So, You Think Our Church Budget Has a Shortfall?........

from Jim Daly, President and CEO Listen to a special audio message from Dr. James Dobson and Jim Daly.

Dear Friends,

Many of you have contacted us with questions and concerns about the implications of the nation's economic conditions on Focus on the Family’s programs and staff, and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your compassion and your prayers. The reality of our situation is that, after months of prayer, diligently seeking the Lord's will, we have accepted a budget for our 2009 fiscal year that is $22 million less than what we would have carried over from 2008. In addition to several personal meetings, I recently sent an all staff memo, explaining the foundations for this decision. I would like to share the essence of that communication with you, as an extended member of the family.

In order to meet our Board-approved budget for 2009, we have taken a strategic look at every program and activity in the ministry, and made some difficult decisions to help us better focus on our core mission and foundational principles, and steward the resources given sacrificially to us, particularly in the trying financial times in which we're now living. We realize that the results of these decisions include the reduction or elimination of some very good programs, and, most painfully, some positions held by valued team members. Change is never easy, particularly when it requires saying "goodbye" to those in our ministry family. Their service and the dedication of their gifts and hearts to serve the Lord in this place is recognized and deeply appreciated, and we are all grieving together and praying for the Lord's wisdom, discernment, and provision in the days ahead.

We firmly believe the Lord is preparing Focus on the Family for the "thickets of the Jordan" (Jeremiah 12:5), requiring discipline to obediently follow where He is leading. We have applied discipline to the planning process, and, as a result, several programs are being eliminated or significantly modified, and resources have been reallocated from some areas of the ministry to better support others. Underlying these decisions, the executive leadership team is absolutely united in our resolve to continue the ministry's long-standing tradition of meeting people at their point of need with biblically-based content and answers that speak God's truth and love into their lives. We will not compromise our passion to help whoever contacts us with the content they need; we will continue to adjust how we deliver that content in a personal and meaningful way, based on the resources the Lord provides.

We are continuing programs that support the core of our mission, which is marriage, parenting and defense of the family, and eliminating or reducing some distribution channels and outreach efforts, redirecting content to better help couples produce God-honoring marriages and God-honoring children within healthy, thriving families. In no way are these decisions a reflection of the value of the efforts themselves; we acknowledge the hard work and dedication that has been poured into the outstanding content that has been produced, making this process even more difficult.

I want to recognize that behind each of these programs and changes are people, some of whom have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us for many years, and all of whom have come to Focus on the Family with a passion for the Lord and a desire to serve Him. We honor these people, who have co-labored with us for a time and will continue to serve the Lord in the places He has prepared for them, by showing respect for their service here and protecting their dignity in their leaving. To be specific, 149 staffed positions were eliminated, in addition to 53 unfilled open positions. Please be assured that we are doing everything we can to help in the transition process, and I ask you to join with me in praying for these friends as they seek the Lord's guiding Hand and His protective care during this time.

I also want you to know that the question of timing is one with which we have grappled, both with the Board and within the executive leadership team; in other words, why make these changes now? The fact is that, a month-and-a-half into our new fiscal year, contributions are already significantly behind last year at this time. Given the economy and hardship our donors are facing, if we don't make changes now, we could carry an even greater deficit into the new year. Please hear my heart: making these decisions now, or even making them at all, is not what we want to do, and it is not easy. Our assurance is in knowing that we have followed biblical direction and godly council in asking the Lord for wisdom.

I know we are not the only ones feeling the weight of a significant burden; in fact, I have met with many donors who are also struggling and sharing their heartaches in the midst of reducing their businesses and letting staff go. They express their appreciation that we recognize their pain as well, and are taking steps to look inward and make some hard strategic decisions, rather than simply asking for more resources and placing an even greater burden on them. We know that our financial needs are firmly in the Lord's Hands, and we trust in His provision. Over the last 32 years, our obligation has been to faithfully steward what He provides, and we believe we have chosen a course of action that does that and reflects our commitment to the Board's fundraising guidelines.

We are certainly living in interesting times that could cause us to throw our hands up in despair, but we continue to move forward in the hope of the Gospel, expecting that in this world, we will have trouble. We do not despair; in fact, we take heart because Christ has overcome the world. We may take the time to mourn through the night, but we must then wake with the Morning Star, whose mercies are new for each of us every day. Remember that the reason we labor and persevere is because our hope and faith are in the One who calls us to stand. He has called Focus on the Family to continue to stand, armed with His Word, truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation, with a mission to nurture and defend His institution of the family. I'm standing with the strength only He can provide, and I hope you will continue to stand with me, as we pray for healing and the courage to take the challenge He has placed before us. Thank you for your faithfulness to the Lord and your hearts for His ministry.

