The Virtual Pew Daily

Monday, July 9, 2007

California Dreamin'

Well, here it is; finally my update from my California trip. First, a super special thanks to a number of people, Dave and Susan Froese and their son Luke for hosting me and putting up with me while in Bakersfield (most of the time). They were more than gracious and God used them to bless me. They provided an office to work in during my down time, and Dave and Susan provided lodging in their lovely home. The use of one of their vehicles saved me considerable money and headache. I can’t thank them enough.

There are others I need to thank. My lovely daughter took such good care of me at the San Jose Mennonite Church USA conference. With around 6,500 people there, and her role at the conference, I don’t know how she had time to do what she did. Today is her birthday, and while she is at home in Kansas resting now, I have thanked God for her often over the last days. I heard her address the assembly and there is no way I can describe how moved and touched I was to hear her express her love for Christ and the need for the church to care for the poor, not just from a giving perspective but a receiving perspective. She shared her stories from the Congo and I was honored to hear others tell her how good she did, I concur. She also helped take care of various needs that arose for me during the conference.

I need to thank the fine folks at Third Day Church in Fresno. Dave Wainscott his wife Sonya and two beautiful children Sara and Tim hosted me for a couple of days. I have to admit, while God blessed the time in California, I was really blessed by seeing God work in this wonderful little up and coming church. I can only imagine what God is going to do here.

How do I start? I guess from the get go. I didn’t know how God was going to take care of me on this trip. It really was a journey of faith. For those who know me, you know this isn’t unusual. I was asked to present at San Jose 2007 at the Mennonite Church USA Conference. I decided to make this a ministry trip and with a little over a month out had my wife help and we started making contacts. Initially I only had the conference in San Jose to speak at but soon added Heritage Bible Church in Bakersfield. The Church is led by my former pastor and a dear friend Dave Froese. Dave wanted me to share the story of Anthony during a morning service while here. I knew the church would help with some of the financial needs, and as of yet, don’t know exactly how much that was because I won’t open the envelope until I get home. (good reason for this and will explain if asked.) At the time of my departure, this was the only income I knew I would get. I was lucky to only spend $352 for an airline ticket, (thank God for priceline) but I knew I didn’t have that much money to burn, but again, faith!

I arrived in Bakersfield late on Saturday. It was off to bed shortly after arrival, then up early to speak at church on Sunday. I’ll be honest; I hadn’t slept much over the week prior to arrival. My wife was at a conference and I hadn’t seen her or my son for an entire week. I had had less than 25 hours of sleep for the prior week and only a few hours prior to getting up on Sunday morning. To be honest, I was tired during my presentation. I had prayed the Holy Spirit would speak as he always had, and I was reminded again, it is the Holy Spirit that does the work, we just be obedient, even if tired.

At the conclusion of my presentation I was once impressed how God has used the story of Anthony to touch hearts and lives over the years. God always works when I share this message, he continues to be faithful. Numerous individuals responded and came to speak to me with tears in their eyes. God can use tragedy to bring healing. The good news is that Jesus is different than so often presented, even by those in the church.

Sunday afternoon also provided another treat. Another friend of mine from MySpace, Sabastian, his mother, (also a MySpace friend) and his little sister came up from Ventura to see me and spend some time with me. I guess at least a 3 hour drive and I was certainly humbled that someone would be willing to drive 6 or more hours, just to spend a couple of hours with me. I don’t know what Dave thought when I cleared out his living room to demonstrate some wrestling moves for Sabastian. We also spoke about other things and hopefully some of those things fall into their proper place.

God blessed the time and I was amazed at the ministry going on at Heritage Bible Church. One group doing real ministry here is a group called The Black Sheep, a group affiliated with HOGS. This group is involved in a motorcycle ministry specific to Harley Davidson Riders only. They recognize how Harley riders have negative perceptions towards other motorcycle groups. That isn’t to say that this ministry has these feelings, but their recognition and strict enforcement of membership rules to Harley Riders only has enabled them to have a tremendous and effective ministry. I was blown away with this group’s willingness to incarnate to reach a specific group of people who had much in common with them.

While in Bakersfield I also got to present my Faith in Film, Using Culture to Discover Spiritual Truths on Tuesday night to a local youth group. That went well and a number of young people asking me more about my story at the completion of my presentation.

After a couple of days in Bakersfield and additional ministry of meeting a few folks and spending some 1:1 time in ministry, I was off to San Jose California. Thankfully Dave and Susan loaned me a car which saved me from renting one.

I arrived in San Jose on Thursday morning and was a little shocked when I had to pay $18 to park. An old inner city boy like me had never paid that much to park. My daughter and I quickly hooked up and it wasn’t long before I got to hear her present. I was glad I made it in time. While there on Thursday I had the honor of meeting some wonderful people. From some serving the Hispanic Church, to the Mentally Ill, there are many within the Mennonite Church USA that has the desire to reach others with the message of Christ. I enjoyed the time with my daughter but there were a few bugs that she had helped me with.

I also got to meet several people, including MySpace friend Steve Kimes. We had some good interaction and I was impressed with his ministry of being pastor in a church comprised of Mentally Ill Adults and The Homeless. I was originally going to stay with Steve on Thursday night, but couldn’t touch base in time and I ended up booking a room through Priceline for $54 on a room at Candlewood Suites. It was well worth it. I got my first good night of rest in some time.

One of the problems I had was that I had made several attempts to communicate to make sure everything was set for my presentations, a multi media presentation using movie clips, power point and a good sound system. I had heard nothing back regarding my needs, via attempts at email and phone calls. To be honest, I was brutally upset after being redirected to 8 different people, none knowing who was responsible for helping me, and not knowing if I would have what I needed for my presentations. For those that think I am perfect, (Like yea who would think that?) think again, I got so frustrated that I was almost in tears and ready to leave. How bad was it? This was a headache up until the very moment I was supposed to present. In fact, I got started about 10 minutes late for my first presentation because I had to go to my car, get my projector, and a few other things that I needed. I am glad I had my projector. No one was available to help us set anything up, or explain the system and the room. We figured it out as we went, and couldn’t even turn the lights off for the first presentation because of the light box being locked.

I am glad I didn’t leave as God blessed the two presentations. They were among the two largest work shops of the conference. With 1,000 or more people attending the two workshops there was literally standing room only with the first workshop having 50 - 75 people standing because all of the seats were taken, and the second workshop having around 25 people standing. I was blessed and most everyone seemed to be impressed and pleased. In the first presentation, since I got started late I didn’t get to put out any promotional material I was hoping people would pick up to consider booking me in the future. This really hurt as future booking opportunities from this was one of the reasons for booking the conference at my expense.

There were many people I got to speak to before and after the presentations. I only had two complaints regarding the video of musical artist Pink I use called Dear Mr. President. I use the video to look at the serious questions people are asking, and the need for those who follow Christ to take seriously those questions, even if we don’t agree with the views of those asking the questions. Some were more in tune with the political system, than the intent of why that particular video was used.

