Change and Rescue Operations

Two blogs ago I began to share my thoughts about the change process. If you wish to learn how to really influence others without getting caught in the Rescuer Triangle, read my book, Hope and Change for Humpty Dumpty.(Call 769-4600 to order)

Stage I. Pre-Conviction, Stage II. Conviction and Stage III. Considering Change are discussed in a past posting.

Stage IV: Changing my Behavior-This is when we stop smoking, quit drinking, begin the diet or actually Change my actions. Everything else that happens before this is important but here is the jackpot. Unfortunately, many of us expect others to get to Stage IV. Immediately and we are very disappointed when there are delays.

Think about the Rescuer Triangles and how many Rescuers are upset when the Victims they Rescued from the Persecuting Floods did not immediately change into model citizens and then blame them for being the Problem. Just think for a moment about the reasonableness of that expectation. How can we expect a person to understand the notion of private property and work for pay if they never, ever worked or owned anything before in their entire lives?

Over 30% of all New Orleans residents were below the poverty line and, as a result, were on welfare. They rented their apartments. Have you ever rented? If so, were you as concerned about the property as the owner? Of course not.

Most people in poverty have children without benefit of marriage and most are uneducated. These are the two single greatest causes of poverty in America.

Why would any person who has spent a lifetime on government assistance thank us for Rescuing them from a flood? They are chronically Rescued. They have an attitude of entitlement, and the government has fostered it and rewarded it.

Ministry in Russia is difficult because the government ran everything and planned everything and told everyone what to do. The citizens made no decisions and had no influence on the food available, cars that were made or the way leaders acted. Now, many want the old system back because making decisions is tough. Responsibility is difficult. Dependency is demeaning and disrespectful but it is easy to do.

Do the people who lived on welfare in New Orleans see a need for Change? Are they Convicted that they have a Problem? (Stage II. Conviction) I cannot imagine that they think they need to change. It is almost impossible for them to jump all the way to Stage IV. Change and decide to stop welfare and get a job, buy a house and take care of their property.

My hope and prayer is simple: "Lord, help the people dependent upon welfare and government assistance see the light that future generations will benefit from marriage, an education, hard work and a vigorous investment in private property ownership."

I have a second prayer: "Lord, may this nation see the light and turn from the Socialist agenda that killed Russia."

I also have a plea for my friends: "Stop expecting Rescues to Change behavior developed over generations."

Responses From Old Friends

The Triangles blog certainly stirred up a lot of interest. I really like it when people tell me their thoughts and I am going to share one or two of them. Mark O'Hara, a friend from the Jesus Movement, wrote this. (Edited for length.)

Hi Gary,

As usual God has blessed you with great insight. I'm so glad that you take time to share.

I've read some stories in the local news that back up your remarks. During the past couple of weeks a man with a history of drug addiction somehow made his way onto a Greyhound bus that was providing a free service to get people out of the Katrina affected area to the Cincinnati area. This fellow was given a debit card with $700 to pay for food and housing (Rescuers). When he tried to use his card at a local business, it would not work. (The Problem.)

Instead of investigating the cause of why his card was not functioning, he escalated, became out of control and proceeded to rob the business. Police later found him living on the street and arrested him. (The Victim) His attorney is accusing everyone except this victim. Recently when my wife's debit card wouldn't work she called the toll free number and reset her password.

A New Orleans grandmother was arrested for stealing some sausage at a food store. As someone who owned a food store for years I've had many people down on their luck ask if they could pay later. I may be a sucker, but I have never turned anyone down. I'm sure if the grandma would have mentioned that she was displaced by Katrina and she had no money, she would have gotten more than a pound of free sausage. Now the relatives are accusing the Cincinnati police of racial inequity.

Two Rescuers in our area that opened their homes to displaced folks. The Rescuers say that they feel victimized because the people are doing nothing at all to help themselves. They will not clean up after themselves nor looking for work. The Rescuers say that they are eating them out of house and home.

All my best to you and Miss Karen,

Marc O'Hara

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I am blessed that so many are learning to recognize Triangles.

How People Change

Most of you know that I have been training pastors and lay leaders for many years and have written several books about the skills of Influence. About the most common question I get at seminars is this: "How do I motivate the un-motivated to be motivated?"

Before getting to the answer, allow me to tell you about the seven stages of change that every person goes through whenever they change a behavior or mindset.

Stage I: Pre-Conviction: I am not convinced or convicted that I have a problem that needs my attention. You may think I have a problem and everyone in town may agree with you but I do not see that I need to change. (Motivate with prayer and listening love. Lectures about my need to change will usually backfire and make it harder to motivate me.)

Stage II: Conviction: I am thinking I may have a problem and will think about it some day when I have more time or energy. (Motivational prayer is working. Keep it up.)

Stage III: Considering Change: This is a key stage because I am counting the cost of making a change. I am in serious dialogue with myself. (Motivate by asking the right questions and prayer. It is working.)

Change can take a long time and test our patience. Do not grow weary in doing good things like prayer.

Anger and Helping Others

Several people are responding to my blogs on TRIANGLES. The primary feeling from many of them is ANGER. The think that many of the Victims have taken advantage of the good hearts of Americans and not only feel like they deserve the help they get but have the right to attack the Rescuers without mercy. This is the height of biting the hand that feeds you.

Many of you know that I spend a lot of time training pastors and Christian leaders how to more effectively minister to those in need. If we do for others what they should do for themselves we will actually cause more dependency and damage the long term ability of the Victim to get stronger.

Another reaction is racial accusations. Several of my readers have gotten so angry they are tempted to focus on poorAfrican Americans for the "Blame Game". I think that perception is not only wrong but it is also does violence to our Christian values.

I urge the believers who read my blog to stay calm and cool and collected. The Rescue Triangle is not, NOT in any way restricted to African Americans nor to the poor. In my teaching around the world I find it to be an accurate "Law" for Anglos. Chinese, Russians, etc.

Becoming a racist is not healthy for us emotionally or spiritually. It is sinful.

How Do We Know When to Minister and When to Say, "No"?

I have received a good bit of feedback about my articles on "Responsibility Triangles or Rescue Triangles". Many of my readers know this problem for they face it daily. Ministry leaders, pastors and servants of Christ are especially vulnerable. In this blog I will share how to know when ministry is legitimate and when it is wrong.

There are three rules that can guide us. The Golden Rule, The Lead Rule and The Stone Rule. We all know the first, The Golden Rule. "Do for others that which you want them to do for you." Ministers and servant leaders often violate this rule by doing MORE for others than they would want done for themselves. Most ministers do not like to RECEIVE but they love to GIVE. they do not want to be treated like a child but they often treat others like children.

When we want others to treat us with dignity and assist us as we help ourselves we are following the Golden Rule.

The Lead Rule is as heavy as Gold but relatively worthless. Heavy weighty and worthless things happen when we: "Do for others what they should be doing for themselves."

The Stone Rule is similar but worse, much worse. It is, "Trying to do for others the things that only God can do." When we attempt to save, heal, deliver or change others we are guilty of the Stone Rule.

The people in New Orleans were not able to help themselves so we must treat them with dignity and offer basic necessities whether they bless us or not. That is how I want to be treated so I shall treat them thusly.

However, I will not attempt to do for them that which only they can do for that is disrespectful and demeaning to them and harmful to me. (It is sinful.)

I will not try to do for them that which only God can do for that is idolatry. Building gods of stones is the worst thing I can do. (It is sinful.)

