| Author | Message | ||
| Marcell Registered user Username: Marcell Post Number: 41 Registered: 4-2004 |
We are attending a family reunion soon where there is a mix of SDA's and other family members of various beliefs. Three generations ago the 'truth' was partly the cause of a split in this family. Anyway, I got a message from an uncle who wanted to know if we would be attending the potluck after the Sabbath service (kinda assuming we would be at the service, I guess) I declined. I then told one of the facilitators of the reunion (a 'non-sda') that we would be around to help out on Saturday if they needed anything. I told her we were no longer SDA and would not be attending the service with the rest of my portion of the family because we do not want our children exposed to it. I don't know why I felt led to say that, except that I am aware that this particular lady is on the 'witnessing' list for some of the SDA family, if you know what I mean. Don't get me wrong, they are lovely people and I believe genuine in their 'concern' and their relationship with the Lord, as far as I know. I have always been somewhat of a black sheep, even when I was SDA, so I don't expect they will be that shocked if they find out I am no longer an SDA, and don't doubt that they will believe I have 'left the truth'. I have appreciated the advice to pray, pray pray and will be doing that. I just wonder if I can remain firm in the face of the pressure to 'act' SDA. there is a lot at stake for them, I don't want to dishonor or embarass them, but most of all I want to HONOR Jesus and not waver or get sucked back into even the pretense of bondage for even a few days. Any advice? | ||
| Taybie Registered user Username: Taybie Post Number: 28 Registered: 4-2005 |
Hi Marcell, Truly, prayer is necessary, but what you have on your side, and in your heart, is the Truth - King Jesus. Let that light shine, smile, love on them and whenever the tension gets to be too much, gracefully change the subject or move on to say hello to a new face or simply excuse yourself. We do suffer for Christ's sake, so expect attacks, after all...YOU are a threat to them! How dare you think for yourself and allow God to lead you??? (I was jokin, by the by) At any rate, ask God to use you to bless them...even if it is with your smile. Bring up funny memories and laugh until your sides hurt...help them to recall the love and familial ties you have. Let love be YOUR focus. They are certainly going to be confused and some quite angry...your stand will make them THINK for themselves, and for those caught in a system that teaches you how to think...that is a scary scary thought. I hope my 2 cents helps. Shontay | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2307 Registered: 12-2003  |
Marcell, what an exciting and also awkward event! Being content and joyful will no doubt confuse them a bit--and if this is the first time you're around them since you've left, you may have people asking you why you left. You might have some great opportunities to share your experience with Jesus. Generally, the first time people have been around us, they're full of questions. After that, they may avoid the subject altogether, and we all ignore that elephant in the room. Ask God to give you words and opportunities and wisdom and to glorify Himself through you. Keep us posted! With prayers for you, Colleen | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 48 Registered: 12-2004 |
Marcell, I think this is a great opportunity for you to show your friends and family that your life has changed for the better. If you are like me, my new found understanding of Grace has made me more understanding, tolerant, and accepting. Your family will notice that you have something they don't and they will wonder.Your influence and your presence at these events can and will plant seeds. It is the Holy Spirit's job to turn this into a positive. My journey out started with a discussion I had last July at campmeeting. I was having my annual visit and long walk with a dear friend and former classmate regarding midlife and its struggles. She and her husband had pastored for several years in a progressive celebratory outreach church. He had however left the ministry several months earlier and she made the comment "I don't know if there is room in the Adventist church for us anymore". That comment switched the lightbulb on for me, and my study has led me the out in every way except officially. The rough draft of my letter sits beside my desk waiting for the right time and the final details.This friday I will be taking my family back to campmeeting because I want my family to see that we can be at different places theologically and still be family.I am hoping that God can use me to help support my family as they start to face the challenges that have devoured me these last 11 months. The more I talk to my Adventist friends, the more I realize many of them have the same questions I have had, but like me had no one to talk to about them. This is going to be an interesting week. Pray for me! If any of you are going to be at campmeeting in B.C. stop by, the coffee pot will be on (site B34). Another reason to go is the golf is great. | ||
| Patriar Registered user Username: Patriar Post Number: 114 Registered: 3-2005 |
Marcell: A little bit of unsolicited advice  ...just remember that you don't have to convince or convict anyone of God's saving Truth, that's His job. Your changed life will speak volumes. God will provide words if it's necessary to speak them. (It's always easier for me to give advice when I am not the one about to enter the 'lion's den' so to speak. ) You are in my prayers. Keep us posted as to how things go/have gone. Patria | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2315 Registered: 12-2003 |
