"I wonder if today, in the world of Christian orthodoxy, there are people who, like me, have experienced the Emmaus Rd and seek it's experience of Jesus most of all. As lay Christians, according to the denomination one is in, we are taught the tenets of belief and the way to conform to the teachings of the church.

Well after many years of being a Christian, I find that increasingly these days, there are now many practises and priorities in churches that are just not, it seems, in harmony with the scriptures or the character of Jesus Christ. I have questioned many of our leaders on many facets which appear inconsistent with Bible practise and truth. And even about practises which are inconsistent with what is taught. I am usually told that I have the problem and should go away and pray about it.

This only leads to discouragement, frustration - sometimes depression, as leaders seem to think an old brother like me has become a rebel. The result is that my wife and I often have to search for a church where there is peace of mind and feeding on some manna from above. This despite our desire to remain with our friends where we are.

My present solution is to spend time with our Father God and to learn the Holy Spirit's leading. I also pray, counsel and befriend on a one to one basis. But I would rather flow in the body of Christ with truly dedicated Christians. Are there any other people in the same boat?"

"I am writing to tell you of the enjoyment and enlightenment I have got through the typing of John McGoram's manuscript for his book, 'Stop The Church I Want To Get Off."

I am very ignorant about a lot of the teachings from the Bible. But I am very strong in my belief and conviction that God is alive. Typing this book for John has reinforced my attitudes that God will accept me and my efforts with love. I have been in quite a few congregations in the established churches and have never left feeling calm and accepted. Due to the over-exuberance of the Minister or the congregation at pushing the 'right' way to worship our Lord. My way fits John's way easily and comfortably. It doesn't matter if I worship in the shower, in bed or while I take a walk through the forest. God hears me and gives me strength. Up until reading John's work, I kept very quiet about my thoughts on religion because they seemed to offend too many people.

I thank John very much for asking that I do his typing. He doesn't realise, I think, the relief it has given me. Just being made aware that how I love and worship God is quite OK, and I can keep on doing it in my own way. There have been times when his words have brought me to tears with the rightness of it all. Thank you John."

"I am happy to be writing to you because, until recently, I thought there was not a soul I could speak to about the things God has been doing in me. I came to know the Lord in 1986 and began attending a non-denominational church. Very quickly I became quite "involved" to the point of attending 6, sometimes 7 meetings a week. However the more responsibilities I was given, the more questions I began to have. The more I saw, the more I became discouraged, so I began intently seeking God between meetings. The Lord led me to quit going to one meeting, then another. Eventually, He had me drop all of them.

In 1990, I changed to a smaller non-denominational church. I still was not able to understand what bothered me about the whole system of things. Both churches had loving Pastors and were filled with good Christians who became my cherished friends. Yet there were feelings I dared not share, because it went so against the system of church they lived and believed in.

In 1993, still seeking God's answers, I went into full time mission work with the blessing and "covering" of my home church. I was working for YWAM. Though I continue to do this work, and believe that many people come to know the Lord through our efforts, I am still plagued with great questions for my King concerning how He desires us to live and serve Him.

I decided to go against everything I had learned and take a 'break' from church for a while so I could seek God on my own, without being swayed by man. I need to sort out what God was saying from what was being planted in my soul by the constant voices of man. It was the best decision I ever made. For nearly two years I plain rested from as many 'services', workshops, meetings etc, as I could. My relationship with Jesus had grown too sweet to endure the traditions, patterns and frameworks set up by man. One day I was given some of your material and I rejoiced. None of it was new to me. It only helped me make sense of what the Lord had already been revealing. Thank you."