The Visitor - Wilshire United Methodist Church

THE VISITOR
Volume 14 Issue 8
Wilshire United Methodist Church, English Ministry
Aug. 2014 / Sep. 2014
OUR MISSION
The mission of Wilshire English Ministry is to serve members of our diverse community on their journey
with Christ by nurturing spirituality and reaching out to others with compassion.
Inside this issue:
Cover Page
1
Edna Gloria Francis
2
Spiritual Journeys
3
Outreach Ministry Update
4
The Pilipino Ministry
5
The Glory of God
6-7
Imagine No Malaria
8-9
Where Are They Now?
10
Grace Harrison
11
Church Bloopers
12
Laugh With Celeste
12
Methodist Tidbits
13
Award 2014 Scholarships
14
Game Changers Summit
15
Baptism Celebration
15
A Word from the Word
16
Edna Gloria Francis
Sunrise: August 20, 1936 - Sunset: June 2, 2014
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VOLUME 14 ISSUE 8
Present With The Lord
“When people die, they do not cease to be; they only pass beyond human sight. So,
although those we love may pass beyond the reach of our hands, they are always in our
hearts.” (Author Unknown)
EDNA GLORIA FRANCIS
Sunrise: August 20, 1936 - Sunset: June 2, 2014
Edna Gloria Francis was born in Bogalusa, Louisiana, on August 20, 1936. Her parents
were Rev. Percy Adams, Sr. and Edna Brown. She grew up in a loving household with nine
brothers and three sisters. Edna’s parents instilled in her and her siblings the importance
of faith and self-sufficiency.
As a high school student, Edna attended Central Memorial. She completed her college
education at Southern University, graduating with a BA degree in Elementary Education.
While at Southern University, Edna met and married the love of her life, Norman Francis,
Sr. Edna and Norman were wed on January 2, 1958. Their union produced four children:
Evangeline Marie, Debra Ann, Sabrina Arlicia and Norman Jr. The family settled in
Benton, Louisiana for a time, then relocated to Inglewood, California in 1973. As a wife
and mother, Edna was loving , proud and devoted.
A life-long educator, Edna began her teaching career in Louisiana and finished her career
as a teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School District. During her tenure, she taught
general education, special education and bilingual education. A devout Christian, Edna
also used her teaching abilities to serve her God and church community. For many years,
she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at Wilshire United Methodist
Church. Edna had a positive impact on the academic and spiritual lives of many children.
Edna spent her retirement years alongside her husband, Norman. Together they
watched and celebrated the achievements of their children, grandchildren and great
grandchildren. Nothing brought Edna greater joy and pride than seeing her family
healthy and making strides in life.
Edna is preceded in death by her parents, her nine brothers, two of her sisters, her
husband, Norman Sr., and her daughter, Debra Ann. She is survived by her sister,
Mary Lee Crumedy, her daughters, Evangeline and Sabrina, her son, Norman Jr.,
six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
(Reprinted from Mrs. Francis’ obituary)
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VOLUME 14 ISSUE 8
Spiritual Journeys
Summer School: Wise Living
By: Rev. Sam B. Kim
Summer is here again. As lifelong learners, we can take
the summer off and try to enjoy ourselves through rest and
relaxation. Or, we can also take summer school. No matter
what age or stage of life you find yourself, summer school is
always an option. This year at Wilshire, we’re offering a free
class to all who want to grow in wisdom.
As you read this article, we should be in the middle of
our Sunday sermon series called Wise Living – Wisdom from the
Book of Proverbs. We’re going through this series because
every Christ follower needs wisdom for life. The Book of Proverbs is one of the greatest collections of
timeless advice and wisdom ever collected. As a “mid-semester” summary of our summer class, here are
three things that Proverbs teaches us about wisdom.
First, wisdom is relational. Wisdom is gained to all those who seek a relationship with God and
ask him for wisdom (Prov. 2:6). Biblical wisdom flows out of a covenantal relationship with the one true
God. We have all come across folks who know a lot of information or even those who show brilliance in a
particular field. It doesn’t mean they are wise. In fact, many knowledgeable and brilliant people get
themselves in trouble because they lack wisdom. Wisdom is not simply about knowing more – it’s about
who you know.
Second, wisdom is practical. Our summer series is called Wise Living because biblical wisdom is
applicable to everyday life. Eugene Peterson writes, “Wisdom has to do with becoming skillful in
