Why I love the WCG

I want to thank Geoff Pittman for that profoundly moving article ["Why I Love the WCG," March WN]. It is such a blessing to hear from someone who has chosen to stay with our fellowship and take part in the spiritual revival among our young adults.

As a member in her 20s, looking around at my local congregation it is a large comfort to know that there are still a few people willing to stick it out and champion our fellowship.

And as an Ambassador University graduate and single person, I can honestly say thanks for hanging in there and representing all of us who remain in a positive way that I know is making a difference in people’s lives.

Sara Dean

Sherman Oaks, California

Emotional struggle

The following is from Ted Johnston, superintendent of the Northern Lakes district.

I have been blessed and deeply moved by steps my youngest sister has taken. She lives in Tucson, Arizona, and had not attended a service of the WCG since she was a teen. She grew up in the WCG but was deeply hurt by our former legalistic practices. In the intervening years she has struggled emotionally to try to get some perspective and to try to forgive and move on.

It hasn’t been until the last couple of years that she has made significant progress. She has been helped by some caring and skilled therapists, but most of all she has been helped by the repentance and transformation of the WCG, which formerly hurt her.

I want share with you the following note she sent to me after she got up the courage to visit the service of the WCG congregation in Tucson.

Welcomed with open arms

I really had a positive experience going to the church in Tucson. The service was upbeat and sincere and friendly. They welcomed me with open arms. They gave me hugs, which I really got into. They were so genuine. It is so different than what I was accustomed to.

I was nervous as I drove the short distance, but when I stepped into the beautiful church in the foothills, and was greeted so nicely by a group of people standing at the door, I felt really welcome.

The music was so beautiful and uplifting. We did quite a bit of singing. I really enjoyed singing again, outside of the shower. Such wonderful singers sang at the front. Zita Mickens, who sat next to me, was so friendly and held my hand. She had such enthusiasm, along with the others.

Dee Bulante, the minister, and his wife, Christine, were so wonderful and welcomed me to their church. It was sad to hear they were being transferred, but happy that they are going somewhere else to help others. They came up and gave me a big hug too.

I really felt blessed to meet such wonderful people, who are filled with love and compassion. I look forward to next week. I told Zita over the phone, I would see her next week. She was so happy to hear I would be back.

I just wanted to share with you my experience. It was both of you [Ted and Donna Johnston], who inspired me to go to church this weekend. It took me a long time to get up the courage, but I did it. I am happy that I did.

Holly Jamison

Tucson, Arizona

I was deeply moved by her note and I thank God for the changes in our fellowship that make it possible for us to reach out to those we have formerly hurt and to help them find healing.

I draw your attention to what she found so helpful when she returned. Note the role music played and, above all, the role played by loving touch of the congregation, including the pastor. Holly told me on the phone that Zita stayed with her the entire time, held her hand and in other ways made her feel loved. She also called her after the service and thanked her for coming.

I think that’s what Jesus would do. I think that’s exactly what Jesus did do through that congregation, and I thank them for ministering so wonderfully to my sister who is now suffering from multiple sclerosis.

I hope these things encourage you as they do me.

Ted Johnston

Canton, Ohio