• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Frank Viola | Beyond Evangelical

Frank Viola | Beyond Evangelical

Official Blog of Author & Speaker Frank Viola. Digging below the surface and moving beyond the shallows in today's Christianity.

  • Contact
  • Books
  • Samples
  • Podcasts
  • Articles
  • Courses
  • Speaking
  • YouTube
  • FAQ
  • About

The Church as Family: A Touching Example

If you receive our update Newsletter, you know that a good friend of mine is in the hospital receiving chemotherapy for Leukemia. Her name is Marietta Welter. She is a precious sister and a dear friend. Gary, her husband, and his daughters have been staying in my home to sleep at nights since the hospital is only 15-minutes away.

Yesterday morning, Gary told me that God’s people have been graciously sending cards and gifts. They have been greatly touched by all of them.

An observation he made that I found quite interesting is that over 90% of the people who contributed money to help defray the enormous financial burden they are under came from people who gather outside the institutional church. One such person Fed Ex’d them $1,000 overnight.

By contrast, the vast majority of those who belong to institutional churches simply sent cards notifying them that they, their churches, and their prayer networks are praying for Marietta.

Gary and Marietta are deeply appreciative of both responses. But I found the dichotomy interesting.

Could it be that those who gather outside the religious system tend to think more in practical terms when someone is in need? Someone made the observation that in many institutional churches, the minds of the congregants are programmed to separate that which is “spiritual” from that which is “secular.” Hence if someone is sick, the overriding thought is simply to pray for them.

In my experience, there’s practicality to living in Body life and a sense of family that goes along with it that translates into practical help that goes beyond offering prayers. I’m sure there are exceptions that move in both directions. But I wonder if there’s something to this that’s confirmed by the Welter’s situation, or if it’s just a coincidence.

Be that as it may, here’s a letter that Marietta wrote recently to all who have offered prayers and other help to the family.

Update: Regrettably for us, Marietta fell asleep to be with her Lord in the Spring of 2009. So this letter is all the more precious.

—

August 2, 2008

Dearest Friends and Family:

I just wanted to write to all of you today. I have finished my first week of chemo. It still seems so unreal that I am here, away from my normal, everyday life. Away from home. I wish words could express how wonderful and loving our Lord has been to me. His love ministers so sweetly to me. Sometimes I see Him, or the beauty of Him, and He is surrounded by His glorious Body-His Church-all of you. I get overwhelmed at the sight and how He is directing His Body on my behalf. His love is very passionate.  It has touched Gary and I deeply, the outpouring of support from all of you. He has given me perfect peace-removed all fear-something only He can do. I know He is in control of all things concerning me.  They are taking wonderful care of me here at the hospital in Gainesville.  I find it so natural to share the love of Christ with those He puts in my path. I always thought I should witness more, but never wanted it to be in a religious way. I find it’s just totally about Him and His love-that’s what people are longing for. Just letting Christ love others through you-how easy He has made it. The Lord is so good, the Lord is faithful. Psalm 103 has ministered to me this week.

On a side note: the first week of treatment, according to the doctors, has gone as well as possible.  They keep asking the same questions: any pain, any nausea, any this, any that-it’s quite a list of symptoms. My answer has been: no-no-no-none of that. Thank you, dear friends, for praying.  It has made the difference. Glory to God!

My hair is expected to exit in another week or so, but really, it doesn’t bother me. Mandie has ordered a cute blonde wig; I’m throwing all caution to the wind. I’m glad God has given me a sense of humor, and laughing at myself comes easy.

I’ll try to write again. Due to the medication, it’s hard for me to control my pen. Which is strange, because I’ve always had such control to draw and paint. But God knows all about that, too.

Thank you again. I love you all, and I miss you, church family. I hope to be with you in a few weeks.

Love,

Your Sister in Christ,

Marietta

Category: Church

About Frank Viola

Frank Viola is a best-selling author, blogger, speaker, and consultant to authors and writers. His mission is to help serious followers of Jesus know their Lord more deeply so they can experience real transformation and make a lasting impact. To learn more about Frank and his work, go to 20 Years of Projects. To invite Frank to speak at your event, go to his Speaking Page. Due to a new problem with persistent spam that we haven’t figured out how to control, comments are closed for the present time. To contact Frank, use the “Contact” page in the top menu.

Previous Post:Throwing Out the Baby with the Bathwater?
Next Post:Why I Left the Institutional Church

FRANK’S UNFILTERED THURSDAY ARTICLES CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

Just click the button and sign up. It’s free and you’ll receive two books and an audio seminar as a “thank you.” Welcome to the deeper journey!

Sign Me Up

Frank Viola

Frank is a bestselling author, speaker, podcaster, and blogger. He helps serious followers of Jesus know their Lord more deeply so they can experience real transformation and make a lasting impact. His blog – frankviola.org – is regularly ranked in the top 5 of all Christian blogs on the Web and his podcast – Christ is All – has ranked #1 in Canada and #2 in the USA on Apple Podcasts. He and his conversation partners also host The Insurgence Podcast. Frank’s books have sold over 600,000 copies and they’ve been translated into many languages.

Learn More About Frank
  • Books
  • Podcasts
  • Articles
  • Courses
  • Speaking
  • FAQ

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions

Copyright © 2025 · Frank Viola · Designed by Stormhill Media

Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions