December 2020 Monthly Letter
Dear Reconcilers,
2020 is coming to an end. Several people have told me that they are looking forward to saying goodbye to the year that brought so many changes that profoundly affected our lives.
Let’s review some of the events of 2020:
1. In January, people all over the world were saddened by the untimely death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and their friends who perished in a tragic helicopter crash.
2. In March, part of the country shut down because of the Corona virus, which was spreading rapidly throughout the U.S. and the world.
3. In May, millions of people witnessed the death of George Floyd on television.
4. Following that tragic event, many demonstrations occurred worldwide. There were old, young, male, female, and people of all colors who came out to show their support for equal justice for all.
5. Several storms pounded the East and the West was engulfed by devastating wildfires.
6. The presidential campaign season reached a fever pitch and it seemed like it would never end. Last week, the media announced that we have a new president. Half the country is happy and the other half is very upset. His number one goal is to bring the country together. I heard several historians mention that the country is more divided now than after the Civil War, so he will have a very challenging job.
Many people have expressed their desire to see the country to come together. They want to live in a place where love, respect, and kindness are shown to everyone. We all need to do our part to make America “one nation under God” again.
Abraham Lincoln is known for healing the country after the Civil War. Lincoln gave a five-minute speech that contained about 700 words. I would like to share the most powerful line of that historic address. His plea to Americans was to finish the war and seek a lasting peace, with malice toward none, with charity for all. This is what people are asking for—love and respect for all.
The spirit that Lincoln promoted is still alive. Many people are reaching out to care for others. Today I was coming home from the store and passed a group of homeless men. I saw a white older lady get out of her car and give them a bag of food. I was really moved by that. Her act of kindness provided these men with a meal they may not have had otherwise. I said to myself, “That’s something I can do.”
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth,” I John 3:18. “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love,” I John 4:8.
Our job is not to change the entire world. However, we can be a part of helping to change our world, one person at time, showing love, kindness, and respect for each other no matter what ethnic background we come from. The world needs our help. I have faith that you will continue this important work of reconciliation and peace.
Thank you all for your financial support in 2020. Through your generosity, we have been able to keep the ministry going. There is still so much work to be done.
Jannice and I wish you and your families a safe and happy holiday season and we look forward to seeing what 2021 brings.
