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Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2015 9:13:54 GMT -5
Subject: Nepal After the terrible earthquake in Nepal some of you will be wondering about the friends and workers there, just as we are. Nepal was one of the stops on my recent convention trip thru S.E. Asia. There are four Indian workers in the country and maybe a dozen friends. I have had contact with Frykholm and he says the friends and workers in Kathmandu are all safe. There is a family in a village whom they have not been able to make contact with but apparently there is not much damage in that area. The sisters have gone over to the brother’s batch, which is within walking distance. It’s night there now and the four of them, and likely many others, are spending the night outside. There is no electricity so once Frykholm’s cell battery goes dead, they will be out of contact. However, we know that they are safe so that is what’s most important. Nepal, like most places, has lots of people who ‘know about’ the Truth. Perhaps this will move someone to want it for themselves. This has been one of the worst earthquakes in modern times so surely should wake someone up to the uncertainty of life. @@@@@@
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Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2015 19:38:00 GMT -5
From:"Frykholm Jeyapaul" Date:Mon, Apr 27, 2015 at 12:16 PM Subject:Nepal Earthquake
27/04/15
I began to write this yesterday but had to abandon. Many have written and asked, I will try to include all but please feel free to forward to any that may ask as I could have left out some. Also many friends have phoned or sent messages from India & overseas, kindly share with them too. Thanks.
26/04/15 Dear all,
Many thanks for the outpouring of concern for us here. All the friends are safe, we haven’t been able to contact just one family in the village but we reckon they are safe as they are a bit far from the epicentre. We have two NZ friends and one Srilankan, they are also safe but I haven’t been able to get in touch with the Srilankan friend since last evening, he was to leave the country last night but he was in a town away from Kathmandu and he couldn’t have come in as the Airport is still closed.
It was devastating to say the least; we were having some discussions at the sisters’ Bach as they arrived only day before yesterday from Delhi and as we were finishing we felt the tremor which only kept increasing in intensity to the point we couldn’t even take a few steps easily to go into the open; when we managed we saw a house crumbling down two doors away and then when we went further into the yard, saw many walls fallen or cracked and all this was unleashed in 90 seconds but it seemed forever.
We stayed in an open ground opposite to the Sisters’ for quite a while and then the four of us moved to our Bach. Yesterday was also our gospel meeting day and we wanted to be at the sisters Bach in time, so we started from ours but were cautioned on the way that there are stronger quakes expected, so we decided it was wise to go back to our Bach as it has a big open yard and the house owners also were out there. Just before the time of our meeting Naveen and I made a quick trip to the Sisters’ to see if any of the friends or contacts were waiting as we couldn’t make phone contact with any. After leaving a message there, we returned to ours. The house owners and us shared a meal and stayed out in the open all night but we had an Aluminium roof to cover us. While waiting we had several aftershocks, the strongest was 6 on the Richter and weakest was 5.4 but they seemed nothing compared to the 7.9, although 5.4 & 6 could get anyone up and running out of the Aluminium roof shed.
Quite a lot of damage all over the country but many houses and heritage sites have been reduced to rubble in no time and so far over 1700 have lost their lives. In the sisters Bach, things shook but suitcase and a few other things rolled from where they were kept, bikes piled one on top of the other. In ours, the kitchen was a mess with bottles and stuff fallen off the shelves and in the living room, trunks had moved and fallen off, pedestal fans had fallen down.
We are able to make local calls now, we could make international yesterday too, they tried to keep the internet going most of the time. They are also trying to restore power but not successful yet. We were glad it didn’t rain last evening and night as it was raining every evening and night before that but sadly, at the epicentre it was raining so rescue operations were hindered. The international community has stepped in; last night the Indian and Chinese defence services made all night sorties with help and relief. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27/04/15
We were having lunch when another quake of 6.9 struck us and we had to rush out into the open from our first floor camp; aftershocks continued but we got ready and went to the sisters Bach in readiness for the evening meeting. The sisters were already out in an open area because of the quake. we had our fellowship meeting last evening, just us four workers and it was good. The Hymns sung were 244, 279, 206 & 401; Bible portions, Mark 6:48, 1 Peter 3: 9 & 10, Psalm 95 & 92. Every home in that area was locked as people had fled to safer zones and we thought it best for the sisters to go to our Bach as the area is safer. So they spent the night with the ladies of the house owner’s family; all were in the open but we had some sort of roof over our heads.