Our church, too, grappled with the problem of not receiving the amount of donations as last year and having to significantly reduce our budget. However, this is not the time to short change God, this is the time to step out in faith and continue to give out of our love for our God as we have when the times were good and there was no pain in the giving.

From Dr. James Dobson

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Forward to a Friend | Donate | FAQ Family News From Dr. Dobson October 2008 The November election promises to be one of the most consequential in recent memory. Come November 5th, this election will be over, barring hanging chads, voter fraud or an Electoral College tie. Regardless of the outcome, Focus ministries will continue to nurture and defend families as long as the Lord sustains the effort. This month, however, those who wish to contribute to our work have a choice of two organizations to support. The first is Focus on the Family®, which is a nonprofit ministry which can offer a tax-exempt receipt to all donors. Second, Focus on the Family Action™, which paid for this E-mail, needs support too, but contributions to it are not deductible. When Dr. Dobson first took to the airwaves in a tiny rented radio studio in 1977, he never could have fathomed the impact his work would have on the culture in years to come. Thirty-two years later, Focus on the Family, a Christ-centered ministry dedicated to the preservation of the family, continues to minister to people in need. We all appreciate your continued support and welcome any contribution you feel led to offer this month. Dear Friends, Can you feel the tension in the air? The nation--and indeed, the world--is holding its collective breath as the final days of the presidential campaign wind down and the candidates engage in one last round of electioneering and debating. By this time next month, we'll know whether Senator John McCain or Senator Barack Obama will be inaugurated in January as the 44th President of the United States. Considering the stark differences between the two presidential candidates and the critical issues that are hanging in the balance, it's not difficult to understand why Campaign 2008 has been such a spirited affair. I'd like to take a few moments to consider what is at stake in this year's election, particularly for those of us who embrace a biblical worldview. Please understand that I will share these thoughts under the umbrella of Focus on the Family Action™, which has supported the preparation and distribution of this newsletter. Focus Action is, in turn, supported by contributions from those who do not receive tax deductible receipts for them. Thanks so much to you who made it possible. Let's start with the need to elect a pro-family, pro-life President. The importance of this objective cannot be overstated. Between 2009 and 2012, there will likely be two or more opportunities for the President to nominate new justices to the Supreme Court. Some court watchers say there could be as many as four resignations. That alone should give us serious pause as we consider for whom to cast our votes. In the months ahead, the Supreme Court will likely hand down rulings that will impact America for generations to come. We need a President who will nominate conservative, strict-constructionist judges to the Court. If that doesn't happen, the highest court in the land could become stacked--even more than it already is--with justices who will endeavor to legislate from the bench and impose a liberal agenda on the nation. It will likely affect the definition of marriage, religious freedom, and the protection (or lack thereof) of life in the womb. It's probably obvious which of the two major party candidates' views are most palatable to those of us who embrace a pro-life, pro-family worldview. While I will not endorse either candidate this year, I can say that I am now supportive of Senator John McCain and his bid for the presidency. This is not because I am beholden to the Senator from Arizona or to the Republican Party. Anyone who has even a passing familiarity with my views knows that I have agonized at times during this election process, and have been strongly critical of Senator McCain and the Republican Party on numerous occasions. My concern is for the biblical and moral values that I and millions of Americans hold dear. I will gladly support politicians of any stripe who are willing to defend the sanctity of human life, support the institution of traditional marriage, protect the country from terrorism and advance the cause of religious liberty. While certainly not perfect, the 2008 Republican platform comes closest to embracing those ideals by a wide margin. In recent weeks, I have received some measure of criticism from those who feel that my "change of heart" toward John McCain is unwarranted. I understand those views and concede that the Senator continues to embrace positions that concern me. I don't apologize, however, for reevaluating our options in this election year. John Maynard Keynes, whose views I have disagreed with strongly, said this about reversing course: "When the facts change, I change my opinion. What do you do, sir?"1 In this instance, Keynes' perspective is correct. Every thinking person will eventually have reason to change his or her mind as circumstances evolve, as they have done during this long political ordeal. There are four primary--and I believe compelling--reasons why I now view the McCain presidential candidacy favorably: During the "Saddleback Forum" on Aug. 16, Sens. Obama and McCain fielded questions from the Saddleback Church pastor Rick Warren. Senator McCain gave very solid and encouraging answers to questions about the sanctity of life and the institution of marriage, whereas Senator Obama came down at the other end of the argument. You will recall the following interchange during the forum: Pastor Rick Warren: "At what point does a baby get human rights, in your view?" Senator Obama: "... Answering that question with specificity, you know, is, uh, is, above my pay grade."2 With all due respect, Senator, if this question is