From the Desk of Jill Keenon, Operations Director:
(Paul Keenon writes this week's Thoughts and Prayers - ed.)
Something has been bothering me for months, maybe even years. Our local church is no different than other evangelical churches, and I see a declining holiness and desire to be holy.
Some might "ask how do you define holiness?" As soon as someone asks me that, I realize I am talking to one of "them". I see it in many people (them) especially the young, educated, extremely knowledgeable, people. They are always looking for ways to prove the past generation of last several generations to be less spiritually fulfilled or ignorant of God's meaning in His Word.
With that in mind they have taken a dim view of giving up freedoms for the sake of others who are less "enlightened" than them or for the sake of seeing others come to Christ. They appear to be selfish; I don't think they are. I think they are just naive or ignorant of how important their life's example is to everyone around them, believer or unbeliever.
The Bible calls us to holiness and to be an example to both Christians and non-Christians. We will not be condemned for these freedoms or mediocre behavior. We will "just" miss the chance to serve our Lord and give back by our holy behavior. Rewards may even be withheld. I want to see all come to the Lord who He will, and I don't want to be in the way of the Lord's calling. (Col 4:5, Romans 12:1-2, Romans 14:13-23, 1 Cor 10:23-33 Please read these complimentary verses to see what I am alluding to.)
Yours is the choice and we conservatives would rather error on the side of conservatism than liberalism. We can always lighten up but it is very hard to tighten up.
Coloma Place Home
- Pray for all, Esther, Ravi, Rosey, Dan, Roshnie and Sue. New things are on the forefront for the women who will come to live in this home. New guidelines and parameters are being worked on and we will be looking to help women 17 to 25 that are out of school and who need in-depth help.
Quicks Home
Hanna is doing very well with the Quicks.
Pat came here under Allison's direction and cut our lawn. What a help that was! I thank them both. Every bit of relief to the daily mundane tasks frees us to either work with more people or have a bit a respite.
Keenon Home
- Melissa has a new therapist this week as well as the one she has been working with. Let's see who can do the best for her. She has a urinary infection now and just minutes after she got home from the doctor with Jill and while I was writing these requests she had a seizure, fell and cut her head. I had to stop the bleeding and now Jill is sitting with her while she convulses. Pray that as her neuro-therapy continues and the nutrition she is now getting will balance out her chemistry. She is a sad little person.
- McKenzie and boyfriend Eric are here staying with us for about a week. They do not have driver's licenses and need transportation to get to work and to appointments. So guess who the driver is now (me PJ).
- Molly is doing well and is looking forward to the future so much that she makes the same plans over and over. She works hard and is always trying to figure out a plan to make more money to pay off her medical bills and rent.
- A board member who has been with ODFT the longest, and has given us a sense of confidence since he was on the board, has tendered his resignation. Paul Van Der Molen is moving on. We have more than enjoyed his faithfulness. He has helped lead us from a pilot program to three homes and two other programs. He has supported Jill and me in our vision for over 15 years. Most if not all of that time he has been our president.
Thank you for prayers
In Christ's Service for the Community,
Paul & Jill Keenon
Open Door for Teens, Inc.