Randy, I'm praying for you, too. What momentous times you both face, Marcell and Randy! Colleen | ||
| Seekr777 Registered user Username: Seekr777 Post Number: 215 Registered: 1-2003  |
Marcell and Randy, My prayers are with both of you and your families. As Patria said your lives will be the most powerful arguement to the changes you have made and taken in your relationship with Jesus Christ. When you say B.C. are we speaking of British Columbia? I'm headed north in less than a week but not quite that far north, just about 550 miles north for me. Richard | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 49 Registered: 12-2004 |
Thank-you Colleen and Richard for your prayers. This campmeeting is in Beautiful British Columbia. Big country with proportionally sized mosquitos. Richard,I have felt your pain over the last few months and have really appreciated the kind and loving way you interact with everyone on this site.There were times when I too would not look in because of the angst and stress I felt here. I have however noticed more love and peace here since less attention has been focused on the Revival/sermons--Grandpa and Grandson saga. Thank-you all for giving it a rest and letting go. Maybe it was just me, I don't know. Colleen, thank-you again. Randy | ||
| Marcell Registered user Username: Marcell Post Number: 42 Registered: 4-2004 |
Thanks for your input and prayers. It's sometimes easier for me to avoid these evants altogether rather than enter the 'lions den' as Patriar put it! I don't even consider campmeeting, and even though my 30 year academy reunion is this year, I will be in a ministry retreat at my new church, so God spared me that too! Randy, I will keep you in prayer as well. I had a conversation with a relative a couple years ago that came out of a 'different place in your theology' discussion. The Lord allowed me to be very bold and say that this person might have to choose between following Jesus and being SDA. They immediately, without hesistation, said they wanted to follow Jesus! I'm praying (for all of us who will sooner or later probably be faced with this)that we are given words to speak and fertile soil to speak them in to. | ||
| Susan_2 Registered user Username: Susan_2 Post Number: 1885 Registered: 11-2002 |
Dear Marcell, As I frequently lament of this forum we all seem to have the same kinfolk. My prayers are with you and your immediate family during this forthcoming reunion. Now I will share an experience I had this very morning with my elderly SDA mother. She had me drive her to the market. My SDA kin don't prostalize me anymore in the house or outside. They know I can walk away or fall asleep. However, being trapped in the moving car gets them going. First I had to hear the text about, "Here are they that keep the commandments...". I sometimes wonder if this is the only text most SDA's even know by heart. Then I heard this, "Of course God gives us free will to think for ourselves. So, we can believe whatever we want. We have the freedom to be wrong if we want to. " Aaaaaaugh! And, this was just after a fellow looked at the bumper stickers that I have on my back bumper and spit on my car. I did not say anything. I don't want a fight. I don't even want a confrontation. I can wash the car. I guess he didn't agree with my choice of political candates and didn't like the one that says, "I Am A Proud Parent Of A US Sailor". What a morning. | ||
| Seekr777 Registered user Username: Seekr777 Post Number: 217 Registered: 1-2003 |
Randy, thanks for your comments. I do try to be "kind and loving" yet at times with family I must be bold and sometimes it is an art to stay "kind and loving" There have been several times over the past few months when the Lord has "grabbed my tongue" and said, "don't even think about it son, you be quiet". Since I'm basically a chicken at heart and hate pain I try to hear HIM when he speaks the first time. I'm still in the process of a divorce and the counselor I see every few weeks to sort of "check in" told me recently that my peace is remarkable, he said he knows it's my faith that allows it. It still dosen't mean it isn't emotional. My daughter is coming out of an inpatient recovery center later this week. She has been gone for two months and I've visited weekly and enjoyed the few passes she has ben on. I'll love to be with her and spend time with her but it wll not be easy to set limits and not get caught up in the craziness of it all. We truly serve an awesome God. Finally keep me in your prayers as I visit my parents this weekend. I love them dearly but I know I'm in a very different place than they are, in some things. For sometime now I've felt that God has sort of called me apart and is ministering to me gently. I hope that makes sense to some of you. Some of this was confirmed to me in the second of two dreams I had recently. They confirmed many things to me. In Christ, Richard PS: sorry if this message is in the wrong "thread" I'm not sure what our subject is here. rtruitt@mac.com | ||
| Carol_2 Registered user Username: Carol_2 Post Number: 342 Registered: 2-2002  |
Richard - you seem to be the kindest man! You are a blessing to all of us. I know what you mean about the peace you have. The most awesome peace I ever had was when I was going through a divorce over ten years ago. As painful as the divorce was, I had the most incredible peace, and actually slept better at night than I have had in my life. As much as I don't want to go through anything as traumatic and painful as that again, I sometimes look back with longing at the peace I felt at that time, and the closeness I had with our Lord then. He was so close to me then, I truly felt him holding me in His arms. God bless you, and we will keep you and your family in our prayers. | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 558 Registered: 3-2005 |
