| Author | Message | ||
| Ric_b Registered user Username: Ric_b Post Number: 298 Registered: 7-2004  |
Sheryl and I really started processing out of SDAism nearly 2 years ago. At that time we knew we were going to leave, but we didn't yet know when or how. We felt totally alone in our journey. We knew that people had left SDAism for doctrinal reasons, but we certainly didn't know anyone who had. After a few months we "discovered" this site. Probably like many others, we lurked for a couple of months before joining. We no longer felt alone in our journey, but we still felt isolated. Over the next couple of months we met two other families in the area. One that had left before us, another that was only wondering if and/or how long they could stay SDA. We also met a true powerhouse of God's joy when Tracey came to visit us and talk about how we left. These connections, along with our online friends here, really helped to see us through the last year. As we stayed in contact with the local families, the question started coming up about having a more regular time to be together and reach out to others in the area that might be in a similar situation. For a long time it was just talk. And it might have remained that way if Michael didn't have the faith to just step out and do it. Thank you so much Brother! We intended to start a small group Bible study with our first meeting being this evening. But God had other things in mind. The Taylor's learned about what we were hoping to do, and offered to come kick-off our study with 3 nights of meetings. For the last 3 nights we have enjoyed the amazing blessing of studying and fellowshipping with other formers and grace-centered SDAs. Greg and Paula's teaching, testimony and prayer was a blessing beyond measure. By my count, 40 people were present for at least one of the nights. Everything about the time together was so uplifting and positive. We just didn't want the time to end. Next Friday evening we start into a regular Bible study together and I can't wait. And it makes me even more excited about the FAF meeting this February. We hope to attend at meet even more of our friends. | ||
| Javagirl Registered user Username: Javagirl Post Number: 47 Registered: 6-2005 |
Ric, I am very happy for you in finding fellowship. It gives me hope. I am still at the isolated stage. It is terribly lonely, and I find myself wanting to attend the SDA church for the fellowship among friends that I care about. When I get there, I am feeling extrememly empty and like an outsider. It is not a blessing. Other churches just overwhelm me. Im so busy staring at the strange faces and traditions and experience, that I cant focus on Jesus or worship! Also my husband doesnt attend with me, so the isolation is greater. I dread the weekends, and especially Saturday, as I feel lost and left out. I tend to lurk on this site at those times, looking for a common bond. I am grateful for the posts of others, and the prayers. I hope that the Atlanta area gets some type of fellowship going, it would be helpful. Mostly I feel like I am just experiencing a great loss. My experience in Adventism has been mostly positive. I am leaving friends, traditions, beliefs, and experiences that I hold dear. It perhaps would be easier if I felt some sort of bitterness, but I dont. Just loss. Intellectually I know that Jesus in His fullness is worth whatever is given up, but the process for me is painful. Once again, I am grateful for the ministry of this site and all those who post here. | ||
| Patriar Registered user Username: Patriar Post Number: 130 Registered: 3-2005 |
Javagirl: I, too left because God called me, not because of bitterness. It is not easy. God is giving and will continue to give you strength: Dear Lord: Make yourself abundantly PRESENT in Javagirl's life right now...this moment. Bathe her in your sweet Joy and Hope. Javagirl: I will continue praying for you. Patria | ||
| Bobalou Registered user Username: Bobalou Post Number: 27 Registered: 2-2005 |
Hi Java, my son and daughter-in-law have just processed out of the church. They live North East of Atlanta. They are lurkers on this site. Maybe you are close to each other. Maybe....... boB | ||
| Bobalou Registered user Username: Bobalou Post Number: 28 Registered: 2-2005 |
For some reason we chose this week-end to come to Ohio from our home in Tennessee. Our son called and said that he saw on F.A.F. that a FAF meeting was to be held in W. Carrollton. Right away I called a friend and before I could mention the meeting she told me they were planning to attend. Well, we went too and what blessing we had. Gregg's message from the book of Galatians was inspirational and the fellowship was a blessing. Saturday evening was a very special time hearing Gregg and Paula's testimony plus meeting new and old friends. I pray for this inspired new group. I pray that it will be a beacon in the community and a place to become renewed. Rick and Michael need our prayers as the lead out in this new venture for Jesus. boB P. S. It was great meeting all of you. | ||
