Jeanette's Poem

     Jeanette Hawkin's Kids Kore (with Tracy Ast's help) created stuffed toys to donate to the annual Vernon County Ambulance District Toy Drive. We are privileged to have Jeanette Hawkins as our Children's Pastor at First Baptist Church.  One of a kind!  Not only is Jeanette exceptional in leadership but she wrote a little poem about it!
     Just weeks before Christmas and through the church halls,
     Every child was stirring and  climbing the walls.
     The animals and stuffing were laid out with care,
     In hopes that the EMTs soon would be there.
     They chose their own breed and a big bunch of fluff,
     Then returned to their spot where they would then stuff,
     Before zipping up the creation they made.
     A heart that was prayed over would inside be placed.
     Prayers for warmth and love quietly spoken,
     For whoever received this sweet little token.
     Then out in the hallways there appeared two new faces,
     We knew they were EMTs from their helpful gazes.
     They jumped in to help us finish up with our dolls,
     So they could get back just in case they were called.
     We helped them to fill their bags with new toys,
     They would soon give to deserving girls and boys.
     Then what to our wondering eyes should appear,
     But a red and white sleigh with lights front and rear.
     The EMTs climbed aboard with a great cheer,
     And said, "Thank you kids!  You helped out this year!"

GOD IS WITH US

     Foy Valentine shared this poem in CHRISTIAN ETHICS TODAY, Fall, 2010.  Even he does not know the original author.

     That night when in Judean skies
        The mystic star dispensed its light,
     A blind man moved in his sleep
        And dreamed that he had sight.

     That night when shepherds heard the song
        Of hosts angelic choiring near,
     A deaf man stirred in slumber's spell
        And dreamed that he could hear.

     That night when o'er the newborn babe
        The tender Mary rose to lean,
     A loathsome leper smiled in sleep
        And dreamed that he was clean.

     That night when to the mother's breast
        The little king was held secure,
     A harlot slept a happy sleep
        And dreamed that she was pure.

     That night when in the cattle stall
        Slept child and mother cheek by jowl,
     A cripple turned his twisted limbs
        And dreamed that he was whole.

     That night when in the manger lay
        The sanctified who came to save,
     A man moved in the sleep of death
        And dreamed there was no grave.

     Don't know the author but he captures some of the wonder and beauty of Christmas in simple words.  Here we see divine grace in action and beautiful glimpses of God who bears with us through all the challenges of life.  It is an invitation to wait on the Lord until  all our brokeness gets fixed, our dreams get fulfilled, and our prayers get answered!

Pastor Cox
    

WHERE WOULD JESUS EAT OUT?

     Marie and I had breakfast at HWY 54 Cafe in Nevada Saturday morning.  While we were eating breakfast, I posed the question, "Where do you think Jesus would eat out if he came to Nevada?  Would he eat here at 54 or would he eat at the Nevada Country Club?"  At first I answered my own question, "Probably at the 54 I would guess." 
     HWY 54 Cafe in Nevada, MO, is local taste for sure!  Some of the best down home breakfasts like sausage gravy and biscuits.  Or one can order a variety of breakfasts that include various egg entrees with options of meats.  And for lunch I like the open-faced turkey sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy.  But the main thing about 54 Cafe is that it is a vintage "Good 'Ole Boys" restaurant.  Farmers pull up their trucks and enter with mud on their boots.  You don't have to dress up.  No shower required.  Don't comb your hair. Just put on a cap and your good to go.  So, you can imagine why I picked 54.
     Marie had another thought.  She said, "I think he would go to the Country Club."  "Why?"  I asked.  "Because there are more sinners out there."  How would she know that?  We ate there just recently.  The atmosphere is more uptown.  It is the only place in Nevada to dine with white table cloths.  You have to be a member of the club or a guest to get in the door.  It is a little more exclusive.  The boiled shrimp special once a month is tasty.  And so I am thinking Jesus would not dine there.  After all, he didn't start out with a top notch atmosphere in Bethlehem.  No country club memberships!
     But then Marie got me to thinking.  Maybe there are more sinners there.  And there could be as  much poverty.  Don't let the farmers and the "good 'ole boys" fool you.  Some of them have a lot more assets than the country club folks.  And, as someone has said, "Sophistication is a thin veneer that rubs off with a little alcohol!"  But you might have to flip a coin about which place has the most sinners.
     And so I asked, where do you think Jesus would eat out in Nevada?  54 Cafe or the Nevada Country Club?

