[Faith-Talk] Faith-Talk Digest, Vol 215, Issue 1
Jeri Lyn Rogge
Jeri.Rogge at christianrecord.org
Thu Nov 6 20:33:38 UTC 2025
Thank you for the response, Andrew.
PhoneFaith is promoted primarily in the United States, but I'll give you (and the group) a pro tip: If you visit the PhoneFaith StartMeeting page, you'll note that there are additional ways to connect via the computer (which is similar to Zoom), and international dialing options. While we don't directly market PhoneFaith outside the U.S. because of restrictions with our music licensing company, that doesn't stop anyone around the world from still finding PhoneFaith and joining a program. I personally join PhoneFaith meetings from the computer, and it works great. Here's the link: https://www.startmeeting.com/wall/christianrecord
As for your comment about CRS Canada, it is not the same group as CRS in the States. If you would like to email me privately about this, I am happy to share additional information on how to connect with the ministry in Canada.
I hope this information is helpful!
JLR
Jeri Lyn Rogge
Director of Editorial and Outreach Ministries
e: Jeri.Rogge at christianrecord.org
w: www.christianrecord.org
a: PO Box 6097, Lincoln, NE 68506
tel: (402) 488-0981 |
fax: (402) 488-7582
Become A Member | Donate Now
________________________________
From: andrew edgcumbe <rollercoasterman86 at gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, November 6, 2025 11:53 AM
To: Faith-talk, for the discussion of Blindness in faith and religion <faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Jeri Lyn Rogge <Jeri.Rogge at christianrecord.org>
Subject: Re: [Faith-Talk] Faith-Talk Digest, Vol 215, Issue 1
Hi Thanks Jerry for your email.
I can't do phone chat lines I live in Canada and unfortinately can't do that one inless there is another way to access it.
I appreciate your advice about digging into the Lord but I have been trying to find these vollunteer opportunities for years I have lived in the same area for years now and i have kept on trying and trying and stuff like that.
Some of the churches are not even all that healthy in themselves to begin with not say all but some of them in my area that is.
I would love to be able to find other christian blind canadians to talk to if there perhaps was a way to do that. I know that canada has a branch of christian record services but i have not gotten any responce from any of them yet the one email address I have tried that is.
However over all I don't think it is about waiting thing because nobody has been open to me at all and it has gotten harder and harder. If somebody would like to talk to me further off list be happy to.
I do use watts app and do use a phone and stuff like that.
On Thu, Nov 6, 2025 at 9:47 AM Jeri Lyn Rogge via Faith-Talk <faith-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk at nfbnet.org>> wrote:
Dear Andrew and PJ,
Thank you for sharing your heart with this group. We were made for connection and community; God designed us that way, and when we struggle to find friendship, inclusion, belonging, and opportunities to minister in the church, it hurts so much. Like Judy, I also encourage you to dig deep in God's Word and spend time in prayer. We serve a God who's big enough to carry us during times of pain and disconnection. He can bring peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7), and He provides the Holy Spirit to comfort us (1 Corinthians 1:3-7).
While you study, pray, and wait on the Lord, I encourage you to also connect with PhoneFaith, an outreach of Christian Record Services to the blind and low-vision community. PhoneFaith calls are available nearly every day with a variety of programs to support you. I may be a bit biased, but I feel it's one of the friendliest groups you could ever meet, and I know they'd love to welcome you! If you'd like to give PhoneFaith a try, the number is 209-399-9465.
Additionally, I'll ask my fellow team members at Christian Record Services to pray for both of you, for God to lead you to welcoming local church communities and for people to be drawn to you to offer the genuine connection and engagement opportunities you need.
Blessings to you both!
Jeri Lyn Rogge
Editorial/Outreach Ministries Director
Christian Record Services
Jeri Lyn Rogge
Director of Editorial and Outreach Ministries
e: Jeri.Rogge at christianrecord.org<mailto:Jeri.Rogge at christianrecord.org>
w: www.christianrecord.org<http://www.christianrecord.org>
a: PO Box 6097, Lincoln, NE 68506
tel: (402) 488-0981 |
fax: (402) 488-7582
Become A Member | Donate Now
________________________________
From: Faith-Talk <faith-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org>> on behalf of faith-talk-request at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk-request at nfbnet.org> <faith-talk-request at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk-request at nfbnet.org>>
Sent: Thursday, November 6, 2025 6:00 AM
To: faith-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk at nfbnet.org> <faith-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk at nfbnet.org>>
Subject: Faith-Talk Digest, Vol 215, Issue 1
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Today's Topics:
1. serving in church (andrew edgcumbe)
2. Re: serving in church (Pj Navarro)
3. Re: serving in church (Judy Jones)
4. Re: serving in church (Judy Jones)
5. Re: serving in church (Pj Navarro)
6. Found the Bible app on Tiktok RE: serving in church (Judy Jones)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2025 22:54:40 -0500
From: andrew edgcumbe <rollercoasterman86 at gmail.com<mailto:rollercoasterman86 at gmail.com>>
To: "Faith-talk, for the discussion of faith and religion"
<faith-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk at nfbnet.org>>
Subject: [Faith-Talk] serving in church
Message-ID:
<CAGcQ9RYcvmkVUROMyO3JBptQKn4F0+q00kF1nhm4VBn3FBVW0Q at mail.gmail.com<mailto:CAGcQ9RYcvmkVUROMyO3JBptQKn4F0%2Bq00kF1nhm4VBn3FBVW0Q at mail.gmail.com>>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
Hi everybody
I hope you all are doing well and that you all are very blessed.
