Corpus Christi, TX

[Joan]

I am going to visit family in Corpus Christi, TX the day after tomorrow. Is anyone from there and can you recommend a church. I will actually be staying on Padre Island.

[Apostolic Kitty]

Tufluv is from there. :)

[seguidordejesus]

Go to upci.org and type in Corpus Christi. As far as I know, there aren't actually any churches on Padre Island. Bro. Carpenter's church is pretty good, I believe. My pastor is friends with him. As far as AAFCJ churches....our hermana tufluv will have to handle that. Also, Light, who posts on here, pastors a church about 15 minutes from CC...maybe you should PM him.

[tufluv]

It really all depends on whether you wish to go to a UPC church or ? Ours is AAFCJ - We have bilingual services. Its mainly English if no one is present that speaks only Spanish, but a lot of the hymns we sing ARE in spanish, but a lot of them our pastor sings in both! Kinda confusing?
Anyway, Bro.Carpenter's church is right around the corner from us, I've been wanting to go visit it, its UPC. Its called Solid Rock.
And then of course is Bro.Lights church a bit further about 30 min. from here.
Does your family go to church? Well let me know, I can always show you around - or point the way to these churches! PM me if you like for more details., or email me, info is on my profile.
The only churches on Padre Island are an open-air Catholic church, and a Baptist one. The Island is really nice to stay there! But I myself prefer Port Aransas, its beautiful, the ship channel runs right through there, and we once stayed in a condo right above it, (as a bonus of doing some work there! lol!) and it was so-so nice!

[ddc101]

Wow I love the south Texas coast.So beautiful.You can actually find sand and not mud.lv sis.c

[Joan]

Tuf, several years ago we visited a home missions church in CC. The people were all Mexican-American. It was in the pastor's home. I cannot remember his name for the life of me. He and his wife had a young family, as a matter of fact, she had infant twins. Do they sound familiar? My mother-in-law (who lives on Padre Island) said it was the bad part of town. It didn't bother me. These people were the nicest people. They had this big dinner for us afterwards at one of the saints home. They were very kind and everything was in English.

Anyway, upc or aafcj, what's the dif?

Yes, my whole immediate family is in church and have been for about 9 years. I'm going to my mother-in-laws house because she's having surgery and needs some help. She's a widow. And she goes to that open-air catholic church on the Island.

[tufluv]

Anyway, upc or aafcj, what's the dif?
Not much, all baptized in the name of JESUS.
But ours is I'd say about 95% members of Hispanic descent.
At least here in S.Texas!! I know that in other states, there are more of other type races that are Apostolic.
As for that family, I don't know that I've heard of them, unless they may be speaking of our church #1, which IS on the supposedly bad part of town - it really is, and it is a beacon of LIGHT to that neighborhood (same one Selena, the legendary Tejano singer who was murdered 7 yrs ago here, lived in).
Its a mixture of very poor people, and drug dealers, users, etc., but that can be found scattered throughout this city, even my own neighborhood (right across the street!) and I live on the supposedly 'good' side of town, the southside! Where I also grew up and it has changed for the worse, another sign of the dark times we live in.
That church over there has done so much work there, much outreach, but to little avail, hardly anyone from that neighborhood comes. Sad. We even did outside revivals where the whole neighborhood could here us., appealing to them to come to the cross! BUT, NO-O-O!! Those chains there are tightly wound! Fear is pervasive.
I can tell you more once you get here and you can PM or email me before you get here, and I'll give you my phone # and tell you more or answer any questions you may have. Or, at the very least, say HELLO! PRAISE JESUS! You decide which church to go, I'll go with ya, if you like!
AND I just now remembered who you were talking about with the infant twins, who are now grown and live in Dallas! He's a minister there, and was ministering to my oldest son for some time, until he moved to another church, thats Bro.Posada!
Looks like you don't receive PM's or emails, so you will need to contact me.

[Joan]

Sis Tuf, It can't be Bro. Posada because this other brother's twins could only be about 3 years old by now. It was two summer's ago that we met them and their twins were infants at the time.