(C) Gary Sweeten from Hope and Change for Humpty Dumpty

Why Do We Help People?

A few postings ago I wrote about the "Law of the Responsibility Triangle" that states:

When we try to Rescue a Victim from a Persecutor/Problem we can end up accused of being the Persecutor/Problem and that leaves us feeling like the Victim.

I was listening to talk radio yesterday and our local mouth, Billy Cunningham, was saying things like, "Why should we rich white Republicans continue to send money, clothes, food and love to the people in the Gulf States when we will simply be accused of Racism Hatred, Callous behavior, etc?" This is a good question.

I just returned from Russia where I have ministered since 1991 to the Victims of Communism. The government does not appreciate my work and would not permit it if I was ministering openly. They have no programs to help the poor and sick or addicted and will punish any western or Christian effort to help people in need.

Why should I spend my time, energy, money and resources to assist a nation and people who are suffering from the INTENTIONAL neglect of the atheist leaders?

It is simple. I am a Christian and the love of God compels me to love my neighbor. He loved me and sent His Son to Rescue me so I am living out a compassionate lifestyle for others. I will admit that I wish they people would appreciate me and thank me. The sincere believers do appreciate my work because they are motivated by the same Holy Spirit as I. However, if I were in this business to get a lot of human applause I would have stopped long ago.
I am very proud that so many churches and para-church groups are helping with Katrina relief efforts. I was extremely happy to see this nation give to the tsunami victims out of Christian values. But we were criticized by many nations who are scared of us BECAUSE we are Christians. They would prefer that their people would starve rather than see them take aid from a Christian nation.

Jesus said that we should give a cup of cold water in His Name. At Ground Zero I heard some people curse that Name when they received hot coffee or cold water, but that does not matter for we were serving the King of the Universe as we served hot chocolate to humans.

What ever we do may it be to His glory not our praise.

Ps. The looney left will not rest until they have removed the name of God from every building and school book in the world. What they do not realize is that the Name is foundational to all compassion, caring, love and concern. This is why Russia and Europe are so callous. This is why America is so compassionate. But, blinded people hate God and everything that reminds them of His glory. This is all the more reason we who know Him must give Him praise.

How to Help Traumatized People

Be available and listen with the expectation that they WILL recover after some time.

washingtonpost.com

Two Studies Raise Doubts on Trauma Counseling's Value Analyses: Debriefings Don't Help, And May Harm, Mental Health

By Shankar VedantamWashington Post Staff WriterFriday, September 6, 2002; Page A12

Counseling sessions frequently given to survivors immediately after disasters, such as the debriefings given to people traumatized by the Sept. 11 attacks, do nothing to prevent psychiatric disorders and may even be harmful, according to two comprehensive analyses released yesterday.

Though debriefing has been embraced by officials and a range of practitioners, there is little evidence that recipients' long-term mental health is better than people who get no counseling, or those who just talk to friends and family, according to a Dutch study of debriefing in multiple situations. Debriefing "may even put some survivors at heightened risk for later developing mental health problems," said experts at the National Institute of Mental Health who independently evaluated the technique after Sept 11.

"If this was a drug, we would take it off the market," said Richard Gist, a psychologist at the University of Missouri in Kansas City.

The controversy over debriefing has grown as tens of thousands of people have received sessions after the Sept. 11 attacks, the Oklahoma City bombing and the Columbine school shootings. Researchers struggling to figure out how and whether to help bystanders and witnesses after national catastrophes have been left dumbfounded as a host of practitioners -- often armed with what Gist called "proprietary workshops, trade magazines and paperback books" -- have raced far ahead of the science.

Gist, who wrote an editorial in The Lancet medical journal accompanying the Dutch study, said that "more than 9,000 purveyors of debriefing" and similar interventions raced to New York, "advocating intervention for any person even remotely connected to the tragedy."

The debriefers were well-intentioned, but NIMH experts said the blanket intervention was inappropriate because most people who received counseling would have recovered on their own. Shock and grief were widespread after Sept 11, but those were considered normal reactions to tragedy and the experts said the "sensible" policy was "to expect normal recovery."

Debriefing consists of individual or group sessions lasting one to three hours where survivors describe what they have been through and talk about their feelings. Offered within hours or days of a tragedy, the technique seems superficially similar to established therapies that encourage people to relive traumatic memories and thereby gradually grow less sensitive to them. But debriefing usually offers no follow-ups and may simply cause people to become more distressed, researchers said.

A much better approach would be to wait a few weeks to separate the majority of resilient people who are recovering on their own from those who are not getting better. Special attention could be paid to survivors, families of victims and first responders such as firefighters, who are at higher risk for long-term problems. At that point, administering intensive treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy to specific individuals has a much better chance of reducing the risk of long-term trauma, the researchers said.

No one knows how long clinicians should wait after a traumatic event to evaluate individuals to see whether they are getting better on their own. One school of thought is to keep help available whenever people seek it. The bottom line, the experts agreed, is to avoid one-size-fits-all interventions and to encourage individuals to talk only when they are ready to do so.

Talking to friends and family, and regular exercise can also help hasten recovery.

The fire fighters lvoingly and gently carry the fallen comrade from the rubble. The man in the yellow hat and red coat is one of our chaplains. He led prayers for the man. There were no atheists in that fox hole. The guy with the wide white hat next to the flag draped body is a Fire Chief who lost his son in the attack. He is looking for that missing son in this picture.  

The men could sense when a body was about to surface. they seemed to have a sixth sense about it and would tell the machine operators to slow down and be very careful lest the body be destroyed. Notice that everyone in the photo is a fire fighter. 

The passion of the police and fire fighters to find their colleagues was inspiring. One man told me he had not been home to Staten Island for three weeks. He had torn the roof off his house on September 10 but could not stand to leave Ground Zero to put it back on. 

Searching for a friend, relative or buddy two weeks after the attacks. Grief is keeping everyone awake when they desperately need sleep.  

Looking down from the top of a 35 story apartment building two blocks from the Twin Towers. Two weeks after the attack smoke still rises from the inferno. The smell still sticks in my nose four years later.  

Ministry in Time of Crisis

After 911 there was a flurry of churches and groups getting into the "Crisis Ministry Business." Some even developed an elaborate system with slick sounding names and high seminar costs to become a "Certified Crisis Counselor".

But, both research and common sense tell us that such expensive training is not necessary and may, in fact, be harmful. For example, one popular program with a cool name was designed to gather Victims in groups and use a structured, systematic interview process to push people in a one, two-hour session to "Open up and get in touch with and share openly their feelings about the crisis event."

This plan was developed by people who wanted to sell their services to businesses and government agencies. These organizations were highly interested in efficiency but not so keen about effectiveness. Research shows that such sessions leave people MORE vulnerable to Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression and Anxiety.

In other words, the cure was worse than the sickness.

What works? Read two of my books and apply them. Listen, be patient, ask what you can do and be flexible. Never assume you know what they think or feel. Listen; Listen; Listen.

The most basic is Listening for Heaven's Sake

The one that gives you a specific plan for ministry is Hope and Change for Humpty Dumpty. You will learn how to know when the person is ready for an ACTION STEP.

Both are available from my office.
513-769-4600
Perspectivas Professional Park
11161 Kenwood Rd
Cincinnati 45242

The Responsibility Triangle

We are seeing now in the Gulf States exactly what we always see when there are attempts to Rescue Victims from some kind of Problem or Persecutor. A certain percentage of the Victims will not only not thank the Rescuers, they will accuse them of being part of the Problem and the Rescuers will feel like the Victims. This is called, "The Responsibility Triangle."

