Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
The Car’s On Fire
Chances are you didn’t wake up this morning and decide, “Today, I’ll be a hero.” Opportunities for acts of heroism rarely show up on weekly planners or “To Do” lists. Instead, they intrude into everyday life, demanding split-second choices at great personal risk. At least that’s the way it happened for my brother Ralph. One Sunday morning in the summer of 1998, Ralph steered his car out of the congested, post-service church parking lot. In the car ahead of him were two teenage girls. About a mile down the road, the girls halted their vehicle at a four-way stop, then proceeded carefully into the intersection as Ralph, his own car packed full with his wife and five small children, waited his turn to follow.
Without warning, a pickup truck sped through the intersection and slammed broadside into the car containing the two teenage girls. Ralph watched in disbelief as the driver, 17 year old Ashley, was thrown from the car and killed instantly. His disbelief turned to horror as the car burst into flames, trapping the unconscious 14 year old Amy inside. Ralph was suddenly out of his car and racing toward the burning vehicle. Somehow he managed to pry open the car door and, grabbing the belt loops of the limp and helpless teenager, freed Amy from the inferno. Soon after Ralph pulled Amy to safety, paramedics whisked her away to the hospital where she fully recovered.
Suddenly Ralph was the town hero. He saved a girl’s life! Congratulations began pouring in from all over town, including the mayor’s office. The local paper featured an article about Ralph’s selfless act. When I discovered what had happened, I called Ralph to express my amazement at his courage. I tried to imagine what had inspired this father of five to risk everything-his personal safety, his family, his life-for a girl he barely knew.
Finally I asked him the question that was eating at me: “What were you thinking? I mean, what was going through your mind as you approached that burning car?
“You know, Ron, Ralph replied, “I didn’t do anything that anyone else in my position wouldn’t have done. I don’t know how I did it. All I know is that when the car is on fire, you do whatever you have to do to get the girl out!”
People, the car is on fire and the youth are trapped inside. Suicide, abortion, alcohol, drug abuse, and violence are fiery flames licking at the wreckage of many young lives. The stakes are staggering-we have today the largest group of teens since World War II. This generation of youth has the potential to impact our world -- economically, politically, and spiritually. These young people are our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, grandsons and granddaughters, nieces and nephews. They are the future. We’ve got to get them out-whatever it takes-we’ve got to get them out.
Adapted from the book “Battle cry for a generation by Ron Luce
Check out the website www.battlecry.com
Without warning, a pickup truck sped through the intersection and slammed broadside into the car containing the two teenage girls. Ralph watched in disbelief as the driver, 17 year old Ashley, was thrown from the car and killed instantly. His disbelief turned to horror as the car burst into flames, trapping the unconscious 14 year old Amy inside. Ralph was suddenly out of his car and racing toward the burning vehicle. Somehow he managed to pry open the car door and, grabbing the belt loops of the limp and helpless teenager, freed Amy from the inferno. Soon after Ralph pulled Amy to safety, paramedics whisked her away to the hospital where she fully recovered.
Suddenly Ralph was the town hero. He saved a girl’s life! Congratulations began pouring in from all over town, including the mayor’s office. The local paper featured an article about Ralph’s selfless act. When I discovered what had happened, I called Ralph to express my amazement at his courage. I tried to imagine what had inspired this father of five to risk everything-his personal safety, his family, his life-for a girl he barely knew.
Finally I asked him the question that was eating at me: “What were you thinking? I mean, what was going through your mind as you approached that burning car?
“You know, Ron, Ralph replied, “I didn’t do anything that anyone else in my position wouldn’t have done. I don’t know how I did it. All I know is that when the car is on fire, you do whatever you have to do to get the girl out!”
People, the car is on fire and the youth are trapped inside. Suicide, abortion, alcohol, drug abuse, and violence are fiery flames licking at the wreckage of many young lives. The stakes are staggering-we have today the largest group of teens since World War II. This generation of youth has the potential to impact our world -- economically, politically, and spiritually. These young people are our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, grandsons and granddaughters, nieces and nephews. They are the future. We’ve got to get them out-whatever it takes-we’ve got to get them out.
Adapted from the book “Battle cry for a generation by Ron Luce
Check out the website www.battlecry.com
Road To My Purpose
My purpose is a necessity
My purpose is my reality
I see where God wants me to be
I see what God wants me to be
I envisage my life having meaning
I see my destiny being fulfilled
But the road from here to there is unfinished
And as I look at it from a distance I cannot see the end
So I begin to be led away from the road to my transcendence
To focus on fulfilling what pleases me
But instead of the long-term gratification I expect
Disillusionment, depression, guilt, selfishness, disorientation become my friends
After being tired of them I begin to refocus
And my view once again becomes the road to my purpose
I know is a road I must take
For peace of mind, honour and God’s glory I must accept my fate.
BY RUTH-ANN TOPPIN
My purpose is my reality
I see where God wants me to be
I see what God wants me to be
I envisage my life having meaning
I see my destiny being fulfilled
But the road from here to there is unfinished
And as I look at it from a distance I cannot see the end
So I begin to be led away from the road to my transcendence
To focus on fulfilling what pleases me
But instead of the long-term gratification I expect
Disillusionment, depression, guilt, selfishness, disorientation become my friends
After being tired of them I begin to refocus
And my view once again becomes the road to my purpose
I know is a road I must take
For peace of mind, honour and God’s glory I must accept my fate.
BY RUTH-ANN TOPPIN
Let's Go Nature Isle in 2009
What's up my peoples of the islands!! The engines are getting started for another time of unity at our bi-annual Youth Camp. So guess what, we are pumping up the volume from now and you'd better be tuned in to this station or you maybe just miss out on the greatest experience of all time.
So what we need from you is tel link up and tell us what are the vibes saying in your end of town. What is it that you need to grow deeper and more intimate in Christ? How can we encourage you as you seek to make the most of your youth as a believer? What inspires you and excites you about life in general? C'mon peoples talk to us, help us to help you so that you can live the Passion!
So what we need from you is tel link up and tell us what are the vibes saying in your end of town. What is it that you need to grow deeper and more intimate in Christ? How can we encourage you as you seek to make the most of your youth as a believer? What inspires you and excites you about life in general? C'mon peoples talk to us, help us to help you so that you can live the Passion!
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