A Mighty Wind

Having gone through Hurricane Hugo in Charleston, SC and Super Typhoon Pamela on Guam in the Marianas I know the destructive violence of hurricanes and typhoons is heart rending. I know the horror that follows the terror and the depression that follows that. Hugo was a late season storm and the twisted, broken trees and battered shrubs were a constant reminder of destruction. It seemed as though things would never be the same ever again. They weren't, but gradually, as spring approached and the green started to return, spirits lifted and the sun started to shine inside ever so faintly. From that point the true recovery began. The refuse pyres burned night and day for months on end reducing to ashes plans, dreams, comforts, keepsakes, heirlooms and memories. The dark smudge in the sky a constant, grim reminder of the time before the storm.

To be able to flip a switch and have instant light was no longer an act to be taken for granted. A hot bath became almost a sacred ritual performed with respect. The return of full shelves at stores was viewed as the American miracle it is. Each new leaf became a healing balm and took on a spectacular grandeur with the power to wrest the human spirit from the lingering, tenacious grip of the storm. The sounds of construction and the sparkling freshness of new paint came to replace the shattering shriek of destruction and the uniform mud color of the landscape. Nightmares became just bad dreams and then faded. Time passed and new structures replaced the old in memory and then one day, quite suddenly, life again seemed normal. Backyard barbecues were no longer a thing of urgency or necessity, but a gathering of friends once more.

Though it won't be today, for the victims of Hurricane Ike it will be sooner than they can even hope for now. The phoenix will rise.

Please keep them in your prayers.

Known But to God

But the fruit of the Spirit is…goodness.Galatians 5:22

At the Arlington National Cemetery there is a memorial tomb that contains the remains of unknown soldiers from various wars, namely World Wars I and II; The Tomb of the Unknowns. The inscription on the tomb reads: "Here Rests in Honored Glory an American Soldier Known but to God."

If you are ever in doubt about what makes a person great, do not look to the Hollywood elite or the upper crust of society. Greatness is not found in possessions, power, or prestige. Rather, it is found in goodness, humility, service, and character, all of which can be found in the majority of military men and women. They don't sign up to defend their country with the goal of being honored and glorified. They simply believe they are called to carry out this awesome responsibility.

What is it that you are pursuing in life; more things and more status, or do you desire to carry out God's will and see Him glorified? If you truly wish to be great, follow the example of selfless, humble American soldiers, and be a devoted Christian "known but to God."

The supreme test of goodness is not in the greater but in the smaller incidents of our character and practice. F. B. Meyer

Making Room For New Members

In an effort to make room for new church members, the Music Director has graciously opened several seats in the choir to ease the crowding expected as the summer fun season draws to a close. Join the choir now and avoid the rush. Don’t wait and be sardined in the pews.

The Life of a One-dollar Bill

The torn and ragged one-dollar bill discovered that it was about to be retired from circulation. As it slowly moved along the conveyor belt to the shredder, it became acquainted and struck up a conversation with a fifty-dollar bill that was meeting the same fate.

The fifty began reminiscing about its travels all over the country. "Life has been good," the fifty exclaimed. "Why, I've been to Las Vegas, the finest restaurants in New York, political fund raisers, and just returned from a cruise on the Caribbean."

"Gee," said the one-dollar bill, "you're fortunate to have been able to visit all those places."

"So where all have you been in your lifetime, my little friend," says the fifty?"

"Well, I've been to ....
the Methodist Church,
the Baptist Church,
the Presbyterian Church,
the Lutheran Church,
the Catholic Church,
the Orthodox Church,
the Assembly of God Church,
the Brethren Church,
the Quaker Church,
the Pentecostal Church,
the Charismatic Church,
the Mennonite Church,
the Church of Christ..."

"Excuse me," says the fifty, “but, what's a ‘church’?"