What Tomorrow Brings

Am I the only one who ever wonders if their life has been worth it? Is this something that only happens to people as they get older? Is that why I think the way I do sometimes? I find myself asking these types of questions in life, unfortunately the older I get, the more I go through this thing called life, the more I ask these questions. Life hasn’t been easy, it has in fact, especially as one who has tried to take seriously their walk with Jesus, at times been extremely difficult, especially that thing called forgiveness and that other thing requiring that we love even your enemies, and then there is that thing called commitment. There has been the stalker crazy dude and I have no other way to describe it as I have over 40 pages of documentation to verify it, from Erwin Tennessee. There have been the broken promises of others who call themselves my spiritual brothers and sisters. Then there are the promises of that organization or group of people who call themselves the church that have yet to see the light of day. In all of this, people confront, even condemn me for the beliefs and experiences I have had, saying I am shooting the wounded, talking bad about others and the stories go on. Even this hurts though, it hurts because I believe that just like the prophets of old there are times those who are followers of Jesus should be held to the standard of discipleship and the church to the standard where she is worthy to be called the Bride of Christ. Then there are those who either because of a mental illness (they are still responsible to take their medications) or who happen to be real life jerks have nothing better to do than to ridicule, lie and tear others down. Yep, let me tell you, life is at times hard and I have lived life in a way that has had me experiencing a whole lot of junk, but you know what, in all I have had to face, in all I have had to deal with, I have never denied Jesus. Early on in my search for God I denied and spoke out openly against God and his Son Jesus the Christ but since actually accepting Christ, I can say in all honesty, I have never looked down on, or at negatively in any way, Jesus. While I am so far from perfect it is unreal, I am doing better the longer I walk with Jesus at not making so many mistakes. One may ask, and likely will, why? The answer is really quite simple; I know my life prior to Christ, shortly thereafter and all along the years. I have seen the faithfulness of God and know that he is real. I have no reservations that God has revealed himself to my wife and I and that we have experienced the goodness and blessings of God over the years together serving him. Last night at our Discipleship study with some 20 something plus homeless persons, (yes they are involved in legitimate, serious discipleship study) there was some discussion as to what it means to follow Jesus. How do we determine right from wrong, what does it mean to ‘practice sin.’ There were some hard questions, questions that are easy to ignore at times, but questions that are deserving of answers. Philip is one who recently made a decision to follow Jesus. He shares that some things are easy to follow Jesus in, there are others that aren’t and according to him there are times that he readily admits, he says ‘F*ck it,’ and does what he wants. Here is the challenge, are we willing to surrender to Christ and the Spirit of God and do the things he desires for us, not just in the presence of others, but when we are alone? Are we willing to get to the point where we will do our best to follow Jesus, even when we don’t want to and no one else is looking? I know from first hand experiences, it isn’t easy, but that is a part of what I think Jesus meant when he said that if we are to be his disciples we have to take up the cross and follow him daily. I honestly don’t know what tomorrow will bring. I may be in the next weeks starting my life all over again, searching for the best way I can to serve Jesus. None of us are guaranteed of tomorrow, I know that, but I also know that as long as I live I want to serve others in need, for when I serve those in need I am serving I believe, Jesus. Many are in need, the hurting, the abused, the homeless, the unemployed, the mentally ill, many, including at times, me and you. It isn’t easy, but I know that. In some ways, it is possible my life gets easier, in others there is the possibility it gets harder, but no matter what course my life takes, I don’t expect that I will quit loving and trying to serve my savior. I only hope that those observing during this time see that, and that maybe, just maybe, for some, it will inspire to also take the walk with the man known as Jesus the Christ a little more seriously, it is after all, worth it.

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

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Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor

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

Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

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

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

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

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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

Observing The Sabbath

I am a Sabbath keeper, but I don't believe it has to be a specific day, for example, those in ministry can't observe a Sabbath on their day of worship if a Sunday, I realize many Sabbath keepers also observe the Sabbath on its original day, a Saturday, but also here, for those in ministry, according to their traditions and religious habits, can't keep it by definition on that day either. 

