| Author |
Message |
Dennis
Registered user
Username: Dennis
Post Number: 742
Registered: 4-2000
| | Posted on Thursday, June 08, 2006 - 1:26 pm: |     |
Richard,
It is very easy to be in non-compliance with the many rules of a toxic-faith system. Seventh-day Adventism continues to cause a multitude of heartaches and complexities in the lives that it touches. Obviously, Loma Linda University is not as liberal and accommodating as many like to portray it. After all, Ellen White is still their revered church mother. The "crime of dissent" is not tolerated.
It is my fervent prayer that this experience will turnout to be blessing in disguise. I am convinced that God will reward your faithfulness in ways not known at this moment. Sylvia and I greatly appreciate your able leadership on this forum and as president of Life Assurance Ministries. God has magnificent plans for your life. By the way, some of this world's greatest saints have been fired by Adventists. This puts you in a very special Hall of Fame.
Dennis Fischer |
Dd
Registered user
Username: Dd
Post Number: 685
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 08, 2006 - 2:13 pm: | |
Richard,
I just came to FAF today for a quick update - I have not visited in weeks. Funny...before visiting here I sent Colleen an email. You both have been on my mind so much lately! That means you have both been in my prayers a great deal. I've had you covered without knowing why! God cares SO much - He continues to amaze me in how His sovereign plan is beyond perfect.
In a way your news brings excitement for me. God has a new phase. You are right. He has kept you at LLU "for such a time as this"! Isn't it a powerful comfort to know you are in His timing?!
He has grown you in all these years for this coming phase. Please keep us informed as to what He has in store for you. Whatever God's next move is for you, He has equiped you and He will see you through.
With love and prayers,
Denise |
Dd
Registered user
Username: Dd
Post Number: 686
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 08, 2006 - 2:14 pm: | |
Robby,
Your story sounds all to familiar. Welcome!
Denise |
Jeremy
Registered user
Username: Jeremy
Post Number: 1331
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 08, 2006 - 3:45 pm: | |
Richard,
I'll be praying for you and Colleen during this difficult time.
I just want to say thank you so much for your ministry--I really appreciate it and I praise God for your faithfulness in spite of the cost.
May God bless you abundantly through the riches of His grace.
Jeremy |
Packer_eric
Registered user
Username: Packer_eric
Post Number: 37
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 08, 2006 - 3:51 pm: | |
Richard,
I just came on board to see some new posts and came across your "news." I fully understand your thinking process i.e. The Lord keeping you at LLU to "shead light" on those that (still) work at the University. I cannot imagine you're the only one to be let go and you will no doubt be the last...it is indeed a blessing in disguise (easy for me/us to say) and you will be blessed greatly.
As a public school teacher, I get to be "tested" on a daily basis and, at this time, don't see me going anywhere else...God places His people in all facets of the globe.
Peace to you and Colleen,
Eric |
Ric_b
Registered user
Username: Ric_b
Post Number: 551
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 08, 2006 - 4:07 pm: | |
Richard, It would have been easy to simply be quiet about your beliefs and therefore stay beneath the radar. It takes a courage that comes totally from God to do otherwise. My prayers are with you during this challenging time. I pray that God will use your courage and integrity to strengthen those who hear about it.
|
Lynne
Registered user
Username: Lynne
Post Number: 428
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, June 08, 2006 - 4:17 pm: | |
Richard - Thank you for your ministry. You and Colleen are very much in my prayers. Lynne
|
Toria
Registered user
Username: Toria
Post Number: 26
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, June 08, 2006 - 4:33 pm: | |
Richard
You and Colleen are also in my prayers. May God bless you and keep you during those difficult days.
toria |
Flyinglady
Registered user
Username: Flyinglady
Post Number: 2587
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 08, 2006 - 6:47 pm: | |
Richard,
I have been waiting to hear what would happen about your job and am not surprised.
The first verse that popped into my mind is Rom 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
God has a door open for you and will show you where to find it.
You, Colleen, and the two boys are in my prayers.
I also, want to thank you for your tireless ministry to us formers and standing up for God and your beliefs. Thank you so much.
God is awesome and once He has a hold of you, will not drop you.
Jonah,
Welcome to FAF. When you want to tell us more about yourself.
Richard and Colleen, a prayer for you: Father in Heaven, You know the beginning and the end, you are the I Am. Please hold Richard and Colleen in your awesome arms at this moment. Show Richard what you want him to do and bless him and his family. He has stood up for his faith in Jesus and I am so glad. Keep them close to you.
In Jesus name, I thank you because God, you are awesome.
Diana |
Pegg
Registered user
Username: Pegg
Post Number: 23
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, June 08, 2006 - 7:18 pm: | |
Hello Richard!
I haven't been here very long.
I think that you have had a great deal of courage to continue with integrity in your position at LLU. It seems that God has now seen fit to release you.
You and Colleen are in my prayers now. I'll ask Him for just the blessing that He knows you need most.
Let's all keep on searching!
Pegg |
Belvalew
Registered user
Username: Belvalew
Post Number: 1041
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 08, 2006 - 10:08 pm: | |
Dear Richard,
God's timing is perfect. He held you at Loma Linda for as long as you fulfilled a part of His plan for you there. However, that time is not past, and he is opening up a future that will bring further glory to him, and by reflection, to you. You are a man with skill and heart, and will, no doubt, find no problem in finding a new position, one where you are free to worship and express yourself completely. I pray that you and your entire family will see this turning point as an opening in the road, and a smoothing of the way. I am looking forward to hearing how these new developments will take place.
