| Author |
Message |
Colleentinker
Registered user
Username: Colleentinker
Post Number: 10122
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, July 12, 2009 - 12:37 pm: |     |
We hope so! So far we have not received any recordings of the meetings although we know a couple of venues have recorded them. We'll pursue getting the recordings. We're not sure if Dale has received them or not...
Colleen |
Flyinglady
Registered user
Username: Flyinglady
Post Number: 7225
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, July 12, 2009 - 1:40 pm: | |
That elderly man and his wife were there, not by accident. I am sure God had a message for them. We may not see the results here on earth.
Colleen, I feel like I am right with you as you travel.
Diana L |
Bobalou
Registered user
Username: Bobalou
Post Number: 61
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, July 12, 2009 - 3:57 pm: | |
Well, the Miamisburg meetings have passed, but the memories will never pass.
Our deepest thanks go to Dale, Carolyn, Richard, Colleen, Ric, Sheryl and Dr. Ken Christman and his wife. They all helped to provide us with scriptural light, testimonies, creature comforts, and the pleasure of fellowship.
My wife Carolyn heard many new things that has helped her to be more determined to have her name removed from the roles of the church that we once had such a burning desire to serve. Truth has quenched the flames and it is time to move on to the true light. Again, thanks Dale for your burning desire to proclaim the true Gospel of Jesus through your books and from behind the pulpit, leading us to the simple plan of salvation. We happily leave the burdensome baggage behind.
(Message edited by bobalou on July 12, 2009) |
Asurprise
Registered user
Username: Asurprise
Post Number: 895
Registered: 7-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, July 12, 2009 - 4:26 pm: | |
Yes, I've really been enjoying your reports on the meetings too, Colleen! 
Maybe that man learned something - the Lord might use even one little thing to eventually bring him out! I heard of a J.Witness who was given some verse in the Bible by someone. The verse worked on him for a long time before he finally came out of that church. (I don't know what verse it was.)
That reminds me. Some JWs came to my door yesterday. They said something about being "Christian," but I could see "Watchtower" magazines in one of the lady's arms. I had read a testimony about a JW coming out of that false church, because someone told her of the verses in Romans 11 where it's VERY clear that God has plans for Israel. I told them about current events in the middle east (like Iran and Russia making "friends") and then told them how God was obviously the One Who preserved Israel since the time it was brought back into the land and of course I brought up Romans 11. They didn't seem to "buy" a word of what I said, but who knows??
Didn't JWs and SDAs come from the same beginnings? |
Ric_b
Registered user
Username: Ric_b
Post Number: 718
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, July 12, 2009 - 6:09 pm: | |
It was great to see all of those who attended. I don't have any comparison point, but I know that those who attended our smaller gathering in Miamisburg this weekend were richly blessed. |
Raven
Registered user
Username: Raven
Post Number: 1046
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, July 12, 2009 - 7:44 pm: | |
The Miamisburg meetings were awesome! At first I was disappointed that the turnout was small, but it turned out to be perfect! It was almost all former SDAs, about half local and half travelled in. It was great meeting in person for the first time several from the forum, including Clintonc, Seekinglight, Helovesme2, and Indy4now (hope I didn’t miss anyone!). It was really nice to catch up with friends that I already knew, both local and ones that travelled (Bobalou was one I already knew). We even had a local former stop in at the lunch who frequents the forum but has not posted, who I never knew of before. He found out about the lunch and location from the Member section of the forum and thought he’d just drop by and meet people. If he reads this, thanks for showing up and introducing yourself! The really cool “friend” part that I couldn’t get over is how surprised and overjoyed I was to see a friend from my past, walk in who I hadn’t seen in about 30 years! We grew up together and hadn’t seen or heard from each other since we moved away long ago, and I didn’t know she had left the SDA church four years ago! She and her husband drove 510 miles because they wanted to be at a Former Adventist Fellowship gathering and hadn’t been able to get to California. It was really neat to catch up with each other and see the different ways God worked in our lives to bring us to the same point of having the veil removed!
If we’d had a lot of SDAs or even Christians without an SDA background there, it would have been harder to deviate from the original plan for the meetings. As it turned out, Dale adapted the presentation to meet the needs and questions of those attending, including an impromptu Bible study on the state of the dead. I learned several new things from these meetings, including what James meant about the “perfect law of liberty” – and how James was pointing out that just as breaking one of the commandments makes one guilty of breaking all, if one makes a distinction between showing love to someone who has money but not showing love to one who doesn’t, he is guilty of breaking the law of liberty. That came up during the Q&A so I figured it’s safe to talk about here. The other things I learned were in the official presentation, so I’ll leave that alone since there’s still one more venue for this.