PROUD MARIE KEEPS ON BURNIN'

     I am really proud of Marie.  She has been really upset that Bristol Palin had gone so far in winning "Dancing With the Stars."  Don't watch the program!  But Marie has been convinced that some of the best dancers were eliminated and Bristol Palin was kept in by Alaska phone calls or tea party favorites.  She has really been steamed about it.  But she has excercised control.  Last week there was a man who was pictured on television in handcuffs as he was being hauled off to jail.  The news lady said that he was angry because other dancers had been eliminated and Palin, obviously sub-standard in his opinion, had been able to stay on the show.  So, he got out his shot gun and blew away the television.  Ours is still in tact.  I am proud that she has control!

"Catfish" Catron's Speech

                                       RICHARDSON SCHOLARSHIP REMARKS

     Good afternoon SBU.  I bring you greetings from First Baptist Church in Nevada...a long time supporter of this institution and home of the L. F. Richardson Family.
     I have always thought that it was a shame that the chronicle of the people who have generously provided financial support to universities and other organizations is lost as time passes.  I am pleased that SBU realizes the importance of remembering these families and it is my pleasure to share with you the Richardson heritage.  However frankly speaking, the Richardsons would be somewhat embarrassed by this acknowledgement, as they were very humble people who shied away from any personal recognition.
     Mr. Richardson started Richardson Motor Company, a purveyor of Chrysler automobiles, in 1923, with $5,000 of borrowed money.   To give you  a glimpse of his integrity, he promised his lenders that he would not take a personal salary until the loan was paid back.  He parlayed that start into a million dollar plus business that allowed him to amass a second fortune outside the car company.
     He was also the quintessential boss as attested by the fact that the same sales manager, salesmen, mechanics, and office people worked under his employment until they retired.  In all my dealings with the company, I never heard an employee say a harsh word about him.
     Affectionately named Nevada's Ben Franklin by a close friend and prominent attorney, Don W. Kennedy, he likened Mr. Richardson to the early American icon for his sage advice and sensible living.  He was an advocate and practiced Franklin's entire list of "13 virtures."  Franklin, as you recall, gave us the saying, "A pennys saved is a penny earned."  Richardson was a proponent of this theory and the following illustrations will bring credence to his frugal ways.  The employees of the motor company always tried to get him to drive a Chrysler Imperial which was the top of the line.  They suggested to him that he needed to portray more of a successful image to promote the business.  His reply, "I'm a working stiff and the car I drive will reflect that image."  He was a short somewhat stocky gentleman and that created a problem when it came to his personal attire.  While he would have preferred to wear off the rack clothing he could not get a proper fit.  So he chose to have his suits custom tailored.  While most of the prominent business men in the community chose luxury fabrics and had them handmade, he selected a more practical fabric and machine tailoring.  When it came to his home, he lived in a rather modest dwelling that was none the less well cared for with a fresh coat of paint every year.  Mrs. Richardson, a dignified lady in her own right, loved flowers and the property was adorned with a variety of well cared for flora.  With these illustrations, I would not want to leave you with the impression that Richardsons were misers.  Quite the contrary, they simply lived way below their means and gave much to others.  What a beautiful example of stewardship.
     Perhaps there is no greater testimony to his character than his long relationship with Clarence Lee, the last survivor of Nevada's black community at that time.  That was a period in history when it was not in vogue to be associated with Blacks in Nevada.  But Clarence was more than an employee; he was best "buds" with the boss and not only served as an all around handy man, but was also a confidant.  Their friendship served to temper race relations in a community that here-to-fore had not been tolerant of Blacks.
     Another of his passions was patriotism expressed through a limitless number of donated flagpoles.  He was one of the key promoters of the 1948 campaign to bring the city manager form of government to Nevada.  He also served numerous terms on the city council.  Richardson also sought to perpetuate his civic contributions by setting up a foundation which still to this day makes gifts to charities in the spirit of the founder.
     Unlike Ben Franklin, Mr. Richardson was an unabashed Christian and Baptist.  For years he was a deacon and served as Sunday School Superintendent of First Baptist Church in Nevada.  Every Sunday he would rally the congregation and promote the importance of being in Sunday School.  He always had a thought for the day.  His favorite was:  "The tragedy of life...is that we grow old too soon... and wise too late."  Savvy advice even today.  Mrs. Richardson was also involved in the many phases of the church and made her own distinct contributions to the musical life of the church.
     The Ministerial Scholarship progam, which we are recognizing today, combines two of the primary interests of Mr. and Mrs. Richardson:  the gospel ministry and higher education.  The ministerial scholarship program was started in 1957 with the first two bestowed in 1958.  Since that time numerous awards have been given to young people preparing for the ministry, missions, music and education minisrtry and military chaplaincy.  The Richardsons  have truly lived out the Great Commision found in Matthew 28:19-20:  "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."  While the Richardsons were not personally called to the ministry, they have used God's material blessings to help send countless numbers of trained men and women out into the highways and byways to proclaim the good news that "Jesus Saves!"

