Remembering the Fallen

Dear Worshippers,

It is September 11. I am sure you have been reminded in some way either today or in the last few days that we were approaching this significant date in American history. You probably remember where you were when you first heard of the plane, then planes, colliding into the World Trade Center. You probably remember standing in disbelief as you watched the second plane fly into the second tower, then as they fell. You could hardly believe it when you heard about the Pentagon and the other plane that went down in Pennsylvania. It was a day we will never forget. It was a tragic day in the history of our nation.

Some 3,000 fell that day. Going through their day, minding their own business, living their lives. Struck down, some in their prime, some with unborn children. Many presumably were not prepared to die, having very different plans for the day, the rest of September, the rest of that year. We mourn their loss, and pray for their families who today live it all over again.

But I want to ask you to consider some other fallen. Sarah told me just last night of a missionary that was murdered recently in Afghanistan. This missionary served with my brother-in-laws denomination. I do not know his name. I do not know the date of his death. I do not know the events surrounding his demise. But this I know, he gave his life in the service of the King. I presume he was ready to die, because anyone willing to communicate the gospel in Afghanistan knows the penalty for doing so is death. We mourn his loss, and pray for his family and friends as they grieve.

But let us remember that there are many others that have considered the cost and made their decision to live for, and if necessary die for, Jesus. Against all odds, they have decided to take the good news of the Savior in places that are less than receptive to it. They have placed their lives on the line so that some will have the chance to hear that otherwise might not have. Our missionary that we heard from Sunday in the service, who is laboring in the same country mentioned above, said that she can not leave, dangerous as it may be to here life, because she loves them.

Some of them will likely die in the process. They are our brothers and sisters. Some of them may even be us. Let us not shrink back, afraid to give our all, for the advance of the kingdom of our God is the call that has been placed on us. Let us encourage one another next week during Missions Conference 2007 to do all we can, by God’s grace to communicate the gospel AGAINST ALL ODDS.

In Christ,

Pastor Scott