 Jim Holm former president of The Mennonite Brethren Seminary did a great teaching on the Sabbath that I sat under some years ago.  Sabbath is not a day of rest as we typically conceptualize in America.  A point of interest on this is the reality that God doesn't need rest, yet, God observed a Sabbath.  Our misunderstanding of Sabbath has to do with our Westernized concept of rest. The Hebrew definition of rest is not what many may think. Unfortunately there are different definitions and we should remember the aspect of God taking a Sabbath; does God really need to rest as most would define it?  As I have done study on this, prefaced by Dr. Holm's teachings among others, I have come to the conclusion that Sabbath is really more of a day of reflection, a day of communion with God if you will.  It is a day where nothing else matters as much as seeking God and reflecting on the things God has done through and for us, plus a reflection in part on what God wants for us. The concept of Sabbath has never been done away with, it is however unfortunately misunderstood, even by many in the church and Christianity. As a result, many really doesn't honor the Sabbath, that does not negate the things God has for us when we do honor the Sabbath, neither does it do away with our need for a Sabbath.

The Sabbath is for us, to rediscover the joy of communion with God.  I challenge those who are in need of such a thing to find a day that is convenient to make your focus God.  Make one on one time with Him as much as possible.  Don't do part of a day, do as much as possible, the entire day. Pick the same day, that makes it easier to get in the routine of honoring and observing the Sabbath. Seek God's face in the ways you feel compelled.  I normally will pick something through the day after prayer, sometimes it is a day at the zoo reflecting on God's creation of animals, sometimes it is a day in the wilderness reflecting on nature, sometimes spending time in prayer, sometimes, I believe God would have me literally rest, spending time in prayer, getting sleep.  It depends on what I believe God would have for me and how He would desire to speak to me on a particular day, but yes, I honor the Sabbath, for me each Friday.

 

While there are times I have conflicts, I more than not take Fridays to spend with God.  It isn't a luxury, it is a requirement of my faith.  It wasn't done away with but Jesus did clarify it.  Do you keep and honor the concept of the Sabbath?  Why or why not?  I can just tell you this, I have found peace, heard God in the quietness and time alone with him. I have never regretted it but do often wonder why many who say they have a personal relationship with Jesus, love God, are followers of Jesus and a part of this thing called Christianity, have made excuses to not observe it. It is a concept that was so special that God wrote it down and called it one of his 10 Commandments.  Not a commandment to hold us at the place of feeling guilty but a commandment to get us to the place of having liberty and even more important than that, a time to have relationship with God.  While you are all important to me, I honor and value my time alone with God, hopefully this will move some of you who are followers of Jesus to reconsider your own time with God, hopefully observed through a Sabbath, whatever that day may be.

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

Who Are You?

Over the years I know people think they know me, but truth is, few do.  As an example, let's see how well you know me.  Of the following items, which ones are true, which are not true?

1) I have appeared on National Television at least 2X's

2) I have been quoted in Time Magazine

3) I have spoken to over 26,000 people on one occasion, and 10,000 plus on at least 5 occasions

4) I have contributed and been published in Psychology Today and The Psychosocial Journal

5) I played pro soccer for 6 years, and premiere soccer until I was 38

6) I played soccer for 2 years with the Tulsa Roughnecks

7) I have coached NCAA National Wrestling Champions

8) I was a boxer in High School

9) I am friends with many former and recent Olympic Wrestling Competitors

10) I have written 1 book and contributed to 4 other books

11) I was in a gang

12) I have been homeless

13) I was endorsed in a political election by Al Gore, The National Right To Life and the NAACP

14) I have confronted 2 governors about their policies face to face, one after they were governor, one while they were governor

15) I served on a Presidential Task Force for the Hiring of Persons with Disabilities

16) I served on a Federal Task Force regarding Fair and Reasonable Accommodations for The American's With Disabilities Act, (ADA)

17) I lived in a YMCA Transient Center for approximately a little over 2 years

18) I have had writings appear on the official web sites of George Romero, Johnny Depp, and Stephen Spielberg

19) I have appeared in 4 movies

20) All of the above are true

The answers to which of the above are true and which is not true will follow at the end of the post.

