Catching Up

Having been busy with the sessions at the L'Abri Conference up in Rochester, Minnesota the last few days, I submit the following as particularly important reads I've since come across.

* “Obamacare and Abortion: Americans are often forced to pay for abortion coverage they do not want.” (Genevieve C. Plaster & Arina O. Grossu, NRO)

* “The Morning After” (Mark Steyn, Steyn Online)

* “Obama’s so selfie absorbed” (Michael Goodwin, New York Post)

* “Dissident savagely attacked by Castro thugs” (Carlos Eire, Babalu)

* “Over 65 Cuban Dissidents Arrested Today” (Capitol Hill Cubans)

* “Standing By His Woman, Killing His Career” (Katie Kieffer, Town Hall)

* “HHS Pushes Church Talking Points, Bulletins to Promote Obamacare” (Jerly Bier, Weekly Standard) There are times when the President likes churches; that is, when they can be used for his political ends.

It's Music (And Moos) for "When Swing Was King"

It's a month in which we are presenting "When Swing Was King" in our regular
11 senior living centers but also in three other places: two church audiences and a special trip into northwest Iowa to do a show for a nursing home in the little town where I used to do some guest preaching. It's also a month where we're able to use new brochures (thanks to Pat Osborne and Regal Printing) to promote this unique outreach.

One activities director has called the new brochure "a true work of art." That ought to make Pat's day.

Of course, the music is superb and the residents are warm, welcoming, and wonderfully enthusiastic -- about the show and about sharing stories as we visit. Yesterday, for instance, we got into a group conversation about (of all things) cows before the show started. One fellow told about watching his uncle milk cows and shoot milk over to the cats who were waiting in line for a treat. Another described how they made their own cream and butter and cheese from the milk they got from their cows. And Beverly laughingly admitted that she and a friend used to play school with the cows as students. "They weren't all that interested in our lessons but we had fun trying to teach them anyhow."

Earlier in the week we had opportunities to talk about spiritual matters with residents, both in their mid 90s. We spoke of the splendor of heaven that was a sure thing for Christians and we spoke of the power of prayer to connect with the God of strength, security, and joy.

And then there's the music, the photographs, and the commentary that takes us all along on a "sentimental journey" back to the days of the big band era. It's another month of fun and fellowship for "When Swing Was King."

This month's songlist?

1) Glenn Miller Orchestra -- Moonlight Cocktail
(Vocals by Ray Eberle and the Modernaires)

2) Kay Kyser -- Playmates

3) Duke Ellington Orchestra -- Chelsea Bridge

4) Harry James -- I Had the Craziest Dream
(Vocals by Helen Forrest)

5) Artie Shaw Orchestra -- Blue Skies

6) Tommy Dorsey Orchestra -- Oh, Look At Me Now
(Vocals by Frank Sinatra, Connie Haines, and the Pied Pipers)

7) Gene Kelly -- Singin' In the Rain

8) Chick Webb Orchestra -- Strictly Jive

9) Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra -- I'm Stepping Out with a Memory Tonight
(Vocals by Helen O'Connell)

10) Benny Goodman Orchestra -- Here's Love In Your Eyes

11) The Mills Brothers -- Glow Worm
(Backed by the Hal McIntyre Orchestra)

12) Ethel Merman -- There's No Business Like Show Business

Please know that you are always welcome to join us in visiting the residents before and after the shows, even to sit with them during it so they can share their reactions with you. You's be a terrific help in lifting spirits and bringing joy. Just look at our month's schedule right here for a time best for you.

Catching Up From the Weekend's Reading

Among the most noteworthy articles from this weekend...

* “Obama’s week of jaw-dropping follies” (Ed Rogers, Washington Post)

* “Obama Makes Up Facts - Again” (Douglas Murray, Gatestone Institute)

* “Abortion, Inc.: Cecile Richards’ Planned Parenthood” (Americans United for Life)

* “The fiddling with temperature data is the biggest science scandal ever” (Christopher Booker, Telegraph)

* “The Scorching of California: How Green extremists made a bad drought worse” (Victor Davis Hanson, City Journal)

* “On the Bright Side, We’ll Only Be $20 Trillion in Debt” (John Hinderaker, Power Line)

* “Man in vegetative state for 12 years wakes up to tell remarkable story” (Fox News)

* “Lying Isn’t What It Used To Be” (Paul Mirengoff, Power Line)

* “Why do Nebraska reporters ignore senator’s racist rants?” (Deena Winter, Nebraska Watchdog)

How Can My Friends and I Serve Seniors?

Dear _________,

Thanks for your note and for your interest in serving senior citizens and others who tend to be marginalized by our culture. Claire and I would certainly find time to talk to your friends about ministries to seniors if you'd like. But let me start by listing a few of the basic possibilities.

1) Visitation and friendship development.

One of the best ways to begin this kind of ministry is to start with a relative or maybe someone from your church who resides in a nursing home or senior living facility. Just go visit. Talk. Share. Pray together. Listen to the stories of their lives. Read the Bible or the newspaper to them, maybe poetry. And then naturally branch out to that resident's roommate and other friends.

Another option is to contact the pastor of your church and ask him if he'd like some company when he visits the senior care facility (if he does.) You can meet people that way. And you can always contact the activities director of the facility and ask about people living there who most need a little diversion, a little encouragement, a little friendship.

2) Helping out

Just about any nursing home or other senior facility needs help in carrying out its programs and volunteers willing to help are a great treasure. Examples? Transporting wheelchair-bound residents to events. Providing company while the resident goes through therapy. Helping with parties, meals, bingo games, playing cards, worship services, special holiday events, shopping excursions, etc.

3) Entertainment

Singing and/or helping with sing along events. Playing an instrument. Dancing. Short skits. Reading aloud. Sharing hobbies. Coming along with us to visit when we present "When Swing Was King" shows. All kinds of things. Talk to your friends and pray about these opportunities to decide on what you'd most like to do. Then make sure you contact the activities director of the facility for permission and guidance.

4) Seniors outside of "the system."