SAD DAY FOR ME?

     I was called to Moore-Few Nursing facility on late Tuesday afternoon because one of our members, Marj Olson, was in critical condition and not expected to live very long.  Her sister, Virginia Price, shared a room with her.  When I entered the room Mrs. Price was on one side of the bed and another resident was on the other side.  Marj was in distress but alert enough to speak.
     Even though she was in discomfort, she still responded with "Oh, Bill" because we had been buddies for years.  I have walked with her through many valleys such as the time she almost died of a heart attack and the time when she lost her husband, Gene.  She still had the same smile and twisted sort of humor that I loved.  We always teased each other unmercifully.  I would try to catch her off guard; she would do the same with me.
     After some conversation about her readiness to leave Planet Earth, I asked if she wanted prayer and she reached out both arms and we held hands.  Then I led in prayer, the Lord's prayer, and then annointed her with oil.  When I finished, "In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit," her sister began quoting Psalm 23.  She got most all of it by memory!
     About the time I left the room, she called back to me for one last "teasing" comment.  I knew she would not last long and I thought of her humor but also her love for our FBC family.  Although Marj didn'thave a lot of resources, she came to church back in the early 1990s and gave a testimony about her commitment to the new church campus and gave $1,000.  In the grand scheme of things (3 million dollar project), that didn't represent a major donation.  But it was major to her and her courage cost her at least one friend who was opposed.  Maybe more.
      The next day I heard that she went to be with our Lord in the night and I kept waiting to hear some news about the memorial service plans.  Today I found out.  There are none.  It was a direct burial.  Her request.  That rat!  She wouldn't let me have an opportunity to celebrate her life and tell one last story or humorous tidbit about her.  She got in the the last tease.  On the way out the door.  And no one will get to hear  me expound.  Darn, Marj!  You got me again.

SMOKING AND RELIGION

     When the great conservative English Baptist pastor, C. H. Spurgeon, finished a "glorified" worship experience he was known to have said, "I am going to go home and smoke a cigar to the glory of God."  When I served as pastor in Wheatley, KY, while in seminary, most of my members raised and smoked tobacco.  I only encouraged them to tithe on the profits! One of my professors, Dr. Eric Rust, at Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY, would often deposit his pipe on the desk before leading us in prayer.  Of course, smoking has increasingly been seen as a health hazard and so who could encourage others to smoke?  Not me!
     An artcile by Rodney Clap recently cited Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the Christian who was killed during the Holocaust, as a smoker.  Bonhoeffer's works have been quoted through the years.  In one entry, Bonhoeffer says, "I am very grateful for my smoking supplies."  Other theological figures were also known to have smoked.  C. S. Lewis smoked incessantly as well as J. R. R. Tolkien.  Other theologians that lit up were:  Karl Barth, Paul Tillich, Reinhold Niebuhr, James Gustafson, and Richard John Neuhaus. 
     Of course, serious objections have arisen by some.  When theologian Paul Ramsey appeared on the cover of the Methodist magazine, CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, it was not his remarks on war but the photo of Ramsey with a pipe in hand that sparked controversy.  Both Stanley Hauerwas and William Willimon were referred to by one person as "tobacco-country luminaries." 
     Beyond tongue and cheek humor, Clap suggests that God has always had an interest in fire and smoke!  He gives three reasons why persons enjoy smoking.  First, it presents an occasion for patience.  It takes 45 minutes to smoke a good cigar.  Second,  smoking enhances conversation with others as people puff together.  Third, it is an aesthetic pleasure. 
     In my church tradition there was a saying, "We don't smoke and we don't chew and we don't go with girls that do."  I don't smoke.  (Well, I have smoked a couple of cigars at celebrations and I have fired up my Grandmpa Brewer's old pipe on a couple of occasions).  I don't chew.  (Well, Dickie Duvall gave me a chew at a church softball game in KY years ago, but I turned green and puked).  And I didn't go with girls that smoked.  (Well, I guess there was one short romance).
     But some great Christ-followers have.  Even Dietrich Bonhoeffer!  I guess if you light up, do it for the glory of God.  Afterall, everything we do should be for his glory! 