Next was my trip to Fresno. While in California I had been able to finalize a speaking connection with Dave Wainscott pastor at Third Day Church in Fresno. Dave a MySpace Friend contacted me shortly after arrival in Bakersfield. Understand, prior to my departure this was not booked so this was like gravy on a biscuit for me. I was told the church would take up a love offering and I was just glad God opened up the door to minister someplace else while here.

The drive from San Jose to Fresno was not much fun. I was stuck in traffic and a trip that was supposed to take a little over 2 hours ended up taking over 5 hours because of a traffic jam on a two lane, California highway. The mountains were beautiful though and I listened to a Dodgers Baseball game which was kind of nice. I pulled into Fresno after 10:00 PM and was quickly off to bed again. I got up early and Dave and I visited with a couple of guys from the church at a local coffee shop. I didn’t know what to expect at first. I could lie here but after doing this for so many years, when meeting new people, truth is, you don’t know what to expect. Truth is though; I loved the time out for brunch on Saturday.

Third Day Church is a little different. It was one of the things that I think makes me a little different. I don’t go where I make the most money; I go where God opens doors. Third Day Church was a home church, (really a church complete and whole that meets in a home) where I was told to expect anywhere between 20 and 40 people. Of course closer to Sunday morning I was informed the worship team and their family was in Hawaii so there may be less than that. So here I was, I had just finished presenting to a moderate sized church, a large convention with over 1,000 people, and now was going to be in a home church with possibly as few as 20, maybe even less.

Let me start off with how I know God has a sense of humor. He plays these jokes on us that are what I call “gotcha” or “I told you so,” jokes all of the time. At least he does with me and this was one of the best. A group of over 40 people showed up, the setting, and everything about them touched me. I also busted my belt. That’s right; I had a wardrobe malfunction that almost had me pulling a Janet Jackson except with my pants. Thank God for the word almost, and a good sense of humor.

Dave asked me to share some about The Virtual Pew, then the Story of Anthony. I knew this would take longer, but he assured me to take as long as I needed. That is always a dangerous thing to say, but in this case, it was a wonderful thing to say because at that point I knew I could do the story, and ministry justice.

Despite what many may think prior to hearing me, I have to tell you, I don’t think I am boring when I speak. I have learned to watch reactions of people and know how they respond. One doesn’t have to take my word for it, contact anyplace I have been and ask them. Third Day Church was as filled with the spirit during my presentation as any I have done in awhile. While there were obviously many who needed to respond but didn’t, there were many others who did. I was blessed. It was after 1:30 before I was able to finish speaking to those wanting to speak with me, and this was par for the course this last week. I continue to be amazed how God can use anyone.

I spent a lot of time speaking to folks, listening to their thanks, about their broken hearts, and sharing about things they had never shared before. All along, for almost an hour, a little old lady who looked like she was at least in her 70’s came up to me with tears streaming down her face. She told me how the story of Anthony had blessed and touched her. She was apologizing because she had grown up in such a good Christian home and had never experienced anything like Anthony. She wanted me to know, the story of Anthony inspired her to do more, to love more, to serve more, and to minister more to the people around her who needed it. Imagine, this little lady, up in years, had been moved by the Holy Spirit to do more, not give up, not look at a full life but to keep on serving. My heart melts and my spirit is broken just thinking about how God used the story of Anthony to inspire someone like this, this little woman who many would say has lived a full life and should be getting ready to meet her maker. She wasn’t ready to meet her maker though; she was inspired to serve him all the more. There are saints among us who we don’t even recognize; this little lady inspired me to keep on. God is good!

There was more from Third Day Church. I discern carefully about churches I recommend people to. The church in Fresno The Virtual Pew will recommend people to is Third Day. There may eventually be others, but I based on what I know, these people are loving, honor God, his word, and help people be like Christ without all of the religiosity that so many attach to Christianity. I hope to come back to this church. I fully believe, you can’t put a price on blessing, and not only did God bless me financially here, he blessed my spirit.

There was more that happened at Third Day, I could write a long article about just this church. There were several wanting me back, wanting me at other churches, in fact, every place I spoke there were people asking for additional ministry in the future, asking for more, and asking for a return visit. One of the things that will also happen from this visit is we videoed the story of Anthony. We also have a professional audio recording that to my understanding will air nationally at live365 on a radio station and may be presented to Focus on the Family for consideration. My willingness to not be concerned about the size of the church, has led to the possibility of the story of Anthony being heard by the tens of thousands. God is still good!

This next little segment is for the publishers and editors out there. I never, repeat, never, present the story of Anthony, or any variety of other subjects where many people don’t come up asking for the book, or asking for me to write about a particular area, be it the urban church, movies and faith or any number of other areas, even stories of my experiences and fiction. I still need an editor but I can’t tell you how this story of Anthony has impacted people, and I pretty much tell it like I wrote it with the exception of not being nearly as detailed. There are always tears, and always people touched. I have to state the same thing each time, and I am aware of others becoming more aware because they are seeing it. On one hand I have people contemplating suicide contacting me, people with issues regarding sexuality, maybe drug issues, and abuse issues. That is all on one hand, then on the other, is the time it takes to market and try to sell or edit a book. Let me ask, which one you think is more important? For me, the answer is simple. The loss of life versus the marketing and work to get a book out is an easy decision. Those who know me from The Virtual Pew and MySpace, know this is no exaggeration. I would love to see the story get out more it is why I am giving away pre-edit versions of the book as people want, (Now averaging about 15-20 per week for the last year.) There is no marketing, no promotion other than brief mention on articles and postings. I will ask again, if anyone would be willing to help, or on any other component of The Virtual Pew, please let me know. .

Well, that is a lot. I got back to Bakersfield, have been getting caught up some today on emails, updating my mail list and then some. I may or may not have time to edit and publish this before I leave tomorrow, I don’t know. I do know this, God is good! He blessed the time in California, and the Northern Plains is next. I still need all of the dates I can get. I promise you, if living in that area, and you book me, God will use this ministry to bless you. Don’t take my word for it, there are others that will likely comment, or I can provide you contact information. Then again, what does it cost to give it a try? Oh maybe just a soul that God desires to touch, is that soul worth losing? I’m glad God don’t think so.

Check out this video of a past sermon. Be looking for the future video of The Keystone Kid, The Story of Anthony. If the video don't appear just click on the following link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRhHcPOVxKg

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

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

Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
P.O. Box 17731
Wichita, KS 67217

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

Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
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

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Interview With Jim Palmer Author of Divine Nobodies

I recently had the honor of interviewing Jim Palmer, author of Divine Nobodies Shedding Religion to Find God (and the unlikely people who help you), and the upcoming book WIDEOPEN SPACES Beyond Paint by Number Christianity. There were a number of things that came up in the interview that somewhat surprised me.

Jim like I had survived an abusive childhood and has worked with abused children and non profits. In fact it got stranger as I discovered he attended East Tennessee State University in Johnson City Tennessee. A school my wife had graduated from, a town I was from, and attended college there one summer. I attended High School at University High on the Campus of East Tennessee State University. It wasn’t long before I realized there was a reason I liked Jim Palmer so much, he was a kindred spirit who had experienced many of the same things I had. There were more similarities like his once being a pastor at Willow Creek Community Church and me almost becoming one there. When I had read his words in Divine Nobodies, and reading his words and blogs at MySpace, I knew Jim would be one God would use to touch and help me in the areas of life I needed help.

