Letters to the Editor

Radical Christians?

 The evening news has been alive in recent weeks of (alleged) ISIS attacks in Texas and their internet battle cry of, “kill, kill, kill” for ISIS followers already in America to act. Since the Beirut bombing, the U.S.S. Cole, the twin Towers , the graphic beheadings of recent (and countless acts of murder in between), I keep asking myself why (radical) Islam is so unhappy ? Why are they so driven to murder on a grand and global scale ? I’ve heard that those of the Islamic/Muslim belief who are so eager to kill and die are, “defenders of the faith”.  Is this the crux of their deep resolve to kill and die ? Does Allah and the Muslim prophets need defending ? That is a tall order indeed to kill off all those around the world who are not Islamic and or anyone who would dare insult Allah and the prophets.

If this is truly the case, then maybe I have put my finger on the stark contrast between Islam and Christianity. Why isn’t there a term as widely known as “Radical Christianity” with a comparable track record of terrorism and murder as is radical Islam ?  Christians are not called upon in Biblical scriptures to defend our God. Rather, God defends us. The Christian God is not fragile and He’s more than able to handle any mocking or ridicule directed toward Him. If there are any scores to settle, He will handle it saying in the Holy Bible that, “vengeance is His”. The Christian God and His son Jesus particularly advised their faithful followers not to take up arms (to promote or defend the faith) admonishing, “those who live by the sword shall perish by the sword”.

In the Holy Bible it reads, “The tree is known by its fruit.” What type fruit grows on the “tree” of radical Islam? President Obama has spoken in glowing terms of the Islamic faith being one of peace and tolerance. After the track record of Islam from Beirut to present, if a poll were to be taken, who in America (outside the Islamic faith) would liken this faith/religion to one of peace and tolerance? If radical Islam is giving good Islam and the Muslim community a bad image, why isn’t there a steady flow of articles in the papers from good Islamic leaders denouncing radical Islam and their acts of terror? Where are the marches on the streets of Washington D.C. by Muslim leaders protesting what perception radical Islam is doing to the over-all image of Muslims? The acts of terror and murder go on in the name of many Islamic terror groups. Since it isn’t any attempt  to balance all these wrongs with high profile protests by “good” Muslim leaders in the U.S. (or anywhere),  it strikes me as there being an overall passive acceptance (if not approval) to radical Islam.

 Karl Schmidt

Farmville, Va.

Clinic Celebrates Birthday

 April was our anniversary month at the Heart of Virginia Free Clinic.  We held our first clinic staffed by volunteer doctors and nurses three years ago.  We have held 156 Tuesday night clinics and treated 304 patients during 1,414 visits since opening and given away 1,906 prescriptions.   When we opened we had hopes and dreams and have been blessed to see many come true.  We spent our first two years downtown in the old Sovran Bank building.  Now we are located in the former office of Dr. Ed Gordon near WalMart.  A total of eleven doctors, six nurse practitioners, 20 nurses, 3 pharmacists, 2 lab technicians, one EMT, 6 Longwood nursing students, over 20 Hampden Sydney students, 6 receptionists 4 interviewers, and several local ministers have helped provide services.

     I have believed from the beginning that our program is a mission of mercy to our patients all of whom are unable to afford health insurance.  We have taken care of people with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, arthritis, anxiety problems, infections, heart disease, and sleep apnea.  We have seen lives change.  Our joy has been that so many churches and local businesses and individuals have generously supported our efforts with donations of money, supplies, food, and their time to help make primary health care accessible for so many hardworking people.  We have provided free mammograms, PAP smears, prescriptions, and have given away many wheelchairs, bedside commodes, walkers, nebulizers, hospital beds, and medical supplies thanks to funding from several grants and many gifts from private citizens in and around Farmville and the surrounding counties.  Centra Southside Community Hospital has been our strong partner since the beginning providing lab work and x-rays free of charge.

Please join us in celebrating our third anniversary.  Please consider us to be a home mission worthy of your prayers and support.  I would be honored to come and speak at your church or civic club to spread the good news about what we have accomplished and what we hope to do in the future.  Our past is a story of local blessings and support.  We would be most grateful to have the support of your business, church, or civic club as we strive to grow and provide more primary health care to more uninsured people in the heart of Virginia.. . . until all have access!

                                                                 Sincerely, 

 Pat Payne, RN,BSN

Executive Director

 Heart of Virginia Free Clinic