Are you a Christian who is suffering for God?

Purposeful Suffering, I have suffered greatly because  of depressive episodes and the loss of a child. What has helped me the  most I think, is that our Sovereign God who chose me before the foundation of the world  to be a new creature in Christ, uses trials and troubles of many different kinds to accomplish His purpose in making me more like the Son of God.  Suffering/Glory themes in the Bible are a study in and of itself!

My wife Robyn and I  talked about having four children before we were married.  And by the grace of God we were able to do so. We never thought that we would lose Lindsay, our only daughter in a car accident  Lindsay and her daughter Emily Hope were killed by a man in a car who never had a driver's license  and who had  a history of juvenile felonies. On September 11, 2001 he had  been abusing drugs with his two friends. This man according to the Michigan State Forensic office had enough heroin and cocaine in his blood  to put six men down.  He hit Lindsay's car head on, we were right behind her and saw it.   She was eight months pregnant and was going to pick up her husband from his place of employment. She had left the prayer meeting which was called by our pastor that day, to pray for the nation.. I can't began to tell you of the horror of that accident and of hearing the Chief of Police say, I am sorry, she has passed.  But  God had a purpose for our suffering.
He was and always is  in control of everything that happens to His beloved children.  He does not effect evil but He is in control of all things.  This truth is wonderfully seen  in Isaiah 42:;7, which states, I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the LORD, do all these things.

In our book Broken Minds Hope for Healing When You  Feel Like You're Losing It, (Kregel Publications)  Robyn and I talk about the depths of suffering that are experienced by those who are depressed and those who have other types of mental illness.  The spirit of a man sustains his sickness but a wounded spirit who can bear, Proverbs 14:12
When we suffer we are given a choice.  Will we continue to persevere in the faith and glorify God by worshipping Him or will we become offended when things happen to us because we don't understand why we have to suffer.
Our Lord Jesus encouraged and admonished John the Baptist when the  prophet was having serious doubts about whether Christ was the Messiah and was locked up in Herod's dark dungeon  Our Lord Jesus Christ  said said to him (by way of messengers that had come from John). Go and report to John what you hear and see:the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them ;"And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me."

Below is one of the greatest statements about the assurance that we must all suffer but it is part of the plan and program of God.
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren   and these whom He predestined, He also called ; and these whom He called, He also justified ; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.   What then shall we say to these things ? If God is for us, who is against us?   Romans 8:28-32 .

 The quote by Spurgeon below has often comforted me in my afflictions.

… But this is the lesson for you.  You only have to bear your  burden for a certain length of time.  The God who appointed you to bear it, also determined  when you were to begin to bear it, and when you are to leave off bearing it.  When God says you only to have ten troubles, the , the devil cannot make eleven of them; and you cannot reduce them to nine.  Every particle of bitterness that is to go in your cup is dropped out with all the care of a qualified dispenser, and there will not be one drop more of bitterness in your cup, than the Lord knew was necessary to make the medicine just what it should be.  I do delight in this truth, and I hope that you do also.”  Spurgeon, Charles. Spurgeon’s Expository Encyclopedia of Sermons, (1984) Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, Volume 2,  p.288
Please visit our new web site. http://www.heartfeltmin.org/.

Read more about our book at
http://books.google.com/books/about/Broken_Minds.html?id=HQAzGHfmdJUC

Oh Love that will not let me go.

Hi Readers,
I have posted a blog whose author is Pastor Shane Lems from Sunnyside, Washington.  I am especially excited about it because Shane is a pastor.  While I'm at it, another thing I like about Shane is that he reads the Puritans.  I have been accused of needing to be dragged from the 20th (and now 21st) century kicking and screaming.





My response, He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm, (Proverbs 13:20).
We also have study guides that help a person learn how to start, conduct and lead a Christian mental illness support group.  If you are interested in a study/leader's guide please email me @ camimovement@yahoo.com.
Below is Shane's blog

Two weeks ago, I recommended this book on depression from a solid Christian perspective: Christians Get Depressed Too by David Murray. Since then, Steve and Robyn Bloem kindly sent me a copy of the book they wrote on this topic: Broken Minds: Hope for Healing When You Feel Like You’re ‘Losing It.’ I admit I wasn’t sure what to expect before I read this book (I’ve received some very odd books in the past!). However, having read it, I have to say it is outstanding. In fact, it is better than outstanding. It is one of those books you’ll read and not soon forget.

