Below is an edited copy of an email I received from a friend of mine. This is my friends personal experience. You can’t verify it on snopes.com because it is not an urban legend. This is a real life story that happened in the last few weeks. I edited only the portions that had personal (identifiable) information.

I believe this story not only because I have known this person for 13 years, but also because of another account from a friend who is Mexican. My friend is in this country legally, but she has relatives who live comfortably in Mexico. They can afford health care, but they cross the boarder in Texas and go to U.S. clinics and hospitals because it is free.

Remember to vote tomorrow!

Jack

Hi Guys:
I’ve been trying to stay on top of this “healthcare reform” stuff for the past 6+ months. It’s almost exhausting because you don’t know WHO? to believe. Let me share what happened to me yesterday which “enlightened me” on this topic.

As most of you know, I work as an RN at a children’s hospital here in ——–. Yesterday, I was assigned a 17 year old male ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT with a past medical history of Kidney Failure. Apparently, he and his family of 6 (mom, dad, + 4 older children) came into this country a little over a year ago illegally to work on a marijuana farm. This young man developed kidney failure and had a right kidney transplant about a year ago (took in too much of the “good stuff”).

He is now back in the hospital diagnosed with Kidney Rejection due to non-compliance with his medications after he slumped into a state of depression recently. To try and save his kidney, I was ordered to administer an anti-rejection medication through his IV that required a CRASH CART and stand-by anaphylactic medication to be at his bedside during the transfusion in case his starts to code! This medication was administered slowly for over 6 hours and the patient was required to have his vital signs done every 15 minutes. Talk about a stressful shift!

Now here’s the clincher…..After talking with Social Work and the Renal Doctor prior to giving this med, I came to find out that all his care is covered IN FULL by Medicaid. In other words, “We, the People” covered his transplant (Lord knows how much that cost), all his medications, his present hospitalization and possible future Dialysis if these medication interventions fail to work.

I could not believe my ears when I overheard the Social Worker and Renal doctor discussing this. Actually, the Social Worker was unaware of this and kept arguing with the doctor that it is “NOT POSSIBLE FOR AN ILLEGAL TO RECEIVE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE, ESPECIALLY MEDICAID”. The doctor kept insisting that he WAS covered. How does the doctor know this for a fact? Well, she’s the one that performed the transplant and has been following up on ALL his care since his kidney’s failed. She’s the one that bills Medicaid and gets reimbursements. The Social Worker checked this info out with Admissions and confirmed that he WAS covered.

Obama clearly has come out and said that illegal immigrants do not get covered and will not be covered by this new Healthcare plan that the democrats are trying to pass. Well, guess what? Now that I have seen & heard first-hand, I no longer believe OBAMA (“The Messiah).

Below is a very short video clipping of a Congressman. Please take a minute to listen to his speech.
Remember, you ARE going to be affected by this healthcare plan one way or another if it passes. Ask yourself why people from Europe, Canada and other countries are coming to the USA and spending millions of dollars a year for healthcare if their governments are supplying it for FREE?

I assume most of you (who use to read this blog) already know about the “mold issue”. But since I am writing now to ghost, maybe I had better explain.

During the first week of August our home (the churches parsonage) suffered water damage in a big storm with strong winds. It wasn’t until a few days later that I leaned against the wall in my bedroom and my hand almost went through the wall! Well by the end of August we had a check in hand from the Insurance company and started to tear out the water damaged wall on a Thursday. That began a 5-week exile and subsequent remodeling job that is still continuing. The culprit? Black mold!

We went from a water damage issue that would involve replacing 1 wall; floor plate and some sub floor, as well as cleaning carpet and painting. Currently, we have replaced 6 walls, refrigerator closet, HVAC closet, water heater closet, two sections of ceiling in two different rooms, two large areas of sub floor and a new HVAC system. When the “mold guys” were finished cleaning you could literally see from my front door to the back (at one point you could actually stand outside the house and do this). Usually you would have a master bedroom, closet and laundry room in the way!