The truth is, there are many more things I could share that are true that people would have a  hard time believing and many things that people think are true which are false. People like to make assumptions though don't they? They think they know you and in reality don't, or if they do, there is always so much more they don't know.

Truth is I am not who I used to be and am so different in so many ways it is unbelievable.  I kind of muse at times at people who think they can pull things over my eyes through their manipulative behavior or where they think I am not smart enough to figure things out as to what they are doing.  I don't give much credence to IQ testing but my IQ test has me test out to a superior level. I always wondered how someone who failed in school like I did could be smart?  This doesn't mean much to me though other than to say I am smart enough to sometimes figure out a persons intentions and what they are really up to. It also means I am smart enough to not try to compartmentalize people. I have made drastic changes in my life; myself, and thankfully others along the way have benefited. I care about that, in the past I would have cared less but God has the ability to bring about change to the unchangeable.

I was a thug, a punk, a bully. Most people who know me now couldn't have stood me. At times some of those attitudes of, "I don't care what you think," still come about, sometimes the confrontations come out, but I hesitate, I think, I hold back what would have at one time been certain inappropriate responses. I'll be honest, for those who try to manipulate or control me, I kind of laugh, thinking, if you only knew. I come from a family that is strong, a family of Alpha's if you will who over the years where the men and women seldom took crap from anyone. 

Now why do I say this? It is simple; if I am that difficult to figure out, if I have had to learn to manipulate, create and figure out others and myself to maintain my own sanity, I figure there are others who have done the same. We do what we must to survive as the human desire to survive takes us to places we never imagined. We will eat, drink and do unimaginable things to survive. Yet, in that willingness to do unimaginable things, sometimes the issue of pride is what holds us back. Pride is one of those determining traits that can lead us down the path of destruction, whether it be relationships, opportunity, potential, or even a major thing, like eternity. 

You see many are unwilling to look adequately at who they are, why they are the way they are, and ultimately, give that over and become a slave to the person of Jesus. It comes down to realizing, I am nothing, He, (Jesus) is everything. I am a slave, He, (Jesus) is my master. At that point we come to the place where we realize the potential of change, not to be who our environment or situation makes us to be, but to be the person God wants us to be.

It is one of those areas where people who are not followers of Jesus don't understand. The Christian or follower of Jesus puts all of their trust, all of their value in Christ, He is the one we emulate. Others will and do think they know God but the truth is, they have never opened the Bible to do serious study on God. They may have heard a sermon, albeit from a horrible teacher a time or two but they have never seriously investigated the truth of what the Bible says themselves. When they say things like, "You should never judge," or "The Bible contradicts itself," or any number of things we may have heard, we know they have never opened or studied the Bible because the things they say the Bible says, it clearly doesn't.

Here is the challenge, while we may have had many experiences, those experiences do not make us who we are. I am not who I was and while there is value in the things I have done, there is more value in who I am now and what I will do tomorrow. My eternity is secure, I know that! It is secure because I no longer live for me, I live for the creator of the universe. Am I perfect in my ability to follow him? Heck no, but I am on my journey. While I am not sinless, I sin less today than I did yesterday and hopefully will sin less tomorrow than I will today. That is the journey that leads me to the place where the things of Jesus matter. It is a journey that understands, it is no longer I who live but Christ Jesus who lives in me. That is the challenge for all of us that follow Jesus isn't it? What an honor to let Jesus show and shine through our lives. We get to the place where we want to be like him as opposed to being who we are or what others think we should be. At that point, when people ask, Who are you, we can say;  "A disciple and follower of Jesus." Who are you? 

