"I'm not going to invest any time or effort ...or finances towards helping those who don't try to help themselves. And I'm certainly not going to risk my life for a bunch of ungrateful infidels." How often have we heard that?

"God said that he would that none would perish, so whatever way God chooses to reveal Himself to those ignorant people on that island, that's sufficient for me ...and it's totally up to them how they respond. After all, doesn't God guide the affairs of all ...and since He cares for all, isn't it really His business?"

"So, I'm not going to destroy my life, nor will I sacrifice to help those who are ignorant ...that's not a responsible investment." How does that sound? Isn't being ignorant relative ...but certainly not any of my relatives, you say?

Speaking of investments, I self-published a book, entitled, "The Evolution of Confusion". I invested a specified amout to publish the book, and now, out of the 250 books that were delivered to our home, I've only sold 4 books. No, that's not a typo ...that's really how pathetic I am with sales. You could say that was a poor investment.

I only published half the book as it was about 300 pages too long. If you can believe it, I have three other unpublished books, which had I invested in them also, I would have to build a new addition on our house to just contain all the boxes of unsold books. Is that a bad investment, or what!?!

Or is a bad investment part of a bad judgment. 

Perhaps I overestimated my potential as an author ...in a big way. Maybe I feel I have something to say, but have no real ability to say it well.  

And speaking of too long, if you commit to reading this, (and/or this:  http://thispartisnotfunyetseemsnecessary.blogspot.com/) you will have an example of what I'm trying to say. 

There may be many reasons why I'm doing this, but the reason I'm choosing a blog instead of a print copy ...well, the computer stores this kind of information in a much more efficient way than my attic.

So, you decide whether you want to invest in reading this ...invest the time, that is, as this is not in book form. 

Speaking of investing, why throw your money away like I did, at unsure things??

How about the money sent to missionaries? The missionaries are trying to reach people who are so ingrained in their own culture ...I wonder who would even care to listen about Christ, save one or two?

Save one or two, did I say? 

 What if that one or two ...actually included 'me'? 

 How about you? What if your own son went overseas to fight in a war ...and he was soon declared missing in action, or listed as a P.O.W.? 

 Would you then say, oh well!

No, I would say my life would be turned upside down. And those of you who have had that happen, can attest to that.

I'm going to go a step further, and tell you a story with similar developments. But like any story, it has to have a beginning. We are not going to go all the way back ...I've been through all that, I mean, the changing of diapers and all! Let's just say we'll begin at Kindergarten.

Eddie and Milt are best friends in Kindergarten. And they continue to be best friends throughout school. They do everything together!

And when they reach high school, they continue to have the same interests. They take the same classes and go out for the same sports. Milt is a defensive back on the football team. Eddie is the quarterback. They are both very good at what they do ...and very competitive.

They both participate in four track and field events. Milt is good at the high jump, but Eddie jumps higher. They both can really run the quarter mile ...and are both in the relay. Eddie is the anchor leg ....because he is faster. 

Milt had one record, until just recently. It was in the long jump. Eddie had hurt his arm and decided he should not pole vault, so he entered the long jump instead ... and broke Milt's record on the first jump!

Milt really helps the track team gain points because he usually comes in second or third. But Eddie always comes in first. The track team teases Milt. His teammates say he tries so hard, they are afraid he is going to have a "Milt"-down.

But Eddie is a good sport. He always encourages Milt and tells him how integral he is to the team ...and they remain best friends.

When they graduate, Milt is the Salutatorian. Eddie is the Valedictorian! But there is one area that puts Milt in the highest esteem. He is in the eyes of admiration of the entire school. Since the very beginning of high school he had gained the favor of Doreen ...and throughout the four years they seemed inseparable!

Doreen is a scream! She is a cheerleader; and even the opposing teams and their fans scream when she cartwheels onto the field.

Doreen is not only captivating with her healthy looks and unmatched talent, she's also very smart. In class, she always knows the answers, even when no one else does. All the other girls know she could have been Valedictorian of the class, but it's just that she's so humble ...she doesn't pursue that high honor. But that makes the girls just dislike her more. It's bad enough that they feel she's the prettiest, most talented, most athletic girl in the school. But they really can't stand the fact that she's the most humble too!

In her freshman year, Doreen participated in the State Cheerleading Finals ...and she won! In her sophomore year, she declined ...though everyone knew she was the best, she was just too humble to win two years in a row.

All the boys like Doreen, but she seems only interested in Milt. She remains his girlfriend all the way through high school. She admires the fact that no one tries harder than Milt ...and every time he comes in second place, she is there to console him.