We spent two weeks at the Hampton Inn 30 minutes away and then 3 weeks at a guesthouse owned by the Stuart Pentecostal Holiness church! Of course we had the kids, Jackson 9 and Jaime 4 months, with us. Our German shepherd spent the entire time in the kennels at her Vet.

We have been back in the house two weeks, I think! We have replaced the walls with drywall and mud. We have started painting and tomorrow we get the new carpet in the bedroom. At that point we have to finish putting up molding and baseboards. Then we have to paint the living room (part of the ceiling and one wall are new), we have to paint the kitchen (the refrigerator closet is new) and the laundry room, which is 75% new. During this time all of our possession and furniture from the bedroom have been stuffed in the rest of the house. We still have storage boxes on our deck and most of our clothes are over at the church. Did I mention that most of our clothing, linens and pillows were carted off to South Carolina to be “de-molded”?

All of this has been taking place in the middle of adopting and very tough economic times at the church, which has motivated me to get my insurance license and join the family business. Needless to say it has been busy.

I have missed the hundreds of thousands that read and the one or two that sometimes respond. Hopefully, I can be more consistent here, as well as, reading your blogs as well! It’s good to be back!

Black mold

[caption id="attachment_477" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Bedroom to Laundry room"][/caption]

Taped up!

Yes, he does!

Obviously, our lives have changed drastically over the last year. I can easily see ‘08-’09 as being one of the most significant watershed years of our lives. When you consider the move to Critz coupled with the adoption of our baby girl it really is a no brainer. Then there are a few more subtle life changes that have the potential to change the course of our family significantly for quite a few years to come as well.

It amazes me how those changes manifest themselves at times, no, not just in moving vans or the dirty diapers. Those are the obvious “signs”. Do you want to know what got me the other day? Glad ya asked!

Pink Fuzz!

That’s right Pink Fuzz! There I was changing the laundry the other day and the lent trap was full of Pink Fuzz! It has never happened in this family before! You may think that I am over reacting, and maybe I am. But really Pink?

Anyway, you get the point, subtle reminders of life’s changes. I like to think of them as prayer reminders on the highway of life. It is true that we covered all of these major decisions over this last year in prayer and fasting; it is also true that the time for prayer and fasting hasn’t ended. Pink Fuzz reminds me to continue to pray for Jaime’s birth parents. Pink Fuzz reminds me to pray for Jaime’s big brother who, although doing a great job as a big brother, is also going through transition too! Pink Fuzz reminds me to pray for my little girl’s future ministry and spouse.

So if you’ve recently gone through some of those “major” life changes or if you are facing them now by all means pray! Remember though, as time goes by and you settle in to that new life or reality that the necessity for prayer increases not decreases. Let Pink Fuzz help you keep your focus and keep you life centered. But by all means, don’t let it clog your lent trap!

I preached last week from Isaiah 40:31 focusing especially on the first phrase, “Those who wait upon the Lord …” The word wait there in the Hebrew is qâvâh
kaw-vaw’
A primitive root; to bind together (perhaps by twisting), that is, collect; (figuratively) to expect:—gather (together), look, patiently, tarry, wait (for, on, upon).

The idea is of a waiting period in which you (actively) bind yourself to/together with those things or The One that strengthens you. Another verse that seems to fit is James 4:8 “Come close to God and he will come close to you.”

One thing I am realizing in The Waiting is that God is active as well. I may not be able to see now what is happening, but I will be able to look back and realize the work that He has been doing on my behalf.

Our whole life is in transition! No we are not “leaving” our church nor do we want to, but we have to make adjustments in our family. I will be starting to work outside the church, due to the poor economy. Kristen may or may not be teaching this year. She may or may not be home schooling Jackson and staying at home with Jaime. Then there is the whole adoption process, which seems to be secure, but it still isn’t finalized, so….

