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Meeting in Person During the Pandemic

Meeting in Person During the Pandemic

On September 7, 2020, Come and Reason Ministries posted to our Facebook page announcing that our Healing the Mind in a Broken World Seminar would be held October 3, 2020, at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Several people posted comments expressing their concerns that we would hold such an event during the China virus[1] pandemic (a.k.a. COVID-19). Below is my response and an exchange with an online follower.

We are reproducing it here as many don’t follow our Facebook feed.

Some have voiced concerns that we are running this event during the current virus pandemic. Of course, one variable to consider is the risk of the virus—but this is not the only variable to consider in regard to human health and wellness. Millions (if not billions) of people suffer from depression, relationship conflict, consequences of past traumas, addictions, and psychological and emotional distress and pain.

For many of these struggling people, the restrictions currently in place have served to increase their stress and, in many cases, have caused them injury and pain and have worsened their suffering—contributing to increases in depression and substance abuse. Increased stress also contributes to increased domestic and child abuse rates. More than ever, many are in need of resources that can help them cope and heal.

This conference is creating resources for hurting and struggling people. Do we respect others enough to allow them to make their own decisions in regard to what health issue is of greatest importance to them, or do we want to prevent suffering people from participating in activities that would bring healing to their minds, hearts, and families?

When we focus only on the virus, we may mean well, but we may also inflict harm on others. That is why freedom is so important; it allows others to weigh the issues and determine for themselves what action is best in their circumstances. But this requires a level of maturity and love. When we act on fear, concern for self, we are often led to seek to control others in order to make ourselves feel safer. Fear is our enemy and, sadly, it is what drives so much of our society today.

Reply from online follower:

Well spoken and if you are being so open and transparent then expose your rationale by revealing how much you expect to net in profit and how you are generating this revenue. These emotional issues are real and professional care is important but why not volunteer your services to area hospitals for those in need. This just another refit making venture that will place your expected participants in danger. Again, will yoyu accept the costs of anyone that catches covid or will the taxpayers of Tennessee be responsible. I fault the Governor for not placing a stop gate for such gatherings and. I ask the mayor of the city is there no life bigger than a print?

My reply to the above comment:

Come and Reason Ministries will not make a profit on this event. Indeed, we are a not-for-profit ministry and will expend resources to present it. Then we will create enduring materials (such as videos) that we will distribute for free.

Over the past 10 years, we have given away around $1 million worth of free materials to people around the world—and we will continue to make them freely available. We have never put on a fundraising drive, nor do we send out emails soliciting funds. Our approach is “the more you give, the more you shall receive.” So we give away resources and then accept support from those who have been blessed by those resources and freely choose to donate to help us produce more resources to share with even more people.

I am one individual who can reach and help only a limited amount of people by volunteering or doing one-on-one counseling. However, by creating enduring materials that can be widely shared, then hundreds of thousands, potentially millions, can be reached. We have received emails and letters from all over the world of lives that have been changed, hearts healed, depression relieved, and relationships reconciled because of these resources. And these lives would not have been helped had we restricted ourselves to our local community.

Finally, you appear to be overestimating the dangers of this virus, but regardless of the dangers from this or any other community virus (such as annual influenza), the mature approach with this type of a risk (more than 99% of infected recover) is to inform adults of the risks and leave them free to make their own choices. It is quite sad that a disease in which more than 99 percent of the infected recover is presented to the public as something so terrifying that people become so afraid that they are willing to not only surrender their freedoms but are eager to take freedoms from others.


[1] If you are uncomfortable with this terminology, please note that on September 15, 2020, Chinese virologist Dr. Li-Meng Yan, who worked at the World Health Organization’s reference lab in Hong Kong and has examined the genetics of this virus, which is like a fingerprint, stated that this is not a natural virus but is manmade. And the virus used is one that is known to be from the Chinese military viral research lab and had been modified to infect humans. She used the analogy of having a cow with a deer’s head, rabbit’s ears, and monkey’s hands. If you saw such a creature, you would know immediately that it was not an animal from nature. For those who understand viral genetics, that is what this China-virus is like. So, according to Dr. Li-Meng Yan, the evidence supports that this is a virus created by humans, specifically the Chinese military, and released purposely; thus, calling it the China-virus is the most accurate description. https://www.foxnews.com/media/chinese-virologist-government-intentionally-coronavirus

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Your message of design law vs imperial law is so uplifting and makes so much sense- it is a game changer for me. The fact that Jesus’s death is not a big payment by an angry God is , quite frankly, a relief.

Laura G., London, Ontario, Canada

 

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Your seminars are still inspiring and changing our lives and we continue to share the principles we have learned from you. Your ministry has changed our lives!

E.W.

 

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I have been really blessed reading your response to the various questions on your site.

K.C., OH, USA

 

Testimony 20

I just wanted to personally thank you for your teachings and insight into scripture. I came across your website via my cousin who suggested I look into “Healing the Mind” information. My youngest daughter has been struggling over the last couple of years and it all came to a head this spring. When I started listening to the “Healing the Mind” lectures my own life began to be transformed. I began sharing with all my daughters the concepts you laid out so clearly. I ordered your book and soaked it up. I just want to say “Thank You!” My walk with the Lord has been refreshed and renewed. Your obedience to the Lord is a blessing to so many.