I could say a lot more about my friend Jim, but will simply say check him out at http://www.divinenobodies.com/ or at http://www.myspace.com/divinenobodies. Now on to the interview that started off with a tricky phone connection.

Mike Furches (MF): Hey you there?

Jim Palmer (JP): Yea

MF: Didn’t know if I had lost you or not.

JP: Lately this land line phone has been having the batteries changed or get some new batteries.

MF: I don’t know if you know but I used to live down near Nashville. I actually lived in Gordonsville and my aunt; she had a shop in Nashville I think off of Gallatin Road. I still have a number of relatives that live there. It has grown a lot over the last few years I know.

JP: Man, the next time your down here call and we’ll like have some coffee somewhere or something.

MF: I’m always looking for churches to minister at.

JP: Cool

MF: Won’t take real long, but I have been reading the book you sent me, Divine Nobodies. First of all my interviews are a little bit different. I don’t know if you read any of my interviews with Billy Bob or anyone else,

JP: Yea a little bit.

MF: I try to make them a little more personable and not too preachy or anything like that. That’s not my calling.

JP: I’m with you.

MF: A couple of things, can you tell us about Jim Palmer, maybe for folks who don’t know that much about you, tell us about your background.

JP: Well I grew up in Southwest Virginia where Blacksburg is. I’m a big Hokie fan and was sort of devastated by the tragedy not too long ago. I grew up having a very troubled childhood. I kind of emerged as a young adult as a kid who was not knowing of any sort of direction to go in, what I was good at, what I wanted to do in life. I didn’t really have much of a meaningful connection with God through my childhood youth and so on.

I went to college at East Tennessee State University and got involved in a little campus ministry there and begin to discover a little bit about a relationship with God and one thing led to the next and I built a friendship with a guy who was a pastor in town. I decided I wanted to go into ministry myself. I went to a seminary up in Chicago at Trinity Seminary and got involved in church ministry. I did that for a number of years. I begin to realize that despite my God degree, my positions in Christian leadership and so on, deep down inside I knew there had to be more than this whole God thing that I was experiencing. I left professional ministry all together and outside of the Christian subculture and outside of Christian ministry God begin to sort of stream some interesting people into my life that kind of awakened me to a number of possibilities to what it could mean to really know God. That is what Divine Nobodies is about. It is that story of shedding my religious mentality in order to know God in deeper ways. That is actually a little bit of the journey that I’ve been on. I’m pretty much just a nobody here in Nashville, growing in terms of knowing God more deeply, and that’s just kind of the path I’m on.

MF: It is amazing how God puts people together. Do you want me to give you an example of that?

JP: Yea

MF: Do you know where I went to school at?

JP: Where?

MF: University High

JP: Really?

MF: On the campus of East Tennessee State University

JP: Man, isn’t that wild?

MF: My wife is a graduate of ETSU. I got saved at I think it’s Memorial Gym, Robinson, not the Mini Dome but what’s the name of that gym?

JP: I can’t even remember the name of it.

MF: I think it’s Brookes Gym or something like that. David Wilkerson was doing a crusade and that is where I got saved at.

JP: Man, that’s so funny. I remember seeing University High all of the time.

MF: I went back when it was more of a college prep school which is kind of strange. I don’t know how much you know about Johnson City but I grew up and lived in Keystone.

JP: I don’t know much, pretty much my whole knowledge of that Tri-Cities area is like the campus of ETSU. I didn’t grow up in that area. I was on campus when I was there so I didn’t get out and around a whole lot.

MF: It’s built up in such a way now that you can do that. Actually for quite a few years you could do that. A lot of students just stay on campus or in that general area.

JP: This is cool.

MF: Yea it is a small world.

JP: Yea I know, isn’t that wild.

MF: Can you tell us about the book, Divine Nobodies?

JP: The subtitle of the book gives a pretty good picture of what it’s about. That subtitle is Shedding Religion to Find God (and the unlikely people who help you.) Essentially, those quote, unquote divine nobodies are those unlikely people like a Waffle House waitress, a auto mechanic, a hip hop musician, a tire salesman and other people that God begin to use in my life out of Christian subculture, away from Christian ministry just a guy living his life knowing there has to be more to God than what I was experiencing. Through these encounters with these people was the process that God used to help me shed some of my religious mentality that was hindering my knowing God in a way that he really wanted me to know him. You know having gone through seminary, having been in professional Christian ministry you kind of create these certain boxes that you put God in and you relate to God based upon certain religious rules, formulas, principles and that kind of a thing. In all of my great theology, my years in professional Christian ministry I realized that there was a lot to God that I really didn’t know and it kind of took bumping into these people on the everyday path of life for me to begin to recognize that there was a whole lot more to God than what I was experiencing. So each chapter is the story of one of those unsuspecting people that God sent into my life, how they impacted me, how that person sort of confronted a belief that I had, that was a shallow way of thinking about God or a sort of a misguided notion I might have picked up along the way that was influencing how I related to God, and how that person kind of confronted that in some way or got me to thinking or pressed me deeper into myself to discover God ways in ways that I had not experienced him before.

MF: Part of what you’re talking about, at least in the way I see it is that people are actively living out their faith and having an impact on others. Would that be a fair assessment?

JP: Yea that would be assessment. An example might be that in this process. What’s happened is that in these last few years I’ve been going through this process of separating God from religion, separating Christ from Christianity, separating community from organized church to kind of really get down to the essence and the core of what it means to know God. Somehow I got all of these things confused and muddled up and it’s required me to kind of separate these things out in my mind to determine what is true, and to experience what God wants for me. Each of these individuals have been a part of the process that is helping me separate those things so that I can truly come to know God in ways that I hadn’t really before. You’re right these are people that didn’t have a God degree or a position in a church but they were just people living out the ways of Christ along the everyday path of life and I would just bust into them. God used those little encounters and those friendships and relationships to help transform my own life.

MF: What’s Jim Palmer doing now?

JP: I’m doing some writing; I’m continuing to finish the next book that is coming out in October. I am doing a few more after that. I’m continuing to talk about the culture and about separating God and religion and kind of working my way through all of that. I’ve started something called the Pilgrimage Project which is an initiative giving people permission to really think and breathe outside of the traditional boundaries of organized church and I meet a lot of people who are very interested in Jesus Christ as a person and who want to connect with others and have relationships that encourage one another on their spiritual journey. These are people who aren’t necessarily interested in Christianity as a religion or in organized church in any form. We’ve kind of been developing a social network of people for whom church is these relationships we have with each other. That is something else I have gotten involved in here in the Nashville area. I do a little bit of teaching on the side. I teach a little bit of world history and I have my hand in a few different things. We just live here in a neighborhood in our city and really involved in our neighborhood and love our neighbors and are involved in the lives of our neighbors. We really try to connect with the people God places in our lives and create community and coming through life together, trying to cultivate those relationships. So that’s a little bit of what goes on with me.

MF: Any websites or links that would be good for people to check out that wants to get more information about you and your ministry?

