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Mental illness still misunderstood
It was refreshing to read about Marja Bergen’s Living Room (‘Ministering to mentally ill difficult for many churches,’ October).
The article featured none of that “Oh, stupid me – all I really have to do is turn my frown upside down.”
That’s the view of many head-in-the-sand citizens, who believe mental illness does not require medication.
As one who suffers from chronic anxiety and severe depression, I have learned
that mental illness is usually best treated with a combination of things,
involving both medication and methods such as cognitive therapy.
Depression is a legitimate illness. It is very common throughout society, and it
should definitely not be dismissed as something induced by human will, or lack
thereof.
Frank G. Sterle, White Rock
Are we prepared for the Last Days?
Our Bible has many prophecies about the Last Days.
There are nearly 500 in the Old Testament; one in every 25 New Testament verses
describes Jesus’ second coming.
Included in these prophecies – all penned 1,900 to 3,500 years ago – are an abundance of things to be watching for.
Following are several signs – some still to come – that tell us we are the generation to see the Lord’s return, and judgment upon this earth:
Signs about Israel; signs in society; signs of technology; the New World Order;
the coming world leader; signs in nature; spiritual signs; a mark on the hand
or forehead; and the anticipated use of nuclear weapons.
After true believers in Christ are taken out of the world in the Rapture, a
seven-year tribulation will come upon the earth as a snare. God’s wrath will then be poured out.
We need to warn people before the tribulation comes to pass. God has sounded
warnings loudly and clearly through his prophets, and through Jesus himself.
If you would like detailed information with biblical references, please contact
me at: 604.542.0855 or laury.lange@triplefive.com.
Awaiting Jesus’ soon return.
Laury Lange, Surrey
Church unity is the model we need
Re ‘Is the local church in danger of disappearing?’ (September):
Let’s identify the elephant in the room no one wants to talk about: the fact that,
as denominations proliferate, so does disbelief.
Christ’s prayer in John 17 says church unity increases belief: “May they be one . . . that the world will believe.” Is not the problem one of Christian unity, and not about finding the ‘right’ church model?
Let us try Christ’s solution to the problem of rising unbelief, and focus our efforts on becoming
one apostolic church.
Church models, the article said, have a life cycle of 70 years. Let us become
one with the ultimate church model, whose life cycle is going strong after
2,000 years.
Mari Nagel, by email
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Bergens’ forgiveness was a blessing
Re: ‘Bergens spread message of forgiveness’ (October):
John and Eloise Bergen’s story of forgiveness was inspiring.
Do you think they’ll ever forget the vicious attacks they experienced, and the injuries they
suffered? They’re using their story to share the message of forgiveness – and how to continue walking the Christian life in victory, and with courage to
help others.
In return, I would like to give them some words of comfort:
When your experience and the heartache associated with it comes to your mind
again, remind yourself that you have forgiven those responsible for it; thank
God for the lessons that you’ve learned through it all; and thank God for a supportive, caring church family.
No doubt, your experiences were horrific – and you are still suffering the consequences from them. I pray that God will
give you the needed courage, grace and strength from day to day.
Your story, with your aim “to be used by God,” was a blessing to me.
Nettie Neudorf, Rosedale
Christians must champion parents
As a new school year unfolds, some of us are concerned about B.C.’s education system.
There are excellent public schools out there, and teachers doing a fine job.
Perhaps this fact, and the incremental nature of certain changes, have caused
people of faith to fail to notice the larger picture of what is happening in
the provincial school system.
The Corren Settlement Agreement with the government has given a special role to ‘experts’ selected by two pro-homosexuality activists. Such a role is not given to any
parents’ groups, or people of faith.
Some 50 ‘gay-straight alliances’ are now operating among B.C. students. They encourage activities such as
attending gay pride parades, and make derogatory statements regarding churches
which take a conservative moral stand on homosexual behaviour.
Homosexuality is also promoted in films presented by the ‘Out in Schools’ group.
For a long time, it has been legal for schools to refer students to
abortion-providing agencies without parental knowledge or consent.
All this goes on in an atmosphere where teachers, such as Chris Kempling, are
intimidated to keep them from speaking out.
There has unfortunately not been the necessary unified response from people of
faith. Perhaps if there had been, the public school system would not be in such a sad
state.
Parents need to exercise the utmost discretion as to what schools they decide to
have their children attend.
We hope there will be a movement on the part of Christians to take back the
public schools on behalf of parents, who should have primacy in determining
their children’s education.
Ted Hewlett, B.C. Parents and Teachers for Life, Surrey
November 2009
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