I knew this morning's program at church was going to be related to the holiday, but I didn't know how emotional it would be for me. I guess I should have known since I feel very strongly towards the foundation of this nation, our military and God's providence over our great country, but the twist in today's service was the inclusion of immigrants. Pantego Bible Church has an African congregation that meets on Sunday afternoons and they were invited to worship with us this morning for one large celebration. It was amazing!
Many of these people came here as religious refugees, legally. Their leader and liaison to the church described he and his wife's journey through three African nations before making it to the United States in 2005. They are now citizens and so grateful for what they have here and the work God has blessed them to do.
We met another member of our church, Sergey, from Russia. He came here when he was 12 years old with his family to escape religious persecution in Russia back in 1986. His father narrowly escaped prison for leading a Christian church there. Sergey is also here legally and trying to navigate the process of citizenship. The absurdity of Sergey's story is that he served 5 years in the United States Army. He was scheduled to be fingerprinted as a part of his citizenship process, but on that day he shipped out for a year tour of duty in Iraq. Since he missed that appointment he's been told his application was denied. You've got to be kidding. I'm sure there exists somewhere in our dreadfully bureaucratic system a person with a brain who will get Sergey back on track and repay him for his devotion to this country.
Our stage was graced with a dozen other people who have migrated here and become citizens. People from all over the world. It's absolutely inspirational and a great reminder of the blessings we take for granted every day.
The elephant in the room, for me at least, was our current illegal immigration issues. I get that a lot of people want to come here, but I also get that we have laws not unlike most countries on Earth. While I have nothing but respect for those who follow the law and come here to contribute to our country in the most positive way they can, learn our language and bless us further I have nothing but disdain for the lawbreakers who come here with nothing but selfish entitlement goals and simply use our land as a place to further their own country. It's beyond unfortunate that even our own President turns his nose at our laws. Shame on you, Mr. President!
The other reminder this morning was the indisputable inclusion of God's wonderful grace in the formation and endurance of this great country. Try as some might to remove God's divine intervention into the lives of our founders history will not be rewritten!
I'll leave you with a quote from John Adam's letter to his wife Abigail sent July 3, 1776 that opened our church service this morning.
"The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.
You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. -- I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. -- Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not."
God Bless America.
A.J.
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