I know i brought this topic up before but before I either read things wrong
or I just had some miss understandings.
However I would try again and just explaine what I have done and stuff
like that.
It continues to be a challenge for me.
and yes I have contacted pastor and actually contacted other pastors about
vollunteering and my desire to serve.
But what has been happening is nobody is getting back to me and it is
proving to be very difficault.
Yes I have been speciffic about what kind of things Like I mentioned
reading of scripture and greeting for example but however what is happening
is i am not getting any responces at all I sent one email just the other
week then i sent another last week i was even trying to see about
opportunities at other churches but basically i hit a rock wall because
nobody has gotten back to me.
My mom and I have met with somebody even and honestly it just didn't get
me anywhere.
It kind of has gone hand in hand with lack of vollunteer opportunities in
my area and the challenge I have been met with when it comes to that.
The other thing I have been finding is quite a challenge is that I really
been struggling with the fellowship part of things. The only time people
approach me is to offer help that in itself isn't bad but beyond that it is
like i just get left on my own and no conversation starts up at all.
One of the things i find is that and yes somebody is probably going to
point out it is a two way streak connection has to go both ways.
I do try to do that though.
Sometimes what I find or have found is that I just don't do well with bunch
of voices at once like a crouded situation. I find hearing bunch of voices
all at once can be very confusing for me. even when somebody has talked to
me it can really be hard to gaine full concentration if somebody does talk
to me that is what I find.
I have found lately i have had allot of discouragement towards attending a
church and when I do go that is it feels like I been pushing myself out
the door or dragging myself out the door.
The thing i been finding it feels like or better way to put it i just
don't sence I belong in church sometimes because of all the frusterations
that come with attending church or finding those ways to serve like I
mentioned above and it has been very hard to find the modivation to go.
I have often found that i been getting depressed allot some days like i
almost feel like don't want to get out of bed.
I really only get out of bed to take care of my guide dog that is what it
feels like to me in a sence.
Like I have done allot of tasks in school as i was in like couple different
hands on classes.
I had a real good EA stands for educational assistant who knew how to adapt
things for me and for which whom I still talk to to this day.
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2025 22:03:15 -0600
From: Pj Navarro <psnj16 at gmail.com<mailto:psnj16 at gmail.com>>
To: "Faith-talk, for the discussion of Blindness in faith and
religion" <faith-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk at nfbnet.org>>
Subject: Re: [Faith-Talk] serving in church
Message-ID:
<CAAtCa51J54_qdEuyX37VPwW=EE+-cZcbtKDPib+XCDn25KkQiA at mail.gmail.com<mailto:EE%2B-cZcbtKDPib%2BXCDn25KkQiA at mail.gmail.com>>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
The church only cares for money. My mom & dog are my only friends too.
On Wed, Nov 5, 2025 at 9:56 PM andrew edgcumbe via Faith-Talk <
faith-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk at nfbnet.org>> wrote:
> Hi everybody
> I hope you all are doing well and that you all are very blessed.
> I know i brought this topic up before but before I either read things wrong
> or I just had some miss understandings.
> However I would try again and just explaine what I have done and stuff
> like that.
> It continues to be a challenge for me.
> and yes I have contacted pastor and actually contacted other pastors about
> vollunteering and my desire to serve.
> But what has been happening is nobody is getting back to me and it is
> proving to be very difficault.
> Yes I have been speciffic about what kind of things Like I mentioned
> reading of scripture and greeting for example but however what is happening
> is i am not getting any responces at all I sent one email just the other
> week then i sent another last week i was even trying to see about
> opportunities at other churches but basically i hit a rock wall because
> nobody has gotten back to me.
> My mom and I have met with somebody even and honestly it just didn't get
> me anywhere.