SECRETARIAT

     Just read an article by Ken Walker about the new movie, "Secretariat."  Randall Wallace, director of the movie, grew up a Southern Baptist.  He said he was in church about 20 hours a week!  He spent time in worship, Sunday School, Training Union, and prayer meetings.  That should make anyone an old-time Baptist!  A native of Jackson, Tennesee, he attended church in Memphis and then later near Lexington and then on to Lynchburg. He says he is proud of his back ground and would not be himself without it.
     Wallace was the screenwriter for 1995's Academy Award winning "Braveheart." In his eyes, faith also plays a crucial role in the new film.  "Secretariat" is the story of the 1973 Triple Crown Winner.  Although there were three winners during the 1970s, Secretariat was the first horse in 25 years to claim the crown.  The movie tells the story of the obstacles facing the owner, Penny Chenery, who took over her ailing father's Meadow Stables in Virginia.  Wallace thinks the movie is a celebration of love and faith. 
     Wallace has written several books and produced several movies.  The P-G rated "Secretariat" is the first movie he recommends for the whole family.  He is pleased that grandparents and grandchildren can see this movie together.  In a day when there are not that many movies an entire family can enjoy, this may be a good pick.  I think I am after some popcorn.

CONFESSIONS OF A PASTOR

     When I see a dentist, I think of how many times I have brushed my teeth.  When I see my banker, I wonder if I need to balance my account.  When I see my doctor, I realize it is time for an annual physical.  When I see athletes, I think of my own exercise or lack of it.  What comes to your mind when you see or think of a pastor?  Many people see us notches above the rest of  humanity.  And to be sure, more is expected of leaders.  But I share with you a few confessions from a pastor.
     First, I am tempted like everyone else.  A lot of people think that pastors are immune from moral failings of other people like stealing, lying, or being sexually unfaithful.  That is why the moral failings of pastors make such big news.  Long ago I accepted the fact that I am human and can fail like anyone else.  Several years ago when our children were home, my wife, Marie, and I took our four children to KC to eat out.  On the way out of the restaurant, I saw $100 in $20 bills lying at the door.  That would help a lot toward paying bills that go toward rearing children!  But Marie and I looked at each other and we both knew that someone had dropped the money on the way into the restaurant.  We went back in and found the very grateful people who were looking for their money.  No one would have known.  We were tempted.
     Second, I don't always like doing ministry.  Now, I have to tell you that it is a great joy to serve as a pastor and the people of FBC have been supportive through the years.  I wouldn't have done anything else!  However, there are times when I have not felt like preaching, conducting weddings, or performing funerals.  I recall the story of the son who was awakened by his mother and told it was time to get ready to go to school.  He complained, made all kinds of excuses, and pleaded not to go.  Finally, his mother exclaimed, "Honey, you are the principal now and so you have to go!"  I agree with whoever said that one aspect of maturity is doing what we need to do even when we don't fell like it.  For the most part, I find that "doing" ministry brings back the "feeling" good about doing ministry.
     Third, I make mistakes. Someone has said that when pastors get together they either "complain" or "brag."  (This is not a tendency just among pastors!)  It is easy to slip into a fellowship of criticizing all the things that are wrong in church members.  And it is also easy to slip into bragging about attendance, baptisms, building programs, and ministries.  What is more challenging is to celebrate victories where appropriate and to admit mistakes when they are made.  I have had more victories than I deserve.  But I also have made my share of mistakes.  Like everyone else, I have to apologize and go on.
     Fourth, I hurt like other people.  People get hurt in churches sometimes by fellow members and sometimes by staff members.  But I also get hurt.  God has taught me through the years not to take things personally, but I still get hurt.  Someone has said, "A pastor has to learn how to toughen his skin without hardening his heart."  The other day I was speaking with a hospital chaplain who formerly served as a pastor.  When I asked why he left serving as a pastor, he said, "You win people to Christ, baptize them, marry their kids, bury their dead, and then they get mad and leave."  I laughed out loud!  What he was describing is something I have experienced.  I guess I wouldn't be worth my salt if I got to the place where I couldn't feel hurt.  However, I can't dwell on hurts.  I must move on.
     Fifth, I have spiritual needs like everyone else.  The practice of ministry requires being in touch with a lot of religioius matters.  One has to prepare sermons, plan worship, and that takes a lot of time in Bible study and thoughtful prayer.  However, the prepartion of sermons and leading in worship doesn't translate einto spiritual nurture and growth.  I face the same kinds of distractions that others face that would keep my life out of focus.  When the Apostle Paul compares the living of the Christian faith as a race, he becomes very personal:  "So I do not run aimlessly nor do I box as though beating the air; but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified."  (I Corinthians 9:26, 27)
     Not every pastor may share the same thoughts.  I would not intend to express the experience of other pastors.  I only know my own feelings.  Hopefully they will contribute to better understanding about the role of the pastor.