Richard, I will keep you in my prayers as you visit your folks. Having known some of your family while in Modesto, I feel like there is a special bond. I enjoyed meeting you recently at our post FAF Bible Study Coco's dinner, and would like to second what Carol said about your contributions to this forum. Stan | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2320 Registered: 12-2003 |
Richard, I will be praying for you as well. Colleen | ||
| Carol_2 Registered user Username: Carol_2 Post Number: 343 Registered: 2-2002 |
Jeannette - would you please e-mail me? I seem to have deleted all your e-mails, and don't have your address in yahoo. Thanks! Sorry for the interruption everyone! | ||
| Schasc Registered user Username: Schasc Post Number: 13 Registered: 10-2004 |
Hi Randy, I grew up going to BC campmeeting every year! It was always a great time. Have not been back very often, but have always enjoyed it when we did. Do you go every year? | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 50 Registered: 12-2004 |
It was an interesting week at campmeeting. I attended the two weekends to be with my family and catch up with old friends. The first weekend Robert Folkenberg was the featured speaker. It was difficult to listen to and I just caught bits and pieces. His focus was on evangalism, with the local church conducting 2 crusades per year.this was the emphasis because the church can't afford evangelists anymore. He felt it was our duty and we would not be doing our part if we didn't feel compelled to participate. The usual emphasis was on the Sabbath,3-angels message,EGW, etc... THe 2nd weekend the speaker was Calvin Rock.He apparently is recently retired. He is a powerful speaker.His talk focused on how we need to be less judgemental, and our need to focus more on the Cross and less on doctrinal differences. It seemed like both men were trying to be more Grace-based but just couldn't quite let go of the works side of adventism.There was no getting around the fact that we have OUR prophet and Our Sabbath. I also took the opportunity to share with a nunber of friends my experience and study of the last year. It was exciting to hear that more than half shared the same concerns and questions and were having a hard time with Adventism's doctrines. Some were also exploring other churches.There is a definite dissatisfaction with the status quo. It was a privilage to share the joy I have found worshipping at the Baptist church I now attend. I hope I was able to plant some seeds this week.There are a lot of people struggling with the bondage of Adventism. Most have never even considered that there is/are other options. For those of you familiar with the B.C. campmeeting. It was sunny and warm each day,and no rain.It's a great place for walking and to counterbalance the doctrinal angst I was able average about 25000 steps each day according to my pedometer, plus 3 rounds of golf for the week. Please continue to pray for these dear folk. Most realize the problems but dont know what to do. The one thing that struck me during the few sermons that I listened to was how the speakers were able to string together fragments of Bible verses that were totally unrelated and out of context to say whatever they wanted to say. It was amazing that I never picked up on that before, but then again I am actually studying my Bible now. Appreciating the gift of Jesus, Randy. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2351 Registered: 12-2003 |
Randy, what an interesting experience. It has seemed to me in the past year or two that Folkenberg is beginning to come out of his "seclusion" in North America little by little. It continues to amaze me that people can do illegal or damaging or embarrassing things and still be retained and recycled back into the public arena. Folkenberg, in my mind, is a classic example. You're right about the growing dissatisfaction. SDAs do need our prayers for God to reveal truth to them. And that glib stringing of texts to make points that the texts don't really make--it's amazing to listen to, isn't it? I know what you mean about never really noticing that when I was in the church... Colleen | ||
| Pheeki Registered user Username: Pheeki Post Number: 609 Registered: 1-2003 |
I recieved two pieces of SDA propaganda in the mail this week. One was an appeal to send our kids to the Adventist school system, it contained a color brochure and a letter with an offer to get a free DVD of the school system if we wanted it. It infuriated me because the main reason the conference thought we should send our kids was "to make them Adventist Christians" and ensure their salvation. What kind of message is that sending people who have opted for public school for either financial or other reasons?!?! Then I got the local church's monthly newsletter and couldn't believe...the main article was about "time is short, wars, tsunami's, etc. so get ready!" and "probation could close at anytime up in heaven or if we are accidentally killed-so be ready" and then went on to talk about how Christ will only intercede so long up there in the Most Holy Place and we won't know when he declares "whoever is unholy let him be unholy still." It made me ill. The bible says we are sealed for redemption the minute we believe...how can we become more "ready", "worthy", "more righteous"? There is no peace and security in the IJ or "being ready enough". It reaffirmed why I am no longer a memeber of the SDA! It is totally anti-Gospel!!!! | ||
| Dd Registered user Username: Dd Post Number: 506 Registered: 7-2004 |
Pheeki, Praise God! We were made ready 2000+ years ago!!!! GIVE ME JESUS!! |