>
> It kind of has gone hand in hand with lack of vollunteer opportunities in
> my area and the challenge I have been met with when it comes to that.
>
> The other thing I have been finding is quite a challenge is that I really
> been struggling with the fellowship part of things. The only time people
> approach me is to offer help that in itself isn't bad but beyond that it is
> like i just get left on my own and no conversation starts up at all.
> One of the things i find is that and yes somebody is probably going to
> point out it is a two way streak connection has to go both ways.
> I do try to do that though.
> Sometimes what I find or have found is that I just don't do well with bunch
> of voices at once like a crouded situation. I find hearing bunch of voices
> all at once can be very confusing for me. even when somebody has talked to
> me it can really be hard to gaine full concentration if somebody does talk
> to me that is what I find.
>
> I have found lately i have had allot of discouragement towards attending a
> church and when I do go that is it feels like I been pushing myself out
> the door or dragging myself out the door.
> The thing i been finding it feels like or better way to put it i just
> don't sence I belong in church sometimes because of all the frusterations
> that come with attending church or finding those ways to serve like I
> mentioned above and it has been very hard to find the modivation to go.
> I have often found that i been getting depressed allot some days like i
> almost feel like don't want to get out of bed.
> I really only get out of bed to take care of my guide dog that is what it
> feels like to me in a sence.
> Like I have done allot of tasks in school as i was in like couple different
> hands on classes.
> I had a real good EA stands for educational assistant who knew how to adapt
> things for me and for which whom I still talk to to this day.
> _______________________________________________
> Faith-Talk mailing list
> Faith-Talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:Faith-Talk at nfbnet.org>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/faith-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Faith-Talk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/faith-talk_nfbnet.org/psnj16%40gmail.com
>
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2025 21:55:58 -0800 (PST)
From: Judy Jones <sonshines59 at gmail.com<mailto:sonshines59 at gmail.com>>
To: faith-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Faith-Talk] serving in church
Message-ID: <252083067.1.1762408555887 at localhost>
Content-Type: text/plain;charset=utf-8
Hello, Andrew and PJ,
My heart goes out to both you guys, and am very sorry for the church experiences you have gone through.
All I can say is that God does have a special place for each of us, a task for each of us, and when we're hurting, can give us the very special brand of TLC tailored to the individual needs. I say this because the Bible documents it, and have experienced it.
God knows you, sees you, and loves you, no doubt. The problem comes when people get in the way, not knowing what to do, how to care, or maybe not reaching out as they should. There are churches that do not do a good job of community care, let alone ministering to one another. However, there are churches that are fantastic at it.
I just see a couple of very hurting guys that could use some encouragement, and know you are seen by God.
PJ, like you say, churches do run on money, it is the vehicle we have to get things done in this fallen world, but the priority should not be the money. We had a pastor once that said, "It is fine to have money, as long as your money doesn't have you." If the pastor is seeking God, that pastor will know best how to lead the congregation and outreach to the community, where money is something they have to deal with, yet not the focus of the church and its ministry.
I'll bet everyone on this list has a "church burn" story.
The question that popped into my head is, are you guys in regular, communication with God, through conversation and prayer? Just something to ponder. Reading the Bible consistently, that really does help so much, as God also speaks through his word.
When raising kids, the one place I could go to be alone was when taking a shower, and that has become my God-space over the years.
Of course, I don't know your whole situations, but I do care and wanted to reach out with encouragement, not platitudes.
Here are some resources I love.
www.crosswalk.com<http://www.crosswalk.com><http://www.crosswalk.com>
A site with lots of devotionals, articles, and Bible studies and videos.
Rafa Bible Radio, 24/7 Bible stream for listening.
https://www.radio-uk.co.uk/rafa-bible-radio-english
Rafa Bible Radio also has apps on Apple and on the Android play store.
There is also an app called YouVersion, that offers guided daily scripture, prayer, Bible versions, videos, audio, and tons of Bible studies you can do either privately or online with friends. It is on its way to having a billion members worldwide, has an online community where you can pray together and do studies together if you wish. You can invite friends to join you there, like a Christian Facebook. I use the app on my phone and on my Selvas BS6 tablet.
You can also access it from the PC.
https://www.bible.com/
God bless you both, and glad you wrote in!
sent from Judy's Android braille tablet
----- Original Message -----
From: Pj Navarro via Faith-Talk <faith-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk at nfbnet.org>>
Date: Wednesday, November 05, 2025 08:04 PM
To: "Faith-talk, for the discussion of Blindness in faith and religion" <faith-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk at nfbnet.org>>
CC: Pj Navarro <psnj16 at gmail.com<mailto:psnj16 at gmail.com>>
Subject: Re: [Faith-Talk] serving in church
The church only cares for money. My mom & dog are my only friends too.
