I was just thinking....
Any congregation that is truly faithful to Christ and biblical in nature will be heavily involved both relationally and financially with global missions. This involvement will flow out of the passion of each member’s heart for their neighbors, family, and friends who have yet to give their lives to Jesus. These two emphases are just different sides of the same coin, as they say. They are irreducibly connected, as indicated in Jesus’ wording in John 3:16.
For God so loved the world
that he gave his one and only Son,
so that whoever believes in him shall not perish
but have eternal life.
In this one well known sentence, God’s mission to the world (τον κοσμον), which was motivated by God’s unconditional love, is realized in each individual’s trust (ο πιστευων) in Jesus as God’s only Son. The Greek word used here, ho pisteuon, is an active participle in the present tense and singular number. This magnifies the emphasis on God’s incredible act of redemption for the world being fulfilled when individuals actively and continually give their trust to Jesus. Therefore, global mission, from God’s perspective, can only be realized in personal evangelism, and personal evangelism is the primary tool of global mission.
This organic intertwining of these two great ends of the church of Jesus Christ is again reiterated by Jesus in His Great Commission, which is quoted in Matthew 28:18-20.
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
In one audacious phrase, Jesus ties our mission to go out into the world with the task of making disciples, which is done one individual at a time. He even gives us a discipling protocol, which consists of baptizing and teaching to obey, again actions reflecting the response of individuals (the “believing ones” cited in John 3:16). However, the actions of baptizing in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching people to obey Jesus’ commands place each individual disciple into the communal context of living in God’s kingdom, where Christ’s authority reigns through His people in this world, and His presence is experienced by individual believers in a shared (dare I say “accountable”) life together.
It is clear by now, given these little exe-snippets of Scripture, that any church that is not geared to both global mission and personal evangelism is a seriously deficient church, and as such cannot claim to be fulfilling God’s will or advancing God’s purposes. These emphases are central to what God is about in this world, and therefore must be reflected in the identity and actions of any truly biblical congregation. In adoration of and obedience to Jesus Christ who has obliterated our sins and made us truly alive, we are impelled to bring this “Good News” of Jesus to our neighbors both nearby and far away.
Anyway, I was just thinking....
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Quick-eyed Love
This is a homily I shared at a Maundy Thursday celebration at River of Life Ministries in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Come Rest Ministries (a validated mission of River of Life that emphasizes the love of God in Christ, healing, spiritual direction, and social outreach) provided the leadership for this service, and I was honored to be invited by Come Rest director, Richard Speight, to speak on the Great Command of Jesus: that we love one another as Jesus has loved us.
I am posting this primarily for those pastor search committees who desire to see a video of me "preaching." While this gives some idea of my preaching style, it is important to remember that the setting is more meditative and subdued than perhaps most Sunday services. Regardless, whoever feels impelled for whatever reason to watch me preach may do so here. Blessings!
(And yes, I am aware that I am quite "chubby!")
Part 1 ( Preliminary remarks and first half of "Quick-eyed Love.")
Part 2 (Second half and conclusion of "Quick-eyed Love.")
Part 3 (Repeat of conclusion, communion prayer, and the Bread and Cup)
I am posting this primarily for those pastor search committees who desire to see a video of me "preaching." While this gives some idea of my preaching style, it is important to remember that the setting is more meditative and subdued than perhaps most Sunday services. Regardless, whoever feels impelled for whatever reason to watch me preach may do so here. Blessings!
(And yes, I am aware that I am quite "chubby!")
Part 1 ( Preliminary remarks and first half of "Quick-eyed Love.")
Part 2 (Second half and conclusion of "Quick-eyed Love.")
Part 3 (Repeat of conclusion, communion prayer, and the Bread and Cup)
Monday, April 19, 2010
Seth Update: A Persevering Pattern
I realize that it has been awhile since the last Seth update, so here is the latest.
