Howdy everybody...ol'brother Ray has been absent and missing in action from the Discussion Board! I have noticed that gas prices are rising and predicted to peak to at least $3.00 a gallon! This news placed a damper upon Ray and his little Raylettes(excuse me Ray Charles)summer vacation plans! Not only is gas high, but the cost to keep the church is rising...and today the temp is 25. Better turn down the thermostat and turn up the preaching! I was tempted to purchase and "style" in that new Escalade...or that black on black in black "gator" (Navigator), but common sense prevailed. The ol'Raymobile is just fine! I imagine numerous "parsons" will rethink certain costs and expenditures. I, for one, have curtailed certain activities...namely "stylin' and profilin'"...just too expensive in fuel costs! What are some ideas or actions which could be implemented to offset or better yet cope with the rising costs of gas and heating fuel! It could be worse...we could be in Europe where $3.00 a gallon is a bargain in some countries!

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2004

Answers

Parson Ray - Interesting you should raise the issue about the rising cost of gasoline prices because my next economic column for the local newspaper will focus on mass transit and diversified energy. The basic problem is not so much rising gas prices but the housing decisions we make resulting in people living considerably distant from work, downtown and yes, church. The concept of neighborhood churches is becoming a fleeting memory. Suburban and ex-urban sprawl put added pressure on fuel costs. Our "villages" are no longer defined by proximity but instead by long commute time. Some of us actually live and work and worship in different area codes! I need to talk with you about the General Conference. Send me a private email. Thanks. QED

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2004

Yes, I have felt the rise in prices! Gas prices in Chicago are almost up to $2.00 per gallon and rising. Fortunately, I haven't felt the rise with my house gas bill because we are on the budget, but certainly we've felt it with the gasoline prices.

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2004

Yes, I have also noticed that the price of gas prices have risen also. An economics Professor from Yale said on the Jim Lehrer Newshour that the price of gas has gone up because the price of crude oil has risen.

That's true but the total quantity of crude oil in this world is fixed but OPEC controls the amount that is pumped and refined. In short, we are being abused because of the OPEC minister's greed. Of course, the economics professor wouldn't say so but believe you me somebody is making money at our expense.

Jazzman

-- Anonymous, March 13, 2004

We Saints are always talking about the problem but never going to the Soloution. The Word says "If MY people who are are called by MY name shall humble themselves and pray seek MY face and turn from THEIR WICKED (TWISTED) WAYS THEN I WILL HEAR FROM HEAVEN AND I WILL HEAL THEIR LAND" see God is using this opportunity for the Saints to come and interceed and destroy the strongholds that is keeping the gas and oil bound. We have the power thorugh FASTING and prayer to pull down these strongholds. You know I truly beleive (and I will probably get feekback from this....anyway) that since we are in this world and the Satan also known the "god of this world" don't you think he has been given the authority to control whatever is on this earth unless we take what Jesus has given and bind and loose this stuff! We want to sit like victims and allow the devil to control everything in our lives even the gas!!! When I lived in Chicago a few years ago, and I was paying up to $2.00 a gallon. The Saints I hung out we got tired of paying the high prices so we got together and started praying against this demonic stronghold. After praying for 5 months, we noticed that the prices went down. See you can do alot through fasting and prayer. So my suyggesting to you is, get some on fire believing Saints come together push back your plate and get before the Lord and pray until He answers and the prices go down. God will answer. Remember we have the power to change the course of things in the earth.

Striving to be like Him! Lori Phil 1:20-21

-- Anonymous, March 21, 2004