The Srilankan friend is heading to his homeland via India.
This morning we got some essentials and also visited a couple of our folk; they all seem to be okay – some are in community camps. The back up in our camp is flat but one of the folk we visited has power, so we are trying to get that recharged. Naveen, Sangeeta and Prashanti have managed well, although it is the first time for most of them to be in an earthquake.
Many were crying to their Gods in the open field when the earth was being shook but the comfort for us is that it is “our God” in whose hands are the deep places and even the strength of the hills and “we” are the people of his pasture.
We have had two major quakes so far, one 7.9 and the other 6.9 but many aftershocks ( by Saturday night we had 66 of them) of intensity less than 6 but more than 5. We will keep you updated as and when possible, internet has worked for most of the time. Death toll has crossed 3000 and it could only go up and our hearts go out to the families.
We are very sorry that our special meetings which were to be held this week stand cancelled and the visitors who were to come over will not be able to come. Heartfelt gratitude from us all here in Nepal,
Prashanti, Sangeeta, Naveen, the friends and Frykholm
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Post by emy on Apr 27, 2015 20:36:03 GMT -5
Thanks for sharing!
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Post by withlove on Apr 28, 2015 0:23:11 GMT -5
Thank you for sharing. It's so sad what happened...
It's interesting how the friends always want to know how natural disasters have affected other friends whom they don't know. There is so much concern for them, despite the fact that they believe they have a wonderful reward waiting for them in heaven and that their earthly struggles could be over.
And it's shocking how the "heathen" are an afterthought. You would think they would be the first concern, seeing as how a dead heathen is a condemned-to-hell heathen.
Then, if news comes that all the professing folks in the area are safe (odds are good, usually, considering the numbers), it is taken as validation that God is protecting his people.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2015 0:58:33 GMT -5
Thank you for sharing. It's so sad what happened... It's interesting how the friends always want to know how natural disasters have affected other friends whom they don't know. There is so much concern for them, despite the fact that they believe they have a wonderful reward waiting for them in heaven and that their earthly struggles could be over. And it's shocking how the "heathen" are an afterthought. You would think they would be the first concern, seeing as how a dead heathen is a condemned-to-hell heathen. Then, if news comes that all the professing folks in the area are safe (odds are good, usually, considering the numbers), it is taken as validation that God is protecting his people. what a misery guts you are, why don't you practice what your posting name is? in fact many have given into quake appeals for what you call the heathen one would think that maybe we don't think of them as heathen as you do yes we do rejoice for those who are of the same spirit when they are safe just like you would do for your own, so what is wrong with that?
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Post by magpie on Apr 28, 2015 1:00:27 GMT -5
God so loved the World that He gave his only Son? He didn't come to save the rightous? What about other Christians including volunteers many who sacrifice their vacations "yearly" to work in such 3rd world countries as Napal.Working amongst the sick,poor,homeless,persecuted,prisoners,victims of politics/ epademics,assisting new christians face hostilities for accepting Christ,preaching/teaching--and remember their religion is CHRISTIAN. Are they all safe also? And what is your prayer cells/networks doing for others who are there in a practical and evangelical for the Gospels sake, other than the unbiblical preacher "only" ministry of Irvinite sect? Now is a time for strong Pastoral care amongst "ALL"nepalise.
