From the Deacon's desk . . . . . .

We need to dispel the belief of the day that all beliefs are equally true, and one is no better than the other. We do respect the beliefs of others, but we can't give them equal time when it comes to the question of where that person is going to spend all eternity.

Telling the Good News of Jesus is more than merely sharing one's opinions. It is actually giving another person the Word of Life – the powerful, faith-creating Word of God by which God brings that person into His kingdom. So, telling the Good News of Jesus is not rude, it's the most wonderful gift you can give to another human being.

To witness about Jesus we need to be in the Word and Sacraments. In so doing, we are kept by the Lord in constant contact with the power and strength for witnessing, our Lord Jesus Himself. Receiving forgiveness and peace, we then are able to share it with others.

Turning to the Lord in prayer is the next thing we do when we wish to tell the Good News about Jesus. Just imagine how much better we will be able to recognize opportunities to tell the Good News about Jesus when we ask our heavenly Father to show them to us and then pray for the courage to speak. When we ask for open doors to tell the Good News, we will be amazed to notice how doors are open and just waiting for us to walk through, telling the Good News about Jesus!

(Excerpts from A.L. Berry)

"And Jesus said to them, 'Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.'"(Mark 1:17)