So we wait, but not in a lackadaisical fashion. We spend our time wrapping ourselves up, binding ourselves to the only One who can strengthen us. The Waiting will end; when it does we will be ready for whatever lies ahead!

Fallen!

So I heard the very sad news of yet another minister who had a “moral failure”. He had fallen!

I don’t know him; don’t think I ever met him, but my heart breaks! I don’t excuse the sin. That is between the man, the Lord and those whom he served. I pray that there is repentance and restoration. I will leave that to those who are over him in the Lord.

My question is what did you expect?

Most of our men and women in full time ministry have no legitimate means of confessing struggles and temptations in their lives. Who can they turn to and trust to counsel and pray, but not judge, condemn or turn them in? Who?

I am blessed that my wife and I have that type of relationship. I also share that type of relationship with a few guys as well. It is important to note that those guys are not in my denomination and some aren’t even in the ministry. You see it’s safer that way.

We have created a standard for those in ministry that is near impossible to reach or maintain. No one is above temptation, but in ministry there is a presumption of perfection. Of spiritual maturity that keeps us above the fray of mortal men. Personally I hold both the ministry and the laity responsible. The laity wants to believe that there pastor is infallible because then they don’t need faith. They can simply take everything the “perfect preacher” says and not have to think for themselves. And of course, there are those ministers who enjoy this power and control. It allows them to do what they want when they want without having to answer to anyone, because after all they’ve “heard from God”!

One problem, among many, with this hierarchy, is that if you are perfect you don’t need help. If you admit you aren’t perfect than you obviously shouldn’t be a pastor! The classic catch 22!

You may be thinking that this is ridiculous; obviously your pastor isn’t “perfect”! You would never think such a thing! Yet, if he or his family shows the least sign of weakness they are ridiculed, roasted or run out of the church on a rail.

Some pastors may also resent some of the accusations I’ve made here and I can understand that too. Let me ask this. If you’re not perfect and you don’t presume to be, where do you go when you are tempted? You are not perfect, so you are tempted … to whom do you turn for help, counsel, rebuke, exhortation and advice? If you are not living the charade than you already know who these folk are in your life because you’ve already used them.

If you don’t have such people then don’t rest until you have found someone you can trust with anything! Find someone who will hold you accountable without hanging you out to dry. Do it now before it is too late because very soon you will be tempted and if you have no one to turn to YOU WILL FALL!

While we are at it let us please remember the adage, “if not for the grace of God, there go I”. Let our hearts fill with compassion and let us act with love toward those who have lost a battle. Let us reach them before we lose them. Otherwise, we will be the next to say, “Help, I’ve fallen!”

Our dog Ada is brilliant! Like most German Shepherds she is smart and eager to please. She loves to work and she gets in trouble if she isn’t kept busy or challenged. The one point where she just doesn’t get is that she tells on herself! No, really! If she gets into something or a hold of something that she isn’t suppose to she doesn’t run and hide. No! She slinks in to the room where we are with her tale between her legs. You can always tell by the way she is acting that she has Jackson’s toy or Jaime’s sock. I’m not complaining mind you. It makes life more simple, but it’s a little pathetic for such a smart animal! If you don’t believe me look at this picture.

GSD pacifist!

You just don’t expect a smart dog to be that dumb! Although I find all too often that I struggle with the same tendencies. I believe that God is able! I believe that He is and He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him! I believe He is able to supply all my needs according to His riches in glory! I believe that when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death he is with me. I know it’s true because His rod and His staff have comforted me there! I know that He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies. I know this because I have eaten at that table and enjoyed the fruit of fellowship with Him when all Hell seemed like it was coming against me.

Yet …

at times I still come slinking around the corner when he calls with the evidence of my doubt, despair, fear, etc., paraded before Him. I know that I shouldn’t look with fleshly eyes only. I know I should trust in that which I can not see, but I know is so very real! I know I should expect the unexpected. That contrary to all life my throw at me and the chaos that may surround me, I know that He is in control! I know, I just forget!