Just in case you may have forgot, the answers to the above questions follow: 

Here are the answers to the above questions.  #1 - 4 True, #5, sort of true, I played semi pro soccer for Texas Instruments and Umbro International against various premiere, select, and college teams for 6 years., #6 False, although I did practice some with the team, I never played for them, #7-18, all true, #19 False, I have appeared in 1 short movie, 1 feature film, and numerous documentaries, #20 clearly, False

To see the following video, just click on the video, if there is a problem click on the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdLIerfXuZ4


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

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

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

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

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The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page

Announcing More Than A Game

From the very outset, let it be known, I have friends from all walks of life, many from the world of soccer. I am grateful that I have a pretty good audience that enjoys my writings and therefore, will understand the intent and heart of this article. While it isn't intended to offend anyone, especially friends who are not people of faith or don't take faith seriously, it is my work and I know some who love the game and are also serious about their faith. This particular article, if given a chance, may illustrate life traits for everyone. If interested read on, if giving it a chance you may get something out of this.

I grew up in, and am proud to say I love the great state of Tennessee and the University of Tennessee athletic programs. I have had many close associations, from friends and family who have played sports there, gone to school there, or even in some instances, friends who have coached there. Growing up in the mountains of East Tennessee, 100 miles Northeast of Knoxville one couldn't help but love Tennessee. While I am not sure if the phrase "my blood runs orange" originated there, it was the first place I heard it. I grew up not being able to attend the games and when it comes to college, the team was the Volunteers. I grew up listening to the Hall of Fame Tennessee announcer John Ward. Now he was an announcer and one that will never be replicated, there were, are others like him like Georgia's Larry Munson who was spectacular. Great radio announcers paint pictures with words as well as any Rembrandt. These men are legendary.

They also have something else about them though, a passion for the game and the team they were announcing. As a former active athlete and a current occasional participant and definite fan of sport, sports over the years have lost something to me, that is the passion for the home team.  Currently as I write this during the Olympic games, I miss the days of Al Michaels announcing "The Miracle Game on Ice."  "Do you believe in miracles?" A call I will never forget from an announcer clearly cheering for his home nation. Now don't get me wrong, I appreciate a good story, like how an American and Russian athlete can fall in love in the midst of the Cold War, but all of that said, as much of a peacemaker in my faith as I try to be, (and often fail) as much of a world and Kingdom citizen as I am, I still appreciate and find nothing wrong with, National Pride in certain areas, especially during sporting events. I am saddened to see television, radio and other sports authorities try to be impartial at sporting events. I don't think I am the only one as I hear others speak on this. There are benefits that can be learned, not just in sports, but in faith and in life from a good patronizing sports announcer, like a Larry Munson cheering for Georgia, a Vin Scully cheering for the Dodgers, or even a John Ward cheering for a Tennessee Volunteer.

As many know, I love soccer, I have played, coached at a high level and have lately been a fan of the game over the years. In Wichita it has always been The Wichita Wings and now the Wichita B-52's. I have had season tickets for several years, and attended Wichita pro soccer games since back in the late 1970's and early 1980's. As a result of going to the games and watching the games at watch parties; up until recently I didn't listen to the games on the radio. I am a part of the supporters section in Wichita and stay after the games cheering on the team and seldom even get to the car in time to hear the teams post game show.  This year though something happened. During the game our supporters section started doing a chant for the radio announcer, Dan Lucero. It got me to thinking.

Dan announces the games and provides the color for local radio station KSGO, 1410 AM for the Wichita B-52's. I heard fans talking about him, then something happened, my wife had surgery and we had to miss a couple of games, we were stuck in the hospital, during a game, unable to attend or watch and I was forced to listen to the radio. From that first listen, I was hooked. Dan brought back all of the fun of the glory days of radio for me.  He was the John Ward of the Tennessee Volunteers, The Vin Scully of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Larry Munson of the Georgia Bulldogs. While Dan is young he still paints a pretty darned good picture. He does it with passion and talent which God gifts only a few people with. He has a passion that is absolutely non apologetic, he clearly loves the Wichita B-52's and the game of soccer. 

