C-Mail
I I have just been reading the article about the assistance you intend to give the people of Kenya and the children of Liberia [“Spring mission project targets Kenya,” March 14 issue]. I can't stop thanking God for the generous congregations of the Holston Conference. I do not doubt that the reward of your actions is above in the heavens. Don’t stop being good stewards!
I remember two years ago, similar offerings and gifts were sent to Liberia for the J.J. Roberts United Methodist School. Today, the students of the school are happy for the buildings erected as a result of the offerings. Accept my personal commendation as a staff person working for the school because I am very proud of the work you are doing.
J. Armah Massaquoi
Business Manager
J.J. Roberts School
Monrovia, Liberia
I applaud your article about Chaplain David Knight [“Military chapel from Holston,” March 28 issue]. He is very deserving of our support and prayers. I am writing to inform you that he is not the only military chaplain from Holston Conference. My son, Lt. H. Robert McClellan Jr., U.S. Navy chaplain, is also a former pastor from Holston. He is presently assigned to Mayport Naval Station, Jacksonville, Fla. I am very proud of his service to God and our country, and I feel that his name (as well as any others who may be serving) is worthy of mention in your publication.
Norma McClellan
East Pine Grove Park UMC
Johnson City District
I am very appreciative of the coverage in “The Call” devoted to national and world issues. I especially appreciate recent articles concerning the Iraqi conflict. However, I am astounded that except for Bishop Ray Chamberlain, most every person interviewed has expressed support for this war. In the midst of our love for country and prayers for military personnel and families, there is also a serious, concerned questioning of U.S. strategy from many religious circles.
Viewing television coverage of one of Knoxville's initial anti-war protests a few weeks ago, my mother said, “I wish I were out there with them.” Her firstborn (me) and others need to be expressing the theological, moral concern raging within us.
Again, I appreciate the coverage of world situations. I urge you to realize the raging, growing worldwide concern within Christendom. The recent sandstorms seem Old Testamentesque, the raging wind (spirit? breath of God?) seemingly seeking to thwart warring children of God.
May we be in "awe," not of million-dollar bombs, but of the God who envisions the implements of war becoming implements of peace, who sent Jesus Christ.
Rev. Jim Bailes
Washington Pike UMC
Knoxville District
The pacifist voices you printed in “The Call” [C-Mail, March 28 issue] are like the ones in the 1930s while Hitler was slaughtering millions of innocents. If Hitler had been stopped in the beginning, millions of lives would have been saved and World War II would not have been necessary. Can compassionate Christians sit by and allow innocent children to be tortured and gassed and just say “forgive your enemies”?
Rev. David Jackson has several wrong statements in his letter to “The Call” [C-Mail, March 28 issue]. "I certainly do not remember Jesus condoning violence”? Does he ignore Jesus making weapons (whips) and driving the moneychangers from the temple with violence? Also Jesus said "whoever would hurt one of these little ones, it would be better if he had a millstone tied around his neck and thrown into the deepest part of the sea.” Is this not violence?
Also he states that the U.S. "plan to murder thousands of Iraqi civilians.” With the precision strikes all effort is made to protect civilians. Very few have been killed and those by accident. Saddam is marching civilians in front of troops and putting soldiers and tanks in hospitals.
Why are the human shields not standing in front of Saddam's torture chambers? Any one who opposes the effort to remove Saddam is condoning the gassing of civilians and throwing men into shredding machines.
Where were you when Clinton was bombing Bosnia? Could it be that the pacifists are disgruntled because a president not of their choosing has the strength to take action to remove an evil man from power before he gets enough power to spread his evil as Hitler did? Talking to this murderer has shown to have no effect. To sit back like the letters you printed and say, “Oh! That's too bad Saddam is killing people, Let's talk to him about it,” is the height of naiveté. Let's be realistic. Iraqi citizens will be able to live peaceful lives, and with the humanitarian help we will provide, will set Iraqi on a course of prosperity and freedom from fear. Is this not what Jesus would want? Allowing people to be tortured and living in constant fear is not the Christian spirit.
Mr. Leslie Shular
Powell UMC
Knoxville District
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