I just saw a guy on Fox News who was Rescued from New Orleans. Some agency had spent time, money and placed its personnel in danger to Rescue this man from a serious Problem that he was having due to the hurricane.

After the initial Rescue, the Red Cross and other agencies spent time, money and sweat to put the man on a bus and send hi to Huston, Texas where they provided food, clothing and shelter, free of charge.

The Problem: Flooding

The Victim: This un-named man

The Rescuer: The Government and Red Cross

One would assume that the Victim would be ecstatic and thankful for those who saved his life and gave him the basics of life. BUT THAT IS NOT THE CASE. On national Television this man was cursing and attacking every single group that is working 24 x 7 to help him and others.

So, the Rescuers are accused of being the Problem and they must feel like they are being Victimized.

Why? He said that they are not doing enough. They SHOULD be giving him more money, more food, better food, a good job, better clothes, better housing and a lot more. "The Red Cross is bad the government is bad. We should be able to depend upon our government at a time like this to give us what we need. I only got $700.00 and they cut me off."

My nephew is a cop who says this happens all the time to police who answer calls to Rescue abused, Victimized wives from a Problem husband. However, if they arrest the man the wife will accuse the cops of being too rough or insensitive. Why do cops feel unappreciated? They are, not only unappreciated, they are blamed for causing the Problems, that is why.

This is why the USA accused of being a bully when we try to Rescue Victimized nations from Problem dictators.

This is why the ACLU accuse the USA, the cops and the military of worse crimes than the actual criminals.

This is why a pastor gets blamed when he tries to Rescue a Victim child from booze or drugs.

What should we do? Help people when absolutely essential but only then and never, ever expect to be applauded for your efforts. About 30% of any population loves to play the helpless, Victim Role and blame the Rescuers for being inept, inadequate and part of the problem.

They will always complain, attack, whine, cry and expect more so it is impossible to please them so do not try. Jesse Jackson loves to play this role and you will notice that he never, ever, tries to Rescue anyone. He never gives a penny of his personal fortune or a dollar of the billions he controls to help any person in need.

He never changes his tune of Blaming the Rescuers for failing to be perfect. It is a brilliant strategy for he never gets blamed for failing since he never, ever tries to help anyone.

You will notice that the whiners and weak sounding people who play the Victim Role run the world systems. They are much smarter than those of us who always try to Rescue. We are dumb as birds.

911 Memories

It will be four years tomorrow since the Islamic haters attacked our nation by killing several thousand civilians in New York, Pennslyvania and Washington, D. C. I was in Virginia Beach with Richard Kidd at the time preparing to do a seminar about training lay helpers in the church. As we gathered at Regent University the head of counseling called us into his office and showed us the first tower on fire in New York. Later, his secretary came to the seminar room to announce the second tower had also been hit.

I was numb.

It took me several days to get home because all flights were cancelled. I can remember the sound of the very first airplane I heard brought tears to my eyes. The silence had been overwhelming. Delta finally got some flights going and I was able to return to Cincinnati.

Two weeks later, we received a call from the Salvation Army asking us to send some counselors to minister to the first responders. Many fire fighters, police, iron workers, relief workers and others had been working around the clock for two weeks and were beginning to have emotional and spiritual breakdowns and the Army wanted us to be available to provide counsel, prayer, water and comfort to them.

Jerry Kelly, M.D., Steve Griebling, Carla Faison and I were given a free ticket on Delta to Newark and spent a week in personal ministry to people badly in need of hope. Jerry and Steve took the 1:00 P.M. to 1:00 A.M. slot and Carla and I took the 12 Hour night shift. It was spooky about 3:00 A.M. in the morning with 2,000 bodies lying next to us and ministering beside the morgue.

I will post a few of my memories and photos later. For now I suggest you watch the slide show on this link.

http://antiterror911.tripod.com/

Prevent Rape and Abuse

The Eve Center, led by Cinny Roy, will sponsor an "Empowerment Seminar" on October 2 at 2:00 P.M. for women ages 12 and up.

I have become increasingly alarmed by the number of women who are being assualted in our nation. The Women's Movement has utterly failed to teach women how to protect themselves. The "Sexual Revolution" fostered by secularists has led millions of women and girls to lose the confidence to simply say, "NO!"

Go to www.evecenter.org for more information.

Call them at 513-985-9959 to register.

Take a woman you love to learn how to lead a life of self development and self-protection.

Media Reports, politicians and Leadership

My boss went to the USSR in the 1960's and the left wing head of a local religious organization with whom he traveled gave a glowing report about the conditions there. Religious freedom exceeded our own according to this man. Utopia was just a few years away, he reported. When I asked my boss what he saw, Bill replied, "That guy was on a different trip than I was."

Our political/theological persuasion certainly affects our perceptions and conclusions. My religious convictions influence the ways I see abortion, war, helping the poor and ministry to the world. It influences the ways I perceive the news reports about Katrina.

Sitting up here in the Nawth, I am not sure if the wind even blew in the Gulf States. With all the hot air coming from the politicians offices one could assume that some person's bad political decision caused all the damage. If we are to believe USA Today it was George Bush that
broke the sea wall down and flooded New Orleans.

As a family therapist I have learned over the years to assess the maturity of a person by how "Reactive" they are to any crisis. If one responds with thoughtfulness and personally states his/her opinions, ideas, concerns and insights he/she is assumed to be fairly mature. If, on the other hand, one "Reacts" with Shame, Blame and Names, he/she is assumed to be emotionally
unable to state his/her own ideas but project them onto others.

I learned this when I studied with Dr. Edwin Friedman in Washington, D.C. He said that media people and politicians nearly always dropped out of therapy because their "Reactivity" served them well. If they got more rational and peaceful they would have to quit their jobs, so they would rop out of counseling lest they get better.

Dr. Friedman also said that it is the primary job of media to raise the level
of angst in the community for that is what sells their news programs.

So, do not expect the media to start giving us good news any time soon.

This also applies to many religious groups who raise interest and money with crisis reports about the people they are trying to help. Bad news gets people interested in helping.

We can assess the maturity of our members, or ourselves, by how we respond to crisis, change and stress. Just preach a sermon about any controversy and the people who respond thoughtfully but with challenge are fairly mature. They can state their own ideas and emotions without attacking you. But those who have a great deal more growth to go will attack and call you names.

Or, when attendance drops, giving fails or some member leaves and gossips, how do we leaders feel? Do we "React" by blaming others or blaming ourselves? Do we go into a deep emotional slump and consider leaving the ministry? That indicates our immaturity and our need to get our identity from performance. Driven leaders spend a lot of time in "Image Management" and it drains us emotionally and spiritually and leads to burn out.

A mature leader responds by looking rationally at his/her own behavior as well as others but does not "React" with B. S. (Blame and Shame with Accusatory Names.) Mature leaders assess performance and respond accordingly. Humility leads to personal changes and personal growth.

(Want to learn from Dr. Friedman? Get his book: Generation to Generation; Family Processes in the Church and Synagogue.)

Care/Cure of the Soul as well as the Body

Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, a Christian House, decided to do his part to help Katrina victims, and he described the effort in a post on his own blog:

This morning, I started getting e-mails from our employees with ideas for how our Company could help. Everyone feels the need to do something. I know I do. You can only watch the images for so long before you feel compelled to take action.

