Until now I have refrained from answering questions about the loss of Catholic radio on Detroit’s WCAR 1090 AM. The tremendous rush of expectant enthusiasm at the prospect of returning Catholic programming to 1090 was quickly met with an equally powerful dose of extreme disappointment.
So until recently I have not had the will to write because I had to work through what happened … or more accurately, what didn’t happen. But before I get into any details about this topic, let me strongly urge you to read the second half of this newsletter about our most recent direction, which includes an invitation to a free presentation we are sponsoring next week, Thursday, July 28th, 2011 at 8:30 p.m.
One of things I have actually grown to appreciate over the last two months is the speed at which our efforts proved fruitless. In fact my wife Marie and I have been genuinely thankful that this reality came quickly; this last attempt at saving Catholic radio on 1090 lasted less than one month, which is certainly better than it lasting another year with the same eventual outcome.
For those of you who have followed closely by reading our last few newsletters, emails and website, you know the “high” we were on due to the sudden opportunity to return Catholic radio to WCAR after nine months of Islamic programming. You may recall the fact that I and others saw this sudden development as a clear and miraculous answer to prayer … coming the very day after Pope John Paul II was Beatified on Mercy Sunday.
Taking everything into consideration, how could it have been anything else? To this day we still believe it was a miracle.
Our thankful enthusiasm was on display for all to see. Just in case you did not see it at the time, and rather than telling the story again now, click here to see the online newsletter we published in preparation for the return of Catholic radio to 1090.
“Ok” you might say, “I know all that John and I agree. That was truly an amazing series of events – even miraculous. So what happened? Why are you off the air again and why is 1090 AM not Catholic?”
To faithfully answer this question I must begin and end the same way: It was God’s will.
If we really believe that Jesus is Who He claimed to be (God Himself in the flesh), based on the Deposit of Faith that Jesus made, protected and carried on through His Church by the Power of the Holy Spirit, there can be only one answer to this question. In the final analysis, it can only be God’s Will.
God has an active will and His passive will … that is, what He actively causes (or prevents) and what He allows to happen or not. The one thing we all must accept is that in both cases, God is in control, always and in everything and we must realize that trusting God doesn’t necessarily involve understanding everything. Here we are reminded of this Scripture: “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” (Isaish 55:8). If we understood everything we wouldn’t need faith or hope. And so with “Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence” (see attachment) we are called to Trust Jesus even more.
Whatever you’re suffering, if you have been brought to your knees in confusion, or tempted to stay off your knees in anger, I hope my painful experience inside the Church will help you persist.
What my family and I have experienced in the last few years could fill a book, but here I must be brief and direct. The reason Divine Mercy Network is not programming Catholic radio on 1090 AM is that we never received the public approval that was promised to us twice (October 2009 and May 2011) – at the highest levels of the Archdiocese of Detroit.
Beginning with the end in mind, I’m not going to give unnecessary details here because in the end, it won’t do any good and it won’t change anything. It is as simple as this: a few individuals (who we know by name) worked tirelessly to sow seeds of division and to thwart our efforts from succeeding; creating a situation that, without the written, public approval from the highest level of the local Church, it was literally impossible to obtain the necessary cooperation from key individuals and offices within the Archdiocese of Detroit. The situation was explained and the approval was verbally promised on two separate occasions … but never came through.
On one hand I could fill page after page explaining the entire process and go into great detail about what transpired. But again, it won’t do any good and it won’t change anything. I know what I know … and my greatest consolation is that God knows it even better! In response, we continue struggling to do what Jesus instructed every one of His followers to do in such circumstances, “… love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)
Let’s face it … sometimes dealing with Church bureaucracy is like standing in the back of a long line at a Secretary of State office in the middle of a hot July day, which reminds me of what we used to say in the Marine’s – “hurry up and wait.” The problem in our case was that the new owner of 1090 AM was in no mood to wait around any longer for a snail like bureaucracy to give approval that wouldn’t necessarily translate into revenue anyway. And I can’t blame him … they have a business to run and their own bills to pay.
At one time or another everyone experiences some form of opposition and suffering. Whenever and however it may happen, the Church tells us that we are being presented an opportunity by Divine Providence to remember and then imitate our Lord Jesus Christ in the opposition and suffering He received – unjustly. This is indeed a great gift of what I call, “Divine Mentorship.”
