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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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Testimony 50

After coming into contact with Come And Reason Ministries, I can finally say that many of my unanswered questions have fallen into place. I discovered that my view of God’s Law was “imposed laws and rules” with “imposed punishments” and that this was the major culprit of my many unanswered questions. Thanks be to God for using you and those around you to help us who have struggled with this “infection” of thought. I have now rejected the “imposed law” concept to fully embrace “Design Law”… to look thru “Design Law,” instead of “imposed law,” is a relief.

Viliami L., Australia

 

Testimony 36

Thank you and may God continue to bless you as you share with others the intricacies of how we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made”. I must share that you have opened a whole new world to me, and I have found tremendous healing through what you have shared in two of your books, “Could It Be This Simple?” and “The God Shaped Brain.” I praise God for what you shared, what I have learned, and how I have grown and healed! My prayer is that My Precious Jesus will be seen by others in the way I live, act, talk, etc. and they may be encouraged to know He is truly a GREAT God of LOVE, desiring that no one should perish! God Bless you in your continued endeavors to present Him as He really is!

Joleen H. GA, USA

 

Testimony 72

I am blown away by the truth that you present. God’s Design Law makes so much sense! You have validated my impression that, if God is love, He would not kill those who don’t want to know him. If God gives us choice, then how can He destroy us if our choice is not to follow him. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart to the pure love of God seen through Jesus. The love I now have for Jesus is deeper and free from condemnation. My heart has been opened to love others as Jesus loves me. May God continue to bless your God-given insight into His word and your ministry. The truth has set me free!

H. Miller, Centereach, NY

Testimony 19

I truly believe that to know who God really is the first step to understand ourselves in a balanced and kind way, so the healing can take place. Your approach really makes sense – Thank you for your ministry!

A.M., Pittsburg, PA, USA

Testimony 30

God lead me to your book “The God-Shaped Brain” while I was searching for another book about the brain and then to your interview about your book on HeartWise Ministries [where] I found out about [Come And Reason Ministries]. I’m now devouring the webcasts of your Bible studies. I have been so greatly blessed and I thank God so much for your courage to speak the Truth in love no matter what. Listening to you contrast the two opposing systems (laws) and digging deep to unearth the hidden treasures in the Bible makes me so incredibly happy and I feel very blessed to be part of your Bible Study Group although I live far away. I am just so excited that there is a group of people that is spreading the Truth about the character of God and it saddens me how few realize what our Father in Heaven is really like.

Kessy B., Australia

 

Testimony 13

I borrowed “Healing The Mind” DVDs from a friend and showed them at my home for a small gathering of women friends. Neither of my friends are Adventist, but they both enjoyed and embraced the messages you taught. In fact, one of the ladies prayed out loud in our group and that was the first time she had ever had public prayer.

J.B. ,Dalles, OR, USA

 

Testimony 11

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 25

I just want to say thank you so much for your conversations via YouTube. I regularly tune in to your lectures, “Let’s Talk” sessions, and many others. Through these I’ve found greater depth and meaning to God’s word. Thanks for all that you do and please continue. I’m currently working in the middle of Silicon Valley at Stanford University. I feel like God really has me in the right place right now and I’m sensing that your teachings might be part of it.

B. F., Silicon Valley, CA, USA

 

Testimony 4

I’m a youth leader in South Africa. We as a youth group are currently using a lot of the material on the Come and Reason site. Since we’ve started using the material, our youth group has grown.

R. V. N., South Africa

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

Testimony 7

Ok, so last night I listened to “The Law of Liberty” and “How to Achieve Victory: Freedom, Truth and Spirtual Warfare.” These are both MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITES so far! The logic is just soooooo beautiful. I had to re-listen to them a couple of times. I just want to EXPLODE! (<< we assume with joy and happiness)

N. B., Canada

 

Testimony 6

I got the book “Could It Be This Simple?” a few months ago and the reading was wonderful and I was fascinated. I lent the book to a friend at work. She is having a difficult time and the book is helping her to find Jesus and I found this very exciting. She has asked me questions and I can see her life changing.

H. S., Australia

 

Testimony 33

I was invited over a friend’s house to see the “God and Your Brain” seminar today. I became [a christian] 36 years ago at the age of 19, but have struggled with the concept of God taking His ‘pound of flesh’ out on His Son to be appeased. Wow. Your seminar has been an incredible revelation and breath of reason and fresh air! I have your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” and it is SO eye opening. Finally, after 36 years enlightenment has come! Praise the Good Lord! What can I say, but that the Real Gospel is truly “Good News!” Thank you for your efforts in giving the Gospel a clear sound!

Paul C.,  Springfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 27

Your teachings about our heavenly Father have changed my life. Thank you sooooooo very very much! I know He’s doing some serious healing in my heart and life and I look forward to each new day to learn something new about Him and to just hear you speak about Him. Thank you, forever.

Nancy S.

 

Testimony 48

I just want to tell you how blessed I have been reading “The Remedy!” It has become a daily part of my devotional relationship with God. In it I have found a God of love and a God that loves me! The bible has come alive for me! It is the first time that I can say that I have felt hope fill my heart as I have read God’s word. This is good news I can share! Thank you, Dr Jennings! Thank you for your heart for others. I can’t put into words how this has set me free! It has strengthened my trust and love for God.

Jason H.