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Post by withlove on Apr 28, 2015 1:07:13 GMT -5
Thank you for sharing. It's so sad what happened... It's interesting how the friends always want to know how natural disasters have affected other friends whom they don't know. There is so much concern for them, despite the fact that they believe they have a wonderful reward waiting for them in heaven and that their earthly struggles could be over. And it's shocking how the "heathen" are an afterthought. You would think they would be the first concern, seeing as how a dead heathen is a condemned-to-hell heathen. Then, if news comes that all the professing folks in the area are safe (odds are good, usually, considering the numbers), it is taken as validation that God is protecting his people. what a misery guts you are, why don't you practice what your posting name is? in fact many have given into quake appeals for what you call the heathen one would think that maybe we don't think of them as heathen as you do yes we do rejoice for those who are of the same spirit when they are safe just like you would do for your own, so what is wrong with that? Sorry if it comes across as un-loving. I'm actually meaning how sad the situation is all around. It is a phenomenon I have been wondering about lately...honestly I feel like it would be a great mercy for God to take anyone out of this life early if they were ready (myself included). There is so much ahead! We can help others here, but if we go, God is able to raise up others. I know people in the truth feel like I described b/c I heard it all my life to present day (and felt the same for most of it). If you don't, that is wonderful. There is nothing wrong with being happy people in your church are well and safe. I just mean that if we believe their souls are safe, then why wouldn't we be more concerned about people who we think are in question?
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Post by dmmichgood on Apr 28, 2015 1:34:47 GMT -5
Thank you for sharing. It's so sad what happened... It's interesting how the friends always want to know how natural disasters have affected other friends whom they don't know. There is so much concern for them, despite the fact that they believe they have a wonderful reward waiting for them in heaven and that their earthly struggles could be over. And it's shocking how the "heathen" are an afterthought. You would think they would be the first concern, seeing as how a dead heathen is a condemned-to-hell heathen. Then, if news comes that all the professing folks in the area are safe (odds are good, usually, considering the numbers), it is taken as validation that God is protecting his people. virgo Apr 28, 2015 0:58:33 GMT -5 virgo said:What a misery guts you are, why don't you practice what your posting name is? In fact many have given into quake appeals for what you call the heathen. One would think that maybe we don't think of them as heathen as you do Yes, we do rejoice for those who are of the same spirit when they are safe just like you would do for your own, so what is wrong with that? Well, one indication of how the poster who reported the news of the Nepal earthquake might see the native people of Nepal might be shown by this statement.
"Nepal, like most places, has lots of people who ‘know about’ the Truth. Perhaps this will move someone to want it for themselves."
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Post by dmmichgood on Apr 28, 2015 1:45:21 GMT -5
God so loved the World that He gave his only Son? He didn't come to save the rightous? What about other Christians including volunteers many who sacrifice their vacations "yearly" to work in such 3rd world countries as Napal. Working amongst the sick,poor,homeless,persecuted,prisoners,victims of politics/ epademics,assisting new christians face hostilities for accepting Christ,preaching/teaching--and remember their religion is CHRISTIAN. Are they all safe also? And what is your prayer cells/networks doing for others who are there in a practical and evangelical for the Gospels sake, other than the unbiblical preacher "only" ministry of Irvinite sect? Now is a time for strong Pastoral care amongst "ALL"nepalise. Magpie, -actually the first person that came to my mind when I heard the news of the quake, was a young woman whom I met a long, long time ago.
She was a nurse & went to Nepal as a missionary. We kept in touch for awhile but then lost touch after some years.
I don't even know if she is still alive but over the years I wondered what has happened to her.
