Davis

Throwing Christians to the lions? This was Daniel CostaÕs response to last SundayÕs interview question in The Enterprise: ÒIf you could go back and see any sporting event from the past, what would it be?Ó

I have two questions for Costa: IsnÕt this unfair to characterize Christians in such a negative way? Would he say this about other groups in our society?

I was surprised at CostaÕs statement because many examples abound in the valuable and generous contributions of Christians to American society and to the world. William Booth, a devout Christian, founded the Salvation Army to help the needy. Habitat for Humanity, founded by Millard and Linda Fuller, began with a small Christian community in Georgia to build homes for needy people.

Because of their Christian faith, Levi Coffin and Harriet Tubman and many other Christians risked health and safety in the Underground Railroad to help usher Southern slaves to freedom. Corrie Ten Boom and many other Christians risked their lives to shelter the Jews in Holland from the Nazis. Henry Dunant, a devout Christian, founded the Red Cross to help protect human life and health.

Because of his faith, Bob Pierce founded World Vision in 1950 to help the needs of hundreds of thousands of orphans throughout the world. He also founded SamaritanÕs Purse, which gives aid to victims of war, poverty, natural disasters and disease. A vital part of SamaritanÕs Purse is The Prescription for Hope, which helps AIDS patients throughout the world. Christians are to love God and to love others. Bob PierceÕs quotation shows the true motivation for Christians: ÒLet my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God.Ó

Linda Champagne

Davis

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