Publisher's Synopsis
illie recognize her age is a factor in mobility and contributions to the active quandary of teaching Sunday school and attending meetings. Encompassed with a desire to improve conditions at her place of worship our research was made manifest in finding a major area deficient in all levels are youth development programs. This raised the question how best to improve our youth program? Many efforts had been started over the past 30 years that would gradually reduce to non-functional. Only a few diligent servants have made the most out of so little resources. We prayed about this condition as we could see it wide spread throughout the communities. Where is the starting point?
An amazing revelation came to us several months later as we labored with feasible ideas. When Lillie's children were young there had been many discussions of working on the battle field. Solomon spoke of the battle field as a life or death place of danger. Lillie referred to the battle field as serving God and winning souls in a spiritual war. They both required a weapon, however, Lillie reminded us our weapon is the sword and shield, our bible. On a regular basis Solomon would raise the question of a 21-gun salute and prompt us to engage him in this conversation. Having only hear-say knowledge of this honored procession we were listeners contributing little to his barrage of questions. Solomon may have said "Semper Fi", Marilyn would hear Lillie say be forever faithful. Finally, after many years we saw the picture. This enlightenment could be the key to unlock a new door for growth in the youth department. Here is what we found: The salute of 21-guns is made in honor of the sovereign or chief of state or a royal family member with the series of salutes to vary dependent on ranks. Traditionally, in war a time is set aside, a cease fire to clear the battle field. After the dead are properly cared for there are three volleys rather than a 21 shot repetition, this was a discharge of weapons. The weapons discharged meant the dead had been properly cared for. We are now in the cease fire where we are to stop stumbling over the dead, clear the battle field. As believers in God we care for the spiritually dead by sharing Truth. In the cease fire, those who are ready to build and develop are in motion. Those not in motion may be considered elements for clearing. Let us stop stumbling over old blunders, let us focus on youth programs that work generation to generation wearing our sword and shield. This will allow us to teach the Law and in the approved season discharge our weapons-- The Truth-- in honor of the Sovereign.
