TUESDAY TRAVELS: The tragedy of "Veteran's Day"

(from the BBC)

Here in the U.S., we just marked Veteran’s Day. Many in our time forget, however, that this was not the commemoration’s original name. Veteran’s Day was first Armistice Day, marking the Armistice at the end of World War I, which was signed on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month in 1918. Today is the 90^th anniversary of that signing.

In northern France leaders from 21 EU countries gathered at Verdun, the first great battle of the war, which lasted for an appalling ten months, and where an estimated 600,000 casualties (dead, wounded, missing) were taken. In London, three of the last surviving British veterans of the Great War were honored. Henry Allingham (112), Harry Patch (110), and Bill Stone (108) watched as current servicemen laid wreaths on their behalf. Mr. Patch said, “It is important to remember the dead from both sides of the conflict. Irrespective of the uniforms we wore, we were all victims.” Across the continent, dozens of remembrance ceremonies were held to honor all of them.

The statistics of WWI are staggering. It lasted five years, and involved 35 countries. Over 65 million soldiers fought; 10 million died and 20 million were wounded. For the first time in history, the full power of modern technology was brought to bear in making war, such as airplanes, tanks and submarines. However, the most horrible aspect of WWI, for which it is remembered, was its brutal trench warfare. As defenses dug in, attacking forces were slaughtered in record numbers—on the first day of the Battle of Somme, for example, 80,000 British soldiers were killed or wounded. Also, for the first time in history, the war was fought by civilian armies, not professional soldiers, making the massive loss of life even harder to bear.

In countless ways, World War I created the fundamental elements of 20th century history. Genocide and the use of poison gas emerged as acts of war. The international system was totally transformed. On the political right fascism came out of the war; on the left the communist revolution in Russia leading to the USSR. America became a world power. Britain never recovered from the shock of WWI, and started her decline to the ranks of the second-class powers. At the peace conference of 1919, the German, Turkish, and Austro-Hungarian empires were broken up. New boundaries were drawn in Europe and the Middle East, boundaries -- as in Iraq and Kuwait -- which were still intact at the end of the century. And, just as the war was ending, German Nationalists like Hitler gathered millions who rejected the peace and blamed Jews and Communists for their defeat. The road to the Second World War started there.

One of the most tragic things we can say is that “Armistice Day” eventually became known as “Veteran’s Day.” WWI was supposed to be “the war to end all wars.” If it had been, we would still be remembering Armistice Day today. Instead, however, on Veteran’s Day we sadly note that “wars and rumors of war” continue to characterize this fallen world in which we live.

Let us mark this day with a fresh commitment. In our work and in our lives, let us promote peace. Let us be people of kindness, compassion, forgiveness and reconciliation. In all the battles of life, may we be peacemakers. And, as we remember veterans this week, let us also lift our hearts in prayer for the day to come when:

“They shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
and their spears into pruning-hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more.” (Isaiah 2.5)

TUESDAY TRAVELS: First in the Nation

Since 1948, people in the tiny towns of Dixville Notch and Hart's Location, NH have been the first to cast their votes in national elections each four years. Folks gather before midnight to get first position in the election, and the towns take pride in having a 100% turnout. Each voter gets an individual booth, so there is no waiting at the midnight hour.

Earlier today, the good folks in these New England burgs continued the tradition, and here are the results:

• In Dixville Notch: Obama—15 votes, McCain—6 votes.

• In Hart's Location: Obama—17 votes, McCain—10 votes, Ron Paul—2 votes (write-in)

Ralph Nader was on the ballot in both towns, and received no votes.

With this wonderful tradition intact, an historic day in the United States commenced.

TUESDAY TRAVELS: Apples, Pumpkins, and Fall Colors

Went with some of the family down to Appleworks orchard on Sunday to get some apples, give my grandson some fun, see some fall foliage, pick out a couple of pumpkins, and, oh yes!, get some Amish popcorn. This has not been the most colorful autumn we've seen in central Indiana, but it was a beautiful day with plenty of scenic splendor to appreciate.