Now I'm at home waiting for word from my mother in law because her surgery might get postponed. I was just about packed when I got the call (ugh). I was supposed to leave at 6:30 am today in order to make it their by tonight. (again I say ugh)

[tufluv]

Okay, Joan, yes I also rethought that about the brother. Had you told me how long ago, these twins were infants, that would've helped! lol
Well it was worth a guess. That brother I spoke of only speaks Spanish anyway! His twin girls are about 10 now. You had mentioned that the dinner fellowship was all in English, too and I thought - no way! But here, we all speak English 99% of the time.
I speak spanish to non-english people., and even to some that are bi-lingual!I figure some of the older ladies prefer Spanish, its more 'respectful' in our cultural way, I'm assuming. I m always amazed when I find they speak English well, too! I guess 'cause in my former church, the majority of older women only spoke Spanish. I got used to addressing them in spanish only. Both my parents are bilingual. The weather is better today. The weather channel was indicating rain all this week, but it looks okay today, lots of HOT sun! Yuck!
Now its a sauna out there. But venture out I must - yardwork.

Well ain't that just peachy? You were all set, and now - well, these things DO happen, I remember when several times in my pre-saved days, surgeries were postponed due to my extrememly high blood pressure. Or the doctor was called away on some other emergency, or I chickened out and cancelled! lol
Are you coming alone, or with your immediate family, when you DO come? At least you're already somewhat familiar with this pretty city, I love cruising the coastline (bay).

[Joan]

Tuf, I just got word. The surgery's postponed for sure. So I'm spared the loooooong drive for now. It would be me and the 3 little ones.

[Joan]

I'll catch up with you again when I know I'm coming again. Thanks for you help and talking to me about it.

[tufluv]

Well there's a reason for everything, especially in a 'saints' life!
I'm sure soon sometime this summer, you will be coming my way, I'll be here! :banana: Wishing I was somewhere COOLER! :laugh:

[Joan]

I live in a very hot and humid part of the country too. I love it. As long as a/c exists I can live with it. We should be coming in about two weeks instead.

[tufluv]

Great! And yes I know I should not complain so much about this heat! WE are darn lucky to have a/c just about everywhere we go, my truck's a/c is great-workin overtime! Its just the jaunt between inside and outside running to the truck! LOL!!
:jk: I can endure the heat to some extent, I have surprised myself that when I want something done, I'll do it even if I'm sweating profusely, I go through several headbands! LOL! I can work in it a lot better than my two sons! I have done a lot, and am fixing to go outside and get some MORE work done, despite the heat!
Surprisingly, if you're at the beach, its not so hot! There's always a breeze! Very nice out THERE! lol !!!
My home is freezin during the night and a.m.'s...but by mid-afternoon, its much hotter in the front part of the house.
We're fixin to insulate & sheetrock that part - it looks nice with the beams, but its hotter, too.
See ya in a couple of weeks, you might even be here around the July4th holiday??

[Joan]

I might be. I'm hoping to be back home by the 4th though. When we were in CC two years ago we were there for the 4th of July and went down to see the fireworks. They were nice.

[tufluv]

Well, they [fireworks] are okay. They are smaller scale than the bigger cities., and for us they're pretty much the same 'ole same 'ole year after year, and there's also fireworks here on other occassions like BucDays, and New Years. Though the last display I saw (can't remember when) WAS nicer than usual.
What is pretty though is that they are done over the downtown bayfront over the water! I've grown up all my life seeing that. With all those sailboats, water, seagulls out there, underneath the fireworks, I do like living by the water, pretty much surrounded by it! My husband loves the fishing. I have lived where there wasn't anything like this and missed it! lol How awesome that I was born into a town whose name means "body of Christ"!! :D Although its a far cry from being one 'in the TRUTH'....what town isn't these days. This is still a relatively midsize town, many say its a good place to raise kids. We-e-l-l, it was when I was younger, and its still pretty 'tame' compared to other towns, but it does have its darkside(s). I was born here and subject to it. But praise GOD, I'm now 'in the LIGHT'!!
I've been getting a hankerin to go out to the beach, and walk in the wet sand, search/find sanddollars and listen to the sound of waves crashing - to remind me of that in the Bible, it says that the voice of the LORD was one of 'mighty thundering' and sounded like 'many waters'! I can get a 'glimpse' there, of our Saviors mighty prescence! :bow:

[Marie]

Tufluv
You could send some of that heat this way and I wouldn't complain at all! :D

[tufluv]

Really, Marie? Wow, if only I could! Is it really that cold? That is totally unimagineable for me at present, though more like a dream! :banana:
For now, you'll have to do with the heat from the fire of the HOLYGHOST!! Woo-oo! Halleluyah!
I'm getting plenty of that type (and I won't ever complain about that!) listening right now to some audio tapes from back when I was first saved, and at a different church. My husband and I were in charge of that tape ministry. I have lasting memories! And good material to re-visit! Great music as well!
As for my prev. post, in rereading it, I noticed, (as I sometimes do, probably others do as well) :I can get a 'glimpse' there, of our Saviors mighty prescence!
that I should not have left out that that is but ONE WAY, to get a different type 'glimpse' of JESUS mighty voice! Amen?
MANY WATERS! :bow:

[Marie]

Yes! It is really that cold! As I said in the hobbies post, I have one blanket wrapped around my feet and one around my shoulders!:D The kids say "Dwamma! It's tode out darw!) I need my toat!" lol:yeah: Have ta keep busy just to keep warm! And yes worship does warm one up!:banana:

[Marie]

Hmmm... I forgot bmp's don't work here!

[tufluv]

Well I have to admit that I AM comfortable at present, as long as I don't go outside! :laugh:
Its a sauna out there! But very sunny pretty. And we do have to get out. What part of Canada are you? I must look that up! Does it ever get warm or hot there (weather wise)?

[Marie]

I live on the West Coast, on Vancouver Island. Yes it does get warm at times. Like last week! That was a dream! Here are some statistic and some links:
Our Island is truely beautiful, enjoy these links
Marie

Vancouver Island Statistics

Length : 454 Km (282 miles)
Width : 100 Km (62 miles)
Area : 32,134 sq. Km (12,408 sq. miles)
Latitude ... 49 degrees 57 min. 4 sec. N
Longitude ... 125 degrees 16min. 10 sec. W


Vancouver Island has a population of over 750,000 and stretches southeast to northwest along the western coast of British Columbia. The rugged west coast is cut deeply by fjords lined between high mountains with many communities located along the shores of protected bays. The eastern plain is rich with timber, farmlands, fishing streams, villages, and modern cities.

To discover more about this beautiful Island, browse through the various areas by either clicking on the map above, or the links below. For an overall view of the complete site with direct links to every section, please go to the Site Map.

http://visit-vancouverisland.com/
http://www.vancouverisland-bc.com/
http://tourismmall.victoria.bc.ca/
I like the pic "united we stand" on this one, as Esther says, we are all Americans if we all live in America!:
http://www.vancouverislandabound.com/vancouver_island_contents.htm

Here are a few, If I have time later, I will PM or email you with some pic of our own.

[tufluv]

Wow, can I come visit!??? How 'about a roommate? Hehe! :jk: unless my hubby can come too!
Wow, I sure would not complain about the cold there (or so I think! lol!) being as you have such beauty to see! Awesome!
Its nice here in its own way, its just so-o FLAT here! The terrain.
I want 'mountains'!! I've even thought about California, since it has both the oceanside and mountains! I was in Anaheim a few years back, and I liked it! We also cruised through San Diego, one of our brothers here is from there! Oldpreach too! (L.A.)
Were it not for the San Andreas faultline, I might go live there!
And don't forget - earthquakes!! :eek:
Do they have those there, Marie!? What kind of BAD weather is there? Blizzads? Yikes, its always something everywhere, I probably am better off here, we only have hurricane weather season right now...we haven't had a major one in almost 20 yrs, yet every year SOMEONE states that THIS is the year! yeah, right!
It gets scary! And exciting at the same time!
Which reminds me better go stock up on stuff before its too late!

[Marie]

