Vietnam - Honor & Remember

On April 29th, 1975 my life changed. I was a Senior in High School at Marshalltown, Iowa and we anxiously listened to the news coming from Vietnam. My boyhood friend and fellow Eagle Scout from Troop 310, L/CPL Darwin L. Judge, was a Marine Security Guard who was killed during an attack on Tan Sun Nhut Air Base outside of Saigon early that morning. Next to him was CPL Charles McMahon from Woburn, Massachusetts. They were the last two killed in action in that long war. As I was preparing to graduate and take on the world I was taught that liberty comes with a price. When I heard the news I was working at Randall’s Grocery and went to the back of the store and cried like I never had before. We had a Memorial Service at the High School Gym that May but their bodies were not returned to their families until early in 1976. I was unable to attend the service and burial because I had enlisted in the U.S. Army but over the years I spent time with his parents, Henry and Ida. They lost their other son, Loren, to complications from serving in Southeast Asia after the war. They never wavered in their love for this nation and we shed tears together to the day they were laid to rest next to Darwin overlooking the rolling land of the Hawkeye State.

As the Vietnam Wall visits Kosciusko County May 31st to June 3rd we remember the 58,220 Americans who paid for freedom with their lives. 1,606 are still Missing in Action. Their fathers, mothers, siblings, spouses, family, friends and comrades will come to spend time, shed tears and remember.

We also take time to honor our Vietnam Era Veterans. They served when citizens were mainly drafted, some bearing the scars of war. There were no parades. There was no PTSD. Some died from wounds of war, suicide and exposure to Agent Orange. Though their names are not engraved on the stark blackness we remember them and their loved ones as well and honor those who are still living.

Some Vietnam Veterans were treated with contempt like no other in our history. My friend Mike served in the Army 1st Infantry and came home, wearing civilian clothing. He was told not to mention his service to anyone. Thinking he was “safe” after landing in Des Moines, Iowa he took a cab to get to the bus station. The cab driver asked him where he had been and Mike told him Vietnam. Next thing he knew he was standing in the rain with his bags as the cab drove away. This was not an isolated situation as others were spat on or treated poorly by protesters whose right they had defended.

I get up each day and see an aging face looking back at me in the mirror and at times say, “You got many more days than Darwin.” Ronald Reagan noted in a speech on Veteran’s Day in 1985, “Most of them were boys when they died, and they gave up two lives — the one they were living and the one they would have lived. When they died, they gave up their chance to be husbands and fathers and grandfathers. They gave up their chance to be revered old men. They gave up everything for our country, for us. And all we can do is remember.”

History will long cuss and discuss the Vietnam War. Our Government is accountable for its decisions to send our young men and women into battle. But our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines should never be held in contempt for their service when our nation calls. Vietnam Veterans are the best America has to offer, a national treasure of duty, honor and country along with all Veterans in our history.

We need to Honor and Remember by challenging ourselves to live our lives mindful of their sacrifice and service. We should not squander their payment of blood, sweat and tears as we continue to strive to be what Lincoln called the last best hope of the earth. Daily we should thank God, the Author of Liberty, for the blessings we take for granted that others around the World dream of. But it comes with a price. The blackness of this monument reminds us of this cost.

When the children of Israel crossed the Jordan, Joshua had them place a marker of twelve stones to remind them of God’s power and leading into the promised land. He shared that one day someone would ask, “What do these stones mean?” The Bible then notes why the stones were placed, “He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.”

There are those who will visit this Wall who were born after the Vietnam War. They see aging Americans who wear hats noting their service. The Wall is a reminder that there was a time when Americans served in a costly, controversial war as their nation called. There are Americans responding to that call today. May all be reminded that we should always fear God in this Nation and that His powerful Hand sustained us in those difficult days and will do so today if we trust Him.

Lastly, when you view the Wall, see loved ones mourning or take an etching from a name never forget, “Freedom Isn’t Free”.

To our Vietnam Era Veterans, both living and now in eternity, “thank you”.