On Wed, Nov 5, 2025 at 9:56 PM andrew edgcumbe via Faith-Talk <
faith-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk at nfbnet.org>> wrote:
> Hi everybody
> I hope you all are doing well and that you all are very blessed.
> I know i brought this topic up before but before I either read things wrong
> or I just had some miss understandings.
> However I would try again and just explaine what I have done and stuff
> like that.
> It continues to be a challenge for me.
> and yes I have contacted pastor and actually contacted other pastors about
> vollunteering and my desire to serve.
> But what has been happening is nobody is getting back to me and it is
> proving to be very difficault.
> Yes I have been speciffic about what kind of things Like I mentioned
> reading of scripture and greeting for example but however what is happening
> is i am not getting any responces at all I sent one email just the other
> week then i sent another last week i was even trying to see about
> opportunities at other churches but basically i hit a rock wall because
> nobody has gotten back to me.
> My mom and I have met with somebody even and honestly it just didn't get
> me anywhere.
>
> It kind of has gone hand in hand with lack of vollunteer opportunities in
> my area and the challenge I have been met with when it comes to that.
>
> The other thing I have been finding is quite a challenge is that I really
> been struggling with the fellowship part of things. The only time people
> approach me is to offer help that in itself isn't bad but beyond that it is
> like i just get left on my own and no conversation starts up at all.
> One of the things i find is that and yes somebody is probably going to
> point out it is a two way streak connection has to go both ways.
> I do try to do that though.
> Sometimes what I find or have found is that I just don't do well with bunch
> of voices at once like a crouded situation. I find hearing bunch of voices
> all at once can be very confusing for me. even when somebody has talked to
> me it can really be hard to gaine full concentration if somebody does talk
> to me that is what I find.
>
> I have found lately i have had allot of discouragement towards attending a
> church and when I do go that is it feels like I been pushing myself out
> the door or dragging myself out the door.
> The thing i been finding it feels like or better way to put it i just
> don't sence I belong in church sometimes because of all the frusterations
> that come with attending church or finding those ways to serve like I
> mentioned above and it has been very hard to find the modivation to go.
> I have often found that i been getting depressed allot some days like i
> almost feel like don't want to get out of bed.
> I really only get out of bed to take care of my guide dog that is what it
> feels like to me in a sence.
> Like I have done allot of tasks in school as i was in like couple different
> hands on classes.
> I had a real good EA stands for educational assistant who knew how to adapt
> things for me and for which whom I still talk to to this day.
> _______________________________________________
> Faith-Talk mailing list
> Faith-Talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:Faith-Talk at nfbnet.org>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/faith-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Faith-Talk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/faith-talk_nfbnet.org/psnj16%40gmail.com
>
_______________________________________________
Faith-Talk mailing list
Faith-Talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:Faith-Talk at nfbnet.org>
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/faith-talk_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Faith-Talk:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/faith-talk_nfbnet.org/sonshines59%40gmail.com
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2025 22:00:53 -0800 (PST)
From: Judy Jones <sonshines59 at gmail.com<mailto:sonshines59 at gmail.com>>
To: faith-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Faith-Talk] serving in church
Message-ID: <241745060.0.1762408850935 at localhost>
Content-Type: text/plain;charset=utf-8
Hello Again,
Great to hear you both of guide dogs. I have had five, and loved them all. My husband, Chris, has had six.
sent from Judy's Android braille tablet
----- Original Message -----
From: Pj Navarro via Faith-Talk <faith-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk at nfbnet.org>>
Date: Wednesday, November 05, 2025 08:04 PM
To: "Faith-talk, for the discussion of Blindness in faith and religion" <faith-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk at nfbnet.org>>
CC: Pj Navarro <psnj16 at gmail.com<mailto:psnj16 at gmail.com>>
Subject: Re: [Faith-Talk] serving in church
The church only cares for money. My mom & dog are my only friends too.
On Wed, Nov 5, 2025 at 9:56 PM andrew edgcumbe via Faith-Talk <
faith-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk at nfbnet.org>> wrote:
> Hi everybody
> I hope you all are doing well and that you all are very blessed.
> I know i brought this topic up before but before I either read things wrong
> or I just had some miss understandings.
> However I would try again and just explaine what I have done and stuff
> like that.
> It continues to be a challenge for me.
> and yes I have contacted pastor and actually contacted other pastors about
> vollunteering and my desire to serve.
> But what has been happening is nobody is getting back to me and it is
> proving to be very difficault.