| Raven Registered user Username: Raven Post Number: 286 Registered: 7-2004  |
Bobalou, Thanks so much for being a part of our weekend! Thought I would tell you that for several weeks I specifically prayed that you guys would get the word in case you were able to come up! God works in amazing ways... Thanks for your prayers. Sheryl | ||
| Bobalou Registered user Username: Bobalou Post Number: 29 Registered: 2-2005 |
The Lord works in mysterious ways doesn't He. boB | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 1807 Registered: 3-2004  |
Ric and Raven and all the group in Ohio, God bless each of you as you start this new group. God is leading you and I know He does not mislead anyone. Diana | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 680 Registered: 3-2005 |
Congratulations Ric and Sheryl on your new FAF study in Ohio. I am blessed to be part of an FAF group here, and will pray for God's richest blessings on your new group. Stan | ||
| Carol_2 Registered user Username: Carol_2 Post Number: 354 Registered: 2-2002  |
Javagirl, you're in my prayers. I thought of your son this morning in church. We sang a song "Your grace is enough" and it was so awesome. A really rockin song with a great bass solo.....I pray God will hold you close, and give you peace right now. All our experiences are so different. For me, I didn't leave out of bitterness or hurt, and although I left many good friends and relationships, I don't think I felt the loneliness that you are feeling. All I can come up with is that my husband is a strong Christian and was beside all the way. It's so strange, but he really kept me balanced. There were certain things that I wasn't being fair about (with the SDAs) and he was the one to point them out to me. He actually would have been OK to keep attending the SDA church, as it was a very Christ-centered church, but I felt so hypocritical. I will keep you in prayer. On another note, of all the formers I know in the area, and I can think of seven or eight off the top of my head, YOU javagirl, would be the best leader for a "formers" group! With love and prayers for all, Carol P.S. Javagirl, if you do decide to visit my church again, I really think the 11:00 service would be best. It seems the young people, teens, and "early" teens mostly attend that service. That's when we're attending because I'm teaching four year olds again at 9:00. This was my first week for the new group, and it was awesome! I had nine very special kids this morning, and they were such a blessing to me! That's another thing I've found incredibly helpful in this journey, by getting involved in ministry I've been so blessed and able to make friends more easily. I will also pray that someway, somehow, we can get your husband to attend the Alpha series. Alpha is really an incredible ministry for those that don't know the Lord. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2435 Registered: 12-2003  |
Rick and Raven (and Michael and Becky), I am so grateful that your meetings went well! God's timing is perfect, and I know He is blessing you and those who attend. It really will be such a wonderful thing to meet each other in February! As of now, Dale Ratzlaff, Greg Taylor, and Mark Martin are planning to be here. Richard Fredericks has said "yes" provisionally; he had to check the date of an earlier commitment. Clay Peck has said he might be able to come. Please pray with us that God will guide the plans, etc., and that this weekend will honor Him and bring glory to Him as well as bless all who attend. Also, please be praying for the Adventists from the area who will be invited to attend a meeting on Saturday to hear the faith stories of several who have left followed in the evening the by former SDA pastors. Colleen | ||
| Javagirl Registered user Username: Javagirl Post Number: 51 Registered: 6-2005 |
Carol, I WILL be back to your church...my son now wants to attend Sabbath School again, but I think the reason is a girl! lol. We have had great discussions regarding all this. I love being open with him re all my doubts etc. So unlike what I grew up with. And even tho he is young, he gets it!! I think YOU would be a great leader... Although Im not in demand much anymore for SDA functions. Could it be I mentioned the "G" word (Grace),too much, and left out the "E" word the last time I led out in something  My regular bible study group starts up in two weeks. How cool that I saw two of my friends from that study at your church! Thanks everyone for all for your prayers. I truly am convinced of the great need for fellowship with others who understand. I do feel supported here, and it is a blessing. | ||
| Michael Registered user Username: Michael Post Number: 12 Registered: 1-2005 |