Doreen does not go to college. She decides it is worthwhile to volunteer for several humanitarian activities throughout her community. She works at the Humane Society; and her family adopts several pups. She also volunteers at the Homeless Shelter, showing great interest in the many unwed moms. Doreen also volunteers at her church ...Community Bible Church.

Eddie's dad is the Pastor of the church ...so Doreen occasionally sees Eddie around. She sees how Eddie helps his dad with everything. To Doreen's surprise, Eddie truly appears rather quiet and humble. Because he was always so competitive at school, she had pictured him as self-centered, always wanting to be on top. But he is actually very polite, and doesn't make himself the center of attention ...he actually appears shy, not paying her much attention either.

What Doreen doesn't realize is that Milt had recently shared a secret with Eddie ...and Eddie has been pre-occupied with that thought ever since.

The late 60's are a difficult time, filled with tense emotion and confusion. Milt's secret is not to be revealed at this time ...until the right time. The proper moment being the last possible moment, as far as Milt is concerned.

And just as Milt would have it ...it is announced during church on Sunday. After church everyone is invited to Milt's house for a big party. Milt had enlisted in the army!

The next few months go by rather quickly. Milt is already overseas, seemingly ready for combat duty ...and with his competitive spirit, most fear he will be all too ready to prove himself in battle.

Another month passes ...and word returns home that Milt is missing in action. Not surprisingly, Doreen is deeply disturbed upon hearing this news.

It is Wednesday, and she goes to church for the evening prayer meeting. Everyone prays for Milt. Then when she is about to leave for home, Milt's parents arrive, requesting to meet with the Pastor for some counseling. But they share one more piece of information with Doreen as she leaves, knowing what a friend she has been to Milt. They've just heard that Milt is a P.O.W., ...which provides something to cling unto, with hopes he'll one day make it back alive. Doreen hugs them both with unrestrained emotion.

Doreen wants to help the family, so she goes to the Pastor, asking for permission to organize a system of delivering meals to Milt's family ...and any other errands they can help with.

This works out real well ...and Milt's parents are extremely grateful. The Pastor communicates this with Doreen ...and she is pleased, though she is usually inclined to think it is not enough.

And Doreen can't help but express one thing she has been a bit miffed about, "I have to say, I'm a bit disappointed about one thing, Pastor." 

The Pastor asks politely, "What is that, Doreen?" 

Doreen can't hold back her emotions, "Well, I haven't received any help from any of his high school classmates. There are many of us who still live around here, but no one else has offered any help!"

The Pastor nods, "Well, I can only speak for my own son, but it's not only you and Milt's family who are having a difficult time with all of this ...most everyone knows that my son and Milt have been friends since Kindergarten. So you could say Eddie's been friends with Milt a tad bit longer than you've been."

Doreen feels terrible! She had neglected to see that! That is why Eddie had been polite, but not too friendly. He is having a difficult time.

Doreen makes a point to be more sensitive about it ...and tries to talk to Eddie more, but Eddie doesn't offer any opening. He just politely says hi, then goes about his business.

A couple weeks go by ...and Doreen makes a point to talk to him about it, "Is there anything you want to talk about, Eddie? I mean, like ...about Milt?" Eddie simply replies, "Thanks, but I'm okay."

Doreen persists, "I'm not saying you're not okay, Eddie, but I can tell the difference in you. We were all classmates, remember! And I finished third in the class, so you know I'm no dummy. I know some people find it difficult to to ask for help ...or even to admit they are hurting."

Eddie also persists, "Honest, I'm okay!" 

But Doreen is not ready to give in, "You've heard your dad preach ...we all have, and my point is that we all know we need each other. And the way you are going about this is all wrong ...and you know it!"

Eddie has tears in his eyes, "You really insist on knowing the truth, don't you!" 

Doreen insists, "Yes, I do! I'm concerned about you ...and I want to know how I can help!" 

Eddie wipes a tear away, "Well, prepare for it then ...the truth is, I could use your help. You can help by marrying me!"

That's how that all came about! And soon they are married!

Doreen is a wonderful wife, but Eddie knows he's not being the husband he should be. Something is getting in the way ...and that something is the Vietnam war. Eddie can't get it out of his mind. Nor can he cope with the fact that his best friend for all those years through school, is now a P.O.W.. Doreen can see that Eddie cannot be consoled by those tormented thoughts. So, when Eddie volunteers for the war, Doreen just stands by him in his decision, not even telling him she had recently found out ...she is pregnant!