The book is partially an autobiography by Steve and Robyn on the ‘hell’ of depression that Steve faced while in the pastoral ministry back in the 1980′s (when views on depression were a bit different than they are now). I don’t want to give any spoilers here, but suffice it to say I was in tears during parts of this book, only to later rejoice in the grace God showed to the Bloems as they rested upon him through their struggles. If you are a pastor who has struggled with depression – either mild or severe – you must get this book soon. Though I don’t suffer from depression, the Bloem’s story was helpful and edifying to me in more ways than I can list here.

This book is also about how Christians should deal with depression in a wise, medically informed, and biblical manner. Since Steve has gone through the dark fog of depression, his wisdom in this area is invaluable. He talks about how nouthetic counseling can be damaging to those with endogenous (biological) depression. He also talks about the dangers of some secular approaches to depression. And he evaluates the integrationist approach and points out its strengths and weaknesses.

  Before reading Broken Minds, I only knew a little about the different medicines and methods for treating chronic depression. Though I still do not know it all, this book has reminded me to weep with those who weep and it has given me a respect for medical professionals who work with depressed people. Finally, I now better understand the courage, strength, faith, and grace it takes for Christians to struggle through the dark fog of depression.

The Bloems also talk about theology as it relates to depression. I loved how they interacted with the Puritans’ explanations of melancholy. There’s even an appendix that gives Thomas Manton and Thomas Goodwin’s meditations on Isaiah 50:10. The authors state how God uses afflictions for our good and they show the importance of the Christian church and fellowship for those who fight depression.

I’ll have to come back to this book later and give some specific quotes that I found helpful. For the time being, please trust me when I say that Broken Minds is a necessary resource for those of you struggling with depression or those of you who have loved ones struggling with this. Pastors, you should get this book to help you understand depression, help you address it in the pulpit when the text allows, and help you counsel those with depression. Actually, I recommend this book for all Christians who want to read a testimony of God’s grace that brings Christians through the valley of the shadow of death. The Bloems have been in the shadow, and they describe it well. But they also know the Shepherd who leads them, and the book ultimately is about him.

Thank you, Steve and Robyn, for putting your story, wisdom, and counseling in words for us. I have no doubt the Lord will use your story in this book to help other Christians in many ways. This book is a help for pilgrims making their way heavenward while slogging through the fog of depression. And Amen, we do have great hope in Christ, that one day in the New Creation our infirmities will be totally gone.

shane lems

sunnyside wa

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The Frightening E.C.T. Response to Mental Illness

This is an excerpt from our book Broken Minds Hope for Healing When You Feel Like You're Losing It    (2005) Copyright All Rights Reserved Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, MI

The Frightening E.C.T. Response to Mental Illness, pp. 126

Robyn: “Please Anything but E.C.T.”!  {ECT stands for Electro Convulsive Therapy).

When Steve’s antidepressant medications stop working, or as mental health people say, “poop out”, the question arises: “ Now what?”  For a while we believed that, since we once had been so violently overpowered by this monster, it could never really get to us again. Unfortunately, knowing the characteristics of an enemy does not necessarily grant the power to elude it. We confronted this in 1991 when Steve’s medication was “pooping out” and he was becoming deeply depressed.  We were living in West Palm Beach when Steve started to be a little absent minded.  He was having trouble concentrating.  Then  he seemed overly sentimental, especially toward the children.  He developed separation anxiety, when away from me.

Finally, his moods crashed to hand-wringing, pacing, deep, dark weeping depression.  For weeks, doctors worked on his medication levels.  It was a ride nowhere. Then we found ourselves in the office of a very caring general practitioner who had an unusually strong interest in clinical depression.  After a few weeks of experimentation with the new drugs, the doctor asked, “Do you want to try E.C.T., Steve?”    He sat on the floor next to Steve, telling him how it would help him.  The thought scared me to death.  No. of course he would not that try that barbaric treatment. To my surprise, Steve answered with a hearty, “Yes!”

Losing His Mind?

Electroconvulsive therapy—shock treatments.  I envisioned those black-and-white- pictures of mental hospitals and my husband eternally shuffling around in pajamas.  I asked about memory loss. The doctor reminded me that depression itself damages memory.  Once again, a church in Kansas wanted him as pastor.  Our house was on the market to be sold so we could move.  Boxes were packed in the living room, now four children were looking for stability, and I had another deacon board to call.  It was happening all over again.

