Peace On Earth
At this time of year, we are reminded of the encouraging proclamation by the angels over 2000 years ago: ... and on earth peace, good will toward men. Yet since that time, there has been no true peace in the world. As we close 2016, there are 43 wars ravaging our planet. Every continent, with the exception of Australia and the Artic have some conflict raging. Over the past year, over 100,000 people have died in the hostilities. Although most of the warring occurred in Asia (including the Middle East) and Africa, we routinely hear about the war in Mexico with the drug lords that claimed over 6,000 souls this year. There is no lasting peace.
To some, the existence of war defines their lack of belief in God. To others, the promise of a coming peace reinforces the goodness of God.
On Christmas Day in 1863, a poet sat alone in his house on the outskirts of Boston. The Civil War had crippled America for the past 2 years. During that time his wife had died, and later his oldest son, Charley, had been seriously wounded in battle. In sadness, he had failed to enjoy Christmas for several years but that morning he heard the church bells and he began to write these words:
I heard the bells on Christmas day Their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on earth, good will to men.
But then the poet considered the terrible fighting going on between the North & South. And in despair I bowed my head "There is no peace on earth," I said, "For hate is strong and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men."
Then he listened again, and the church bells gave him renewed hope.
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail With peace on earth, good will to men."
That poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, helps us to remember the angels' statement.
Although, today we don't experience "Peace on Earth," yet when the Prince of Peace comes, that elusive goal which has captivated the hearts of mankind will be realized.
The President's Perspective
Christmas was only five days away, as 2nd Lt. Charles Brown flew his B-17 in formation over Germany. The date was December 20, 1943, and this was his crew's first bombing mission. These ten man were taking part in a larger bombing raid on a war factory in Bremen, Germany.
As the plane neared the target, flak sent up from the ground severely damaged their plane. Unloading his bombs, Lt. Brown turned the B-17 towards home with one engine out, and two other engines wavering. Their plane quickly fell out of formation, and it was soon swarmed by 13 German fighters. The bomber was shot to pieces, the tailgunner was killed, and several others of the crew were injured. The B-17 began to spiral downward to earth. At the last minute, the pilot wrestled the ailing craft back into the sky.
As the stricken bomber limped towards the coast, a lone German ME 109 fighter rose up from an airfield in pursuit. In that plane was ace Franz Stigler, who had become a German fighter pilot to avenge the war death of his brother. Stigler, trained as a commercial airlines pilot, lacked one more downed bomber before he would receive the Knight's Cross. As he neared the plane, he saw that it was shot to pieces. He could see into the fuselage as crewmembers administered first aid to the wounded, and he marveled how the B-17 continued to fly.
But the German ace chose compassion instead of death. There will be no victory for me, Stigler decided. I will not have this on my conscience for the rest of my life. The German pilot flew with his enemy out over the ocean and then parted ways.
Years went by, and the former enemies wondered if the other had survived. Forty-six years after the war, the two pilots finally found each other. As they hugged, Charles Brown thanked Franz Stigler for sparing their lives. Children and grandchildren had arrived because of his decision.
A letter written by pilot Charles Brown stated: I have the distinct feeling that some power greater than that of our respective governments was looking out for most of us on December 20, 1943. (Makos, Adam. A Higher Call. New York: Berkley Caliber. 2013. p. 362).
God had watched over a group of frightened U.S. airmen - an instance of God's goodness in the midst of adversity.
Five Years and a Half
Happy is the best way to describe this special, little, 5 1/2 year old girl that was resigned to die by her doctors.
The prayers of faithful Christians, and the grace of God has allowed our little daughter, Lilliana Joy, to remain with us.
We thank the Lord for the 66 months that we have watched hersmile as we have tackled the various challenges that accompany her condition.
Trisomy 18 is often labeled as "incompatible with life." Yet what is the medical world implying? Does it mean that a Trisomy 18 child issubhuman? Does it mean that a child who demands extra, guarded attention to survive, cannot enjoy life?
Such is not the case with Lilliana. She is learning her standing skills and she continually gets stronger. Her eating and vocal skills, which go hand in hand, are practiced daily. And best of all, she is a happy girl.
Rhonda and I thank you for your continued prayers. We look forward to seeing how God will use her little life for His Glory.
Christmas Blessings
Standing for God," was the message that Dr. David Price delivered to the friends gathered at the recent Heritage Fall Banquet. The focus of the evening was partnering with the college to train steadfast students for the Lord.
We appreciate all those who attended the banquet and gave towards the winter expenses, alumni scholarships, and the new dorm. The challenge of providing a "home" for students is Heritage Baptist College's next need as we progress.
The individual funded scholarships are also a great blessing. Very few students in Christian ministry could ever afford the real cost of their education. Those of us who are interested in the next generation, take it upon ourselves to assist them in making up the cost difference.
With the Lord's blessing, we are producing a group of God-honoring young people.