honoring our parents and raising our children, handling our money and conducting our sexual lives,
going to work and exercising leadership, using words well and treating friends kindly, eating and drinking
healthily, cultivating emotions within ourselves and attitudes toward others that make for
peace.” (Introduction to Proverbs, The Message). Practically relying on wisdom from God leads us to the
right course of action (Prov. 3:5-6).
Third, wisdom from God models humility. The wise know that they are not perfect, thus they
possess a teachable nature. I am sure that the wise people in your life don’t remind you that they are
wise. This is because wisdom is not a posture of success, but a posture of continual growth. In Proverbs,
the fools are proud, while the wise remain humble.
Ever hear of a guy named Jesus? Some say that Jesus was even wiser than Solomon, the one
whom God anointed to pen much of the Proverbs (Luke 11:31). Jesus was wise and humble. Since
wisdom is relational, we can grow in God’s wisdom by seeking and growing our relationship with one
whom he sent – Jesus the Christ. He is our model. This summer, he is our teacher when it comes to
wise living.
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Wilshire United Methodist Church
Mission Community Outreach Ministry Update
By: Shani Harrold,
Community Outreach Chairperson
The Community Outreach Ministry would like to thank all of those who took the time to
participate in our most recent outreach opportunity at the LA Regional Food Bank in
downtown Los Angeles. Twenty-Five members of Wilshire UMC’s English ministry and JFF
joined together to help sort and package hundreds of personal and miscellaneous items to
be distributed to families in need here in Los Angeles. We broke a sweat lifting and hauling
materials as we helped the food bank to sort through the thousands of donation items
that they regularly receive.
We will keep our service initiative going by participating in several more outreach
opportunities throughout the summer and leading into the fall. We are currently planning
a service trip to Windsor Gardens Convalescent Center of Los Angeles as well as a service
opportunity with the Reading to Kids Reading Club. Please stay tuned for more details on
these outreach activities. We encourage everyone to participate in one of our upcoming
events during “Wilshire’s Summer of Service” and welcome your outreach and service
ideas.
Please continue to help us as we strive to fulfill our mission to provide programming and
community service opportunities that enhance Wilshire UMC's sense of community and
further develop Wilshire UMC's partnerships with the surrounding communities and other
service minded organizations. We believe that as a church we should lead by example and
know that our good deeds will create
good will and help us bring the Good
News to others. Again, if you have any
service or outreach ideas or would like
more information about getting involved
with the Community Outreach Ministry,
please feel free to contact us at
[email protected].
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VOLUME 14 ISSUE 8
A Glimpse of
The Pilipino Ministry
By: Rev. Rodolfo Sumaling
Since my appointment as Associate Pastor
of the Pilipino Ministry at Wilshire United
Methodist Church on February 1, 2014,
I have been orientating myself to the church’s
multi-faceted disciplines and behavioral
patterns of the people that make up the
ministry. For me, it was indeed overwhelming to be given a church assignment here as
my experiences and exposures were all made and done in a rural setting in the
Philippines. In the Philippines, you find the people mixed up in the upbeat tempo of life
of this post computer era, when in fact, the people are not yet totally detached from
the agricultural and industrial eras. Nevertheless, given the privilege, I have tried to sell
to the Pilipino congregation that in its present state of existence there is so much to
aspire to. There are some members who have experienced the heydays of the Pilipino
Ministry in the past. The present leadership seems to have exhausted all its efforts to
achieve even a modest measure of growth; hence, they have run out of steam and
have concentrated on maintaining the present membership and status as a distinct
ministry of Wilshire UMC. Be it as it may, the ministry has a very close relationship
amongst its members and a very excellent and active choir. Hence, its worship service is
very uplifting.
Our initial strategies are:
1. Discipleship Class using Wesley’s Class Meeting model.
2. Outreach Program to the elderly and poor Filipino-Americans in Filipino Historic
Town near downtown LA. We intend to offer them soup or a bowl of boiled rice