Steve was admitted to the hospital as an E.C.T. candidate. Staff checked his physical condition. After tests, we met the anesthesiologist, Steve’s room was assigned, and I was summarily dismissed.  I had to leave him alone there nervous, depressed, anxious, crying, and pacing endlessly around the halls. He had to call me from a pay phone.  He was back in “groups” again, part of the drill to reap E.C.T benefit.

Steve somehow survived the week end.  He was to have his first treatment on Monday. I could go up to see him afterward.  Monday morning.  Our families had been praying for him. We were all apprehensive.

After the treatment, I rushed up.  When I walked into the recovery area, he was reclining in a chair with an I.V. running, listening to the radio. He turned and asked, without changing his expression, “Do I know you?”   Blood drained from my face.  Then he grinned.  I really felt like beating him up.  He proceeded to tell me what was wrong with the theology of the preacher he was listening to on the radio. Not bad.

Everyone had assured me that memory loss would be insignificant, and it was.  Mainly he lost track of current events, the details of the Gulf War that was then in progress. Every day over thirty-two days of his hospitalization, he lost a little more memory abut world news.  He had other lapses, but once he was reminded, he could recall it.

The doctor told me that the memory is like a row of tabs, each connected to the next.  When Steve didn’t remember something,  I should go back until I found an associated event in time or a subject that he did recall.  Then his brain would link events automatically.  Soon the events and circumstances of our lives were safely tucked in his mind again, right where they belonged.  He eventually remembered just about everything.   His long term memory was never affected.

I could not argue that the E.C.T. was doing its intended job.  He was still depressed but noticeably improving.  The swap of minor memories for suicidal thoughts was well worth it.

If you would like to know more about Broken Minds Hope for Healing It,  please go to: http://books.google.com/books/about/Broken_Minds.html?id=HQAzGHfmdJUC

You can email me camimovement@yahoo.com

Please help me my child has bipolar disorder

The most popular question that I am asked by families of those who have mental illness is; "How can I convince my daughter (son) she has bipolar disorder and needs effective clinical  treatment for it?"  These care givers are often at the "end of their rope". They are are devastated that their loved one is undergoing a brain storm.  They want to know how they can help her and why are they so resistant to treatment.


I have bipolar 2 disorder and it is nothing to be ashamed of, in fact it gives me great empathy in helping others with brain and mood disorders. It also makes me more of an effective pastoral counselor in relating to those who are "branded" because of their awful painful disease.
Let us not be deceived, being a Christian does not make you or your family not have bipolar disorder.  With the risk of being called nonspiritual; I would like to give some educational points about it in the next few blogs. 

What is Bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a serious brain illness. It is also called manic-depressive illness. People with bipolar disorder go through unusual mood changes. Sometimes they feel very happy and “up,”and are much more active than usual. This is called mania.And sometimes people with bipolar disorder feel very sad  and “down,” and are much less active. This is called
depression. Bipolar disorder can also cause changes in energy and behavior.

Bipolar disorder is not the same as the normal ups and
downs everyone goes through. Bipolar symptoms are more
powerful than that. They can damage relationships and
make it hard to go to school or keep a job. They can also be
dangerous. Some people with bipolar disorder try to hurt
themselves or attempt suicide.People with bipolar disorder can get treatment.
With help, they can get better and lead successful lives.

Who develops bipolar disorder?

Anyone can develop bipolar disorder. It often starts in a person’s late teen or early adult years. But children and adults can have bipolar disorder too. The illness usually lasts a lifetime.

What causes bipolar disorder?
Several factors may contribute to bipolar disorder,
including:
1. Genes, because the illness runs in families
2. Abnormal brain structure and brain function.

The causes of bipolar disorder aren’t always clear. Scientists
are finding out more about the disorder by studying it. This
research may help doctors predict whether a person will
get bipolar disorder. One day, it may also help doctor prevent the illness in some people.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar mood changes are called “mood episodes.” People may have manic episodes, depressive episodes, or “mixed” episodes. A mixed episode has both manic and depressive symptoms. These mood episodes cause symptoms that last a week or two—sometimes longer. During an episode, the symptoms last every day for most of the day. Mood episodes are intense. The feelings are strong and happen along with extreme changes in behavior and energy levels.

