A big thank you to all my readers for keeping up with my lengthy posts and sending such encouraging comments and feedback my way. You have inspired me to keep going! The story isn’t over, and I’ve set up my own new website to spread my writer’s wings and share even more with you. As well as the second part of my series, now called “Turn, Turn, Turn”, I’ll be posting poetry and other bits of whimsy, insight, observation and recollection. You can find it all on http://mkriete.wordpress.com . Or try www.purplesplashofglory.com . See you there — but please keep visiting Gloriopolis, too, and encourage Henry to add some new posts :). And don’t be afraid to read some of my poetry — trust me, most people are surprised how much they connect with it. Some of my poems are funny, too, if you just need a 5 minute bright spot, and you’re tired of camping in YouTube. Thanks again!
You are making my day, every one of you.
Hello The Krietes!
Thanks for posting your thoughts and remembrances of ’03 in sunny ole London ‘tawn. I was a disciple in the Riverside (SW London) during the imploding.
For me the London church ran smack into a concrete block because God looked down and said ‘I dont like what see’ – nothing could stop that beyond the wearing of sackcloth and ashes. In truth the structure of lead evangelists heading church and regions was not biblical – the elders should lead and shepherded but they were never allowed to lead but more importantly they never had the strength of character to say this is wrong and stop it.
I had the same feelings about the great Wembley 20th. We spent some £200k+ on the whole event and i felt removed from the whole experience. I was really looking forward to Doug Arther’s sermon but it was the worst I ever head him give (Jon Flay said he met Doug in the morning and he hadnt even written his sermon by then!). I felt cheated and let down.
Strangely though the implosion forced me to turn to my Bible. I bought a Zondervan expository bible (CD not the 13 volumes!) and i just loved reading about the history, archaeology of the Bible – i began putting lessons together and teaching some classes on Fridays. I was a little removed as i spent a large portion of my time in Kids Ministry so i didnt attend the venting sessions.
We had our own issue in the Riverside as the leadership group there had 2 strong individuals each in different camps (old ICOC and new regime). The disagreements shredded the church – out of 300+ we were left with maybe 50-80 people. I saw the group bickering and arguing in the hallway one night and though what the heck is going on here.
I remember Henry coming to teach us at a kids ministry retreat. We felt very priveledged to have him there talking about bringing the bible to life – he used the widow at Nain and got us to put ourselves there and think about the sounds the noises the atmosphere … the sight of Toby Dodson dancing will be ever in my memory (I think Barry and Nancy laughed so much they had a coughing fit! ).
During that whole time i remember saying to myself Jeremiah 29 God has plans to prosper not to harm. The trouble is we were not a Christ focused church we were a company focused on stats (more disciples = more money = more staff = more control). I think of the many, many disciples old in the faith who were just marginalised by the arrogance of youth – i loved talking to those with hard won life stories, their messeges resonated not some smart, sharp youth who could make a nice pnemonic for the lesson points of the sermon.
Thanks for the letter it gave me hope that there were some people of faith in the ICOC – but as in Daniel the writing was on the wall – i dont think anything will or has changed.
It seems that the true test of our faith is loving God and his people in all circumstances. What a journey, that of a christian from the first century. Thank you for sharing your story and heart. I think through all of this we will find that God has plans that we could not have even fathom for our lives. Amazing though how the journey to that destination take place. Look forward to reading more about your families journey.
I believe that letter was from the Lord and needed to happen. Religion is a stench in the nostrils of God and robs his people of the true love and intimate presence that he desires for us. We could all see the hurting hearts, including our own. I battled the leadership on many things from the beginning (many times in a wrong spirit) and the letter opened their eyes. The intense pain suffered from the letter during that short time is much better than if we were still continuing the same today.
I left years ago and have recently started coming back the past year as I was burdened to do so by the Spirit during prayer and worship times. He loves his people intently and desires for us all to continually cut off the plastic so we can draw nearer to him. Though there’s still imperfections which would have bothered me, the Spirit changed my heart to just want to be with the brothers and sisters, worship the Lord Jesus and offer to pray with somebody when a door is opened, at least for now.
I’m not interested in being an official member or anything. I only need the blood of Jesus and the seal of the Spirit to be part of his kingdom, not the approval of men.
The good thing about the experience is that we now know what it is to be in a Spiritless, man-made religion and that it will be very hard for us to be deceived again.
To this day, I feel Jesus’ heart break when I see others stuck in similar situations, beating on themselves and in the “land of never enough” instead of just enjoying Him and allowing the Spirit to lead us into the good works he’s prepared for each of us to do.
We have an opportunity to help the many Jehovah’s Witness, Mormoms and others are still waiting for their Henry Kriete letter to bring down the walls of their human religions. In many ways we were the same – trying to do the will of God the best way we knew how and believing we were the true church. There are many people hurting in these organizations, but through this experience we can offer some help and prayer to these souls as the grace of God allows.
Thanks for writing this as I am reminded that most souls who have become disgruntled, bitter or even sadly even atheist were at first delighted by the challenge of the cross and a true life in Christ – I yearn for the people of God to embrace this again as it is very difficult to do alone I find, but this time with joy and love of the Holy Spirit, who enables us each according to the measure he gives. Praise to God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The link to your http://www.purplesplashofglory.com does not work from here or in my either of my browser’s Windows or Firefox. I would love to continue to be able to follow your journey.
Must be a temporary problem because it just worked for me and seems to be working for others. Maybe try again later. Hope you can get there soon, and thanks for reading!
Hi Molly. I hope the link is working for you by now. ?? Please let me know if you get this message!