above your pay grade, then so is the job attached to it. The Republican Party's 2008 national platform is a remarkably conservative document.3 Indeed, it is the strongest pro-life platform in the history of the party, surpassing even the pro-life advances of the Reagan years. It was approved and sanctioned by the McCain campaign. Senator McCain selected an astonishingly strong pro-life, pro-family running mate in Governor Sarah Palin. Although he could have embraced a liberal Vice Presidential nominee, such as Senator Joe Lieberman or Tom Ridge, he made the bold decision to join forces with a VP pick whose views reflect those of the party's conservative base. I'll discuss Governor Palin's candidacy in greater detail in a moment. The longer the campaign continues, the more concerned I have become with Barack Obama's liberal views. Certainly, he is an attractive and very charismatic candidate who has embarked on a campaign of historical proportions. However, the majority of his policies represent the antithesis of principles I hold dear. Senator Obama's record is more liberal than that of any other Democrat in the Senate4--and that's saying something! For example, when he was a state senator in Illinois, he voted four times in three years against legislation that would have saved the lives of babies that managed to survive the abortion process.5 The U.S. Senate subsequently passed similar legislation called The Born Alive Infant Protection Act by unanimous consent.6 (Obama was not a U.S. Senator at the time.) State Senator Obama was chairman of the committee that opposed this protection of babies, and in 2001 and 2002 was the only legislator who rose to argue against the Illinois Born Alive Act.7 That is an undeniable fact! My good friend, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum published a scathing analysis of Senator Obama's pro-abortion record earlier this year. Here is an excerpt of what he wrote: In March 2001, [Senator] Obama was the sole speaker in opposition to the bill on the floor of the Illinois Senate. He said: "We're saying they are persons entitled to the kinds of protections provided to a child, a 9-month child delivered to term. I mean, it would essentially bar abortions, because the equal protection clause does not allow somebody to kill a child."8 So according to [Senator] Obama, "they", (babies who survive abortions or any other preterm newborns,) should be permitted to be killed because giving legal protection to preterm newborns would have the effect of banning all abortions.9 To further underscore Senator Obama's radical devotion to abortion rights, he has promised that "the first thing I'd do as president" would be to sign the Freedom of Choice Act.10 The FOCA is a devastating piece of legislation that would overturn nearly every local, state, and federal anti-abortion law passed in the last 40 years.11 In fact, it's so broadly written that legal analysts suggest the bill may prevent institutions and physicians from refusing to provide abortion services by invoking the conscience clause. Earlier this year, while talking about sex education and abortion, the Senator said the following: "I've got two daughters, 9 years old and 6 years old. I am going to teach them first of all about values and morals. But if they make a mistake, I don't want them punished with a baby."12 In other words, a pre-born baby is viewed as a form of punishment, and can therefore be murdered in the name of convenience. It is a matter of historic significance that Barack Obama has become the first African-American to capture the nomination of a major political party for the office of President of the United States. I applaud that remarkable accomplishment. Nevertheless, I cannot support his candidacy because the positions he holds on moral, social and family issues place him at the extreme left of the political spectrum. What the Senator believes and the policies he would seek to implement are on a collision course with the biblical principles and beliefs I have fought to defend for more than 35 years. Turning the corner, the significance of Governor Palin to the 2008 presidential race is also worthy of further consideration. Here is a woman who is a deeply committed Christian, and who is pro-life not only with regard to her policies, but in her personal life. She and her husband welcomed their latest child, Trig, into the world even though he was diagnosed with Down syndrome while still in the womb. Approximately 90 percent of babies with Down syndrome are aborted,13 but Governor Palin carried her precious child to term and now loves and cares for him despite the challenges associated with a special needs child. Similarly, her teenage daughter, Bristol, who became pregnant out of wedlock, could have bowed to cultural pressure to seek an abortion. Instead, she and the father plan to get married and raise their child together. Governor Palin has been married for 20 years, and by all accounts, she is a portrait of Christian motherhood and womanhood. As for Governor Palin's qualifications to be Vice President of the United States and to assume the mantle of President, should that ever become necessary, she is much better suited for the job than the talking heads on the liberal Left would have you believe. She came out of nowhere to win the Alaskan gubernatorial race against a powerful incumbent. While in office, she bravely fought widespread corruption--including that within her own party--in the face of great opposition. Govenor Palin's critics suggest that her experience as mayor of a "small town" is somehow a liability, but it is an asset. In fact, her time as Mayor of Wasilla and then as Governor of Alaska gives her a greater degree of executive experience than Senator Barack Obama can claim. Her qualifications to be Vice President, I would submit, exceed those of Senator Barack Obama, who spent only 143 working days in the U.S. Senate prior to announcing his run for President.14 He authored no significant legislation during that time. I'm sure you have heard the shrill voices from the political Left decrying Mrs. Palin for any and every reason under