Be careful to not overlook the possibility of making friends and helping out with the elderly (or others with special needs like the physically or mentally challenged) who still live on their own. There's probably a lot of grandparents among your circle of friends who would love to have a visit and make some young friends. The same is true with other seniors from your various church congregations.

We will say a prayer for you and your friends, asking our Lord to carefully guide and bless your decisions. And again, thanks so much for your note.

Denny

Important Reads

* “Obama Again Shows His Contempt for America & the West” (Paul Mirengoff, Power Line)

* “Horse Pucky from Obama : The president’s comparison of Christianity to radical Islam defies logic.” (Jonah Goldberg, NRO)

* “A Jew Examines Why Obama Never Names Islam” (Roger L. Simon, PJ Media)

* “Man on a High Horse” (Scott Johnson, Power Line)

* “‘Amnesty Bonuses’ in Tax Code: Illegal Immigrants to Receive Earned Income Tax Credit” (Daniel Halper, Weekly Standard)

* “IRS knowingly rehired tax cheats, other employees with ‘performance’ issues” (Stephen Dinan, Washington Times)

* “Hundreds More Muslim Rape Gang Cases Discovered in UK” (Robert Spencer, Front Page Magazine)

* “Gallup CEO: Number of Full-Time Jobs as Percent of Population Is Lowest It’s Ever Been” (Video clip posted on Gateway Pundit)

* “Lies Are Lies Whether They ‘Offend’ Anyone Or Not" (Paul Mirengoff, Power Line)

More Violent Hypocrisy from Planned Parenthood

“Planned Parenthood, founded by outspoken eugenicist Margaret Sanger, has led the charge on promoting abortion among the African American population for decades. Since 1973, over 13 million black babies have been aborted, with African American women more than four times as likely to have an abortion than non-Hispanic white women (Hispanic women are 2.7 times more likely than whites). In 2012, there were more black babies killed by abortion in New York City than were born, while the total number of African American abortions comprised 42.4% of abortions performed in the city that year.”

Read more of “Planned Parenthood Celebrates Black History Month” at Ben Shapiro’s Truth Revolt.

Don't Miss These

Among the most important dispatches from the culture wars in recent days are these articles. All of them deserve careful consideration.

* “Cosmo and the Business of Abortion” (Abby Johnson, NRO)

* “Obama’s Nonsensical Claim That 99.9% of Muslims Reject Radical Islam” (Aaron Goldstein, American Spectator)

* “The Quarrel That Blew Up the GOP Abortion Bill” (Joel Gehrke, NRO)

* “Pro-Palestinian students heckle Cal-Davis opponents with cries of 'Allahu Akbar!’” (Adam Kredo, Fox News)

* “Saint Louis University to Erect Monument Honoring Anti-Police Protest” (Nathan Rubbelke, The College Fix)

* “Why Obama Needs to Pretend the Taliban Aren’t Terrorists” (Andrew C. McCarthy, NRO)

* “Obama Budget Creates Second Death Tax” (Ryan Ellis, Americans for Tax Reform)

A Quick Walk for Life Review

The photo above shows just a portion of the 4,000 who showed up in the rain and snow for this year's Walk for Life, an annual pro-life witness sponsored by our friends at  Nebraska Right to Life. 

Here at the Capitol steps, we were encouraged by some of the best pro-life speeches we've heard in quite awhile. Those remarks came from NRL leaders, a couple of very sharp college students, and from Nebraska's new Lieutenant-Governor Mike Foley and Congressman Jeff Fortenberry. My favorite line of the morning? The University of Nebraska at Kearney student who said of her generation, "We survived Roe v Wade but Roe v Wade will not survive us."

Of course, Claire and I were able to enjoy the fellowship of many, many good friends and true -- friends we have made from around the state in our long involvement in pro-life ministry. 

The above photo shows that Don Kohls and I seem to be handling the cold, wet weather pretty well. That's because we were talking about one of our favorite topics; namely, our future life with Christ and all His saints on the New Earth! But obviously we weren't alone in this important pro-life witness. At various times during the day we made new friends and met up with friends of longstanding too. I'll be sure to leave some out but here's a partial list: Keith & Barb, Dick, Cindy & Allen, Pat, Jo, Pam, Julie, Sandy, Chuck, Keith & Carol, Don & Vicki, Barb, Kathy & Lynette, Marilee, Paul & Bev, Msgr. Hanefeldt, Joe, Del, Steve, Pat, Greg, Joe & Carol, Sheryl, et al.

After the talk by Mario St. Francis at the Student Union and after the Vital Signs Ministries information booth was very near to running out of the free literature we offer (Randy Alcorn books, Vital Signs brochures, postcards, bookmarks relating to chastity and our "3 for 5" prayer campaign against Planned Parenthood, Claire and I finally dried out a bit from our wet walk through downtown Lincoln. Dick took this final picture before we cleaned up and got ready to head back to Omaha. 

Thanks again to Nebraska Right to Life for a momentous Walk for Life.

“Pro-Life Witness: What’s a Congregation to Do?”

Last Sunday I delivered a sermon to the congregation of Grace Bible Church as part of their observance of Sanctity of Human Life Sunday.  We had a great time at church as we reunited with several longstanding friends and we really appreciated the opportunity.

My talk was a very practical one, “Pro-Life Witness: What’s a Congregation to Do?”  It began with a brief exposition on the purposes of Sanctity of Human Life Sunday: mourning, repentance, education, and a renewal of dedication to defend “the least of these.”  Next, I shared several Scriptural exhortations to “do justice” in the cause of the innocent, the orphan, the widow, and others who are in danger of violence and exploitation.  And then I gave examples of specific actions that can be taken to “improve one’s serve” regarding effective pro-life ministries.  Included in that list were intercession, crisis pregnancy centers, sidewalk counseling, public pro-life witness, letter-writing advocacy, education, outreaches to seniors and the infirm, and promotion of chastity and lifestyles of holiness.  I spoke too of some things a whole church family could engage in.

