Prayers for Saturday: Funeral Picketing and the Power of Love

[janetupnorth]

There is a really radical group in the US that ties themselves to a Baptist church but is nowhere near 99% of what various Baptist groups believe. I will not mention their name because they don't need publicity!!!!

Anyway, they picket at funerals. They came to the funerals in Crandon after the shootings and they are set to show up Saturday at our friend Christian's funeral (died in the Blackhawk crash on 11/8).

Christian was a great son, husband, leader of his men, example of how to love and serve God and others. His family, especially his young wife does not need these wackos (pardon me, but they are!) parading around during his Memorial ceremony. Please pray that their presence will be small and that the police and our church leaders in Racine will have the wisdom to handle it.

DH and I are taking our kids and wanted them to see the service and Christian's example. I really do not want my kids to see the signs they will be holding (especially since 6 year old DD is getting good at reading). But, we will be there and hopefully be able to wisely explain to our children what is going on.

Please pray for Liz, Christian's wife and her parents and for Christian's parents and siblings this Saturday. Keep them strong!

Thanks in advance for your prayers!

 

[dianevill]

Prayers headed their (and your) way.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Ugghhh!!!

They were here in Hudsonville for a military funeral last year.
It was actually very heartwarming to see so many facets of the community pull together to make sure they couldn't disrupt the service or the funeral procession, and to shield the family from being hurt by them. Bikers, Truckers, whole neighborhoods, and church groups all banded together to make them a non-issue....and they didn't get the press coverage they were probably hoping for either.

So sad - I don't understand when people are so hurtful and mean in the name of Christ - it's just wrong.

I'll be praying!

 

[pchefkristin]

I will certainly be praying for you and the family.
You should check into seeing if the Patriot Guard will be there. My Step dad is a part of the Indiana Patriot Guard. They are the bikers that go and stand between the wacko's and the funeral/church. (I am betting they are all ready well aware of the funeral and will be there all ready... they are just amazing that way)

 

[raebates]

You'll all be in my prayers.

 

[jrstephens]

You all are in my prayers.

If people would do good in the name of Christ like they do bad, our world would be a totally different place.

 

[chefkristin]

I will add you all to my prayers. I guess I am glad I don't know who these people are.

 

[janetupnorth]

I will certainly be praying for you and the family.
You should check into seeing if the Patriot Guard will be there. My Step dad is a part of the Indiana Patriot Guard. They are the bikers that go and stand between the wacko's and the funeral/church. (I am betting they are all ready well aware of the funeral and will be there all ready... they are just amazing that way)

That would be cool - I'm checking with DH because I was sure he mentioned them the other day.

 

[janetupnorth]

Kristin - The Patriot Guard does not have it on their website at all and the "other organization" just announced their protest last night. I think it is too late and/or too cold for them, but if your step-dad has a contact in SE Wisconsin, please let him know.EDIT THAT: The only go as "invited guests of the family". We do not know where Christian's family stands on this since they are just going to learn today about it...

 

[urbnk8]

The Patriot Guard was at a military funeral we went to here in Superior, WI last year. It was absolutely amazing! Pulling up to the school where it was held where they were all lined up with their flags completely took my breath away and choked me up. I think that the Patriot Guard is an amazing organization. I can't say enough about them. I hope they are there to support the family.

I have been following Christian's wife's blog and she is so strong. I think about them often.

 

[janetupnorth]

Heather - do you know them at all or just read from my posts? (You should click on Mom and read what she wrote too!!!!)
DH is calling his dad in Racine to see if he can talk to Phil and see if they will try calling the Guard.

 

[janetupnorth]

Yeah Kristin! They are coming!!!!!http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/postid/695565/view/topic/Default.aspxSomeone have a Kleenex box ready for me, I will be there crying! Ever since my dad's funeral seeing the military honors in person I bawl whenever I see them!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Yeah Kristin! They are coming!!!!!

http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/postid/695565/view/topic/Default.aspx


Someone have a Kleenex box ready for me, I will be there crying! Ever since my dad's funeral seeing the military honors in person I bawl whenever I see them!

Wow! They are quick - and so well organized. Praise God for this organization ~ I'm so glad they will be there!

 

[pchefkristin]

Praise God! I am so happy to hear they will be there for you all! One of the most emotional things for me recently was seeing the scrapbook album my mother did of my step dads missions for the Patriot Guard. These men and women are amazing, and are standing for the right reasons!