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Post by magpie on Apr 28, 2015 5:22:07 GMT -5
Dimmichgood, If we cannot physically help,prayer of all the world christians as one voice is still needed. Love to hear how your past friend is and what part she is playing as a nurse and missionary. Maybe elsewhere now but let us know. It is times like this we feel and know the power of God.It is like Christians and Sheites in Northern Iraq being executed by Isis (inc Women and Children) because they deny Sharia Law,and these victims are crying out for the prayers of all nations. Love Magpie
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Post by emy on Apr 28, 2015 23:45:37 GMT -5
Why do we "friendlies" give thought to the people in our fellowship who are in an area of tragedy? Well, it's like you may have a cousin whom you have never met who lives there. You know people who know that person so you wonder... That's how it is: We're family.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2015 0:13:30 GMT -5
Why do we "friendlies" give thought to the people in our fellowship who are in an area of tragedy? Well, it's like you may have a cousin whom you have never met who lives there. You know people who know that person so you wonder... That's how it is: We're family. some seem unable to grasp the fact that we have spiritual brothers and sisters though out the world and feel it very keenly when they maybe in the path of danger, as you say family
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Post by withlove on Apr 29, 2015 0:51:51 GMT -5
Why do we "friendlies" give thought to the people in our fellowship who are in an area of tragedy? Well, it's like you may have a cousin whom you have never met who lives there. You know people who know that person so you wonder... That's how it is: We're family. That's a good explanation, and it makes sense. That is how I felt too, that it was a family kind of thing. If there are friends affected, others will send money, and that is wonderful. The reason I brought it up is because I have heard conversations with a different tone that shocked and embarrassed me while I was still very much "in." The implication was that all was well because the friends and workers were safe. And it was blatantly said that God had protected his own. It was thoughtless. We know Jesus has a fierce love for the sheep he hasn't gathered in yet (even those of us who might believe that the only children of God in Nepal are the ones who are professing).
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2015 1:05:35 GMT -5
Why do we "friendlies" give thought to the people in our fellowship who are in an area of tragedy? Well, it's like you may have a cousin whom you have never met who lives there. You know people who know that person so you wonder... That's how it is: We're family. That's a good explanation, and it makes sense. That is how I felt too, that it was a family kind of thing. If there are friends affected, others will send money, and that is wonderful. The reason I brought it up is because I have heard conversations with a different tone that shocked and embarrassed me while I was still very much "in." The implication was that all was well because the friends and workers were safe. And it was blatantly said that God had protected his own. It was thoughtless. We know Jesus has a fierce love for the sheep he hasn't gathered in yet (even those of us who might believe that the only children of God in Nepal are the ones who are professing). well we do read and do hear about loving one's neighbour and as far as i am concerned that means all of humanity
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Post by withlove on Apr 29, 2015 1:07:37 GMT -5
Why do we "friendlies" give thought to the people in our fellowship who are in an area of tragedy? Well, it's like you may have a cousin whom you have never met who lives there. You know people who know that person so you wonder... That's how it is: We're family. some seem unable to grasp the fact that we have spiritual brothers and sisters though out the world and feel it very keenly when they maybe in the path of danger, as you say family I do understand what you mean, virgo--I have felt that before too. And now that I know you do not share the exclusive doctrine some have--in other words, you do not feel like non-professing Christians in Nepal are not God's children, it makes sense why you are not more concerned about them than the friends and workers there.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2015 1:26:50 GMT -5
some seem unable to grasp the fact that we have spiritual brothers and sisters though out the world and feel it very keenly when they maybe in the path of danger, as you say family I do understand what you mean, virgo--I have felt that before too. And now that I know you do not share the exclusive doctrine some have--in other words, you do not feel like non-professing Christians in Nepal are not God's children, it makes sense why you are not more concerned about them than the friends and workers there. lets put it this way, Jesus died for all mankind and God knows the hearts of all, so who are we to judge who is and who isn't
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2015 3:24:14 GMT -5
Why do we "friendlies" give thought to the people in our fellowship who are in an area of tragedy? Well, it's like you may have a cousin whom you have never met who lives there. You know people who know that person so you wonder... That's how it is: We're family. Thanks Emy - I think most of us understand this and relate to it because we were once there. I certainly don't want to be critical of the note - it's a nice note of the situation amongst the workers/friends there.... but I was struck by the fact that prayer and praying was not mentioned once. In any situation but particularly in a situation of helplessness it's the first thing to do. When the apostles and Mary and the other women were waiting in Jerusalem for the HS in Acts 1 they prayed without ceasing - I'm sure it wasn't for themselves and there own but for the people around them that Jesus had asked them to go to. Are you trying to suggest that the workers in Nepal aren't praying, just because the writer didn't feel it necessary to state the obvious in his email? Do you honestly imagine that in his "situation of helplessness" it didn't occur to him that praying was "the first thing to do"? And I'm equally sure they're not praying just for themselves and their own, but for the people around them too. Your post reminded me of what Jesus said in Matthew 6:"when thou prayest thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men"