JP: Yea you can go to divinenobodies.com, I’m also on myspace at myspace.com/divinenobodies You can always shoot me an email at jim@divinenobodies.com That kind of gets you connected to a couple of places where I hang out on line and blog a little bit.

MF: Your blogs are, well you have seen my work, I tend to be too long and I can be winded at times. Your stuff, I have been intrigued by the beauty of what you do and the simplicity of it. Usually what happens for the folks that are reading this is that usually Jim’s blogs will have a photograph and then usually just a sentence or a phrase to get you to reflect on that. Do you want to comment on why you blog in that way? It is very intriguing and some of your stuff in its simplicity. I marvel at your ability to say so much with so little. No way is this is any kind of a put down; it is just an amazing thing that you do. Can you comment because I am intrigued by that.

JP: I think in general there is this assumption that the more information that a person receives the better off they are particularly when it comes to their spiritual growth or their relationship with God. It’s kind of like the more you read the more you study it is just a matter or transferring large portions of information to your brain, and that is the primary thing to stimulate spiritual growth. What I have been finding is that in the last few years, is that for myself that the spiritual growth is not just a cerebral thing, it’s not just an intellectual mastering of quantities of information but it’s maybe going to a deeper part of a person and connecting with God and maybe receiving something on a deeper level. For example, I think it was Socrates who said one good question is better than a thousand answers. I think that when I blog I may throw out a question because I think ultimately a person needs to discover truth for themselves; it is more than just me passing along information. It has to be that the person comes to a truth themselves, and it connects to a deep place within them. Over time after going through seminary and being in ministry I was definitely one of those putting out large thoughts of information for people to consume, but now I am starting to see the incredible spiritual value of a good question, a photograph that maybe connects to a deeper place inside someone. I guess I do that in my blogs because that is the type of thing that has been really impacting me as time goes on. A simple picture, a good question, are just things that the Spirit uses to open up a place deep within me where I become aware of the presence of God or God can work inside of me at another level other than just that sort of that left brain intellectual side of it. That is kind of why I probably tend to go in that direction more in my blogs.

MF: For those reading this what, I would say is I subscribe to probably 200 blogs or more. The truth of it is I read, or at least try to read all of them as I can, but time is a precious commodity. The other truth is that there are probably 5 – 10 that I make sure that I read. Jim Palmers is one of those and every time that you put something up I read it. There are times that I will think and the question that you ask, or the photograph that you use, sometimes 15 – 20 words at most and then the photograph and sometimes I will think and contemplate about that through the day to come to a process of where God can teach me.

JP: You know one day somebody emailed me and said Jim, you ever noticed how often you will use a photograph of person’s eyes on your blog. I wasn’t really consciously aware that I did it so often but as I scrolled a number of my posts I noticed that I did. You know I don’t know, it is an interesting thing that one of the most common miracles that Jesus did in the Gospels was that he would restore people’s sight. One time Jesus said that if your eyesight is good your whole body is good. If you can see ok everything else is going to be good, but if you are blinded and you can’t see then it is going to create all of these other kinds of challenges for you. Even in that there is just that whole message that Christ came to open our eyes to truth, to restore a sense of spiritual vision and understanding, and if you can see the reality of what God wants to give with the eyes of your heart and the present reality of God’s kingdom that’s available within us and to live from day to day, then we’re tapping into that reality that God wants us to experience. I don’t know I think that God uses a lot of simple things, whether it’s nature or it’s art, or conversation with a person standing in a line, the more I’m open and aware of God and his presence in everyone and everything around me it just seems like it’s a continual opportunity for God to grow me spiritually.

MF: One of the beautiful things about God and Christ is that we are all different. He has created us all differently and he’ll use different means and approaches to reach people. To me it is amazing that someone like myself that can be real descriptive, not confrontational but almost sarcastic at times in getting people to think about certain points. God can use something simple like what you do to impact someone like me who’s in some ways different in the things I write about. I just did one on a recent political debate, I’m doing another today about a lady I ran into at Wal-Mart last night which will be more humorous. I’m just saying God uses different people to impact others in ways that we would never imagine sometimes.

JP: I tend to think we are all teachers and all students and if we come to every interaction, every conversation, every relationship, every blog and realize that there’s something here for me to learn and something here for me to offer. I think it just that we check out, kind of have the God switch we turn on for church, or some spiritual activity, or whatever and we expect God then then we kind of turn that God switch off when we’re in the everyday aspects of living life. We are kind of just walking through life, kind of tuned out, eyes closed, spiritual eyes closed and we lack that conscious awareness of all of the ways God is wanting to animate his life in us, or live his life through us, or stimulate our awareness of his kingdom within us. It is always happening.

MF: That gets us back to the circle of Divine Nobodies. In reality when we open up our eyes, God can use all kinds of people, and we ourselves can be used to touch other people.

Another question, maybe a little controversial; regarding the association you have had with the Emerging Church Movement? I run into this a lot. The Virtual Pew is a ministry that attempts to reach out to people who are unchurched or have been disenfranchised or hurt by the church. The reality of it is that the Virtual Pew is in its essence and its form is a type of Emergent Church in what we are attempting to do because we are trying to do things differently and share Christ with people in different ways. Would you speak some about the controversy? One of the things I am pleased with is that you have spoken a lot about Christ. One of the things the Emergent Church is often criticized for is that it leaves Christ out of the equation. Do you want to comment on that?

JP: Yea, with the way I kind of got connected into the Emergent movement, Emergent church or whatever, there are different ways of expressing it, is that outside of Christian subculture, I started stumbling upon some different ways of thinking about my Christian faith, what it means to be the Church, so on and so forth. As I continued down that road, I begin thinking; you know I wonder if I’m going off the deep end. If nobody else I am around seems to be thinking these things, maybe I’m just going crazy. I met with a friend of mine who I knew who would shoot straight with me so I just laid it all out and shared with him where I was at, what I was thinking, what I was questioning and so on. His basic response was well, you’re not alone because there is this sort of emergent conversation is going on where a lot of people are asking similar questions or trying to rethink some things the way you are describing. There is a couple of people you might try to hook up with and get to know or that kind of thing. That is how I got connected into Emergent and for me what it had given me permission to do which I think you seldom find, is it creates the opportunity to do those things I mentioned, separating God from religion, separating the person of Christ from Pop Christianity, separating the community and body of Christ from institutional church and essence to kind of deconstruct and pull a part and examine your theology, your beliefs and practices and so on and be engaged in a conversation where you’re not going to be hammered for raising the questions you have about your faith and how to put all of that back together. For me the Emergent Movement has been a kind of permission slip to ask all of those questions to kind of deconstruct it all. It provided the freedom to put all of the pieces back together in ways that seem unconventional to folks who are more accustomed to a more traditional way of doing things.

