Men of Grace,
You could say that this has been an interesting week. Tornados overwhelm in Canton, killing several and causing major damage. A knife-wielding student slashes 4 at the University of Texas, killing 1. National news lists various concerns related to politics at home, or threats abroad. Local news isn't that much better.
I suspect that we all wish this week was an anomaly, a moment in time, but we also know too well that this week's news has become the norm. This is just the way of our world. How can we make a stand in a way which both makes sense and makes a difference in these days? Are we part of the problem, or can we be a part of the solution? On the other hand, I did read a different kind of news event from this week. Perhaps you saw this too:
Kenneth Williams received a life sentence for the Dec. 1988 murder of University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff cheerleader, Dominique Hurd. Williams was also killed Cecil Boren when he used Boren's car to escape from prison in 1999. While fleeing police in a high-speed chase, Boren ran into and killed 24 year-old Michael Greenwood, a father of three.
Williams was caught, convicted, and sentenced to death for his crimes. Days before Williams' execution in Arkansas, Greenwood's daughter Kayla learned that William's daughter Jasmine was five the last time she had seen her dad. Kayla's family contacted Jasmine through appropriate means, then arranged and paid for the flight for a father/daughter reunion 1 day before the execution. Kayla also delivered a message through Williams' attorney - that the family, including Kayla, fully forgives him. Now, that's a story you don't hear every day. Yet, it will be the neverending story of heaven, and it can and should be our story here.
You are invited to attend our regularly scheduled men's meeting this Thursday evening, May 4th at 7:00 p.m. in the Lockwood Ctr. We do not have a speaker this month as we normally do, but I have a question I want to ask you. I want to hear your perspective on a few things, and then we can pray together for our families, our church, and our world.
Would you plan to be present? I only have 35 e-mails, and we have over 75 men in the church. Please forward this email as you feel led - or reach out and bring someone with you.
I am blessed by the men of Grace. Hope to see you Thursday,
Dr. Jim Burgin, pastor
Grace Street Fellowship
817-704-6173