> Yes I have been speciffic about what kind of things Like I mentioned
> reading of scripture and greeting for example but however what is happening
> is i am not getting any responces at all I sent one email just the other
> week then i sent another last week i was even trying to see about
> opportunities at other churches but basically i hit a rock wall because
> nobody has gotten back to me.
> My mom and I have met with somebody even and honestly it just didn't get
> me anywhere.
>
> It kind of has gone hand in hand with lack of vollunteer opportunities in
> my area and the challenge I have been met with when it comes to that.
>
> The other thing I have been finding is quite a challenge is that I really
> been struggling with the fellowship part of things. The only time people
> approach me is to offer help that in itself isn't bad but beyond that it is
> like i just get left on my own and no conversation starts up at all.
> One of the things i find is that and yes somebody is probably going to
> point out it is a two way streak connection has to go both ways.
> I do try to do that though.
> Sometimes what I find or have found is that I just don't do well with bunch
> of voices at once like a crouded situation. I find hearing bunch of voices
> all at once can be very confusing for me. even when somebody has talked to
> me it can really be hard to gaine full concentration if somebody does talk
> to me that is what I find.
>
> I have found lately i have had allot of discouragement towards attending a
> church and when I do go that is it feels like I been pushing myself out
> the door or dragging myself out the door.
> The thing i been finding it feels like or better way to put it i just
> don't sence I belong in church sometimes because of all the frusterations
> that come with attending church or finding those ways to serve like I
> mentioned above and it has been very hard to find the modivation to go.
> I have often found that i been getting depressed allot some days like i
> almost feel like don't want to get out of bed.
> I really only get out of bed to take care of my guide dog that is what it
> feels like to me in a sence.
> Like I have done allot of tasks in school as i was in like couple different
> hands on classes.
> I had a real good EA stands for educational assistant who knew how to adapt
> things for me and for which whom I still talk to to this day.
> _______________________________________________
> Faith-Talk mailing list
> Faith-Talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:Faith-Talk at nfbnet.org>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/faith-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Faith-Talk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/faith-talk_nfbnet.org/psnj16%40gmail.com
>
_______________________________________________
Faith-Talk mailing list
Faith-Talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:Faith-Talk at nfbnet.org>
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/faith-talk_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Faith-Talk:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/faith-talk_nfbnet.org/sonshines59%40gmail.com
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2025 00:33:28 -0600
From: Pj Navarro <psnj16 at gmail.com<mailto:psnj16 at gmail.com>>
To: Judy Jones <sonshines59 at gmail.com<mailto:sonshines59 at gmail.com>>
Cc: faith-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Faith-Talk] serving in church
Message-ID:
<CAAtCa52Zh4cK0Au9=_0p+dzxo1zL0qu2iamiCeoodWDg9FWy5Q at mail.gmail.com<mailto:0p%2Bdzxo1zL0qu2iamiCeoodWDg9FWy5Q at mail.gmail.com>>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
Let’s face it, I’m 5 foot 5, almost blind due to RP, & usually the outcast
since childhood. I’ve always tried talking to God but I’m convinced He has
his favorites & I’m not one of them. No matter how hard I try, I end up
alone & jobless. If I work hard whether it be for the job or to win the
heart of my crush, it all goes unnoticed & unappreciated. At age 32, I’m
getting sick & tired being a nobody that has nobody. I would try to let the
Bible app read to me as I followed along with my tunnel vision, but it’s
pointless when find myself zoning out, I’ve always had trouble focusing
which is why I dropped out of college a decade ago, so now I just stay at
home either watching TikTok or TV. Home where I’m safe from heartbreak &
God’s cruel punishments. I’m a failure who depends on family financially
now. The only joy I feel is when my dog is excited to see me. And when I’m
drinking beer. I love beer so much, it helps me not be so socially awkward
at family gatherings, where I know they badmouth me once I’m gone, like I
don’t constantly feel shame for the man I’ve turned out to be. If Jesus did
come back, he’d turn his head away from me, from PJ the Loser.
On Wed, Nov 5, 2025 at 11:55 PM Judy Jones <sonshines59 at gmail.com<mailto:sonshines59 at gmail.com>> wrote:
> Hello, Andrew and PJ,
>
> My heart goes out to both you guys, and am very sorry for the church
> experiences you have gone through.
>
> All I can say is that God does have a special place for each of us, a task
> for each of us, and when we're hurting, can give us the very special brand
> of TLC tailored to the individual needs. I say this because the Bible
> documents it, and have experienced it.
>
> God knows you, sees you, and loves you, no doubt. The problem comes when
> people get in the way, not knowing what to do, how to care, or maybe not
> reaching out as they should. There are churches that do not do a good job
> of community care, let alone ministering to one another. However, there are
> churches that are fantastic at it.