R. K., Anderson, SC, USA

 

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I would love to have a copy of “Healing the Mind” DVDs to have in my therapy office. I enjoy having clients check out materials to enhance their therapy experience. I have sat under Dr. Jennings’ teaching at an American Association of Christian Counselors convention and respect his work greatly.

K.B., LA, USA

 

Testimony 35

I am so pleased with the response your message is receiving at my church from the middle-aged to the young adults. I have given out 100 copies of the first two seminars and there are more request every week. One of my [class members] came to me after viewing the series, grateful and impressed with how easy the message was retained. He had been a Seventh-day Adventist in fear all his life, and felt like the scales were removed from his eyes after viewing the seminars. I am so impressed by the change I see in members who have received this message, we are in one accord. However, I am sadden by the negative response of the older people. I am verbally attacked anytime I talk about imposed laws, but I believe my mission is to enlightened everyone I can. I watch your Bible Study Class on YouTube every Friday night and I feel like I am apart of the class. All of you are in one accord and I am so blessed to have found you. I pray that all of you continue to spread this message and I am committed to doing my part.

Clara S., Westfield, MA, USA

 

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I cannot thank you enough for opening my understanding to the beautiful truth of God’s Law of Love and how it applies to everything. I have been a Christian for over forty years, but I feel like I am only now seeing with my eyes open. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Tammy Cinzio, Australia

 

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I have been watching your videos in The Power of Love seminar and I must say these have liberated me and have improved my relationship with the Lord. I am no longer terrified of him as I was before following your teachings.

Thando N., South Africa

 

Testimony 64

I’ve been reading the bible and walking with Jesus since I was around 16. I’m 42 now. I’ve mostly been alone in my walk although I went to several churches in different denominations. For the past 3 years God has been showing me His character of agape. It’s been a blessing and changed how I view God and my walk with Jesus. About a year ago I came across the power of love and the principles of design law. These teachings changed how I read scripture and have been such a beautiful blessing. I’m very excited and grateful for these truths. We share these truths of agape, design law and the reality of the principles of the two trees in the garden of Eden with people on Facebook and YouTube. People all over are learning to trust God and His agape design law which makes life possible. Thank you for everything you shared with me. May God continue to bless your ministry and lives.

Bradley M., Hinsdale, NY, USA

 

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Your unique way in spreading the truth is what we all need today. Most of us don’t recognize the contamination coming from all the lies and selfishness in the world. Because of our fear of death, we forgot how to live. Lies left and right. I was losing hope and faith, because of so many ideas that are always contradicting each other – so many questions answered by other, more complicated, questions – until I found your channel on YouTube.

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Wheinny P., University Place, WA, USA

 

Testimony 60

Just watched watched lesson 10 in the 1st quarter 2021 bible study classs on Isaiah. I want to thank you for your intellectual spirituality; it’s not an oxymoron! From the point of view of a teacher I also enjoy seeing how much personal pleasure you clearly take in not just tasting, but feasting on God’s word – it reminds me of Jeremiah not being able to hold it in! It makes me smile that your cup is so full and overflowing that you make it to Tuesday’s lesson (on a good day). It just goes to show the richness of God’s Word.

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Andrew H., Great Britain

 

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The blessings of clarity and understanding you and your class inspire me to take from the word of God have impressed upon me so greatly the true, loving character of our Creator. I have found amazing freedom and joy through building a stronger, more intentional relationship with Him. What is new is that this is now a relationship built on love, reverence and respect rather than fear and obligation, and as such my eyes have been slammed OPEN as I am continually impressed by the manifestations of God’s true character in His provisions for fallen man.

T.E.H., Salt Lake City, UT, USA

 

Testimony 65

I have been tuning into your weekly study classes for a while now and wanted express my appreciation for the teachings that ha been a huge blessing in opening up the true message of the word. Viewing scripture under an imposed law theory always, without fail, raised more questions, concerns, and conflicting scripture interpretations that were discouraging at the very least. Looking at scripture through the design law lens has brought more truth to light for me personally and an understanding of our Heavenly Father that places Him “above all others,” where I am now more than thrilled to witness and serve Him.  I “stumbled” across this ministry a year or so ago and would only watch a few minutes at a time. But the more I listened and the longer I paid attention, the more my spiritual eyes were opened to the ever present truths of scripture. The comprehension of the great controversy and it’s origin by the lies perpetrated and perpetuated throughout the Bible on the attack of God’s character and government is truly priceless. Keep up the Good Work! Your servanthood is desperately needed in such a time as this!

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We were given a gift of the DVD set, “God and Your Brain,” and we just finished watching it. The truths in this are so powerful and truly an answer to a prayer. We’re seeing hope where once we thought God wasn’t answering our prayers to be free of certain mindsets. He answered with these DVDs and we are hungry for more. Thank you!

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Testimony 46

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