CHICAGO, IL (July 21) - Hardly a week goes by that we do not receive a few comments from readers on stories published as part of the Covenant online news report.

We will share from time to time some of those responses generated through the "comments" link attached to each published story. This kind of feedback is very helpful to our Covenant News Service staff as we seek to identify and publish stories of great interest to a broad spectrum of online readers of this report.

Following are comments relating to recently published stories, edited in some cases for length. To read a particular story of interest, click on the headline.

CHIC Food Project Featured on Knoxville TV

Beatriz Rodriguez of Chicago, IL, writes (translated from her original Spanish): I greatly appreciate that you put this version in Spanish. This is very much needed. Because of this, we are able to understand all of these activities without having to look for someone who can translate - this always takes time. God Bless You!

Walter Contreras of Montclair, CA, writes: Gracias !! Thanks for sharing the news in Spanish.

CHIC: 'Jesus Wants to Enter Your Pain'

Elizabeth Shenlund of Illinois writes: Judy is a wonderful speaker and I am glad I had the ability to hear her three years ago this September. I am so happy our youth had this time with her. The tag team idea sounds very cool. When the kids come back, how do we keep that passion alive in a church that is a bit more traditional?

'No Ordinary Day' for Surprise Guest at CHIC

Greta Dohl of Iron River, MI, writes: I just wanted to thank you for doing this for Zack. I am from his youth group. But, since I am only a freshman, I was not able to attend CHIC. I am also a friend of Zack's brother, Jacob, and know his family well. So, anyway, I cannot thank you enough. It was not only a blessing to those at CHIC, but it was a testimony and blessing to us here in Iron River who got to read and hear about it through those who where there. Thank you so much for being such a blessing to so many!

Chaplain Carl Ramgren of Spring Valley, CA, writes: Thanks for such a wonderful story of God's love shown this 16-year-old at a time he needs it the most. I wish I could have been there. I am just thankful that our son, Tim, is there with his youth group from Rockford, Illinois God is so good.

Karen Walker of Turlock, CA, writes: Please let Zack know that the residents of Covenant Village of Turlock, who have all covenanted to pray for CHIC, have Zack on the top of the list. There will be a prayer time this afternoon during our chapel service for Zack. And four groups will be meeting tomorrow around the campus to pray during the surgery. Thank you for sharing with the Covenant family so we can be part of a "God story" too!

Barbara Baker of Vicksburg, MI, writes: I would like to thank you all for making this possible for my nephew, Zack. God can move mountains and he sure did it again. A special thank you for all who made this possible and for all those who are praying for him. Zack has always been special and I know God will bring him through again.

Elizabeth Shenlund of Illinois writes: This is an awesome story. What the power of God can do. I have seen Zack's mountain moved. I know the other mountain will just be a molehill. God bless the work you all have been doing with the youth.

Shirlee Erb of Mankato, MN, writes: My daughter, Chanteal, called me last night about 11:30 p.m. (Minnesota time). She said it was a very emotional night, and then she shared this young man's story. It is awesome to be able to read on here how it was and, yes, my daughter was right - it is so emotional and awesome. Thanks for making it possible to read the wonderful happenings of the night. When my daughter gets back, I can share about what I read, and that will get her sharing, too.

John Larson of Grand Rapids, MI, writes: Today, I am praising God for the "no ordinary day" that the CHIC youth had that Monday night with Zack. It brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful way to express God's love - to have Zack brought to CHIC to share a special time with not only his friends from Iron River, but with all the other young people and staff. Thank you, Marti, for making this happen. There will be even more than 5,000 people praying Friday morning for Zack! I thank God for CHIC, how He has blessed and used CHIC in so many ways down through the years for the ministry of his son, Jesus. I praise Him for how He blessed my own children through this special ministry. May He continue to send "no ordinary day" experiences to all of us!

Grace W Heinrich of Saint Paul, MN, writes: Nice job, Marti! Thank you, Stan, for sharing this beautiful moment with us in such detail - almost like we were there.