Like this week when we finished our budget for July and we realized that baby formula would “eat up” literally half of it! I know that He knows and that He has a plan. I know, but I forget. Then the next day my wife is literally given the equivalent of $1,111 worth of formula!

That’s when I feel like the dog! Caught with my guilt hanging from my mouth! Red handed in my lack of faith!

Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!

So my buddy Tony over at muddiedwaters has a list he puts out on Thursday’s called Thursday’s 5. This weeks was a list of what he misses in life. So I commented and when I got to my number 5 I realized I would rather ponder it here where I could expound without fear of well, anything. So here it is:

I miss the point!

It seems that in all the noise and hysteria of life, I wonder if I/we haven’t all missed it? I’ve heard debates about “the point” before in churches.

“We are here to worship!”

“No, we are here to win souls!”

Personally, I think the answer is yes and no! We do worship and we are to win souls, but is that really “the point”? Did God purchase and pardon us just so we can all stand around here on earth or around His throne in heaven singing Cum Ba Ya? Won’t that get old after a while? I mean after we all sing, throw down our crowns and dance a while … what then?

I’m not trying to be sacrilegious, but I know folks that act as if that is all there is or is ever going to be and I don’t get it. Does God really need or want people continuously saying how awesome He is? Doesn’t He know that?

Or …

Is it all about witnessing and winning souls? That’s good! It’s awesome! It’s important! But then what? Is this life just about this life? Or is it a part of the process of preparing us for eternity? “Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost!” I’ve quoted it myself and I believe it, but is that IT? Is that “the point”? Was there nothing beyond his desire to see His lost sheep rescued?

I love worship and firmly believe in the necessity of evangelism! However, I think that we may have put the focus in the wrong place. I think “the point” is relationship.

Wow! I know probably not a great revelation, but isn’t that what worship and evangelism are both about? Worship is our relationship with HIM. While evangelism is helping others find their relationship with HIM.

So worship and evangelism both flow out of relationship. So heaven won’t be one big worship service as much as it will be the beginning of life with the one we were meant for. Not the end of life, but the beginning of Real LIfe and Real relationship.

Or maybe I’m off base …

I just don’t want to miss “the point”!

Why are Sunday nights out of vogue in most areas? It seems there are two streams of thought and both may be valid to a certain degree.

1) is the idea that we need to respect peoples investment of time in the church. That many families are pressured already for time and that demanding attendance on Sunday evening (or Wednesdays for that matter) is legalism.

2) the idea that we as a society have lost of zeal or desire for the Lord. We have become complacent and selfish. That our time has become an idol and that refusal to attend services other than Sunday morning is rebellion.

I’m sure there is a grain of truth on both sides. Personally, I do think that the Sunday evening service has value, if the congregates (people who attend) are blessed, encouraged, uplifted or otherwise find it a positive experience. I also understand that many people who were “forced” to be a church “whenever the doors were open” can recent what they see as an unscriptural restriction on their freedom.

Truth: Sunday night services or midweek services for that matter are not ordained by divine mandate. Scripturally, the examples of the early church showed anywhere from daily meetings for prayer and encouragement to weekly meetings “on the Lord’s day”.

In the end, I believe it is a heart matter. What blesses you or your church? What seems to be effective in your community? Where do you place the most value in your personal life?

I’m sure there is a lot more I should say. Maybe I should be more spiritual or less legalistic. Maybe I’ve left too much up for personal choice and not enough clear mandate. Sorry, but I’m at the coffee store being interrupted by ladies of “older persuasion” who are ogling over my baby. All the while, I am trying to type something that I’ve been pondering without really, trying to flesh it out deeply!

So agree or disagree put in your two cents …

I wanted to take time to Praise the Lord! I have to be careful to not brag or be prideful, but I still want to give honor where honor is due.