sautéed with chicken. The second part of the program is to lead the recipients in a
short devotion; hence, encouraging them in the search for knowledge of the Word
of God. (Started in July)
3. Ministry of Compassion, Visitation and Caring in a retirement facility. Another
component of this program would be to lead residents in a corporate worship every
Sunday and Wednesday. (Started second week of July)
It is our hope and aspiration that we can sustain these innovative programs so that we
may be able to contribute to the work and mission of Wilshire UMC.
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SICKNESS THAT REBOUNDS
TO THE GLORY OF GOD
By: Mrs. Mary Wilhelmina Gunning-Fletcher
(1887-1970)
EDITOR’S NOTE BY LINA RAMOS
Mrs. Mary Wilhelmina Gunning-Fletcher (1887-1970) is the mother of Dulce
Gunning and Elon Gunning, long-time members of WUMC.
In her lifetime, this grand lady dedicated her life to social and community service
in Jamaica where she lived. Mary counseled unwed couples and fractured
families. She built schools and churches where she solicited donations from both
public and private sectors in Jamaican society. In 1959, she was honored by the
young Queen of England (Elizabeth II), the diamond-reigning-monarch.
Combing through a pile of prized memoirs, Dulce Gunning came upon a piece of
handwritten notes written by her mother. Here is her faith story.
Prologue
I sit at the window of my hospital room where I have been confined for the past four weeks and my mind travels
back to the years that have passed. I reflect upon the many illnesses that have plagued not only me but family,
friends and strangers. I would like to share some of my life’s story and how God’s miraculous healing power is
always present in answer to our prayers.
THE HEALING OF MY LITTLE BROTHER
My mother died in the year 1908 leaving 12 of us children behind. My little brother was only 2 years old. Being the
oldest child, I had to care for the whole family. A little while after her death I thought I should have my little
brother vaccinated against smallpox. On my way to the clinic I noticed a little split over one of his ears but didn’t
think anything of it. Two weeks after the vaccination his whole body broke out in what seemed to be smallpox.
I took him back to the doctor and he gave me some medicine to help. After trying it for a few days with no results I
decided to stop the medication. No words could describe my distress when my father blamed me for taking him to
be vaccinated in the first place. I prayed night and day and placed my trust in God for His healing. I bathed my
brother and put a little Vaseline over the wounds. I asked him, “Do you believe the Lord can heal you?” He said,
“Yes.” I went to finish up some ironing left from the day before. As I started ironing I hit the iron down on the
board and said, “Lord, I believe you are healing him now.” A couple days later I returned to the house and he ran
out to meet me. I was frightened to see that merely a thin layer of skin covered the wounds. I prayed, “Lord, if you
heal him I shall tell every soul I meet about your healing powers.” In two weeks my brother made a full recovery
and I’ve been telling this story for 52 years.
THE HEALING OF MY HUSBAND WHEN THE DOCTORS THOUGHT HE WOULD HAVE DIED
When my son and daughter were very young, my husband became seriously ill. The doctor had very little hope and
everything was pointing to his imminent death. As I heavy heartedly made preparations for what was to come,
I heard a voice say, “But can’t God heal him?” I replied, “Yes, Lord, surely You can.” At once I escaped into a small
room at the back of the house, got on my knees and spoke to God as if He was a loving father sitting right there
beside me. I told Him of the children and the hardships that would befall us if he should be taken now. I asked
that my husband’s life be spared until our son was old enough to take his place as the man of the house.
That prayer was miraculously answered. He was called to his heavenly home when our son turned 19, just old
enough to fill his father’s shoes. My husband was healed in answer to prayer.
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HEALING OF MY FRIEND’S SISTER-IN-LAW
My friend’s sister-in-law got sick with a nerve condition. Her feet and hands were void of feeling and
practically dead. She could only sit up when she was helped to the edge of her bed. I went to see her one day
and thought, “What can I do?” I came to realize that all I could do was to bring her case to the Lord. I took my
bible and read the 5th chapter of James verses 13-20. I found a vial of healing oil and anointed her hands and
feet according to the passage of scripture and prayed with all my heart for her healing. I was told afterwards