Realizing we need to act quickly, I asked Jim Thomason, our HR Director, to form a "Disaster Relief Committee" and make a recommendation to me by the end of the day. He and his team met and then made two proposals. . . . I immediately approved both.

First, we will donate 100,000 Bibles to the relief efforts. Why Bibles? This afternoon, an official in Baton Rouge said on Fox News, "We need water, food, . . . and Bibles." This is something I knew we could help with. Samaritan's Purse, an organization headed by Franklin Graham, one of our authors, has agreed to distribute these for us. We will begin shipping them to Louisiana as soon as we get instructions from Samaritan's Purse.

Second, I have approved a matching contribution program for our employees. We will match dollar for dollar any contribution our employees make to Samaritan's Purse up to [a total of] $50,000.

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Not Everyone Wants to Care for the Soul

Here are some of the comments that readers submitted to Hyatt's blog; we're quoting them verbatim and running them together:

100,000 Bibles. That is the most asinine thing I have heard in years (and I've heard a few) You are fool of the first order. You sending bibles to people who need food, water, medicine, blankets, clothes and shelter. I shake my head in wonder and dismay.

Bibles !!!! Unbelievable...... In my eyes you are a moron! Unbelievable.... there are people DYING and babies and old people suffering indignities beyond any comprehension and you send them BIBLES - aaaaggggghhhhh - America IS nuts - no doubt about it.

If I were starving, thirsty, homeless, and in need of medicine, and someone handed me a bible, I would spit in their face. This is the most ridiculous, useless, self-serving thing I've ever heard, and anyone who gives money to this cause is going to hell.

Yeah, sure, Bibles, you f***in Moron!!! In order to support this neo-con creationist ideology that got these poor people in this situation. One of the posters here got it right, these people are about to die - shot by our own soldiers when trying to get some grocieries in order to survive! BY OUR OWN SOLDIERS, GOT IT???

There are positive comments too, but it's quite astonishing that the Bible would inspire such hatred, especially from people who supposedly don't believe in it.

The poem was written by a colleague who ministered at Ground Zero

Cold Comes to Ground Zero
The dread cold wind blows
Through high walled fjords without water
Blustering, boldness tearing at heads

Ripping the blue tent with its yellow fringe and
Salvation Army shield
Give a cup of hot chocolate
In the Name of Him who was on every lip

Yet sorrow kept the heads low and spirits torn
Red coats and white hats
Masks covering faces but showing naked needs
EMTs wait with sleek mobile units

But eyes of angst
At 1800 degrees
No one will need the soft, clean ride to an emergency room
Why am I here? What can I do?

Comfort ye my people!
Comfort ye my people!

This command is for the living not the dead
Who are already in the bosom of Abraham
Marching orders for those who can hear

The people in the Gulf States need more than money and food. They need love, care, spiritual support and HOPE!

Katrina and Charis

When a hurricane comes along people need to be humble. When God moves His finger the heavens shake and we are helpless.

At times such as this we can see many examples of compassionate people reaching out to help those in need. We can also see some examples of avarice, greed, pride, power grabs and outright theivery.

I am particularly affronted by rich politicians who fly into the crisis without a single dollar or bag of groceries but call a press conference to attack those who are helping. There is no question that some local, state and national groups failed to act with efficiency, but those who use these situations to attack but fail to help are sharks.

My dad always said, "Poor people have poor ways." When natural disasters hit poor people seem to suffer the most. Why do tornados seem to look for trailer parks? Why do storms flood the lowlands where poor people live? Why do the rich get richer and the poor get poorer?

We who have been so richly blessed by the charis or grace of God have a responsibility to give to those who seem to miss His blessings. "To whom much is given, much..." (You can finish it.)

Thankfully, God's people are lining up to give money, food, water, clothing and shelter. I am very proud to be a Christian at this time.

However, callous people will insist upon living debauched lives in the midst of tragedy. Nothing can interfere with their right to a narcissistic life style. Read this article to see what I mean.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=46161

Grand Kids Lily and Jacob Knispel and Jack Sweeten

Studies have repeatedly demonstrated that mentoring is the single most valuable ingredient in a successful career. So now everybody wants a mentor.

Margaret Heffernan, fastcompany.com columnist; and Saj-Nicole Joni, CEO of Cambridge International Group Fast Company's Fast Take newsletters@fastcompany.com

Assertive men and women who want to rise up the ranks of leadership and influence recognize they need to find someone who can give them guidance. The difference between a smart, well trained person with potential and one who is living out that potential is wisdom and wisdom comes through experience and listening to people with experience.

As I look around at some of the new, fast growing influential churches I see some that will produce long term fruit and many that are destined to be little more than flashes in the pan. The difference is wisdom.

Wise leaders build people and systems that can carry on without a flashy personality in the pulpit. Wise leaders develop balanced organizations consisting of interlocking webs of hidden networks and serving people who are deeply committed to Christ and His mission. Wise leaders recognize that the success of any ministry comes from the cooperative efforts of numerous humble people.

Almost nothing I read about in Leadership Magazine or get from major conferences covers these topics. Seminaries are designed to appeal to those with a graduate school mentality and the American Theological Society not the needs of ministers and certainly not the needs of members or non-Christians. Seminaries, like most grad schools, love the impractical, the fuzzy and the arcane. Real people need practical support and counsel about God, self and family life.

Several books point out the sad fact that there is an inverse relationship between seminary training and church growth. Finke and Starke studied the growth patterns of Christianity from 1776 to 1990 and write in, The Churching of America, that one of the best ways to kill outreach is promoting higher education of the leaders.

Where can potential leaders learn? Find a Mentor/Coach who can take you under his/her wing and help you discover your gifts and the best ways to release them. Find a person who is successful and knows why but who can see that your gifts differ from his/hers. Find a person who wants to see Christ exalted not his/her resume.

Good News From Russia

Galina called me tonight and reported a bunch of cool events that have occurred since we did two weeks of teaching and ministering with her. First, one of our key pastors has been invited to help develop a series of classes on pastoral care and pastoral counseling. That is a miracle we have been praying for. In fact, during my visit we discussed how we might get his school to allow us to teach our materials and develop a course of study.

Second, several of our students have developed a new sense of freedom and peace with their families. One man has called his father for the first time in 30 plus years. One woman sees how the patterns developed in her grandmother and mother is still affecting her.

Please pray for the Russian people. They are wonderful folk but have been traumatized so long and so deeply that they have built a shell of protection around their hearts.

The New York Times and Getting the Facts

Anyone reading the Times knows by now that they are experts in criticizing any conservative political or religious ideas. No matter how irrational or idiotic their position seems the Times writes editorials and what they call "news" stories that are so biased, unfair and distorted that one can hardly stand to read them.

Look this one over that I copied from the Opinion Journal.

OpinionJournal OpinionJournal@wsj.com

The other day, the New York Times reported on a Nebraska couple, Matthew and Crystal Koso, who got married in May after he made her pregnant. Their daughter, Samara, was born last week and is apparently doing fine. His father is in some trouble, however: Mr. Koso is charged with raping his wife.

Mr. Koso is 22, and Mrs. Koso is 14. The pair went to Kansas, where the law permits girls as young as 12 to wed with parental consent--a law the Times reports has Kansas' Gov. Kathleen Sebelius "embarrassed." She "has said she will propose a raise in the minimum age when the Legislature reconvenes in January," the Times adds.

