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
Father, You brought me out of the mire many years ago and set my feet upon the rock of your Word. You made my steps secure and put a new song in my mouth. You have grown me into a Second Corinthian servant, sharing my testimony to help others. I give You all the glory,…
Today is a beautiful day, because, “As for you, O LORD, you will not restrain your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me!” (Psalm 40:11 ESV) Mercy #joyinverse #blessedthisdayandeveryday
Lord, I can’t count the number of times You turned my mourning into dancing and clothed me in gladness. There is no other like You. There is no other love like yours. There is no better place to be than within the circle of your will. I love to sing your praise in the midst…
Today is a beautiful day, because “Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me! O, Lord, be my helper! You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will…
Father, I love and trust You, for I have seen your mercy in the land of the living. I have felt the touch of your compassion and rested in your peace. There is no god like You who spewed the stars to decorate the night sky, set the planets spinning, and who seeks a personal…
Today is a beautiful day, because David asked God for mercy, and God showed mercy, “Blessed be the Lord! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I…
Lord, let me learn more of You that I can follow your ways. Lead me in your path that I may not stumble. Remind me of your steadfast love and mercy as I live in the joy of your salvation. You continually work for the greater good and for your glory. Be glorified in the…
Today is a beautiful day, because David wrote, “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love, for they…
Almighty God, Everlasting Father, You are my Protector and my Provider. You are Good. You are the God of Compassion. Your attributes never change. Your promises are sure. Your eternal hope is everlasting. You bless me with a call to follow your precepts during my days this side of heaven. You prepare a place for…
Today is a beautiful day, because “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23: 5-6 ESV)…
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