Along the way through these topics I shared examples from our own years of work with Vital Signs Ministries – stories that are interesting, moving, adventurous, and challenging.  Some are even entertaining.  Pastor Dan Hauge wrote me later saying, “We appreciated Denny's challenge to us this Sunday past. It was a challenge to impact culture instead of allowing culture to impact us. What a great thing it is to come face-to-face with the realities of our commitment to a culture of life and what that looks like in practice. Denny gives a practical ‘to do’ list to help us put legs on the challenges before us. It's difficult to walk out and say, ‘I’m not sure where to go from here’ after a map has been drawn during the message.”

Dan’s kind words motivated me to write up this brief report as an encouragement for you to consider a similar presentation for your church, Sunday School, Bible study group, or whatever.  We come with enthusiasm, a lot of experience, and, as always, we come free of charge!  And, because I have stepped down from being the “perennial guest speaker” at the little church where I’ve been preaching the last 7 years, Sunday mornings can now be fit into the schedule too.  Just give us a call or an e-mail and we’ll work it out.

What Else Is "When Swing Was King" Producing?

A very important goal of our “When King Was Swing” ministry in nursing
homes and other senior centers is to develop quality, ongoing friendships with residents, residents’ families, and staff.  It is why we present the program in the same facilities every month, why we include time for personal visits before and after each show, and why we continually invite volunteers along to help us involve more residents in those visits.

Though we remain disappointed at the lack of “visitor helpers,” our efforts have been blessed.  We have thus won not only a loyal fan base for “When Swing Was King” but, over these last four and a half years, we have made a lot of genuine friends too. We have been able to express that friendship in various ways; always presenting “When Swing Was King” free of charge to the facilities; making a framed photo of a Navy PV-1 Ventura bomber for Glen; giving tapes of Stan Freberg’s radio show to Michael; sharing a compilation tape of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin songs with Minnie; bring cookies and candy to the LCC staff on Christmas morning and on many other visits; and so on.

We are rightfully wary about about accepting gifts from residents but there have been times when we know it’s okay. The walnuts from Tom. The root beer barrel candies from Evelyn. The honor of conducting Doc’s funeral and preaching the gospel there. Being asked to pray at the bedside of dying friends. Bernie’s personal signature on the book about the experiences of his outfit in World War II.

But, not surprisingly, it is the gifts we receive of the audience’s enjoyment, their applause and complements, their urging us to come back soon, and all of the wonderful stories they tell – those are the priceless gifts we will forever treasure.

One of the newest extras created by our “When Swing Was King” outreach are oral history interviews we are doing with selected residents.  Claire and I schedule a personal visit, bring along the recorder, and invite our friends to tell stories of their lives and special interests.  We then have a CD that can be given to the resident and his or her family members.  In some cases, we believe that groups like the Nebraska Historical Society will be interested as well.

Our first project involves Michael, an engaging fellow who was a popular musician here in the Omaha area. Michael played almost every night for over two decades – even though he had a full-time job at Union Pacific!  When we first asked Mike if he would like us to interview him, he cried with joy.  And when we were thanking him after our first session, he said, “No, I should be thanking you.  In fact, it is a double thank you – for taking the time and for helping me remember all these stories.”  Mike is 78 and not in the greatest health. He is blind, cannot get out much anymore, and the many friends he once had have drifted away. He told us a few days after our first interview that it had been the highlight of his year!

It is another example of how “When Swing Was King,” as delightful an entertainment program as it is in its own right, opens doors for other ministry too.  No wonder we thank the Lord every day for the blessing of being involved in it.  But perhaps you can see how your involvement could expand this blessing even further.  Your prayers, your financial support of Vital Signs Ministries, and your direct participation in helping us build friendships with the residents of nursing homes and other senior living facilities can be of immeasurable worth. Please consider it prayerfully.

Doomsters vs Boomsters? In Which Camp Are You?

Who do you side with, the Doomsters or the Boomsters? Have you, for instance, bought into the alarmism over population growth? Do you believe in the violent end of society as we know it because we’re running out of oil? Do you still feel the chills when you remember what your public school teachers taught you from the books of Paul Erlich and Rachel Carson?

Then you need to check out the calmer, more sensible perspectives from people who value reality over panic, genuine scientists who bring evidence to the table instead of political and ideological fixations.

A great start — and, I mean, a really great start — is to watch these two short videos. They are enlightening to the max. They’re also very well done, using both facts and fun to communicate remarkably important messages. Theses quick films are entitled “Why Haven’t We All Starved to Death” and “Why Haven’t We Run Out of Oil?” They are produced by Passing Lane Films from Pacific Research Institute. They are written and directed by Erin Michelle Kruger and are based on “Environmental Alarmism in Context: Hysteria’s History” by Dr. Amy Kaleita with Gregory R. Forbes. 

(Thanks to Stephen Hayward over at Power Line for the alert.)

Aping Culture vs Changing It

The Christian who thinks that one must be like culture

in order to positively influence culture is sadly ignorant

of history, the true substance of conversion, and the clear teaching of the Bible.

“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1,2 — NASB)

Why A Pro-Life Witness Outside Abortion Clinics?

Giving public witness to the sanctity of life in this culture is certainly not easy.  And testifying against the horror that is abortion outside a business where preborn boys and girls are actually killed? Well, that is particularly disheartening, disgusting, and disillusioning.

So why do I do it?  Indeed, why have Claire and I and many of our close friends participated in sidewalk counseling and pro-life witness outside abortion mills for 32 years and counting?  Here are 5 quick reasons.

5) The presence of peaceful, prayerful pro-life advocates outside an abortion clinic has a profound and ongoing effect on those going inside, on the workers, on the people walking or driving by.  It provides multiple and memorable messages regarding the wrongness of abortion, the availability of alternatives, and the offer of forgiveness through Christ’s gospel. 

