July 4th, there is hope.

Comment by Bro C. Emerson Strain

Just back from a mission trip to Jamaica. Great to have services in that country. This also was Bro Rick Keener and Bro Lewis Wooten first ever mission trip. They did a wonderful job ministering to the people that we met in the different Churches. Friday night, we ministered in an outdoor meeting in a town called Greenhill. It was wonderful. There were over 100 in attendance that night and several came forward when the alter call was given. Services were good each night. Thanks to the Pastors, Missionaries and Bishops that we worked with each night.

When you are in a different country, the news and viewpoint that you receive is different than what the American news beaurals constantly feed us. This is what I want to talk about, because it the the 4th of July as I write this.

The headlines of the Jamaican newspapers where covering Fidel Castro's defiance of America. He warned his people that Bush was preparing to attack Cuba and Fidel said that he would destroy America and its infidels. As I read this, I saw the manipulation by this leader, using the fear of attack to get his people to rally around him. I feel bad for the people who believe his lies. They feel protected by him from an imaginary enemy. I hope truth prevails.

As soon as I got back to America, I watched the swearing in of our new Ambassador to the U.N.. His name slips me now, but I was impressed with the person who swore him in. It was Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Truth always prevails. I remember when all kinds of stories were out to destroy Thomas's name to keep him from becoming the first "Black" Juror on the Supreme Court.

When it was Justice Thomas' time to swear in the new Ambassador, he chose to say, "So help me God." What great truth. When the Supreme Court is questioning the right of an individual to have the "10 Commandments" in their office, Justice Clarence Thomas took the leadership and continued to use the phrase, "So help me God" in the swearing in ceremony.

We don't have to cram our religion down someone's throat, but we can take our liberty and share what we believe. It is what we are made of. Every time it is in your hands to take a stand for what you believe; take a stand.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. I Peter 3:15-16

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