Saturday morning. Marlin Vis preached the word of God more powerfully than I think I've ever heard at a General Synod. The Scripture spoke of the mutual slaughter of the 24 young men (II Samuel 2: 12-32). Not often trodden territory for General Synod messages. Vis reminded us that today is D-Day (I'd wondered whether it would be marked any time during Synod), and poignantly brought to our remembrance the young men who died on that day. He reminded us of the 24 YOUNG men and advised us to keep the children in mind in all our deliberations and our decisions. I recall the day, years ago, when I sat at a General Synod as Lou Lotz was elected president. I took out my wallet, in which I stored a picture of my son, who was 2 years old at the time, and asked Lou to help lead a church that would be hospitable for him. So, Amen, Marlin! And, while we're at it, (as Marlin said) let's all put down our swords in order that we not mutually impale each other.
The Synod is also deep in prayer for Dennis and Betty Voskuil, whose daughter Elizabeth is in a medically induced coma after suffering from seizures while shopping yesterday afternoon. If you read this blog, please do keep them all in your prayers.
PBWY (Peace Be With You)