As far as I know, the only pastor who showed up from the invitations that went out was a local Baptist pastor who came for the final meeting Saturday evening. He has someone who was raised SDA attending his church who is getting pressure from his mother to stay away from the Baptist church and be an active SDA. He wanted to understand the issues better.
Our church’s praise team coming for the song service was an amazing God-thing! We loved having Tracy and his wife do the songs Friday evening (Holy is the Lord God Almighty and How Great the Father’s Love For Us) and I was disappointed they were unable to be there Saturday as well. It seemed a pretty difficult thing to figure out who on short notice could do this, and wouldn’t need much practice time. Our church is 35 minutes south of the venue church, and I didn’t expect anyone would want to drive up there for that. But I finally asked my close friend at that church who sings, and the praise team leader who does the keyboards if the two of them would mind coming up and doing this. I about fell over when it was an immediate Yes and she would see who else wanted to come with her! It turned out we had about half the praise team (maybe about 7 people?), including drums, guitars and a bassoon! I met with the praise team leader several days before to pick out the songs. She asked me to tell her what SDAs are about and how I came out. She hadn’t even heard of William Miller, 1844, or the Great Disappointment before! But both she and the drummer have relatives in the Herbert Armstrong Worldwide Church of God, who stayed with the old beliefs when that church split. We ended up doing “Blessed Be Your Name” and “Amazing Grace/My Chains are Gone”.
Another interesting thing happened. I was supposed to give my faith story and I can never just tell it – being up front is very nerve-wracking for me and I have to read it word for word. (It’s even hard for me to tell it one-on-one, and when I did so with the praise team leader I was shaking from nerves.) I had the story all printed and sitting in the pocket of my car door, waiting for the evening meeting. Right after lunch, I checked to make sure it was still there, and it was gone! I’m assuming when I pulled my umbrella out in the pouring rain, the papers must have come too and disappeared to who knows where. Thankfully, I was able to get a hold of my daughter who was home and she found the original on my computer and emailed it to me. Then I accessed my email at the church and printed another copy! I was also amazed that God 100% took away the butterflies and stage-fright from me the moment I started speaking and it stayed away! That has not happened before to that extent, and I’m really grateful for that.
All in all, the weekend, including the preparation, was very much a faith-building time for me and I am grateful for all the time and effort put in by so many people, for those who actually came, the fellowship, and the willingness of the Ratzlaffs and Tinkers to do this! It was truly an encouragement and support for all of us there! |
Flyinglady
Registered user
Username: Flyinglady
Post Number: 7228
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, July 12, 2009 - 8:13 pm: | |
It looks like it was a God thing all around. Thank you Awesome God. How nice Raven that your friend drove 510 miles to be there. WOW!!!
Thanks for all you and your group did to prepare for the ToE.
Diana L |
Philharris
Registered user
Username: Philharris
Post Number: 1727
Registered: 5-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, July 12, 2009 - 8:14 pm: | |
Raven,
Our meetings at Roseburg were really small in numerical attendance, but there were so many 'God Things' that happened I can truthfully says the whole time was used of God in ways that override the size of attendance. For one thing, for Saturday breakfast at our motel, we had an extended breakfast and Handmaiden became so dynamic in her exposition of the gospel and the binding of Satan, I have little doubt why Asuprise is so on fire for the Lord herself. Dale wasn't concerned about 'numbers' and shared that God's ways are not according to our way of thinking.
P.S. I would have to go back over fifty years to connect with ex-sda friends. That really would be a shock to my system.
Fearless Phil |
Indy4now
Registered user
Username: Indy4now
Post Number: 642
Registered: 2-2008
| | Posted on Sunday, July 12, 2009 - 10:33 pm: | |
My husband and I enjoyed getting to meet everyone yesterday in Miamisburg! It was really fun to put "faces" with "screen" names. I felt like we needed name tags with our screen names! The size was perfect!! It gave me a chance to get to know everyone. It was awesome getting to hear what other's were experiencing.
It was really neat getting the chance to know Richard and Colleen. They are SOOOOO DEAR!!! We had so much fun talking with them. I felt like I had already known them for years. I loved hearing about Michigan and their tour of the school. I'll be praying for you guys as you wrap up your trip. I'm praying that God binds up this spirit that captures and is behind Adventism, for your health and for your safety. Can't believe how much driving you guys have done so far... and still more to go! Even though I know you guys had already gone through these meetings 2 or 3 other times... I still felt that we were the first ones to hear these messages. They didn't have a "rote" feeling at all! We all felt so blessed to be able to hear and to meet you all personally.
Raven and Ric - Thanks so much for organizing this whole weekend. We were there for only the one day, but we appreciated all the effort you guys did. It turned out great.