In an editorial yesterday, the Times endorsed the proposal:

The Koso marriage is indeed legal, and that is the fault of the Kansas State Legislature, which should heed a call by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and raise the age as soon as it reconvenes in January. Kansas is not the only state that has failed to fix antiquated laws permitting 14-year-old boys to marry 12-year-old girls if the parents permit. . . .

The fact that parents are willing to go along with these unions does not make them right. Chances are that in most of these cases, as apparently happened with Mr. Koso's family, when the parents found out that a baby was on the way, they were eager for the child to be born to married parents. But neither parental nor state approval makes it right to tie a girl as young as 12 to another person in what is supposed to be a lifetime commitment.

Indeed. A 14-year-old is a child, far too young for something as serious as marriage. At that age, she should be focusing on childish things like playing with dolls, going to sock hops, and having abortions.

The Times is hysterically committed to abortions by girls of any age without any parental notification. They are, however, concerned about marriage of young people.

Help is on the Way from Cincinnati

In the Spirit of Mathew 25:40 the parable where Jesus calls His disciples to help the needy and "least of these," we as the Body of Christ in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky have an opportunity to become the hands and feet of Jesus to those who have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Mathew 25 Ministries is collecting items to ship for relief.

Money to transport needed aid to the hurricane area (can be mailed to WAKW, PO Box 24-G Cincinnati, OH 45224 – made payable to Mathew 25 Ministries)

Canned Food (fruits, vegetables, canned meat)

Cleaning Supplies

Personal Hygiene Products

Bottled Water

Above Items will be received through 9/9/05
Monetary donations will be received 9/15/05

Drop Off Locations: www.wakw.com for more sites

Family Christian Stores

WAKW Radio Station – 6275 Collegevue Place in College Hill – Drop off 8:30 am – 5 pm M-F

Mathew 25 Ministries – 11060 Kenwood Road in Blue Ash - Drop off 8:30 – 3:00 M – F

Vineyard Community Church in Springdale

White Water Crossing Christian Church - 3420 Glenmore Drop Off 8:30 am – 5 pm M-F

Family Christian Stores is making Bibles available for $1 and will donate a Bible for every one purchased to be included in the shipment.

Contacts:

Mathew 25 Ministries - Joodi Archer at (513) 793-6256

WAKW Radio 93.3 FM – Kelly St. James (513) 542-9393

This cross was discovered in the rubble of Tower Two, World Trade Center and became the focal point of faith for the workers, normally hardened to spiritual things. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will raise up signs and symbols of hope in the midst of the crisis on the Gulf Coast.  

Tilling Rocky Soil on the Gulf Coast

Back in 1974 there was a huge earthquake in southern California. When Johnny Carson took the stage he said something like, "Before I start my monologue tonight I have an announcement. The 'God is dead rally scheduled' for tonight has been cancelled." People in foxholes tend not to reject images of the Almighty.

The soil in New Orleans has long been rocky. The murder rate there is ten times the national average. Sexual traffic, gambling, drugs and alcohol are the main stays of trade and tourism and it has been difficult to preach to the general public. Many other areas of the Gulf has traded its purity for gambling and illicit activities so it appears to be going down hill. However, nothing tills the soil like a catastrophe.

I come from southern Illinois where coal mining is done by stripping fifty or 100 feet of top soil to get to the vein of coal. It was originally thought by conversationists that such ripping up of the ground was a terrible blow to its future use. We now know better. When miners dig deeply and turn the soil over it seems to revitalize it and prepare it for growing good crops.

When we were ministering with the Salvation Army at Ground Zero four years ago, the hard nosed cops and fire fighters as well as the iron workers and truck drivers had a quiet faith in God and a strong thankfulness that we were there. Many thanked me with tears in their eyes and almost every one of them was profuse in thanks to the Salvation Army for offering spiritual as well as temporal help.

I often mention to audiences that of the thousands of people and hundreds of organizations that appeared at Ground Zero, not one represented The American Atheist Society or the Madeline Murray O'Hare Hatred of God Group. In fact, I do not remember any religious group other than Christians. It seems that every single volunteer religious organization was a representative of a Christian group. Southern Baptist Men, Operation Blessing (Pat Robertson's group) numerous churches, chaplains, Billy Graham, Campus Crusade, etc, etc, etc. The Salvation Army was the most prominent of the bunch.

In the tsunami and the current tragedy we are seeing the same pattern. Numerous Christian groups went to Asia and they are now rushing help the Gulf Coast. Jesse Jackson, an ordained minister, is not there giving needed assistance, he is offering support to Hugo Chavez in a political move. Al Sharpton is attacking the Gulf War and People for the American Way is lobbying against John Roberts. Where is their compassion? Where is the American Muslim Society? They are not helping "the broken hearted and setting the captives free."

I doubt that these facts will get much media attention and that is OK. God calls us to be faithful not famous or politically correct. Thank God that many believers are responding with love, compassion, prayers and action. This catastrophe has dug deeply into the soil of the old south but we who know Christ can respond with the fertilizer of God's mercy and then pray for the convicting move of the Holy Spirit.

Now is the time to send not only our prayers but also our financial resources and ask God to bring good from evil.

Why is the Soil in Russia so Rocky?

I have seen the future of much of America in Russia. If we continue to spiral downward into more broken families, drug abuse and violence we shall end up like the old USSR. The entire spiral upward or downward is dependent upon whether or not we develop solid families and a high view of life.

In the USSR family life was devalued by the state and life was cheap. Galina told me that "It was a joke among my colleagues in medicine that it was "easier to get an abortion than it was to sign in and out of the department in the hospital." The average woman in Russia has had 10 to 12 abortions! Life was cheap under the Communists and it takes a long time to change such attitudes.

Look at the following stats about American life.

What Women Want

By AMY L. WAX August 29, 2005; Page A8
http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB112527883394625240,00.html?mod=opinion&ojcontent=otep

When it comes to single-parent families, Everybody's Doing It. That, it seems, is the received wisdom -- but it's not true. As Charles Murray noticed decades ago and demographers have known for some time, the structure of families has diverged drastically by social class.

The out-of-wedlock birth rate among women with no more than a high-school education has skyrocketed since the 1960s but remains very low among college graduates.

Divorce has declined among the well-off but is climbing among the unskilled. Although almost all college graduates still marry eventually, marriage rates are dropping steadily among those without a high-school degree.

As noted by Sara McLanahan in her recent presidential address to the Population Association of America, these trends tell an ominous story:

The offspring of the well-off receive a growing share of parental time, attention, and investment and grow up in stable and orderly homes. The less privileged frequently endure a fractured and chaotic family life.

These developments betoken diverging destinies for generations to come.

Can you see the future of America's poor, especially the poor blacks? I can, and I weep.

Christians and other religions ae the strongest intact family life and a high view of life. All religious life was viciously attacked by Stalin, Lenin and the rest. Christian attitudes of forgiveness, love and compassion were severely punished. We in the West cannot imagine how they hated God's word and Christian values, but it is happening in America as we write.

Contemporary agnostics hate morality, ethics and Christian values. But what will happen when we in the USA , like the Commies, turn away from compassion, love and mercy?

The soil in America is rich right now. Evangelism is not too hard. The greatest problem comes because so few churches want to reach the unchurched. But it will change unless we do something to win young, poor men to Christ and teach them Christian values.