that after I left, she drew up one of her feet. The next morning when her sister brought in breakfast, she was
able to use her hand to finish her toast unassisted. She lived for 20 more years and never had another attack.
MY COUSIN’S HEALING WHEN THE DOCTORS SAID SHE WOULD DIE
My close cousin became very ill and was admitted into the hospital. I stayed at her bedside for a week and she
made very little improvement by the time I left. A week later I received a telegram informing me that she was
not going to pull through. I went to the hospital with the intention of bringing her home and the nurses said
that she would most likely die on the way. I said to them, “We do not always die because the doctors say we
are going to die. I am trusting in the Lord.”
I prayed to Him, “Oh Lord would you allow me to bring her home before you take her life?” She not only made
it home but started to recover. In two weeks she went back to work and lived a long time after that.
MY OWN MIRACLOUS HEALING WHEN DEATH LINGERED OVER ME FOR THREE MONTHS
At the end of 1927 I got very sick. In spite of having three doctors, no one could find out what was wrong with
me. I knew that I was desperately ill but did not want to die leaving my children motherless. When the pain
was unbearable, I cried out, “Lord, remember my covenant with you.” Those standing around me did not
understand; I knew only God understood. At that moment it was as if I was floating in the air. I did not know if
it was the Lord’s will to take me. All I could constantly say in my mind was, “Have thine own way, Lord, have
thine own way. Thou art the potter and I am the clay.” I eventually had an operation and lingered between life
and death for 3 months but the Lord was ever with me. One Sunday afternoon a Christian sister visiting in the
ward came to my bedside. She must have seen the expression from my face and understood how I felt.
She said, “Be of good cheer sister. The Lord wants you to be of good courage.” Those words have never left my
mind over the years. God brought me through and I got stronger than I was before. He has helped me to help
others through my own suffering and recovery.
Epilogue
I would like to leave a message to this generation. The God
we serve is still the God of the impossible whom our
forefathers worshiped. A God who hears and answers
prayers. This is the confidence that we have in Him.
1 John 5:14-16
NOT ONLY IN SICKNESS, BUT IN EVERY PHASE OF OUR LIVES,
GOD HEARS AND ANSWERS PRAYERS.
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
By: Eleanor Minter,
Contributing Editor
Sean Collins, a member of our church family,
graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University (Prescott, Arizona campus) with a
Bachelor of Science Degree. After graduating, he
was hired as a flight instructor for the University’s
flight program. While working as a flight instructor
Sean gained a great deal of experience instructing
flight students who had similar goals.
Sean was hired as a First Officer in August 2013 by
Ameriflight, LLC, a cargo carrier that does contract
work for UPS, FedEx, DHL, and domestic banks around the country. He was based in
Puerto Rico for 6 months where he flew an Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia throughout the
Caribbean.
In April 2014, Ameriflight transferred him from Puerto Rico to California. As a Captain,
he flies a Beech BE99 out of Ontario International Airport to Visalia and Bakersfield.
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REMEMBERING
GRACE HARRISON
By: Connee Freeman,
Contributing Editor
Grace Harrison, a long-time and beloved member of Wilshire
UMC, who, several years ago, returned to Belize, her home
country, passed away on July 14, 2014, one day following the
funeral of her brother.
Many will remember Grace as a very active and dedicated church member who founded
the Caribbean Fellowship in 1994, sang in the cathedral choir, supported the children’s
ministry and organized many fund-raisers that addressed the needs of the church. She
was a devout Christian and Wilshire UMC was one of her highest priorities. She always
returned to “her church” when visiting in California.
Grace will be greatly missed by her family, friends and all of those who were impacted by
her selfless acts of kindness!
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Upcoming Events
Laugh With Celeste
By: Eleanor Minter,
Contributing Editor
By: Celeste Slaughter
Two Engineers
Save the Dates!!
Two engineers were standing at the base
of a flagpole, looking at its top.
A woman walked by and asked what they
were doing.
"We're supposed to find the height of this
flagpole," said one of the engineers, "but
