Editor, Times-Union: During this busy time of year many of us forget to stop and think about those who are less fortunate. This is not the case of two local businessmen (whose businesses I am not allowed to mention because of the policy of this newspaper).
Our church asked for help with making some families' Christmases a little brighter and with the help of these men we were able to do just that.
No words can express our gratitude for their unselfish acts of kindness during this time of year. So to Keith and Todd, I wanted you to know that you are truly "Angels Among Us."
Rickell Kline Missions Chairperson Claypool United Methodist Church
via e-mail Editor's Note: "Thank you" letters will be published only if they do not contain lists of businesses or individuals.
Uplifting Sight
Editor, Times-Union: On Wednesday evening, Dec. 29, as I was driving home from work, I experienced a unique, encouraging and uplifting sight. As I was approaching the intersection of McKinley and Jefferson streets in Warsaw I noticed a group of young men jogging together. When I looked further into the group I realized that I knew two of these young men. They were Mr. Dan NcNulty and Mr. Matt Miles, both graduates of Warsaw Community High School and now members of the United States Marine Corps. Along with them must have been close to 25 other young men. I thought to myself, "How cool is this, a bunch of Marines out doing drill routines and exercises even while they are home for Christmas?!" I later found out that this group consisted of both active Marines and potential Marine recruits.
The moment I realized that these were local Marines preparing to represent and defend our country, I was filled with pride. Even if this was not a volunteer exercise - to run in the drizzly winter weather - they did initially volunteer when they signed up. Like I said, I was immediately filled with pride. Here are these young men, jogging along on a tiny street in tiny Warsaw, Ind., representing thousands of Marines around the world who are putting their lives on the line for God and country.
Again, my thoughts were, "Wow! And I know two of these men and I know of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and the kind of impact they have already had and will continue to have in the Marines." I could not have been more proud and excited to have seen this sight. I often waiver in my confidence in the Lord and I often waiver in my confidence in people and this sight that I saw only served to lift and build up my confidence in the Lord and in prayer for these young people. I trust that I will never take you young men (and women) for granted. God has placed you where you are and He has and will continue to use you mightily. "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." (Ephesians 6:10)
Please let this be an encouragement to those of you who read this letter that you not take the members of our armed forces for granted. They are doing a tough job and we need to be proud of them, thank God for them and never cease praying for them.
Tami Miller Winona Lake via e-mail
World Compassion
Editor, Times-Union: World Compassion Network, a Warsaw-based relief and development organization, announces the departure of executive director Joe Wilkey for Sri Lanka on Dec. 31. Joe will be doing an assessment for other R&D organizations as well as distributing funds for the purchase of food and medicines.
This disaster is catastrophic and beyond the capabilities of any humanitarian organizations or government. The entire world community will need to come together to help the survivors.
Fund may be sent to World Compassion Network, P.O. Box 1152 Warsaw, IN 46581.
Joe Wilkey World Compassion Network Warsaw via e-mail
Aid To Tsunami Victims
Editor, Times-Union: I am a 13-year-old eighth-grade student at Lakeview Middle School. I recently read a letter to the editor regarding the previous tsunami in Southeast Asia. As I read farther and deeper into this letter, I grew more and more disgusted. The letter was about how our country should stop sending aid to the countries in Southeast Asia. I am 13 years old and I might not be the most knowledgeable person, but at least I can tell what is right and what is wrong, and I know for a definite fact that what this person has stated is entirely wrong. Yes, everyone is entitled to their opinion and she made some very good points but the letter is ethically wrong. If there is anything that I know, it is that there are tens of thousands of people dead and thousands more unaccounted for that have been discovered. The people over there are in desperate need of our help and this woman has the indecency to say that we should stop helping these people? If this mass of tragedy happened to our country and you were dying of disease, wouldn't you want help too? I just do not see the problem with trying to help out someone in need. Also, as mentioned in the letter, she said "there are schools in the inner city that struggle to buy crayons." I know that crayons and human life are two entirely separate things and should not even be considered as things that should be compared. I am not mad but I am just baffled. You would rather sacrifice human life for crayons? If so, I think you need to have a moral check.
Brian Warren Thallemer Warsaw via e-mail
The Good Fight
Editor, Times-Union: I was in Warsaw last week vising my parents over the Christmas holiday and I was absolutely impressed when I looked at the front page of Friday's paper and the headline read "Merry Christmas." It made me proud to see that the Times-Union took a stand to publish what they believe in and not buy into the Christian persecution you see throughout the country today. I am starting to believe that the Times-Union is the only conservative newspaper left. Keep fighting the good fight!
