Venezuela…….Maybe

 We love Venezuela.  We began a ministry there in 1998.  There is now a Seminary, 5 Medical Clinics and many Methodist Churches.  In 2015 we returned from a trip and suddenly the government there decided to not allow any more visas for religious workers.  So we have not been able to return since.

We have prayed for that to change and there is now that possibility. We have so many people there we love and want to see.  There are new babies to hug, new churches to visit, old friends to spend time with and just be in our second home.

However, for some reason, I am now finding it difficult to get excited.  For lack of a better way to put it, I am afraid!  It’s not like I have never been there, it’s not like I fear flying (although it’s not a happy thing for me!), it’s not that I don’t trust God.  I don’t know what is causing this fear.  It is real and palpable.

Warren is trying to be understanding and has told me it is my decision.  He is going whether I go or not.  The problem is he will be there for a month.  That would be hard.  

I am praying for peace and for my fear to disappear. 

The United Methodist Church is Broken

 I have been a Methodist all my life…..my father and mother were Methodists, my father’s parents were Methodists, my great grandparents were Methodists.  You get the picture.  My husband is 8th generation Methodist.  It is in our blood.  

Unfortunately, the church I have known and been a part of and loved is no longer the church John Wesley began.  Wesley’s admonition to “do no harm” is no longer the norm.  Instead, those who choose to hold fast to the Bible and the Discipline of the United Methodist Church  are told they are unloving and intolerant.  Those of us who believe the Bible is the inerrant Word of God are looked upon as simple minded.

Our Bishop here is always talking about loving each other but shows no love for Aunt Sally, Mr. Joe, little Mary or Bobby who just want to go to church and hear the Word preached and serve their communities and be in mission to the world.  No, her concern is to promote the progressive agenda  of inclusivity and tolerance. I am not opposed to opening the church to anyone who wishes to worship.  All are welcome.  However, we are ALL called to align with God’s Word.  But if you don’t consider His Word inerrant then there is no standard.

As a result of this rift the Global Methodist Church will be birthed soon.  This new denomination DOES believe what the Bible says.  It does believe the Word to be inerrant.  

It is heartbreaking 💔 but it is time to go another direction and walk away. It is time to be about the Father’s business.