There has not been any significant improvement to speak of since the last update. Seth continues to be able to flex his hip and thigh muscles, though he still is unable to feel this flexing. We are in what I would call a "persevering pattern:" where we just keep doing the home exercises designed by Project Walk and keep praying for healing. When he is finally able to do some kind of movement on his own power, we will then return to Project Walk for further evaluation and adjustment of the exercise program.
Of course, Seth's attitude is great. He stills sees all this a great adventure. There are times he gets very frustrated, but though these are intense, they are few.
We are about to acquire a Total Gym exercise system (something like what you see on TV, but a much more expensive model made for rehabilitation), which will greatly expand and improve our ability to work on leg movements. A local church is adding another $1000 to the Seth Fund at River of Life Ministries, so that will help a lot in covering the purchase.
Keep on praying for healing, and keep on praying for significant improvement while doing the exercises. We have given some thought about moving closer to a Project Walk Recovery Center, but there are a whole host of difficulties in doing this, as you might expect. Just keep praying that we will make the best decisions and have the resources needed for giving Seth the best opportunity to recover.
Blessings!
Will and Jacquelyn Jackson
There has not been any significant improvement to speak of since the last update. Seth continues to be able to flex his hip and thigh muscles, though he still is unable to feel this flexing. We are in what I would call a "persevering pattern:" where we just keep doing the home exercises designed by Project Walk and keep praying for healing. When he is finally able to do some kind of movement on his own power, we will then return to Project Walk for further evaluation and adjustment of the exercise program.
Of course, Seth's attitude is great. He stills sees all this a great adventure. There are times he gets very frustrated, but though these are intense, they are few.
We are about to acquire a Total Gym exercise system (something like what you see on TV, but a much more expensive model made for rehabilitation), which will greatly expand and improve our ability to work on leg movements. A local church is adding another $1000 to the Seth Fund at River of Life Ministries, so that will help a lot in covering the purchase.
Keep on praying for healing, and keep on praying for significant improvement while doing the exercises. We have given some thought about moving closer to a Project Walk Recovery Center, but there are a whole host of difficulties in doing this, as you might expect. Just keep praying that we will make the best decisions and have the resources needed for giving Seth the best opportunity to recover.
Blessings!
Will and Jacquelyn Jackson
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Why Don't They Like Me?
Author and speaker Brian McLaren asks in an article on the Huffington Post, "Why do evangelicals dislike me so much?"
In this article he goes on to compare evangelicals to mind-numbed zombies who are like the people in the old Milgram experiment which indicated that people will submerge their fragile consciences to blind and extreme obedience to authoritarian leaders who order them to do ludicrous, and even evil, acts of harm toward others. He goes on to liken the evangelical mentality to the horrifically cruel Inquisitors of the 16th and 17th centuries. He even intimates that since evangelicals are willing to cruelly punish fellow Christians for any disagreement, then Muslims, gays, and certain poor animals are potential targets for much more lethal actions.
Golly gee! Such a mystery?
What's not to like?
May God spare me or any evangelical from ever being on the receiving end of an electrical shock being administered by Mr. McLaren. He is already pressing the button as hard and as much as he can!
In this article he goes on to compare evangelicals to mind-numbed zombies who are like the people in the old Milgram experiment which indicated that people will submerge their fragile consciences to blind and extreme obedience to authoritarian leaders who order them to do ludicrous, and even evil, acts of harm toward others. He goes on to liken the evangelical mentality to the horrifically cruel Inquisitors of the 16th and 17th centuries. He even intimates that since evangelicals are willing to cruelly punish fellow Christians for any disagreement, then Muslims, gays, and certain poor animals are potential targets for much more lethal actions.
Golly gee! Such a mystery?
What's not to like?