>
> I just see a couple of very hurting guys that could use some
> encouragement, and know you are seen by God.
>
> PJ, like you say, churches do run on money, it is the vehicle we have to
> get things done in this fallen world, but the priority should not be the
> money. We had a pastor once that said, "It is fine to have money, as long
> as your money doesn't have you." If the pastor is seeking God, that pastor
> will know best how to lead the congregation and outreach to the community,
> where money is something they have to deal with, yet not the focus of the
> church and its ministry.
>
> I'll bet everyone on this list has a "church burn" story.
>
> The question that popped into my head is, are you guys in regular,
> communication with God, through conversation and prayer? Just something to
> ponder. Reading the Bible consistently, that really does help so much, as
> God also speaks through his word.
>
> When raising kids, the one place I could go to be alone was when taking a
> shower, and that has become my God-space over the years.
>
> Of course, I don't know your whole situations, but I do care and wanted to
> reach out with encouragement, not platitudes.
>
> Here are some resources I love.
> www.crosswalk.com<http://www.crosswalk.com><http://www.crosswalk.com>
> A site with lots of devotionals, articles, and Bible studies and videos.
>
> Rafa Bible Radio, 24/7 Bible stream for listening.
> https://www.radio-uk.co.uk/rafa-bible-radio-english
>
> Rafa Bible Radio also has apps on Apple and on the Android play store.
>
> There is also an app called YouVersion, that offers guided daily
> scripture, prayer, Bible versions, videos, audio, and tons of Bible studies
> you can do either privately or online with friends. It is on its way to
> having a billion members worldwide, has an online community where you can
> pray together and do studies together if you wish. You can invite friends
> to join you there, like a Christian Facebook. I use the app on my phone and
> on my Selvas BS6 tablet.
>
> You can also access it from the PC.
> https://www.bible.com/
>
> God bless you both, and glad you wrote in!
>
>
>
> sent from Judy's Android braille tablet
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Pj Navarro via Faith-Talk <faith-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk at nfbnet.org>>
> Date: Wednesday, November 05, 2025 08:04 PM
> To: "Faith-talk, for the discussion of Blindness in faith and religion" <
> faith-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk at nfbnet.org>>
> CC: Pj Navarro <psnj16 at gmail.com<mailto:psnj16 at gmail.com>>
> Subject: Re: [Faith-Talk] serving in church
>
> The church only cares for money. My mom & dog are my only friends too.
> On Wed, Nov 5, 2025 at 9:56 PM andrew edgcumbe via Faith-Talk <
> faith-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk at nfbnet.org>> wrote:
> > Hi everybody
> > I hope you all are doing well and that you all are very blessed.
> > I know i brought this topic up before but before I either read things
> wrong
> > or I just had some miss understandings.
> > However I would try again and just explaine what I have done and stuff
> > like that.
> > It continues to be a challenge for me.
> > and yes I have contacted pastor and actually contacted other pastors
> about
> > vollunteering and my desire to serve.
> > But what has been happening is nobody is getting back to me and it is
> > proving to be very difficault.
> > Yes I have been speciffic about what kind of things Like I mentioned
> > reading of scripture and greeting for example but however what is
> happening
> > is i am not getting any responces at all I sent one email just the other
> > week then i sent another last week i was even trying to see about
> > opportunities at other churches but basically i hit a rock wall because
> > nobody has gotten back to me.
> > My mom and I have met with somebody even and honestly it just didn't get
> > me anywhere.
> >
> > It kind of has gone hand in hand with lack of vollunteer opportunities in
> > my area and the challenge I have been met with when it comes to that.
> >
> > The other thing I have been finding is quite a challenge is that I really
> > been struggling with the fellowship part of things. The only time people
> > approach me is to offer help that in itself isn't bad but beyond that it
> is
> > like i just get left on my own and no conversation starts up at all.
> > One of the things i find is that and yes somebody is probably going to
> > point out it is a two way streak connection has to go both ways.
> > I do try to do that though.
> > Sometimes what I find or have found is that I just don't do well with
> bunch
> > of voices at once like a crouded situation. I find hearing bunch of
> voices
> > all at once can be very confusing for me. even when somebody has talked
> to
> > me it can really be hard to gaine full concentration if somebody does
> talk
> > to me that is what I find.
> >
> > I have found lately i have had allot of discouragement towards attending
> a
> > church and when I do go that is it feels like I been pushing myself out
> > the door or dragging myself out the door.
> > The thing i been finding it feels like or better way to put it i just
> > don't sence I belong in church sometimes because of all the frusterations
> > that come with attending church or finding those ways to serve like I
> > mentioned above and it has been very hard to find the modivation to go.