 

[urbnk8]

Janet, I do not know them, just from your posts. But I am a huge military supporter and it is very close to home because my husband has been in Iraq with the Air National Guard. He is very seriously considering Active Duty Army right now as well.

Even though I did not know them, I cry every time I look at her blog...I just really feel for her and their entire family. I cannot really even begin to know what they are going through. Definitely bring the kleenex to the funeral because it is an unbelievably sad event.

We went to a funeral of a cousin of my husband's coworker (we did not know the Marine personally, but we wanted to support him). They played the song "When I get Where I am Going" by Brad Paisley and it was soo powerful.

 

[janetupnorth]

Even though I did not know them, I cry every time I look at her blog...I just really feel for her and their entire family. I cannot really even begin to know what they are going through. Definitely bring the kleenex to the funeral because it is an unbelievably sad event.

We all cry for our loss, but yet celebrate because we know where he is! It will be a bittersweet day!I just always cry at the military honors now. I am looking forward to my kids meeting the Patriot Guard now! I have never served, neither has DH for medical reasons, but he would have liked to and my cousin has been activated (Army National Guard) for 4 years now. He has to deal with the troops coming back from Iraq and all their struggles.

 

[ChefJeniLobdell]

May God watch over and bless Christian's family and the wonderful members of the Patrior Guard.

 

[KellyTheChef]

Janet~

Prayers for them and for you....

Glad to hear that the Patriot Guard will be there, too!

 

[priscilla]

DH and I are taking our kids and wanted them to see the service and Christian's example. I really do not want my kids to see the signs they will be holding (especially since 6 year old DD is getting good at reading). But, we will be there and hopefully be able to wisely explain to our children what is going on.

This is the right thing to do. Talk with your children, using that moment to pass on your morals and values. Ask them what they think about it as well...they stew on all this info and days later will pop out with something so profound it will make you proud.

Robin

 

[vwpamperedchef]

God Bless, and watch over your family & theirs.

Thank you to Christian for a sacrafice so great.

 

[TwinGirlsMom]

There is a really radical group ... they picket at funerals.

This group was sued this year and lost their case.
They owe millions of dollars...I wonder why they are still going on with this if they lost their case?

 

[Kitchen Diva]

There is a really radical group in the US that ties themselves to a Baptist church but is nowhere near 99% of what various Baptist groups believe. I will not mention their name because they don't need publicity!!!!

Anyway, they picket at funerals. They came to the funerals in Crandon after the shootings and they are set to show up Saturday at our friend Christian's funeral (died in the Blackhawk crash on 11/8).

Christian was a great son, husband, leader of his men, example of how to love and serve God and others. His family, especially his young wife does not need these wackos (pardon me, but they are!) parading around during his Memorial ceremony. Please pray that their presence will be small and that the police and our church leaders in Racine will have the wisdom to handle it.

DH and I are taking our kids and wanted them to see the service and Christian's example. I really do not want my kids to see the signs they will be holding (especially since 6 year old DD is getting good at reading). But, we will be there and hopefully be able to wisely explain to our children what is going on.

Please pray for Liz, Christian's wife and her parents and for Christian's parents and siblings this Saturday. Keep them strong!

Thanks in advance for your prayers!

My husband was on the Board of Directors, and the State Ride Captain for the Minnesota Patriot Guard Riders. They are a non profit that goes to the funerals of fallen soliders at the request of the family, and create a human shield of about 100-700 bikers with American Flags to block the view of the protestors and protect the family of the fallen solider. When the protestors start to get loud, one of the biggest dudes with the loudest Harley will just rev his engine until these "Christians" shut up.

My husband has told me some serious stories about the people from this church. Said he has met most of them, and they are not the "you will know we are Christians by our love" kind of people. THey are hateful, cruel, blasphemous (sp?) and disruptive. How they can go to a solider's funeral and spew their lies is beyond me. I have a step son in Iraq, and my husband is Retired Air Force...I'm an Army Brat...

You will bet that I will pray for that funeral. Most states have a Patriot Guard, it might not be too late for that family to contact them to see if they could come to the funeral and shield them from the protestors.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

This group was sued this year and lost their case.
They owe millions of dollars...I wonder why they are still going on with this if they lost their case?

Because they are insane - and cannot see past their hatred of everyone.