I think the challenge for the Emergent Church is sometime I feel like the people on the ends are too focused on forms of church. It seems to me it kind of put rivals into this new worship style or something. Sometimes I feel like the core of the Emergent movement or conversation it’s not just introducing a new form church where you put people in the round, light candles and pass out clay for people to manipulate during a sermon, it’s not a form of church, at least for me it has been an opportunity to pull a part the pieces of my faith and reexamine what it really means to be a follower of Christ. To be able to separate the person Christ from the religion that we slap his name on and our church practices we tend to equate with being Christians. I think the problem is that there is so much variety within the Emergent Church that I think people are concerned about some of the theology in the Emergent Church and there is the side of it where the focus is on that style of worship, and so on and so forth. Again, my experience has been that it allows everybody to pull their feet up to the table and talk about Christ, to talk about spirituality, to talk about God. Everyone has a place at that table and can talk through their struggles and questions, their concerns. I think that is such a healthy thing.

MF: I don’t want to interject words here, so if I am wrong here, interject your thoughts here. Part of being emergent does not mean that you deny Christ, it does not mean that you deny the need for church, does not mean that you deny scripture, it’s just that you are looking at new ways of conversation where you can talk about things and with people who maybe have issues and maybe have the need to find their own identity to some extent. It’s not a denial of Christ, the need for church or anything of that nature?

JP: Yea. In fact, this is based just on my own personal experience and I am sure it is somewhat limited, but speaking of the Emergent Churches I am aware of and the Emergent leaders and some of the central people in the Emergent Movement and their ministry. My experience is that if anything it has really elevated and intensified a focus of Christ in all sorts of different ways. In terms of taking on the heart of Christ of missions, in issues of social justice, in returning to the Gospels and intently studying and discovering not only the message Jesus taught but the life he demonstrated and wanting to walk in the ways Jesus walked in and taking that into our own lives. The same thing with church, again, my experience has been that the church communities are stronger because it encourages things like freedom to ask those questions that everybody is thinking but not everybody feels the freedom to ask and discuss. There is a focus on church not being a building, meeting, program or a service, but it is a community of relationships where people practice one anothering, love one another, encourage one another, teach one another, bear one another’s burdens. From what I see it has done a great deal to really strengthen and focus on the person of Christ and a deeper appreciation in terms of what it means to be in the world. That is what I’m seeing.

MF: I don’t know if you have done the study of when the times Jesus just starts to teach versus the times he was asked questions? By and far, most all of Jesus teachings took place after Jesus was asked questions. It kind of shows the importance of relationship and I think something that the Emergent Church is trying to do is opening up to questions, allowing people to ask those questions and express their feelings without fear of being threatened.

JP: Yea, I think that in the end, that really promotes a stronger faith because people will naturally grow and have a more solid faith if they can be honest about their struggles and raise the questions, the difficult questions, not just the simple easy questions. All of the way down to the core of Christianity there are fairly difficult questions and to wrestle through them I think develops a stronger faith in people who know Christ. An important part to the scripture is that you want to pay attention to the fruit. I’ve seen that some of that fruit has seen people growing in areas like love, becoming people of love, extending unconditional love of God to all people, the fruit of engaging our world at its most desperate places. With people who are victims of oppression, people in great need, not just a suburban mentality but a desire to go into a deeper world and see an inner strength of the reality of Christ with the marginal people of our society, the people who are typically disconnected from a lot of the organized church. The fruit I see is that a good thing. Not everybody is going to agree, it is a pretty wide spectrum in terms of the theology of it. I am not sure the Emergent Church is a particular theology. So whatever Brian McClaren may or may not believe theologically, a Tony Jones, or any number of others is trying to identify and create some standard theology that everyone else will buy into or accept. I think there is a lot of diversity there. The way it normally goes is that the world will pick one or two people and sort of associate the whole group with some of those most popular people when in reality it is so much broader than that.

MF: It’s not like the Emergent Church has a set doctrinal statement that organizes and brings everybody together say like a Baptist or Methodist church?

JP: Right

MF: Last thing, would be anything that you would want to say. I always leave it open for folks to share something if they want and haven’t had the chance.

JP: I think the thing I would share and encourage people to realize is that there is a sort of spiritual message that Jesus had that unique to religion. An example, religious leaders came to Jesus wanting to know when the Kingdom of God is going to get here, when should we be looking for it. Jesus responded that the Kingdom of God is within you, another translation says that the Kingdom of God is among you. I think that Jesus was constantly through out the Gospel to see beyond the typical mentality of religion. The Kingdom of God for example is within us. I would just encourage people to look at the things Jesus had to say. Many of those things may sound kind of crazy, maybe even heretical when compared to the typical reason of religion. The Kingdom of God is a Kingdom of love, and peace, and joy, and freedom, and the reality of that kingdom is inside of us and we can experience that reality and we can live out of it day by day. I am finding so many examples of that message of Jesus which is sometimes is dismissed which is I think of kind of the link to help people move beyond the religious concept of Christianity into a deeper spirituality with God. Just keep your eyes wide open to the full message and reality that Jesus wants people to experience.

To hear and see Jim talk about his book Divine Nobodies double click on the video below. If you don't see the video click on the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pODiiU2q0UY

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 visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.
Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
P.O. Box 17731
Wichita, KS 67217

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
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

Monday, July 2, 2007

Divine Nobodies - Jim Palmer

A number or years ago I started reading a series of books called Chicken Soup for the Soul. Over those years those books took a variety of routes that ended up developing quite a franchise. As much as I enjoy the books, I have to admit, I consider them not much more than “fluff.” Fluff is a term I use for something that is fun, but not a lot of meat or substance. It is like comparing an ice-cream cone to a Banana Split. Of course one realizes there are times in ones life that fluff sustains and provides all you need to get through the moment.

What happens when one needs more than fluff, more than an ice-cream cone, or for that matter, more than ice-cream? There are times we need the basics, things like meat and potatoes with healthy vegetables, a cold glass of sweet tea, and a batch of grandmas’ banana pudding for desert. Usually with those types of meals comes not only a full belly, but a great time with family and friends, a time where we know we have garnished more than a snack, a meal, or a desert. We know we have garnished an experience that will last for a long time.

In the last year I have gotten to know Jim Palmer through our MySpace friendship. I knew Jim to be a brilliant author who has a way of describing deep theological truths in the simplest of ways. In his writings Jim often uses a photograph and a couple of sentences that gets the reader to think about something often deep, and always spiritual.

Jim recently sent me a copy of his book Divine Nobodies published by the W Publishing Group. What I found was a book that would use the form of Chicken Soup for the Soul, but instead of fluff would provide something special. Using short stories Jim has weaved together a series of stories that reminds us all, it is in the observation of those often considered Divine Nobodies that we can find God. In fact the subtitle of Divine Nobodies is Shedding Religion to Find God, (and the unlikely people who help you).

Divine Nobodies is hard to put down, it is a book that if contemplating the deep spiritual truths interwoven among the stories, will lead each reader to a place where they will discover God in ways they hadn’t expected. It is a book for those with no spiritual leanings; they may be able to understand for the first time, the difference between a religion and a relationship with God. Jim Palmer makes it uniquely clear; there is a difference. Once one sees the difference, I can’t help but think people will be drawn closer to God than ever before.

