Speak Out 4/11/08

Caring for pets

I SEE dogs running loose daily in my neighborhood that have collars but no tags. Make sure your pet has an ID tag, is spayed or neutered and gets enough food, exercise and plenty of love. If you can't provide these basic needs to an animal, find it a home where it will be well cared for.

Rights and profits

DAVID LIMBAUGH has done an undeniably admirable job of advocating the right of Iraqis to live in freedom. Yet Limbaugh remains mysteriously silent in speaking out on the lack of fundamental civil liberties in China and the odious oppression of the Tibetans. Surely he is not placing the right of American businesses to make profits off the Chinese over the natural rights of all mankind.

For the glory of God

A RECENT comment said: "Just because a church is growing doesn't mean it is spiritual. It could be that the people are being entertained." As a pastor, I agree completely. This is the mindset of way too many church members whom I have attempted to pastor in recent years. I would love to pastor a church that was more interested in the glory of God than it was in embracing the world's idea of success and looking good in man's eyes. The evidence of being entertained in church is the lack of understanding and ability of most church members to explain basic Christian doctrines. Surely Jesus must be coming soon. He must be heartbroken over the condition of many so-called growing churches.

Food-bank insight

A RECENT comment was negative about food banks. I agree that some people take advantage of our food banks. As someone who works in one, I know first-hand. But for the people who truly need the help such, as our seniors who are on fixed incomes, their incomes do not increase as the cost of food does. Then there are the children who as summer break approaches will not be receiving the one meal a day at school that they can always count on. So think about these things before you give up all hope on our food bank.