Continuing Series in the Life of a Pastoral Care Pastor

April 24, 2010 – Saturday: Relaxing start to the day, at least for my alarm clock as she was wide awake at her normal hour and wanted to be taken out. So, up I came and did my daily chores to make her happy. Then had some coffee while sitting on my deck and reviewed my message for the funeral today. Around 10 started getting ready as I needed to be at the church for an appointment with a lady who is struggling with her faith in the Catholic Church verses her new knowledge of Jesus. One of her friends invited her to church last Sunday and the Holy Spirit was very direct and quick with her but she was afraid to respond. Short story she called my office and needed to speak to someone about what was going on inside of her. Of course God directed her to me so I shared about his love on the phone and I do believe she was ready to commit right then but her husband came home and she became afraid of what he would say or do so she hung up rather quickly…she did call back but would not make the commitment right then. So, she agreed to come in Saturday and meet me…again her husband entered into the equation and she backed away…BTW, he knows nothing of what’s going on or that she even visited our church…she is just scared. Satan has her and he does not want to let go…but he has already lost and she will commit to becoming a follower of Christ. So, she called and said she couldn’t come but I got her email and will send her something for her to study and read. Now back to the funeral…it was a good thing we changed it to the main worship center…at least 400 if not more showed for the service. It flowed very well and the Special Olympians showed how much they loved the deceased by bringing their medals to the front and placing them on the table beside his remains. This was a very moving time in the service as about 50 came forward. Overall the service was very good and the reception was well attended by over 250. Many of the Special Olympians came to me during the reception and told me how much they appreciated how well I spoke of their friend and they all loved the service. That meant a lot as I know it came directly from their heart. Several told me they were going to start back to church because of the message and some said they wanted me to come and visit their church. It was very touching. I must say God brought many of our volunteers out to help with ushering and with serving. Several stayed to help with clean up and Lynn and Nancy were wonderful!! I really don’t know how we could have pulled this off without the tireless efforts of these two…this is two weekends in a row we have had a funeral. Then two members of our church had invited Jeanette and I out to a Blue Collar Comedy show. We went and had a wonderful time…never laughed so hard…I really needed the release and once home…wow I crashed hard a be woken to the tune of my alarm clock shaking herself and her tags rattling…indicating she was up and it was now time for me to get out of bed and start my Sunday…