By the Rev. Tim Zerger
Messiah Lutheran Church
Do you sometimes wonder if we're losing the battle? This past year our little community has had to address the drug issue as Meth Forum came to town. In our schools we have a number of children struggling with basic self-control. Then there is teen suicide, teen pregnancy and accidental deaths that devastate families. There are grandparents raising grandchildren because the parents of those children are in jail or are just unable to care for their own offspring. All of these are worrisome social issues.
However, there is good news for Havre. That is, for each of these social ills, there are people seeking to make a difference.
There are teachers who give extra attention to the poor and neglected children. There are volunteer coaches who form positive relationships with boys and girls on sports teams. There are Scout leaders and Boys & Girls Club volunteers and church youth group leaders who quietly try to impact young people in positive ways.
When Meth Forum came to Havre, there were a number of people who stood up to say we can't let this happen.
There are tutors and counselors and pastors who reach out every day to struggling people.
Havre is a bucolic community where people expect to feel safe. But apparently, safety is not freely given. It must be secured through the perseverance of right-minded people. Temptation waits around every corner even here on the Hi-line. I applaud all those in our community who do extra to make this a better place. The Bible says, "Where there is no revelation (which means no teaching of right and wrong), the people cast off restraint." (Proverbs 29:18). It is true that "Evil prospers when good men do nothing." Thank you to all of you who care.