 People having a manic episode may:
 Feel very “up” or “high” Feel “jumpy” or “wired"
Talk really fast about a lot of different things.
Be agitated, irritable, or “touchy”
Have trouble relaxing or sleeping
Think they can do a lot of things at once and are more active than usual
 Do risky things, like spend a lot of money or have
reckless sex.

People having a depressive episode may:

Feel very “down” or  feel worried and empty
Have trouble concentrating
Forget things a lot
Lose interest in fun activities and become less active
Feel tired or “slowed down”
Have trouble sleeping
Think about death or suicide.

This material is from the NIMH of the United States.  It has no copyright.

Broken Minds was coauthored by Steve and Robyn Bloem and published by Kregel Publications
If you would like to view actual pages of the book please go to the link below.
to http://books.google.com/books/about/Broken_Minds.html?id=HQAzGHfmdJUC

Nigerian Christians killed by a suicide bomber

Hebrews 10:32-39

But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings:   partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated;   for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.    Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.   For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:   "For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.   Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him."     But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.  

The Hebrew believers are reminded by its writer of what they did when they were first saved.  They endured a great conflict of sufferings.   They not only were persecuted by being insulted; they had to endure affliction of many kinds, that  set them forth as a spectacle to the world, exposed to contempt.

The text, in Hebrews 10:34, tells us they suffered because they showed sympathy and partnered with their brothers and sisters who were in prison.  This apparently resulted in their losing their houses. 
But even in the midst of that they had joy.

 Now they had become weary in running the Christian race. t most likely demoralization had set in and Satan was tormenting them. through enemies on all sides.  The writer of Hebrews tells them they need endurance, they should not throw away the confidence because in the future they will be greatly rewarded.

Christians across the world are being insulted, beaten, ostracized, tortured and imprisoned.

Some of you who are experiencing severe persecution may be able to read this blog.  I pray that you would be strengthened by the Holy Spirit to persevere in the faith.  Many of us in the United States,Great Britain. Canada, Australia and other countries. are praying for you.

If you are blood bought child of God, then somehow (especially when given the opportunity) you must show sympathy to those who are persecuted.  Why? Your part of the body.  If one member suffers, we all do.  You can go to actually send a letter in the language of those who are in prison.  http://www.prisoneralert.com/ And of course you can pray.  Here is the latest.

VOM-USA Prayer Update for June 15, 2012 On Wed. Jun 13 2012 at 02:55 PM Moderator wrote: Nigeria -- Boko Haram Attacks Church During Worship Service Sources: Compass Direct News, Punch (Nigerian Newspaper) Suicide bombers attacked the Living Faith Church in Yelwa, Nigeria, on Sunday, June 3, killing at least 13. Eight more deaths were later attributed to soldiers who responded to the blast. The Muslim extremist group Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the bombing, which also damaged the nearby Harvest Field Church. More than 60 people were taken to hospitals for treatment, 38 in critical condition. The suicide bomber detonated his bomb after his vehicle was stopped at a security checkpoint in front of the church compound. In a statement sent to journalists last week, a Boko Haram spokesman promised more violence. The group is responsible for the deaths of at least 181 Christians since December. The pastor of the Living Faith Church, Gauis Biyal, urged Christians not to seek revenge. Pray for peace in Nigeria, and pray that Christians there will be motivated to follow Christ wholeheartedly, at any cost. Indonesia -- Two Evangelists Arrested and Beaten in Banda Aceh Sources: VOM ContactsTwo evangelists were arrested and beaten after meeting with a Muslim woman on Indonesia’s Sumatra island. The evangelists, Roy and Ribur, were accused of coercing the woman, from a Muslim majority area, to be baptized. The pair had met with the woman previously and asked her to join their church. They were subsequently invited to her home on Wednesday, May 28, for further discussion. But when the evangelists mentioned Jesus Christ, the woman appeared confused and went outside to talk with her neighbor. She eventually went to the village head to report that there were Christians in the village. Roy and Ribur were then brought before the village head, who confiscated their bags containing gospel tracts, a list of new believers and a water bottle that was believed to be used for baptisms. News of the “forced” baptism quickly spread, and a mob that had gathered outside the village leader’s office began to beat Roy and Ribur. Police intervened and arrested the two evangelists. Pray for Roy and Ribur, and pray that God will soften the hearts of the people in Banda Aceh. Laos -- Officials Seek Evangelists Responsible for Christian ConversionsSources: VOM ContactsPolice in Laos are looking for the evangelists who led 55 Hmong people to Christ in two different provinces in May. In one province, 45 people converted to Christianity. “Police are searching for the one who spread the Good News,” wrote a VOM contact. In Luang Prabang province, a Christian evangelist led 10 people to Christ. Provincial officials there know who introduced the families to Christ and have reported the information to authorities. This worker is now being watched. Pray for the protection of this worker as well as the protection of other Hmong evangelists in the region. North KoreaVOM ProjectPray for those involved in the production and broadcast of one-hour radio programs. The programs include hymns and readings from the Bible and VOM books. ************* Suggested Links www.persecution.com The Voice of the Martyrs official homepage. Find links to our programs, read news about recent events, and learn more about the organization. http://www.prisoneralert.com/ Write to a Christian Prisoner in their own language! Use our letter-writing template online to build your letter, and send it by mail to a needy Christian.