It is a well known and established truth that no matter what the pursuit, whether in academics, business, sports, or others, having a mentor is an invaluable asset for anyone seeking excellence in their chosen field.
How much more valuable is a mentor in the field of our eternal salvation. In the end, what else will matter? Knowing our need for examples and leadership, in addition to giving us His own life, our Lord has also given the world over two thousand years of recorded Church history during which members of the Body of Christ, holy men, women and even children, have also suffered unjustly in His Holy Name. Here we discover the gift of witnessing the faithful persistence practiced by “our elder brothers and sisters in the faith.”
So if we suffer, whether justly or unjustly, but especially if we find ourselves suffering unjust opposition in the midst of our own efforts to evangelize, let us first remember and then imitate the loving and sacrificial response of Jesus, our Divine Mentor and His millions of followers throughout the last two millennia who first swam in the boundless ocean of Divine Mercy during their lives on earth – and who now contemplate his Divine Presence and Majesty in Heaven, face to face.
Just as in the darkness of a cocoon, the sluggish limitations of the caterpillar are transformed to the spirited flight of the Butterfly, so in the darkness of our suffering, united with Jesus Christ, sin and death are converted to light and life.
It is in this light of truth that we come to know suffering in all its forms as a gift of God; a fleeting opportunity in the quickening passage of time for a believer to say “Yes, Lord Jesus. With love I accept this suffering in Your Holy Name; especially love for those who are close to me and those who perhaps are causing me to suffer, souls of the living and the dead.” It is then our Lord accepts our gift and, uniting it to His own sacrifice on the Cross, offers it to His Heavenly Father where it is transformed by the Power of the Holy Spirit.
So Divine Mercy Network presses on with the task at hand, leaving our failed efforts to resurrect Catholic radio on 1090 AM in the hands of the Lord.
By now most Americans are familiar with the saying “it’s the economy, stupid.” I’ve never particularly liked that saying nor do I necessarily agree with it in the broader context. However, when we look at the economic situation today, it is easy to understand why so much of our national conversation is about the economy. We all need financial security. The nation needs it, the Church needs it and families and individuals need it as well.
With this in mind, Divine Mercy Network is now turning its focus – in addition to our four websites and blog – to the issue of strengthening the financial condition of individuals and families. And I’m particularly excited to announce that, to this end, we have partnered with a nationally known figure in the world of religion, politics and business: Mrs. Marlene Elwell.
Recognized nationally for her “strong history of bringing leadership and organizational skills to start-up companies, political organizations and campaigns” (see attached biography), I first met Marlene in 2002 when she founded Catholics in the Public Square, an organization which she successfully used to amend the Michigan State Constitution to protect marriage “between one man and one woman” – but I had already heard of Marlene’s work. Marlene Elwell played major roles in the Presidential campaigns of Reagan, Bush, Robertson and others, served on President Reagan’s National Advisory Board and played a key role in founding the Christian Coalition.
Divine Mercy Network couldn’t ask for a more experienced mentor and role model as we move forward to strengthen individuals and families in every way, including financially! Marlene Elwell was the first Director in the developing stages of Legatus, an international organization of Catholic business leaders started by the founder of Domino’s Pizza, Tom Monaghan. An experienced real estate investor and leader, Marlene also rose to the top position of Regional Vice President of American Communications Network, an international communications marketing company.
For almost ten years Marlene and I have kept in close communication, working on a number of projects together. Since 2007 I have closely observed the painstaking process she has undertaken to find just the right company to join – at just the right time. And I have to say … it has been an exciting process to watch Marlene, not only find that company, but quickly rise to the top position of National Marketing Director! And that’s where we enter the story!
With Marlene’s help and guidance, my family and I – through Divine Mercy Network – have now joined her in an exciting new business that has everything in place to dramatically improve the financial situation of anyone who decides to enter as we have done. And again, with Marlene’s help, we now have an opportunity to host one of the co-founders of this international company at our home next week … and you are invited!
We all know there are millions of people out of work and millions more who are under-employed and in need of supplemental income. There are also those who are always on the lookout for a great opportunity. If any of those describe you, or perhaps members of your family or friends, we would like the chance to introduce you to this new company.
