 To the motley crew and passengers of Ship of Fools. Who said I didn't have a sense of humor? For your information, I smiled at every rebuke, winked at every trite remark, and even laughed at some downright dragging through the mud, even if it was at my expense. Such witticisms I have not come across since I last read Proverbs:
'As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool... A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back. Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage. The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools. As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool. As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools. The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors. As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly' (Proverbs 26:1-11).Due to the roughhousing, I think you should know the one whom you have pierced, to borrow an expression; after all, we will be spending eternity together. Not only am I the Webmaster of the 'The Magazine Rack', but also the Publisher/Editor of 'Enter the Exciting Universe of Vanguard Magazine', a labor of love for Christ. If you care to visit the site, you may even find a laugh or two in our 'Short Takes' section. But mostly you will discover the real meat of the Word which you will not find elsewhere. Examples: 'Kernels from the Bread of Life' answer many of life's most perplexing and titillating questions, some of which may have been too embarrassing to ask: Is the marriage bed undefiled; more specifically, is sodomy sanctioned by marriage; also, Is sexual self-pleasure okay? These are not 'Urban Myths', but some of the real issues that are taking the Church by storm. Perhaps, when you read the articles you will understand why about one-third of our visitors are young men in the preparatory service, studying to become pastors, evangelists, and teachers. We are honored by these men of God who take the Word of God seriously enough to return time and again. 'The Salt Server – Issues and Answers' contains crucial editorials on the state of the nation: prayer in the public schools, homosexual rights depriving the poor and elderly of food banks, and 'Ellen DeGeneres Shows the Way to Gay', an expose on the boycott of Disney and Touchtone Pictures. Yes, there is a 'Fruitcake Zone' out there, but it is not the Church. It is an obstructionist union of perverted men, liberal educators, 'science falsely so-called', judges usurping the power of Congress, and wickedness in high places. I could continue with the issues raised in 'Gideon's Choice' – however, these articles deserve more than a cursory note. I could speak of the 'The Conquering Hero, Imprisoned for Christ', the true story of a Christian who thought it an honor to be locked in the hellish confines of a Russian prison for possession of a Bible and having youth in his service, but I will not. I could also tell you of the e-mails we receive begging for help, people in deep distress, looking not for a 'Ship of Fools', but an outlet that will bear their burdens. These are men in the pits of depravation, women fighting to come out of homosexuality, insanity in families, depression, murder, suicide, cancer, divorce, children in intensive care, and the list continues without end. Of one certainty I will not discuss, the hate mail we receive from those who stand against righteousness and holiness in the Lord, who call this work of the Lord an unholy thing. If after this, you still feel that I come across somewhat sober, perhaps it is because I have been touched by the needs of God's people. Now I could sit and wallow in self-pity, singing a 'some church did me wrong' song, and gather kindred spirits about me; however, these are the end times. Instead of folly, we must be sober, vigilant, with our full armor on, lest we be caught unawares. China, 'the kings of the east', is preparing for war; tribulation is coming upon the face of the earth; and the coming of Christ is near. It is not a time for idleness, but one of dedication and a willingness to follow Christ, helping those we can along the way. I pray that you will no longer feel harshly toward me without due cause. I know that I am supposed to rejoice when persecuted for righteousness' sake; however, I feel no joy at the moment. The world is pressing in on the Church; there are souls to be saved, demoniacs to be delivered, and the sick and dying to be healed in Jesus' name. May the Lord bless all my brothers and sisters with a deep compassion for lost souls. Your servant in Christ, David Parsons Top of Page | The Vote | Archive | Ship of Fools Central © Ship of Fools 1998 |