Jim Palmer has received great reviews by people such as Brian McLaren author of The Secret Message of Jesus and an individual many consider a leader in the Emergent Church Movement. Many would consider Palmer among those leaders. I must comment here, one of the negatives I have heard from some Christians is the specific concept that the Emergent Church denies the need for Jesus and the Bible. I found this to be quite the opposite while reading Divine Nobodies. My personal observation is that some need to reconsider their negative opinions of at least towards many within the Emergent Movement. Divine Nobodies is filled with illustrations of Jesus life, his examples, the need to follow his teachings as well as Scripture that supports a relationship with Jesus. It is done in a non threatening way, not compromising the person or message of Christ. While many will say this is a book primarily for Christians, it is also a book that effectively shows non Christians the person of Jesus in a new and unique way.

I have to admit, not since Chicken Soup for the Soul has a book brought out the variety of emotions Divine Nobodies did. I laughed, I cried, I prayed, I contemplated. I went through just about every range of emotion one can go through while reading this. I’ll read it again and likely again. There aren’t many of those books that exist. It is so good I am considering buying a batch to give to people searching for God. In my own travels I have run into so many who would have benefited from the stories in Divine Nobodies.

From a disc jockey to a mechanic, from a priest to a little girl and a father in a photograph in a library book, Jim Palmer tells us short stories of people who have touched him and helped shed religion to find God. Palmer has found a way to let those very people who inspired him bring the reader closer to God, it is what makes Divine Nobodies so unique and so beautiful.

I normally do ratings for the movies I review, but choose to not do that for books for a variety of reasons. What I will say is this; do you ever feel ordinary and like you need a purpose? Do you ever look to find examples of Jesus so you can understand what faith and God is all about? If so, I strongly recommend this book. Then again, if you want fluff, I also encourage you to get Divine Nobodies, not because it is fluff, but because it gets you thinking you are going to the soda shop for an ice-cream, but leaving well satisfied with a three scoop banana split. Divine Nobodies is a rarity. One you will have a hard time putting down, one you will be glad you read.

Just a note, be on the look out over the next couple of days with an interview between myself and author Jim Palmer.

To find out more about Jim Palmer check out the following:

http://www.divinenobodies.com/ You can also visit Jim at MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/divinenobodies

To see a video of Jim Palmer talking about his book Divine Nobodies double click on the video. If the video don't appear, click on the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pODiiU2q0UY

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
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

Friday, June 29, 2007

Oh Where Are Youuuuuuuuu?

Some may be wondering, “Where has Mike been this week?” The answer to that is really quite simple.

I am leaving tomorrow for California. I will be speaking on Sunday at Heritage Bible Church in Bakersfield. The phone number for the church is 661-871-1212. The web site for directions and information about the church is: http://www.heritagebible.us/. The address for the church is: 2323 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93306. I don’t know the number of times I will be speaking there, am sure of Sunday morning and possibly some through the week. One thing for certain is I will be doing ministry in the Bakersfield and Central California area while there. During the Sunday morning program I will be telling the Story of Anthony, a journey from drugs, gangs, abuse and homelessness to the discovery of love.

On Friday, July 6 I will be doing 2 presentations in San Jose at the San José McEnery Convention Center, Civic Auditorium and Parkside Hall while presenting at San Jose 2007 for the Mennonite Church USA Conference. There will be over 6,000 delegates in attendance for this conference. The web site for more information about this conference is: http://www.sanjose2007.org/. I will be doing presentations on Flicks, Movies, and Faith?

There is a lot you can be praying for until my return home on July 10. I am still trying to find a location to stay in San Jose for Thursday night July 5. My daughter is also presenting at the conference and I would love to be there for her. I am even open to sleeping on a cot or on the floor in someone’s motel room if need be. I would also like to take as much time as possible to develop contacts while there.

Be in prayer for the ministry that will take place at each presentation and that the Lord would open up doors for additional ministry while there. It is my desire to do ministry in situations like this as opposed to sitting around and vegging out. You can also pray regarding the finances of this trip. I only have one speaking engagement that will contribute to my costs. The presentations at San Jose 2007 don’t help cover any expenses. Hopefully this opens doors for ministry in the future. I will tell you, the presentation will be something and will open up many eyes and hearts as to ways individuals can share their faith with others in an effective way.

So, that is what I have been up to, getting paperwork ready, packing, washing clothes, finishing up presentations, all of that kind of stuff. It has been a little difficult this go around because my son is at the National Duals in Oklahoma City and I have been trying to keep up with that, and my wife is at a conference in Topeka Kansas. I have been a bachelor for the week, but have been able to get a lot of things done that I needed to get done. It has been difficult at times, and I realize my own need for family, friends and God. I believe I will have several encounters with people this next 10 or 11 days that will have me sharing that very fact, need of family, friends, and God. It may be on an airplane, maybe in a city park, maybe with a formerly abused individual in a hallway, but God has a way of showing us our weakness when we share his love with others. Be in prayer, truth is, I still realize my own imperfections and sometimes wonder why it is God has me at the place he does. I don’t always know the answers but I know God is going to do something this week, despite the financial sacrifice my family is making to continue this ministry, a ministry with a ton of expense this week, and little coming in financially to support it. Well at least that is the case for now, God always finds away to answer that problem as well.

Depending on how much luggage space and time I have, if able to pack the video camera I will shoot some video while there, and will get on the internet as much as possible with updates and keeping up as much as possible with The Virtual Pew.

On a closing note, I am now booking for Fall and Winter of 2007 and all of 208. Contact me for information regarding presentations. Talk soon, and again, thanks for the prayers and support. BTW, if you know anyone in the San Jose area who would help take care of me for a day, (actually just provide a place to spend the night) or any additional ministry opportunities between Bakersfield and the San Jose area I would appreciate it.

An Older Video Of Me Speaking On Calming The Storm. If you see the video just double click on it, if you don't just click on the following link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nXAt19IrvU

Saturday, June 23, 2007

It's Time to Raze Hell and Stand Up – A Review of Michael Moore’s Sicko

First, let me make clear, my comments don’t represent the views of Hollywood Jesus, The Virtual Pew or any other organization, they represent my views and I take full responsibility for my comments.

I know from the get go, this may be one of the most controversial reviews/articles I have ever written and I have to admit, I DON’T CARE! It is time that Americans, and especially Christians across the globe to Raze (definition tear down and destroy) Hell and Stand Up about the health care system in our country. I don’t want to hear from the Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, or any other Politically Conservative or Liberal Group (of which there are many) Group that would deny health care to the poorest of the poor crowd, or makes the assumption that it is already there. I especially don’t want to hear from Christians who honor a political system more than they do the commands of a Risen Savior (One who has forgiven us for the things we have done wrong.) who is supposed to be our Lord, (Leader in all areas of our life, our master if you will). Why don’t I want to hear from these people, frankly I don’t want to hear from them because I don’t think their motives are pure, and I don’t think they take the commands of Jesus seriously. It is time those of us who do to STAND UP, seek justice and fair treatment for ALL people, especially in the area of health care.

Let me make something perfectly clear. I am not a fan of Michael Moore, especially after the debacles of Fahrenheit 9-11 and Bowling for Columbine. I did see promise and enjoyed Roger and Me but was reluctant to see Sicko. It was with reluctance I saw an advance copy of the movie and decided to do an early review. To say the least, I was blown away at this incredible movie that goes back to more of a documentary style than anything Moore has done in some time.

