Dianna A.’s Journal

Having been washed in the blood of Christ and being saved through the grace of God, we will be blessed with eternity in Heaven with Our Savior and Lord!

Wow, Dianna, you are in a hard place. I will not tell you what you should do but I think I would really ask God what you should do. One thing that struck me, is that it seems that they are more interested in the food provided that seeking to learn about Christ and what He has for them. I don't know the situation fully but perhaps stop the snacking during your study and see how many will return and perhaps pay attention to the teachings you give. I know a church locally here that serves food every Sunday after the service and I believe a lot come for the food but it is always after the service. It is a poor group of people, which are no less people but hopefully will catch some nuggets of what is being preached. I would watch for any sign God has for you whether to stay or move on. It has to be a difficult and discouraging position for you to be in. Lord, I ask that You would minister to Dianna and her husband, giving them direction and wisdom. Lord that You would give their class an urgency to hear the truth of Your word. Amen.

Dianna I would like to say two things about this situation. Jesus did say to wipe your feet and go to the next town also please read Ezekiel 3: 16-19 God's word is the truth.

Lloyd thank you so much for your prayer & insight. This just happened this past Sunday. We have prayed about it & I was the one that has been sharing my feelings of 'maybe its time to move on'. But he kept saying, these people know nothing I feel the Lord has led me there. I seen months ago what he failed to see or put blinders to it because he was led by the Lord (at the time). But it wasn't him that served & cleaned up after these people during Wednesday Night dinners for the 'hungry'. It is a free dinner & it is a dinner for ANYONE from the streets who is in need of nurishment. In the 3 yrs I attended I can count on 2 hands how many new faces I seen on a wed. night. Only the regulars from the church. And you would think that everyone would pitch in, clean their tables. No, but they are the 1st in line & sat & watch 70+ old women or women who have worked hard jobs all day & are sick but keep on going (talking about myself, just an fyi; I am 56). But these same that eat in class, talk with food in their mouths & hurry to leave the cleanup are the ones that have been attending for years. I have brought it to the pastors attention. Why are these elderly women up here cooking, serving, cleaning. Some just from bed rest, are always short of breath. Why can't these women that are unemployed, younger women do these things. I was basically told if we 'offend' these people they may not comeback. I am serious when I say I am speaking of these ones that I believe are only their for a free meal & cleanup are in their 30-45 range. Women that should have been taught to pitch in & help. The only reason I brought up the food subject above is because I also felt like 'well if it takes food to get them here, then I'll feed them'! But I am to the point where I have fed them & I am sure their belly's are full but when I try to give them GOD's word they don't want to be spiritually fed. I am miserable over this. There is quit a few people in there I do think of them as my brothers & sisters & know they are. These people have become a part of my family. When I cut ties with the church am I letting them down. But I can only count 4 married couple & 2 single people my husband felt obligated to let them know we wouldn't be returning. My husband wouldn't tell them why but said he didn't want to cause divisions in their church & just wanted to leave on a peaceful note. The 1st person he called was the Pastor who was well aware of the problem when we drove off. After my husband lost his 'cool' in the class he went to the Pastor & told him he wouldn't be ushering because he was to upset & was leaving. Pastor never called, my husband called him to let him know we wouldn't be returning. He was fishing his wife said. My husband called later & this time left a voicemail. It is now friday & that was last Sunday. I can't imagine why we wouldn't get a call? I often wondered then when I was sick in bed for 3 months & had to take off work. Think he would have called. My husband & I have come to the conclusion that we aren't wanted there. My husband is very quiet, UNTIL someone interprets scripture wrong. He stands to correct them & show them in scripture. Wish I had his talent to memorize scripture & never forgets where its said. I know what the scripture says but if I someone ask me a question I would need a minute to find it. Anyway....Thanks for your prayer & input. I believe its time to move on, & that saddens me.

@Don...If you were here now my dear brother I would give you a Christian Hug. My husband I just started Bible study TOGETHER. He is retired, I am not. He has a little more free time on his hands & he has a few things going at once with his study it takes him 3-4 hours a day. I don't have that many spare hours.. Even though my husband called only a select few & we shared with them we wouldn't be returning. It just still didn't have the FINAL stamp of approval on it. Today it was revealed to us during our studies. You just put the icing on the cake & I know the Holy Spirit of God held your hand as you gave us the spiritual confirmation Ezekiel 3: 16-19 to share with Ben & I. Thank you & everyone who has taken the time to pray, give scripture & then you personal input...Thank You, Thank You!! And Thank you Jesus.

Blessings upon you and Ben, Dianna. I believe the Lord will give you fruit for your labor. God bless you both.

Dianna, I am sorry for the frustration you are going through, continue to keep the faith in our Lord and Savior and share the word with whom ever is thirsty for it. The Lord will put you in the right place at the right time. Only he knows what you are going through and he will bring you through it. You and your husband need to be in a place where the spirit of the Lord is strong and in faith all is endured for the completion of the Lords work. Do not be discouraged with those that do not want to be fed the word of the Lord. Lord I pray that Diana and Ben continue to be encouraged in sharing your word with others and that they're faith remain strong in you. I pray that they will find the right church to be a part of one that will minister your word and one where they can share your word with those who will accept your word. Dear Lord I pray that they will see success in sharing your word as they learn more and let the Holy Spirit work within them. Amen

correction to the above comment...Paul did share the good news but he did endure great 'human' suffering & did sacrafice a lot to do this. I just didn't want everyone to think I believe Paul traveled from church to church, city to city & it was without sacrafice.