May God spare me or any evangelical from ever being on the receiving end of an electrical shock being administered by Mr. McLaren. He is already pressing the button as hard and as much as he can!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Why The World Does Not Believe
"Anyone who wants a perfect church clearly wants no church at all!" These words by the great reformer Martin Luther spoken five centuries ago have always been true. Christians are creatures of their times, cultures, politics, and physical processes. So, as such, we will always carry with us the sinfulness of the world we live in. "Simul justus et peccator!" (We are simultaneously saints and sinners!) Yet, it is important to also emphasize that while we carry in our flesh the imperfect realities of living in an imperfect world, we also carry around "in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body." (II Corinthians 4:10 NIV)
This is what St. Paul refers to as the "treasure" in "jars of clay" that makes it clear that despite our earthy realities, God is doing a work through us that shows everyone that God's power is real, and that through the Holy Spirit we can be so much more than the sum collection of our foibles, and that our sinful natures do not have to hold sway over our words and our living. Indeed, our lives can be a positive influence in this world, leading to transformation not only of ourselves but of those around us. This is "...because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God." (II Corinthians 4:14-15 NIV)
While most Christians understand the paradox of being sinful people who are filled and used by the Spirit of a perfect God, it seems to be a recurring temptation for some Christians to use this as a pretext for denouncing other Christians with whom they disagree over such mundane matters as politics, economics, or even non-essentials in theology. I am becoming more and more concerned with a very concerted effort by so-called "progressive Christians" to discredit and "dis-grace" evangelical Christians. It isn't necessary to name names, but it seems there are dozens of well known speakers and writers who highlight the fact that evangelicals are tainted with Republican views (terminology that says a great deal about "progressives" political blinders), homophobic impulses, narrow-minded opinions, simple minded understandings of the Bible as a reliable source for discerning the mind and will of the Almighty, and who, according to Carol Howard Merritt, "demonized" health care and "glorified" wars.
People like Pat Robertson, James Dobson, Mike Huckabee, and other involved Christians on the political Right are criticized mercilessly by "progressive Christians," while anyone who is involved in support of the Left's favored issues are hailed as those who have finally removed the scales from their eyes and are truly in tune with God's kingdom. For some reason, political involvement on the Right is a bastardization of true Christianity and can inflame the radical passions of the populace, whereas political involvement on the Left is a faithful expression of enlightened discipleship that is free of the fetters of simple-minded reading of the Bible and narrow-minded allegiance to the demagogues who are leaders in the shallowness of America's mega-churches.
Now, I am not defending all the statements and actions of Pat Robertson, James Dobson, or any Christian leader, or for that matter, of any human leader. Rev. Robertson has had to eat his words on several occasions, as have most of us. I am objecting to what amounts to a campaign by "progressive Christians" to demonize evangelicals. First of all, it is bearing false witness against one's neighbor, so just from a Ten Commandments angle it is an offence against God. But the far greater harm is that it perpetuates the primary reason why the world around us does not accept the witness of Christians regarding the message of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Yes, we all bear the imperfections of being sinful humans in a fallen world. Evangelicals in all their stripes are not the completion of God's work and will for this world, but neither are the so-called progressive Christians. It is certainly true that evangelicals may smell of intolerance at times, but progressives bear the stench of millions upon millions of children murdered in the womb. Evangelicals have erred in being too arrogant and heavy-handed in applying the Word of God to agonizing human issues and in so doing have driven people from God's kingdom, but progressives have erred by denying the clear Word of God in order to proclaim their own words of understanding for human issues, and in so doing have denied people the transforming grace of God.
As creatures of this world, we can always find platforms from which to look down on other disciples of Christ. All this does is give the unbelievers a legitimate reason for being not believing, and discredit is brought to the claims of Christ. Our call as disciples of Jesus is higher than this, and within our bodies of clay is the treasure of Jesus Christ, who lives in us through the Holy Spirit. We do not have to be so subject to our own imperfections that we cannot extol "in our bodies," or that is, in the reality of our lives now, the perfection of Jesus.
