Letters to the Editor 06-07-2000
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Christian Responds - No Intent To Offend - Downtown Meijer - Caregiver - Well-Mannered Teens - Friendly Etna Green - Ê
Christian Responds
Editor, Times-Union:This letter is in response to the letter, "Oppressed Non-Christian," in Monday's paper. I would like to state that I am a Christian. I was greatly troubled upon reading this letter. I am not angered but saddened. On behalf of Christians, I would like to apologize to Justin Butts for any sort of pain we have caused him. Justin, I am very sorry that you feel oppressed at school, and maybe elsewhere. I am one who is involved in a prayer group and a Bible study before or after school; I think it is wonderful when new people join these groups, but I would never think of shunning those who choose not to attend. As Christians, we are instructed to love everyone, not just fellow Christians and friends, but also those who believe differently than us. I am sorry if some of us have lost sight of this and have hurt you, Justin. I believe "freaks" was a bad choice of words by the author of the poem submitted by Tim Ellis, which I have also read. I do not believe social classes should exist; I believe their only purpose is to cause people to feel inferior, resulting in hurt, harsh words, hate and worse. In regard to your feeling that pagans are oppressed, and I am not trying to prove you wrong, because I cannot see from your point of view; but I might remind you that Christians are persecuted throughout the world. This is not punishment from God, as it may seem, but those who are tortured and die for their faith in Christ die willingly, rather than deny Him. Referring to another point you brought up, I feel much peace through my walk with God. Many Christians will tell you the same.
Now, I would like to explain my beliefs, because apparently you do not fully understand. Christianity was not formed by just any man. This Man was and is the true Son of God. He came to earth, from a perfect Heaven, to live a life during which He was tortured and killed by man, whom He loves. He did not live and die just to start a new religion; God sent him to die in order that every single person in this world, when our earthly bodies die, may live with our Father eternally in Heaven. You see, when Christ died, He took upon Him the sin of us all. Now He gives this gift of eternal life freely to anyone who asks Him to be their Lord and Savior. Without this Grace, we are separated from God, because each and every one of us has sinned, and God's standard is perfection. That is what is truly awesome about His abounding love and forgiveness. He says that He has forgiven us before we even ask for forgiveness.
This gift of eternal life is the greatest gift I have ever received, and I cannot help but tell about it so others might desire to receive it, too. I tell you about this not for my own self-righteousness or just for my peace of mind, but because I, along with every Christian, have been instructed clearly in the Bible, by Jesus, to spread the Word for the very purpose which I have stated above. God loves each and every one of us, and it is His desire that the kingdom of heaven be filled; there is always room.
Justin, I hope that this letter has in no way offended or insulted you. Rather, I hope that you feel better in knowing that not every Christian feels the same as the individuals who you feel oppressed by, and I am not the only one who does not. With love in Christ,
Jessica Gaisford
Warsaw
via e-mail
No Intent To Offend
Editor, Times-Union:It seems that I can't write a letter to the editor without offending someone. This time Justin Butts is the victim of my latest correspondence. Hello, Justin. First of all I would like to let you know that I didn't write the poem you read but rather one of your fellow teenagers did. I got the poem through an e-mail and forwarded it on to my friends because I thought it was interesting. I was quite surprised to see the letter in the paper actually because I never intended it to get there. I sent it to The Times-Union Editor on accident. I was however very interested in your response. I have to believe the teen who wrote this poem is as convicted about his beliefs as you are about yours. It is interesting that as a Satanist you felt so oppressed by this letter. It seems you feel a competition with Christianity. I am a Christian and I didn't see where the letter was trying to hurt you. I think the teenager who wrote this poem was talking about having our constitutional rights stripped away from us as Americans.