TUESDAY TRAVELS: Endorsements around the country

Today, we travel around the country and give you links to newspaper endorsements for the presidential candidates. While it is debated how influential these endorsements are, they do give voters an opportunity to hear what news outlets around the country are saying to the voters in their regions. One of the more interesting endorsements in 2008 is that of the Chicago Tribune, which for the first time in its nearly 200-year history endorsed the Democratic candidate.

I encourage you to follow the links and read what folks around the country are saying. Perhaps we will all gain insight about the candidates, our country, and ourselves.

Newspaper endorsements for Obama/Biden...

• LA Times
• Denver Post
• Chicago Tribune
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution
• Boston Globe

Newspaper Endorsements for McCain/Palin...

• San Francisco Examiner
• Dallas Morning News
• New York Post
• Boston Herald
• Tampa Tribune

For a complete up-to-date list of newspaper endorsements, visit DemConWatch.

TUESDAY TRAVELS: Earthquake in Kyrgyzstan

UPDATE: Video report from the BBC.

Click HERE for the NYTimes report on Sunday's earthquake in Kyryzstan that, as of this report, killed 72 people and leveled the mountain village of Nura.

And here is an UPDATE about the rescue effort that is underway.

Kyrgyzstan is a small country in Central Asia that was once a Soviet Republic. It is a poor country of mountains, horses, and shepherds. The people are nominally Muslim, but adhere mainly to their own folk religion.

I had the opportunity to visit there in 2001. Dear friends were serving in mission with an international team that was working on educational and agricultural development, as well as encouraging the small Christian community in Naryn, a town in the middle of the country.

I ask us to pray for the people affected by this latest earthquake, especially those in and around Nura. And lift up the Christ-followers there, that they will have God's strength to love and serve those in need.

TUESDAY TRAVELS: Nobody "Covers" like JT

Today we take a trip through the world of music. Dad is such a fan of James Taylor that our kids know every JT song since the 1980's by heart. They've heard them on every road trip, danced silly jigs to them as toddlers, enjoyed them on summer lawns in concert, watched them on DVD, and listened to dad play his own versions of them on the guitar.

One aspect of JT's music that I've always enjoyed is his ability to cover the songs of other artists and make them his own. Songs like "You've Got a Friend," "How Sweet It Is," "Everyday," and so many others have always satisfied. Now he's put together an entire album of covers, and it's amazing.

First of all, the new recording is more consistently upbeat than other JT albums. In concert, Taylor often uses covers to pump up the pace and volume, and several of those songs are here, including, "Summertime Blues" and "Not Fade Away." Backed by the fine "Band of Legends" that toured with him this summer, this collection rocks. I especially enjoy the brilliant horn section work and razor-sharp guitar solos.

Second, the variety is wonderful. Songs run the gamut, from the expected standard singer-songwriter material ("Suzanne") to traditional country ("Why Baby Why") to sublime pop ("Wichita Lineman") to smooth, so-fine R&B ("It's Growing," "Sadie").

This is a fine, fun, and fresh recording. According to the liner notes, the sessions took place over ten days in a converted barn studio with twelve outstanding musicians. The energy of this "live in the studio" approach is apparent from the outset.

Highly recommended!

TUESDAY TRAVELS: Back to Orissa, India

On today's travels we return to news from Orissa, a state in eastern India. Here is a first-person report from a Christian friend and doctor who is leading an effort to bring relief to those suffering from the many trials Orissa has been facing over the past months. As you will read, the situation is now becoming dire, not only because of the persecution and communal violence that has racked the state, but also because of the monsoon rains and an impending cyclone.

"Thank you very much for remembering the people of Orissa in your prayers. Yes, it's the state which is undergoing various types of trials and tribulations.

"Last the whole month the ethnic violence in Kondhmal District of Orissa where churches were torched and Christians were massacred and the whole community was in fear and distress and most of them were hiding in the jungles , and this violence has spread to different other states like Bangalore and Mangalore in Karnataka and Kerala and also in other states like Madhyapradesh, and Chatisgarh, in which mostly the churches and Christians were attacked by the particular fundamentalist, exreme outfit of the so called Hindus even though it is not supported by the majority of the Hindus. Even now there are continued attacks on Christians and the destruction of churches in various parts of our country...

