A couple of weeks ago, my cousin Jeanine came to me for help. We had a nice conversation about family stuff and mentioned that I was going to have a Christmas gathering here at my home this year. I told her that my mom, my niece Nia, Andy & Amanda, and maybe Neil & the boys were coming and that Jeanine was welcome to come over. Then she added, “Can Jackie (her sister) come over too?” I responded, “Sure, the more the merrier!!!” Anyway, I had a dilemma running through my mind over something Jeanine needed and I thought, “What would Dad do?” He helped everyone the best way he knew how at the time. I guess I just needed validation that I was making the right decision. My brother Neil helped me with that a few days ago.
Last Sunday, the Assembly of God church District superintendent announced that our pastor lost his credentials due to “moral sin” that was committed back in February this year. It was a devastating blow to our church family. I was just getting over the 6-month anniversary of Dad’s death and I got hit hard spiritually. Stephen and I were supposed to join the church family tonight and now the membership class is postphoned. We still plan to go to First Assembly of God despite what happened since we made many friendships with the members. Stephen and I went through with this scenario at Bethel Church in San Jose, CA. It took a couple of years before the church was healthy again and I’m glad we stayed the course. There is more strength and unity in numbers when we’re together. Some of our friends mentioned last Sunday that they didn’t want to see us leave the church. We were touched by their sentiments and accepted. They’re our new church family now and we do have to stick togther for better or for worse…