(Be sure to read the entire Journal story)

Parable of the Sower

Part Two

Matthew 13:18 "Listen then to what the parable of the sower means:

19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path.

20 The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.

22 The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.

23 But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."

Some places in the world are very rocky places. It is difficult to win people to Christ. We work hard, preach well, hand out Bibles but there is little response and the ones who do respond do not seem to last and grow.

Russia is currently rocky, shallow soil. Its violent, oppressive history with atheistic rulers makes faith and follow-through a real challenge.

Others places, however, seem to be so fertile that no matter what we do people respond and the churches are growing like wildfire. Huge crops are produced and the people grow and pass the word on to others.

Asia and Africa as well as South America are seemingly good soil. Millions are coming to faith in Christ every year. They are the center of Christianity in the world.

Jesus says that there are several reasons.

1. The devil steals the word from those who are so hardened that it cannot penetrate into their hearts. It lays on top and can easily be taken away by evil forces.

2. Some seeds penetrate the soil and a new plant/baby is produced. Unfortunately, there is little soil in which to grow and the plant soon withers and dies. (Infanticide)

3. Others hear, respond and begin to grow but become anxious, interested in worldly things and get distracted so they produce little fruit.

4. The seed that falls on deep, rich soil grows and a huge crop is produced.

Is there nothing we can do to fertilize the first three types of soil? Are they hopelessly lost in shallowness and rocks? Are the people hopelessly anxious and caught up in money?

I do not think so. I believe there is hope for change and producing better crops but we need to also wisely seek the better soil. When we see good crops growing continue to sow more good seeds and follow up with training.

The Parable of the Sower Part One

Matthew 13
1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore.

3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed.

4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.

5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.

6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.

7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.

8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.

9 He who has ears, let him hear."

This very famous story yells us that those of us who plant God's word cannot expect an equal amount of grain from every seed. Some seeds produced nothing at all, some grew up fast bur failed to thrive and some grew but a little and produced little fruit.

Other seeds, however, produced 100 times as much as would be expected from the amount of seeds sown. What was the difference? If I were a farmer and found that I worked hard to sow my precious seeds but some produced no crops at all while others grew 100 times as much as normal I would be curious. I would want to discover why there was a difference.

Jesus knew why and he told His followers the secret of abundance and riches. He told them all about church growth.

Letter from Galina

One of the greatest challenges of ministry in Russia is leadership and management. No one in that system has ever experienced a democratic way of life. They have either been in groups that were run in an authoritarian manner or one that was laissez faire or chaos in action.

When the Russians say they want democracy in the church they mean no order or authority at all because they are used to abuse of power not power that is used to protect and support people.

Galina and I discussed a leadership style that has order with input from the participants it was a unique option. In her letter to me today she noted that the team met and discussed the future and the leadership approach we discussed actually worked well.

We are trying to help the people there develop a new nation not just develop small groups. Pray for them.

Gay and Yvgeny illustrate how to bring changes to addicted people. Pushing will not work but kindness will lead to repentance. The Russians love to see as well as hear the good news.  

Only prayers, love and truth by ordinary people can bring changees necessary to healing Russia. These sisters are on the cutting edge of healthy ministry. 

The town of Dmitrov celebrates its 850 th anniversary. It is second only to Moscow in age of Russian cities. The Baptist Church here is vital, growing and leading the way in creative worship, recovery groups and outreach. Mihail and Marina are providig solid leadership to an expanding flock.  

The Lifeways Russia team that helped Gary lead the family healing workshop at St. Kozmos Damian Russian Orthodox Church. This group has many miracles among its members. Go to www.lifeways.ru for more information about them.  

Facts on Russians' Health

By The Associated Press

Cardiovascular disease death rate for Russian men 5 to 6 times higher than in West, Health Ministry says. Among men ages 45-74, mortality rate is 1,343 per 100,000, compared to 330 in France, 453 in Italy.

Russian population of about 147 million shrank by estimated 475,000 in 1996, State Statistics Committee says. For at least next several years, expected to continue shrinking by about 500,000 annually.

53 percent of deaths caused by heart disease, 20 percent by cancer.

The World Health Organization figures smoking causes 32 percent of all male deaths, 5 percent of female deaths.

1995, average life expectancy was 58 years for men, 72 for women, compared to 74 and 81 in European Union. Latest estimates from WHO say Russian life expectancy for both sexes now 64 years -- same as Pakistan and Guyana, worse than Vietnam, Mexico, Guatemala, Mongolia, Algeria.

A 20-year-old Russian man has just one chance in two of living to age 60, says Dr. David Leon of London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. In Britain or France, 9 of 10 will live to 60.

For well over 100 years Christians have spread the good news through medical and or healing missions. Russia has some of the best trained doctors in the world. They know how to treat the sick but have so few resources to do that which is required.

They also have well trained psychologists, in theory. However, practical counseling and the application of skills was forbidden as was the practice of religion. Thus, Galina is training both professional therapists and mature lay people how to apply Life Skills for daily living.

Lest We Forget What Happened in the USSR

The horror that was the USSR was long noted by national writers in the books and articles they were able to smuggle out of the gulags and prison camps that dotted the breadth of that huge country. Unfortunately, left wing observers from government, religious groups and political parties gave constant and loud praises to the Socialist system led by Lenin and perfected by Stalin.

While at the University of Cincinnati my boss, Dr. Nester, was included in an educational visit to Moscow and Leningrad. Included in the tour were several heads of mainline denominations who returned from the trip with glowing reports about the religious freedom experienced by the citizens of the USSR. Because I had read about the oppression and persecution of all religious persons during that time I asked Bill if he also saw freedom and peace. He replied, "Those religious leaders must have gone to a different country than I did."

These liberal leaders lied to protect evil men who mouthed left wing ideology but attempted to destroy religious fervor throughout the USSR. Hundreds of thousands of men and women, pastors, monks, nuns and priests were killed by the KGB. Numerous families of Christians were destroyed by the secret police who took the children away from believers on the pretext that they were "unfit to be parents." Over 90,000 Russian Orthodox priests were killed because they believed in Jesus Christ.

Cities with millions of people were left with one operating church to be a place they could show western visitors. Billy Graham was invited to speak at the Central Baptist Church as a sign that all lived with freedom to worship.

The duplicity and lies of Russian and western liberals will be judged by the Lord but every educated person should know and never forget what the left wing was saying and doing during the Stalinist purges. The happily participated in the murder and persecution of millions of Christians and the trauma will last for generations.

Lifeways Russia

Since traveling to Russia in 1991 I have had the opportunity to see major changes in several areas. The Soviets left Russia and its satellites in such bad condition that it will take years if not decades to bring healing to individuals and families. Definitely decades to develop the freedoms that we take for granted. However, many good things are happening.

1. Hundreds of churches and ministries are supporting churches and Russian leaders. The growth in the number of leaders is significant.

2. Economically common people are better off, with the exception of those on pensions.

3. There has been a slow growth of groups that focus on recovery from alcohol and drug abuse. There can be no economic recovery without sobriety. There are a few regular A.A. groups but many more are needed. Galina has trained numerous pastors, priests and lay leaders to set up Christian 12 Steps Groups and there are several hundred operating around the former USSR.

4. There is an increase in the number of groups emphasizing family life and order. Along with a dramatic rise in alcohol and drug abuse has come the disintegration of families.

You can see that Galina and her team are working on three of these four areas. Go to her web page at www.Lifeways.ru for more information.

