Local author attracting national attention

Dr. Joe Holoubek, author of the Christian novel "Letters to Luke" and retired physician, was recently interviewed by Catholic Exchange. The result of the interview with the 91-year-old Shreveport resident are part of a podcast available now.

It's particularly appropriate as we approach Holy Week. Dr. Holoubek is also known locally for his in-depth presentations about the medical side of crucifixion. I haven't had a chance to listen to the podcast, but if anyone else has, I'd love to hear what you think.

Last thoughts

Most soldiers in combat prepare for the worst by writing letters that start with something like "If you're reading this, I'm already gone..." This week's Newsweek features several such letters American families received after their sons were killed in Iraq.

They're heartbreaking but a great testament to the faith of Americans. They make it a point to reassure their families of their faith in God. Each one expresses confidence that the soldier is in a better place. One even decided the Marines are guarding Heaven.

Also striking to me was that each soldier apologized for mistakes they had made or for hurting family members or not being the best son/brother/boyfriend they could be. And each asked for forgiveness. I'm not sure whether that's a natural human tendency to be hard on ourselves or if they really had unfinished business. It seemed sad that their last thoughts would be of those past hurts, when I'm pretty sure family members had forgotten them.

For those of us who are lucky enough to have our families intact, I guess it's up to us to make sure we offer that forgiveness and reconciliation to anyone in our lives.

Photo: Funeral of local Marine Lance Cpl. John Edward Hale.Val Horvath/The Times

Post-Beth Moore thoughts

It always seems to take a couple of days to process one of these big religious events list the Beth Moore conference over the weekend. In general, I was impressed. She was very funny and obviously engaging since she kept people's attention for an hour and a half. And she spoke so fast, my fingers hurt from trying to keep up with her.

It was definitely a preaching to the choir kind of event, meant to inform and challenge those who already have a belief in Christianity. I think it would have been a bit too much for the non-believer, but I wasn't there for the altar call on Saturday, so maybe I'm wrong....

Here's a few more thoughts from Moore's Friday night teaching that I did not get to include in the story:

"You do not have the one compelling set of chains that Jesus cannot release you from."

"If we would change the way we think, it would change the way we feel."

"God will speak to you when you’re putting on your mascara."

"We keep our fear that God is not going to be faithful to us tomorrow, so we are unfaithful today. We are thinking that God has carried us this far, and we are not sure he’s going to help us tomorrow."

I did not go on Saturday, but I would love to hear any of your thoughts about the weekend.

Photo: from Friday's event. Val Horvath/The Times

What a sound

Yeah, they're singing now, and like organizer Deb Douglas guessed yesterday, it sounds like heaven might sound.

Even though I've heard the songs before I don't always know the names, so bear with me. But they just finished one that repeats "yes, Lord." To which worship leader, Travis Cottrell responded: "That’s a dangerous song to sing – you’re already saying yes to God and you don’t even know what he’s asked of you."

Oh, now they've gone and broke out one of my favorite hymns - "Come thou font of every blessing." It's been a rough week - I needed that.

they came from everywhere

On my way through the parking lot, I saw church vans from Camden, Ark.; and Teague, Tenaha and Georgetown, Texas. And I just talked to a woman from Vicksburg, Miss., who slept on the hotel bathroom floor last night to escape her mother's snoring.

I knew Beth Moore was popular, but that's some dedication.

they came from everywhere

On my way through the parking lot, I saw church vans from Camden, Ark.; and Teague, Tenaha and Georgetown, Texas. And I just talked to a woman from Vicksburg, Miss., who slept on the hotel bathroom floor last night to escape her mother's snoring.

I knew Beth Moore was popular, but that's some dedication.

10 minutes til show

Women who once covered nearly every square foot of stairs leading up to the CenturyTel Center have now poured in and they're getting settled to hear Beth Moore. There's a few seats in the far corners, but nearly everything else is full. Wow - this is going to be impressive when they start singing.

Ooops. The lights just dimmed to the cheers of 15,000 women. I'll keep you posted as the night goes on....

Answered prayers?

For about 9 months, Deb Douglas has been leading a group of women to bring nationally-known evangelist Beth Moore to the CenturyTel Center. The event, which is expected to attract about 15,000 people (nearly all women).

I called Deb this morning to double check a few things for my coverage tomorrow, and I was surprised at how relaxed she sounded less than 48 hours from showtime. So I told her that. She laughed and said she had just finished praying before that she would at least appear calm. It worked.

Matthew 25 and Rescue Mission

The Rev. Henry Martin, executive director of the Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission challenged area churches to get involved with the Mission's work Wednesday during the grand opening of the agency's new shelter.

"We're doing what the church has been called to do," he said.

In his public remarks, Martin reflected on Matthew 25, when Jesus explains how people will be judged. According to the parable God will say: "I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.... Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

Well, the mission fed 107,000 meals last year, and Martin joked that they don't count glasses of water. They provided 48,000 nights of lodging last year and have given out thousands of pieces of clothing. They provide medical and dental care. And they have even picked up men from prison to give them a place to stay and a way to start over.

"We're in the ministry of helping the least," Martin said.

Photo: Jim Hudelson/The Times

Thursday evening plans?

If you don't have any, I highly recommend attending the Hypogeum Society event featuring David Smith of Whitwell, Tenn. Smith was a small-town teacher (now he's assistant principal), who wanted to teach his students about respecting differences and the results of intolerance. So he started an after-school study of the holocaust.