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Post by maryhig on Apr 29, 2015 3:31:47 GMT -5
Thanks Emy - I think most of us understand this and relate to it because we were once there. I certainly don't want to be critical of the note - it's a nice note of the situation amongst the workers/friends there.... but I was struck by the fact that prayer and praying was not mentioned once. In any situation but particularly in a situation of helplessness it's the first thing to do. When the apostles and Mary and the other women were waiting in Jerusalem for the HS in Acts 1 they prayed without ceasing - I'm sure it wasn't for themselves and there own but for the people around them that Jesus had asked them to go to. Are you trying to suggest that the workers in Nepal aren't praying, just because the writer didn't feel it necessary to state the obvious in his email? Do you honestly imagine that in his "situation of helplessness" it didn't occur to him that praying was "the first thing to do"? And I'm equally sure they're not praying just for themselves and their own, but for the people around them too. Your post reminded me of what Jesus said in Matthew 6:"when thou prayest thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men" Something tells me they will be praying from their hearts continuously!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2015 3:44:33 GMT -5
Are you trying to suggest that the workers in Nepal aren't praying, just because the writer didn't feel it necessary to state the obvious in his email? Do you honestly imagine that in his "situation of helplessness" it didn't occur to him that praying was "the first thing to do"? And I'm equally sure they're not praying just for themselves and their own, but for the people around them too. Your post reminded me of what Jesus said in Matthew 6:"when thou prayest thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men" Something tells me they will be praying from their hearts continuously! it's like an iceberg you only see a little of it some here think it's not happening because it is not seen then make very critical comments John 21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2015 5:46:55 GMT -5
Thank you for sharing. It's so sad what happened... It's interesting how the friends always want to know how natural disasters have affected other friends whom they don't know. There is so much concern for them, despite the fact that they believe they have a wonderful reward waiting for them in heaven and that their earthly struggles could be over. And it's shocking how the "heathen" are an afterthought. You would think they would be the first concern, seeing as how a dead heathen is a condemned-to-hell heathen. Then, if news comes that all the professing folks in the area are safe (odds are good, usually, considering the numbers), it is taken as validation that God is protecting his people. what a misery guts you are, why don't you practice what your posting name is? in fact many have given into quake appeals for what you call the heathen one would think that maybe we don't think of them as heathen as you do yes we do rejoice for those who are of the same spirit when they are safe just like you would do for your own, so what is wrong with that? Dear Virgo it is a case of damned if you do, and damned if you don't. Just cannot win, so why bother about what others think and say and in the process " sin your soul" a term my mother always used when tempted with adversity.
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Post by emy on Apr 29, 2015 14:49:13 GMT -5
Why do we "friendlies" give thought to the people in our fellowship who are in an area of tragedy? Well, it's like you may have a cousin whom you have never met who lives there. You know people who know that person so you wonder... That's how it is: We're family. Thanks Emy - I think most of us understand this and relate to it because we were once there. I certainly don't want to be critical of the note - it's a nice note of the situation amongst the workers/friends there....but I was struck by the fact that prayer and praying was not mentioned once. In any situation but particularly in a situation of helplessness it's the first thing to do. When the apostles and Mary and the other women were waiting in Jerusalem for the HS in Acts 1 they prayed without ceasing - I'm sure it wasn't for themselves and there own but for the people around them that Jesus had asked them to go to. I think the folks this writer thought would read this note know that part goes without saying.
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Post by mdm on Apr 29, 2015 16:42:45 GMT -5
When someone is going through a hard time, most folks in the Protestant world, at least around here, would say to them: I'll keep you in my prayers. However, f&w's would say at most: I'll keep you in my thoughts/I'll be thinking of you. I assume it's due to the belief that we should not pray for natural things. I also assume that that's why the writer of the letter doesn't mention prayer.
Also, f&w's believe that troubles serve the purpose of drawing people to God, therefore they would not be praying for troubles be alleviated, but that they would cause those going through them to seek God/His true way. That's another reason, if not the main one, why the writer would not mention prayer.
