VOICE AUGUST 2006
Pastor Propst's Ponderings
Note: In light of the recent immigration debate, I thought the following article would be helpful in maintaining a Christian perspective.
Defending the Strangers in Our Midst
The demonizing of immigrants
June 9, 2006
by Chuck Colson
"Did you know that "95 percent of warrants for murder in Los Angeles are for illegal aliens?" Or that "75 percent of people on the Most Wanted List in Los Angeles are illegal aliens"? What's more, "Over [two-thirds] of all births in Los Angeles County are to illegal alien Mexicans on [Medicaid] whose births were paid for by taxpayers."
This is outrageous. Especially since none of it is true! Instead, it's just one example of how, in some ways, we have gone beyond worrying about illegal immigration to demonizing the immigrants themselves. This example came from a widely circulated e-mail that was posted on at least 130 conservative websites. It listed ten "facts about immigration" and gave as its source the Los Angeles Times.Not only was the Los Angeles Times not the source of these "facts," when the paper examined the alleged "facts," none of them withstood scrutiny.
Some of them distorted the data: For instance, approximately 62 percent of all births in Los Angeles County are to Hispanic women. But this number includes American citizens, legal aliens, Hispanics from countries other than Mexico, and has nothing to do with Medicaid.
The so-called "facts" about illegal alien criminality are even worse: They are deliberate misrepresentations or complete fabrications. Unfortunately, this is only the tip of an often very ugly iceberg. The illegal immigration problem is often called an "invasion" that threatens the existence of the United States. Illegal aliens are depicted as part of an effort to "reconquer" the American Southwest. And it's not only illegal immigrants: American citizens of Mexican ancestry are also regarded as part of this plot.
Now, there are a few fringe Latino groups that talk about "reconquista." That is all they are, however: fringe. To judge all Latinos, including illegal aliens, by the words of these groups is as fair as judging all Christians by the actions of clinic bombers or Fred Phelps.
A concern for fairness isn't the most important reason that Christians ought to oppose this demonization of "the strangers in our midst." As theologian T. M. Moore recently wrote on BreakPoint Online, "God defends strangers. He has compassion for those who have left all and risked all to find new lives in a strange country." Moore reminds us that God expects His people's "attitude toward the strangers and sojourners in their midst" to reflect His own concern.
Now, this does not mean that Christians ought not to be concerned about the massive lawbreaking, by both illegal immigrants and those who employ them. We must! The rule of law is a Christian contribution, coming out of the Reformation, and it requires respect for law, just as the Bible does. Nor does it mean that there's one particular immigration proposal that Christians ought to be supporting. What it does mean is that Christians must work to see that the immigration debate generates light instead of heat. We must insist that the illegal-immigration issue be addressed without treating millions of Americans, many of whom have died protecting our country, as a kind of fifth column.
That is the very least we can do if we are obedient to God's command to welcome strangers. And that's a fact I got from the highest possible Source."
Colligan's Callings
The Oddest Conversion?
I was talking with two ladies yesterday. (They shall remain nameless.) We had the oddest of conversations. It wasn't so odd because of who they are, but because of HOW we were talking about what we were talking about. Is this how conversion really takes place?
Here's what I mean. These two ladies want to follow Christ. They say they really want to follow Him. For real. Because they HAVE to. One lady -really for the first time giving-up and giving-in to Christ's rule in her life and the other... finally to own the faith for herself.
What is so odd about this? THERE WAS NO SINNER'S PRAYER! Here's what I mean. You see, in the church we are so used to the "hear a sermon... walk the aisle... accept Jesus as Lord and savior in a prayer" ritual. We are also used to accepting this as "conversion" and going on with our lives and effectively discipling only a fraction of the people who go through that ritual. Rarely do we see a person (or two in this case) truly struggling with God, wrestling with Him, if you will, for years... and then giving into Him to be a loyal follower and disciple.
I told them some things that were freeing to hear because they were truth, but not at all pleasant to hear because they were truth. Now... they must die to themselves and follow Christ. They will have a daily cross to pick up and walk with their loving savior. His promises are amazing to them, but He has asked of them their LIVES.
