CHRISTIANS MUST JOIN FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ADDICTION

Where are the rescuers? "And of some have compassion, making a
difference: and other save with fear, pulling them out of the fire;
hating even the garment spotted by the flesh." Jude 22-23 KJV. How
many more will die? If any of our children were lost in the woods,
missing in a boat accident, or any form of hurt had come their way; I
believe the people of this county and surrounding areas would rally
to the cause. We would forget our differences and unite in a common
effort of search.

I am pleading a cause far greater than one child being "out there
somewhere." We, as Christians, can no longer sit on the sidelines of
life and watch our people being destroyed by the terrible drug
addiction that has gripped, and now holds numerous young people (and
some not so young) in the vice of drugs in our county. This terrible
addiction must be stopped before we lose more precious people.

I am asking that all Christians rally behind this cause! We must get
involved! The people of our congregation are meeting at the church at
5:30 each morning and also on Friday night to simply pray. I firmly
believe that if God's people will band together and continue to
petition God for direction in this matter that we will see results.

I desire to see each minister in this area come together for this
common cause. We will meet at any set time and in any desired place.
It doesn't have to be in a church building. The courthouse square
would be a good starting point. That would let every person know that
we are sincere in our efforts.

We, as Christians, can point to issues to blame, and ask a thousand
times, What if? or .. How? or ...Why?, but until we march as a
unified army against this spirit of drugs that is leading many to
untimely deaths, we are standing idle. Remember, silence is consent!
Therefore let us all come together to claim our county and our people
for Christ. If each person will personally read and absorb Jude
1:22-23, we will see that we must show compassion before we can make
a difference.

We do not love the sin of what is happening, but we must love the
sinner. We must be willing to pull them, literally, 'out of the
fire'. We hate sin and it's mark on lives, but let us arise as a
"sleeping giant" and shake our community for Christ.

Those who deal in drugs and supply this "living death" to our people
must be stopped! I am willing to put my life on the line. Are you?
The emptiness in each life can be filled with the salvation of Christ
until love flows instead of drugs.

Beulah Shortridge

Grundy, Va.