Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Reader feedback needed

As many of you know, I will be moving to Paraguay in a couple of weeks. We will be starting over, a new country, a new ministry, a new life. This is causing me to wonder if I should perhaps change the name of my blog.

Maybe it is time for something other than 'The jungle Hut' and 'Jungle Mom' since I am no longer there? But, I have a small but loyal following here and 'Jungle Mom' is known in certain, very small, blogging circles. I would not want to lose those readers who are following me.

I have at times been criticized for having too strong of political views for a Christian missionary. I am thinking that perhaps I should have one blog for politics, under another name, and keep this blog for personal and mission related posts. This goes against my grain as I feel all of these facets are a projection of who I am, a complete person. I feel Christians should have as much right to express their political view points as any other citizen. but, I do not want to needlessly offend readers.

Another area I need to consider is limiting my commentary against Islam as I will be in an area with a Muslim population and would not want my children harmed or endangered. But again, I hate to give into these extremists!

So, what do you all think?

35 comments:

Mrs. Who said...

Some tough questions, especially regarding the political/Islam situation. For your children's sake, you might not want to blog the politics. But by fully living your Christian faith you will gain respect and converts moreso than you can by railing, however truthfully, against Muslims. It's not giving in per se, but living the Ten Commandments and the 'do unto others', and all that.

Dawn said...

I think you should keep doing what you're doing - but the fact that I agree with you 100% could have something to do with that opinion!

Subvet said...

I say rock on.

I would pay particular attention to your anonymity however as there are safety concerns to take into account. But if you choose to make changes, you would keep your readers by simply letting us know where to find the other stuff.

Subvet said...

oops sorry, that was Mightymom

Subvet said...

If you're annoying all the right people, I'd say to keep blogging as you have been. Completely understand the concern regarding followers of the pedophile prophet, they don't play and family should always come first.

This comment is from the REAL Subvet!

WomanHonorThyself said...

you will always be JUNGLE mom to me girl!!

Abouna said...

I love your blog just as it is, but if you have to change anything then just the name. How about: "Jungle Mom now in Paraguay"

Papa Frank said...

How about a name that would encompass all of your temperment traits like "Jungle-Trooper-Teeth Kickin'--Warrior of Truth-Mom-with recipes?" Just a thought!!! :)

Anonymous said...

Since you asked, I know you do have a loyal following, and seem to meet people EVERYWHERE you travel that are readers.

There is something that goes against our grain not to be able to voice our views as opposed to those of dictators!! People have come to \know you and can rely on truth being passed along from around the world. You inspire others to beccome proactive and to see through smokescreens!!

I say leave this one. If for ministry purposes, you need another, then so be it .....add another!

Keep the world news views coming!!

Starla said...

I have someone who wants me to change things that I believe and have been taught. And I finally decided not to change, because I want to be different then other people (the world). I don't think you should change anything. I know I don't comment on your funny pictures of Obama, but I really do enjoy them, lol. I think you should be you and not worry what others think.

The Local Malcontent said...

JMom, for what it's worth~

The criticism you get is a compliment in reality, IMHO. I wouldn't change anything myself, if I were you; but overall, pray about this, take this to Jesus, as you would any other problem, staying, and trusting in His guidance.

Another observation: Many Muslims themselves see the irrationality of the extremists within their belief system,too.
I'd sooner think that condemnation of Chavez, or of socialist' leanings within Paraguay, would be more intimadating, worthy of caution than bashing al-queda.

Finally: A good friend and blogger here in OK, has chosen to delete his name from his blog, throughout; you might consider doing the same, removing all the references to your names herein.

Walk with God, Jmom, hubby.

Sarah Joy said...

Real tough to give an answer, Rita. Those are real concerns.

Anyone brave enough to speak the truth encourages me, and I believe in the darkness of this world it is becoming more and more important to speak the truth clearly and loudly. You know what it's like to live in a world where truth is relative to the person with the firepower. I would personally miss it terribly.

However, you also have a responsibility. I wouldn't judge you if you stopped the political posts.

Theophilus said...

Ooh. *cringe* tough.
I go with what everyone else is saying

redneck preacher said...

