|
|
|
|
Click on the World to go to our International page! |
 Previous issues are located in The Archive |
September, 2003 |
|
|
|
|
New This Month! In 1999 we formed an Alumni group to encourage and promote ongoing healing in reconciled couples. Since that time we have designed a quarterly newsletter especially for our ever-growing list of healed couples. We know that continued support and prayer is needed, and are pleased to add this new page especially for our Covenant Couples. Click on the logo above to go to the Covenant Couples page. |
|
A
NEW PERSPECTIVE Following is a copy of a letter that a covenant keeper sent to her pastor about remaining faithful to her covenant. The content of the letter reflects godly motives and a right attitude, and we share portions of the letter with you. Dear Pastor, As you know, I have been struggling with making a decision about divorce. I am grateful for your encouragement to search God’s Word for a better understanding. It was also clear to me after meeting with you that I was on my own before God while making my decision with good conscience. After events escalated and with much despair, I filed for divorce last October. I have never been comfortable with that action, and my doubt became too strong to ignore. The climax of my doubt struck me on New Year’s Eve while I was listening to Christian radio in my car. A woman gave a powerful testimony about not giving up. I could no longer deny what I knew in my heart to be true. Against God’s will I had given up on my marriage. According to some, 1 Corinthians 7:15 would permit me to divorce my husband. One of my favorite Bible stories is about Hosea and Gomer. One could not get a more despicable spouse than Gomer! Her transactions against God and her husband were utterly horrible and drawn out. But Hosea remained faithful to God and his wife throughout her rebellion. He finally won her heart after buying her out of slavery where she had gotten herself into the worst of all messes. God used Hosea’s faithfulness and forgiveness as an example to the entire nation of Israel. “I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, for my anger is turned away from them.” Hosea 14:4 Because I do not desire to hinder the gospel of Christ, I have chosen not to divorce. I found my ministry to women and others shamefully hindered by being a “Christian divorcee.” Furthermore, Moses, not God, permitted divorce (under the circumstances of adultery) because of the hardness of hearts (Matthew 19:8). My heart is anything but hardened against my husband. I only love him and come to understand him more every day. If I divorce my husband, I know that my main motivation would be for the freedom to remarry. However, God makes it perfectly clear that His will for me would be to remain unmarried (1 Corinthians 7:27). I am fully convinced that it is God’s will for me to remain bound to my husband, even within my present situation of separation (1 Corinthians 7:10-11). I have found my situation to be a unique challenge of remaining faithful to my husband and a special opportunity to please God, as an unmarried woman, by my lifestyle—caring for the things belonging to the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:32-34). It is difficult to describe the utter joy and peace that has overcome me after making this resolution. The sacrifice and anguish of making the most difficult decision I have ever been called to make, pales in the light of the blessing I have found being obedient to my God. The loneliness and heartache of living without my husband diminishes compared to my renewed relationship to Jesus—serving Him at any cost. |
|
2003 YELLOW RIBBON DAY A Day of Prayer and Encouragement Jesus loved us so much that He willingly died for us. 1 John 3:16 tells us that in return we should lay down our lives for our brothers. What better way to put this commandment into practice than through fasting and prayer. THE TRADITION This October and November, in more than 74 countries, covenant keepers will join together in fasting and prayer for our nations, homes, and families. We traditionally tie bright yellow ribbons on our front doors or around trees or lampposts to symbolize our mates, children, and loved ones being held captive by Satan. We invite you to join other covenant keepers at a meeting in your area (see below). Everyone is encouraged to participate by abstaining from food for one or more meals. If you have never fasted, we suggest fasting only one meal. If medical problems prevent fasting, we suggest giving up certain foods such as sweets or soft drinks. Another alternative is to fast television and spend that time in prayer. Isaiah 58:6 says God’s chosen fast is "…to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke." By joining together, we can pull down strongholds and destroy Satan’s plans for our nations and families. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) PRAYER TARGETS Pray for the following and as the Holy Spirit directs.
U.S. YELLOW RIBBON DAY MEETINGS Make plans to attend a Yellow Ribbon Day meeting in your area. East Central Region: Saturday, October 25 is the date for YRD in Millersville, PA at Zion Church of Millersville, 317 N. George Street. For more information about the meeting contact Ann Barley at 717-681-9403. Northeast Region: A YRD meeting is planned for Saturday, October 25 at the Farmington Chase Condo Clubhouse, Rte. 177, Farmington, CT. The meeting will begin at 12 noon, then break for lunch at 1:30 PM (at local restaurants or bring your lunch). The second half of the meeting will be from 3:00-4:00 PM. A book and tape table will be available. For more information contact Nancy Conlan at 860-677-0017 or Marjorie Nishan at 860-233-2381. Leave a message on the answering machine with your name, phone number and the time to call back. north central region: A Minnesota YRD meeting is planned. Contact Joey Ray at 507-582-1019. Northwest Region: Newburg, OR is the site of a YRD meeting on Saturday, October 11. Covenant keepers will meet at Shilo Inn at 501 Sitka Avenue in Newburg from 1:00 PM until 5:00. Contact Gary & Deb Routon at 503-538-9426 for more information. Saturday, October 25 is the date of the YRD meeting in Bothell, WA at Cedar Park Assembly, 16300 112th NE from 1:00-5:00 PM. For information contact Vonnie Hieber at 360-805-0812. Southern Region: The 4th Texas Yellow Ribbon Encouragement Day will be Saturday, October 18 from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM in Austin, TX at Shady Hollow Community Center, 3303 Doe Run. There will be healed marriage testimonies, ministry, prayer & a Texas buffet-style lunch ($5.00). RSVP by October 7th to Tom & Lou Bearry (512-282-9209) or Judy Pruitt at jpruitt52@aol.com. Join covenant keepers for a YRD meeting in Baton Rouge, LA on Saturday, October 18 at the home of Rick Blackstone, 3087 E. Lake Shore Drive (time to be determined). New Southern Regional Directors Rex & Carolyn Johnson will share the miracle of their healed marriage. Following will be prayer and fellowship. A tape and book table will be available. For more information, directions, and the meeting time call Debbie Launey at 225-293-1730, Cynthia Losavio at 225-343-8767, or Rick Blackstone at 225-387-5871. Saturday, October 25 is the date for the YRD meeting in Tulsa, OK. For more information about location, time and other details, call the Covenant Keepers office at 918-743-0365 or email info@covenantkeepersinc.org. Southwest Region: Covenant keepers in Southern California will attend a YRD meeting in Irvine on Saturday, October 25 at 4:00 PM. For information and details contact Janeen Herig at 949-551-6814 or Loretta Jackson at 323-752-1322. |
|
2003 CONFERENCE TAPES
Price: |
|
|
|
Divorce,
Be Cast Into The Sea |
|
|
| HOME | ABOUT US | MINISTRY | MISSION | INTERNATIONAL | ON-LINE NEWSLETTER | ON-LINE NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES | ON-LINE PRAYER | PRODUCTS | LINKS | CONTACT US | ©
2003, 2006 Covenant
Keepers, Inc., 3434 S Garnett Rd Suite One, Tulsa, OK 74146.
|