ÊI am sorry, Justin, if this letter offended you for that was not my intent. It seems that you have a lot on your mind, though, and I would be very interested in hearing more of your views on God, religion or whatever if you want to correspond. We might not agree on everything but I will keep an open mind if you do. Ê
Tim Ellis
[email protected]
Warsaw
Downtown Meijer
Editor, Times-Union:Why doesn't the planning commission recommend that Meijer locate in downtown Warsaw? Although downtown seems to be stagnating, a multi-story Meijer store, a multi-level parking facility, special traffic control is an answer to this problem.
I have practical visionary and money-making suggestions regarding this issue. There will be more to follow.
Norman Archer
Leesburg
Caregiver
Editor, Times-Union:Recently I had the misfortune of being hospitalized 10 days in ICU for five bypass heart surgery. During that time, many well-wishers sent cards of encouragement, prayers, telephone calls, flowers, visits from friends and relatives and pastors. These gestures of love and friendship were all greatly appreciated.
As I reflected on this, it seems unfair that I should get so much attention when my wife, my real caregiver, had little if any recognition and words of encouragement. Aside from a few minor discomforts, I didn't have it so bad: a nice comfortable bed, three gourmet meals a day and a bedtime snack; with nothing to do all day but lay around and nap or watch TV or read, push a little button and a gorgeous nurse would come running to get ice water or empty the urinal or just visit.
Now with my wife, it was a different story. She made daily trips to the hospitals in Fort Wayne and Warsaw just to sit for hours (the most tiring thing a person can do). Then there were responsibilities of doing the things I would normally do, mow the lawn, etc. Of course there were numerous medications to purchased and organize, names you couldn't pronounce, and times to administer. The bottom line is, as the caregiver, she is the one who needed help, prayers and encouragement as much or more than I did. Mary, thank you for all your loving care. Enjoy your new perfume and earrings.
Caregivers, wife or husband, son or daughter, family or friends, all should be remembered and encouraged in a special way for their loving care.
Wayne R. Johnson
Retired United Methodist Minister
Claypool
Well-Mannered Teens
Editor, Times-Union:It seems in this day and age our teenagers often get a "bad rap," as they put it. For it seems all too often all we hear about are the teenagers who find themselves in trouble and continue to make it difficult on those who try to do things the correct way. Maybe in some instances, that stems from adults not giving them enough encouragement or taking time to say, "Good job, I am proud of you."
So, let me say to all those young adults who attended after-prom how proud I am of you. North Pointe Cinemas was the site for the after-prom, and not only was it well organized and very enjoyable, but for my staff it was one of the nicest evenings spent with a group of fun, well-mannered and well-behaved teenagers. It was a delightful evening and to all those who attended, "good job, I am proud of you." To all the seniors who graduated last week, Congratulations! And to all the sponsors, teachers and parents of this group ... well done.
Yvonne Keirn, general manager
North Pointe Cinemas
Friendly Etna Green
Editor, Times-Union:Kudos to the town of Etna Green! A story that cannot go untold. This past Saturday, June 3, my husband and I were traveling to South Bend to attend the funeral of his grandfather. While traveling down U.S. 30, we decided to stop at the Clark station in Etna Green to get something to drink.
When we returned to our van, we realized that we locked our keys inside. We went back into the station and the clerk asked if we were having car trouble. My husband said "no, we locked our keys in the van." I told her that we were on our way to a funeral and we didn't know what we were going to do. Without hesitation, she handed me her car keys and said "take my car." We were stunned. I told her that I couldn't possibly do that. She then called the Ford garage and the Sheriff's department. No one was available to help. There was another gentleman there purchasing gas, then without hesitation, he said, "I live just across the street, let me go get my car and you can drive it." He then left to go get his car. While he was gone, my husband got a coat hanger and worked diligently to try to unlock our van. Just as the gentlemen returned with his car (after filling it with gas) my husband was able to unlock our van.
We have been so moved by this experience. It truly warmed our hearts. I don't know the names of the people who helped us, but they surely impacted our lives and the lives of our family. We want to say thanks to those who helped us in our time of need and God bless.