“The Jungle Hut” says more than you may realize.
- It is the name by which many people were introduced to missionary sacrifice without whining (dirt floors, those awful ticks)
- It informed and blessed many people about Christian kindred of a totally different culture.
- It kept many people aware of how a strong marriage needs large doses of humor (getting into a canoe to go argue)
- It used the banned word “JUNGLE” when all the PC dolts are saying rain forest
- Many other blessings from “The Jungle Hut”
- It was ammunition for many people with liberal friends who needed education about the Hellywood sweetie Chavez
- Many other blessings from “The Jungle Hut”

Cities contain jungles also. I would keep the name and after you have been in country for a while re-evaluate the ministry. You may find certain aspects of a jungle fitting for the new place. If another personality quirk of the new ministry exposes itself then you may want to change your name.

Lots of opinion from this preacher but either way I am a fan of the Vernoy family ministries.

Semper Fi

HTOITA

Anonymous said...

As a self-described activist with plenty to say, I love to see Christian people who are not afraid to speak their minds and say what they believe on issues that aren't necessarily "pulpit-related". I also love you and your family and your ministry. Don't stop what you do! The world needs more people like you.

Nina in Portugal said...

You've got to come up with a way to associate "Jungle Hut" or Jungle Mom" with you being in Paraguay.....not too hard, right?!---Maybe take a poll, get some ideas & choose which you like best. That sounds like fun...and let someone else do the work!

MathewK said...

You do need to look out for yourself and your family if you're living amongst Muslims, we know it's not all of them, but all it takes is one crazy. The internet can be like wildfire, especially because you have pictures, you can be identified easily. Even if you take them off your blog, they can still be kept via google history and accessed by anyone.

Maybe you should set up a completely different blog but don't link it to this one. Say nothing, infer nothing, like you're starting new. But you let those you trust know about it via email or something. It all depends on how you view the situation where you are.

Jane said...

Personally, I think you should stay who you are. "The Jungle Hut" is so identified with you that it would seem strange for you to be anything else.
I also don't think you should have two blogs so that your political side can be contained in its' own place. Your opinions are what make your blog interesting. Those who think that Christian missionaries can't have a political opinion must think you are a robot!!! You are a well educated, enlightened, well read person who happens to be a Christian. You have a brain and you have an opinion and I like to read what you have to say.
Does that answer your question?

Anonymous said...

I encourage you to keep saying what you're saying. I appreciate the TRUTH of your blog; please don't stop speaking it because you may offend others. Especially now, the truthtellers need to be loud!

Thursday's Child said...

I don't think you should change a thing. Yes, you rant and rail against extremist Muslims, but there are many Muslims who don't like the image they create of the rest of them. In fact, due to where you'll be living, you'll have the opportunity to get to know Muslims and have dialogue with them. That can give you good insight for your blog. ;) Please don't change a thing...I love you just the way you are. :D

Pen of Jen said...

Hmm...I use my pen of jen for more things of the world...politics and the other for the family, and happenings.

For you I would adapt to any new name or whatever...and I can go back to the white sands and make a new name in the sands!!!:)

Jennifer
oh just a thought to those who 'think' this or that because you are a missionary family...if we were to be the same and have the same experiences then why the Gospels? I mean each one wrote with their experiences...a physician ...etc.

Please continue being you...we are all wired differently and this manner obviously connects.
Just my thoughts

Thursday's Child said...

I don't think you should change a thing. Yes, you rant and rail against extremist Muslims, but there are many Muslims who don't like the image they create of the rest of them. In fact, due to where you'll be living, you'll have the opportunity to get to know Muslims and have dialogue with them. That can give you good insight for your blog. ;) Please don't change a thing...I love you just the way you are. :D

Anonymous said...

I like your title. I vote for leaving it as is.

If there are a bunch of Moslems down there, maybe you are right and had better lay low on that issue. Everything you've said is true, and I have admired you for standing up in that regard. However, I live in Festung Hermit in the forest. It might be easier for the bad guys to find you, and you have kids. Nobody would think the less of you for being careful.

Michelle said...

I would miss your political commentary. I usually end up sharing them with my friends (one is from Columbia and one is from Guatemala).

But you do what you have to do.

And I think that keeping the name is a tribute to your jungle family.

Blessings,
Michelle

blank said...

Quoting, "Another area I need to consider is limiting my commentary against Islam as I will be in an area with a Muslim population and would not want my children harmed or endangered. But again, I hate to give into these extremists!"

