This is the true story of a church in America's Bible Belt, the First Christian Church in Florissant, Missouri--a church with a meager beginning and record of steady growth for forty-nine years until the weight of sexual abuse charges against a youth minister left it, and its congregation, broken. This is a case history and analysis of those events.
This is for the victims.—Joy S. Taylor, Author
Where would I be without your steadfast love and mercy, Lord? You rescued me in my darkest hour, pulling me from torment to peace. You thwarted the pressures against me and strengthened me through the struggle to overcome. I can’t measure the heavens; nor can I wrap my mind around the distance between the east…
Today is a beautiful day, because “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens…
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me by name to come out of the darkness, up from the pit, and into your marvelous light. Thank You for allowing me to see what life is like walking among your benefits, crowned with your steadfast love and mercy. Thank You for invigorating my steps with youthful exuberance….
Today is a beautiful day, because “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with…
Lord Jesus, show me a sign of your favor. Lower my stress in trying times. Comfort my heart in upheaval. Open your gates and let me see your steadfast love and faithfulness. Push me to a higher faith. Forgive me where I fall short, and renew my quest to know You more. I pray in…
Today is a beautiful day, because “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant. Show me a sign of your favor, that…
When I’ve no place to run, I run to You, Lord. When there is no shelter, I turn to You for refuge. In the middle of the storm, You guide and protect me. When the sun shines and all is right in my world, You are the cause. There is no one like You who…
Today is a beautiful day, because God’s mercy is our refuge, “To the choirmaster: according to Do Not Destroy. A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul, in the cave. Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I…
Today is a beautiful day, because Nathan confronted David and forced him to come face-to-face with his sin and its consequences, “To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to…
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