CHIC: Youth Pack Food, Donate to Sudanese

Jodi Boich of Hutchinson, MN, writes: It is nice to see kids having the desire to help out other kids that do not have it as good as them. Us adults should give kids more opportunities to do something like this for a hungry nation. Praise the Lord when kids have the desire to do something nice for others.

Jane Hosman of Fridley, MN, writes: How appropriate to include Nyawaraga's picture on the page telling of the CHIC work for Sudan. She is such an extraordinary young Sudanese woman. We are so proud of her accomplishments and look forward to the way God will use her in the future.

CHIC: A Time to 'Get Real with Jesus'

Krista Kennison of Portland, OR, writes: I am amazed that I logged onto this website in hopes of finding an update on CHIC - and there it was! My son is 17 and at this wonderful event. He worked so hard to get there with all the other kids from First Covenant in Portland. I pray that this will be a time that they will remember their entire lives. Thank you for allowing me (a mom) to take a peek at the "goings on."

Memorial Service Thursday for Doris Anderson

Robert Williams of Mead, E, writes: Carold served as interim pastor at our church a few years ago. He and his wife left a lasting impression. The Mead Covenant Church would like to know where to send a memorial. Will watch for information online. Thank you.

Project Focuses on Rehabilitation of Alaskan Parsonages

Barry Whitesell of Greensboro, NC, writes: I am Elder of Missions at our church and would like more information on this situation. It is a tremendous opportunity for a church like ours to "adopt" a rural Alaskan church for ongoing support and potential mission work trips such as the one mentioned on the article. Thanks for your good work and information.

Heidi Winter of Palmer, AK, writes: Thank you for highlighting the needs of the pastors in the Bush here in Alaska. We have lived in Galen, Kotzebue, and Nome, and know first-hand the challenges of living and ministering in rural Alaska. Perhaps this news item will inspire others to come and help!

Charity Golf Event Renamed to Honor Antwan Williams

Sharon Held of Lafayette, IN, writes: This is the first news I heard about Antwan. I also served at Covenant Harbor as camp nurse for a few weeks and really enjoyed his maturity for his years. He truly was one of a kind and his love for our Lord and his campers was so evident. It is so good to be on this news. Thanks for having it.

Amanda St. John of Andover, MN, writes: I was a classmate of Antwan's this past year at college. I am just one of the many people who were blessed to have known him. It's amazing how he touched so many lives and is still making an impact on people even today. Antwan talked so highly of Covenant Harbor and of all the wonderful experiences he had there. It's so good to hear that they're naming this charity after him, and that even more kids will get to have the same life changing experience that Antwan had.

Pastor Joins Chaplain Ranks to Help Fill a Need

Marilyn E. Moore of Somerville, MA, writes: Praise God! I asked prayer for our pastors serving as chaplains at our Annual Meeting, as well as our members serving in the various Armed Forces here and in danger overseas. May each member of the Evangelical Covenant Church have the courage to pray daily for these godly servants who have chosen to serve their country and God in many places. I would like to challenge everyone to daily pray for these men and women. Some are so young. Older chaplains like Rev. Riley will have the experience in life to guide the young folks in his care and the wisdom to assure them of God's care for them.

Older Stories

Occasionally we receive comments about stories published some time ago. Most often, readers come across them while topically perusing search engines or when visiting the online Covenant News Archive maintained by Covenant News Service. We appreciate reader comments at any time about any story that has appeared as part of our online Covenant news report.

Services Held for Longtime Minnehaha Conductor Harry Opel

Gary L. Opel of Cedar Lake, IN, writes: I just found out about this page and the tribute to my late uncle. I have enjoyed it very much! Thank you.

Hope for Ministry in China is Rekindled

Rev Ikechi Kalu of Doualar, Litoral Province, Cameroun, CAR, writes: The mission and ministry of Evangelical Covenant Church are the heartbeat of Christ to China. Your ministry visions and missions to China this period come in the right time when it is needed, because as the nation China is growing in all angles, the Gospel of Christ needs to be carried along at the same time, too. Here in Africa, some missionaries are desiring the tremendous works that the ECC is doing in China. In this end time of the harvest of our Lord Christ Jesus, we are together facing the challenges of this period and there is no going back.