we don't have a ladder."
The woman took a wrench from her
purse, loosened a couple of bolts, and laid
the pole down on the ground. Then she
took a tape measure from her
pocketbook, took a measurement,
announced, "Twenty-one feet, six inches,"
and walked away.
One engineer shook his head and laughed,
"A lot of good that does
us. We ask for the height and she gives us
the length!"
August 9
Safe Sanctuary Seminar
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM – Ritter Chapel
Required Training - for all church
volunteers working with children.
Every Wednesday – T’ai Chi Chih Class
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Taught by Gaunnie Hardin Dixon,
an accredited instructor.
Church Bloopers
By: Thelma Pittman,
Longtime Church Member
The eighth-graders will be presenting
Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the church
basement on Friday at 7 p.m. The
congregation is invited to attend
this tragedy.
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Methodist Tidbits
By: Marlene McRae,
Contributing Editor
What does it mean when United Methodists say that we are a church with “Open hearts,
Open minds and Open doors”? How do we show this to our community or to visitors?
Here are some Do's and Don'ts published on the UMC Website.
DO be aware that many people have different food preferences and even food allergies.
Even offerings that sound neutral, like homemade bread, may be a bad idea due to gluten allergies. Think outside the box; consider taking a mug with your church’s logo on it—
stuffed with teabags or a special coffee packet and an issue of The Upper Room daily
devotional guide. Another great offering may be a refrigerator magnet with your
church’s phone number, address, Facebook address, website, and Twitter account.
DON’T forget practical manners. They never go out of style.
DO keep the trip to a visitor’s home short and sweet. If you are bringing something, simply say “thanks for
visiting” and leave the gift. Don’t expect an invitation to come inside. Call before coming, if possible, and keep the
visit brief.
DON’T assume one communication method fits all. Posting the potluck dinner only on Facebook may mean people
who rarely check their Facebook account won’t see it. On the other hand, someone constantly hooked up to
technology may just toss a printed envelope.
DO ask visitors how they prefer to receive information about events and news. Encourage them to follow your
Twitter feed and like your Facebook page. Ask them if they like to get text announcements.
DON’T assume a visitor who may not be a regular churchgoer knows terms like Advent. Also, don’t assume a
visitor even understands what it means when United Methodists say that Holy Communion is open to everyone.
DO make it easy for newcomers to find answers to questions. For instance, instead of saying, “Your daughter
might enjoy UMYF;” say “Your daughter might enjoy our Sunday evening youth fellowship, which we call UMYF.”
DON’T take it personally if a family visits for weeks or even months without joining. You don’t know what is
happening in their lives and their faith journey, so don’t be pushy.
DO understand that part of being a welcoming congregation means being patient. Be friendly and helpful.
Let visitors know they are welcome at the level of involvement where they are most comfortable.
DON’T assume that one welcoming method fits all. Some visitors — especially older ones — might enjoy a phone
call, while a busy family might consider it a nuisance.
DO announce in church that your congregation likes to reach out to visitors. Ask them to note on the registration
pad if they prefer phone calls to home visits or email to snail mail. Reassure visitors from the pulpit that you do
not intend to drop by unannounced.
DON’T put all the responsibility on the shoulders of the head greeter.
DO enlist your congregants’ help in making visitors feel welcome through handshakes, smiles and light
conversation in the pew.
United Methodist Communications offers an online Welcoming Ministry course. For other welcoming dos and
don'ts and ideas, check out: 7 practical elements of welcoming and 5 tips for welcoming visitors
Remember that welcoming visitors is the responsibility of the entire congregation. All members need to
embrace welcoming strategies and behaviors. Challenge your congregants to ask themselves whether their
actions, facial expressions and gestures say that their hearts and minds are truly open.
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Wilshire United Methodist Women
Award 2014 Scholarships
By: Eleanor Minter,
Contributing Editor
At our July 12, 2014 meeting, the United Methodist Women (UMW) awarded
college and university scholarships to the following recipients:

Olivia Bassey – Pasadena College – Education

Kevin Gorostieta-Ocampa - Santa Monica College –Rehabilitation & Kinesiology

Jonathan Bassey – University of Arizona – Journalism

Brandon Canada – University of Southern California - Music

Paloma Eisesser – New York College – Psychology

Kaylan Kelly – University of California, San Diego – Nursing

Allison Longsworth – University of California, Riverside – Accounting

Kay Longsworth – University of Phoenix – Health Administration

Carolina Lopez – California State University, Northridge – Nursing

Alexander Wilson, Jr. – University of California, Riverside – Business Administration
Each student gave us an update on their school progress, experiences and goals.
UMW members are so proud to be able to honor these motivated, young adults who have
a positive outlook for the future.
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Game Changers
Summit
Dreamers and doers gather to harness
the power of communications
technology, September 3-5, 2014,
in Nashville, Tenn.
Hosted by United Methodist
Communications, the Game Changers
Summit will demonstrate how
information and communications
technology (ICT) can be used to improve
all facets of life. The focus? Helping parts
of the world left behind by the
technological revolution, to solve
problems in education, wellness and
community development with cutting
edge communications tools.
Imagine being together in a room with
others who work in the same parts of
the developing world that you do…
learning from globally renowned
leaders, and building plans together that
will impact generations to come.
You will leave feeling enlightened,
informed, connected, and even more
passionate about your work than you
already are.
Email us at [email protected]
Or call us at 877-228-3168.
VOLUME 14 ISSUE 8
Wilshire English
Ministry’s Baptism
Celebration
By: Connee Freeman,
Contributing Editor
According to the Book of Discipline, baptism is the
sacrament of initiation and incorporation into the
body of Christ. On Easter Sunday the Wilshire
English Ministry was blessed to witness the
following baptisms:
Jahnia Mathews, daughter of John Mathews and
Elsie Parham
Born on July 4, 2012
Mateo N. Monsanto, son of Nicholas P. Monsanto
and Gabriela Monsanto
Born on August 19, 2013
His proud and loving grandmother is Loretta
Monsanto.
Dion Leon Rogers III, son of Aaron Washington
and Royce Moore
Born on December 7, 2006
Aaron Steven Washington, Jr., son of Aaron
Washington and Royce Moore
Born on October 14, 2013
As we celebrate these little angels and welcome
them into the Wilshire Family, it is the
congregation’s responsibility to help nurture,
instruct and guide them during their spiritual and
moral formation. What a blessing they will be to
their families and to us!
Wilshire United Methodist Church
711 South Plymouth Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90005
Office: (323) 931-1085
Fax: (323) 931-0203
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.ewilshireumc.org
Weekly Church Events
Sunday: Worship Service 10:00 a.m.
(Sanctuary)
Prayer & Fellowship, every Friday
7:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. (Reception Room)
Clergy and Program Staff
Rev. Sam B. Kim, Pastor
Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.
10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.
(Evenings by appointment)
Praying For You
The Wilshire Family surrounds with love and prayers,
the following family members who are experiencing health
challenges, some of whom cannot join us on Sunday, as well
as those who are serving in the military. We also pray for the
victims of tragedies throughout our country and the world.
Juel Collins
Aaron Edwards
Rosalie Turner
Elspeth Hall
Joey Lopez
Myrtle Louise James
Mary Ann Johnson
Tyronne Perriott*
Thelma Pittman
Mary Randall
Audrey Shockley
Seth Shockley
Celeste Slaughter
Joe Leverette
Rev. Dr. John Guillen, Pastor, Hispanic Ministry
Dr. Gwendolyn Wyatt, Director of Music
*Tyronne Perriott is serving in the armed forces. Please keep
Dr. Hsiao-Ching Chao, Organist, English Ministry
him in your prayers.
Jonathan Pontel, Organist, Hispanic Ministry
Office Volunteers
Eleanor Minter, Mondays
Dulce Gunning, Tuesdays
Wedding/Special Events
Lori S. Jones, Director
Colin McCaffery, Assistant
Lynnyé Smith, Assistant
Wilshire Preschool
Ernest Stroman, Executive Director
Wilshire English Creative Arts Ministry
Dr. Gwendolyn Wyatt, Chairperson
A Wilshire Ministry E-Mail Prayer Group has been organized
in response to numerous personal prayer requests.
If you wish to join or have a prayer request, send an e-mail to
Connee Freeman at : [email protected].
Visit Our Worship Services
Every Sunday at 10 a.m.
Editorial Staff
Ron Strickland
Layout Editor
Nancy Brashears
Staff Coordination Editor
Marlene McRae
Contributing Editor
Connee Freeman
Contributing Editor
Eleanor Minter
Contributing Editor
Lina Ramos
Contributing/Literary Editor
Jonathan Bassey
Website Consultant
A Word from the Word:
“Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament.
Hear my cry for help, my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
Psalm 5:1-2 (NIV)