Christians are the only ones who have a real choice regarding how to live. Unbelievers are entirely subject to this world, whereas we have been given new life (and therefore new possibilities) in Christ. We do not have to divide ourselves according to the temporary and fleeting provinces of this world. Rather, we can be the one body of Christ, united in the one Holy Spirit as we serve one another in obedience to Jesus. It is by this that all people will believe we are disciples of Jesus, that the Gospel is true, that the kingdom of God is in our midst, and that someday "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:10-11 NIV)
This is what St. Paul refers to as the "treasure" in "jars of clay" that makes it clear that despite our earthy realities, God is doing a work through us that shows everyone that God's power is real, and that through the Holy Spirit we can be so much more than the sum collection of our foibles, and that our sinful natures do not have to hold sway over our words and our living. Indeed, our lives can be a positive influence in this world, leading to transformation not only of ourselves but of those around us. This is "...because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God." (II Corinthians 4:14-15 NIV)
While most Christians understand the paradox of being sinful people who are filled and used by the Spirit of a perfect God, it seems to be a recurring temptation for some Christians to use this as a pretext for denouncing other Christians with whom they disagree over such mundane matters as politics, economics, or even non-essentials in theology. I am becoming more and more concerned with a very concerted effort by so-called "progressive Christians" to discredit and "dis-grace" evangelical Christians. It isn't necessary to name names, but it seems there are dozens of well known speakers and writers who highlight the fact that evangelicals are tainted with Republican views (terminology that says a great deal about "progressives" political blinders), homophobic impulses, narrow-minded opinions, simple minded understandings of the Bible as a reliable source for discerning the mind and will of the Almighty, and who, according to Carol Howard Merritt, "demonized" health care and "glorified" wars.
People like Pat Robertson, James Dobson, Mike Huckabee, and other involved Christians on the political Right are criticized mercilessly by "progressive Christians," while anyone who is involved in support of the Left's favored issues are hailed as those who have finally removed the scales from their eyes and are truly in tune with God's kingdom. For some reason, political involvement on the Right is a bastardization of true Christianity and can inflame the radical passions of the populace, whereas political involvement on the Left is a faithful expression of enlightened discipleship that is free of the fetters of simple-minded reading of the Bible and narrow-minded allegiance to the demagogues who are leaders in the shallowness of America's mega-churches.
Now, I am not defending all the statements and actions of Pat Robertson, James Dobson, or any Christian leader, or for that matter, of any human leader. Rev. Robertson has had to eat his words on several occasions, as have most of us. I am objecting to what amounts to a campaign by "progressive Christians" to demonize evangelicals. First of all, it is bearing false witness against one's neighbor, so just from a Ten Commandments angle it is an offence against God. But the far greater harm is that it perpetuates the primary reason why the world around us does not accept the witness of Christians regarding the message of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Jesus really gave Christians only one real command, and it is that we love one another.
- "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35 NIV)
Yes, we all bear the imperfections of being sinful humans in a fallen world. Evangelicals in all their stripes are not the completion of God's work and will for this world, but neither are the so-called progressive Christians. It is certainly true that evangelicals may smell of intolerance at times, but progressives bear the stench of millions upon millions of children murdered in the womb. Evangelicals have erred in being too arrogant and heavy-handed in applying the Word of God to agonizing human issues and in so doing have driven people from God's kingdom, but progressives have erred by denying the clear Word of God in order to proclaim their own words of understanding for human issues, and in so doing have denied people the transforming grace of God.
As creatures of this world, we can always find platforms from which to look down on other disciples of Christ. All this does is give the unbelievers a legitimate reason for being not believing, and discredit is brought to the claims of Christ. Our call as disciples of Jesus is higher than this, and within our bodies of clay is the treasure of Jesus Christ, who lives in us through the Holy Spirit. We do not have to be so subject to our own imperfections that we cannot extol "in our bodies," or that is, in the reality of our lives now, the perfection of Jesus.