Dr. Christman - I tell you... Adventist circles are VERY small! I found out that his parents were missionaries in Brazil and that he knew my parents! PLUS, his mother lives at the same place my mom does! What's even better is that his mom doesn't believe that EGW is a prophet and also denounces the IJ. I'm sending my mom over to get to know her! :D
Seeklinglight - It was great getting to know you and your husband. You've had so many God planned moments and it was so neat to hear about them. God definitely had everything planned when you moved to your current area. It just never ceases to amaze me to see how God works in lives and He is definitely ALL over yours!
Mary - I WISH so much that we lived closer to each other!! I would love to have Bible study with you and Sondra! What a blast that would be!
ClintonC - How fun to get to know one more from my forum family. We have to sit down and talk more with you and Kristen.
Bob Shields - It was also neat getting a chance to talk to you and your wife. You'll have to let us know when you celebrate your 3,000 mark on CARM! But don't forget to post here too!
And to Dale and Carolyn - I cannot tell you how much I have appreciated your ministry. I can't even express how much I appreciate that you've taken the time to write books... about your life, about truth... I pray that God continues to bless the both of you and for your health as well.
There were other formers there who are "lurkers." We love "lurkers"... but that doesn't give everyone else here a chance to meet you! So give posting a try... I KNOW everyone else here at FAF would love to get to know you also.
I tell you... how cool is heaven gonna be?!!! We'll be able to worship our God in His presence with all of our family here on FAF and we won't even have to ask each other what our "screen" names are... we'll just know!
Love you all.... vivian |
Indy4now
Registered user
Username: Indy4now
Post Number: 643
Registered: 2-2008
| | Posted on Sunday, July 12, 2009 - 10:34 pm: | |
p.s. it's very late, so I'll be posting my pictures (my semi-blurry pictures  ) on facebook tomorrow night. |
Seekinglight
Registered user
Username: Seekinglight
Post Number: 264
Registered: 3-2009
| | Posted on Monday, July 13, 2009 - 4:23 am: | |
Vivian says,
quote:My husband and I enjoyed getting to meet everyone yesterday in Miamisburg! It was really fun to put "faces" with "screen" names. I felt like we needed name tags with our screen names!
Yeah, that's totally how I felt, also. It was so lovely meeting everyone in Miamisburg.
Vivian, thank you for your encouragement. The former SDAs are becoming dearer to me each day. God uses all of you to bring me courage and comfort.
BTW, I'll gently encourage my hubby to come outta lurking mode |
Clintonc
Registered user
Username: Clintonc
Post Number: 35
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Monday, July 13, 2009 - 7:06 am: | |
Yes, it was so nice to put faces and voices with text!
Vivian, it was great to meet you and your family! Kristyn and I are always coming up to Indianapolis for one family thing or another, we'll have to meet sometime over food (we love Yatz cajun in Broad Ripple!)
Seekinglight, we enjoyed meeting you and your husband too! Even though we have different family backgrounds, we shared a lot of the same feelings about dealing with our family. But as Colleen said, we get such a strong reaction from our family when we leave because they know that once we've chosen Jesus, we're never coming back.
We'll be praying for you, and your husband, to have a hefty amount of God's grace to help you through this transition. He will be very present to you this time, I am sure! I hope we can stay in touch and meet again in the future.
Mary, I enjoyed meeting you and your kids too! I'm glad I got to hear some of your story, it was very moving. I so hope you find a church home soon that you can grow in grace, and is a good place for your family!
Everyone else too, Cheryl and Ric, Dr. Christman, the Church's, and several other people that I wish I could remember their name, I was so privileged to meet you all. I wish I had several more days to talk to you all.
Colleen and Richard, it was so wonderful to meet you both. You're passion was contagious! I'll being to start writing my story, and send it to you soon. I so wish I had more time to talk with you both.
Dale and Carolyn too, thank you so much for doing this tour! I truly felt encouraged.
Oh, Vivian, can I get in on the facebook group? My email on facebook is cw_cooper@hotmail.com |
Clintonc
Registered user
Username: Clintonc
Post Number: 36
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Monday, July 13, 2009 - 7:24 am: | |
I missed all the action with the angry SDA guy coming for Dale. My wife and I headed out the door to Target, we must have just missed him. But at the evening session, I think we were sitting next to them, they looked very stiff. My wife said that the elderly man was writing down questions even before the session began.
Oh, and Raven, you did so well telling your faith story! You didn't look nervous at all. It was very moving. I enjoy hearing people's stories so much.