You see, by some definitions I pastor a growing Mega Church. No, not be all definitions, but by some. I know that by popular definition the title of Mega Church is usually reserved for congregations over 2,000 in attendance. We sadly have not reached that point yet at Critz Church of God. However, I remember one statistic (I couldn’t find it written down anywhere so you’ll have to take my word for it! , that statistic from back in the hay day of Church Growth was that a healthy thriving church has at least 20% of it’s population in attendance.

I did find some “rules” on growth that seemed support that, but who really cares? Let’s look at the numbers:

The best statistics that I could find stated that the population of Critz, VA is approximately 275. I’m sure that’s people, because cattle and deer especially would be much higher, plus they don’t generally attend church! So that means that 20% of the population of Critz would be approximately 54 people. Currently, we are averaging … drum roll please … right around 50-55 people! We had 98 on Easter and we have been in the high 70%’s several times since then!

If I were a competitive personality I would try to do the math and research to see how we compare to other COG’s in the state, but it really doesn’t matter does it? I really wouldn’t want to embarrass pastor’s who are trying with all their might to build a church, but are stuck at a lesser percentage. I mean it’s not their fault that there are so many people in the Tidewater or Richmond or Winchester is it? They shouldn’t be made to feel inferior because they are statistically at the right percentage mark, should they?

We are just fortunate enough to be in an area where there are fewer people so therefore there is less pressure to have the right numbers to qualify as successful. I truly feel sorry for pastors who have all those thousands and even hundreds of thousands of people who live in their communities/towns/cities. They do their best, but they struggle to get maybe a paltry 1% of their perspective population!

I want to be clear in view of our obvious statistical success (and in light of my blog concerning success from two days ago) that I feel that some of those pastors as mentioned above, that may have only reached a paltry percentage of their potential population, should not be discriminated against for only having 700 – 1,500 in attendance. I am sure that these men and women are doing their best to get their percentages up! We should all pray, encourage and not judge those churches and ministers who are statistically challenged!

Forest for the trees

So how do we define success within our churches? I’m at Camp meeting and I couldn’t help but wonder. You see for all my years of ministry and life in the church it seems it is always the men who pastor larger churches or whose churches are experiencing numeric growth that we honor. These are the men and women who are asked to preach or who are interviewed.

So I must draw the conclusion that numeric success is what matters or even financial success. I know that we say we value spiritual maturity and inner growth, but have we ever seen a pastor of a small church in the middle of nowhere honored or asked to share how he has been able to disciple, love, minister too and maintain a congregation of 45 that can barely pay their bills?

I hope this doesn’t sound bitter, because I’m not. Nor ignorant because I really do “get” the reason for asking pastor’s who are seeing growth numerically to preach or share. I have made my peace with God on this issue. I do not understand why, but I do know that my years of service in smaller congregations have been accounted as a work of righteousness for the Lord. However, it is not myself that I am concerned about here. It is the other pastors and ministers like myself that will never be recognized for the many years and even decades of service in certain areas, because the numbers never grew or worst yet they even shrunk!

How many of our ministers leave state meetings each year discouraged not because they weren’t “chosen” to speak, but rather because they read the unwritten signs that tell them that maybe they weren’t worthy. Maybe they struggle with the idea that they never will be worthy. No they are not told this in so many words, but it is suggested nonetheless.

And yes, I understand why it might be beneficial to learn from those who are experiencing growth or economic success. I just wonder…

Is it possible that a church can never grow out of a certain size congregation and yet still have success? If so why do we not see those pastors given an opportunity to speak at camp meeting or enter into state or national leadership?

If size does matter… at what point does lack of growth indicate lack of success? When is a church and pastor of 1,500 failing if the church plateaus and never moves beyond that point? What about Jim Jones he could really draw a crowd!

I don’t want to settle for mediocrity nor do I think we ought to accept a false standard. I don’t want to deny the success of men and women whose ministries are flourishing numerically and/or financially. But I also don’t want to fall into a trap or “preferring my brother” or using a false standard on others or myself.

How do you define success?