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Post by withlove on Apr 29, 2015 18:50:15 GMT -5
When someone is going through a hard time, most folks in the Protestant world, at least around here, would say to them: I'll keep you in my prayers. However, f&w's would say at most: I'll keep you in my thoughts/I'll be thinking of you. I assume it's due to the belief that we should not pray for natural things. I also assume that that's why the writer of the letter doesn't mention prayer. Also, f&w's believe that troubles serve the purpose of drawing people to God, therefore they would not be praying for troubles be alleviated, but that they would cause those going through them to seek God/His true way. That's another reason, if not the main one, why the writer would not mention prayer. How did you feel while you were in when an outsider would tell you he/she was praying for you? Your perspective is so interesting since you weren't b&r and your family wasn't in. I think it made most of us squirm, and we were unable to give genuine thanks to the person. If a friend or worker said they had prayed for us, though, it was very encouraging and touching. It's a project to change that bias in myself! Being more open about my prayers for others and believing that others' prayers can be effective. It's not the most natural transition, and it's humbling to realize how stingy and arrogant I was without knowing it.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 30, 2015 4:06:57 GMT -5
When someone is going through a hard time, most folks in the Protestant world, at least around here, would say to them: I'll keep you in my prayers. However, f&w's would say at most: I'll keep you in my thoughts/I'll be thinking of you. I assume it's due to the belief that we should not pray for natural things. I also assume that that's why the writer of the letter doesn't mention prayer. Also, f&w's believe that troubles serve the purpose of drawing people to God, therefore they would not be praying for troubles be alleviated, but that they would cause those going through them to seek God/His true way. That's another reason, if not the main one, why the writer would not mention prayer. It's easy for anyone to say "I'll keep you in my prayers" but I wonder how many actually do it? I can't speak for all friends and workers maja, but I don't see it the way you say. The hypocrites pray to be seen of men (Matthew 6) and they have their reward - the esteem and admiration of men. Jesus said to pray to the Father in secret. I would feel very uncomfortable about telling people that I'm praying for them (unless someone specifically asked me to), though I guess saying "I'll be thinking of you" can often be a euphemism for "I intend to pray for you". I'm not sure what you mean by "the belief that we should not pray for natural things"? We care about our own physical needs - food, shelter, health, comfort, safety etc - why shouldn't we want the same things for others? It's obvious from Pauls letters that the friends were sending money to different places to relieve people who were in need of natural assistance. There are people who like to be seen to make charitable donations, but Jesus said "take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them" and "thine alms may be in secret". Don't assume that if you can't see it, it's not there. The unseen part of a life is often the greatest part.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 30, 2015 4:21:31 GMT -5
When someone is going through a hard time, most folks in the Protestant world, at least around here, would say to them: I'll keep you in my prayers. However, f&w's would say at most: I'll keep you in my thoughts/I'll be thinking of you. I assume it's due to the belief that we should not pray for natural things. I also assume that that's why the writer of the letter doesn't mention prayer. Also, f&w's believe that troubles serve the purpose of drawing people to God, therefore they would not be praying for troubles be alleviated, but that they would cause those going through them to seek God/His true way. That's another reason, if not the main one, why the writer would not mention prayer. It's easy for anyone to say "I'll keep you in my prayers" but I wonder how many actually do it? I can't speak for all friends and workers maja, but I don't see it the way you say. The hypocrites pray to be seen of men (Matthew 6) and they have their reward - the esteem and admiration of men. Jesus said to pray to the Father in secret. I would feel very uncomfortable about telling people that I'm praying for them (unless someone specifically asked me to), though I guess saying "I'll be thinking of you" can often be a euphemism for "I intend to pray for you". I'm not sure what you mean by "the belief that we should not pray for natural things"? We care about our own physical needs - food, shelter, health, comfort, safety etc - why shouldn't we want the same things for others? It's obvious from Pauls letters that the friends were sending money to different places to relieve people who were in need of natural assistance. There are people who like to be seen to make charitable donations, but Jesus said "take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them" and "thine alms may be in secret". Don't assume that if you can't see it, it's not there. The unseen part of a life is often the greatest part. the old iceberg thing again
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Post by Deleted on Apr 30, 2015 4:25:53 GMT -5
When someone is going through a hard time, most folks in the Protestant world, at least around here, would say to them: I'll keep you in my prayers. However, f&w's would say at most: I'll keep you in my thoughts/I'll be thinking of you. I assume it's due to the belief that we should not pray for natural things. I also assume that that's why the writer of the letter doesn't mention prayer. Also, f&w's believe that troubles serve the purpose of drawing people to God, therefore they would not be praying for troubles be alleviated, but that they would cause those going through them to seek God/His true way. That's another reason, if not the main one, why the writer would not mention prayer. Personally I think that folks read into it far more than is actually there, and completely misread people's thoughts, actions and intentions. Not fair at all, being so very judgmental. Some folks can do nothing right in the eyes of others. IMO.