Two more on 9/11, the story of Lindsay Ruth Bloem Hoover

Copyright - All Rights Reserved, 2012  from a book which Robyn and I are writing.

Severe Turmoil

Amidst the constant turmoil that had become our lives, Lindsay threw her backpack over her shoulder and threatened to “just move out.” I shook inside thinking of all the awful things that could occur if she were to really do that.  When that day finally did come, I was much braver than I ever thought I could be.  I had grown so tired of the threats and the confusion about her whereabouts.  She would tell us that she’d be spending the night with her college friend in the dorm and she wasn’t there.  She had started spending the night with her friend, Bill…on the futon. He was her all powerful rescuer from her “oppressive Christian parents.”  He took her in when no one else would…she had offers from many parents who assumed because of all the trouble we were having, that we just didn’t love her anymore, didn’t care where she ended up and supposed that we had just put her out.  Not one parent ever called us to ask what was going on. One family took her with them on Spring break without ever having spoken to us about our situation.  This friend’s mother also put her own daughter on birth control later so she “wouldn’t end up like Lindsay Bloem” --pregnant.

So, when she threatened to leave that last time, I told her (quite miraculously for the coward that I am) that she could step completely out of God’s will for her life, make a terrible mistake in sin and the moment she did, it would turn into God’s will for me to live with.  I told her I knew the Lord and I knew what He expected us to do as parents and He would give me grace to deal with her rebellion.  I was really very thankful that God gave me that attitude because it did not come naturally.

Not So Fast

She left for a few days and then decided since she wasn’t in school anymore, there was really nothing else that could be done to her,  she reasoned, she could come home.  There were no rules to follow; she could smoke, she could come and go, stay out all night with no consequences.  One morning I woke up around 6a.m. and she wasn’t in her room. I went back downstairs and looked around the house. Going across the living room, I looked anxiously out of the window and fainted. I remember hearing myself in my imaginations saying to the police, “I don’t really know the guy; but he lives a couple of miles down the road and he was the last person to see her.”  I was half afraid she’d be one of those stories of being killed by an unknown “boyfriend.”  Turned out, he wasn’t a sadistic killer, just an opportunist who took advantage of a situation that had fallen literally in his lap.

She did show up that morning, appearing safe and sound, but we knew that the upheaval she was causing in our home was not even close to acceptable.  Steve and I knew that we couldn’t have our family always arguing, fighting, yelling, threatening, crying…scenes that I know are repeated around the United States behind the wreathed doorways of suburban America.  The ones that nobody wants to talk about; the rebels of our churches who come to the services on Sunday morning, hung over from partying the night before, dimwitted parents who turn the other way and hope nobody ever finds out what is going on in their lovely, peaceful homes.  I know this is true, because these kids were the friends and acquaintances of our kids. Many of them smelled like smoke, and alcohol during their  high school years , got in trouble on a regular basis and posted pictures of themselves on social networks in various forms of degradation. Their parents describe them as “doing very well.” I remember the first time I heard the acronym, MIP. I had never heard of that until one of our son’s friends was charged with it.  Minor in Possession…not good for the record and dangerously deadly when it happens behind the wheel of a car.

 Robyn Bloem

more to come