Filed under: Rick’s Thoughts — @ 9:40 am

When I heard that Lake Junalaska is hosting the “Hearts of Fire” conference, a homosexual caucus which promotes homosexuality in the United Methodist Church, I could not believe it. Yes, Lake Junalaska has approved this group to meet there for their Conference. In response, I sent him the following e-mail. Please read it as well as his response.

It is with great sorrow that I hear of your decision to have the facilities of Lake Junalaska used by homosexuals and their agenda in the United Methodist Church. Their only agenda is to promote the ordination of Homosexuals in the United Methodist Church. As I have traveled throughout the Carolinas and the south, the interest in Junalaska has been high. I am withdrawing my support for use of your conference center and will use our mailing list of 15000 United Methodist Leaders to inform them of your decision.

Very sad about your decision,

Rick Bonfim
RBM

HIS RESPONSE:

Dear Mr. Bonfim:

The Southeastern Jurisdictional Administrative Council (SEJAC) affirms the Social Principles in the Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church. It is our desire to serve the entire United Methodist Church (UMC) living and promoting the mission “Making Disciples of Jesus Christ” and desiring to practice and lift up the church’s commitment to “Open hearts, open minds and open doors”.

My comments: we want open hearts. The caucus wants ordination of homosexuals to the pulpits of the United Methodist Church.

In 2004 Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) contacted us regarding their “Hearts on Fire” conference and asked to rent housing and meeting space at Lake Junaluska. We researched their request and found RMN to be an Affiliated Caucus (2005 United Methodist Directory pgs 198-201) of the United Methodist Church. RMN is made up of a broad cross section of the United Methodist Church. They plan to host many United Methodist leaders during their event and we understand a majority will be heterosexual. We also discovered that RMN was allowed to participate during the 2004 General Conference along with other Affiliated Caucuses. The Executive Committee of SEJAC, who administers Lake Junaluska facilities, reviewed their request and agreed for us to provide hospitality to this group.

UMC Bishops Minerva Carcaño, Scott Jones, Susan Morrison, Sally Dyck and John Schol are planning to attend the “Hearts on Fire” conference. In a recent letter Bishop Dyck states “I believe the Bishops of the United Methodist Church have a role in breaking down some of the deeply divided groups”.

My Comments: We are not divided; we are in war against the forces of darkness which want to enslave our children in a lifestyle of homosexuality. THIS LIFESTYLE IS NOT A CHOICE WE WANT FOR OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN.

My comments: We also have a choice to choose another retreat center for our activities.

“Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. All persons need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. We affirm that God’s grace is available to all, and we will seek to live together in Christian community. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.”

My Comments: Homosexuals are in our churches. We love them, and we do not reject them. We desire to see them restored in the love of Jesus Christ. HOWEVER, WE REJECT THEIR AGENDA OF MAKING ELDER’S ORDERS OPEN TO HOMOSEXUALS. THEY ARE NOT MEETING AND STRONGLY PRESSING AT GENERAL CONFERERENCE JUST TO BE ACCEPTED AND LOVED. THEY SEEK OUR PULPITS!

In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil there are two places you ought to visit: Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain. These are two of the most sought-after tourist attractions in the world. To visit them you have to pay an access fee. A small card which costs about $10 will get you in. If you would like to have the best meal of your life, try Porcao. This is a 5-star restaurant which will serve you 18 courses of meat, Brazilian style. Access to this experience will cost you $25.

David knew about access. In Psalm 32:1-2 he wrote:

” Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.”

Access is simply moving ahead to what is next. You see, if you want to live the Christian life and survive it, you have to keep moving forward in faith. Paul says in Romans 5:1-2, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith…” The word “through” means movement. You cannot be justified in God without moving in faith. You must accept the grace of God, and know that you have access to it by faith. Now, let us see this: “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace.” Peace is what you have when you know that you are justified.

The whole purpose of God is to give us peace! Do you have it?

Notice that Paul says, “Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have access by faith into this grace which we now stand.” The good news here is that the work of the cross is already done. All of this is THROUGH HIM. It all comes down to this simple understanding: ACCESS, moving foward through faith. The point is that you are not just MOVING, but that you are moving through faith.
Are you moving forward in faith?

Rick Bonfim

Rick Bonfim
Rick Bonfim Ministries