  I can tell you, announcers like Dan, the few times this season when I listened, took me to the game, he got me excited. I appreciate that he calls it like he sees it. One may not agree but there are benefits to honesty, even if that honesty disappoints someone. I mentioned Georgia's Larry Munson above, I have heard this about Dan as well, one may not like the Georgia Bulldogs, or the Wichita B-52's for that matter, but they will appreciate the loyalty and excitement that only a fan can bring to the game. I will never forget Larry Munson's call of Herschel Walker running over Tennessee Defenders. While I couldn't see the game, I felt the power of Walker from Munson. I had the opportunity living where I did to switch back and forth on the radio between John Ward and Larry Munson calling the game. Ward was obviously in pain, Munson was in jubilation, I loved both calls of the game which is why I had to switch back and forth on the radio dial. I was experiencing the game from all sides. An announcer brings you to the game.

As I have thought over the last few days I have reflected; there are many benefits to exhibiting passion, benefits I have learned and recalled from being blessed to listen to radio announcers who love what they are doing. When one cares about what they do they bring others pleasure, especially those supporting the same team. One can joy at the passion they exhibit in the thing they love to others, even when distance separates them.

As I have thought through the week, I have wondered, do we in life, whether of faith or not, bring passion to life in such a way that others looking or listening in take their specific skill or gift sets to the world around them, bringing others around them into another's world? This isn't to say everything has to be done to make one feel hunky dory and wonderful but just like that Tennessee and Georgia football game all those years ago, the experience of life in full is far better than a one sided adventure where we experience a limited experience. One of the things I appreciated about Dan this year was he was not only a fan of the Wichita B-52's, he knows the game and appreciated the good he saw in certain officials, players, communities and so forth. He was also open to expressing his displeasure calling it the way he saw it, sometimes calling an official incompetent, because they were, or an opposing player a thug, because he was. I think Dan understands the team he represents and the audience.

Sometimes just like in sports, our commitments, responsibilities and obligations will take us to differing places, and sometimes to differing conclusions. That is okay but what we do, what we represent, should be done with passion. For me that is the ultimate lesson I wanted to reflect here, there are passions we have that are nothing more than time consuming, maybe with a little fun, if we don't dedicate ourselves fully to those passions.  When we are passionate about something, the comments of the naysayers aren't all that important because we know what is and is not of value in our own hearts, that thing of value is what we should stand for, should represent. That is ultimately what can give us joy and satisfaction in life, it is what can get us to the place where we don't care what others think, say or do.   

For me, and I assume others, there are passions in life, but for me as a Christian, and for others who say they are people of faith, their faith and for Christians the person of Jesus Christ must be the ultimate passion. Nothing: soccer, movies, television, sports, or even for that matter our Sunday gatherings called church should come close to being as important as the person of Jesus whom we as Christians are named after. Jesus went further, saying; we must take up our cross and follow him daily.  There is no debate on the responsibility of the Christ follower to be dedicated to the person of Jesus. At that point, how we announce the game of life can make a difference to those watching and listening to our daily play by play in this thing called life. 

Now in closing, I have no idea of where any of these individual announcers stand on issues of faith, to be honest, it doesn't matter as far as this object lesson. What matters is that whether they intend it or not, their passion moves me and causes me to reflect on my own life and example. For that, I am grateful not just for their ability to cause me to think about and enjoy this thing called sport but their ability to take me to the place that in my own life, I can learn from those examples and hopefully become half as good at what I do with my passions and vocations, as they have been in theirs. That hopefully isn't just an area of thought for me to reflect on, but one for you as well.  

The following is a special video featuring Tennessee's own John Ward.  To see the video below, just click on it, if there are problems, click on the following link:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMBFf9KZjv8

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

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