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The Final Word MARCH, 2003

John H. Giesler

This issue takes form in the midst of very important meetings of the Board of World Mission here in Winston-Salem, February 7 and 8. There is so much at stake and so much to wrestle and pray over that all of us need to be instant and constant in prayer. It is very complicated and affects so much of our church’s heritage and daily activity. We must all be careful of what we say and what we mean.

I must admit that I was deceived by our local reporter. He was anxious for news. He called me last week and asked me what I knew about the situation. I told him “I was not on Mission Board and had no information he did not have.” He was not interested in that. Then he asked me if I believed Jesus is the only way to salvation. I said, “”It is the way I was taught and believe and teach.” He was not interested in that. Then, as if finishing the conversation, he asked me, “Why do you think they all resigned together? Paying a compliment to Br. Hampton, I said, "Hampton is a very charismatic leader and he can get people all excited about good things and some other things. And I think that's happened. He's gotten himself all excited, and all these people just fell in line." This is what he wanted. He disregarded his question and posed my answer as my summation of the situation. This was the opposite of what I meant and he manipulated my words into something completely untrue. However, I have apologized to all involved because they were my words. I should have known better. I apologize to all of you who wondered what I was saying. I have learned a lesson! The hymn in today’s Daily Texts speaks to me.

“We share our mutual woes,

our mutual burdens bear,

and often for each other flows

the sympathizing tear.”

Once again we had lots of good folks who contributed to this March issue. Thanks to Br. Hampton for his kind words and helping in so many ways. He supplied the notice on P. 1. Thanks to Br. and Sr. Vogt, who are missionaries in reverse, going back to the roots of the greatest missionary thrust in modern times, to help renew the faith of the people of Niesky.

The American Bible Society, one of my favorite agencies, in its fine magazine, gives us the two great stories on P.2. Susan Marsh, a member of Kernersville, keeps in touch with her work with Wycliffe Bible Translators. Sr. Louise Kapp just brought her report of the World Mission Shop. It is always exciting to see what they are doing for missions. Br. Bob Iobst again gives us much to pray about every day. Br. Jack Geis helps us to remember the kind of people we lost from NASA. The Unitas Network has been very busy this week, but I found two messages to be very helpful from two good servants of our Lord, Br. Hermann Weinlick, and Br. Ted Wilde. Thanks to one and all.

The Trail of Tears Tour is over booked! But the Tour to Europe is cancelled. We had only 15 but needed 30. I am sorry for you who want to go but perhaps now is not the time. Fear of flying, world tensions, and a falling stock market have contributed to lack of confidence in booking an expensive trip at this time. Thanks to all who had committed.     JHG