the sun. They gloat over the pregnancy of her daughter Bristol and claim it as "evidence" that abstinence education, which Sarah Palin strongly supports, is somehow a sham. They criticize Governor Palin for daring to hold political office and run for Vice President while having a baby at home, even though the Left has for decades supported a woman's right to do just that. The attacks on Governor Palin and her family in recent weeks have been astonishingly unfair and mean-spirited. If she were a liberal Democrat, she would be praised and lauded for making the same decisions for which she is now being criticized. The double standard is obvious. Governor Palin's decision to run for Vice President while raising a baby with special needs has given pause to some conservative voices as well. Some have even questioned my enthusiasm over Governor Palin's candidacy in light of these circumstances. It's important to note that although I have often said stay-at-home moms are vitally important to raising the next generation, I have never suggested that it is wrong for mothers to work outside the home. Indeed, Focus on the Family® has hired thousands of mothers over the years. I have said, however, that if a mother is going to enter the workplace, she and her husband must first find a way to meet the needs of their children. Sarah Palin appears to have done that. Todd, her husband, is actively involved in the raising of their children, and it seems obvious that Sarah will continue to be a positive force in her children's lives even as she carries out her duties in the political arena. Regardless of your political views, may I suggest that the Palins need our prayers, not our disdain, at this critical moment in our nation's history. Senator Obama's selection of fellow liberal Democrat Joseph Biden (Del.) is also extremely revealing. While the National Journal ranked Obama the most liberal Senator last year, Senator Biden was ranked 3rd on their list--just ahead of Vermont's Bernie Sanders, a self-avowed socialist.15 While the Senator of 36 years from Delaware stands in blatant opposition to the pro-family movement, many of you will remember him from his vociferous opposition to several of our finer Supreme Court justices, namely, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Alito and Thomas. Returning to our theme, America's future seems to hang in the balance at this time. Our next President will have a dramatic impact on countless legislative issues. Since being relegated to minority status in 2006, House Republicans have skillfully used the rules of parliamentary procedure to frustrate many of the Democrats' attempts to pass bad legislation. To this point, that effort has almost always been backed by a President who is willing to use the veto pen when necessary. The threat of President Bush's veto on hate crimes legislation and issues regarding the sanctity of life have kept a Democrat-controlled Congress from implementing its liberal agenda. Will our next President stand up to Congress in the same manner, or will he side with them, thereby giving the Democrats free reign to impose their liberal values on America? It is likely, say the pundits, that both the House and the Senate in the 111th Congress will still be controlled by Democrats. If that party also takes the White House, a wave of anti-family, pro-homosexual legislation is almost guaranteed to pass in 2009. The bills put forward and advanced this year by Democrats reveal where they want to take the country. For example, they inserted hate crimes language into the 2008 Defense Authorization Bill, but were forced to remove it in conference, again under the threat of veto.16 While in the Illinois Senate, Senator Obama voted for a bill authorizing "comprehensive" sex education beginning in kindergarten. Defenders have attempted to downplay its significance, citing the fact that it called for the content to be "age appropriate" and "medically accurate"--dubious and subjective qualifiers given the sensitive nature of the topic and innocence of the audience!17 (When criticized for supporting this legislation, the Senator was dismissive and said proudly, I quote, "It's the right thing to do."18) Large portions of the agenda promoted by homosexual activists will also be enacted. The implications for a federal hate crimes law are clear. People speaking against homosexuality have already been prosecuted under hate crimes laws both in the United States and abroad. If a federal hate crimes law passes, there will be little to prevent the government from endeavoring to control and curtail religious speech, especially from the pulpit. It is entirely possible that a pastor could be charged with inducing a federal hate crime simply by preaching from one of the many biblical passages that address homosexuality. Congressional Democrats will also seek to pass the Employment Nondiscrimination Act, meaning businesses will be forced to accept and condone homosexuality--and possibly transgenderism--in making employment decisions. Further, business owners, including religious businesses, will not be able to make hiring and firing decisions based on their religious convictions. Earlier this year, Senator Barack Obama said, "I will place the weight of my administration behind the enactment of the Matthew Shepherd Act to outlaw hate crimes and a fully inclusive Employment Nondiscrimination Act."19 Finally, I am deeply concerned about the tax and spend policies Senator Obama will impose on the American people if he is elected, especially in light of the current financial crisis. This is not the time to be taking money out of the economy, yet, he has proposed enormous new federal programs and entitlements that will cost multiple billions of dollars. These initiatives cannot be effected without huge increases in taxation on businesses, which will be passed on to the public and to individual families. This will almost certainly require a return of the odious marriage penalty tax that plagued families for 34 years! The races for the White House and the Congress are hardly the only matters worthy of concern in this election cycle. At the