Blessings,
Belva |
Agapetos
Registered user
Username: Agapetos
Post Number: 83
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 08, 2006 - 10:55 pm: | |
Dear Richard,
I didn't know that you were working for LLU, but I'm blessed by all you've done for Jesus and all the sacrifices you've made for His sake. And He says you're blessed when you suffer for His sake, and I think you already know that. I'm praying for continued faith for you and Colleen as He takes you through the time of transition and the new journey before you. I know He'll never let you fall, and I'm praying for you.
In His rest,
Ramone |
Richardtinker
Board Administrator
Username: Richardtinker
Post Number: 44
Registered: 4-1999
| | Posted on Thursday, June 08, 2006 - 11:00 pm: | |
I am overwhelmed by all your caring notes--men do cry. Both Colleen and I have felt "carried" by the Spirit today--it was a really good day! We are continuing to seek God's direction, but the first thing I'm doing is getting things caught up around here at Life Assurance Ministries. There are quite a few waiting to be given passwords to the forum. We have two issues of Proclamation translated into Spanish which I need to design, and a third on the way. Also, I need to get the remaining back issues of Proclamation saved as PDF files and uploaded to the web site. And then the accounting and receipts... So I have plenty to do as we wait on the Lord!
Thanks for your prayers. We have gone through difficulties in the past, but never with such a "knowing" that whatever happens, we are safe in the caring arms of our Father. |
Pradez2
Registered user
Username: Pradez2
Post Number: 26
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, June 08, 2006 - 11:18 pm: | |
I have received countless blessings from the work you have done in this forum. It is my fervent hope that this setback is but a rest stop to a more rewarding direction in your professional endeavors.
I can see God's blessings in you and Colleen. Courage! |
Mrsbrian3
Registered user
Username: Mrsbrian3
Post Number: 52
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Friday, June 09, 2006 - 8:05 am: | |
Brian and I were/are also greatly blessed by the mission of FAF. We so appreciate your faithfulness in this ministry area. I'm sure your "presence" at LLUDS will continue for quite a while. Unfortunately (or fortunately in this case) human nature is to gossip. You never know who may have been on-the-edge and your dedication and integrity to stand up for what you believe will give them the courage they need to step out and follow Jesus. God continue to bless you Richard for all your work on my behalf. |
Melissa
Registered user
Username: Melissa
Post Number: 1404
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, June 09, 2006 - 2:59 pm: | |
Much love and peace to you both, Richard and Colleen. |
Bobj
Registered user
Username: Bobj
Post Number: 20
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Friday, June 09, 2006 - 5:49 pm: | |
Richard
It's my prayer that God will be glorified and that you will always sense the presence of His Spirit and His leading in your life.
I praise God for the way you have uplifted the Lord Jesus Christ through your ministry. We are complete in Him!
Bob |
Lori
Registered user
Username: Lori
Post Number: 40
Registered: 11-1999
| | Posted on Friday, June 09, 2006 - 7:15 pm: | |
Richard,
I was unaware you still worked for "the church"...I can't wait to hear how God blesses you as HE moves you "forward"!!!! Someone already mentioned Romans 8:28; it states very clearly the criteria for "all things working together for good". All things work together for good FOR THOSE WHO LOVE GOD. The fact you and Colleen love God is very evident just in your ministry through this website.
I found this website in October of 1999. I had already figured out there was something majorly askew about the Adventist doctrines, however, I was SO frightened I was being 'deceived'.
This ministry solidified what I already knew. It gave me courage to stand up for what was right! It helped to assuage the "aloneness" I felt when I left the Adventist church. Many times through 2000-2001 I came to this ministry for the people here to sustain me through my heartache of "leaving". Thank you!!!!!
I have no doubt God will bless you and Colleen over and above anything that you could imagine.
Lori D. |
Cathy2
Registered user
Username: Cathy2
Post Number: 142
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Monday, June 12, 2006 - 8:19 pm: | |
Richard and Colleen,
My prayers have been with you. Please forgive me for not posting sooner. (Much has been going on in my own life).
I appreciate all the efforts, prayers, heart, work and sacrifices you both make for your ministries, convictions and this forum.
A verse in Hebrews came to my mind for you both:
~For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.~
Hebrewss 6:10
Thank you, from my heart, for you both, for being who you are and for what you do~
I have no doubts that God will continue to watch, protect, provide for and bless you both.
In Christ,
Cathy |
Susan_2
Registered user
Username: Susan_2
Post Number: 2243
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 3:50 pm: | |
I'll keep this situtation in my prayers. |
Johnl
Registered user
Username: Johnl
Post Number: 5
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 8:29 pm: | |
Richard and Colleen,
I have been greatly blessed by your ministery, espically your Friday night studies.
It is my fervent prayer that you both will know the comfort and peace which can only come from knowing He loves you so much He gave His life so you will be able to spend eternity with Him.
In His love,
Johnl |
Accepted
Registered user
Username: Accepted
Post Number: 2
Registered: 6-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 10:39 pm: | |
dear Richard,
Thank you for assigning my username and password, I wondered when that would happen, but didn't think it would take such a drastic event. I too greatly appreciate the Former Adventist website and forum. Keep up the good work. Martha |
Richardtinker
Board Administrator
Username: Richardtinker
Post Number: 45
Registered: 4-1999
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 10:32 pm: | |
Thank you again for your prayers. I am having so much fun working on FAF and Life Assurance Ministries stuff in the daytime! All back issues of Proclamation are now available in pdf format on this website. My next job is to design the Spanish versions of Proclamation. Praise God for the freedom (and time) to do this work.
Richard |
