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Need Pastoral Advice, Please

Discussion in 'Pastoral Ministries' started by msinave, Sep 14, 2004.

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  1. msinave

    msinave Member
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    I'll try to be as succinct as possible. Father and I have been estranged for two years, his choice, not mine. He is undergoing surgery next week and may not make it. While I pray daily for reconciliation between us, I am more concerned about his status with God. How can I inquire about his soul? Or can I? I feel at peace about how things are between us - I have tried everything to reconcile - he refuses. But, it is breaking my heart not knowing about his eternal status should he not make it. Any advice on how to inquire without coming off sounding "holier than thou"? Thanks.
     
    #1 msinave, Sep 14, 2004
  2. Pastor_Bob

    Pastor_Bob Well-Known Member

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    Ps 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. (KJV)

    I would make this an urgent matter of prayer and fasting. When your heart breaks over his lost condition, then you'll have no problem getting your point across.

    I'd rather have a family member get upset at me here on earth for telling them about the Lord than get upset at me at the Great White Throne Judgment for not telling them about the Lord.
     
    #2 Pastor_Bob, Sep 14, 2004
  3. Pastor J

    Pastor J New Member

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    Are you able to go and visit him?

    A number of years ago, I had a family in a similar situation. When the son went to the hospital, the father knew he was going to die and was ready to listen to his son. This is not always the case, but if you are able to go, ask God to give you an opportunity. When the opportunity presents itself, be gentle, but let your dad know you are concerned about his eternal condition.
     
    #3 Pastor J, Sep 14, 2004
  4. msinave

    msinave Member
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    This is my point. I WANT to ask my dad about his soul's condition but don't know how to do it. I mean, it will have to be by letter b/c he will hang up if I call and I can't come up with anything that won't get a "it's none of your d--- business where I'm going when I die". And no, I can't be there when he has surgery. I would not be welcome. Thanks for your help.
     
    #4 msinave, Sep 14, 2004
  5. Pastor J

    Pastor J New Member

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    I obviously do not know what has happened and it is difficult to give advise without more information. However, if it were my father, I would go anyway and simply tell him that you love him when you arrive and see how things go from there. If I were kicked out, I would rest a lot easier knowing I did everything I could. On the other hand, he may be more open than ever before.
     
    #5 Pastor J, Sep 14, 2004
  6. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    I get calls from folks occasionally who ask me to visit a relative in the hospital and pray with them or witness to them.

    While my spirit inside says WHY DIDN'T YOU witness to them yourself, I have seen fruit from these sessions (and relieved the hearts of many by being a "neutral" third =party). I often don't even mention WHO asked me to come by! Just that I am there to read scripture and pray and comfort them.
     
    #6 Dr. Bob, Sep 15, 2004
  7. TaterTot

    TaterTot Guest

    Thats a great idea. MSINAVE, if he is close to Hattiesburg, I might could help ya out if you want to do what Dr. Bob said.
     
    #7 TaterTot, Sep 15, 2004
  8. msinave

    msinave Member
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    Thank you all for your replies. Thanks, Tater Tot but he's in north LA, not MS. After spending the day in prayer yesterday and talking with a very spirit-led friend from church, I remembered that God is not the author of confusion and once I did, my mind settled enough for the Holy Spirit to make me remember I placed my father in God's hands a long time ago. He claims to be a Christian though the fruit of his life doesn't show it. I will pray for him until the Holy Spirit tells me to stop. Thanks again for your replies.
     
    #8 msinave, Sep 15, 2004
  9. AVL1984

    AVL1984 <img src=../ubb/avl1984.jpg>

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    I would see if there is a minister in the area who is sound in the Gospel who would go and present Christ to your father. It can't hurt. He could possibly recommend someone from the same background as your father who he might feel a little more opened up to having present the Gospel to him.

    AVL1984
     
    #9 AVL1984, Sep 16, 2004
  10. dianetavegia

    dianetavegia Guest

    msinave, have you considered sending your father a card or small gift that included a letter about your salvation experience and how God has worked in your life followed by how much you want to know for sure that you'll see your Dad again someday in heaven.... Then include a little tract that is non threatening that tells Dad what he needs to do.

    All hospitals have clergy of the day. You can contact and find the name and day the Baptist minister will be on call and contact his office asking that he drop by Dad's room and offer to pray WITH him and FOR his safety.

    Between now and then, get a group to pray for your father's heart to be softened and that he be open to the call of the Holy Spirit. [​IMG]

    Diane
     
    #10 dianetavegia, Sep 16, 2004
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