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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodists together |
February 2004 |
Welcome:
A witness to God's goodness and love
Their lives were "a witness to God's goodness and love." That was the phrase that best summarized the common life of Stephanie Nicole and Rebecca Marie McCray, the conjoined twins that lived a mere four days, but may have changed the lives of hundreds (see page one).
Why? Were they proof that creation is fallible? Did their parents make the right decision to bring them into this world once they knew the twins were conjoined? Hundreds of questions may come and go but need not haunt us about this unique experience of birth, life, death and life eternal that played into the lives of thousands last month across Indiana.
No, creation isn't perfect and neither is birth. Defects plague many families. But if we focus on the imperfections of creation, we will miss seeing the goodness of God and the love of others in the midst of that creation. Throughout that week-long drama, I only heard words of awe, loving parents, supportive grandparents, and two congregations that upheld their fellow United Methodists.
If only such love and goodness were the experience of each child born into this world. But reality shows that thousands of children live years without experiencing the love and concern the McCray twins received in their short four-day life.
As United Methodists, we are called to minister to children and youth. Our bishops recently approved to continue their Bishops' Initiative on Children and Poverty for another four years. Like the previous issue of Together, stories about children are woven throughout this issue, too. In Indiana news on page 7, youth celebrate the building of Luke's Lodge. Learn about the ministry of Bashor Children's Home in North Indiana on page 16. Africa University continues to expand its ministry (see page 14). On page 17, read about a proposed Shared Mission Focus on Youth Ministries to be considered at General Conference. See what you can do to discourage the use of tobacco by Indiana's youth on page 6. And check out the back page about summers camps.
This month begins Lent, 40 days of self-examination and repentance beginning on Feb. 25, Ash Wednesday. Instead of giving up something for Lent as is custom, let us give some time and attention that we usually wouldn't give to a child or youth.
Welcome to this issue of Together. May your spirit be refreshed.
Daniel R. Gangler
Last updated on 04/19/2004