Pastor Don Wolan

Pastor Donald Wolan
Downriver Christian Community Church
Melvindale, Michigan

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

But Moe, He's Giving Me The Double Talk!

In George Orwell's famous novel 1984, we are shown how a tyrannical government can control its people through control of the common language. The book illustrates how words can take on whole new meanings void of any resemblance to their former meanings and how a whole new language can be created to promote whatever popular cause may be seen as important. In the novel, the new language is called "Newspeak" and is entitled such for the "new way of speaking" it implies! Through social pressure, governmental intimidation, and possible imprisonment or loss of life, the main character Winston Smith comes to understand this "Newspeak" of war is peace, freedom is slavery, and ignorance is strength! The pairs of terms may seem to be contradictory to each other, but in 1984 the words take on a new and opposite meanings.
"Don't you see that the whole aim of Newspeak is to narrow the range of thought?… Has it ever occurred to you, Winston, that by the year 2050, at the very latest, not a single human being will be alive who could understand such a conversation as we are having now?…The whole climate of thought will be different. In fact, there will be no thought, as we understand it now. Orthodoxy means not thinking—not needing to think. Orthodoxy is unconsciousness." - 1984, Book 1 Chapter 5
The reason I reference 1984 is over the weekend, I heard all sorts of "Newspeak" from many political commentators regarding the "rightness" of the enforcement of the no-fly zone over Libya! The talking point EVERY commentator used to "justify" the action that had to be taken was it's a "humanitarian mission"! Statements such as "People are being killed and slaughtered by the hundreds" or "They are committing genocide against unarmed civilian people" are slogans that were brought out of the closet, dusted off, and then polished with a new coating and sense of moral outrage in order to mold public opinion regarding the military action that had just been taken. I'm not writing this to justify or condemn the action, but instead I am writing this blog to point out the hypocrisy when it comes to rendering "humanitarian aid," what that means, and to awaken the church that there is a war being fought against it and its basic beliefs!

In 1973, a war began in this country against an "unarmed civilian population" and "genocide" WAS the intent of those prosecuting the war. Images of "enemy casualties" were censored from the airwaves and stories of "saved lives" were repeated ad nauseum to a public well schooled in "Newspeak"! This "Newspeak" language became so entrenched in the modern mind that to speak out against this war brought quick and severe reprisals against anyone who would question the "rightness" of the cause! Over the ensuing years, total and unyielding support for this ongoing war was a used as a barometer to "prove" one's national loyalty, patriotism, and righteousness to those holding or trying to influence power. To protest this particular war was seen as an act of treason and blasphemy against "Big Brother" or "The Elite," and dissent would not be tolerated!

As you may have guessed, I am writing about the war to protect abortion and its many supporters. Politicians, judges, political parties, academicians, entertainers, the news media, religious leaders, and many other cultural influencers have banded together to support this total war on the unborn that is the destruction of an "unarmed civilian population"! Together, they have tried to silence dissent and have continually worked toward the "genocide" of "unwanted children"! Using "Newspeak" language such as "pro-choice," "anti-choice," "fetus,", "viability," "mental health of the mother," and many other redefined and nebulous words, our nation has lost any understanding of such a conversation as we are having now! It is impossible to understand and answer the question properly when the words of the question are meaningless or obfuscate the issue beyond understanding. The interesting thing is those who support the "humanitarian" involvement in Libya are the same ones who zealously support the murder of the unborn in this country. If military support can be given to "unprotected civilians" in another country to save them from total and wanton destruction, how much more should support be given to the "unprotected civilians" in this country who are being executed without any reason, trial, or governmental support! It appears the word "humanitarian" is flexible, redefinable, or void of definitive meaning when it serves one's purpose. It has become "Newspeak" in the highest degree.

At Downriver Christian Community Church, we are celebrating 20 years of support for the unborn and life. We understand that life is a precious gift given to each of us by God himself and the taking of that precious gift can only be on God's terms. To jettison that understanding is to set ourselves adrift culturally, rationally, and spiritually. Where we will end up after that as a people and nation will not be the "utopia" promised by many of our current leaders, but a "hell" promised by God himself in Psalm 9.

As we continue our battle for the life of the unborn, I implore you to consider financially supporting the Melvindale Crisis Pregnancy Center over the next year. The staff and volunteers there need your prayers, finances, and time to fight off the relentless attacks, deceptions, and advancements of the enemy. To receive more information as to how you can help, contact Downriver Christian Community Church at 313.381.4021 and be a part of this very important struggle. "The quickest way of ending a war is to lose it."1. We have no intentions of losing this war or becoming hoodwinked by "Newspeak" language. We will fight the good fight on behalf of those who may never see the light of day and never, never, never, never, never give up!

Pastor Don

1. George Orwell, Polemic, May 1946, "Second Thoughts on James Burnham"

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Mueve te!