Heart Control

I have been watching with interest the “walking out” and protests recently due to school shootings. No one disagrees that one killing is one too many. But gun ownership is also a right guaranteed Americans in the Constitution. The problem is that the protesting is one faceted when there are many layers. When experts profile the people who are murdering others they tend to come from broken families, fatherlessness, bullying, isolation, playing violent video games and watching homicidal television and movies. There are many who are dealing with mental illness. All these areas need to be addressed and there are people who should be kept from guns. But in the protests there is an ongoing theme that shows up on the signs people are holding, “Thoughts and prayers are not enough.” Really? Our actions should begin with our thoughts and prayers looking to Heaven for answers. Murder is not in the weapon, killing comes from the heart. Jesus reminds us, “ For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” Matthew 15:19. After the fall the first sin noted in the Bible was brother killing brother. Cain didn’t need a gun to kill his sibling, Abel. A lonely heart full of bitterness will find a way to murder. Our society seeks “freedom from religion” as a spirit of hopelessness arises and life is devalued. Systems of men including government can’t fill that void or control hearts. John Adams wrote in 1789, “We have no Government armed with Power capable of contending with human Passions unbridled by morality and Religion. Avarice, Ambition, Revenge or Galantry, would break the strongest Cords of our Constitution as a Whale goes through a Net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” I hope this is a time where our nation doesn’t just “walk out” May we “look up” as we seek God’s truth and pray for His direction in this land of liberty, especially on today, which is National Day of Prayer.

When Prayer Moved A Town To Unity

News spread around Warsaw, Indiana in April 1999 that the Klu Klux Klan (KKK) was going to have a rally at the Kosciusko County Courthouse on Saturday, May 8th. A few leaders gathered to discuss how the city should respond. The first action was to pray and encourage everyone to seek God’s wisdom and guidance. Out of that prayer meeting Randy Packer, President of the Greater Warsaw Ministerial Association (GWMA) along with Pastors John B Lowe II, Chad Burkhart and Joe Banks to name a few began calling around town to gather the community together for an event that eventually would be called “Cultures, Community and Christ”.

“CCC” was sponsored by the GWMA in cooperation with Grace College & Seminary, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee, Warsaw Community School Corp. & Warsaw Community Development Corporation. It was held Friday, May 7th on the night before at Center Lake Park. Randy Packer noted that the celebration would, "make a positive statement about our cultural diversity and the reconciliation through Christ that makes that possible." During the gathering everyone was asked to stay away from the Klan Rally the next day as they closed in prayer, people holding hands and tears flowing in agreement.

The next morning Law Enforcement put barriers on the streets in a two block area around the Courthouse. The Klan members showed up to empty streets, closed businesses and a lonely Courthouse lawn as they got out of their bus. They stayed for a short time because they had few to listen to their rants of hatred. Peaceful solidarity won on May 8, 1999 in Warsaw, Indiana.

Pastor John B Lowe II recently reflected on that time, “Kosciusko County and Warsaw were bathed in prayer and the Holy Spirit touched people’s hearts allowing unity to shine. Liberties were exercised, without conflict, due to prayer and a plan of following peace. People have their right of free speech but also have the right to ignore bigotry. We need prayer every day to ask Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to come and shine in Kosciusko County, our Nation and the World.”

On Thursday, May 3rd at Noon, everyone is encouraged to come to the Winona Heritage Room in Winona Lake as we observe National Day of Prayer. Even if you can’t make it to that event take time to pray. This year’s theme is “Unity”, something that is in short supply today.

Christian Unity

On April 29, 1968 after the urging of Majors Howard and Pearl Palomaki of The Salvation Army of Warsaw a meeting was held to organize a Women’s Auxiliary. The goal was to bring women of all backgrounds and faith together to support the mission of serving “others” in Kosciusko County. E. Mazie Alexander was the County Recorder at the time and Palomaki approached her with the idea. “Oh, I can’t do that!” she replied after his pitch. “Oh, yes you can,” he countered. Mazie answered, “I will think about it and pray for guidance.” The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary began as Alexander urged Georgia Kaufman to be the first President and Ada Eagler helped with projects. They met in people’s homes until they got to 35 members and then began gathering at the Corps & Community Center. That first year they held a Bazaar at Glover’s Furniture and helped with the Toy Shop at Christmas. The now famous nut sale started in 1970 as thousands of dollars have been raised to meet human need in the name of Jesus. In preparing to celebrate 50 years it should be noted that this group models something desperately needed today. In all those sales, service and times of fellowship, religion, race, politics and other differences have been put aside for the common good. Unity of purpose under the banner of the love of Jesus can reach out and touch a dark and hurting world. Ephesians 4:3 says, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Mazie prayed for guidance and even after she and many other faithful women have been “promoted to glory” that little band of women keeps on. The Soup & Pie Luncheon on April 18th will be a Golden Jubilee of all that has been accomplished but also a celebration of UNITY. Something we so desperately need in our World today.