Gary and Galina teaching small group leaders and pastoral staff at the Rosa (Dew) Charismatic Church. Steve Sjogren taught one of his Servant Evangelism Seminars here earlier and I showed them how to set up groups and programs to disciple those won to the Lord through SE. This is the nicest church building I have ever seen in Russia.  

Galina walks up the many winding, steep stairs to the small office she rents from the "Palace of Culture". Finding a modest office at a reasonable rate in Moscow is very difficult in today's market.  

Retreat participants are all leaders in Galina's Lifeways Russia Ministry. We did intenseive healing work on family of origin issues and saw many breakthroughs as people applied grace and truth to painful, bitter and traumatic past events. These pastors, professional counselors and lay leaders minister to hundreds of broken people every week and can now more effectively bring them hope and healing.  

Gary leads a Transfiguration Day Service at the Roman Catholic Retreat Center.  

Gary chats with Pastor Pavel and a small group leader from the large Rosa Charismatic Church where we did a seminar on lay counseling. Rosa is one of the largest Protestant churches in Moscow. (Galin a translates) 

Breaking Bread at the retreat. Three of our strong Brothers, (Left to right:Yevgenia, Anatoly and Mihail with Ina and Marina) share lunch cooked by the Belarous ladies at the Roman Catholic center.  

Gary with Fr. Alexander, head pastor of the St.
Kozma and Damian's Church that is in the heart of Moscow. We are great friends with Fr. Alexander who has a radical ministry to the poor and hosts a weekly Recovery Group. Galina has a close working relationship with this congregation and trained many of its leaders.  

Gary spoke at the Baptist Church in the town of Dmitrov, North of Moscow. Rev Mihail is the Pastor and also heads the work of setting up Recovery Groups for Baptist men in the Moscow County of about 7 Million people. With Galina on one side and I on the other we told the congregation how much we approeciated his ministry.  

The team and I meet to discuss our plans for this trip. Note there are four strong males with us who are leading the absolutely crucial ministry to men. Pray that God will raise up more good men and heal them so they can take the lead in healing the Russian nation.  

Russian Males

The most obvious example of a first order crisis in Russia comes when we look at the condition of the men. Men live to less than 60 years in Russia. Even that is a generous statement because so many are "dead men walking". Alcoholism drug abuse, imprisonment in jails and labor camps is very common for millions of males and a very high percentage are violent toward their families and neighbors.

It is widely believed that unless God intervenes quickly the population of Russia will further shrink from its estimated 143 million to under 100 million by 2020. Most of the early deaths will be males.

Why have males lost the drive to live and why do so many kill themselves with cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, violence, crime, etc? I do not know for sure but I have a theory. The Soviet power structure was paranoid about anyone who was strong enough to challenge the system. Males are the persons most likely to develop a counter Revolution so any time a man was seen to have success in mobilizing others or taking initiative they were sent to Siberia, killed or somehow punished. We cannot imagine how terrible such punishments were for the Russian people. Even the most enthusiastic Communists were sent to camps to make them "prove" their loyalty.

Mothers, seeing this, intuitively decided to kill the slightest sign of initiative in their boys while rewarding and supporting female strength and assertiveness. Over time, boys and men learned to stifle such ideas and emotions and instead of developing the spirit of entrepreneurship they are depressed, anxious, alcoholics and have inner, hidden rage. Women, however, developed into exceedingly strong and capable leaders. Only programs that heal the masculine soul and liberate males can really help Russia develop a healthy political system.

Now men are either passive or aggressive but it is rare to see a man who is assertive. And, it is rare to see a woman who can allow the males in her life to learn how to be assertive without trying to emasculate him and drive him back to drink.

Thank God we are seeing men liberated from alcohol and set free to be assertive. They have begun to develop "Brothers' Groups" to provide recovery and healing as well as a safe place to try out new assertive behaviors.

PRAY for the BROTHERS

Russian Repast

Few people travel to Russia for relaxation or a gentle vacation. Moscow is especially stressful and travel in all of Russia is challenging, to say the least. However, some things are getting easier and better for those who wish to visit the land of the Slavs.

My first trip to the USSR/Russia occurred in 1978 when a study leave took me to Leningrad/St. Petersburg. For several days leading up to our time in port the study directors told us about how this city was the "Jewel of the North" because of its beauty, cleanliness and western-like ways. I could hardly wait until we got here so I could see the land of our "Cold-War enemies" up close and personal.

The pre landing hype had not prepared us for the grim contrasts of Leningrad tour pre-USSR stops in the Scandinavian ports of Stockholm, Oslo and Helsinki. As a therapist it seemed to me that the entire population was either depressed, drunk or comatose. In any event, the people moved Zombie like through streets being cleaned by ancient women with primitive brooms.

Our guides spewed forth glowing and obvious propaganda about the glories of the Soviet State. They were seemingly oblivious to the fact that we were world travelers who could easily compare the "Jewel of the North" with our own cities in Europe and America as those we had just left in Scandinavia. Perhaps this is one of the main reasons that the Soviets failed so miserably. The leaders seemed to believe their own statements and, since few had ever visited other nations, actually thought their economy was better than ours.

(Do you remember "Baghdad Bob" the "Communications' Officer" for Saddam? He was still saying that the glorious army of Iraq was going to wipe out American forces when the US tanks were rolling into the center of Baghdad. Our guides all behaved like Baghdad Bob's.)

Things are better in Russia now. Even though President Putin, a former high ranking KGB officer, would like us to believe that Russia can keep its glorious past intact while it grows into a world power, massive new changes will be necessary if she is to actually enter the world market as a real player.

The Soviet approach to life must die if Russia is to thrive. Soviet rule developed:

Control over all aspects of life, including the personal dimensions of religion, economics and personal decisions.

A nation of specialized legal standards instead of a nation built upon just laws.

Paranoia toward outside nations and outside people as well as new ideas and change.

Massive corruption supported by the police.

Rampant alcoholism and drug abuse.

Immorality leading to numerous children out of wedlock, common divorce, high rates of abortion, child abandonment, domestic abuse, a callous disregard for human life and violence.

Our friend, Dr. Galina Chentsova, M.D. Psychiatrist, Psychologist has developed a widely dispersed program of establishing family life centers, alcohol and drug recovery centers and leadership develop training centers to change Russia for the better. Pray for her and her staff of volunteers. The work is very difficult.

"Momma Tink Linder" has graciously hosted Jens-Petter and Astrid each year since 1985.  

Jens-Petter and Astrid Jorgensen with Steve and Sue Griebling, great friends from America and Norway coming back together to share a common history about God's grace. Steve joined Gary on his first teaching trip to Norway in 1987 and the friendships began to blossom and grow. 

Jens-Petter Jorgensen, Norwegian theologian, Pastor and leader of Holy Spirit Renewal in Scandinavia since 1975, sharing his insights with a group of local Christian leaders at the Life Way Center.  

Why Do I Focus My Counsel and Care on Pastors and Their Families?

David Seamands is one of the most influential people I know. He wrote very good books on inner healing and has been a source of God's healing love to millions around the world. But, as he confesses in the following article, his pride led him to involvement in adultery.

Pride leads to overwork, burn out and an inability to seek assistance from others. When we attempt to heal ourselves we far too often fall into sexual sin. Nowadays it is popular to blame pornography but no one has ever been attacked by porn. Porn must be sought and carefully chosen.