BACK TO ROOTS

     This Saturday, September 11, Marie and I will take a trip to central MO and visit the Hickory Hill Baptist Church which is celebrating her 150th birthday.  Marie was "born and reared" in the church.  She is the youngest of six children born to Herbert and Ruth Hahn, who lived about a mile from the church.  Earl, Marie's brother, still lives near the area as do her sister, Bertha Busch, and sister, Ruth Jane "Janie" Morrow.  Earl and Curt Busch are still active deacons in the congregation.
     My father, Charles Cox, served as pastor from appropoximately 1962 to 1966.  It was during those years that I first met Marie Hahn.  I "robbed the cradle."  She was almost 18 and I was 23 when we were married.  Our friend, Ortrie Smith, has always said she was "40" when she was born!  Reared in GAs (Girl's Auxiliary and playing the piano) Marie felt God's call on her life at a young age.  We started dating in 1969 and married in 1971.  We were married in the church and my father, Charles Cox, performed the ceremony.
     While a student at Southwest Baptist University I began to feel God's nudging to serve as a pastor.  It was at Hickory Hill Baptist Church that I preached my first sermon.  With several type written pages in hand, I finished the sermon in about 10 minutes and went home with aches like the flu.  I told my Dad I might never do that again.  But the people were patient and the Lord was gracious. Hickory Hill Baptist Church licensed me to preach.
     Marie and I will be buried in the Hickory Hill Cemetary which is "out back" of the church facilities.  We would already have a stone up but Marie thinks she is too young to think about those things!  Looking forward to seeing friends and sharing some thoughts about the past and future.  Also looking forward to a delicous meal.  Regardless of how fancy the restaurant or expensive the fare, some of the best food I have ever eaten has been in the basement of Baptist Churches.  (We can out do the Methodists any old day).
     Where would we be without roots?  Thank God for them.

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

    There seems to be a lot of confusion about how much religion can be in the public schools.  There are a lot more freedoms than sometimes thought.  The Christian Educators' Association, Inc. has tried to get the word out.  Here is true-false test.  See how you do.  The answers are below.  Don't cheat.  It's like school!  (1) Students can pray before and after the school day, at recess and lunch, but not at other times.  T   F   (2) A teacher is allowed to use the Bible as a refrence source in the classroom.  T  F   (3)  The school board may pray before or after the scool board meeting.   T   F   (4) Students may leave the classrooom and school grounds during the school day for religious/moral training.  T  F  (5)  A music teacher does not have to include religious music if he or she doesn't want to.  T  F  (6) The  school may decide to allow non-curricuilum clubs to meet after school on school grounds and not allow a religious cllub to meet on school grounds after school.  T  F  (7) In l963, the U. S. Supreme Court ruled that prayer was not allowed in public schools.  T  F  (8) Science teachers can teach evolution, but are not allowed to discuss the bibilical account of creation.  T  F (9) It is illegal for students or teachers to evangelize their peers.  T  F  (10) A teacher may withold the portion of his or her union dues that funds a union's political stances that are in conflict with the teacher's religious views  T  F     Answers:  (1) False (2) True (3) True (4) True (5) False (6) False (7) False (8) False (9) False (10) True