Now... are you saved? Are you oddly converted? Here's what I mean. Does your life reflect following Christ? (Mt 10:37-39) Death to you, your wants, your selfishness and ALIVE to Him? (Phil 1:21) Have you carried a cross yet today because you are driven to please God who can (and has?) saved your soul?(Phil 2:12; 2Cor 7:15) Can somebody you came across today point out the fact that they "saw you being a disciple?" (Col 4:5,6; Mt 25:40) And at the end of the day can WE (I don't mean to preach here only at you) declare that it was God's grace alone that enabled us to do it, b/c we certainly ain't good enough to please or impress God? (Eph 2:8,9)
Perhaps this "conversion" is not so odd. Maybe it is real? (Mt 19:21) Man, do I love Jesus. I thought older people (like I feel at times) get used to Jesus and what it's like to see Him, know Him, feel Him, and follow Him. I thought it would be... like...nothing new - just who I am now. But that just is not true. I have never seen Christ so real in all my life. I thank Him for that. Even if He is currently asking the hardest things of me as His disciple. Give me grace today, oh Lord, to follow you. Give me Grace to obey and live your life. (Jn 10:10)
*Your thoughts?*
Pastor Mark
Dear Church Family
Thank you for all the nice cards, handshakes, smiles and hugs at my 95th birthday party. I never would have made it if not for Jesus, love and care, my parents, my loving wife and kids and super friends. Newt Thompson
To My Church Family,
A sincere thank you to the many church friends who have given me hugs, cards and support since my son Steven of 46 years died in North Carolina. He had many health problems so now he is free and with the Lord. Thank you also for the potted plant that Linda Arnold delivered from all of you. Bessie Hodson
Dear Church Family,
I appreciate the loving prayers, cards, phone calls and visits from my dear church family for my son Dan in his illness as well as his family. And now he is with Jesus. I appreciate so much your prayers for all our family. God*s blessings Marie Bennett.
To Our Church Family,
We thank you for the beautiful plants and all the cards we received. The loss of our son was so sudden and unexpected. He was a wonderful son. Several of his close friends told us he was the greatest Christian they had ever met. He was always helping someone. Thank you for your love and prayers. May God bless you all. Don & Marilyn Schuman
Thank you so much for your thoughtful letter and for your support. I wish I had written back sooner, but there just always seems to be one more thing to do before bed. Life is tolerable here. I certainly miss being at home with my family, and I really miss all the green that Oregon has. I look forward to visiting Oregon next spring in the May time frame.*Work here is hard and often frustrating. But thankfully we*ve been safe so far and have had no contact with the enemy on his terms. Jim Allen (letter to Louie & Linda Arnold. Jim is in Iraq and is on our prayer sheet.)
Note: In light of the recent immigration debate, I thought the following article would be helpful in maintaining a Christian perspective.
Defending the Strangers in Our Midst
The demonizing of immigrants
June 9, 2006
by Chuck Colson
"Did you know that "95 percent of warrants for murder in Los Angeles are for illegal aliens?" Or that "75 percent of people on the Most Wanted List in Los Angeles are illegal aliens"? What's more, "Over [two-thirds] of all births in Los Angeles County are to illegal alien Mexicans on [Medicaid] whose births were paid for by taxpayers."
This is outrageous. Especially since none of it is true! Instead, it's just one example of how, in some ways, we have gone beyond worrying about illegal immigration to demonizing the immigrants themselves. This example came from a widely circulated e-mail that was posted on at least 130 conservative websites. It listed ten "facts about immigration" and gave as its source the Los Angeles Times.Not only was the Los Angeles Times not the source of these "facts," when the paper examined the alleged "facts," none of them withstood scrutiny.
Some of them distorted the data: For instance, approximately 62 percent of all births in Los Angeles County are to Hispanic women. But this number includes American citizens, legal aliens, Hispanics from countries other than Mexico, and has nothing to do with Medicaid.
The so-called "facts" about illegal alien criminality are even worse: They are deliberate misrepresentations or complete fabrications. Unfortunately, this is only the tip of an often very ugly iceberg. The illegal immigration problem is often called an "invasion" that threatens the existence of the United States. Illegal aliens are depicted as part of an effort to "reconquer" the American Southwest. And it's not only illegal immigrants: American citizens of Mexican ancestry are also regarded as part of this plot.