The eighth graders involved wanted a concrete way to comprehend the 6 million Jews killed by the Nazis, so they started collecting paper clips. nearly 10 years later, they 30 million paper clips and an authentic German rail car to display what they have learned. A 2004 documentary "Paper Clips" tells the story.

Smith visited Congregation Agudath Achim last year and I was privileged enough to hear him speak. He's just a good, Christian southerner, who is very honest about overcoming his own stereotypes. It's a powerful testament to the power of middle schoolers.

If you're interested, the program will be held at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at B'nai Zion, 245 Southfield Road, with a reception following. The cost is $5 for adults and free for students.

Church, state and medieval history

Part of my weekend was spent doing some research for the church history class I'm taking. We've made it to the middle ages, which is a fascinating although disturbing period of time. The church at the time was a wreck - corrupt popes, even more corrupt emperors, and a near inseparability's of secular and spiritual authority.

It also led many of us in the class to a new appreciation of separation of church and state. Part of what led to the Inquisition was the thought that being a good citizen of the empire meant being a Christian. And if you weren't Christian, you were somehow subverting the government.

Somehow the church still stands. All I can do is marvel at how God works despite the best (or worst) efforts of people.

Calling all (potential) columnists

Ever wanted to write for The Times? Do you know of a minister whose voice you would like to see in the paper?

As part of our upcoming restructuring, I'm looking for a few pastors/ministers who would be willing to write a column about faith once a month. In theory, the faith column will run weekly and we'll rotate between four or five people. I have a few in mind, but if y'all have any recommendations or if any of you want to volunteer, e-mail me at dhaag@gannett.com

Walking across America

A couple showed up at Ban Suk Korean Baptist Church Thursday evening with tired feet.

They're walking from Los Angeles to Washington DC to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the Pentecostal revival in South Korea. As well, they're thanking Americans for all their support of South Korea. The Rev. David Lee of Ban Suk said they came with a van and driver, who carried all their supplies for their trek of several thousand miles.

According to the Christian Science Monitor, South Korea boasts 10 of the 11 largest Christian churches in the world. Obviously, something is working there, but the couple is praying for the spirit of the 1907 revival to return.

Unfortunately, short notice and prior commitments prevented me from speaking with them before they continued their trip today. But I can't help but be inspired by their faith and dedication anyway.

Welcome spring

"See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me." Song of Solomon 2:11-13

Every religion seems to have some major holiday in the spring, and many relate to the idea of God bringing the earth back to life. I realize Spring doesn't officially start for a few days, but the flowers look great now. So I took my camera on a walk through the neighborhood yesterday and here's some of what I saw.

Note: I am certainly not a professional photographer. The pros I work with at the The Times have a truly God-given talent, but I had fun trying.

South Bossier expansion

Congratulations to South Bossier Baptist Church, which will start construction on an education building this month. Volunteers from six states will be on hand to help with the building.

The church was built in 2001, and they've grown enough for this building. When finished, it should include 10 classrooms, a youth room, fellowship hall and -- most importantly -- a kitchen. And it should only cost $650,000.

Throwdown!

Dave Buckley, chief of the St. Mary of the Pines Men's Club catfish dinners, just called me to take issue with the claim in today's paper that St. Elizabeth Ann Seton's Knights of Columbus has the best catfish in town on Friday nights. Not only does St. Mary's have the best fish, he said, but also the best coleslaw. They serve about 200 plates each week.

I have never eaten at either place, so I can't say. But I do see a cook off brewing between the two south Shreveport churches. Nothing wrong with a little friendly competition.... How 'bout it men?

Photo: A 2005 fish fry at St. Mary's. Greg Pearson/The Times

Another recipe

Mollye Self of the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans sent me a Lenten recipe after today's story had already gone to the presses. So here it is:

Meatless Mexican Casserole

1 onion, chopped
1 can ranch style beans
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can nacho cheese soup
1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes
1 bag Doritos
8 slices cheese

Brown onion and drain. Heat beans, soups and ro-tel together. Layer 1/2 bag doritos in dish, then soup mix. Place 4 slices cheese, then repeat. Bake at 350 until cheese is melted.

Back on the radar

After a period of quiet activity, the folks at Northern and Central Louisiana Interfaith are back in agenda-setting mode.

Their goal is to bring the faith community together to work with the political system for change in the local community. So far, their big achievement here in Shreveport-Bossier is advocating for Night Bus Service. I sat in on one of their monthly meetings today where clergy from all backgrounds and traditions talked about job training, the drop out rate and suicide prevention. They also prayed - together - and I don't think anyone was offended.

It's a beautiful group. I'm excited to see what project they tackle next. If you want more information, you can e-mail Perry Perkins, the local organizer at pcperkins@gmail.com

Ouch

Yesterday's Leonard Pitts column combined with this blog entry from Beliefnet kicked me in the spiritual pants. I don't know that I laughed at Britney's plight. I felt sorry for her, but I know I didn't think to pray for her.

What do y'all think?

Believing is seeing

I've heard this phrase a couple of times in the last week in reference to faith in God, but it didn't really click with me until Fr. Michael Joly of Richmond, Va., celebrated Mass at my church Sunday.

Joly has been blind since early childhood. He talked very little about it, but he didn't have to. He did speak about surrender to God and trusting him to quench our thirst. How do you ignore that message from a man who needed someone to guide him down the aisle? It was equally powerful to see him lead the rest of worship.

He'll be here through Wednesday leading a parish mission (sort of like the Catholic version of a revival). If any of y'all are interested the services will be at 6:30 p.m. today through Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Atlantic Ave., Shreveport.