Newsletter Issue 1, Fall/Winter 2007-2008 - Articles

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Newsletter Issue 1, Fall/Winter 2007-2008

"The Lord is good to all, compassionate to every creature." Psalm 145:9 NAB

Welcome to God’s Creatures Ministry
by Jan Fredericks, M.A., L.P.C.

God’s Creatures Ministry (GCM) was founded in 2001 while I lived in rural Pennsylvania (in the Poconos). It was there I realized that cats, dogs and ‘wildlife’ suffered and needed people to help them. While I tried to help many stray cats and a few chained dogs, I realized that churches did not seem to care about God’s creatures and trapping and hunting was the way of life even for fellow Christians.

While attending college in Scranton, I responded to a poster about the suffering of circus elephants. I was referred to Teresa D’Amico who connected me to Rev. Frank Hoffman, Rev. J.R. Hyland, Frances Arnetta, and The Fund for Animals where I read an article by Norm Phelps describing how animals needed religion especially Christians to help them. It was then when God spoke to my heart and God’s Creatures Ministry came into existence. Since I lived in hunting country, I was curious what God thought about hunters and hunting. I called Rev. Hyland’s organization, Humane Religion, and was told that they had a pamphlet about Christians, Jews and hunting. It was like receiving a letter from heaven when it arrived. I began to realize that it is not an option for Christians to care for animals, but our obligation and commission to do so. I believe that the Holy Spirit is trying to teach us about actively speaking out for animals, but the question is “Are we listening”? Best Friends has an Animals & Religion initiative which is an online community at www.network.bestfriends.org/religion. They invite everyone to join. They are bringing religious leaders together to work on such things as planning a Summit, so check their website for updated information!.

Since GCM’s founding, we have distributed our brochures and other informative leaflets at conferences and have staffed educational tables, attended and organized demonstrations supporting animals’ rights. Last year, we held our first conference at Caldwell College in New Jersey. Rev. Frank and Mary Hoffman, Stephen Kaufman, M.D., Deborah Jones and others motivated us with their commitment and knowledge of Scripture. Steve Ember emphasized the point that animals have been teaching us and continue to teach us values such as unconditional love and loyalty and Judy Carman gave some practical advice for churches. The DVD from this conference “Christian Concern For All God’s Creatures” is available from GCM for a $15 donation. It has been getting thumbs up from other countries outside the USA. It is a great outreach tool with many resources and questions for discussion.

We encourage churches and communities to establish their own unique animal ministry. While we try to help people with vet bills, it is only a drop in the bucket and could use your help to raise funds. We have an annual walkathon to raise money to help people and we need sponsors like you for our upcoming walk this October. We also help with the animal blessing service at The Wayne United Methodist Church where we choose a local person to honor. We encourage churches to have a Bible study using Teri Wilson’s textbook, All Creatures Of Our God and King: What God’s Word Says About Animals. It is a great way to have friendly discussions concerning God and animals.

Animals are important to God who put them in our care to protect and care for. Hebrews 4:13 says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” There are many Scriptures supporting our call to be God’s servants on earth and creation is waiting for the revelation of the children of God – hoping to be set free from slavery to corruption (see Romans 8:19-22). Ultimately, Jesus will redeem the whole world (cosmos), but until that day, we keep busy doing God’s will on earth as it is in heaven

The Story of Francis

In the fall of 2000, Francis, a one-week old kitten, was thrown from a car window in Garfield, NJ. Some teenagers brought him to Catherine, known for helping strays. She named him after the patron saint of animals and he became a beloved companion who sits with Catherine as she prays her daily rosary. This spring, Francis was very ill and required costly surgery. With the help of GCM’s Vet Charity Fund and transportation, Francis received the surgery he needed. Catherine says “I have no doubt that, without the help of God’s Creatures Ministry, Francis would not be here today. I am so grateful.”

As of August, 2007, we have distributed more than $1,000 from the Veterinary Charity Fund. There is a constant need for assistance from this fund.

Recommended Websites

The Hoffman Family Foundation
www.all-creatures.org

Best Friends Animals & Religion
www.network.bestfriends.org/religion

The Yorade Movement
www.ipetitions.com/petition/yorademovement/

God’s Creatures Ministry Welcomes
Deacon Joe Dwyer

Deacon Joe Dwyer is a Permanent Deacon in the Archdiocese of Newark and is assigned to Holy Family Church in Nutley, NJ. His compassion and love for animals is a passion for Deacon Joe who supports several charities with his time and talents. He is also a certified Veterinary Technician. He recently attended a retreat for religious leaders at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah. He lives in Nutley, NJ with his wife Geralynn, his two children and their three dogs.

Board Members

Jan Fredericks - Founder /President
Mary Sepede, - Vice President
Jeanne Sylvester- Treasurer
Laurie Roberts- Secretary
Anne DuHaime
Rev. Frank & Mary Hoffman
Rev. J.R. Hyland
Nancy Voitko, S.F.O.
Deacon Joe Dwyer

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God's Creatures Ministry is committed to spreading God's compassion to all He has made based on The Scriptures. Although we are a Christian Ministry, we encourage all to have their own animal welfare committee in their community. We extend our resources to those who would like to learn more or begin their own God's Creatures Ministry as an extension of us. God created us to have a vegetarian diet and commissioned us to protect His animals. Instead, we have exploited them for our entertainment, fashion, appetite and useless, torturous research. These creatures have the right to live as they were created to live. Because we live IN this world, but are not OF this world, we strive to bring God's mercy and justice to all. We live in God's Kingdom now where Jesus, The Sacrificial Lamb, The Prince of Peace, The Lion of Judah reigns. We look forward to that day when all of creation will be 'set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God' (Romans 8:21) where a little child will lead and guide God's creatures (see Isaiah 11:5-9).