Monday, March 14th established the official starting point for Downriver Christian Community Church Tepic, Mexico Mission Trip. Each year in June, Downriver Christian Community Church sends a small team of "missionaries" to Tepic, Mexico for various work and outreach projects. The church has been traveling to the Tepic area for over five years and has been working hand-in-hand with a local pastor and his wife in establishing a Bible-believing church for the people of that area. The overall mission of the trip is to assist the local pastor in building his church both numerically and physically. We have seen many great things accomplished by God during those times and are excited to once again travel back to the area for further work.

All throughout Mexico, Central America, and South America, there has been a mighty move of God's Holy Spirit in the last few years. In those countries, a hunger and passion for the "real" Christianity and the ministry of God's Holy Word have developed! These countries have a long history of being within the "Christian camp," but many times have lacked any real knowledge and life changing experiences with God. All that has been radically changing over the last few years. Bible-believing churches have sprung up all over these countries and have begun to transform the face of their respective nations. From the people to the economic and governmental structures themselves, Christianity is on the move! 

In the next few months, the "missionaries" will undergo intensive preparation and training for the different circumstances they may find themselves in. They will also prepare themselves for the numerous opportunities of presenting the Gospel to all they may encounter. It promises to be an enjoyable time once again. As the team prepares for their mission, may we never forget the commission Jesus has given to each one of us. He told His disciples in Matthew 28 to go into all parts of the world and preach the gospel! At Downriver Christian Community Church, we take His command seriously. Whether it is to a foreign nation or locally, we all have a responsibility to heed  Jesus' command to GO! So, mueve te!

Pastor Don

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Top of the Morning to You!

Top of the morning to ya, and the rest of the day to meself!
- Milton (O'Reilly) Resh

Thursday marks the observance of St. Patrick's Day throughout the Christian world, Although many traditions are celebrated on this day in St. Patrick's honor, what gets lost many times is the story of the man himself and why he did what he did in life. St. Patrick's story is a remarkable account of God's providential hand leading and guiding a young man from an escape from his master whom he had been in service to for almost six years to the return back to the land of his captors in order to bring the liberating message of Jesus Christ. The entire story can be read in his letter entitled Declaration. St. Patrick's story is a great example of a life surrendered to God and God using that life for His glory.

St. Patrick's story is an example of how we may look at our own lives as small and insignificant, but how God can take a small seed and turn it into a mighty vine! The seed that St. Patrick planted in Ireland during his life eventually became a vine that saved Western civilization many years later! Because of his faithfulness, Christianity was saved from extermination in Europe!

I was reminded of Paul and his "chance" landing on the island of Malta. He was on his way to Rome as a prisoner and had been in a hurricane for almost two weeks. The storm had blown the ship off course and death seemed imminent. God appeared to Paul and gave him directions for the preservation of everyone who was on the ship whether good or bad! Following God's directions to the letter, Paul and the occupants of the ship all made it safely ashore. Once upon the shore, they discovered the island was Malta. It was here where they recuperated and were used by God as they awaited transportation to resume their journey.

 Two thousand years later, the island of Malta still commemorates and reflects the "chance" landing of Paul. Christianity still thrives on the island, and there are many churches and sites bearing Paul's name and story. As we reflect on these type of men and their work and sacrifice, may we be inspired to trust God as he directs every detail of our lives. May we plant a seed that one day will bring about the salvation not only of individual souls, but also of nations as well!   

Go mbeannaĆ­ Dia duit,
Pastor Don

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Grow Up!

Recently I was reading in the book of I Samuel about the birth, life, ministry, and influence of Samuel. One of the important things I noticed about his life was a scripture from I Samuel 3:19 that says, "The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up..." Now this particular scripture might not be an earth-rattling and bone-shattering revelation, but it spoke something to me that I believe all Christians should be aware of. The lesson I took from this particular scripture was this: if we are to "grow up," the Lord MUST be with us! What I mean by this is in our spiritual walk, we will never "grow up" unless we cultivate a living relationship with our Savior Jesus and walk with Him and in Him at ALL times. It is imperative that we not only develop a prayer life, fellowship with other believers, a diligent study of the scriptures, and a host of other important growth disciplines, but also it is equally important that we take time to sit at His feet and learn from Him.

Samuel, in his ministry as a young man, was frequently found in the tabernacle. Eli, who was the high priest over the entire nation, could be found most of the time, sitting by the side of the road on a chair! What a contrast we see between a "new believer," who was young and energetic about the ministry, and an "old believer," who was experienced, satisfied, complacent, and indifferent to the spiritual condition of himself, the priesthood, and the nation. The difference between the two is stark, as one desires the place of God's presence while the other loses his spiritual "vision," grows "old" and "fat," and loses any type of spiritual discernment in leading the country!

May we follow the example of Samuel who lived in and loved the presence of God in his life. May we be set apart, like Samuel, to do ministry before the Lord with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength!

Pastor Don