LOL You might just want to come for a holiday! One winter here and you would probably pack up and head south! August is the warmest month. Usually! but you never know! The weather is very fickle! You just learn to be prepared and never go far without raingear! :) I like mountains to look at from a distance, but, "sigh" I am a prairie girl through and through! I like to be able to see "what's over the next hill" If you want to see beautiful, check out Western Canada's Mountain ranges! What a sight!(I'll stick to photos though! I don't like traveling in the mountains:eek:) Some people love it, but not me!) I'd rather see it from a plane! WOW! It really helps you see how Awesome God is! Actually, they run down into Washington state. (But ours are better :p hehe) The western "edge" of Alberta, is also breathtaking! The whole province is beautiful. The only thing they don't have is the ocean! The Interior of BC is something else! One of my favorite places is the Okanogan Valley. They have the "best of both worlds" as far as weather.
We don't get blizzards on the Island, not often anyway. (Snow storms, yes, but not blizzards like they get on the prairie! That earthquake fault runs all the way up here! Yes, we get earthquakes, and NASTY storms from the sea! Being on the East coast of the Island, we are somewhat protected from the open sea, but we get the winds from off the mountains! We don't get tornados but tsunamies(sp) that is a wind storm on the ocean. With HUGE waves. You know about storms off the ocean, imagine one of your storms, and turn down the temperature! I would NOT recommend the West coast of the Island after September or before June! There is nothing between you and China, except the little Island of Japan! We loose a lot of fisherman and fishboats some winters. And there is a scary mountain pass to cross.:eek: Actually the Island is one big mountain range! The only trouble with living on the Island is the cost of the ferries! For a car and vehicle it is over $40 depending on the time of year and size of vehicle. So unless you have a lot of money, BC ferries has us trapped! I think this is the hardest thing for Esther and I. We are used to being able to get in the car and go! (providing we have one that is!) For us to get just from on dock to the other it is over $100!:mad:
Haha talk about :nt:
There you go! Today's travel report! :D

[Marie]

:nt: Again!
My sister lives in Central Valley, Northern California. She says it is the place to be! You still get winter, although, not as harsh. But the summers are very hot. (sigh)Maybe, one of these days we will make it for that long awaited visit! She has been there over 20 yrs and I have seen her twice.:( And she came up here.

[tufluv]

Wow, it does sound so very interesting! If you can handle it, why wouldn't I?
Yes, a holiday would be good for starters. As for those tsunami's I heard of another word for them is TIDAL WAVES!! :eek:
Now, THAT, to me is reason enough to stay away!!! Thats just TOO much fun for me to handle! :laugh:
And that is also TOO far away to be from your sister! Gosh!
Norther CA is really nice, I've been there as well. I understand what you mean about the 'prairie girl' effect., I also like to be able to see for a distance. I have good distance vision! Just being in San Antonio (downtown) 'bout nearly drove me batty!
Being surrounded by towering buildings and not able to see either left or right, only straight up - Yikes! Me no likey! :laugh:
Summers in CA being very hot, would not scare me, I live with it here!
Oh great! The earthquake fault WOULD run all the way up there! Its out to get me!! :eek:
:jk:
Wonder why the ferries are so expensive? Thats a lot of 'dough' to fork out! And do you need to get over there much? Is it boring where you are? Nothing to do?
Sounds like you are already trapped inside by the cold, what an opposite weather over there from here! I would sure like to go see the whales, though, although that can be done off the Washington coast too. I almost got to go when I was there like 20 yrs ago. I bet they're even better out there! Have you gone to see them? I can't even go see the 'dolphins' over here, our boat is always having problems, and we don't get far!
Yes we are :nt: again. But this topic is not really one to have to stay on, Joan started it! I don't think she minds, do ya Joan?
The other gnc folks are probably bored to tears! Not enough controversy! lol!! :D Well I'll throw in this little guy for them :realmad: THERE! Much better now???
:laugh: :laugh:
You know you MIGHT be better off over here, all around. Your gov't is just TOO TIGHT, your weather is too limiting..you could make more money over here, maybe. Its warmer.

[Joan]

Hi ladies, of course I dont mind. This is more my speed.

I keep hearing things about Canada and how the laws are written so that homosexuals are a protected class now. E-I-E-I-Ohhh!! Boy oh boy. tsk tsk. Is that true?

That makes it a little harder to preach that homosexuality is a sin doesn't it? I guess, the truth still needs to be preached though. Jail didn't stop the original church now did it.

I know, the U.S. is probably not far behind. PRAY PEOPLE PRAY!!!

