October 4

‘Holding together’

This was my favorite edition ever. It is an “Issue of Hope” for reporting on pockets of light—what God is doing through and for His people in the midst of this world’s darkness. The articles were beautifully written, especially Jamie Dean’s opening paragraphs, and Marvin Olasky’s account of trusting God (“Course reversal,” Oct. 4) was an encouraging word I needed to hear.

Jolie Waller / Auburn, Ala.

You brought the story of ISIS to the forefront long before the mainstream media. That’s excellent journalism. Thank you also for giving us a way to help by reporting on the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East.

Nicole Nichols / Centreville, Va.

Sometimes it’s hard to understand how the church survives in such difficult times, and hard to imagine that something like this can ever happen in your country or city. Despite the hardships, the church of Jesus Christ continues because she has a hope that this world can never destroy.

Caleb on WNG.ORG

Thank you to Jamie Dean for the reminders of Christian persecution, an ever-increasing menace. This story reminds me of how frivolous are some issues in the American church.

Pastor Bill Tanzey on WNG.ORG

‘Set aside the scowl’

I’ve been to pro-life and conservative events, and I’ve seen media reports of NARAL marches and Occupy gatherings. I disagree with Joel Belz; the pleasant, upbeat, and fun people are conservatives.

Jeff Kessler / Rossville, Ind.

Sadly, I have to agree with Belz. Being a conservative but not a Christian certainly can give reason to doubt and frown, but being a conservative and a true believer gives joy.

Betty Griffin / Mullica Hill, N.J.

This is a wise column. I too believe that we conservatives could use a lighter outlook at times. Conservatism does deal with serious issues, but a little more laughter would go a long way to increasing the appeal of our ideas. A well-timed joke can win a debate almost as easily as a reasoned argument.

DCal3000 on WNG.ORG

Dispatches

Janay Palmer sent the wrong message by tolerating Ray Rice’s violence and then marrying him. Rice’s despicable and brutish behavior is indefensible.

Todd Taylor / Eastvale, Calif.

It meant a great deal to me that at my father’s funeral people showed their love and support by their presence. The idea of a drive-thru funeral viewing is offensive to me. It seems based on convenience rather than respect for those who are grieving.

Marin Willcox / Hutchinson, Kan.

‘A heads-up for living’

It seems many Christians are willingly ignorant of the signs of the times. In Matthew we read that Jesus castigated the religious leaders of His day for predicting the weather but remaining oblivious to the signs of the times. The pieces are all into place for the grand finale; we are to be “alert” and “ready.”

Paul E. Leightner / Pisgah Forest, N.C.

Thank you so much for putting into words what I feel in my heart but stumble to communicate to my friends. It’s exciting to see the mighty prophecies of God coming true—He is in control.

Debbie Simpson / Granger, Ind.

‘Oversexed education’

I was appalled but not shocked by the sex education pushed in government schools. Some parents were indignant, but we should not be surprised. How big of a wake-up call do we need to pull our kids from the government schools?

Meghan Eisinger / Kennewick, Wash.

‘The truth test’

I started medical practice in the mid-’60s in the midst of the sexual revolution and was invited to participate in transsexual surgeries but declined. There are perfectly legitimate reasons for doing transsexual surgery on newborns with ambiguous genitalia. However, most patients seeking this procedure have perfectly normal genitalia but are mixed-up mentally. Cosmetic surgery will not turn a man into a woman, capable of having children, nor will it make a woman into a man.

Joseph B. Stokes Jr. / Orange Park, Fla.

Thank you! I had a lot of this confusion when I was a kid in the ’50s and ’60s. Only the gospel and power of Christ have been able to combat and squelch these feelings of insecurity.

Daniel A Breithaupt on WNG.ORG

‘Going viral’

In 1979 I went to Maridi Institute in Sudan as a missionary when half the community had lost family to Ebola. They lacked technology, but they used all they had to quell it, including faithful prayer and common sense. They isolated victims in huts with daily provisions at the door, and ministers visited to pray outside. They also burned the huts of the deceased. We can meet the challenge if it comes.

Marjorie White / Palmyra, Mo.

‘Fight church’

Christianity is built on the triumph of the weak and glory of self-sacrifice. The world of MMA is the exact opposite. This “movement” is the height of Christian sell-out.

Hans Decker on Facebook

I’m not sold on a “fighting church,” but I am a fan and don’t see a problem with discerning Christians liking MMA. It has some characters, but it is now very regulated and features brave, disciplined athletes who fight with respect.

Ian Migala on Facebook

When I read the headline my first thought was, “Of course. Ever been to a church board meeting?”

Midwest preacher on WNG.ORG

‘Course reversal’

Ever since 2011 I’ve been wondering about Marvin Olasky’s quiet transition from Manhattan to North Carolina. Thank you for this expression of patience and humility.

George A Damoff on WNG.ORG

Fabulous. Thank you for focusing on trust in God and for choosing to wait for His plans to unfold while showing concern for others. I am encouraged by Olasky’s example.

DW on WNG.ORG

Dinesh D’Souza’s fall saddened me, but perhaps he was never what I thought he was.

Lori LaPlatney on Facebook

SEPTEMBER 20

‘I will not settle’

What a powerful piece of writing. Thank you for honoring Marvin Olasky’s grandfather Lepke so well.

Randy Calvelli / Hartville, Ohio

‘Missing children’

Since the birth of my seventh child I have gone through five miscarriages. It is not helpful when people tell us that we should just be thankful for the children we do have. We are thankful and trust God, but it is a hard grieving process. Thank you for acknowledging the pain of infertility and miscarriages.

Heather Knapp / Centerburg, Ohio

I am consistently moved to tears by the power of the stories WORLD tells. I appreciate your commitment to honest, accurate reporting and the simple, elegant beauty of your articles.

Ben Ghormley / Conway, Ark.

Corrections

Carter Wrenn helped engineer Ronald Reagan’s come-from-behind win in the North Carolina primary in 1976 (“Too close to call in North Carolina,” Oct. 18, p. 41).

Lana Lake took a .22-caliber rifle on her four-wheeler ride (“Majestic, messy Montana,” Oct. 18, p. 40).

Jen Lints Photography took the photos appearing with the column “Small wonders” (Nov. 1, p. 32).

WORLD around the World

Mgambeni, Swaziland Submitted by Paul Knerr

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