Christians are the only ones who have a real choice regarding how to live. Unbelievers are entirely subject to this world, whereas we have been given new life (and therefore new possibilities) in Christ. We do not have to divide ourselves according to the temporary and fleeting provinces of this world. Rather, we can be the one body of Christ, united in the one Holy Spirit as we serve one another in obedience to Jesus. It is by this that all people will believe we are disciples of Jesus, that the Gospel is true, that the kingdom of God is in our midst, and that someday "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:10-11 NIV)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Christians And Obama-Care
While I have been personally opposed to the federal health care laws which were enacted by congress last weekend, I have been able to carry on civil discussions with my friends who support this legislation. Though the disagreements are sharp, and the perspective widely divergent, I never sensed anyone with whom I was talking to be mean-spirited or personally upset with me, and I believe I've respected those who disagree with me.
At least, that was the case until this Monday, the day after the bill passed the House of Representatives. I was shocked and dismayed to have someone I counted as a friend and brother in the Lord write to me that my views discounted me from being a faithful Christian. He proclaimed with a viciousness that I had never seen him exhibit before that he could not understand how anyone could oppose "Obama-care." "How anyone calling themselves a Christian could (oppose this bill) is beyond me" is just one statement among many making it clear that one's status before God was directly indicated by embracing and espousing support for the provisions of this so-called "medical reform." Then, I began to notice others who have supported this legislation expressing similar attitudes: questioning the intelligence of their opponents, indicating that those opposed are uncaring, and that opposition arguments have been intentional lies. This was all topped off with the profane declaration of victory by Vice-President Biden at the bill signing ceremony. His words were a vulgar act of disdain for both respectful opposition and civil propriety.
So, what gives? Why is my friend now willing to be so arrogant and dismissive to those who have disagreed with him on this issue, even to the point of claiming his views are the only ones a "true" Christian would have? Why are the media and high profile promoters of this medical reform bill being openly accusatory toward those who challenged many of the points (at least those anyone could know about ahead of time) in this bill, as if the problems were simply the audacity to oppose this bill rather than questioning its purpose and effectiveness? Why are those who have achieved what they wanted not filled with joy for their cause rather than focusing virulently upon those who do not share their cause for celebration?
I could speculate on some of the reasons, but what concerns me the most is the spirit of accusation that is festering among Christians. This is natural for those who are oriented to the harsh competitiveness of the world, who see ideology being more important than living, breathing people. But for those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ, who seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, our eternal status as children of God should take clear and deliberate precedence over something as temporary and fleeting as the approach to health care in the USA. I am not saying we are not to care about our beliefs and positions on this subject, or that robust discussion is not appropriate. However, I am saying that Christians more than anyone else should honor and respect one another even in the face of strong political differences. This is indeed part of our witness to the world that we serve one Lord together, and that our relationships are based on eternal realities, not the passing issue of the day.
It is perhaps not coincidental that I have been asked to say a few words during worship this coming Maundy Thursday, and that this means reflecting on the command of Jesus that his followers "love one another." Jesus says:
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you,
so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are
my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)
It is apparent from this passage, where Jesus has just washed the disciples feet and taken the form of a servant to them, that it is in Christians serving each other that our love for each other is demonstrated as real, and that this is the way the world around us sees this as a truth-in-action rather than just a pious ideal. Obviously, we Christians have missed opportunity after opportunity to show that our love for one another is something more than just nice feelings. We have let everything from slight theological differences to mundane political orientations divide us and lead us to demand surrender rather than us giving ourselves in service to one another.
So, are we going to blow it again? Are we in the church going to bicker and blame like our politically driven representatives in Washington, D.C., or are we going to show the world that we serve a living Lord who calls us to unity in the Holy Spirit despite our differences in politics, culture, race, economics, abilities, and whatever human differences that so easily divide people from each other. The key is to seek to serve one another, regardless! So, I resolve to find a way to serve my brothers and sisters who support the provisions of the Obama-care bill, especially if they are feeling angry and put out at those who do not see things as they do. My sinful nature wants to defend myself and strike back, but the Spirit of God in me can give me the strength to serve in love, thus showing the world that there is indeed one Body of Christ, one faith, one Lord, all bound together in the unity of the Spirit.