Good Friday

I always thought that “Good Friday” was an interesting concept.  
How could anything be good about a day over 2,000 years ago
when an innocent man was crucified on a cross?  Add to that as
Christians we believe that Jesus, the Son of God, was innocent
of the charges made against Him.  But he was scourged and then
nailed to a tree. Add to the misery what the suffering Savior said
as he looked down at the Roman Soldiers who impaled his hands
and feet, casting lots for his clothing.  “Father, forgive them, for they
do not know what they do.” Luke 23:34. My good friend
Pastor John B Lowe II of New Life Christian Church & World Outreach
has written a book, “Forgiveness...An Act of Violence.”  In Chapter 5
he responds to what Jesus said, “Really! They didn’t know what
they were doing? Reading verses like that challenge our logic.
Christ’s sufferings at the hands of the Kingdom of Darkness seemed
pretty intentional to a well reasoned mind.”  Good Friday is about
forgiveness, period. The greatest man to ever live was killed in the
most horrible way but his mission was to forgive, showing the heart
of His Father - God Almighty. This Friday is Good because it’s about
mercy. John B notes in Chapter 6 of his book, “God doesn’t forgive
us because He is superior, even though He is.  He forgives because
He is love.” With sweat and blood running in his eyes, Jesus strained
to see those who meant him harm and loved them. We can be forgiven
of our sins as well because the Lamb of God shed his blood on the cross.
God sent his best, His only Son, to tell us that He loves us. Good News!
As we accept forgiveness we are challenged to forgive those around us
as well.  Make this season a Good Friday through Jesus and the ultimate
message of love...

For more information on “Forgiveness...An Act Of Violence”
go to www.ihavenewlife.com

Ken Locke

GWMA

www.gwma.info

Billy Graham & Prayer

This is the inaugural column focusing on faith and the church community in Kosciusko County.  

There is a rich history of Churches and Christian impact here locally and ministries that have

gone around the world from Kosciusko County.  Many recall the days when a young

Billy Graham preached in Winona Lake for Youth for Christ in the 1940’s.

Dr. Graham served as the first Director of YFC.  But at 3 AM on July 13, 1949 an all-night

prayer meeting was held with 40 to 50 young men in attendance, many of them who

impacted the world through ministries such as World Vision, Ken Anderson Films and others.  

Even during a busy YFC schedule that week they took time in the Rainbow Room at

Westminster Hotel to pray for Billy and his team as they prepared to head to Los Angeles

for revival meetings. The rest is history as that moment was a pivotal point of the

beginning of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.  On February 21st Billy Graham

stepped into eternity after 99 years on this third rock from the sun and now with Jesus,

the one he pointed to through 60 years of ministry.  It is estimated that he spoke to over

215 million people in over 185 countries with the Good News. Billy once said, “"Have you

ever said, 'Well, all we can do now is pray?' ...When we come to the end of ourselves,

we come to the beginning of God.”  That night many years ago God began using a

young man from a dairy farm in North Carolina to share His message of grace and mercy.

Prayer is where we should all begin no matter the situation as we seek God for His guidance

and direction.  It may not take you around the world but it will take your heart to a beginning with God.

“Pray without ceasing” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Have ideas for this column?  Send them to gwmainfo@gmail.com

www.gwma.info

Face Time

Let's face it.  Things have really changed the last few years.  Life is now concentrated on a little device that people don't seem to be able to get away from.  There have been other changes culturally and morally.  It is a challenge to keep our Hearts tuned to Jesus.  Fasting in the 21st Century might include "unplugging" from social media and our phones.  In this World of constant information the need is greater for "quiet time".  Lord, help me to always have "face time" with you...