[tufluv]

Yes, Joan...we must PRAY!
I'm still trying to get over (nausea) from reading a recent article on MSN about same sex dates for proms! Yuck! Yuck!
Gross! Its getting more and more like they (gays) are going to have their way(s) here..they already have so-o many rights, priviliges, etc. here in the USA. The U.S. is not JUST right behind them, they're walking side by side!
And is that such a big surprise? For a nation that has removed prayer from schools? Where it is considered not politically correct to pronounce the name of JESUS in many settings? Sounds a bit like in the OT days, doesn't it?
I never thought I'd see the day when gays are so outspoken and visible! Sodom and Gomorrha, revisited? Can judgment be far behind? NO!!!
All the more urgency to get the WORD out, that JESUS return is imminent, HE is coming "in a cloud, with power and great glory" Luke 21:27 AND with the 'saints' along to judge them!
We can judge them NOW or LATER...either way, their 'goose is cooked'!! I am not totally heartless, but GOD is not FOR them but against them! Their sin, that is. All people have souls that are in need of deliverance, following repentance and remission of sins. I have a neighbor across the street that seems a bit 'repentant' as her girlfriend left her MANY months ago. She reads the Bible, [I've seen it open on her couch when we were doing work there] she has surely read the part about homosexuals not inheriting the kingdom of GOD. She is very much an 'introvert' though, difficult to get to know...I am praying for her. She has 'rubbed' elbows with us Apostolics.. even met our pastor (he is a very part-time pest control person and killed her bees) but she is a Catholic. Would everyone please include Velma in your prayers? Thanx. We have invited her to church, but she's declined, saying she has too little time, she lives alone, and works 2 jobs, just comes home to sleep.

[Marie]

The tidal waves (:o couldn't remember that name, it's much simpler) They start way over on the other side of the ocean, so by the time they get over here, they have mostly calmed down! That's on the OTHER side of the Island. LOL kind of like the other side of the tracks. j/k AND few and far between! Storms are quite common though.
We don't get off the Island enough, got family "over there". LOL And most of the good specialists are on the Lower Mainland. And Campmeeting, Ladies retreat, mens retreat, etc. are all at our campground at Hope, on the mainland. Getting off the Island is the biggest expence for all of those. And Youth conventions happen all over the province, mostly on the mainland, although 2 years ago it was on the Island.
No I have never been Whaling, Esther wants to go, but I don't care much for boats.:D There are also Sea lions, interesting to watch, but at a distance. And of course, bears and cougars. The deer are tiny. The kids thought they were all babies at first. lol There is a lot to do here if you are a outdoorsy person. Hiking, skiing, boating, fishing(that I like) Mountain climbing. There are also caves to explore. (with bats) There are fishing tours, lots of camping,(which we enjoy, but can't afford:( ) Although neither one of us likes to be in the trees. A few, yes, but not a forrest! Makes me feel a trapped. Guess that is from growing up on the prairie.
What is it like where you are? I know you said it is flat and hot, but what is there to do? Do you have scorpions :eek: and such? What part of Texas are you in. Want some more questions?? Huh?:D I would

[Marie]

Originally posted by Joan
Hi ladies, of course I dont mind. This is more my speed.

I keep hearing things about Canada and how the laws are written so that homosexuals are a protected class now. E-I-E-I-Ohhh!! Boy oh boy. tsk tsk. Is that true?

That makes it a little harder to preach that homosexuality is a sin doesn't it? I guess, the truth still needs to be preached though. Jail didn't stop the original church now did it.

I know, the U.S. is probably not far behind. PRAY PEOPLE PRAY!!!
Yes, it's true! :realmad: :realmad:
I also found out the other day that our kids can be expelled from school for bringing a BIBLE!

[tufluv]

For bringing a Bible to school!? Sad, indeed. Satan is working overtime. We should also be working OVER that! There really needs to be more fasting/prayer, large amounts of people doing it, as much as possible, for there to be some success against these tactics of the EvilOnes.
Its kinda scary, that our future generations will be faced with such obscenities, even more than now! LORD, come quickly! :beammeup:

[Marie]

Yes, isn't it sad? Esther told me recently that one of her classmates was sent home to change because they wore a t-shirt with a Christian logo!:cry:
:nt: I must say, I am proud of Esther (is that allowed?), she IS a light in her school. She refuses to bend to peer presure.:) She has a very gentle spirit and is well liked, there are few students that don't like her and they are the ones from the "popular" crowd. I think it is her modesty in spirit that bothers them. 'sigh' She has a hard time with some teachers, though. Because of her health, she has missed a lot of school over the years and especially this year. She is doing better now (Praise God!) and studying hard for exams.:)
BTH Tufluv, it is sunny today and beginning to warm up. June is usually warmer. This has been an unusual year for weather. lol you never know what to expect!:)

