and serve those I have come into contact with in my "ministry" life?   Let all of us totally surrender to Jesus, not the things we have heard about Jesus, but the Jesus we see in scripture, his life, his example, let us be the people, doing the things, that God has called us to, not our opinions, not our feelings, but God's callings.

To see the following video, simply click on video, if the video doesn't appear, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXzjLUN6Fd0

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

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

Click here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew


Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click to subscribe to my blog

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

Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

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

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

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

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

Hollywood Jesus

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News



The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page