This Weekend's Message: All Who Are Destitute

During the time of the Nazi rise to power in Germany, Martin Niemoller wrote a poem called “First They Came.” Here is the text of the poem:

First they came for the communists, 
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a communist. 
Then they came for the socialists, 
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a socialist. 
Then they came for the trade unionists, 
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a trade unionist. 
Then they came for me, 
and there was no one left to speak for me. 

Our voices are powerful instruments. In fact, the Bible says that life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). When we use our voices in order to help others, we give life. When we use our voices selfishly, we give death. Sometimes the most selfish way that we can use our voice is to stay silent. When someone is in need, and we choose not to use our voices to speak up for that person, we selfishly miss an opportunity give life to someone in need.

There are many needy and vulnerable people in the world. It is difficult, though, to imagine anyone more needy and vulnerable than unborn children. They are unseen, they cannot talk, and they can legally be put to death before they ever emerge from the womb. This Sunday we will have an opportunity to hear from two of our own members who are on the front lines, speaking up for those who can't speak for themselves. Come ready to be challenged and invited to lend your voice to those in need.

Dan