[Joan]

What about that prayer and fasting you mentioned above? Does it seem like us apostolics take our tools of warfare for granted? I only say that because I know plenty of apostolics that don't fast and pray regularly. My former pastor (up north) taught regularly and encouraged us, and admonished us all to fast regularly. He lead by example. From what I know, we all fasted at least one whole day a week. We tried to make it a normal thing to do at least one 3-day fast per quarter AND an extended fast (5-7) days at some point during the year. That was the normal times of fasting but then there were other times where he may feel lead to call a 3 day fast. I remember several times during the year the church was called to a day of prayer and fasting at the church where we would gather at 8am and stay until evening. This was to push ourselves beyond our flesh. To pierce the veil of our flesh so to speak. It strengthened us. Then we would also have focused prayer as a congregation before our Sat. evening service. I sometimes wonder what would happen if we took our religion as seriously as the communists or feminists take theirs?

Since moving away from that church I have been going to another apostolic church where it's a struggle to get people to fast 1 or 2 meals a week!!! It makes me sad because Jesus can be glorified so much more if His people were willing to make a greater consecration.

Would we have to worry about these laws? Isn't NOTHING impossible with God?

What does I Tim. 2:1-2 say? Therefore, I exhort first of all that supllications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

Wow. I would that us apostolics were known more for the value we place on being prayer warriors above being known for our dress code (which should be a result of our relationship with Jesus Christ).

[tufluv]

AMEN! Sister Joan, excellent post! And words that ring so-o true, I like what you said about 'piercing' the flesh!! I know first hand the power of fasting/prayer, it should be commonplace to us all! The 'sick' state of affairs of this nation, and world at large, is enhanced by the lack of fervent prayer, and fasting, of all the 'saints'. There ARE more than enough of us to make a 'dent' in MUCH! of the ills of this world, and at the very least, in our own immediate circles and communities.
Our church does have regular fastings, and it shows every time! Although we could and need to do, even more to really PIERCE the Evil One back for all the 'piercing' he and his minions do! Those fiery darts he specializes in throwing at us, would not find a resting place if we were thoroughly and regularly fast/pray'ered up! Its not that difficult, in fact, it good for us all around. Our physical bodies need a REST! :banana: We Americans are a nation of overindulgences, sadly, while many go hungry in this world! Innocent children die every minute/hour from lack of sustenance. We must do all we can to help them and anyone in need. Jesus said 'what you do to the least of these, you do to me"...we must remember that. We have been equipped in many ways, lets' use 'em!!
Well, enough of that! I can sure get carried away!! :D God Bless you Sister Joan, for those inspiring spiritual words!

[tufluv]

Marie:
BTH Tufluv, it is sunny today and beginning to warm up. June is usually warmer. This has been an unusual year for weather. lol you never know what to expect!

Well what do you expect, Sis Marie!? I packaged up a bit of sunshine/warmth as you requested and emailed it to ya!! Hehe! :banana:
"Ask and you shall receive"!! Believe it!
Never underestimate the power of prayer of the saints! And powers that the LORD generously bestows upon those who want and ask for them! "nothing is impossible with GOD"!!

[Joan]

Does anyone think it's peculiar how in the GNC there is so much activity in the general discussions sections where people can have an outlet for thier opinions? But look at the sections in GNC about prayer and/or testimonies. You can't get people fired up in there. This is my opinion: testimonies are a result of prayer and fasting BECAUSE that's where us flesh carnal minded humans sacrifice our flesh and our own way of thinking and our own earthly desires for the eternal purpose of God. Jesus can do the things He wants to do when we are submitted to Him.

I hope I don't sound like I'm demonizing the other sections of GNC because I understand that people need relationship and that forum is somehow meeting that need. I'm human too.

I heard a message by Bro. Fred Childs (TX) about the angels on the mercy seat. He noted that their faces were toward eachother. He was telling us that we encourage eachother. When we speak to eachother of the greatness of God to eachother face to face, the Lord is pleased with that.

