A few weeks ago, Pastor Tom Stipe was a guest on the podcast. We had a great conversation about how to maintain joy in ministry. You can listen to the original show here.
What we didn’t know was that an hour before Tom joined us he’d received a phone call from his daughter with troubling news about her pregnancy. And yet he still made the show and shared his wisdom on how to maintain joy. What a great example of serving even when we may not feel like it.
Because we often record other items after a podcast is completed, we don’t turn off our microphones right away. We captured this additional conversation right after the show, and Tom has given us permission to share it with the network.
Please take the time to send a card to Tom’s family. I know they will appreciate it.
Rick
6 responses so far ↓
Bill Davenport // June 6, 2007 at 8:02 am
Hi! I just wanted to offer a little balance to this … I know folk who have downs babies/children and even though it is a lot of work (what kid isn’t??), people with downs are often the most loving, kind and wonderful people on the planet! I do understand that it’s fine and normal to grieve and feel loss when our lives don’t turn out the way we planned (whose does?) but to make it sound like this news was as if someone had died or been cursed or something can really fly in the face of those parents who love their child with down syndrome. It may make those parents who are listening to you feel like you pity them … that their child is somehow “less” of a child in your eyes …
… just thought I’d put in my two cents worth and offer a balance to the mourning and grieving parts of this … my prayers are with the family …
Grace and peace to you!
- Bill Davenport
Mark // June 8, 2007 at 4:14 am
Dear Rick,
Thanks for passing along this part of the conversation. I have prayed for Tom and his family, and I will continue to pray. Please let him know how much we were blessed by his willingness to be used his in moment of sorrow.
Joyfully,
Mark
Rebecca Worthers // June 8, 2007 at 8:01 am
I appreciate the honesty in Tom’s response and learning that a child might possibly have an iillness or disease that will affect their entire life and opportunities for their future is tough. Going on the radio within an hour of finding out something like this takes guts and though it might be nice to have immediate balance and a positive attitude its not always reality. I appreciate the realness, sensitivity and reaction of all involved in this podcast and was moved by it. We are praying for the Stipe family.
Rev. Anthony White // June 11, 2007 at 10:08 pm
It was wonderful to hear brothers in the Lord share with each other at time of difficulties. That’s what christianity is all about.
Thanks for being open and human, Pastor Stipe.
Albert Mwansa // June 15, 2007 at 7:55 am
ever since we heard about your situation we ve been standing with you in prayer that the hand of the Lord be upon your daugther, thanks for sharing with us we shall continue praying for you may the good Lord see you through.
Michael Murray // June 21, 2007 at 7:19 am
Thank you to Tom and RIck for sharing and allowing their transparency to encourage others. I’m sure many are now praying for Tom and his family. Our prayer warriors are the cloud of witnesses.
Tom also showed that having Joy in ministry is more a matter of faith than circumstances. Thanks