Doreen writes Eddie ...and Eddie writes her. His letters are simple, telling her how much he loves her. He never writes about the war, or how really terrible it is.

She was going to write him about their child, but decides she'll wait until the child is born. Then she'll tell him the wonderful surprising news.

One week before their first wedding Anniversary, Doreen delivers a beautiful healthy baby girl. She writes immediately to Eddie to tell him all the precious details about their little Mindy.

She waits weeks, upon weeks for his response to her wonderful surprise ...but there is no reply!

Months go by ...and she continues to write, but no letters return from Eddie. It has never taken this long to hear from him!

Then while Doreen is watching the news, the President is due to speak in a minute or so. Doreen braces herself for the news. Then President Nixon announces that the United States will be removing their combat troops out of Vietnam.

Doreen awaits ....in eager anticipation. Then one dreary day she sees what she had never wanted to see! What no wife wants to see ...when their spouse is in the service.

She just happens to be looking out her livingroom front window. She sees a serviceman get out of a car at the end of the driveway. She can tell immediately that it is not Eddie. It can mean only one thing ...and she braces herself for the news.

The serviceman walks slowly towards her house. Doreen gets the most dreadful feeling ...she can barely breathe!

Strangely, she had thought two servicemen usually do this. But there is no time to think of protocol ...there is a knock at the door! Doreen gasps, then composes herself, and opens the door. She'd never expected this ...it's Milt!

Milt had always looked to Doreen for support, encouragement, and friendship. Now he is seeing her with a baby in her arms ...someone else to nurture!

Milt listens as she tells him. Milt appears a bit choked up, "As soon I got back, I couldn't wait to look you up...my best friend throughout high school. I never expected to find you married ...but seeing as you are, I'm not surprised that it's Eddie. He always did beat in everything."

Next, it is Milt who tells his story. He shares about how he had escaped, and how he had been the one responsible for helping many others escape. Then he tells of some news that is very difficult to take ...almost impossible for Doreen to believe.

Even though many soldiers were missing in action, Milt tells Doreen that ...that is not the case for Eddie. Milt tells her that he had seen Eddie ...

...and Milt is the bearer of some grim news. This news is that Eddie had voluntarily stayed when they had stopped at the Mariana Islands ...and the reason he chose to stay behind is a young Vietnamese lady.

Doreen cannot believe what she had just heard, and she doesn't want to believe it either!

But then Milt hands Doreen a photograph. It shows Eddie, with his arm around a beautiful oriental lady, with long jet-black hair ...and in the photo, they are both smiling.

All Milt can say is: "I'm so sorry, Doreen!" But he wants to say more. He wants to say that Doreen's little girl should grow up having a daddy ...but that little girl should grow up never having to know about what he had just told Doreen.

And Milt has high hopes that the daddy will be another serviceman ...him! But he can't say anything that direct at this time.

Doreen collapses back into a chair ...and holds her little Mindy close, as she pours forth her tears.

Milt politely says goodbye ...he will return tomorrow to see how she is doing.

Doreen has terrible dreams that night! She wants to believe it is just a nightmare ...what she had just been told earlier in the day. But there has been no word about Eddie ...or from him. And that photograph keeps appearing in her mind. The images travel to her dreams, where Eddie and the Vietnamese girl are not just smiling ...they are laughing!

Milt visits the next day ...and brings her mail, as he walks up to her door. Doreen quickly looks through the mail ....only to find there is still no letter from Eddie!

Milt looks into Doreen's tear-ridden eyes, "Eddie told me not to tell you, but as good of friends as we've been through the years, I just can't support that sort of thing. He wants you to just assume what you will, that he is missing in action. I told him he should come home to you, that it was terrible to cut out on you like that, but he said he wanted to live his life with this other woman. He said he didn't want to hurt you, and that it would be better if you marry me, your high school sweetheart. I told him I wouldn't tell you about the other woman, but I feel you have the right to know."

Doreen doesn't know if she wants to hear this. But Milt feels she must hear it. "I stole the photograph from him just before I left. I feel you have the right to know. I also knew you'd find it impossible to believe unless I showed you actual proof."

Doreen continues to cry. Milt adds, "I'm going to leave now, but I don't want you to feel you are alone. Eddie has done a terrible thing ...and he doesn't deserve someone as wonderful as you. I want you to know I've always loved you ...and when you sort out all your feelings, I am here. And I'd like to marry you!" Milt kisses her on the forehead, and leaves.

Doreen has a difficult time falling asleep again ...as the clock's hour hand moves past midnight. She dreams again ...but this time Milt is in her dreams. She realizes it's true that Milt was always there. And those kind words he had said ...he is a true friend. She should have married Milt, instead of Eddie.

