Weekly?

My effort to keep up this blog as "weekly" church posts has obviously failed. It has been over two weeks since my last post. Much continues to happen. Next week I will get back to my stated intention of putting some material from sermons here so that you can refer to notes and make comments. For now, something else.

We continue to pray for Dave Hawk, and for the police that they will find who is really responsible for Debbie's disappearance. Dave's spirits are pretty good. He loves having people visit and appreciates the care packages and mail people of the church are sending. I want to say again how proud I am of the people of our church. You have cared for Dave and his family in wonderful ways.

I am still quite unfamiliar with the task of being pastor to someone who is in jail, and pastor to people in a church who are trying to care for someone they love who is in jail. I find myself alternately sad, angry, frustrated by the system, hopeful that something might be resolved, and feeling totally powerless to do the one thing that Dave needs the most. I can't get him out of jail. I am convinced of his innocence and angry about the injustice being done to him. I fear that this injustice will continue and that he could be in jail for some time to come.

While I can see that God is teaching us all, incuding Dave, of His love and faithfulness, I find myself upset at God for not securing justice for him. It is more than my being impatient, I am hurt, frustrated, fearful, and angry that God is not taking better care of us. Ok, now that I have that off my chest, there is more.

Life happens, and as hard as life can be I still think that it is better than the alternative. God has gifted us with life that teaches, enriches, and challenges. Because of this situation I have come to appreciate Dave even more than before. I have developed a good relationship with Chelsa and Savanah, who are now active in the church on their terms. They help and participate as the outstanding young ladies they are. I have been privileged to watch many of you step up to show concern and offer real comfort and help to Dave and his girls. I continue to trust God, despite all the feelings that I expressed above. A wierd sort of side benefit of Dave being out of commission is that I am learning how to take care of our website. No, really, don't laugh.

I find myself wondering what you are experiencing in connection with our ministry with Dave and his family. I am sure that you have feelings and thoughts that are worth expressing. I invite you to do so in comments on this blog.

One comment I received on my blog is that the posts are too long. I had better quit now.

Blessings,
Sandy