I have a lot of time on my hands this week. You see, my family is out of town, and I am here at home. Nothing wrong with this situation because we are all doing what we are supposed to do. My wife is in California with her sisters and brother-in-law attending a family wedding. My daughter and son-in-law are in Pennsylvania supporting my grandchildren and Heritage Christian Academy. Yes, they are at opposite ends of the country, and I am still in Texas!
My son-in-law drove their car on the 3,000-mile trip so there would be room for the students, including two of my grandchildren and my 3rd grandchild. Pastor Bob and Sister Kathy’s car was full and towed a trailer for their luggage. The A.C.E International Student Convention (ISC) is an important part of the Christian School program and gives students who placed in regional competitions a chance to compete on the international level. My grandson is great in archery and can win if he tries. They will also visit the Hershey Chocolate Park after ISC.
At the other end of the country my wife flew into Los Angeles and my brother-in-law drove them to Temecula, a picturesque town in the mountains. I received a “we arrived safely” call and pictures of the pre-wedding dinner. They must have been busy enjoying themselves because I didn’t hear anything for a couple of days. They will tour Hollywood and Los Angeles before returning home and that is fine as long as they are safe.
Meanwhile back at home I helped our Assistant Pastor with our Church service and posted updates of both the ISC events and my wife’s adventures. I also posted a notice of the passing of our former Pastor, Billy C. Moore. We are rejoicing that he has finished his race and is now with his loving wife and his Savior JESUS! That is also as it should be because “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21 KJV). No more sickness and no more pain, Pastor Moore made it!
Sadly, I also reposted the tragic news of the school shooting in Uvalde. Yes, some of those who died may be with JESUS in Heaven like Pastor Moore, but JESUS said, “broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Mat 7:13-14 KJV). I am not judging those who died (mostly children) but the statistics are not in their favor.
How can you be so cruel as to say that now? You can’t say anything that will hurt those who are gone, but it is the worst kind of cruelty if we don’t tell those left behind about JESUS before the next tragedy! How do you know there will be another? Because somewhere out there 150,000 people died the same day as those children and teachers and another 150,000 will die today and 150,000 will die tomorrow and it won’t end until JESUS returns. That unimaginable tragedy is worse than Uvalde! The real tragedy is it doesn’t have to happen.
We must tell people that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). Then we must show them GOD’s love through our own lives right now because tomorrow will be too late for oh so many!
Wayne Lance (May 2022) – That’s Good News to Share!