Hi Folks:

Today I write with good news about the United Methodist General Conference and sad news about California. First the good news.

At the General Conference of the United Methodist Church the Conference (the only body able to speak on behalf of the whole UM Church) affirmed the current wording of the Discipline of the United Methodist Church that the practice of homosexualty is "incompatable with Christian teachings" and is a non-Biblical life_style_. They futher affirmed that the instutition of marriage is between one man and one woman. Most of you are saying "Duh, those are no-brainers!"

The bad news is that the Supreme Court of the State of California violated the will of the people of California and the State Constitution by saying that gay couples are not to be excluded from the institution of marriage. Wow! Our prayers are needed.

So here is what we pray (at least for me). First, I'll claim the promise that the one who is in us (as Christians) is greater than he who is in the world. Second, I am praying for God to raise up people that will uphold the institutions that are the foundation of our society (this includes marriage). Finally, I am asking God for supernatural intervention in all of these issues, and that His Will (not ours) be done in our states, our local governments and the nation.

As we go into the week when we remember those who fought and died for freedom, let's all claim the promise of the truth of God which has the power to set all people free!

In Christ's Love, Randy