How did you do?  Surprised at all?  What do you think?

HOW OLD IS TOO OLD?

  Just read in the WESTERN RECORDER about Duncan Smith who celebreated his 100th birthday on July 1.  He has been a long-time pastor in Western Kentucky.  Just this month he preached a sermon at the West Providence Batist Church.  He used James 4:13-16 and it sounds like a terrific message, "What is Your Life?"  He said that a person has six lives-- what the world knows of you, what your friends know of you, what your family knows of you, what your church knows about you, what you know about you, and what God knows about you.  Interesting and to the point!  Retiring is sort of a modern invention, isn't it?  Can you think of Simon Peter, Apostle Paul, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Billy Graham, or Mother Theresa retiring?  How does one know when he or she is too old?  What do you think?

"Don't Ask,Don't Tell!"

  The Southern Baptist Convention is battlling President Obama's administration's efforts to repeal the, "Don't Ask/Don't Tell" policy.  The policy had banned openly gay members from serving in the military.  Chaplains, both active and retired, have been asked to weigh in on the issue.  SBC chaplains may have some clout.  When combined with evangelical groups, they make up over 1,000 chaplains.  The total of faith groups serving as chaplains as of March of this year according to the Department of defense:  Southern Baptist Convention 448, Roman Catholic 252, Assemblies of God 119, United Methodist 110, Seventh-Day Adventists 43, Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints 37, Orthodox 25, Islam 10, Judaism 21, and Buddhist 1.
   So what do you think?

Atheists are Uniting!

   Marie and I live in Lousiville when I was attending Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.  So I know the location of a new billboard along Interstate 65 near the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center.  The billboard reads:  DON'T BELIVE IN GOD?  YOU ARE NOT ALONE. It was placed there by the Louisville Coalition of Reason which is a part of a national organization, United Coalition of Reason.  Atheists are getting active about sharing their views these days.
    I wonder what should be the attidude and response of believers?  Even though avowed atheists make up only about 4% of the population, their positions deserve a response.  For one thing, the question on the billboard can send believers seeking for truth. There is never any reason for Christians to shy away from the truth whether it is in theology, science or philosophy.  To the question, "Is there a God?, there are so-called rational "proofs" such as the ontological argument, cosmological argument, teleological argument, moral argument, and the historical argument.  And of course there is the argument of an experience with God.  Stuart Hamblin, gospel song writer/singer of another generation, was sitting in a plane by a man who professed, "I do not believe in God."  "That's sad," Hamblin responded, "I just spoke with him this morning."
    Second, the question can also help us know how to respond.  It does no good to get angry with atheists or anyone!  I Peter 3:15 says, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with GENTLENESS and RESPECT."  Atheists have every right to express their thoughts.  In America, we have the freedom of religion--- even the freedom not to believe. We need to express concern and love and not hate.  Atheists are often people who have been hurt, disappointed, or disallusioned.  They need us more than anyone.
     What do you think?

pets in heaven

New book out by Franciscan Friar Jack Wintz, WILL I SEE MY DOG IN HEAVEN?  A question I have been asked sometimes by members!  The author thinks you WILL see your dog in heaven.  No surprise  with these Franciscans.  The local Episcopal church always has an annual blessing for pets of all kinds and sizes.  I thought about taking our former cocker spaniel, Kramer, to be blessed in hopes that he would quit trying to ride our cat.  The author relies on the Genesis account to provide evidence there is a wonderful harmony  for both humans and animals.  He also sees the Gspel message as having saving impact on the entire human family.  What do you think?  I know I draw the line with cats!     Pastor Cox