[HALLIEBETH87]

I haven't felt close to God since I was younger when my abuser ripped me away from my church family.

I feel his love again and have a new understanding of my Southern Baptist faith.

[Junerain]

Sounds like you were ripped away.....only to return to God's arms....He was always waiting for you....

[multipixie9]

i had vicious abusers, several of whom tried to make me hate and fear God. they even told me God was a part of the cruel things they were doing to me.

as rotten as my childhood was when things were at the lowest place they could get God rescued me from suicide and has never left me ever since.

it might be a bit weird to say this, but i get a kind of a kick out of the fact that they tried so hard to turn me against God and i've been a Christian for 37 years now. they say, "the best revenge is a life well-lived". i think that is pretty close on the money.

i am glad you can come back to the love and help that God has always had for you.

[HALLIEBETH87]

Well I suppose it ismore difficult than that. She didn't allow me to go to church anymore. Then later she said she was a Christian and such and made weird rules.

Then a bit further down the road she MADE me move my letter and forced me to go to a different faith-based church with like 10 members all over age 60.

Sadly, my letter still says I belong at that little church than the one I grew up in....have been to scared for 4 yrs now to move it.

[recluse1]

(((((((((Hallie)))))))))) God is always there no matter where your letter is. His love has no boundaries!

Blessings to you sweet one.

[SeptemberMorn]

Hallie, in my opinion, letters of membership don't really count. It's what you carry in your heart. God can't be limited by man made objects such as letters and stuff like that.

You could be held prisoner somewhere and God would still love you and take care of you. It's a fact!

If you ever decide to become a member of a church, they will make their own letter of membership or move yours to their church. I don't even know where I'm a member! LOL But I know I'm a child of the King! THAT'S what matters!

[ujaz]

Formal membership of a church or religous organisation can ultimatly be no guide your hart & souls relationship with god. All the structures, rituals & expressions our whorship can take are but representations & as limited as us in expression of god. The overflowing potency that god is touches us always whether we are aware of it or not. Our love of god & upholding good is irrespective of church attendence even.

[HALLIEBETH87]

I was once very much into keeping up with the organization Voice of the Martyrs. I suddenly realized today that I have a strategy to introduce it to my small town. I was planning to persent in an after church meeting....complete with home made poster board and brochures. My step-grannys church is has deep involvement with VOM. I spoke to her and she reminded me that her friend, who I happen to know as well, is a legal spokesperson for VOM. I don't have to do it alone!! He can get the resource materials to present in a nice way and I can simply organize it!

I dont know if it was a simple racing thought or if God put me up to it, but this a very strong goal for me. I want my church to help VOM reach out to the persecuted Christians around the world. I feel odd though b/c I haven't been attending church like other people...I study up on my own mostly...and social anxiety.

I think I will still purchase the VOM t-shirt that reads"this shirt is illegal in 52 countries" and has scripture on the back and wear it the day he comes.

if u hadnt heard of VOM I humbly suggestyou check out the Jesus Freaks book collection...ittells the stories of modern day martyrs. as i presented it on a book project in high school my classmates were appaled that this cruel violetn persecution is still around today. also check out www.persecution.com