Hurting

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On Mon, 21 Jul 1997 21:43:49 +0000 "Floyd E. Avery" <feavery@prysm.net>
writes:
<snip>
>I have always believed in One God. I still do. It is not the Oneness
>doctrine that that I don't agree with, it is some of the people that I
>don't agree with.
>
I Reply;
Brother, there are so many that do not understand the doctrine and
concept of the oneness of God that some feel it necessary to drill them
over and over. This can be done in the right spirit or can be offensive.
I was in a church meeting last night where we discussed that all should
at least be able to know where the Scripture stands on Speaking in
Tongues. Both the evidence, and gift. Also the difference between prayer
tongues of edification and spoken tongues of prophecy and how they should
be used in the service.

>snip>
> He ask me to step into
>his office and then he pulled back the curtain. He ask me to look out
>and I saw an old school bus with weeds growing around it. He said "we
>bought that bus and tried to work with the military but we found that
>all they wanted to do was mess with the girls. We decided that we
>would just as soon not have them around". I needed that Church. It was
>the first time I had ever been away from home and I needed some
>fellowship. They judged me by the USAF uniform that I had on. I was
>hurting and I needed some kindness.
I reply-
This is NOT the church I envision. The failure of that outreach caused
the Pastor to retreat into a shell. consider this. The largest churches
we have are near military installations. Check it out. What has been
called the fastest growing church in our fellowship, Eau Clare, Wisconsin
has a huge military base nearby. The famed church in Alexandria is near a
military base. The church in Stockton, Ca is near a military base. 
One of our oldest churches in our District, is near a military
installation. I think the military mind is more accustomed to accept the
gospel, due to the fact that they are willing to just do it, do to the
training they have received.
I can see the hurt you must have felt and do feel. I wish I had the words
to make that go away. I DO know that Jesus forgives and HEALS. Please do
not retreat into a shell, Bro Floyd. Pray that you are healed and the
scars are healed too.
Not all "First Church" Pastors (UPC, ALJC, whatever) are bad. Some of
them are willing to go the extra mile to see you through. I would
recommend you tell your current Pastor how you feel so he can help you to
healing as well.

Brian Berger
Manchester, NH
Brian_Berger@juno.com