Dennis and Teri Love
Fort Wayne
via e-mail
Ê
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- Christian Responds - No Intent To Offend - Downtown Meijer - Caregiver - Well-Mannered Teens - Friendly Etna Green - Ê
Christian Responds
Editor, Times-Union:This letter is in response to the letter, "Oppressed Non-Christian," in Monday's paper. I would like to state that I am a Christian. I was greatly troubled upon reading this letter. I am not angered but saddened. On behalf of Christians, I would like to apologize to Justin Butts for any sort of pain we have caused him. Justin, I am very sorry that you feel oppressed at school, and maybe elsewhere. I am one who is involved in a prayer group and a Bible study before or after school; I think it is wonderful when new people join these groups, but I would never think of shunning those who choose not to attend. As Christians, we are instructed to love everyone, not just fellow Christians and friends, but also those who believe differently than us. I am sorry if some of us have lost sight of this and have hurt you, Justin. I believe "freaks" was a bad choice of words by the author of the poem submitted by Tim Ellis, which I have also read. I do not believe social classes should exist; I believe their only purpose is to cause people to feel inferior, resulting in hurt, harsh words, hate and worse. In regard to your feeling that pagans are oppressed, and I am not trying to prove you wrong, because I cannot see from your point of view; but I might remind you that Christians are persecuted throughout the world. This is not punishment from God, as it may seem, but those who are tortured and die for their faith in Christ die willingly, rather than deny Him. Referring to another point you brought up, I feel much peace through my walk with God. Many Christians will tell you the same.
Now, I would like to explain my beliefs, because apparently you do not fully understand. Christianity was not formed by just any man. This Man was and is the true Son of God. He came to earth, from a perfect Heaven, to live a life during which He was tortured and killed by man, whom He loves. He did not live and die just to start a new religion; God sent him to die in order that every single person in this world, when our earthly bodies die, may live with our Father eternally in Heaven. You see, when Christ died, He took upon Him the sin of us all. Now He gives this gift of eternal life freely to anyone who asks Him to be their Lord and Savior. Without this Grace, we are separated from God, because each and every one of us has sinned, and God's standard is perfection. That is what is truly awesome about His abounding love and forgiveness. He says that He has forgiven us before we even ask for forgiveness.
This gift of eternal life is the greatest gift I have ever received, and I cannot help but tell about it so others might desire to receive it, too. I tell you about this not for my own self-righteousness or just for my peace of mind, but because I, along with every Christian, have been instructed clearly in the Bible, by Jesus, to spread the Word for the very purpose which I have stated above. God loves each and every one of us, and it is His desire that the kingdom of heaven be filled; there is always room.
Justin, I hope that this letter has in no way offended or insulted you. Rather, I hope that you feel better in knowing that not every Christian feels the same as the individuals who you feel oppressed by, and I am not the only one who does not. With love in Christ,
Jessica Gaisford
Warsaw
via e-mail
No Intent To Offend
Editor, Times-Union:It seems that I can't write a letter to the editor without offending someone. This time Justin Butts is the victim of my latest correspondence. Hello, Justin. First of all I would like to let you know that I didn't write the poem you read but rather one of your fellow teenagers did. I got the poem through an e-mail and forwarded it on to my friends because I thought it was interesting. I was quite surprised to see the letter in the paper actually because I never intended it to get there. I sent it to The Times-Union Editor on accident. I was however very interested in your response. I have to believe the teen who wrote this poem is as convicted about his beliefs as you are about yours. It is interesting that as a Satanist you felt so oppressed by this letter. It seems you feel a competition with Christianity. I am a Christian and I didn't see where the letter was trying to hurt you. I think the teenager who wrote this poem was talking about having our constitutional rights stripped away from us as Americans.
