Religion Replaces Love

After 30 years my perspective on our merger with Carlo has changed. We were young and passionate. Carlo and his folks were pioneers as well. They were trying to break free from tradition and seek God with all of their heart. The difference between the two groups was the baggage that each were carrying was quite different. Carlo's gang still acted churchy and religious. They really couldn't help themselves. That was their background. They didn't want to appear to be anything like a cult and so they conducted themselves much like the Methodist and Presbyterians that met down the road.

Our group was very much out of the 60's culture. We loved bonding together and the gatherings at my house revolved around music, worship and friendship. Our bags were full of youthful zeal and a bit of disdain for the establishment. Our generation naturally bonded together because of the fear that was surrounding us daily. The Vietnam war, assassinations, the Kent State shootings all had a tremendous impact on my generation. There was an insecurity that needed mended and our new life in Christ is exactly what we needed.

The merger began to wear on everybody. There were some good times but things were different now and it seemed like we lost our fervor for the things of God. My heart was heavy. I was in constant prayer over what to do. Dar and I were about to have our first child and so I concentrated on my job a bit more. Pastor Ron would come down from Pittsburgh occasionally and visit the gathering in our home. He was always reassuring and encouraging our group. We stayed together as a group but our joy was stolen by religion. We were very confused with our role at the Branch Christian Center but we tried to remain faithful to Carlo and his desire to see a church grow in the Follansbee area. He was a good man but something was missing. Something precious had left us and we all knew it but we seemed to have no control over the situation.

I clung to Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose

Next up.....

Going Back to the Burgh!