Now, there are a few fringe Latino groups that talk about "reconquista." That is all they are, however: fringe. To judge all Latinos, including illegal aliens, by the words of these groups is as fair as judging all Christians by the actions of clinic bombers or Fred Phelps.
A concern for fairness isn't the most important reason that Christians ought to oppose this demonization of "the strangers in our midst." As theologian T. M. Moore recently wrote on BreakPoint Online, "God defends strangers. He has compassion for those who have left all and risked all to find new lives in a strange country." Moore reminds us that God expects His people's "attitude toward the strangers and sojourners in their midst" to reflect His own concern.
Now, this does not mean that Christians ought not to be concerned about the massive lawbreaking, by both illegal immigrants and those who employ them. We must! The rule of law is a Christian contribution, coming out of the Reformation, and it requires respect for law, just as the Bible does. Nor does it mean that there's one particular immigration proposal that Christians ought to be supporting. What it does mean is that Christians must work to see that the immigration debate generates light instead of heat. We must insist that the illegal-immigration issue be addressed without treating millions of Americans, many of whom have died protecting our country, as a kind of fifth column.
That is the very least we can do if we are obedient to God's command to welcome strangers. And that's a fact I got from the highest possible Source."
Colligan's Callings
The Oddest Conversion?
I was talking with two ladies yesterday. (They shall remain nameless.) We had the oddest of conversations. It wasn't so odd because of who they are, but because of HOW we were talking about what we were talking about. Is this how conversion really takes place?
Here's what I mean. These two ladies want to follow Christ. They say they really want to follow Him. For real. Because they HAVE to. One lady -really for the first time giving-up and giving-in to Christ's rule in her life and the other... finally to own the faith for herself.
What is so odd about this? THERE WAS NO SINNER'S PRAYER! Here's what I mean. You see, in the church we are so used to the "hear a sermon... walk the aisle... accept Jesus as Lord and savior in a prayer" ritual. We are also used to accepting this as "conversion" and going on with our lives and effectively discipling only a fraction of the people who go through that ritual. Rarely do we see a person (or two in this case) truly struggling with God, wrestling with Him, if you will, for years... and then giving into Him to be a loyal follower and disciple.
I told them some things that were freeing to hear because they were truth, but not at all pleasant to hear because they were truth. Now... they must die to themselves and follow Christ. They will have a daily cross to pick up and walk with their loving savior. His promises are amazing to them, but He has asked of them their LIVES.
Now... are you saved? Are you oddly converted? Here's what I mean. Does your life reflect following Christ? (Mt 10:37-39) Death to you, your wants, your selfishness and ALIVE to Him? (Phil 1:21) Have you carried a cross yet today because you are driven to please God who can (and has?) saved your soul?(Phil 2:12; 2Cor 7:15) Can somebody you came across today point out the fact that they "saw you being a disciple?" (Col 4:5,6; Mt 25:40) And at the end of the day can WE (I don't mean to preach here only at you) declare that it was God's grace alone that enabled us to do it, b/c we certainly ain't good enough to please or impress God? (Eph 2:8,9)
Perhaps this "conversion" is not so odd. Maybe it is real? (Mt 19:21) Man, do I love Jesus. I thought older people (like I feel at times) get used to Jesus and what it's like to see Him, know Him, feel Him, and follow Him. I thought it would be... like...nothing new - just who I am now. But that just is not true. I have never seen Christ so real in all my life. I thank Him for that. Even if He is currently asking the hardest things of me as His disciple. Give me grace today, oh Lord, to follow you. Give me Grace to obey and live your life. (Jn 10:10)
*Your thoughts?*
Pastor Mark
Dear Church Family
Thank you for all the nice cards, handshakes, smiles and hugs at my 95th birthday party. I never would have made it if not for Jesus, love and care, my parents, my loving wife and kids and super friends. Newt Thompson
To My Church Family,
A sincere thank you to the many church friends who have given me hugs, cards and support since my son Steven of 46 years died in North Carolina. He had many health problems so now he is free and with the Lord. Thank you also for the potted plant that Linda Arnold delivered from all of you. Bessie Hodson
Dear Church Family,
I appreciate the loving prayers, cards, phone calls and visits from my dear church family for my son Dan in his illness as well as his family. And now he is with Jesus. I appreciate so much your prayers for all our family. God*s blessings Marie Bennett.