4) A pro-life witness outside an abortion business insures that men and women – even those who ultimately decide to commit the abortion – will forever remember that someone was there to plead with them, “no, don’t do this.”  They will retain in the memory of their abortion experience that someone was standing up for their child…and for the mother’s spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being. That provides a tremendous incentive for repentance, a motivation to seek forgiveness and healing from the God Who delivered His Son to die for mankind’s sins.

3) Being regularly at an abortion clinic and coming face to face with the persons availing themselves of the demonic opportunities for child sacrifice fuels, as nothing else can, one’s zeal and commitment to fight against abortion on all other fronts. Political action?  Spiritual intercession?  Crisis pregnancy work?  Pro-life education?  Chastity campaigns?  Efforts to de-fund Planned Parenthood?  Conversion of the arts to provide for effective sanctity of life expressions?  All of these (and more) are powerfully stimulated by being there at the very doors of death, being regularly challenged by what the stakes are in this fight.

2) Pro-lifers outside abortion mills save lives by dissuading people from aborting their children.  Even when they are not aware of their impact, pro-life advocates provide an impressive force for life that changes minds.  Would-be abortion clients are challenged in their conscience and end up driving by.  Even clients inside the place change their minds and leave.  And, among the dozens or hundreds or thousands who drive by and see peaceful protestors who carry pictures of babies and words like “Choose Life” and “Mother and Child: Love Them Both” and “Life: What a Beautiful Choice,” there are countless numbers of people whose consciences are challenged. Do you not expect that the Lord will tend those seeds of winsome truth and that they will not be relevant in future meditations, conversations, and especially when people are pressed by abortion temptations? Oh yes, the presence of pro-life advocates provide illumination and spiritual challenge that goes far beyond what we can imagine.

1) Because my honor as a Christian is at stake.  Where such brazen, violent injustice is occurring, how can I refuse the opportunity to testify against it?  What does it mean to the reputation of the Church (not to mention her sense of moral priority) if children are brutally murdered in our neighborhoods without us raising our voices in principled protest?  How much is our evangelism and discipleship tarnished and weakened if we do not take seriously such charges as Jeremiah 22:3 and Isaiah 1:16-17:  “Thus says the LORD, ‘Do justice and righteousness, and deliver the one who has been robbed from the power of his oppressor. Also do not mistreat or do violence to the stranger, the orphan, or the widow; and do not shed innocent blood in this place.’” And “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean. Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. Cease to do evil. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Reprove the ruthless. Defend the orphan. Plead for the widow.”

Fewer and fewer American Christians bother nowadays to go in front of abortion mills to pray and give pro-life witness. That is an ominous warning of how far we have been co-opted by the world around us.  We have become indifferent, callous, distracted, and cowardly. Nevertheless, the grace of God remains available to us all – grace that forgives and cleanses, grace that yields wisdom and strength, grace that yet can bring personal and cultural revolution.

Our marching orders are quite clear. We read them in the Scriptures already listed. And in others like Psalm 82:3,4: “Vindicate the weak and fatherless. Do justice to the afflicted and destitute.  Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.” And Proverbs 24: 11,12: “Deliver those who are being taken away to death, and those who are staggering to slaughter, Oh hold them back.” And James 1:27: “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”

As I said at the beginning of this column, giving public witness to the sanctity of life in this culture is certainly not easy.  But it remains extremely high in the values expressed by our Lord.

And that’s why, by the grace of God, we continue to do it.

"If You Take Away Religion, You Can't Hire Enough Police"

Clayton Christensen from the Harvard Business School talks about the foundational values to culture that religion provides.

Priority Items for the New Congress (A Quick Video Clip)

What do you think should be the priority items for members of the new Congress and Senate? Have you let them know yet?

Perhaps my letter will give you a few ideas to consider.



The CP article on Planned Parenthood.

Contacting government officials.

The New Year Starts for "When Swing Was King"

The newest volume of "When Swing Was King" made its debut yesterday at Life Care Center and we're on again today at Immanuel Courtyard as we swing and sway into our regular monthly schedule for 2015. (See the schedule right here.)

The song list is, as always, an impressive one:

1) Glenn Miller Orchestra (Ray Eberle, vocals) -- "The Nearness of You"
2) Bob Crosby & the Bobcats -- "Skater's Waltz in Swing Time"
3) Count Basie Orchestra (Helen Humes, vocals) -- "And the Angels Sing"
4) Benny Goodman Orchestra -- "Let's Dance"
5) Chick Webb  Orchestra (Charlie Linton, Louis Jordan, Ella Fitzgerald, vocals) -- "There's Frost on the Moon"
6) Charley Barnet Orchestra -- "Night Clow"
7) Tommy Dorsey Orchestra -- "Chinatown, My Chinatown"
8) Artie Shaw Orchestra (Helen Forrest, vocals) "All the Things You Are"
9) Les Brown Orchestra (Doris Day, vocals) "Sentimental Journey"
10) Desi Arnaz -- "The Lady in Red"
11) Harry James Orchestra -- "Deep Purple"
12) Gordon MacRae -- "Oklahoma"

Also impressive are the 250 or so photographs that are part of this "When Swing Was King" volume. Really nice. And then there's the accompanying commentary too. I mean, where else do you get terrific music from the big band era plus interesting trivia about the songs and musicians...and even about Carol Heiss, the Victor Taking Machine Company, National Biscuit Company's part in popularizing Benny Goodman, and TD's Clambake Seven?

Want to get in on the fun? And, by doing so, give your spirits a lift by visiting seniors and other residents of care facilities who would love to have you come by? Then just check that schedule link above and give us a call or e-mail. Claire and I would love to have you join us too.

Catching Up: Noteworthy Articles

Here are a few items from the past few days that you may not want to miss.

* “The Obama Economic Record is Even Worse than You Realize” (Chad Stafko, American Thinker)

* “State of Disunion: The growing conflict between public and private labor” (Steven Malanga, City Journal)

* “Challenging the federal government: Sharyl Attkisson sues the DOJ” (T. Becket Adams, Washington Examiner)

* “Bill Clinton's Immunity” (Joel Levine, American Thinker)

* “And Then There Were Three: Kentucky Counties May Have Found the Secret to Right-to-Work Success” (James Sherk, NRO)

Talking New Year Resolutions

New Year Resolutions 2015 from Denny Hartford on Vimeo.