> > I have often found that i been getting depressed allot some days like i
> > almost feel like don't want to get out of bed.
> > I really only get out of bed to take care of my guide dog that is what it
> > feels like to me in a sence.
> > Like I have done allot of tasks in school as i was in like couple
> different
> > hands on classes.
> > I had a real good EA stands for educational assistant who knew how to
> adapt
> > things for me and for which whom I still talk to to this day.
> > _______________________________________________
> > Faith-Talk mailing list
> > Faith-Talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:Faith-Talk at nfbnet.org>
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/faith-talk_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> > Faith-Talk:
> >
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/faith-talk_nfbnet.org/psnj16%40gmail.com
> >
> _______________________________________________
> Faith-Talk mailing list
> Faith-Talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:Faith-Talk at nfbnet.org>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/faith-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Faith-Talk:
>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/faith-talk_nfbnet.org/sonshines59%40gmail.com
>
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2025 00:14:37 -0800 (PST)
From: Judy Jones <sonshines59 at gmail.com<mailto:sonshines59 at gmail.com>>
To: psnj16 at gmail.com<mailto:psnj16 at gmail.com>
Cc: faith-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [Faith-Talk] Found the Bible app on Tiktok RE: serving in
church
Message-ID: <106494127.0.1762416875700 at localhost>
Content-Type: text/plain;charset=utf-8
#+ at youversion
sent from Judy's Android braille tablet
----- Original Message -----
From: Pj Navarro <psnj16 at gmail.com<mailto:psnj16 at gmail.com>>
Date: Wednesday, November 05, 2025 10:33 PM
To: Judy Jones <sonshines59 at gmail.com<mailto:sonshines59 at gmail.com>>
CC: faith-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Faith-Talk] serving in church
Let's face it, I'm 5 foot 5, almost blind due to RP, & usually the outcast
since childhood. I've always tried talking to God but I'm convinced He has
his favorites & I'm not one of them. No matter how hard I try, I end up
alone & jobless. If I work hard whether it be for the job or to win the
heart of my crush, it all goes unnoticed & unappreciated. At age 32, I'm
getting sick & tired being a nobody that has nobody. I would try to let the
Bible app read to me as I followed along with my tunnel vision, but it's
pointless when find myself zoning out, I've always had trouble focusing
which is why I dropped out of college a decade ago, so now I just stay at
home either watching TikTok or TV. Home where I'm safe from heartbreak &
God's cruel punishments. I'm a failure who depends on family financially
now. The only joy I feel is when my dog is excited to see me. And when I'm
drinking beer. I love beer so much, it helps me not be so socially awkward
at family gatherings, where I know they badmouth me once I'm gone, like I
don't constantly feel shame for the man I've turned out to be. If Jesus did
come back, he'd turn his head away from me, from PJ the Loser.
On Wed, Nov 5, 2025 at 11:55 PM Judy Jones <sonshines59 at gmail.com<mailto:sonshines59 at gmail.com>> wrote:
> Hello, Andrew and PJ,
>
> My heart goes out to both you guys, and am very sorry for the church
> experiences you have gone through.
>
> All I can say is that God does have a special place for each of us, a task
> for each of us, and when we're hurting, can give us the very special brand
> of TLC tailored to the individual needs. I say this because the Bible
> documents it, and have experienced it.
>
> God knows you, sees you, and loves you, no doubt. The problem comes when
> people get in the way, not knowing what to do, how to care, or maybe not
> reaching out as they should. There are churches that do not do a good job
> of community care, let alone ministering to one another. However, there are
> churches that are fantastic at it.
>
> I just see a couple of very hurting guys that could use some
> encouragement, and know you are seen by God.
>
> PJ, like you say, churches do run on money, it is the vehicle we have to
> get things done in this fallen world, but the priority should not be the
> money. We had a pastor once that said, "It is fine to have money, as long
> as your money doesn't have you." If the pastor is seeking God, that pastor
> will know best how to lead the congregation and outreach to the community,
> where money is something they have to deal with, yet not the focus of the
> church and its ministry.
>
> I'll bet everyone on this list has a "church burn" story.
>
> The question that popped into my head is, are you guys in regular,
> communication with God, through conversation and prayer? Just something to
> ponder. Reading the Bible consistently, that really does help so much, as
> God also speaks through his word.
>
> When raising kids, the one place I could go to be alone was when taking a
> shower, and that has become my God-space over the years.
>
> Of course, I don't know your whole situations, but I do care and wanted to
> reach out with encouragement, not platitudes.
>
> Here are some resources I love.
> www.crosswalk.com<http://www.crosswalk.com><http://www.crosswalk.com>
> A site with lots of devotionals, articles, and Bible studies and videos.
