President Clinton

Ouachita Baptist's University's new president, Dr. Rex Horne, is being installed this week. Among the special events that mark the inaugural week was last evening's address by former president Bill Clinton. Dr. Horne served as the president's pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock. Having the president speak in Arkadelphia was a treat for lots of folks--and the Jones Performing Arts Center was packed.

His address focused on the need in the 21st century for a more interdependent relationship between the nations of the world. He called for a world view that, while maintaining unique national identities, sought for the larger picture of well-being for the entire planet--lest we or any other nation plunge into horror that no one wants. His address was well delivered, thoughtful, and challenging. I went away glad that I had been there.

I also went away with the firm conviction, one long-held, that the gospel of Christ which we believe and preach is not antithetical to this kind of world-wide interdependence. Such a notion lies at the heart of Christian missions. Humanitarian efforts in the disaster areas of the world are clearly the work of Christ in us...echoing our Lord's "cup of cold water in Jesus' name." This is, indeed, our Father's world.

While there are no simple answers to the very complex issues our world faces in this century, we have a model in our Lord Jesus Christ--a model of love for all humankind and the ability to see more than the thin slice of life that exists closely around us--and resources available to make a difference.

As Holy Week approaches we will be met again by the passion of Christ. May the memories of our Lord's grief, and his love poured out for us, encourage within us a renewed spirit of love and grace. And in the mix of life around us, can we pray and seek the Lord's will "on earth as it is in heaven."

Talk later.
lm