Thinking of the Christian Brotherhood, Grace, and Darrell Scott

Darrell Scott, a former pastor, exemplary mentor, and dear friend of many years is undergoing serious health trials right now and a few of us, in addition to stepping up our prayers for he and his wife, sent along notes of encouragement and thanks. My letter, including as it did reflections on the Christian Brotherhood, Grace Bible Institute, and Pleasantview Berean Fundamental Church may be of interest to those with connections to those organizations. It may even be of limited interest to those who remember the "Jesus movement" of the late 60s and early 70s.

Also, if you would like to share your own testimony about Darrell Scott's ministry in your life, please send it along to us and we will forward it ASAP. Please send it to vitalsigns@vitalsignsministries.org

Dear Darrell and Barb,

We are so sorry we couldn’t set it up to get together before Christmas but our plans to do so ended up alerting a lot of prayers in your behalf.  That’s a good thing.  Still, we hope (and pray) that you feel well enough soon for us to put that little party back on the schedule.

Until that happens, however, we thought you would like to hear from a few of those folks.  Some of them may have already sent a note while others may do so now that the hectic pace of Christmas has slowed down.  But there are a few who sent brief testimonies to Claire and me so that we could send them over to you guys.  They are enclosed with this note.

But Claire and I wanted to share a few reflections also for we have been so profoundly affected by your ministry, Darrell.  We are honored to be among that very large crowd of people whose lives have been inspired, educated, exhorted, and encouraged by yours.  We will be forever grateful.

I first made your acquaintance in those heady days of the Christian Brotherhood.  It was late spring 1970 and I had just hitchhiked into Omaha from my home in Denver.  Providence took me to the Brotherhood and, within days of my moving in with Buddy Medlock, I attended the Sunday service at Pleasantview Berean Fundamental Church and was captivated by your sermon…and by your warm, engaging hospitality.

I was a new believer and I hadn’t heard much of solid, expository Bible teaching. But I loved it and knew instinctively it was what I needed.  So, right from the beginning I was listening carefully, taking copious notes, asking questions afterward, and as you always encouraged the audience to do, studying the text on my own also. You provided excellent content in the sermon but also a terrific example of how to carefully, patiently study the Word myself.  You also taught me much about the qualities of a disciple.  Humble yet confident in Christ. Winsome but uncompromising with the truth.  Kind-hearted and servant-oriented. Cheerful. Hopeful. Active in evangelism.

Over the years, many people have wondered about the remarkable impact that the Christian Brotherhood had on so many lives.  Particularly, the question comes up of why the Brotherhood had such lasting effect, much more than most of the “Jesus movement” communes and organizations. The sheer number of young believers who went on to formal theological training and professional ministry, for instance, is impressive. But even more so is the steady growth and Christian service of all the others.  We were not only a “thoroughly converted” bunch – we were wonderfully trained and equipped and sent forth as lights into the world.

But what made the Brotherhood so different from the other “Jesus People” places?  My answer has always stressed two things.  1) We had the incredible resource of Grace College of the Bible available to us with such stellar Bible scholars as Abe Penner, Chuck Nichols, Reuben Dick, Bob Benton, J. Doss Quinelly, and Norm Rempel teaching us three or four nights a week.  It was ironic but wonderful – established fundamentalist scholars graciously coming into the city to teach unchurched, counter-culture, sin-scarred youth the glories of the Bible.

But 2) we had another grand resource available to us besides Grace.  And that was Pleasantview Berean Church with its personable and capable pastor, Darrell Scott.  There at the church, we were able to see how this new life we had in Christ was to be lived in practical, social, and long-term ways.  The heavy theology we were learning in those Brotherhood classes and in reading books by Ironside and Pentecost and Chafer was made alive for us in the persons of Berean’s pastor and other keen saints in the church.

Darrell, your teaching was practical theology at its best.  And you lived what you preached.  You were also so patient and kind to us as we learned.  Never did we feel like freaks at Pleasantview.  Never were we treated with anything but acceptance and hospitality and inclusion.  Indeed, Brotherhood youths were welcomed not only into the front pews of the church (we were so happy and eager to learn) but also into the choir, the fellowship suppers, member’s homes, and, for Gene Jost, Phil Miller, John Foster and myself, into the starting ranks of the slow pitch softball team.  We had all found a church home where our Christian discipleship was intensified and encouraged.

Through God’s merciful provision of both Grace Bible Institute and Pleasantview, we young Christians (many of us with sordid backgrounds and lousy educational records) were transformed by the love in action of patient and skilled mentors.  And that’s why so many of us are still pursuing godliness to this day.  And that’s why so many of us owe you such a grand debt.  We love you very much, Darrell, and we are so grateful for your investment in our lives in those years. And we’re grateful too for all the sweet years of friendship that followed.

Denny & Claire

Dispatches from the Culture Wars

Among the weekend's most notable articles were these gems:

* “Democrats Can’t Be Dad” (Mona Charen, National Review)

* “Holder and Obama are making race relations worse, inflaming hatred” (John Fund and Hans Von Spakovsky, New York Post)

* “Black Mob Violence at Christmas, All Over the Country” (Colin Flaherty, American Thinker)

* “Top 10 stupid quotes from pro-choice activists” (Live Action)

* “After 'Unbroken': The remarkable story of Louis Zamperini's faith” (Franklin Graham, Fox News)

Did You Miss These?

While making merry in your Christmas celebrations, you may have missed these important articles. Here's a second chance at them.

* “Christians on the Run from Iraq: The Islamic State is attaining its key goal, and U.S. media find the story of ‘limited interest.’” (Nina Shea, National Review)

* “Happy Kwanzaa! The Holiday Brought To You By the FBI” (Ann Coulter, Town Hall)

* “If Joseph and Mary tried to reach Bethlehem today, they might get murdered by Palestinian terrorists.” (David Bernstein, Washington Post)

* “Stop lying about the cops” (Rich Lowry, New York Post)

* “China Tightens Church Control Ahead of Christmas” (Didi Tang, AP)

Denny Reads Chesterton's "The House of Christmas"

In our first attempt at making a video clip for Vital Signs Blog, Denny talks about his discovery of GK Chesterton in a used bookstore many years ago.

