Days of mercy

I just finished reading Marvin Olasky's column on reforming public policy-making ("Before the next crisis: Lessons from Katrina," Oct. 1). His offering not only hit the target but is filled to the brim with compassion, common sense, and biblical wisdom. I appreciate most his seventh suggestion: Thank God for His mercy. His question, "Why should we assume good weather and good health?" penetrated my unthankful, whining heart and caused me to pause and truly thank God for ten thousand days of mercy.-Daniel K. Chinn; Lookout Mountain, Ga.

Pray for good

Gene Edward Veith certainly got my attention with his column about a Chinese house-church leader who would discourage us from praying for an end to persecution there and who himself prays that American churches would experience persecution ("Praying for persecution," Oct. 1). But are we to pray that evil people would arise and take control of our government? Imprison and torture our pastors and leaders and take our children to indoctrinate them in atheism? That Christians would be killed and that the Bible would be banned? Where in the Bible are we exhorted to pray for evil that good may come? Let us pray for reformation and revival and leave the particular means to God.-Deborah Sezov; Mullica Hill, N.J.

Instead of asking why they are treated unfairly, should we not be asking why we have been so blessed? Maybe we've been given much because God wants to use "our" money to spread the gospel.-Sara Linert; St. Bonifacius, Minn.

Mr. Veith made a good point. Real Christianity straight out of the Bible made a huge impact in the world, unlike my church attendance record, social events, or pew warming. It's good to know that someone in China is praying for me.-David Schappel; Orlando, Fla.

Mere details

I really enjoy Andree Seu's writing, but do we really give evidence of disbelief when we don't give credit to a person's specific request to God, in this case intercessory prayer for healing ("Ask, receive, disbelieve?" Oct. 1)? Waking up in the morning-our very existence-is the miracle for which we should be shouting praise from the housetops. The rest of it is mere details-Jan French; Buellton, Calif.

Excellently written and wonderfully explained. Whether healed or taken, Mrs. Seu has glorified God and encouraged me to be passionate about His work in our lives.-Ryan Connelly; Bozeman, Mont.

Finding truth

As a former Jehovah's Witness, I was not surprised to see that the Watchtower Society's Canadian branch is suing Peter Mosler over his internet site that posts quotes from Witness publications ("Watchtower watch," Oct. 1). I have a large library of Watchtower publications that are no longer available. The Society limits circulation for obvious reasons, and there is such a turnover among the Witnesses that many have never heard of the claims and prophetic ideas of past publications. I appreciate very much that WORLD is making this lawsuit widely known. For me, it was not just a matter of leaving the Witnesses but of finding truth.-Ernest Zenone Sr.; Folsom, N.J.

Bottle it

Regarding the "super(static) man" ( Quick Takes, Oct. 1): Who will let the Energy Department know about the 40,000-volt static electric charge from a wool shirt and synthetic nylon jacket? Can that be bottled for use?-Rosemary Tenpenny; Philadelphia, Pa.

Nursing hope

Thank you for "Critical-care nurses" (Oct. 1). I have been a Certified School Nurse for over six years. I see my job as a positive and fulfilling blend of professional pediatric nursing and mercy ministry. Schoolchildren from low-income families often arrive at school with unmet health needs. Their parents are often frustrated and discouraged in their attempts to access needed medical care through complicated systems. Schools become safety nets by helping to eliminate such barriers to learning as unmet health needs and poverty.-Kathy Noll; Lancaster County, Pa.

I have worked as a nurse for the past five years in a public-school setting. My concern is that the Christian community not be a roadblock in this field out of fear that school nurses will pass out condoms and perform abortions. I spend my days consumed with supporting medically fragile students who are dealing with profound physical and mental conditions, yet come to school eager and ready to learn. Our curriculum is abstinence-based and Georgia law prohibits me from mentioning the use of condoms or abortions. I base my daily tasks on Matthew 25:40: "To the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it unto Me."-Julie Grabenkort; Duluth, Ga.

A great voice

I rarely disagree with you, but I could not remain silent regarding your review of Eric Clapton's Back Home (Bestselling CDs, Oct. 1). I think Mr. Clapton has a great voice. You did not criticize Bob Dylan for his vocalization, and Mr. Clapton is by far the better singer.-Bill Onesty; Troutville, Va.

Sign of strength

It is amazing how strong Lee and Sharon Sandifer were after the horrifying experience of losing their house in a Katrina storm surge (Quick Helps, Sept. 24). Then they went to help others in similar situations. It is good to see Christians helping and witnessing to those in need.-Elisabeth Beenen, 14; Vergennes, Vt.

God of storms

I was appalled when the blame game started in the aftermath of Katrina; I suppose I shouldn't have been. Joel Belz gave voice to all of my thoughts ("Unquenchable appetite," Sept. 17).-Jeanette VanVeldhuizen; Fort Washington, Pa.

From almost every quarter, we hear the angry complaints about insufficient planning and response alongside the defiant boasting of our government leaders to get the best of Nature next time. Rather than raising up yet another kind of impotent bureaucratic god, my prayer is that we will all submit to the sovereign, almighty God who created the storm.-Hank Jackson; Weaverville, N.C.

So political

We at the National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise and the faith-based substance abuse programs that we work with, such as Teen Challenge, Victory Fellowship, and Youth Challenge, applaud WORLD for an outstanding job in reporting the facts about the challenges facing faith-based programs. Jamie Dean's articles on the denial of food stamps to residents of faith-based substance abuse programs did much to bring this issue to national consciousness and helped impel a reversal of the policy ("Stamped out," Aug. 27; "Stamp of approval," Sept. 10).-Robert L. Woodson, President, NCNE; Washington, D.C.

We will not renew our subscription. I'm confident that the Lord Jesus is offended by all the political rhetoric that you voice in His name.-John E. Moxham; Knoxville, Tenn.