Hello All, It has been an awesome privilege to be used by God in helping to start this new Bible Study in Dayton (West Carrollton). It was so much a God thing that I sat on the "sidelines" all weekend as the meetings with Greg (& Paula) took place and just marveled at Godís work. Rebecca and I answered a call and threw open our doors and God did all the rest. Rick, I highly cherish your words of encouragement on the faith it took step out and do this. God used your willingness to partner with us to give me the courage to move forward. Iím a team-oriented person. GOD put together a terrific TEAM of people to do this. I would like to encourage ALL of you who are in areas where a ìfellowshipî does not exist to listen closely for Godís call. As you just read that, many of you had about a half dozen reasons why you couldnít or wouldnít be able to ìDOî this. Youíre correct NONE OF US can ìDOî this. GOD DOES IT! It isnít for everyone and do not force something that God has not ordained. However, do not let the adversary discourage you if you sense the call. Share your ideas with people and pray that God will send the right people to work with you. Thatís what he did for this group. When His timing is right, things will move. Advise: Keep your hands off the wheel. I recently read an article by John MacArthur, which gave me the motto I now run my life off of: ìMy success in this life is measured ONLY by my obedience to God.î As this team moves forward with the Bible studies in Dayton, we can ìdoî nothing more than continue to stay in His Word, pray ceaselessly, and be obedient to His instruction. A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who attended these very special meetings. Everyone had such awesome testimonies and stories. Joys were shared, pains revealed, and hearts were healed. As an FYI to others, we had 4 states represented at these meetings. It was a pleasure meeting Bobalou and wife. How about you guys from Michigan! You know who you are. And thanks to all you local folks who will be continuing with us. Thank you. A tremendous thank you goes out to Greg & Paula for heeding Godís call to come here. There testimony, sharing of the Word, special blessings and anointing were a special gift to all of us. Thank you to the Tinkers and their FAF group for the prayers that were, and will continue to be, answered. In Christ, Mike Lorey | ||
| Michael Registered user Username: Michael Post Number: 13 Registered: 1-2005 |
Question for Colleen. Where will the meeting with Dale, Greg, Mark, Richard, Clay, etc. be taking place? I missed that and inquirering minds need to know. Thanks. Mike | ||
| Patriar Registered user Username: Patriar Post Number: 141 Registered: 3-2005 |
Colleen!!! WHAT are you talking about??? What meeting in February? My mind is definitely inquiring! Patria | ||
| Melissa Registered user Username: Melissa Post Number: 1008 Registered: 7-2003  |
February 17-19, 2006. There is a discussion thread about a FAF weekend get together. I checked airlines yesterday. SW is still not booking that far in advance, but others are. Put my request in for my dad and step-mom to stay with the kids...can't wait! | ||
| Melissa Registered user Username: Melissa Post Number: 1009 Registered: 7-2003 |
http://rtinker.powweb.com/discus/discus/messages/11/3282.html?1122645208 Here's the link | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2447 Registered: 12-2003 |
Yes, we'll be putting an announcement on the website soon along with a registration form. Feb. 17-19, Trinity Church will host a Former Adventist Reunion/retreat. We'll begin on Friday night with an FAF Bible study. Saturday will include a seminar on inductive Bible study and moderated group discussions on different topics common to formers: dealing SDA family, grief, doctrinal issues, etc. Late Saturday afternoon (vesper time!), we'll have an "inviter event" for local Adventists and others during which we'll feature several formers telling their faith stories. All the Adventists (at least in this area) have been exposed to the doctrinal discussion; what they don't understand is why we left and what we've found. We want to honor God and have several people tell how He intersected their lives, called them to Himself, and changing them completely. We'll have a light supper in the fellowship hall afterward, and SDAs and formers can mingle/ask questions there. Then, around 7:00, we're planning a panel of former SDA pastors to tell their stories and then take audience questions. Sunday AM we'll all attend a Trinity church service together. (We just can't have all of you in Redlands and not experience Gary's preaching or the awesome worship we have!) We'll be posting local hotels and rates as well. Proclamation will also have a registration form. We need prayer for God's blessing on this whole event. Colleen | ||
| Patriar Registered user Username: Patriar Post Number: 143 Registered: 3-2005 |
OH my! I can't believe I missed that announcement. I would love to come. I'm homeschooling my kids this year, so we'll see. I have friends there since we lived in Loma Linda for four years. (I've often wished that God would have led us out of SDAism when we were THERE!, oh well...His timing is perfect.) Patria |
