I agree with Dr. Valenta's Dec. 4 commentary on welcoming Syrian refugees.
The refugees are fleeing evil and are searching for something else. This is a perfect opportunity for Christians to show the love of Jesus to these poor people. They are coming to us. It reminds me of John 4:34, when Jesus sees the crowd coming to Him and He tells His disciples "the fields are ripe for harvest." We have a chance to "reap" a harvest.
These refugees have probably heard of Jesus. But the Jesus of the Koran is not the Savior who died on the cross for the sins of the world and defeated death with His resurrection. In Islam, Jesus was not the Son of God.
I realize this is tricky and we must use caution, but with gentleness and love (1 Peter 3:15) we have a responsibility to tell them about the true Jesus. I have had the opportunity to evangelize Muslim friends, so I know that love is the most important approach – not fake love, but genuine love. It should be our desire for them to meet the real Jesus.
I welcome these people. I want them to experience the love of Christ. I would welcome a family of Muslim refugees into my home – not to preach to them, but to love them. If we love them we will soon tell them why we love them: because "He first loved us."
— Steve DeBord attends Good Shepherd Mission in King.
Did you know there is something unique about being a Catholic veteran? Catholic War Veterans, USA, is one of the oldest veterans service organizations in the nation. It was founded in 1935 by World War I Army chaplain Monsignor Edward J. Higgins, L.L.D., to nourish Catholic veterans in their love for God, country and home.
It is the only Catholic-based organization whose membership is solely made up of military veterans and whose main focus is to help other veterans in need. This meant, and still means, assistance to returning veterans and their families, their neighborhoods, fellow Catholics, and all other veterans and citizens in their communities alongside other veterans organizations. Catholic War Veterans, USA, is in all states and has exemplary Catholic action, family-based activities for all service men and women, veterans and families accessible to carry out its programs with the aid of all Catholic veterans in a given CWV post, chapter or department/state. Catholic War Veterans members need only to have served in active duty over a period of time for 90 days, not necessarily in combat.
Catholic War Veterans, USA, exists because of the love of God, country and home, and its growth depends upon prayer, Catholic veteran identity, and mostly by the graces of God, who loves each of us. We are Catholic veterans who love our God, our country and our fellow man, and we strive to live our lives in the presence of a loving God.
Give Catholic War Veterans, USA, a chance in your community by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or contacting me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 660-744-3625. More information is also online at www.cwv.org. God bless and thank you for your service to God, country and home.
— Ann Roberts lives in Missouri.