At least, that was the case until this Monday, the day after the bill passed the House of Representatives. I was shocked and dismayed to have someone I counted as a friend and brother in the Lord write to me that my views discounted me from being a faithful Christian. He proclaimed with a viciousness that I had never seen him exhibit before that he could not understand how anyone could oppose "Obama-care." "How anyone calling themselves a Christian could (oppose this bill) is beyond me" is just one statement among many making it clear that one's status before God was directly indicated by embracing and espousing support for the provisions of this so-called "medical reform." Then, I began to notice others who have supported this legislation expressing similar attitudes: questioning the intelligence of their opponents, indicating that those opposed are uncaring, and that opposition arguments have been intentional lies. This was all topped off with the profane declaration of victory by Vice-President Biden at the bill signing ceremony. His words were a vulgar act of disdain for both respectful opposition and civil propriety.
So, what gives? Why is my friend now willing to be so arrogant and dismissive to those who have disagreed with him on this issue, even to the point of claiming his views are the only ones a "true" Christian would have? Why are the media and high profile promoters of this medical reform bill being openly accusatory toward those who challenged many of the points (at least those anyone could know about ahead of time) in this bill, as if the problems were simply the audacity to oppose this bill rather than questioning its purpose and effectiveness? Why are those who have achieved what they wanted not filled with joy for their cause rather than focusing virulently upon those who do not share their cause for celebration?
I could speculate on some of the reasons, but what concerns me the most is the spirit of accusation that is festering among Christians. This is natural for those who are oriented to the harsh competitiveness of the world, who see ideology being more important than living, breathing people. But for those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ, who seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, our eternal status as children of God should take clear and deliberate precedence over something as temporary and fleeting as the approach to health care in the USA. I am not saying we are not to care about our beliefs and positions on this subject, or that robust discussion is not appropriate. However, I am saying that Christians more than anyone else should honor and respect one another even in the face of strong political differences. This is indeed part of our witness to the world that we serve one Lord together, and that our relationships are based on eternal realities, not the passing issue of the day.
It is perhaps not coincidental that I have been asked to say a few words during worship this coming Maundy Thursday, and that this means reflecting on the command of Jesus that his followers "love one another." Jesus says:
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you,
so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are
my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)
It is apparent from this passage, where Jesus has just washed the disciples feet and taken the form of a servant to them, that it is in Christians serving each other that our love for each other is demonstrated as real, and that this is the way the world around us sees this as a truth-in-action rather than just a pious ideal. Obviously, we Christians have missed opportunity after opportunity to show that our love for one another is something more than just nice feelings. We have let everything from slight theological differences to mundane political orientations divide us and lead us to demand surrender rather than us giving ourselves in service to one another.
So, are we going to blow it again? Are we in the church going to bicker and blame like our politically driven representatives in Washington, D.C., or are we going to show the world that we serve a living Lord who calls us to unity in the Holy Spirit despite our differences in politics, culture, race, economics, abilities, and whatever human differences that so easily divide people from each other. The key is to seek to serve one another, regardless! So, I resolve to find a way to serve my brothers and sisters who support the provisions of the Obama-care bill, especially if they are feeling angry and put out at those who do not see things as they do. My sinful nature wants to defend myself and strike back, but the Spirit of God in me can give me the strength to serve in love, thus showing the world that there is indeed one Body of Christ, one faith, one Lord, all bound together in the unity of the Spirit.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Latest On Seth
I was recently reminded that it has been a little while since I let you all know how Seth is doing. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and a great Christmas in the meantime.