state and local levels, numerous policies and pieces of legislation are being put to a vote, and many of them are directly related to family and moral issues. For example, the definition of marriage is on the ballot in Arizona (Proposition 102), California (Proposition 8) and Florida (Amendment 2). Voters in Colorado will be given the opportunity to expand the definition of "personhood" to include all human beings from the moment of fertilization (Amendment 48). In South Dakota, voters will be asked to ban all abortions except those involving cases of rape and incest, or when the pregnancy seriously jeopardizes the life or physical health of the mother (Measure 11). Michigan is considering whether to legalize embryonic stem cell research, which would result in the killing of tiny human beings. In California, voters will also get the chance to decide whether minor girls should be required to give 48 hours' notice to a parent or adult relative before having an abortion (Proposition 4). Arkansas voters will decide whether to prevent couples living together out of wedlock--heterosexual or homosexual--from adopting children or serving as foster parents. These are just a few of the important issues that, depending on which state you live in, will be on the ballot next month. I implore you to spend the few days remaining before the election researching the various amendments, ballot measures, and local and national candidates. Then, exercise your responsibility before God to vote on or before November 4th. Please, let your voices be heard. For more information, visit Focus on the Family Action's Web site. Regardless of your political views, I want to urge Christians everywhere to be in prayer about this election. There are many scriptural references wherein King David "inquired of God" when he was faced by troubling circumstances (1 Samuel 23:2,4; 30:8; 2 Samuel 2:1; 5:19,23). It is time for Christians everywhere to turn to Him for guidance and wisdom. Find some time to be still and listen to what He wants to tell you. The National Day of Prayer Task Force, led by my wonderful wife, Shirley, has embarked on a national campaign entitled "Pray for Election Day." All around the country, individuals and groups are being encouraged to gather every Thursday leading up to November 4th between 12-noon and 12:30 p.m. Spend time with the Lord, asking Him to guide and direct those privileged to cast a ballot. If you are able, I would also encourage you to fast and pray immediately before the election. After all, it was the Reverend Billy Graham who once said that "To get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees."20 Amen, Dr. Graham. This election is about the future of the nation, but it will also go a long way toward determining the culture your children and grandchildren will come to know. I know you will vote with your children and your children's children in mind. That certainly puts the election in a different light, doesn't it? You know my heart on these issues, and I hope you understand that I am less concerned with politicians and political parties than I am with the timeless biblical principles that those parties have the power to either strengthen or damage. No candidate is perfect, whether in this election or any other. Please don't make your decisions lightly. There is simply too much at stake. May God grant each of us wisdom as November 4th approaches. Sincerely, James C. Dobson, Ph.D. Founder and Chairman P.S. Since I began researching and writing this letter, the economic meltdown on Wall Street and congressional reaction to it has occurred. These are, indeed, difficult times for American families and businesses. Thank you for continuing to support this ministry, even though in many cases it has required sacrificial giving. You are helping to keep us afloat during this financial crisis, and we appreciate your contribution and prayers more than I can tell you. Please share this with your friends and family. Endnotes 1 Louis Uchitelle, "2 Mavericks in Economics Awarded Nobel Prize," The New York Times, Oct. 12, 2004, (Sept. 29, 2008). Also: Alfred L. Malabre, Lost Prophets: An Insider's History of the Modern Economists (1994), p. 220. (Responding to criticism when changing monetary policy in the midst of the Great Depression.) 2 Saddleback Presidential Candidates Forum, CNN Transcript, Aug. 16, 2008. (Sept. 29, 2008). 3 Republican National Committee, 2008 Republican Platform, (Sept. 28, 2008). 4 "National Journal's 2007 Vote Ratings," National Journal Group Inc., 2008, (Sept. 29, 2008). 5 bornalivetruth.org/obamarecord.aspx (September 2008). 6 frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getpage.cgi?dbname=2002_record&page=S7084&position=all (Sept. 29, 2008). 7 bornalivetruth.org/obamarecord.aspx (Sept. 30, 2008). 8 "Obama Blocked Born Alive Infant Protection Act," Illinois Federation For Right to Life Daily News online, April 3, 2008, (Sept. 29, 2008). 9 Rick Santorum, "The Elephant in the Room: Why conservatives should support McCain," The Philadelphia Inquirer, April 21, 2008, (Sept. 29, 2008). 10 youtube.com/watch?v=uUl99id2SvM (Sept. 29, 2008). 11 aul.org/FOCA (Sept. 29, 2008). 12 "Ballot Bowl 2008: More Campaign Happenings," CNN Transcripts, March 29, 2008, (Sept. 29, 2008). 13 Patricia E. Bauer, "What's Lost in Prenatal Testing: Why Encourage Testing for Down Syndrome," Jan. 14, 2007, Washington Post. 14 "Days in Session Calendars," Thomas, The Library of Congress, (Sept. 29, 2008). 15 National Journal online, 2008, Ibid. 16 Paul Kane, "Hill Negotiators Drop Hate-Crime Provision," Washington Post, Dec. 7, 2007, (Sept. 29, 2008). 17 Byron York, "On Sex-Ed Ad, McCain Is Right," National Review Online, Sept. 16, 2008, (Sept. 29, 2008). 18 "Obama on Sex Ed in Kindergarten: 'It's the Right Thing to Do,'" Free Republic online, Sept. 10, 2008, (Sept. 29, 2008). 19 Michael Foust, "Obama: If elected I will use the bully pulpit for gay causes," Baptist Press, Feb. 28, 2008, (Sept. 29, 2008). 20 Chuck Spinner, A Book of Prayers: To the Heavens from the Stars, (AuthorHouse: 2008), p. 225 (Sept. 29, 2008). Paid for by Focus on the Family Action.