Denny then reads Chesterton's superb poem, "The House of Christmas."

Goin' Christmas Crazy?

"Some of you probably thought the Branson tree-lighting I described in last month’s letter would provide more than enough Christmas cheer to last us for the year.  Not hardly."

The December LifeSharer letter is on the web.

The Week's "Must Reads"

The week’s must-read articles? Here’s my picks:

On Cuba:
* “Why We Isolated Cuba for 53 Years” (Lee Edwards, Daily Signal, The Heritage Foundation)

On the North Korea/Sony Mess:
* “On North Korea, Obama Leads from Behind” (John Hinderaker, PowerLine)

Regarding the Spirit of Lawlessness:
* “Obama issues 'executive orders by another name’” (Gregory Korte, USA TODAY)

* “Two Pa. Legislators Indicted for Voter ID Bribes in a Case the State AG Refused to Prosecute” (Hans von Spakovsky, Daily Signal)

On Other Fronts of the Culture Wars:
* “Different standards for 'gay' bakers and Christian bakers” (Michael F. Haverluck, OneNewsNow.com)

* “Holder Decrees Crossdressing Protected Under Federal Law” (J. Christian Adams, PJ Media)

Affairs of the First Family
* “Mrs. Obama's Tall Tales of Racialized Victimhood” (Michelle Malkin, Town Hall)

From Vital Signs Blog:
* “Goin' Christmas Crazy?”

* “Light & Warmth Through Christmas Cards”

* “What a Difference You Can Make”

Light & Warmth Through Christmas Cards

Vital Signs Ministries' annual Christmas card party last night turned out to be a lively success. There were only 9 of us (Larry & Deb, Quint, Ruth, Allen & Cindy, Carol E., Claire and I) yet in 90 minutes we produced a remarkable amount of correspondence designed to lift spirits, encourage action, and draw people closer to the Lord Jesus. It was a splendid Christmas experience.

Among our Christmas card recipients were 16 Christians who have been persecuted and unjustly imprisoned for their faith in such places as China, Iran, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Eritrea. Using the resources of The Voice of the Martyrs' superb website, we had prepared messages to these saints before the party began and we then glued those messages inside lovely, colorful Christmas cards. The messages (again, thanks to VOM) included Scripture verses in the prisoner's own language. All 16 of these prisoners were sent three cards, each card with a different Christmas scene, each card with a different message inside, and each card signed by three of us.

We also wrote Christmas cards (with appropriate messages inside) to Senator-elect Ben Sasse, Governor-elect Pete Ricketts, Congressman-elect Brad Ashford, outgoing Congressman Lee Terry, Mayor Jean Stothert, and others. Also, we all signed thank you Christmas cards to Billy Graham, Franklin Graham, Norm Geisler, Joni & Ken Tada, Ben Carson, and others.

And finally — hold onto your Santa hat — we wrote Christmas cards to every resident of the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home! That’s right, over 100 veterans, spouses and widows will be receiving beautiful Christmas cards today as Claire and I will take them over personally today. The handwritten messages inside expressed our warmest Christmas greetings, thanked them for their loyal service to our nation, and shared our desire that the holy light of Jesus’ birthday would brighten their hearts in this precious season, bringing them special joy and peace and spiritual strength.

Also part of the evening were prayers for each of the persecuted Christians as well as prayers that God would protect each Christmas card along its way. We prayed too for all the others to whom we sent cards, asking the Lord to use them for His purposes. And, of course, we also had some time to enjoy conversation, cookies, and coffee together. It was a terrific evening, full of Christmas cheer and productivity.

Everyone present last night had one other request to make to the Lord before we left. And that was for similar letter-writing parties to become a regular activity for churches, Sunday school classes, and other groups of Christian friends. Let's remember that raising our voices in the King's service of encouragement, advocacy, enlightenment, and challenge is a necessary and ongoing responsibility for the believer in Christ. And prayerful letters are a marvelously effective means of carrying those voices way beyond our own neighborhoods. This why Vital Signs Ministries has hosted letter-writing parties for over 30 years.

How about you? Perhaps you're interested in joining us for our next letter-writing evening? Or maybe you'd like a little help in setting up your own. Either way, give us a call or email or FB message and we'll do our very best to help make it happen. Thanks. And merry Christmas!

What a Difference You Can Make

Dick Wilson knows I don’t read the local newspaper so he recently passed along a copy of a column called Annie’s Mailbox. I don’t know what this usually presents (I think it’s an advice column) but on Thanksgiving Day, there was reprinted there a very moving piece written by a RN who serves as an activities director for a nursing home in Tennessee.

Being involved as we have been with ministries in senior centers throughout Vital Signs’ history (the latest activity being our “When Swing Was King” shows in 12 facilities each month), I can testify to the insightful, compelling truths of the column. Check it out.

Dear Readers: Today is Thanksgiving. If you know someone who is alone today, please invite him or her to share your Thanksgiving dinner and help make the occasion truly special.

Today we'd like to run a piece that has appeared in this space several times. It was written by Judy Vekasy, a registered nurse and director of activities in a nursing home in Savannah, Tenn. Here it is:

In this season of thanksgiving and just plain giving, I have some suggestions for those who need something to be thankful for or those who need someone to allow them to give. Nursing homes are full of opportunities.

You say you can't do anything. Can you read? Good. Read to me. My eyes aren't what they used to be.

Can you write? Good. Write a letter or a card for me. My hands are shaky.

Can you sing? Good. Help me with the words and I'll sing along.

Can you tell me about your job? I was a nurse once myself.

Can you listen? Wonderful. I'm starved for conversation.