Doreen's dreams are filled with all the things Milt had lovingly said to her since he has returned from the war. Suddenly Doreen sits up in bed! Milt had seemed surprised that she was married, but then Milt had said he'd seen and talked to Eddie. Would Eddie not have mentioned that he was married to her? No, wait! Milt had said he'd told Eddie that it was terrible what he was doing, cutting out on her ...so he had known!

Doreen makes a phone call. It is a very important ...and long phone call. But it supplies the answers for what she feels she has to know!

What she had learned from the phone call, was that Eddie had heroically rescued Milt. He had also saved the life of a young Vietnamese woman and her baby. But right after that, while they were all celebrating, they had come under combat fire. Eddie reportedly held off the ambush, while the others escaped, but Eddie was injured. The report said he was taken captive. But with the combat troops coming home, wouldn't that mean the war is over? Wouldn't they release the prisoners of war? Or would it be, as always seems to be the case, that some just don't want it to end!

Doreen is hopeful, as all good wives must be ...but, in the back of her mind, she realizes that it is also possible he didn't survive his injuries.

Doreen had also been told that word was supposed to have been sent to her. But the difficult thing for her to cope with was that this news of Eddie's status was supposed to have been entrusted to a serviceman who was a good friend of Eddie. And that serviceman was ...Milt!

Doreen's dreams visit her again, as she sets Mindy down for a nap ...and she soon falls asleep too. In her dream, Eddie is weak from his injury, but his mind is as healthy as ever. Though he is still being held captive, he finds a way to get letters out. And he writes to Doreen to tell her that he is still alive ...and how much he loves her!

Doreen is so moved by her dream, early the next morning she drives to the Post Office. She questions to see who will be delivering her mail ...and after finding the correct carrier, she is shocked!

She can't believe it, but there it is ...a letter from her dear Eddie. Doreen rushes home and steams open the letter.

She reads the letter. In the letter, Eddie explains that he is still a P.O.W., but is doing everything he can to plan an escape. Even though the war is supposed to be over, not everyone has accepted that ...and he is held up in a remote area with very angry people.  It was very difficult to find anyone sympathetic to his cause, but it seems God has sent someone who sneaks out mail for him.  Eddie tells her to remain hopeful ...and that he loves her more than she could ever know!

Doreen cries! She hadn't known ...but she should have! She should never have doubted him!

But she has a plan of her own too ...the reason she had steamed the envelope open. So she carefully reseals it, and puts it in her mailbox.

Precisely when the mail arrives, Milt drives up. He picks up her mail and comes to the door, handing her the mail. And there is no letter from Eddie.

Doreen doesn't say anything at this time. And Milt does not stay long, but he is convinced he is winning her over.

Milt doesn't realize the tears he had seen were a different type of tears ...they were tears of joy. Doreen now knows how much Eddie really loves her ...and she is sure that Eddie will succeed in getting back with her.

Eddie will do everything in his power ...and she is certain he will succeed! Doreen feels terrible that she had doubted him. She had almost fallen for the deception of Milt. It is so disturbing, that during their friendship through all those years of school, she had never seen Milt as being capable of doing something like this.  It is so sad ...as it is anytime we lose faith in part of humanity.

Doreen waits until Mindy settles in for a nap. She sits there in the quiteness ...and prays for Eddie's safety. God is able to do anything ...and God hears our prayers.

Her dreams that night have a totally different focus. She has sweet dreams! Eddie loves her ...and he has done everything he can to continue to let her know that!

She wakes up several times throughout the night and prays each time. She wonders why everyone does not pray ...it's so much easier to cope with life, understanding it more clearly. But she sort of understands. She had just gone through a tremendous trial, only because she'd doubted and let the deception of other agendas influence her thoughts. The world is full of falsely promoted agendas. There are so many reasons and so many beliefs that draw us away from the truth. God loves us ...so much! And He has done everything to allow us to continue to know that! He guides us, and leads us ...as long as we don't lead ourselves away, or allow someone else to lead us. And when we get so confused, God provides a way to return to following Him. God's greatest revelation of His love ...was in sending His Son, Jesus!

If we believe in the love of God, then we must see how He has revealed that love. How can we not see that ...and how can we not want to share it? Even if only one person, as far away as on some island, accepts it ...it is the greatest investment!

We are investing in what God views as important, and with whom ...each and every one of us! All those who "invest" their lives in missions throughout the world, spreading the gospel, the "good news", of Jesus ...humbly, let me offer you my resounding, "Thank you!"