Sadly, the extremists are barbarians who will considering harming you or your children Allah's will. It is for this reason alone that you may wish to begin a new blog and a new nickname; and notify people privately by email. They are without mercy because they view those of us who stand against this barbaric politcal religious toxin as satan.

In addition, protecting your children is not giving in the barbarians. The extra worry about your family members will make doing your work for God more difficult.

Having tossed out my imprefect opinion, I trust that you find a way to do what is best for both God and your family.

Sarah Halter said...

I don't see any problem with staying Jungle Mom at the Jungle Hut. Like RP said, it's so much a part of your ministry and your identity. If you find something else that stands out after a while and you want to rename the blog, we'll all roll with it. You shouldn't feel like need to leave it or you need to change it.

I also don't think there's any issue with you writing about all the things you do. I don't usually agree with you on political things (you knew that already!!), but I respect your opinion and know that you've come to it thoughtfully, prayerfully and with much experience. It all depends on your purpose in blogging. If it's just to share about ministry, that's fine, but if you're blogging to share yourself, you should be free to share all of you.

If you do decide to start over again in a more anonymous way, we'd all respect that decision, but make sure you let us know where to find you! I know some people put a post giving people a way to email them to access the new blog. I know that the Lord will give you wisdom.

Brenda said...

I also think that you should just keep doing what you are doing. ON the side bar you can give a history of why the blog has the name it does and go from there.

Personally, I love it that you are opinionated.

Glenn B said...

Rita,

If your views as expressed in this blog are offensive to others, so what, it is they who choose to be offended. Think about it, they are offended by what you write, or in other words what you think. I say tough noogies for them. As you say, you have the right, as does anyone else to express yourself politically and religiously (remember that right is protected here in the USA, please be careful in Paraguay). I also think one blog is the way to go, that is just my 2 cents. As for the name, to me it does not matter what you call it, it is your blog. I say, call it as you see fit. So long as you tell your readers you are changing the name with plenty of advance notice, I would think you would lose no one, at least if the name is all you are changing. You may indeed lose readers if you one down your blog to much just to appease or not offend others. It would, quite possibly, become less than thought provoking if you did so.

Good luck in Paraguay, and good luck with whatever you decide for the blog.

All the best,
Glenn B

Findalis said...

One blog and keep the name. You are and will always be Jungle Mom in my heart.

~Karen_ said...

Even if you change your blog title, you should keep your name as Jungle Mom! :-)

I certainly enjoy your missionary and family stories the most!

groovyoldlady said...

I love you just the way you are. I love your blog just the way it is.

HOWEVER, your concerns are very valid. I have a dear young friend who is a "student" (ie undercover missionary) in a closed Muslim nation. She is very outspoken online and through emails but she protects herself and her family by using many codewords that throw off search engines.

You can email me if you'd like more info since I can't post her "codewords' publicly as such.

Charles said...

This is the toughest question you've ever posted. At least since I "met" your blog. I feel God has called us all to one thing. Make him famous. That is tell the world. When it comes to the word he expects us to live dangerously. God will take care of us. But I also believe God expects us to exercise wisdom.

My opinion... NO you should NOT change the name of your blog. But you could subtitle it.

I think we as believers should have strong opinions. I know God is in control either way but I still feel we should shout about some things.

As for limiting your views here ( or elsewhere ) No matter how you cut it. Non-Christians including Muslims need Jesus. Without him they are going to hell.

But you must be aware of your safety and more importantly the safety of your family. So maybe some steps to become more web anonymous would be wise.

I think you and your family need double the prayer efforts. That God will continue to use you. Yet build a hedge of safety around you. I am sure you can count on us ( all of your "blog family" )to lift you up this way.

BTW I like what RedNeck Preacher said

Just don't Stop ... And don't move where we can find you.

Anonymous said...

Keep doing as you've always been doing, no need to change it!

ExploreColorado said...

As far as readers go. They don't have to read it if they dont like the political stuff. Conscerning the safety. Well that's another matter. I'm sure you know your territory better that I would. If you do make a new site. be sure to let us know where to find you.

Gecko said...

jm, I believe you should leave things as they are. You would not be happy with yourself for having other people decide who you are, what and how you should do it, this is after all what you are fighting for, your freedom, isn't it?