Divine Mercy Network and our mentor and partner Marlene Elwell invite you to meet Mr. Judd Mintz, one of the co-founders of InVado International. This is a very unique and special opportunity since we will be hosting one of the founders, all the way from California, who has been featured in Success From Home Magazine for three consecutive years!
This free one hour presentation takes place on Thursday, July 28th, 2011 at 8:30 p.m. in Bloomfield Hills. If you’re interested in coming, it is necessary to pre-register by clicking the link below. If you are able to make it, please plan on arriving thirty minutes beforehand to give yourself plenty of time.
Our four websites and blog – and our recent entrance into this new business opportunity – are helping build and maintain a “network” of Christians committed to serving our Lord Jesus and each other. As the Internet continues its explosive growth Divine Mercy Network is there to unite people through social networking, blogging and media production services. Using proven marketing strategies our goals also include providing individuals and families practical solutions to today’s challenging economic environment.
The slow economy and high unemployment rate continue taking a heavy toll and therefore we are recommitting our efforts to help relieve some of the tremendous pressure that so many thousands and even millions of Christians are now struggling to overcome. Just as we cannot provide for a hungry person yet leave their soul unreached, we cannot preach the Gospel while leaving people in poverty. Therefore our goal of proclaiming God’s Mercy must involve helping families become financially independent.
We are thankful for the gift of the present moment and very excited for the future opportunities we will create together as members of this Divine Mercy Network. We hope to see you on Thursday, July 28th at 8:00 p.m. All the details and registration are available at this link and we will be making an effort to call you in the next few days to personally invite you to our Thursday presentation.
Call me if you have any questions and may God bless you in His Mercy!
John G. Kruse
P.S. I almost forgot to mention the addition of a tenth level of Membership Subscription which we are calling “Sentinel of Life” … now for less than ten cents per day (only $36 a year) you can be an active part of this effort to Proclaim God’s Mercy through deed, word and prayer!
SOCIAL MEDIA
Check out Divine Mercy Network’s three new social networking web sites and our brand new blog, Catholic Voice of America. All of these sites and services are being made available to the world by you … our members and friends. For a brief explanation of each site, please see the information below … sign up for FREE and spread the word to your family and friends! (See Below)
God Bless each of you!
In Service to Christ and His Church,
John G. Kruse
Divine Mercy Network
Family Friendly Alternatives To Today’s Most Popular Web site Services
CLICK BELOW TO VISIT EACH SITE – AND JOIN TODAY!
Social Networking
The Internet continues revolutionizing the way we communicate and build community. Social networking sites like My Space, Facebook and Twitter have become household words and billion dollar success stories almost overnight. Divine Mercy Network enters the exciting and Read More
Marriage and Family
The well-funded ongoing attack on the sacred institution of marriage between one man and one woman has prompted Divine Mercy Network to launch our very own online service to help “network” like-minded people of Faith who are hoping to discover a lifetime of true love. Read More
Classified Ads
As a tool for business the Internet is transforming our economic and social landscapes. In the name of freedom these unprecedented avenues of communication are being used for both good and evil. The popular and incredibly successful classified ad site known as Craigslist is a good example. Enter Divine Mercy Network’s new site Read More
Blog
The Divine Mercy Network blog will be personal and political and will address a wide range of subjects as dictated by prayerful inspiration and the world and Church situation, both of which seem to be getting worse in many ways. As you might have guessed, every subject will be seen through the one and only reality that each of us need the most in our lives “… now and at the hour of our death” That reality is none other than the message of Divine Mercy. Read More
O BLOOD AND WATER
WHICH GUSHED FORTH FROM THE HEART OF JESUS AS A FOUNT OF MERCY FOR US,
I TRUST IN YOU
PURCHASE THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET PRAYED BY CHILDREN
Dear Father Corapi, please promise us that you are privately celebrating the Holy Mass (if you are allowed to do so and / or allowed to tell us) and that you are praying your Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours), The Holy Rosary and The Chaplet of The Divine Mercy.
If you are doing these essential things, then please (for the sake of all following you in any way, i.e. curiosity, past or present devotion, etc.) please publicly demonstrate these devotions … not for the case of exhibitionism, but to set so many at ease about your true spiritual condition. Why?
Because I am convinced that if you are innocent … and even if you are guilty … and you are with Jesus the Lord (possible and probably in both cases) then you will be willing and able to answer this simple request from a fellow sinner.