I have told you about the church I used to go to up north. Boy, we did those things. We prayed together. We had real fellowship. We got face to face with eachother often. We PRAYED together often. We had early a.m. prayer, mid-afternoon prayer, prayer before every service, prayer breakfasts, etc. We rejoiced with eachother, we were sad together. We had home fellowship groups. Boy, it was so good. I feel sad for churches that don't see the absolute benefit of raising the standard of prayer and fasting. We are supposed to be unspotted from the world. Does world mean neighbors or the religious world? What the person on the pew next to you lives like and looks like doesn't mean it's o.k. for us just because we both go to an apostolic church.

O.K. I just went off on a tangent -- sorry. Anyway, can we get fired up for prayer and fasting? How hard would it be for the Lord's people to be like-minded in ALL things if we are all prayed up and fasted up? What could we do if some of us ladies, here on GNC, bound together in prayer and fasting and study of the Word? Could we see the prayer room thread and the testimony thread busted wide open with the glory of the Lord?

You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink right? But if you add salt to his water you will make him thirsty. If we were to be the salt of the earth in GNC, could we bring down the things that divide (by opinions) the Lord's people?

Can we be an encouragement to eachother? Can our goal be to concentrate on the goodness of Jesus and how right HE is?

We belong to Jesus!!! How can we magnify HIM???

[Joan]

Oh oops. The reason I wanted to post here this a.m. was because I read in the news that Canada is passing a bill for same-sex marriages. Oh Lord have mercy. I prayed that the leadership in Canada repent or be removed Quickly!!!

[tufluv]

Sis Joan:
I get what you mean, I've said something about that in the past, that rarely does anyone make time to lift up the name of JESUS, give him praises! There's more disagreements throughout the threads, than agreement. The prayer thread is one where we should all AGREE in prayer, agree to pray about all those things that are being debated-to-the-death, in the other threads. I'll be the first to admit that I am more often than not, in those same threads, but I don't like 'contentiousness' for contentiousness sake, and I will say so, which leads to more heated arguments, you just can't win, or even get ahead, for the diverse opinions, beliefs in there., I'm always wondering if any/every-one is even an Apostolic in all that!! Yet, I stick around, trying to help.
So-o as for the prayer threads, now someone will come along and say: "well we DO have a much larger improved prayer room that bro.John just announced" and we should go there! Okay, fine! Then should we just close this one down? I think not!
I do try to keep up with it, and pray for those asking for prayer. I sure do like that former church you had sis Joan! Sounds like 'heaven on earth'! Why did you ever leave it? I know, you had to move, right? SOme things cannot be helped.
That Canadian bill for same-sex marriages news has just soured my breakfast!!
E-e-w-w-w-!!!!!!!! :down: Dontcha know its just around the corner for the U.S.!!? Lets pray against that, 'saints'! :bow:

[Joan]

Tuf, we left our former church because we were stupid. OK, I'll try to stop beating myself up about it. We've repented and my former pastor's wife washed my feet last summer because of all the condemnation heaped upon myself for making such a bad decision. It could've been helped unfortunately. But I have hope that the Lord will still make a way for us to someday be a part of the Glorious Church either here or back home.

I am so looking forward to meeting you next week. I hope we can spend some good quality and quantity time together. I could use the encouragement.

[ddc101]

Praise the Lord sisters,
I am blessed to read of the desire of some to fast and pray and get closer to Jesus.In fact the desire to see group fasting and binding together.That is wonderful.We map out forty days and all take so many and some take them all and fast and pray for the church to go forward in the will of God.Each time we go forward a step.It is wonderful.We also have morning prayer at six am for those who want to come.We do not pressure anyone to come but always mention it at service.Also we fast on Tuesdays for the church family.We also pray together on Tuesday evenings and sometimes have all night prayer.I have a prayer journey set up for those who want to make a prayer journey in the am or before service.lv sis.c

[foreverblessed]

Joan,
I agree that there is a lot more activity on the General discussion forum, but I would like to add another reason why that might be.

On the old GNC, we didn't have all the other departments, it is habit for me to log on General discussions and never read the rest of the board.

I usually only come here in the Women's section once every other day. I visit the other sections maybe only once every week or so. I don't have time to read the whole board.

It is just old routine to just check out the general section when I get here, and stay there. It really has nothing to do with spirituality.

I personally have a praying church with four services, and other activities, my spiritual needs are usually met there. I come to GNC for fellowship and friendship, not always the spiritual side, although I usually get spiritual insight and have grown as a Christian since being a part of the GNC.

Just thought I would add another side of the story from my viewpoint.

God bless,