Killer Concussions
In response to "Killer Concussions," written by Lydell Anderson, M.D. [March 2006], in a letter to the editor, I appreciate Dr. Anderson’s concern for my health as well as the health of any person who considers returning to physical activity after a concussion. While my efforts to compete less than 24 hours after my concussion may not have been the safest thing to do, I hardly feel as though it was irresponsible. While I did have a doctor’s approval to race, I have never promoted my sport of speed skiing to be the safest activity. I highly recommend every athlete thoroughly consider allowing the body to rest and heal before engaging in physical activity after a concussion. Readers should keep the context of the January article in mind, which was not to promote unsafe activity after a concussion, but rather the blessings provided by God which enabled us to glorify Him through a world class event. In my situation, I had put two years of utmost respect for my body and mind through extensive training for this one week of world competition, and I felt as though I had a responsibility to my team, my country, myself, and, most of all, my Lord, to get back on the horse and ride it.
Kyle Cummings
Team Jesus Water Ski Racing
World Champions USA
Via E-mail
Spirit-filled Ministries
Regarding "Spirit-filled Ministries Launches Nationwide TV Program," [March 2006], I'm excited to know that God's people remain active and seeking every opportunity to spread the gospel.
Larry Watts
Via E-mail
Golden Talents
Regarding "Fifth-Graders Share Golden Talents to Garner Help for Katrina Victims," [Feb. 2006]; Thanks so much for featuring this story. I love seeing our kids learning to help those in need!
Donna Hadley
Via E-mail
Too Adventist
I enjoyed the article about Arthur Branner and his colleagues in Iraq [Feb. 2006]. I am thrilled that even in that environment men can be open to accepting Christ and his transforming power.
However, I felt the article was too "typical Adventist" and didn't focus on the Savior. "Christopher's life has dramatically changed" — how? Only one thing was mentioned: "Both Givens and Furne have embraced the Adventist message and have even become vegetarians on their own accord." To non-Adventists this style of comment sounds arrogant.
Shouldn't it read something like, "After establishing a new and meaningful relationship with their Saviour, both men have chosen to follow His guidance to treat their bodies as His temple, and have adopted the vegetarian lifestyle," or something like that? Please connect the decision with their personal relationship with God.
We aren't supposed to win people to Adventism, but to God. It is obvious these men have a good story and have had a life changing experience. I'm sure that limited space for the article is a challenge. But as an Adventist wife of a non-Adventist husband, may I encourage you to explore your journalistic style.
Penny Clark Schmidt
Via E-mail
Abortion Letter
I cannot begin to tell you how horrified I am that a man on the Adventist Church payroll for 20 years, and no doubt receiving retirement benefits, would be so bold as to endorse abortion in a church paper! ["Abortion Commandment" by John V. Stevens, Sr., Letters to the Editor, March 2006] How he can make the nexus between right to life and freedom of worship based on two of the 10 Commandments? "Thou shalt not kill" being the undoing of the right to keep the seventh-day Sabbath is a stretch.
Mr. Stevens mentioned two places in the Bible that abortions are referenced. I don’t know how Mr. Stevens was able to construe abortion from these Bible references (Exodus 21 and Numbers 5). One can deduct from these Bible references that wrong deeds would break the law.
Kathleen Jones
Via E-mail