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Post by Roselyn T on Apr 30, 2015 4:55:21 GMT -5
When someone is going through a hard time, most folks in the Protestant world, at least around here, would say to them: I'll keep you in my prayers. However, f&w's would say at most: I'll keep you in my thoughts/I'll be thinking of you. I assume it's due to the belief that we should not pray for natural things. I also assume that that's why the writer of the letter doesn't mention prayer. Also, f&w's believe that troubles serve the purpose of drawing people to God, therefore they would not be praying for troubles be alleviated, but that they would cause those going through them to seek God/His true way. That's another reason, if not the main one, why the writer would not mention prayer. Maja, you have summed it up exactly !
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Post by mdm on Apr 30, 2015 8:56:44 GMT -5
When someone is going through a hard time, most folks in the Protestant world, at least around here, would say to them: I'll keep you in my prayers. However, f&w's would say at most: I'll keep you in my thoughts/I'll be thinking of you. I assume it's due to the belief that we should not pray for natural things. I also assume that that's why the writer of the letter doesn't mention prayer. Also, f&w's believe that troubles serve the purpose of drawing people to God, therefore they would not be praying for troubles be alleviated, but that they would cause those going through them to seek God/His true way. That's another reason, if not the main one, why the writer would not mention prayer. It's easy for anyone to say "I'll keep you in my prayers" but I wonder how many actually do it? I can't speak for all friends and workers maja, but I don't see it the way you say. The hypocrites pray to be seen of men (Matthew 6) and they have their reward - the esteem and admiration of men. Jesus said to pray to the Father in secret. I would feel very uncomfortable about telling people that I'm praying for them (unless someone specifically asked me to), though I guess saying "I'll be thinking of you" can often be a euphemism for "I intend to pray for you". I'm not sure what you mean by "the belief that we should not pray for natural things"? We care about our own physical needs - food, shelter, health, comfort, safety etc - why shouldn't we want the same things for others? It's obvious from Pauls letters that the friends were sending money to different places to relieve people who were in need of natural assistance. There are people who like to be seen to make charitable donations, but Jesus said "take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them" and "thine alms may be in secret". Don't assume that if you can't see it, it's not there. The unseen part of a life is often the greatest part. True, there is no telling what actually happens, weather one prays after promising to pray or not! And if one doesn't say they'll pray for someone doesn't mean they wont. And, it would be wrong to just pray and not do something if one is able to help. But isn't it true that f&w's don't tell each other they'll pray for natural things? That was my point. My husband and I were not raised in the fellowship, but we picked up pretty fast on the expectation not to pray for natural things. Just like you learn not to say "bless you" when someone sneeze, you pick up on what is appropriate and what is not. It doesn't mean that we ourselves or anyone else didn't pray for natural things, but it's not done in public - in meetings. True or not? Here is what dmmichgood (sorry dmmichgood, I can't remember how to tag you!) said about praying while she was professing: "...No, -I can honestly say that I never prayed about those kinds of personal things. I thought that we were taught to not bother "god" with "personal" stuff." professing.proboards.com/post/636967Or, an older sister worker once said in a meeting that the verses "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself" apply only to the workers, not to the friends.
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