Sicko, as documentaries go, is incredible. Moore does a fantastic job at finding people to represent his view and the perspective he is trying to show. Yea I know that may seem one sided but it is something inherent with most movies, especially documentaries. What Moore does here though is find people most “regular,” “common,” “everyday folk” can relate to. His ability to weave this 2+ hour documentary into incredible story will keep any viewer from getting bored. Most viewers will find themselves glued to their seats, even through the credits. This is an emotional roller coaster that will have those passionate about their faith, and the plight of others in tears for the last 15 – 20 minutes of the movie. Moore weaves story and perspective so brilliantly that those giving this film a chance may fall in love with the documentary form.

Sicko is about the plight of the Health Care System in America. Moore starts showing several tragedies before doing something unique, at least for Moore. He blasts both political parties including current Republicans, and Democrats including, Hillary Clinton. Moore does something he hasn’t done in his last two films; he takes appropriate pot shots at both parties for their lack of concern and compassion. From there, Moore goes to look at various countries and their health care systems, from Canada, to England, from France to Cuba, Moore adequately dispels a number of myths and the origins of those myths. He also finds ways to address the issues surrounding the health care plight of many in the United States. In this debate Moore not only looks at the opinions of single political party, he looks at Conservatives, Liberals, Christians, Atheists and others. Moore gives a brilliant presentation of what should be a non political issue from various perspectives.

From real people to politics and from corporations back to real people Moore drives home the need to address this issue. Moore concludes the program by looking at insiders within the industry and the needs of real Americans. The film climatically ends when he decides to take people to Cuba to visit the Guantanamo Bay Naval facilities where federal hearings have indicated that Al Qaeda prisoners there are receiving better health care than most Americans. Among three boat loads of people include legitimate American heroes who are experiencing serious health concerns after rescue operations during the World Trade Center Attacks in New York. This sequence when starting will have audiences applauding and laughing at the genius of Moore. Many will be critical, some such as Sean Hannity have called the movie “Un American” and even offered to pay for Moore to move to Cuba. All this political rhetoric takes away from the seriousness of the issues addressed in Sicko.

Just as viewers are quickly applauding Moore’s efforts and great story telling, they will soon be in tears. Many will be so upset at our political system they may hope for the same type of rebellion that secured the formation of the United States. A rebellion where all people, including the poorest of the poor stand up voice their concern and demand Americans receive the same benefits as does virtually every other country in the Western Hemisphere, and Western World. Moore illustrates this so powerfully one has little recourse to support current systems that put people on the streets to die, and refuses service based on ability to pay. We see an illustration of a medication that costs $120 in America, but only costs pennies in Cuba. We see democratic countries like Canada, England and France providing better services than America in their treatment of people. They treat the illness and provide help for prevention programs that addresses preexisting conditions, the same ones causing denial of services by U.S.A. insurance companies.

Moore, as always, presents himself and his commentary in Sicko but he does something in here unique even for him. Moore finds real people we can relate to and the bulk of the story is told by them, and their experiences. Moore while making his commentary, allows the people, the situations, the politics, and the realities tell the story. His blending of real people, with commentary provides lessons any film school could learn from.

As mentioned earlier, I expect this to be a controversial review. Some may ask why? The simple response to that is so many Christians in the USA have aligned their faith with a political system where they find it hard to say anything negative about our system. I challenge, especially for Christians, we have to do something with the teachings of Jesus in regards to helping and assisting the poor. Jesus, various prophesies, Biblical teachings, and Jesus life illustrated his teachings, they show obvious intent to serve. In Matthew 25 we see the only difference between those who go to Heaven and who don’t based on what they do and don’t do for “The Least of These.” In Jesus own life he went about healing people, he showed an obvious intent and concern regarding their physical welfare and their health. Instead of making excuses Jesus healed people, he was compassionate towards people with physical elements. When you watch Sicko, you will see sick people in need of hospitalization sat out on the streets. This is an on going problem in some locations. In the last weeks there is the story of a Los Angeles Hospital that allowed someone to die in the Emergency Room as opposed to giving them treatment. I recently saw conservative Christians on a wrestling talk forum making fun of the woman, making assumptions she didn’t have insurance, had a big screen television and on and on, all of this in a joking manner. I honestly believe this attitude sickens God.

I am passionate on this issue but I have personal experience. I worked at Trend Mental Health Center in Hendersonville North Carolina as the director of their Rehabilitation facility for Mentally Ill Adults, Sixth Avenue West. I was there when Trend became one of two American Pilot programs to test Managed Health Care practices. We now use this system in the USA. I was a part of negotiations regarding Managed Care in Mental Health Systems across America, even helped establish programs, coordinating these services with state mental health systems and state vocational rehabilitation systems across the USA. I am one of those insiders that could tell you from first hand experience that Sicko hits the problems exactly as they are. We have insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies basing health care decisions on their profit earning potential. Trend Mental Health Center, shortly after I left the agency went through a number of legal issues specific to this concern expressed in the movie Sicko. I have seen first hand, decisions made such as in the movie based on the companies’ willingness to pay for health care treatment. Many of these decisions resulted in serious negative consequences for those who should have received services. If you don’t believe me regarding the issues of this system, ask almost any doctor in the USA that sincerely cares about their patients what they think of the current policies, the gate keeper programs, and the decisions as to who gets treatment and who don’t. Americans should be so outraged that they hit the streets in mass numbers to STAND UP and seek out adequate treatment of our people.

I assure you, this problem; while it largely affects the poor because of their inability to have any insurance isn’t limited to just the poor. Sicko illustrates that all people, including the middle class, even with what they think is great insurance, is also greatly threatened. Sicko very accurately, according to my own experiences, the entire shows the problems of the health care system in the USA.

For those concerned with the Social Medicine Label, Moore also does a great job of illustrating “social” concepts already in place in America, including Fire and Police services, libraries, and others that provide services to all people despite their ability to pay or not. He addresses the origins of these thoughts and the current health care policies. Americans after seeing and hearing these examples will have additional reasons to be outraged. If not, it will only take a short time before they, or someone they love goes through the travesty of what we call Health Care, and they will then be outraged.

In closing, I love this film for it’s honesty to what I know to be facts regarding the health care system in America. Anyone who wants to deny these issues has not seriously looked at the problem. I can personally tell you of many conservative, Christian people, with what they thought was good insurance. After a medical emergency they found out their coverage and treatments were sub par with what was needed. I was moved by the realization that as a Christian, I must do something more to assist those Christ went out of his way to show them he loved them.

I also appreciated that Moore went out of his way to show the problem isn’t the doctors. In one sequence he alludes that because of the value of what doctors do they deserve a high standard of living. I agree; I want the best treating me when I have a life threatening illness. He shows doctors in America who hate the system, and doctors in other countries whom make great livings, while at the same time, following their passion to help people get better. In England one doctor tells the story of how doctors there can make more money the more they treat symptoms and prevent illness. In America that is not the case. Without prior approval there are limitations placed if approval is given. That doesn’t address the issue of non treatment if there is a preexisting illness or condition.

