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Hi,
I
am not Apostolic but I go to church with my aunt sometimes to her
Pentecostal church. Lately my mom doesn’t let me go anymore because
she doesn’t like the way their church believes. It's very sad! I
just wanted to ask if you know anything I can do to try and get to
go? I would really love to get in church and live for God!
Sincerely,
Wanna-be-Pente
Dear Wanna-be-Pente,
There are quite a few young people in your situation. I've known
some whose parents forbid them to come to church, as well. And,
through time, the Lord opened the doors! Yes, I agree, it is sad.
And truly, if your mom won't allow you to go to church, you need to
obey her decision. At this time, all you can do is pray for the
Lord to change your moms heart. And, as long as you have the right
spirit, she may change her mind through time. Look at the situation
on a brighter side.....right now, you may not be allowed to attend
church. BUT, if you put it in the Lord's hand, He will work it all
out for the good! You may not see results right away, but remind
yourself.... He's working in ways that you can not see.
Remember....never stop believing in the Lord! And, keep a prayer
life remaining close to Him!
Love,
Sis. Sandy
AG,
I
want to be used by GOD to reach kids in my high school! I am the
only apostolic girl in my school and was thinking of doing SEARCH
FOR TRUTH bible studies! I'm scared of trying to get it approved
though, and feel like I'm doing it all alone! What do you think I
should do?
Sincerely,
Jesus' Helper
Dear Jesus' Helper,
God always honors those that want to be used to reach souls. He'll
open doors that seem to be locked, and bless those with a strong
desire to do His work. The "Search For Truth" Bible study is a
great way to get started. And, yes, the Lord WILL fill your mouth
with the right words to say while witnessing. It still amazes me
how a question will be asked, and instantly, He provides the answer.
The awesome thing is, He doesn't just provide the answer, but
provides it with much wisdom! God is so good!
And, even if you think you're in this all by
yourself, KNOW that you're not alone. We all feel that way
oftentimes. And, sometimes, the enemy will try to make us feel
like we're spinning our wheels for nothing. (Working for the Lord,
and nothing is being accomplished.) Which is usually the first sign
that we're on the right track....spiritually. Believe me, you're
being watched. Just by your appearance and your Christian walk with
God. ( 1 Peter 2:9 "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal
priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should shew
forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into
his marvelous light.) YOU may not notice being watched, but others
notice you. So, the next time you feel "all alone", remind yourself
that you're on the right track. And, ask the Lord to lead you to
those who are hungry for Him. And, while doing that, to give you
strength and confidence. Even to those that may seem a little
intimidating. Remember, DO NOT give up! Keep praying and
believing. Then, watch and see how awesomely God moves in those
situations.
Love,
Sis. Sandy
Dear AG,
My
parents divorced when I was four. From the age of 4 - 15, I was
a Pentecostal living with my dad. When I turned 16, I moved in with
my mom. My mom doesn't believe the same way Apostolic Pentecostal's
do. She thinks that they have a spirit of religion on them. Well
when I moved in with my mom, I started to cut my hair and wear
pants. Now that I've had a taste of the world, I want to come back
to the Apostolic beliefs but am afraid of what my mom will think.
Also, I've never been to a Apostolic Pentecostal church in Georgia.
I've looked up a church on the UPCI church locator and the closest
church to me is 9.6 miles away and I don't have a ride to get there.
What should I do?
Sincerely,
Mommy's Girl
Dear Mommy's Girl,
I
understand your predicament. I, personally, went through a
situation similar to yours when I was a teenager. I wanted to live
for God, AND at the same time, obey my parents (whom did not want me
attending church). I feel like the best thing to do is simply ask
the Lord to intervene in this situation. Pray BEFORE you sit down
to ask her for permission to attend the church you feel lead to go
to. Ask the Lord to open her heart and help her to understand the
desire you have. When you do speak with your mom, calmly and
sincerely, explain how you feel. Remember, the Lord makes a way when
there seems to be no way. And, even if she doesn't agree with you,
initially. Don't give up on prayer! You can still live the holy
life that the Lord desires you to live. Also, while being sweet and
obeying your mom, allow the Lord to use you as a witness to her.
As far as the church location, maybe a friend can
pick you up. Or, someone else at the church would be willing to
pick you up. Many churches have "bus ministries" for people just
like you whom don't have a ride, but want to be at church. You'd be
amazed how the Lord works things out in our favor! He could even
touch your mom's heart, and give her the desire to come with you.
Nothing is too hard for God!
Praying for You,
Sis. Sandy
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