I saw an interview with 2 of the leaders on TV - it only proved to everyone watching how truly wacko they are - the scariest part of the interview was when they also talked to their children....babies who are being taught to hate the same way. Made my stomach turn.

 

[dannyzmom]

Before today I had never heard of these religous zealots coming to funerals nor had I heard of the Patriot Guard. I have spent the last few minuites reading your posts and checking out the Patriot Guards' website. I have goosebumps and a lump in my throat. What a wonderful thing these men/women are doing. Amazing - simply amazing.
I'll be thinking about yout Saturday Janet and hope the guard is able to keep the fruitcakes away.

 

[janetupnorth]

You will bet that I will pray for that funeral. Most states have a Patriot Guard, it might not be too late for that family to contact them to see if they could come to the funeral and shield them from the protestors.

They are listed to come. We found that out today. Liz (Christian's wife) put in the request through her casualty officer. I'm glad - don't know how many from the Patriot Guard, and they will have a flag line, not an escort but I'm so glad they are coming. Our church will be providing a room for them to warm up as needed.I've already asked my mom today to help watch the kids while we are there so DH and I can help out with whatever. If nothing else, I'll get refreshments for the PG. I hope it is a good, although bittersweet day.

 

[janetupnorth]

This group was sued this year and lost their case.
They owe millions of dollars...I wonder why they are still going on with this if they lost their case?

They have some spiel about nothing financially stopping them and they asked for support and millions came in to pay the debt...

...it just makes me...:yuck:

 

[janetupnorth]

Before today I had never heard of these religous zealots coming to funerals nor had I heard of the Patriot Guard. I have spent the last few minuites reading your posts and checking out the Patriot Guards' website. I have goosebumps and a lump in my throat. What a wonderful thing these men/women are doing. Amazing - simply amazing.
I'll be thinking about yout Saturday Janet and hope the guard is able to keep the fruitcakes away.

Don't feel bad - I hadn't heard of them until the Crandon shootings when they showed up there! They claimed the death's of these young men/women were do to a cop further south saying something bad against or arresting one of their members - how crazy! Especially when they "claim" to be Christians and be Baptist. Goes to show you, you can't judge the person by the title...the heart is what bears the fruit.

 

[RebelChef]

I saw that group on the news a while back and it's outrageous for them to call themselves Baptists, or Christians, for that matter. There's no way the hate messages they display on their signs can be taken as anything but negative. The saddest thing is they are teaching their children to be the same way. I'm so thankful my children love God and haven't been exposed to this sort of thing.

Military funerals are very emotional and very special. I cry when I hear Taps and just fall apart. It was all I could do to make it through my FIL's and I'd only met him once. I'm glad to hear about The Patriot Guard. They sound like an amazing group. I'm sure it's a relief for the families to have them there. The sacrifices these men and women and their families make serving our country and protecting us is truly amazing and they will be rewarded. My prayers are with you and the family, Janet.

 

[RebelChef]

Oh my. I had a reply ready to post but I erased it after going to that link. I had to wait until I stopped crying so I could see what I was now typing. What an outpouring of love and gratitude for this man and all soldiers. Thank God for The Patriot Guard for their efforts to keep these services from being circuses. The soldiers and their families deserve the utmost respect whether you agree with the war or not. My prayers are with the family and you, Janet. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

 

[Kitchen Diva]

I'm glad that the Patriot Guard will be there! My husband says it's hard work to go to all those funerals, but he says it is an honor to do it for these young soliders. He's retired Air Force, himself...

 

[TwinGirlsMom]

They just have a very skewed perspective on our Lord, to say the least.
Anyone who truly has a relationship with Jesus is changed from the inside out and is full of love & compassion for others; that is what He was all about, after all.
Treating others with hatred should be unthinkable as a true disciple of Christ.

 

[janetupnorth]

Just bumping because this is tomorrow...

 

[stacywhitlow]

I haven't heard of this "group" you are talking about. I also had not heard of the Patriot Guard until now. They are awesome! You are in my prayers.

 

[ahammons]

This family and yours are all in my prayers! I can't even imagine what they must be going through. That same group was supposed to be at a funeral of a family friend's DS, I don't know if they actually showed up though. That's wonderful that the Patriot Guard will be there!

 

[dannyzmom]

Keeping you in my thoughts Janet!