After the loss of my first and much-loved wife of 42 years, it was the music Bill Knott writes of in his June editorial and the Scriptures that illumined my crushed heart. Again and again in the dark, overwhelming moments lines of music and Scripture would play through my thoughts. Soon I began writing these lines on 3" x 5" cards. Daily I would slip one of those cards into my shirt pocket. Then when I had a quiet moment at work, I would pull out the card and be reminded of God’s unfailing love. Eventually I had more than 40 cards that I rotated through day by day. In time I would write copies of my cards for my three daughters. This is a part of my faith legacy to them. By God’s surprising blessing, I married again. Then in early 2021, and very unexpectedly, my greatly loved second wife of 10 years passed to her rest. I will tell you that it is not any easier the second time. And I will tell you that I am once again a witness of God’s amazing grace and unfailing love. This time I have once again built a treasure of inspiring lines of music and Scripture on my iPad and iPhone. And as before, I have been given many opportunities to share with others. Indeed, “the Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deut. 31:8, NIV).
Thank you again, Bill Knott! And Godspeed to the entire Adventist Review staff!
Bill Skidmore
Washington
Bill Knott’s recent editorial “War and Peace” caught my eye and truly resonated with me.
Undoubtedly most, if not all, Adventists desire peace and harmony in our beloved church while, despite our sincere appeals, the achievement of our deep desires seem strangely elusive. So we continue to sing our songs while the bands play, knowing deep down inside that our future struggle awaits. And as laudable as your appeal is, the issues that divide us are too serious, and the theological issues divide us too deeply for human resolution. Yet, my brother, we can’t afford to pack our instruments and resign ourselves to the seemingly inevitable. We must make every effort to keep the music playing! God help all of us to humbly seek heaven’s answers to close “our divide.” We must desperately hold to the promise, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul” (Heb. 10:35-39, KJV).
Don Eckenroth
Idaho
“Thank you so much for the excellent edition of Adventist Review and the article “War and Peace.” It takes me back to Revelation 12:7-9: “And war broke out in heaven.” We are familiar with this message, where angels fought against the dragon and his angels, and he was defeated and thrown down to the earth, where he is now the main instigator of and responsible for wars on our planet. Ever since, there have been wars, and peace never lasts that long. Humanity has suffered, and millions have felt, personally and collectively, the evil and destruction of wars. I’ve not forgotten my visit to East Germany and hearing the stories of our president, who was miraculously saved. Going through Buchenwald—the scene of such cruelty—and watching as three of my friends were walking together: a German, an American, and an Italian. I will never forget that. Brought to my mind were the verses that say: “They have overcome him by the blood of the Lamb” (verse 11). Then, indeed, we will see peace! Let us pray that this day will come soon, and as our editor said: “Ain’t gonna study war no more.” Peace will finally be restored!”
Leo Ranzolin, Sr.
Florida
I was quite surprised to read in Charlotte Erickson’s article “Battle Creek Academy Celebrates 150-Year Anniversary” (August 2022) that John Loughbourough attended BCA. This is highly unlikely because in 1872 he was already 40 years old, married to his second wife, Maggie Newman, and raising two children (Delmar, 8, and Mary, 5). Furthermore, the Loughboroughs left for California in 1874. As a boy, John attended school in Victor, New York, in the 1830s and 1840s.
Brian Strayer
Berrien Springs, Michigan
Many thanks to this eagle-eyed, informed reader for recognizing that we inadvertently named the more well-known uncle (John) instead of his nephew, E. C. Loughborough, who actually was one of Goodloe Harper Bell’s first pupils.—Editors.
The article by Jennie Mowbray from New South Wales, Australia, titled “Just as I Am,” caught my eye in April’s copy of Adventist Review. I enjoyed it very much and reread it. Please thank her for the lovingly written piece about a favorite hymn of mine. May God bless her in her future writings, and may God inspire and bless all of you to continue Adventist Review.
Marilyn Malbon
California
I want to express my appreciation for the Bible study 365 Days With Jesus. It has been such a blessing to me, and I look forward to the readings each day! Thanks so much to Merle Poirier for putting this together.
Charlotte Erickson
We welcome your letters, noting, as always, that inclusion of a letter in this section does not imply that the ideas expressed are endorsed by either the editors of the Adventist Review or the General Conference. Short, specific, timely letters have the best chance at being published (please include your complete address and phone number—even with e-mail messages). Letters will be edited for space and clarity only. Send correspondence to Letters to the Editor, Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600; Internet: [email protected].