ÊI am sorry, Justin, if this letter offended you for that was not my intent. It seems that you have a lot on your mind, though, and I would be very interested in hearing more of your views on God, religion or whatever if you want to correspond. We might not agree on everything but I will keep an open mind if you do. Ê
Tim Ellis
[email protected]
Warsaw
Downtown Meijer
Editor, Times-Union:Why doesn't the planning commission recommend that Meijer locate in downtown Warsaw? Although downtown seems to be stagnating, a multi-story Meijer store, a multi-level parking facility, special traffic control is an answer to this problem.
I have practical visionary and money-making suggestions regarding this issue. There will be more to follow.
Norman Archer
Leesburg
Caregiver
Editor, Times-Union:Recently I had the misfortune of being hospitalized 10 days in ICU for five bypass heart surgery. During that time, many well-wishers sent cards of encouragement, prayers, telephone calls, flowers, visits from friends and relatives and pastors. These gestures of love and friendship were all greatly appreciated.
As I reflected on this, it seems unfair that I should get so much attention when my wife, my real caregiver, had little if any recognition and words of encouragement. Aside from a few minor discomforts, I didn't have it so bad: a nice comfortable bed, three gourmet meals a day and a bedtime snack; with nothing to do all day but lay around and nap or watch TV or read, push a little button and a gorgeous nurse would come running to get ice water or empty the urinal or just visit.
Now with my wife, it was a different story. She made daily trips to the hospitals in Fort Wayne and Warsaw just to sit for hours (the most tiring thing a person can do). Then there were responsibilities of doing the things I would normally do, mow the lawn, etc. Of course there were numerous medications to purchased and organize, names you couldn't pronounce, and times to administer. The bottom line is, as the caregiver, she is the one who needed help, prayers and encouragement as much or more than I did. Mary, thank you for all your loving care. Enjoy your new perfume and earrings.
Caregivers, wife or husband, son or daughter, family or friends, all should be remembered and encouraged in a special way for their loving care.
Wayne R. Johnson
Retired United Methodist Minister
Claypool
Well-Mannered Teens
Editor, Times-Union:It seems in this day and age our teenagers often get a "bad rap," as they put it. For it seems all too often all we hear about are the teenagers who find themselves in trouble and continue to make it difficult on those who try to do things the correct way. Maybe in some instances, that stems from adults not giving them enough encouragement or taking time to say, "Good job, I am proud of you."
So, let me say to all those young adults who attended after-prom how proud I am of you. North Pointe Cinemas was the site for the after-prom, and not only was it well organized and very enjoyable, but for my staff it was one of the nicest evenings spent with a group of fun, well-mannered and well-behaved teenagers. It was a delightful evening and to all those who attended, "good job, I am proud of you." To all the seniors who graduated last week, Congratulations! And to all the sponsors, teachers and parents of this group ... well done.
Yvonne Keirn, general manager
North Pointe Cinemas
Friendly Etna Green
Editor, Times-Union:Kudos to the town of Etna Green! A story that cannot go untold. This past Saturday, June 3, my husband and I were traveling to South Bend to attend the funeral of his grandfather. While traveling down U.S. 30, we decided to stop at the Clark station in Etna Green to get something to drink.
When we returned to our van, we realized that we locked our keys inside. We went back into the station and the clerk asked if we were having car trouble. My husband said "no, we locked our keys in the van." I told her that we were on our way to a funeral and we didn't know what we were going to do. Without hesitation, she handed me her car keys and said "take my car." We were stunned. I told her that I couldn't possibly do that. She then called the Ford garage and the Sheriff's department. No one was available to help. There was another gentleman there purchasing gas, then without hesitation, he said, "I live just across the street, let me go get my car and you can drive it." He then left to go get his car. While he was gone, my husband got a coat hanger and worked diligently to try to unlock our van. Just as the gentlemen returned with his car (after filling it with gas) my husband was able to unlock our van.
We have been so moved by this experience. It truly warmed our hearts. I don't know the names of the people who helped us, but they surely impacted our lives and the lives of our family. We want to say thanks to those who helped us in our time of need and God bless.
Dennis and Teri Love
Fort Wayne
via e-mail
Ê
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