If, God forbid – and forgive – you are not with Him, then you know this will not be possible – because in that case, your master won’t allow it!
If that is the case … and you find yourself unable to answer this childlike request, then I appeal to your inner sanctum where no demon can penetrate … and I say, Renew your Baptismal Promises NOW and Pray with us again John. Many of us don’t care to know anything more. We just want to see and hear you pray to Jesus through Mary … in your Harley jacket … it makes no difference to me.
We await your reply with prayers and thanksgiving for all your sacrificial work!
You’re invited to Divine Mercy Network’s first FREE Personal Business Reception for InVado International … a new company we are working with to help members and friends become financially independent.
If you are looking to replace or supplement your income, please attend our one hour presentation with one of the co-founders of InVado International.
Why not … my first post is the same thing you might find if you clicked the “About” link … but then again, you might not do that, so I would have written those words in vain. Then again, maybe I’m just completely overwhelmed with everything in my life right now and don’t have time to blog any further!
So here is About the Same … or actually, Same as About -
What is this all about? This is Divine Mercy Network’s long overdue blog where John Kruse(that’s me) will attempt to regularly communicate with, inspire – and even entertain - members and visitors.
Most of us have heard the word “blog” by now, but in case you are new to this, let me give you an official definition:
“Blog” is an abbreviated version of “weblog,” which is a term used to describe web sites that maintain an ongoing chronicle of information. A blog features diary-type commentary and links to articles on other Web sites, usually presented as a list of entries in reverse chronological order. Blogs range from the personal to the political, and can focus on one narrow subject or a whole range of subjects.
This blog will be personal and political and will focus on a wide range of subjects as dictated by prayerful inspiration and the world and Church situation, both of which are terrible and getting worse. As you might have guessed, every subject will be seen through and eventually come back to the one and only reality that each of us need “… now and at the hour of our death” … you got it … Divine Mercy.
I invite each of you to join Divine Mercy Network by purchasing a membership subscription at any of our many levels. Together, we can build a worldwide network of people dedicated to living out and sharing the only answer to our problems, both personal and worldwide: Turning to Divine Mercy with Trust!
And don’t forget to sign up for free memberships at MercyList, MercyBook and if you’re single and looking, MercyMatch as well.
Help us spread The Divine Mercy Message and Devotion through your deeds, words and prayers.
We have ten levels of membership subscriptions starting at less than ten cents a day (just $3 per month).
Join our other sites, like MercyBook.com and MercyList.com for FREE.
Bookmark our sites and encourage your family and friends to join the network as well. Follow Divine Mercy Network on Twitter and Facebook ... and please remember to pray, pray, pray!
At one time or another everyone experiences some form of opposition and suffering. Whenever and however it may happen, the Church tells us that we are being presented an opportunity by Divine Providence to remember and then imitate our Lord Jesus Christ in the opposition and suffering He received – unjustly. This is indeed a great gift of what I call, “Divine Mentorship.”
Recognized nationally for her “strong history of bringing leadership and organizational skills to start-up companies, political organizations and campaigns” (
Divine Mercy Network couldn’t ask for a more experienced mentor and role model as we move forward to strengthen individuals and families in every way, including financially! Marlene Elwell was the first Director in the developing stages of Legatus, an international organization of Catholic business leaders started by the founder of Domino’s Pizza, Tom Monaghan. An experienced real estate investor and leader, Marlene also rose to the top position of Regional Vice President of American Communications Network, an international communications marketing company.
For almost ten years Marlene and I have kept in close communication, working on a number of projects together. Since 2007 I have closely observed the painstaking process she has undertaken to find just the right company to join – at just the right time. And I have to say … it has been an exciting process to watch Marlene, not only find that company, but quickly rise to the top position of National Marketing Director! And that’s where we enter the story!
The slow economy and high unemployment rate continue taking a heavy toll and therefore we are recommitting our efforts to help relieve some of the tremendous pressure that so many thousands and even millions of Christians are now struggling to overcome. Just as we cannot provide for a hungry person yet leave their soul unreached, we cannot preach the Gospel while leaving people in poverty. Therefore our goal of proclaiming God’s Mercy must involve helping families become financially independent.
(that’s me) will attempt to regularly communicate with, inspire – and even entertain - members and visitors.