Can you bake a sponge cake or zucchini bread or angel biscuits or make fudge? They aren't on the nursing home menu, but I remember how good they were and I would like to taste them again.

Do you play checkers or dominoes or rummy? Fine, so do I, but there is never anyone who has the time. They are understaffed around here, you know.

Do you play the violin or the flute or the piano? My hearing is poor, but I can hear any kind of music. Even if I fall asleep, you'll know I enjoyed it.

Once we were somebodies, just like you. We were farmers and farmers' wives and teachers, nurses, beauticians, stockbrokers and electricians, bankers and sheriffs and maybe a few outlaws, too.

We're not all senile — just old and needing more help than our families can give us. This home, whatever its name, is "home" to us, and you're an invited guest. Please come. The welcome mat is always out and not just on Thanksgiving. I hope you will keep this and read it again in January, February, and every other month of the year. We'll still be here, and our needs will be the same.

Anne Frank's Poem, "St. Nicholas Day"

Once again St. Nicholas Day

Has even come to our hideaway;

It won't be quite as fun, I fear,

As the happy day we had last year.

Then we were hopeful, no reason to doubt

That optimism would win the bout,

And by the time this year came round,

We'd all be free, and safe and sound.

Still, let's not forget it's St. Nicholas Day,

Though we've nothing left to give away.

We'll have to find something else to do:

So everyone please look in their shoe!?

(Anne Frank, "The Diary of a Young Girl," December 6, 1944) 

The last line of the poem refers to the practice in the Netherlands (and beyond) of children leaving shoes outside their bedroom door on the eve of St. Nicholas Day in hopes that the dear fellow would drop in them a few coins or pieces of candy — or, for naughty children, a lump of coal.

The poem radiates young Anne's hope and courage and cheerfulness, virtues that were sorely tested in the extremity of her family's circumstances. Thus, the poem serves as a timeless lesson of perseverance amid great dangers and difficulties. It is indeed a relevant exhortation for all of us on this St. Nicholas Day.

Catching Up

Okay, you are back from your Thanksgiving travels and a bit rested from the holiday's hectic activities. Below are a few excellent articles (and cartoons) that you might have missed in those days. They include news and commentary from the culture wars AND a couple that deal with the ongoing work of Vital Signs Ministries.

* “How Obama blatantly disregards the law” (Paul Sperry, New York Post)

* “Enough with The Ferguson Pandering” (Lloyd Marcus, American Thinker)

* “Media Ignore 224 Teenagers Killed in Chicago Since Michael Brown’s Death” (Warner Todd Houston, Breitbart)

* “A Very Special Christmas Tree Lighting” (Denny Hartford, Vital Signs Ministries)

* "A 'When Swing Was King' Christmas Road Trip"

* “A Milestone Sunday: Saying Goodbye”

* “A Culture of Lies: The changes after Ferguson will likely be for the worse.” (George Neumayr, The American Spectator)

* “Be afraid: This is the real Obama” (Joseph Curl, Washington Times)

* “How to Replace Obamacare: Affordable Care Act opponents must make their goal the enactment of a better plan.” (James C. Capretta, National Review)

A Milestone Sunday: Saying Goodbye

Tomorrow is a significant milestone for us.

I came the Sunday morning before Christmas as a guest speaker to Faith Bible Church, a small congregation on Omaha's near south side that had been without a regular pastor for a couple of years. In fact, they were strongly considering throwing in the towel and merging with a large suburban church.  As a favor to a new friend, I agreed to provide “pulpit supply” to the church for a few Sundays in January. And then that stretched into the spring. And then that stretched into…7 years!

Never an actual member because of a doctrinal difference with the denomination, I was not involved in the leadership of the church nor did I ever seek (beyond the biblical teaching of my sermons) to direct the future course of the church. I was content to be their “perennial guest speaker,” offering ongoing series of expository sermons to “build up the Body for the sake of ministry.”  However, even though my “real job” remained Director of Vital Signs Ministries, leaving my only duty at Faith Bible Church to be delivering the Sunday sermon, the church soon began to describe me as their teaching pastor. And I tried hard to live up to that. Not only did I take my sermon preparation seriously (12-15 hours of study and prayer and writing out my text), but I couldn’t help but get involved in the lives of the people in other ways too. Thus, I ended up teaching other classes, hosted letter-writing evenings, counseled (and confronted), frequently entertained parishioners in our home, did hospital and nursing home visits, led special activities, performed funerals, spoke at AWANA, and so on.

As many of you know, I had done quite a lot of preaching and teaching in the years since my conversion to Christianity in 1970 (including a lot of “pulpit supply” at Pleasantview Berean Church here in town and Tabernacle Baptist Church in George, Iowa) but providing week after week sermons for this length of time has made for quite an experience. Both Claire and I are grateful for the opportunity to serve in this way. And we have made many friends that we will stay in contact with for the rest of our lives…and beyond.

But the time has now come to turn the page. Our obligations related to Vital Signs Ministries have continued to grow and, for the last couple of years now, it has been increasingly difficult to pursue them as we should while still taking those extra hours a week for sermon preparation. In particular, our “When Swing Was King” presentations, hospitality ministries, cyberspace outreaches, and writing projects all need more attention. Therefore, I informed the leadership of Faith Bible Church (and then the congregation) last August that I would be leaving.

And tomorrow is our last Sunday, thus the milestone designation. May the Lord lead Faith Bible Church in the next stages of its ministry. May the Lord guide Claire and I to our new church home. And may He give us joy and effectiveness as we persevere in our many duties with Vital Signs Ministries.

A "When Swing Was King" Christmas Road Trip

There’s nothing quite like the “When Swing Was King” Christmas show. 13 songs featuring the original crooners, canaries, and big bands of the swing era. More than 250 beautiful and interesting pictures playing on the screen. And an intriguing, fun commentary that heightens the holiday excitement for the residents of the nursing homes and senior centers for whom we present it...completely free of charge.

