Readers Share Their Thoughts

By Don Meyer

CHICAGO, IL (August 31, 2006) - Hardly a week goes by that we do not receive a few comments from readers on stories published as part of the Covenant online news report.

We will share from time to time some of those responses generated through the “comments” link attached to each published story. This kind of feedback is very helpful to our Covenant News Service staff as we seek to identify and publish stories of great interest to a broad spectrum of online readers of this report.

Following are comments relating to recently published stories, edited in some cases for length. To read a particular story of interest, click on the headline.

Free Sweet Corn Meal Connects Neighbors, Friends

Reynold Samundsen of Batavia, IL, writes: Right on! When is the event? (Editor’s note: sorry, Reynold, but the event was last Saturday. However, there’s plenty of excellent sweet corn in Illinois – perhaps an event in Batavia?)

Efforts Under Way to Contain Violence in Congo

Jan & Bob Thornbloom of Chicago, IL, write: Excellent coverage of the situation in Congo. Thank you for bringing it to the attention of Covenanters.

Lloyd Ahlem of Turlock, CA, writes: The name Bemba sounds much like the name of both a father and son who grew up on our mission field in Northwest Congo and were protoges of Bob Thornbloom. Is there any connection between this Bemba and Bob's understudies? (Editor’s note: There are two Bembas who are well-known in Congo - and they are father and son. The elder Bemba developed a number of businesses, many in the Kinshasa area, including what eventually has become an extensive trucking company. Among Bob Thornbloom's many responsibilities in the mission station's earlier years was keeping vehicles used in the Congo mission in operating condition. After hours, the elder Bemba's trucks, part of the then-fledging business, would limp into the mission repair station, and Bob would see that they were repaired and back on the road as quickly as possible. That interaction led to a long-standing relationship that continues to this day. The younger Bemba, Jean-Pierre, was treated as a child by Dr. Roger Thorpe, another well-known Covenanter and medical missionary in the Covenant work in Congo. Jean-Pierre today serves as vice president in the transitional government and is a candidate in the October 29 runoff election for president of Congo. His father serves in a cabinet position in the national government.)

Glenn Heikes of Lindsborg, KS, writes: This article caught my attention after hearing Dr. Paul Jaster, M.D., a member of the Salina Covenant Church, speak about his work in Nairobi, Kenya. Thought you might like to pass this on to Covenant World Mission. Maybe they can get the doctor together with the Evangelical Covenant Church of Kenya. Dr. Paul will be on his way back to Kenya soon.

New Life Pursues Alternate Satellite for Ministry to Russians

Bishop O. A. Ateji of Abeokuta, Nigeria, writes: Blessed are our ears that hear these things. I thank Johnson and his God-fearing team for not fearing man, but continuing with the glorious work, expanding the Kingdom of God through media. Something is sure, whether the devil likes it or not: the Gospel shall not only be preached all over the world, but Christ shall take over the world in Jesus' name.

Readers Share Their Thoughts

Nancy Carlson of Omaha, NE, writes: In response to Kurt Peterson’s comments (under the “older stories” section) about the story “Two Covenant Churches Among Top 20 in U.S.,” may I echo these words. As a now 60-year-old "child" of the South Bend church, I have come to realize that in all the attention given to "FUL-ness", FAITH-FUL would seem to be so much more important to the Lord than SUCCESS-FUL, yet is far less recognized and acclaimed by honors and news reports. The South Bend church - and so many others of its measure - are year after year FAITHFUL! May God bless it and each of its FAITHFUL people.

Herb Freedholm of Palatine, IL, writes: Many thanks to Kurt Peterson of Chicago for his response to the news story about the top 20 churches in the U.S.! I could add many other churches like the fine South Bend Church to the list.

Carolyn Pitezel Celebrates 40 Years of Service—Then Gets Back to Work

Melbourne J. Metcalf of Mercer Island, WA, writes: As a retired missionary to Japan, I want to express appreciation for the many extra things Carolyn did to help all of us missionaries while home on furlough and in Chicago. God bless you now and whenever you retire.

Covenant Pastor ‘A Little Nervous’ about Singing to 70,000

Paul Lessard of Strathmore Alberta, writes: Congratulations, Matt! Pretty cool!

Older Stories

Occasionally we receive comments about stories published some time ago. Most often, readers come across them while topically perusing search engines or when visiting the online Covenant News Archive maintained by Covenant News Service. We appreciate reader comments at any time about any story that has appeared as part of our online Covenant news report.

CHIC: ‘Jesus Wants to Enter Your Pain’

Kelsie J. of Eagle Lake, MN, writes: I was at CHIC 2006 and it was the most amazing experience I've ever had. This is a great article, but being there was indescribable - and this (article) doesn't do it justice. CHIC changed my life. THANK YOU to all who made CHIC happen.

Pastor Finds Fulfillment in Prison Ministry

A reader in Sanford, NC, writes: I have to say, my father is in Jo Davis and something has changed since he has been there. I know that God, for a fact, has touched my father. I had not heard from him in a long, long time. I received a letter from him the other day and it said everything that I’ve been needing to hear. Thanks to our Lord and savior. I want to say thanks to whoever is helping him see that GOD loves him. (Editor’s note: the writer’s name was withheld to protect the family’s privacy).

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