Letters for Nov. 25
Support military personnel
As Virginia Baptists observe the year-end holidays, giving thanks for the founding of our nation and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, we invite all citizens of our state and nation to join us in paying tribute to the brave men and women of our armed services.
Many in our nation may be divided over the war, but we should never be divided over our support for those who serve us sacrificially and for the families they leave behind. We pray that Americans will respond in the spirit of the following resolution of appreciation passed at our recent annual meeting.
“Inasmuch as many citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia serve in the armed services of the United States of America, and
“Whereas many members of Virginia Baptist churches are currently deployed on active duty,
“Therefore, we the messengers to the 181st annual meeting of the Baptist General Association of Virginia, in Roanoke, Virginia, on November 10, 2004, express deep appreciation to the men and women in the armed services and to their families. With gratitude to God, we particularly commend the work of military chaplains for their dedicated ministry as visible reminders of the Holy.
“Let it be resolved that we pay tribute to all who have suffered injury and to all who have made the ultimate sacrifice of life to protect the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness which we enjoy.
“We further resolve to extend sympathy to all who grieve the injury or loss of their loved ones in this conflict.
“Be it finally resolved that we pledge to provide ministry to military members and their families, and we pledge our prayer support for all Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard members, particularly to those serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. We further offer assurance to our military families that we stand with them in their dedicated service to our nation.”
John V. Upton Jr., Executive Director
Baptist General Association of Virginia
The best medicine
Most letters to the editor of the Religious Herald refer to pertinent issues concerning the Southern Baptist Convention, Baptist General Association of Virginia, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, missions, missionaries and news about Virginia Baptist churches and their ministries.
In each issue I receive, I read the “Heritage” article written by Fred Anderson, director of the Virginia Baptist Historical Society. I have learned so much about the history of Baptist churches through his journalism.
The article, “The laughing fit” [Herald, Nov. 4], caused me to laugh so much and it brought sunshine and joy into a long, dreary, cloudy day that week. I cut the article out to mail to a friend. She and I (both senior citizens) share a lot of articles, cartoons, etc., through our written correspondence.
As Fred Anderson stated, “Laughter relieves tension.” Oh, what a relief it was to laugh out loud again!
Margaret Gustafson, Richmond