(Message edited by ClintonC on July 13, 2009) |
Flyinglady
Registered user
Username: Flyinglady
Post Number: 7231
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Monday, July 13, 2009 - 8:20 am: | |
Clintonc, I have asked you to be my friend on facebook. Have to leave for work now, so will not say more.
Diana L |
8thday
Registered user
Username: 8thday
Post Number: 1070
Registered: 11-2007
| | Posted on Monday, July 13, 2009 - 11:28 am: | |
Well, I've learned my lesson not to get behind here! ha. I've been reading all morning and have been so blessed by all the testimony! I especially love the stories of the girl in Lincoln who came to the fellowship dinner, and the two tour guides at Andrews. Those touched me deeply. I am sorry I was not able to keep up with this - so I could be praying more specifically but the tour was/is on my heart and mind frequently. I know many people will be impacted by this outreach.
Colleen, I also echo your concern over crisis happening at home as soon as you leave.... my mommy strings got pulled pretty hard the first night after I left for Oregon. I hope your mother is doing better, but sure it will be a hard recovery process. Prayers for you as you make decisions for her care!
So glad so many FAF members have been able to meet! It is a special blessing from heaven to enjoy fellowship - even if it's just for a short time. I am looking forward to life in the Kingdom to come with all of you peoples!!
Sondra |
Grace_alone
Registered user
Username: Grace_alone
Post Number: 1527
Registered: 6-2006
| | Posted on Monday, July 13, 2009 - 11:50 am: | |
I just can't wait to see some pictures!
Leigh Anne |
Flyinglady
Registered user
Username: Flyinglady
Post Number: 7233
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Monday, July 13, 2009 - 4:01 pm: | |
Sondra, I have said many times that if you cannot find me in heaven, I will be sitting at the feet of Jesus, on His right side. I know I will see all of you there.
Diana L |
8thday
Registered user
Username: 8thday
Post Number: 1071
Registered: 11-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 - 8:11 am: | |
Colleen, is there a way to get the audio from the sermon preached at the sda church that morning in Michigan? I would REALLY love to hear that! |
Colleentinker
Registered user
Username: Colleentinker
Post Number: 10138
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 12:30 pm: | |
Just a note to say we spent the last two nights in Topeka, Kansas. We met some friends for the first time (actually parents of our son's girlfriend) who are a wonderful family of Christ-followers. He is a pastor of a church plant. It is such an amazing and wonderful thing that when we are in Christ, we really do have a connection via the Holy Spirit.
Our time was restful and nourishing; today we're driving through western Kansas (less stunningly beautiful than the farther-east-midwest but less humid, also).
I just feel so decadent after our brunch of homemade strawberry ice cream and the chocolate cake left over from one daughter's birthday dinner. Goodness, there's nothing like half & half, whipping cream, milk, and eggs mixed with strawberries and frozen! Ahhh...
Nearly home...!!
Colleen |
Flyinglady
Registered user
Username: Flyinglady
Post Number: 7245
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 8:06 pm: | |
Hey, we can mix milk and sugar and eat cold things now without guilt!!!
Diana L |
Jeremy
Registered user
Username: Jeremy
Post Number: 2877
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 11:00 pm: | |
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Colleentinker
Registered user
Username: Colleentinker
Post Number: 10148
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Friday, July 17, 2009 - 11:24 am: | |
We're on our way home! Goodness, it's hot in these Western states! But I have to say that the West, for all its heat and starkness, is beautiful in its own way. Nevada is bleak, though—(sorry, Diana! You are definitely life in a dry place!)
God has really blessed us in many ways on this trip and surprised us in many ways. Now we have to move my mom and get Proclamation under way before we leave early in August for the last meetings in Huntsville, AL.
Thank you all for your continued prayers throughout this trip. We continue to ask that you pray for LAM and for us and the Ratzlaffs; we wrestle not with flesh and blood. Also please remember the Huntsville meetings scheduled for Aug 4 and 5.
And thanks, all of you, for sharing this tour with us! It was great "seeing" you all here no matter where in the country we were, to meet many of you, and to know that everyone here shares in this vision and in the work of intercession and declaration of the gospel. It continues to amaze me how God unites us in Him by the Holy Spirit.
Love to all you traveling buddies,
Colleen
PS--one last observation from the tour: Dennis, we missed you during the last two Lincoln meetings. It was good meeting you; hope all was OK! |
Skeeter
Registered user
Username: Skeeter
Post Number: 108
Registered: 12-2007
| | Posted on Friday, July 17, 2009 - 12:34 pm: | |
You guys are seeing a lot of country and experiencing a lot of different climates.. someday I hope you get out this way .
Over in the Cal . central Valley I understand it has been 103- 107.. while here on the central Cal coast it is sunny and clear and right now 73 degrees :-) LOVE IT ! :-) |
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