In the last year I have witnessed 3 or more young men who served God die tragic deaths before their 45th birthday. Some leaving their wives and children in precarious and uncertain situations.
One who passed recently had very direct links to this very forum .... just last summer.
I lost friends recently ..... named Sammy Rios who passed yesterday at the age of 28 and Edwin Santiago, 30 something, in the spring.
We've read of a handful here on AFF.
We often tell those who survive we are praying for them but what do we do after we've said our brief piece with God.
The Word instructs us:
"Be kind to strangers, widows, and fatherless children." Genesis 22:21-22
"It shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow."
Be kind to widows, orphans, fatherless children and strangers. Share whatever you have with them. Deuteronomy 24:17-21
"Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked." Though this seems to be directed at other gods, it is good advice for humans as well. Psalms 82:3-4
In a day in which extended family is not the norm we should take note of Paul's advice and command in 2 Timothy when he says:
Quote:
Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 4But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 5The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. 6But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7Give the people these instructions, too, so that no one may be open to blame. 8If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Shall a man rob God? In Malachi, God specifically speaks to the priests and ministry for taking from the food in the storehouse that was not just for those who served in the Temple but a bulk of which was many times intended for the widows and fatherless. (Deuteronomy 26:12)
Quote:
"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.
"But you ask, 'How do we rob you?'
"In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the LORD Almighty. "Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land," says the LORD Almighty.
The priests were keeping the tithe that belonged also to those in dire need which stirred His divine ire and a reminder of a divine promise.
It's time we, a holy priesthood, reach out and share. We are linked to them on Facebook .... but are we linked to them in practical Christian love?
So true Dan. Missionaries widows and pastors widows especially who tend to lose everything when a new man comes in. I have seen them lose their home/parsonage, income stream for their family, and their place.
I have seen some transitions that go smoothly and the widow is given a place of honor and support.. but its fairly rare.
So true Dan. Missionaries widows and pastors widows especially who tend to lose everything when a new man comes in. I have seen them lose their home/parsonage, income stream for their family, and their place.
I have seen some transitions that go smoothly and the widow is given a place of honor and support.. but its fairly rare.
Many .... like these pastor's wives.... if elderly are too old to work and even if young enough many times do not have the "skill set" employers are looking for as they have dedicated their time, efforts, sweat, toil, tears and best years laboring behind these men of God in the work of God....
With new pastors comes the boot many times for the pastor's widow ....
But it's just not those in the "ministry" but "laity" also ....
I found out not too long ago that the UPC does not have retirement pensions for pastors. I know of one other denomination that does. Some even have retirement homes. Maybe it's too expensive. But I think there should be something that organizations do for the pastors and missionaries.
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If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:8 KJV
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2 KJV
I found out not too long ago that the UPC does not have retirement pensions for pastors. I know of one other denomination that does. Some even have retirement homes. Maybe it's too expensive. But I think there should be something that organizations do for the pastors and missionaries.
is sammy rios related to joe rios. the pastor from houston?
Yes, DM. His dad pastors in North Houston and his brother pastors two congregations here in Houston. Passed in a motorcycle accident. His funeral is at Life ... this Friday.
Please keep the Rios in your prayers.
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