When I grew up, we had just ended World War II, which had just ended the Great Depression. We were then fighting the Korean Conflict. My family had fought in those wars. I remember going to church every Sunday and holy day. The churches were full, standing room only on the holidays. The values were taught by parents, relatives and religious ministers who focused on the importance and love of God.
Perhaps tragic times today no longer provide the realization of our need for God’s help. Maybe we have been indoctrinated to believe that government and people will solve all our problems.
The ministries of many of the churches in Scottdale, Connellsville and Mt. Pleasant supported an effort last year to reach out to people who weren’t in church, to join in a type of prayer and thanksgiving. We urged churches and people in their homes to ring a bell for five minutes on Thanksgiving eve, the Sunday after Christmas and New Year’s Day at 6 p.m.
Maybe this won’t solve all the problems of the world, but it’s a start. A start to teach our children of what is important in their lives, a start to remind us of what is important in our lives — a reminder of who has the power to change our lives.
Our problems are many, and there is one piece of advice I always give: believe.
Edwin T. Zylka
Bullskin