Keith Hersch October 7th, 2008 Update

Hi,

I could use your prayers now. Things are getting rough here.

Job


This summer there was many anti-American demonstrations and what has proven to be a backlash towards foreigners in general. The government is going out of its way to make life complicated for working here. The process can now take months, cost 1000+ dollars, and is intrusive, invasive, and xenophobic. Just as a few examples: I have to have an HIV test, not a big deal in itself except for the fact that only foreign English teachers (Excluding teachers whose families are from Korea) and “entertainers” need HIV tests. Basically the country is saying foreign teachers and hookers are about the same risk, my Filipino friends do not have the same requirements. I need a criminal background check which is kind of funny as for 7 years I have lived in Korea. I have been in America 6 weeks during that time. What crimes did I have time to commit, be prosecuted for, punished for and return in that time? The list of requirements goes on and on and what is more frustrating is that only half the foreign teachers here have to do it. 3 of the 7 teachers come from ethnically Korean backgrounds so while I have to do all of this garbage, those who also travel under a US passport, but are children of parents from the “right” country don’t. It would seem that either you are a foreigner or you are not.

On one side there are the health benefits, a good job, a comfortable life outside of school and great friends. On the other side there is an increasingly anti-American, anti-foreigner view sweeping through the country (again!) and what are costly discriminatory acts from the government, low student scores, and… and….

Can you tell I am experiencing Korea burnout? J

At this point either I go this year or next year. If I can get a change of visa status I will stay for another year and prepare for the move to the Philippines. If I don’t, this winter I may be sending you an address from the Philippines. One of you in the states has shared their views on what I should do, but if anyone else wants to throw something out, I am willing to listen.

Just a quick note, I may have an meeting with a Phil. school person who lives/works near Pastor Rolex’s home in the Philippines this month (meeting in Korea). As a good Calvinist let me encourage you to keep your fingers crossed. ;) Perhaps if the news is good, I will have some clearer direction.