"When the state was recovering gradually from these tragedies, then came the devastating flood in Orissa where 17 districts have been affected but more so the worst affected are the four districts like CUTTACK , PURI, KENDRAPADA, JAGATSINGPUR. Because of the typical topography of Cuttack, as you have seen, on both the sides there are two major rivers--the Mahanadi & Kathjuri, and both are fully swollen with the water level much above the city of Cuttack. But we are safe because of the ring road surrounding the city of Cuttack, and more of the damages are in the suburban towns because of the breeches in the embankments of the river which were carrying the water much above the danger lines. This situation is there since about 4-5 days and we are busy with the relief and rescue work along with the Govt machinery.

"However, to worsen the situation now since today we are again having the rains along with the cyclone which is threatening to hit the coastal Orissa in the next two days which will definitely be bad for the city of Cuttack, as the water of the rains of the cyclone cannot be drained to the two rivers on either side of the city which are already full and swollen. So most probably the people of the city will be drowned in the city water itself. So we are planning to shift the people to higher buildings and getting prepared for any eventualities. Please do PRAY that this coming cyclone will be weakened.

"But in all these situations God has helped us to strengthen our faith and be allowed to trust Him more. In most of the churches we are having worship services conducted with tight police custody and protection.

"Here we have formed a NGO by name THE SAMARITANS which is collecting funds from our local people and giving relief to some at least, and tomorrow we are planning to go to another suburban village of 42 Mouza which has been very badly affected by the flood and we hear that some of the families are still marooned in the water and needs to be rescued and some food to be given immediately."

Story in The Times of India

TUESDAY TRAVELS: Mobility and Ministry

On the "Out of Ur" blog, Collin Hansen asks, "Can you shepherd a flock that won't stay put?"

His report asks us to consider the fact of American mobility and its impact on ministry. A USA Today report he cites says that 16% of Americans moved in 2006—that's nearly 50 million people! In the face of this reality, how can churches possibly promote the kind of deep fellowship that comes from long-term relationships, the longevity that makes possible respected leadership, or the connections that make true accountability and church discipline practicable?

If this fact of modern life is so counterproductive to the Christian way, is it possible that Christ-followers might find that one of the best ways of having a long-term influence in our world would be to put down roots in one community and stay there, sacrificing wanderlust or chasing the American dream, and simply living out kingdom values for a long time?

What do you think?

Here is Hansen's conclusion, which ends up focusing on a pastor's responsibility to set an example in this regard:

For the sake of loving each other and loving our neighbors, Christians should re-learn how to put down roots in one community. There will often be valid financial and educational excuses for leaving. But if you invest in your community, the community will invest in you. For too long Christians have followed that American dream to greener pastures, to the neglect of their genealogical and ecclesiological families. If we hope to reverse this trend, shepherds should set the example.

TUESDAY TRAVELS: Violence against Christians in Orissa

Gail and I have had the privilege of taking several mission trips to India since 1996 to work with India YFC. These have been perspective-altering and life-changing experiences for us. Our first trips took us to the state of Orissa in eastern India.

Recently, disturbing and frightening reports have been emerging from Orissa about communal violence by radical Hindus against Christians. The BBC World Service reported on Aug. 26 that the killing of a prominent Hindu leader has been used as a pretext to attack the Christian community, to burn churches and Christian sites, and perpetrate violent acts against individuals and families who profess to follow Christ.

Yesterday's Hindu newspaper cited a protest by The Federation of Indian Christian Organisations in North America, calling what is happening as "ethnic cleansing by Hindu fundamentalist outfits." They claim that "Hundreds of Christian houses had been set afire and more than 60,000 Christians were hiding in forests without food and water. Also, the number of missing persons was rising..."

A blog has been created to update the world about the violence in Orissa, called, "Orissa Burning." Please be informed, pray, and act as you are able to seek peace in this situation.