I thought I would post a re-introduction on the board, as I have been out of the loop for the past several months.....
This is Doc in Orlando. Former Assemblies of God missionary and pastor, serving the Lord in ministry for the past fifteen years in Christian media, primarily radio and the internet.
I have been working a lot lately (two full-time jobs), and it has been difficult to keep up with all the information on the board. I regret not being able to make the retreat in October, but when the dates changed, I was unable to make the accomodation with work.
I just want to say "Hello!" to all the new people on the board the past several months...WOW! Lots of new people! Welcome aboard!
My story: several years ago when the marriage amendment was being proposed in Florida, I was challenged to Biblically define 'marriage'. This led me down a road of discovery regarding the issue of polygyny in the Scriptures. It also resulted in a 'crisis of faith' as to whether I truly believed the Bible, or man's interpretation of it. The choice I made was that God's Word was weightier than man's opinion.
My 'coming out' (I hate that term) regarding Christian polygyny resulted in the separation and eventual divorce with my wife of 22 years. Both of my children (daughter 20, son 18) are accepting of Dad and his beliefs, though do not necessarily agree with them.
Today I manage a Christian radio station, and my son lives with me while going to college.
Regarding relationships: after my divorce, I tried the dating scene. However, prospects tended to fall off whenever they learned of my 'weird' beliefs. This led me to consider other alternatives. I began searching in other countries, and I am very happy to report that there are actually quite a few potentials out there who are open to someone who believes in Christian polygyny. In correspondence with young ladies from Sweden, Belgium, South Africa, and Ukraine, I have developed an ongoing relationship with a beautiful young woman from the Phillipines. She loves the Lord, knows the Word better than some so-called teachers I have met, and knows and accepts my oddball status. We video-chat everyday, and I am hoping to visit her in March of 2009.
I certainly never planned my life this way, but this is how it is. I believe in my heart that the Lord desires for me to start a new family, that children are truly the greatest legacy we can leave in this world. Is this young lady the one? Maybe....we shall see. Does the Lord have a second wife for me beyond that? I don't really know. In the meantime, I serve Him daily, stay in His Word, and wait for the day that those of us who hold to this Biblical truth will be able to worship and fellowship openly with like-minded believers.
To those of you who are new to this concept, be encouraged. Read the posts from those who have traveled this road. Learn from our mistakes, and copy our successes. Let us learn from you. Share what you know and what you find out as you make this journey. After all, this really is not a journey about polygyny, marriage, etc, but rather a journey of fellowship with the Father.
Be blessed....you are doing the right thing. I do not regret my choice to follow Him.
Raymond 'Doc' Burkhart
Orlando, FL
This is Doc in Orlando. Former Assemblies of God missionary and pastor, serving the Lord in ministry for the past fifteen years in Christian media, primarily radio and the internet.
I have been working a lot lately (two full-time jobs), and it has been difficult to keep up with all the information on the board. I regret not being able to make the retreat in October, but when the dates changed, I was unable to make the accomodation with work.
I just want to say "Hello!" to all the new people on the board the past several months...WOW! Lots of new people! Welcome aboard!
My story: several years ago when the marriage amendment was being proposed in Florida, I was challenged to Biblically define 'marriage'. This led me down a road of discovery regarding the issue of polygyny in the Scriptures. It also resulted in a 'crisis of faith' as to whether I truly believed the Bible, or man's interpretation of it. The choice I made was that God's Word was weightier than man's opinion.
My 'coming out' (I hate that term) regarding Christian polygyny resulted in the separation and eventual divorce with my wife of 22 years. Both of my children (daughter 20, son 18) are accepting of Dad and his beliefs, though do not necessarily agree with them.
Today I manage a Christian radio station, and my son lives with me while going to college.
Regarding relationships: after my divorce, I tried the dating scene. However, prospects tended to fall off whenever they learned of my 'weird' beliefs. This led me to consider other alternatives. I began searching in other countries, and I am very happy to report that there are actually quite a few potentials out there who are open to someone who believes in Christian polygyny. In correspondence with young ladies from Sweden, Belgium, South Africa, and Ukraine, I have developed an ongoing relationship with a beautiful young woman from the Phillipines. She loves the Lord, knows the Word better than some so-called teachers I have met, and knows and accepts my oddball status. We video-chat everyday, and I am hoping to visit her in March of 2009.
I certainly never planned my life this way, but this is how it is. I believe in my heart that the Lord desires for me to start a new family, that children are truly the greatest legacy we can leave in this world. Is this young lady the one? Maybe....we shall see. Does the Lord have a second wife for me beyond that? I don't really know. In the meantime, I serve Him daily, stay in His Word, and wait for the day that those of us who hold to this Biblical truth will be able to worship and fellowship openly with like-minded believers.
To those of you who are new to this concept, be encouraged. Read the posts from those who have traveled this road. Learn from our mistakes, and copy our successes. Let us learn from you. Share what you know and what you find out as you make this journey. After all, this really is not a journey about polygyny, marriage, etc, but rather a journey of fellowship with the Father.
Be blessed....you are doing the right thing. I do not regret my choice to follow Him.
Raymond 'Doc' Burkhart
Orlando, FL