Church

I have left my Phil community church, not by choice and the community and I are staying in close touch but the leadership has made it quite clear that I am not wanted. The umbrella church the Phil com is under has been growing very charismatic to the point of basically being Pentecostal. The last retreat included a female pastor speaking in tongues, laying hands on people as they were “slain in the Spirit”, disco light worship and a few other assorted odds and ends (Think Benny Hinn). Now for those of you who may have forgotten I went to a Presbyterian church. I was disinvited from going to the retreat, so I saw none of this first hand and only have the accounts of the Phil.Com to go on. I was disinvited I imagine because there was a fear I would challenge the goings on and speak out openly and publically (and in all fairness to them, I would have). When I was disinvited, the leadership has told me the Phil.com was unhappy with me and didn’t want me to come, but after calling the Phil pastor who didn’t know I was disinvited, nor the community that supposedly made the decision it was clear who was doing what. That was three weeks ago.

I have been visiting another church for the past two weeks. I am in an awkward position of trying to encourage my friends to stay in the community and not split the church versus the urge to scream “Run for the hills before it is too late!” Pastor Rolex has been a great encouragement to me for the past 2 years as we tried to speak for Reformed theology against whatever was on the top 40 list. I can’t tell you how many phone calls we have had over the past year trying to figure out what to do next and how.

I interviewed the pastor of the church (wasn’t about to enter a wacky church again) I am now attending and am happy with what I have heard from the pulpit. He is reformed, solid, honest (he even admits to sin and struggle which is practically unheard of in the Korean church). The church is Pres. and English speaking so I am getting good food in my own language, the Phil.com has switched to an almost entirely Tagalog service, good for them but increasingly more difficult for me to keep up with. As I get calls from the community daily, it wasn’t the language issue that led to the “left foot of fellowship.”

After teaching and preaching in the Philippines, it has been exceptionally hard to come back to having to feed myself, quietly teach doctrine and stand against wave after wave of what would get brought before General Assembly in America. Did it before the trip, but afterwards, the struggle became more intense. I am exhausted from the 1-year+ battle, the community wants me to come back but I really don’t want to be in a place where I am a nuisance at best and a dangerous threat at worst. Consider that while the church was inviting the congregation to bring your unsaved friends to the retreat, I was considered too much of a risk to come. How can I go to a church that throws me under the bus one week and says climb on board (but please, sit quietly in the back)the next? I can be a Phil.com friend but there is no place for me at the church. I feel incredibly alone spiritually right now. An international call to the Phil and texting friends isn’t doing it for me and now I have to start all over again at a new church if the church I am visiting now remains my ‘home-away from home’ church.

Again, why stay in Korea? There is a church waiting for me in the Phil. I can occasionally preach, help teach, find an active men’s group with people who like me and a pastor who has become one of my dearest friends. I have a family there, counting on me to come back. I am going back this winter and the plan is to have my birthday there with my Phil family. Let’s hope no surgeries get in the way this time.

Commercial: Pray and start saving your pennies. The move to the Phil will eventually occur and somehow the school Pastor Rolex and I have been praying about, preparing for, etc…. will finally be born. When that happens I hope a few of you will consider a penny or two thrown our way. If change is too heavy we also welcome bills.

We now return to the “Far Too Long Letter” already in progress.

Health

Health has been odd. I am out of diapers finally after 6 months! The surgery I had in Feb had some unexpected complications. That is the good news. On the other side, they are talking about another surgery this winter. The pain is growing at fast pace and I have been running a temp of 101 or higher for 6 months now. The lab results are saying infection, but nothing is showing up anywhere else. Simply put the doctors don’t know what is wrong with me except for a growing hernia from the weakening muscles from the past surgeries. Why the strange lab and fever etc…. they don’t know.

I know this is a long and whining wrote J, please forgive me but at the moment, this is where I am. Please pray for some peace and some decisions to become clear on the next step. I am too tired to think.

Love to all,

Keith

TheCall

Those that know me understand that I have a great passion for this nation. This is a site I stumbled across on an because of an email concerning Kay Arthur and a correction about a talk she gave recently in Atlanta about this nation. It grabbed my attention because it "is committed to mobilizing people from all across America to gather together to petition God for His undeserved mercy for our nation in 12-hour solemn assemblies."
TheCall is organizing a gathering in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, August the 16th to pray for this nation.
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. -Edmund Burke

I hope that the number of people in Washington, D.C. on the 16th is staggering. We are a nation in grave peril and we all need to be on our knees praying to our Father, glorifying his name.