My desire is that people around the world, especially America and her poor would STAND UP, be counted, be heard, and vote accordingly. It is a shame many of those don’t vote. It is an even greater shame that Christians find excuses to not do what Jesus Commanded, stand up for the least of these. He even tells us, “What you have done for the least of these (including health care treatment), you have done to me.”

Hopefully at least 10 people will stand up and be heard on this issue, if those 10 get 10, and so forth, before long we can do what virtually every other country in the world does, provide appropriate health care for all of our people. How convinced am I of Moore’s call to action for all people on this issue? Well, when you see me wearing my button that says Stand Up, you will know what I am standing up for.

On a Scale of 1-10, for everything a documentary should be and then some. I am honoring Sicko with a Sick score of 10. .

Matthew 25: 31-46

(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."

To see the trailer for the movie Sicko double click on the video. If you don't see the video click on the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joaAfBr9tAE

Will You Stand Up For Jesus and What Is Right? This is a nice video that illustrates that one person can make a difference. If you see the video double click on it, if not, just click on the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h2VegT9fbk

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

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Chinese Acrobats In A Wild West World

Twisting and turning, upside down and round and round, I love the thrills of amusement parks. This year is a kind of exciting year for Wichita Kansas; we have the start up of what is called the first Wild West Theme Park in the country. Wild West World opened its doors last month and my family was among the first to jump on the season pass specials offered for the park. For $50 bucks each we were able to get passes to the park that would allow us unlimited admission and unlimited rides. Of course the food and games would be extra but that would be okay, we knew a bargain when we saw one. It was the rides and shows we were after and man o man did I have experience with rides. I have several stories of riding rides so much where I would get sick, throw up, then get back on the rides and ride some more. I can tell horror stories such as the time I was incredibly sick at the Tulsa Oklahoma State Fair and was walking out through the food section when the sweet smell of Funnel Cakes caused me to get nauseous and I threw up all over the person walking in front of me as I couldn’t make it to the trash can in time. Yep, rides that twist and turn you, upside down and all around when enjoying the grease and smells of an amusement park can do that. Unfortunately my wife and family can tell you more stories about that with me than I would like to admit.

Wichita has a history of amusement parks, it also has a history of them not doing well it was a gamble when Wild West World decided to open but I think they have a chance of making it if they keep on providing unique and quality rides, along with quality entertainment. They have a number of rides I haven’t seen before and while a wet six months has them a little behind in the park development what they do have is unique and thrilling. From a roller coaster with seats that spin like a tilt o whirl to a ride called El Diablo a kind of open seat Zipper ride that has you twisting and turning in virtually every direction one can imagine. The log flume opened this week, and the Ferris Wheel has you sitting in a covered Wild West wagon for a unique time. There are plans for a larger roller coaster that will travel above and beneath the lake in the center of the park. The entrance to the park resembles a Wild West town and the park has gone out of its way to provide quality family oriented entertainment. While there are weekly outdoor concerts and various stage performances, the highlight is the incredible Chinese Acrobats.

One of the benefits of the season pass is that my family doesn’t have to go spend long periods of time at the park, although we always take time to ride a few rides and enjoy the time there. Yesterday we decided to go and catch for the first time the Chinese Acrobats. We were pleased to discover they perform three shows a day, 6 days a week, (Mondays are their day off) and each show has four acts that last approximately 35 minutes. Not bad for a theme park program. I had never seen the Chinese Acrobats in person but wanted to as they caused me to marvel when I had seen them previously on television.

We were surprised to find the building the Chinese Acrobats would be performing in was actually quite small, sitting no more than 200 – 250 people if they packed in. The building has a high ceiling with two poles that went up approximately 30 – 35 feet. On the inside, the building looked more like a barn than a theater. With seats no more than 3 or 4 rows deep, around a center section of carpet with the poles and staging area. It was impossible to not have a good seat.

After getting into the arena I was pleased as I knew we were going to have an up front and close experience with these marvelous acrobats and entertainers. I actually had to move my feet back a time or two because the entertainers were so close to me and the rest of the spectators during their performance. My front row seat was the best seat in the room as my wife and I were the first ones in the performance area.

I always thought these performers were exceptional from what I had seen on the television. I wasn’t wrong, if anything they exceeded my expectations, in fact, I was so impressed that I will be making several return visits just to see them again. The best way I know how to describe their unbelievable feats is to say it was like watching Jackie Chan live and in person. From incredible balance to life defying acrobatics these entertainers had obviously worked for years at perfecting their performance. What they brought to the stage was not only entertaining it was awe inspiring, not just for myself but the numerous others in attendance. It was so thrilling at one point I had to nudge my wife to get her to stop applauding in what must have been a five minute ovation from her, in the middle of the show.

At the end of the day yesterday and through today I came to the conclusion that sometimes people make tremendous sacrifice, and take tremendous chances in order to obtain their dreams. We are all blessed, just like we were all blessed when watching the Chinese Acrobats yesterday when people use those gifts to bless and inspire others. Not only had the Chinese Acrobats gone after this dream, but so has the developer and owners of Wild West World.

Many will enjoy the park this season and hopefully, future seasons. Truth is, there are some things the park could improve on. I love a good magician, and a park like this needs a Wild West show that features a gun fight and entertainment of that sort. I even contacted the park at one point about being a magician or entertainer for them during the season. Presently they have neither of these two things which would contribute to the theme and enjoyment of the park. Maybe they will take me up on my offer for the remainder of the summer or next season. Between my wife and I we would give them a great deal while doing something we love, her music, my magic and acting. There are other little things they could improve upon, like the development of new rides as the years go on, and an intercom system at each ride that saves the poor operators from having to repeat to every rider the rules of the ride, but all in all, outside of a few minor things, this park has promise. I love marketing and management, and when I did it in the past I did a pretty good job, I can guarantee I believe in the potential of this park. Of course there are already some good people there insuring the park gets off on the right foot.

From the kind ride operators, to the friendly workers helping clean the park, I haven’t met a single rude person at Wild West World. The entertainment has been first class and certainly inspirational, but the park has been more than that in the short season they have been open. Wild West World has also been a reminder of going for dreams and not being wishy washy about the things you go after, or the way you go after them. That point can be a reminder for all of us as we go after the things in life we long for, whether that be a ministry like The Virtual Pew, a license to be a beautician, a school teacher, or a specialized machine operator, we can observe examples all around us of what it means to go after dreams. We sometimes think that in the West, especially in America that we have a monopoly on dreams, I will challenge this is not the case. As I sat and watched up close the faces of several young men from China I could see the joy in their eyes as they recognized the joy in not only my eyes, but the 200 or so people in attendance. May we all see that look in the eyes of others we come into contact with and have the honor of serving no matter what we do. May we all experience the joy of knowing we have gone after our desires, and that our desires and efforts can please those around us. Thanks to all of those involved at Wild West World for helping me realize this at a time I needed reminded of this. Thanks especially to those young performers, the Chinese Acrobats for not only entertaining me, but for reminding me there are ways to find joy in this life as we serve others.

If the video appears below double click on it to watch the Chinese Acrobats, if it don't appear, just click on the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqzVmXBQLVg

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 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.

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.