Many leaders are too proud to ask for help until they are caught up in habits and compulsions that have caused them embarrassment. Then they want a quick fix.

I teach seminars, classes and set up meetings to help leaders stay healthy. This is the main reason I sponsor a golf time each week. Pastors are easily isolated and fail to have fun together. they rarely have close friends with other leaders and think about work/ministry all the time.

Read this news article about Dr. Seamands and promise to take care of yourself.

Agreement resolves complaint against longtime Kentucky pastor

August 1, 2005
UMNS ReportBy Kevin Evers*

WILMORE, Ky. – The Rev. David A. Seamands, retired former pastor of Wilmore United Methodist Church, and a noted author, seminary professor and preacher, has publicly apologized and accepted responsibility for “a breach of trust and moral failure” involving an allegation of sexual misconduct.

Seamands read a statement to a congregation of nearly 200 people at Wilmore United Methodist Church following the July 31 worship service. He served as pastor there from 1962-84 and is professor emeritus at Asbury Theological Seminary, where he was a professor and dean of the chapel until his retirement in 1992.

His statement was the result of the supervisory response within the United Methodist Church. According to the denomination’s Book of Discipline, the process seeks to realize “justice, reconciliation and healing” when a complaint is lodged against a pastor.

As part of an agreement, Seamands will refrain from all ministerial functions and undergo a time of “penitential” prayer and discernment to further healing of all involved in the situation.
This confidential process involved Seamands, the victim, the office of Bishop James R. King Jr. and third-party facilitators.

“In response to a complaint filed against me of sexual misconduct with an adult female occurring over a number of years, I admit that I have broken my covenantal relationships and have abused the trust of those I have harmed,” Seamands told the congregation.

“I participated in a procedure initiated by the bishop as a supervisory response and required by church law of The United Methodist Church for the purpose of healing, reconciliation and just resolution. I confess my breach of trust and moral failure. I deeply regret the pain and suffering I have caused to the victim, to my family, friends and the church.

“I have sinned against the victim, the Wilmore United Methodist Church, Asbury Theological Seminary and Asbury College, the Kentucky Annual Conference, my fellow ministers, United Methodists and my God. I have also sinned against my wife and children, grandchildren and against my family heritage. One of the roots of my sin has been the sin of pride. This process has been a painful one for all involved. The process has yielded a redemptive plan of accountability that is consistent with and according to the law of The United Methodist Church.

“This plan has been arrived at through the participation of the victim, the church and trained, impartial third-party facilitators as directed by church law. I take total responsibility for the harm I have done to the victim. The ownership and responsibility for my moral failure, my breach of covenant and my abuse of power lie solely with me. I have confessed these to the victim, my family and my God and have asked for and received forgiveness.

“I have agreed to participate in the redemptive plan of accountability designed and agreed to by all affected parties. During the next year, we have agreed that I will refrain from all ministerial functions and actions and will use this year as a time of penitential prayer and discernment as to how I might further this redemptive plan of accountability and healing.”

Concluding his statement, Seamands said he was “deeply sorry.”

*Kevin Evers is communication coordinator for the Kentucky Annual Conference.
News media contact: Tim Tanton, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.


Pride goes before a fall.

East African Revival: Kenya 1983

One of the longest running revivals in Christian history has been ongoing since the 1930's in East Africa. During a two-week study leave in Kenya I sat with powerful leaders from that region who filled me in on a revival I had never heard about before.

One of the most fascinating men had an unusual name. He was dressed in the traditional robes of an Anglican Bishop and interacted with a warm smile and easy conservation. We sat in a small circle of 12 men and women from England, Africa and the USA. (One Yank and one Brit so the rest were Africans.)

But his name was out of place on the regal looking Bishop. As he shared I came to understand why he was called as he was. He was the eldest of five children and his Islamic parents wanted desperately for him to get a good education. That meant that he had to attend the hated and feared "Christian Mission School". So, he went to school and became one of the outstanding students.

After a year or so at the boarding school he heard about an evening meeting with music and interesting speakers so he decided to sneak into the meeting and listen to the Anglican Priest who was presenting the "Life of Christ" to the students. "if I come late," he reasoned, "No one will know I, a good Muslim, am there."

So, the young man waited until the music stopped and he gently opened the door and slipped inside only to discover ot his shock that there was not one single empty seat in the small chapel.
Stunned and frightened, he began to turn and leave with the eye of every kid and teacher locked squarely on him making a silent leaving impossible.

Suddenly a voice rang out and said, "Just a moment. I think you need a seat. Come up here young man and sit in my place. I shall stand and do not need it any longer." He could hardly believe his ears. The main speaker was offering his seat to a small boy and a non-believer to boot. African culture would not allow such a thing and Islamic culture strictly forbade an elder honoring a child in such a way.

He turned and made his way to the front and took the unthinkable Bishop's Chair in the center of the room while the Anglican Bishop stood and opened a book, the Holy Bible to a specific place from which to teach. By then the boy was so overcome that he heard little of the Bishops' talk for the actions of love had so touched Mohammed that he was convicted and converted to jesus that night and that is why he is now called, "Bishop Mohammed" a very unusual name for a Christian leader.

Never underestimate the power of humility and love.


The greatest tool of evangelism is love.

With A Little Help From My Friends

Over the years I have met many wonderful people and several snakes in the grass. Mature Christians seem to know intuitively how to separat the wheat from the chaff and develop deep relationships and friendships with the good guys but stay away from the bad guys.

In 1983 the lord took me to Kenya to a conference. There I met people from all over the planet. Every one of them was leading spiritual revivals and renewals. Men and women from Africa, India, Egypt, Argentina, Singapore, etc gathered to share God’s wisdom about spiritual leadership issues. We discovered that most did not "lead anything" but simply responded to the new wine of the Holy Spirit when He showed up.

Several of these folks had amazing stories. I will relate them over the next weeks. There was one man whose friendship has changed my life. Jens-Petter Jorgenson, from Oslo, Norway stayed just a few feet down the hallway from me and we got well acquainted during the week of meetings held at a Southern Baptist seminary.

One morning Jens-Petter came to breakfast and said something like, “God spoke to me last night and said you were His man for reviving Norway. You must come to Norway and help us integrate evangelism, healing, teaching and psychology.”

I fell back as if a rattler had struck at me because I was overwhelmed with that kind of grandiose charge. Later, however, God whispered that I must go to that northern land and see what He would do. Since thatmeeting in Kenya I have traveled to Norway, Sweden and Denmark on many occasions and have come to love the people there dearly. Over the years we spoke with five or six people in a small group to over 7,000 at the summer OASE Conferences. In almost every instance my trips came from the influence of this gentle and humorous man from southern Norway.

Jens-Petter and 5000 friends just finished celebrating the 25th anniversary of OASE, the Renewal and Revival Network of Scandinavia. He was introduced as “Mr. Revival” and delivered the keynote address. Jens-Petter is also a seminary professor, a pastor, a representative of the Willow Creek Association and an internationally renowned speaker and writer. He has served as a representative of the Norwegian government in South Africa, an official writer for Promise Keepers, the principal speaker at major conferences in many lands.

You are invited to meet with Jens-Petter for an informal lunch this Friday, August 5 at 11:30 at the Life Way Center. Come with questions about renewal, revival, God’s current move in the world, etc.

We will provide pizza and drinks for those who sign up. Go to www.lifewaycenters.com or call me for directions.

Shalom,

Gary Sweeten

Cell Number 300-5065