But the surprising news? We’re delighted to announce that, in addition to the regular 13 facilities where we bring “When Swing Was King” every month plus two extra showings this December that we have scheduled for senior groups at Country Bible Church and Glad Tidings Church, Claire and I are taking the show on the road to central Nebraska next week!

December 3rd and 4th will be a Christmassy sleigh ride for us as we take the program to senior facilities in Holdrege, Gothenburg, Doniphan, and Grand Island.

Your prayers for safe travel, success with the technical aspects of the program, and spiritual blessing as we visit with residents are deeply appreciated. Indeed, prayers are deeply appreciated for all of our December presentations of “When Swing Was King.”

But, yes; there still might be a chance for a Christmas version of “When Swing Was King” to warm the hearts of the seniors (and others) at your church for there are Sunday mornings in December that are not yet scheduled. That may change at any moment, though. So, if you’re interested, please contact us ASAP.

A Very Special Christmas Tree Lighting

Want a happy "Christmassy" story, one that delightfully illustrates our longstanding beliefs that 1) Christians can yet influence culture towards winsome, wholesome ways and 2) a personal letter remains a remarkably powerful tool in that quest?

Then check out the November letter from Vital Signs Ministries that tells a story of a delightful Christmas tree lighting.

Picks of the Weekend

If you were watching college football or hanging the Christmas lights this weekend, you may have missed these important articles. Here's a second chance.

* “Major blowback from Obama's insult to Australia at the G20 in Brisbane” (Thomas Lifson, American Thinker) As Lucianne Goldberg notes, "Without the Internet you wouldn't know this.")

* “Fools of the Week: Brian Williams, NBC Nightly News” (Eric Bolling, Fox News)

* "Renewable Energy Will Never Work, But Can Nuclear?" (John Hinderaker, PowerLine)  Hinderaker writes about “two of the most interesting articles I have read in a very long time. The first is by two Google engineers who were charged with thinking creatively about how to replace fossil fuels with renewables. After four years, Google shut down the project. The engineers concluded that it simply couldn’t be done.” Very interesting article.

* “The Microaggression Farce: The latest campus fad, which sees racism everywhere, will create a new generation of permanent victims.” (Heather MacDonald, City Journal) This is a longer piece but well worth reading for anyone who wants to understand why we're losing the next generation to the culture wars.

The Pick of the Weekend

Here's a few articles from around the web that you don't want to miss.

* “Clamping Down on Religion” (In this brief but important article, NRO’s Kathyrn Jean Lopez interviews Ed Clancy, director of outreach and evangelization for Aid for the Church in Need.)

* “The lies that are central to Obama’s agenda” (Kyle Smith, New York Post)

* “Officials say U.S. military readiness for war, competitive edge worsening” (Andrea Shalal & David Alexander, Reuters)

* “One Nation Under Godlessness: A high school in Colorado Springs bans students from meeting outside class for prayer and fellowship.” (Michelle Malkin, NRO)

* “Joe Wilson Was Right” (Jack Cashill, American Thinker)

* “India’s war on women turns deadly: Thirteen women have died as a result of the latest mass sterilisation camp.” (Carolyn Moynihan, Mercator)

* “Obama Is Now Lying About His Lies” (Peter Wehner, Commentary)

* “HHS still doing business with firm that twice defrauded Medicare” (Sarah Westwood, Washington Examiner)

The Awesome Power of Music!

You want an idea of why we are more excited than ever about "When Swing
Was King," Vital Signs Ministries' outstanding outreach into nursing homes and senior centers?

Then, by all means, check out the clip and the article below. And then check in with "When Swing Was King."



Caring for patients with dementia will probably be one of the biggest human dignity issues of our century, as the proportion of elderly grows across the globe. It seems disgraceful to warehouse them in nursing homes, but often there are few alternatives.

So I was really delighted to see a ray of light in a new documentary, Alive Inside, which won the 2014 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award for an American documentary. It features the power of music to raise patients out of their torpor. Sometimes the effect of placing earphone and an iPod on an unresponsive patient slumped in a wheel is little short of miraculous…

Michael Rossato-Bennett, the director of the award-winning documentary, “Alive Inside,” says his life was transformed by making the film. “I hope it will bring the story of Dan’s work to the world and awaken hearts and minds to the healing power of music. Music has great lessons to teach us about what it means to be human. I learned that from the sweet and vulnerable souls I met making this film.

Through music, we have the power to help millions of people awaken to who they are and what they can be. Music gives us the ability to reach a population that might otherwise be unreachable. It allows us to touch hearts and ignite souls. Through music, we can help the old and the aging sustain their humanity and by doing so, inevitably, we’ll prove our own.”

Read more of the Mercator article by Michael Cook, “Bringing the elderly back to life with music.”

Congratulations, Conservatives. Now What?

Here's an idea. Copy the picture above (or some creation of your own) and print it off to make “congratulation cards” to the conservatives you supported in Tuesday's elections. On the inside (or simply the back side if you go with a postcard format), tell them the four things on which you want them to press "fast and furious" as soon as they take office. (Those items, of course, will be different for the various offices your candidates won.)  And keep a copy of your card so you can refer to those priorities in your next communications.

It’s not enough to get these folks elected. Nor is it enough to applaud them (or ourselves), or feel satisfied and happy. The job of governing with principle, efficiency, and wisdom is now at hand. Our prayers, encouragement, and perseverance to keep our political representatives accountable are more important than ever.

By the way, what are the priorities I’m sending along? Well, to Ben Sasse, Joni Ernst and others heading to the U.S. Senate that I prayed for, cheered on, and supported in various ways, those priorities are:

1) The de-funding of the mega-abortion business that is Planned Parenthood.

2) Increased military might in order to better protect America from her enemies.

3) Protecting the Constitution from activist ideologues being appointed to the Supreme Court.

4) Much stronger protections against vote fraud.

In my card to those winning in Congressional races, since it is not the duty of Congress to confirm judicial nominees, I substitute #3 for “Dismantling ObamaCare."

So, what do you say? Send in your cards and letters today. We mobilized for their election. Let’s stay mobilized to insure these folks govern the way they promised.