You may or may not know that I grew up in Headland, Alabama which is in the southeast
part of the state.
The situation with Jimmy Lee Dykes holding a kindergarten
boy hostage last week played out 10 miles from my hometown.
This week, I want you to hear from Cecil Sanders, the pastor
of FBC-Headland (the church I grew up in):
“When the World Descended Upon Dale County
Last Friday some deacons and I helped serve the first
responders at the hostage sight in Midland
City. We were there in
coordination with the Columbia Baptist Association and the Salvation Army. Our
job was to prepare and serve donated food items to federal, state and local law
enforcement officials as they took breaks in their ‘round-the-clock’
surveillance. I also had the opportunity to check in with the hearts and
spirits of these dedicated men and women all focused on bringing a peaceful
resolution to a difficult hostage situation. I’d like to share with you some
observations, impressions and reflections.
The value of human life: Upon arriving and throughout
our service there we were amazed at the massive amount of resources – men,
women, equipment, technology…etc. – mobilized because of one man’s actions and
on behalf of one little boy. A bad decision is costing hundreds of thousands of
dollars. And yet the life of Ethan is worth every dollar! Human life is precious
and worth all the effort and resources invested. The tragic irony is how little
we value pre-born children who, thanks to modern medicine, are viable long
before their “due” dates. How can it be that we “move heaven and earth” to save
a kindergartener, but continue to abort healthy unborn babies by the thousands
each year? God so loved each person that He gave His ALL – He moved heaven and
earth in sending Jesus – to redeem any and all who believe.
The awareness that our nation is hurting within:
Speaking with an FBI official from Atlanta
I was struck by his candidness. “When I was growing up,” he said, “there was no
doubt in my mind that I was safe at school. It never occurred to me that I
should fear for my safety while on the grounds of my school.” This man went on
to say, “I’m a father of four children and I am very concerned. This event (Midland City)
and the others (Newtown,
Columbine) deeply trouble me.” This man was baring his soul. He was obviously
well trained, skilled, intelligent, strong and rugged. But this brave man also
had a disturbed heart. I thanked him for his service and pray for him to know
peace through Christ.
The witness of God’s church: A member of the Dale
County School Board shared that federal officials from all over the nation were
amazed and overwhelmed with the generosity and support shown by the local faith
community. Food donations, volunteers serving and continual prayer spoke highly
of God’s people here in the Wiregrass. Believers letting their light shine
brought glory to God.
The time and place in which we live are ordained by God. Our
world is troubled and increasingly uncomfortable for Christians. However, this
is the time and place in which God has placed us. May He empower us to be His
effective representatives in our world.
Thankful to hear just now (Monday) that Ethan is free!
(But I take no delight in the death of Mr. Dykes – Ezekiel 18:32)
Cecil Sanders”
We are going to step away from our usual Sunday School
lesson this week. Instead, we will meet
with other adult Bible study groups in the sanctuary to hear the testimony of Irene
Gleeson.
Here is what our church newsletter says about it:
“What happens when one person gives complete control of
their life to Jesus? After the death of her mother, a divorce, the loss of all
she had known, and a desperate and wide-ranging search for truth, Irene Gleeson
made the decision to give Jesus control of her life. Since that time, God has
used her willingness to affect the lives of thousands.”
Make sure you are in the sanctuary by 9:50 a.m.
I know we will be blessed and challenged by her story.
What
do commentary on a hostage situation and a visiting missionary have in
common? Discipleship. You know--the word Scott has been preaching
about all year (think about that for a minute).
It doesn't matter if you are going a few miles up the street or to another continent. God calls us to go and make disciples.
If
you think about it, God doesn't have a long list of prerequisites for
us to be used in His work. All He asks us to be is willing.
Pray for a willing spirit. God will do the rest.
Finish Friday strong.
Enjoy Saturday with your family.
See you Sunday!
Loyally yours,
Darren Bayne
"You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand." - Woodrow Wilson
No comments:
Post a Comment