To read more about TheCall Click Here

A Hannah Tuggy Update

Well, I'll have to make this short, but I've been meaning to write everyone for sometime now and I just haven't gotten around to it. I'll try to write more soon.

Things have been good with my job at Grace Children's Home, and I am seeing some slow but good progress in my abilities to take on the job. We've had a good bit of changes, with several new kids in the cottages, which means we need to be diligent in teaching them how things are here, and in building relationships with them, without neglecting the ones we already have. Some of them don't even know how to do simple cleaning tasks, while some are often just unwilling to put in the effort. We have a natural rewards and consequences system, and we try to help them learn how what they do will affect their future.

The weather here has been particularly cold and snowy for the past few months. We just had a blizzard with a foot or so of snow.

I'm getting along well with my co-workers, and I am also getting more involved with the community, taking part in a singles Bible study once a week (when I'm not working), and an occational activity like bowling or going to the movies at a town about 15 miles away.

The churches here are very hospitable and the people friendly, but I miss the lively worship time and the close fellowship of my church in Georgia.

Right now, my greatest prayer requests are:
1. Building relationships with the kids- I want them to be able to trust and respect me, and I also want to know them better so that I can better serve them. Please also pray for their salvation.
2. I am really struggling with being homesick for my friends and church in GA/TN. I need to be patient and at peace with the fact that the closeness of friendships takes time to build. I need to know and trust that these people really do care about me, even though I don't always feel like it. And I need more hugs. =)
3. I need to be more intentional with growth again. I'm working on some things, but it's often slow going, and I'm often slipping back into a laziness and avoidence of unpleasant or complicated things, especially during my days off. I need to have my priorities straight and be responsible.

Thanks for your prayers. My love to all of you in Christ.

~Hannah


Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him... ~Phil.3:7-9a

Keith Hersch Update

Hi all,

Hit 40 on the 13th. They say life begins at 40, which makes me wonder where I have been for the last 39 years.

Basic update on life here.

Weather: cold and occationally snowing.

Work: currently on vacation, teaching for another year at Ansan College of Technology. Classes include Hotel/Restaurant Management English, Business English, and Conversational English classes for professors and staff.

Health: Sick (as always) will have to discuss:
what new urological surgeries and tests will be done this vacation while I have time to recover.
why I keep throwing up what I eat on a regular basis (not intentional for those who know my past)

Education: changed degree program from TESOL (Teaching English as a Second or Other Language) to Christian education.
Switched from University of Birmingham (UK) to Newburgh Seminary
This spring will start PhD in Christian Ed, I hope my focus to be on Puritan concepts of the mentor-disciple relationship

Church: Still going to the Philippine church (Thanks Steve C. and Owen clan for that push)
Becoming an unofficial leader in the church

Will begin preaching in a few weeks (Hope to speak on Biblical worship -Will preach on rare occations, nothing regular.My pastor's birthday present was John Piper's book "Dont Waste Your Life" with the clear understanding, if I don't start my preaching, I am wasting my life :) Never considered preaching as anything I wanted to do, was called to do or even thought about - but 7 years ago, if you told me I was going to teach English at a college in Korea I would have laughed my head off.


Future Plans: Working closely with my pastor and in a couple years will hopefully join him in working in the Philippines teaching at a school for training church leaders.

Prayer Requests: Health issues
Energy to finish my MA and start my PhD
Language studies - have added Tagalog to Korean and Chinese as languages I need to study on a daily basis.


Pray for Our Church: Our church is full of people seeking a Phil. community over a Christian community and new believers that don't know the difference between good theology and goofy theology. Pray for conversions and growth.

Our church leadership - my pastor, Pastor Rolex, will be going back to the Philippines this Feb, and to America for doctoral studies this fall. Brother Koo is our Korean Rep. both are fighting upstream with our main church leadership. I go to a ministry branch of a Presbyterian church which actually has invited Benny Hinn to Korea and things the Toronto Blessing is something to seek.) My pastor, Bro. Koo and I are constantly fighting such goofiness.

Our temp pastor coming in is a "Laughing in the Spirit" supporter. which means Bro. Koo and I will be locking horns constantly with a charismatic pastor.

Pray that a doctrinally sound pastor from the Philippines comes quickly. Pray that somehow he will slip under the radar of those seeking more "open-minded" leaders.


That's it in a nutshell.

Pax,

Keith

--
And the Lord said, "Who will go for us,
Whom shall we send?" and I said, "Here
am I send me" Isa 6:8