I was once in an orphans’ home

Question:

Thank you for your answer. It has helped to clarify those 'ideas' that I asked about. But, in truth, I have to say that this is just downright scary. When someone talks about 'anti' and 'liberal' and 'sound', it doesn't make me think of worshiping my God, but it does make me think that there is some sort of 'politics' going on. This is also scary, to think that God's commands have become nothing more to people that a political stand. And for their own agenda, as well, not God's.

I was one who, as a 14-year-old child, was sent to live in one of those orphans homes you spoke of.

We, the children who lived there, attended the local congregation. I was just a kid, so I have no idea of whether or not they actually supported it as a congregation, but what I do remember is that I did carry away from there, the basic ideas of the teachings of Christ. I was baptized there. And yes, it was the biblical teaching way, immersion.

This children's home was the first time in my life that I found peace. I did not want to go with my family. I was even attending school. A major thing for me. I wanted to live there forever. But it was not to be.

Actually, my mother came in the middle of the night and stole me away. Due to family problems, (very severe ones actually) my father (who was also on his way from his home to steal me away), and whatever else, my teachings ended that night when Mom made me leave with her. It wasn't until a few years later, when again, I was thrown out of the family, and searching for a home. I found one with a family in another congregation in the city where Mom lived. I was 16, and a brand new mother. So my foster family took two in, not one.

I lived with my foster family and attended services with them for the next two years, and during that time, I never really knew about these particular problems. I never heard these words discussed. Anti or liberal or sound. If they did present some point of discussion, it must have been during meetings of the elders and deacons. But at this time, in this congregation, we used more than one cup for the communion, and I was not aware that this seemed to present a problem in worshiping. We also had Bible classes, age-related, and we also had a room used for a nursery, but not staffed. I used the nursery myself many times with my baby.

The building itself was very old, and we were just happy to have it.

My foster family concentrated on teaching me the Bible and giving me a decent and loving home. I applaud them for that. I do know this. That period of time with my foster family was one of the most peaceful, and loving times I have experienced in my life. There has been no other time like that.

Now, after years of wandering in darkness, I want to be with a congregation and have a Christian family again. Soon I hope, maybe God will allow me to leave here, and go find one.

I just hope with all sincerity that I will be able to find one that is acceptable to God. When I said earlier that this is scary, what this means to me is that I want to find a church home that is what God commanded to be. Not a political situation, not a place or group of people who are constantly at odds with others, not a place that becomes more or less, just like my mom and dad's homes, where there is nothing but fighting and upset and crying and hurt. I've had my fair share of that already.

I will keep this message you sent me, and use it to attempt to study with, and learn and understand. And thank you again, for your help.