To Our Church Family,
We thank you for the beautiful plants and all the cards we received. The loss of our son was so sudden and unexpected. He was a wonderful son. Several of his close friends told us he was the greatest Christian they had ever met. He was always helping someone. Thank you for your love and prayers. May God bless you all. Don & Marilyn Schuman
Thank you so much for your thoughtful letter and for your support. I wish I had written back sooner, but there just always seems to be one more thing to do before bed. Life is tolerable here. I certainly miss being at home with my family, and I really miss all the green that Oregon has. I look forward to visiting Oregon next spring in the May time frame.*Work here is hard and often frustrating. But thankfully we*ve been safe so far and have had no contact with the enemy on his terms. Jim Allen (letter to Louie & Linda Arnold. Jim is in Iraq and is on our prayer sheet.)
WOMEN'S RETREAT
October 6-8
Women's Retreat is fun, refreshing and relaxing. It is a great time to get to know other women better. We also have the opportunity to get closer to God. Here is what Mary Lee Propst has to say about retreat.
How many times have you attended retreat?
Wow! I don't remember. At least 10 times. As long as we have been going to Tilikum and a number of times at other retreat centers over the years.
Why do you attend retreat?
Because I love it. I enjoy the time away from other responsibilities. I enjoy spending time relaxing with and getting to know our women better. And because I know I can count on some quality time of teaching from the Word of God.
What do you enjoy most at retreat?
Being pamperd, including not having to cook. A change of pace from my normal weekend. Strengthening friendships.
What are the grounds like at Tilikum?
The grounds surround a beautiful lake. Plenty of hiking trails, including one that leads to our favorite "Big Swing". Plenty of quiet places to just sit and visit with a friend or meditate by yourself.
What is the food like?
Very good and lots of it. The staff has always been so helpful to provide for special dietary needs.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you have never attended and for some reason haven't been personally invited, here's an invitation from your Pastor's Wife. We always welcome new comers. It is such a great opportunity to get acquainted with the women of the church. You will see us as we really are, not just as we look on Sunday mornings. The Tilikum facility is not your ordinary camp ground bunk house. It is more like a hotel, with only 2-3 per room with private bathrooms for most rooms. Tilikum is only 20 miles from our church, but is definitely out in the country. You will be blessed this year as we have our own Carmen Bryant speaking to us on the topic "He Speaks To Me", learning to listen to God.
Hispanic Update
Dear First Baptist Church
Thank you to all of you for supporting the Hispanic Ministry. Thank you for your prayers on behalf of Graciela, my wife. She spent two months in Venezuela. For one month she was in the hospital and for another month she was recovering and having frequent visits at the doctor's clinic. She came back on April 14th. The doctor says that she has fibromyalgia. Even with medicine, sometimes the pain is terrible. Life has changed a bit. However her spirits are up.
She keeps serving the Lord with all her heart. She helped to coordinate a wedding on June 24th. She coordinated the Ladies' retreat that our church had on July 14-16. We continue working on our weekly radio program. We are on K-Praise 1330 AM every Friday at 9:30 p.m. We appreciate your prayers very much. God is always good. His mercy is forever. We praise and glorify His Holy name Pastor Hector Rodriguez
Are you Young at Heart?
We are looking for new Sunday School Teachers for the 2's & 3's class. This is a wonderful group of kids who are excited to sing and learn about Jesus. It would be wonderful fulfillment for whoever shall fill this position. Currently Alex & Kelly Alvarez have been teaching. Since Kelly is now the Children's Director she is needed elsewhere during the Sunday School hour. Would you please consider yourself as a teacher? Please contact Kelly Alvarez with any questions or inquires. 503-693-0719.
posted by Jerry Propst | 4:04 PM
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