>
> Rafa Bible Radio, 24/7 Bible stream for listening.
> https://www.radio-uk.co.uk/rafa-bible-radio-english
>
> Rafa Bible Radio also has apps on Apple and on the Android play store.
>
> There is also an app called YouVersion, that offers guided daily
> scripture, prayer, Bible versions, videos, audio, and tons of Bible studies
> you can do either privately or online with friends. It is on its way to
> having a billion members worldwide, has an online community where you can
> pray together and do studies together if you wish. You can invite friends
> to join you there, like a Christian Facebook. I use the app on my phone and
> on my Selvas BS6 tablet.
>
> You can also access it from the PC.
> https://www.bible.com/
>
> God bless you both, and glad you wrote in!
>
>
>
> sent from Judy's Android braille tablet
>
>
sent from Judy's Android braille tablet
----- Original Message -----
> From: Pj Navarro via Faith-Talk <faith-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk at nfbnet.org>>
> Date: Wednesday, November 05, 2025 08:04 PM
> To: "Faith-talk, for the discussion of Blindness in faith and religion" <
> faith-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk at nfbnet.org>>
> CC: Pj Navarro <psnj16 at gmail.com<mailto:psnj16 at gmail.com>>
> Subject: Re: [Faith-Talk] serving in church
>
> The church only cares for money. My mom & dog are my only friends too.
> On Wed, Nov 5, 2025 at 9:56 PM andrew edgcumbe via Faith-Talk <
> faith-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:faith-talk at nfbnet.org>> wrote:
> > Hi everybody
> > I hope you all are doing well and that you all are very blessed.
> > I know i brought this topic up before but before I either read things
> wrong
> > or I just had some miss understandings.
> > However I would try again and just explaine what I have done and stuff
> > like that.
> > It continues to be a challenge for me.
> > and yes I have contacted pastor and actually contacted other pastors
> about
> > vollunteering and my desire to serve.
> > But what has been happening is nobody is getting back to me and it is
> > proving to be very difficault.
> > Yes I have been speciffic about what kind of things Like I mentioned
> > reading of scripture and greeting for example but however what is
> happening
> > is i am not getting any responces at all I sent one email just the other
> > week then i sent another last week i was even trying to see about
> > opportunities at other churches but basically i hit a rock wall because
> > nobody has gotten back to me.
> > My mom and I have met with somebody even and honestly it just didn't get
> > me anywhere.
> >
> > It kind of has gone hand in hand with lack of vollunteer opportunities in
> > my area and the challenge I have been met with when it comes to that.
> >
> > The other thing I have been finding is quite a challenge is that I really
> > been struggling with the fellowship part of things. The only time people
> > approach me is to offer help that in itself isn't bad but beyond that it
> is
> > like i just get left on my own and no conversation starts up at all.
> > One of the things i find is that and yes somebody is probably going to
> > point out it is a two way streak connection has to go both ways.
> > I do try to do that though.
> > Sometimes what I find or have found is that I just don't do well with
> bunch
> > of voices at once like a crouded situation. I find hearing bunch of
> voices
> > all at once can be very confusing for me. even when somebody has talked
> to
> > me it can really be hard to gaine full concentration if somebody does
> talk
> > to me that is what I find.
> >
> > I have found lately i have had allot of discouragement towards attending
> a
> > church and when I do go that is it feels like I been pushing myself out
> > the door or dragging myself out the door.
> > The thing i been finding it feels like or better way to put it i just
> > don't sence I belong in church sometimes because of all the frusterations
> > that come with attending church or finding those ways to serve like I
> > mentioned above and it has been very hard to find the modivation to go.
> > I have often found that i been getting depressed allot some days like i
> > almost feel like don't want to get out of bed.
> > I really only get out of bed to take care of my guide dog that is what it
> > feels like to me in a sence.
> > Like I have done allot of tasks in school as i was in like couple
> different
> > hands on classes.
> > I had a real good EA stands for educational assistant who knew how to
> adapt
> > things for me and for which whom I still talk to to this day.
> > _______________________________________________
> > Faith-Talk mailing list
> > Faith-Talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:Faith-Talk at nfbnet.org>
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/faith-talk_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> > Faith-Talk:
> >
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/faith-talk_nfbnet.org/psnj16%40gmail.com
> >
> _______________________________________________
> Faith-Talk mailing list
> Faith-Talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:Faith-Talk at nfbnet.org>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/faith-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Faith-Talk:
>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/faith-talk_nfbnet.org/sonshines59%40gmail.com
>
------------------------------
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------------------------------
End of Faith-Talk Digest, Vol 215, Issue 1
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