Seth continues to have a great attitude, though it is evident that his frustration level with not walking is rising. While this makes for some difficult behavior at times, we view it as a good thing. As he becomes more frustrated with his present limitations, we are hoping this will make him more motivated to do the work necessary to improve. The trainers at Project Walk have told us that motivation is the main issue for children as they do their workouts for walking again. Physically they are set to heal quickly, but mentally they are not as ready since they tend to accept their condition easier.
Seth came back from Project Walk on November 14 with feeling about an inch further down into his pelvic area. He has regained being able to shift his hips, though he can't feel them yet. He continues to have great circulation, and his bowel and bladder functions are better than before. We've learned to minimize the use of his wheelchair, so he scoots on the floor a lot and we set him on regular chairs for eating and homework. The Project Walk people have found that much of the posture and balance problems experienced by paralyzed people are due to extended time in the wheelchair.
Our main challenge right now is setting up a regular exercise routine for Seth in our home. It has been very difficult to work in 9 to 12 hours of exercise with Seth along with everyone else's schedules. With two other small children and Jackie and I both having to work to get by financially, it is not easy. (Pray that a good church will want a "seasoned" guy like me for a pastor!) Obviously, we must do this, but we ask your prayers in helping us carve out the time for this. Plus, the costs of the trip out to Project Walk in San Diego were significantly higher than we anticipated. This, along with the continuing costs of trying to provide what is needed for Seth while he is paralyzed, add a whole other dimension of stress on our family that affects everything else. So, we seek your prayers regarding our financial challenges at this time. (Again, a great big thank you to all who are contributing to Seth's Fund at River of Life Ministries.)
As Walter Cronkite used to say, that's the way it is on this 27th day of December, 2009. I look forward to being able to share more good news of improvement as time goes on, but please remember to keep seeking God for Seth's healing. God is showing us the way, but all healing in any form is from God, and Seth continues to work on what God has asked of him, which is to "ask Me, trust Me, and work with Me."
Thank you all for your support and your friendship. May you all have a blessed and happy New Year!
Blessings!
Will
Seth continues to have a great attitude, though it is evident that his frustration level with not walking is rising. While this makes for some difficult behavior at times, we view it as a good thing. As he becomes more frustrated with his present limitations, we are hoping this will make him more motivated to do the work necessary to improve. The trainers at Project Walk have told us that motivation is the main issue for children as they do their workouts for walking again. Physically they are set to heal quickly, but mentally they are not as ready since they tend to accept their condition easier.
Seth came back from Project Walk on November 14 with feeling about an inch further down into his pelvic area. He has regained being able to shift his hips, though he can't feel them yet. He continues to have great circulation, and his bowel and bladder functions are better than before. We've learned to minimize the use of his wheelchair, so he scoots on the floor a lot and we set him on regular chairs for eating and homework. The Project Walk people have found that much of the posture and balance problems experienced by paralyzed people are due to extended time in the wheelchair.
Our main challenge right now is setting up a regular exercise routine for Seth in our home. It has been very difficult to work in 9 to 12 hours of exercise with Seth along with everyone else's schedules. With two other small children and Jackie and I both having to work to get by financially, it is not easy. (Pray that a good church will want a "seasoned" guy like me for a pastor!) Obviously, we must do this, but we ask your prayers in helping us carve out the time for this. Plus, the costs of the trip out to Project Walk in San Diego were significantly higher than we anticipated. This, along with the continuing costs of trying to provide what is needed for Seth while he is paralyzed, add a whole other dimension of stress on our family that affects everything else. So, we seek your prayers regarding our financial challenges at this time. (Again, a great big thank you to all who are contributing to Seth's Fund at River of Life Ministries.)
As Walter Cronkite used to say, that's the way it is on this 27th day of December, 2009. I look forward to being able to share more good news of improvement as time goes on, but please remember to keep seeking God for Seth's healing. God is showing us the way, but all healing in any form is from God, and Seth continues to work on what God has asked of him, which is to "ask Me, trust Me, and work with Me."
Thank you all for your support and your friendship. May you all have a blessed and happy New Year!
Blessings!
Will
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