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Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, March 25, 2020 -- THREE Death Notices Guest Editorial By Fr. Thankachan Joseph SDB These days when we are affected by the threat of Coronavirus something struck me from the bible. From the book of Old Testament, in the 2 nd book of Chronicle we read like this “whenever I hold back the rain or send locusts to eat up the crops or send an epidemic on my peo- ple, if they pray to me and repent and turn away from the evil they have been doing, then I will hear them in heaven, and forgive their sins, and make their land prosperous again” 2 Chronicles 7:13-14). Why Worry when We Can Pray and Take Necessary Precautions? Footprints in the Sand is a beautiful poem which is well-known. However, to remind you of this poem I am giving it below: One night I dreamed a dream. As I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, One belonging to me and one to my Lord. After the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that at many times along the path of my life, especially at the very lowest and saddest times, there was only one set of footprints. This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it. “Lord, you said once I decided to follow you, You’d walk with me all the way. But I noticed that during the saddest and most trouble- some times of my life, there was only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me.” He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you Never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you.” Until few weeks ago our lives have been normal, of course, with the usual ups and downs. Then all of a sud- den, we were hit with a pandemic – COVID-19 caused by Coronavirus. Now the whole world is reeling under the blow of this unforeseen infectious disease. First iden- tified in China, it has spread all over the world causing the deaths of thousands of people especially in China and Italy. The latest news that corona has taken nearly 16,000 lives already. There is lot of panic, fear, anxiety exists. Now we are all worried about what is going to happen since no successful vaccine has been found to combat this disease. In this alarming situation we know that God is with us, Emmanuel. (Mt 1:23) But do we believe that in this hurting time he is not only with us but he is really carry- ing us in his hands? Well, this is really the truth because we were created in his loving providence and it is under the umbrella of the same providence that we are passing through this crisis. Hence, what is needed is trust in his providence and surrender our lives into his hands. In the book of Deuteronomy we read, “There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place” (Deu- Patrick Kelly O’Donnell – Patrick Kelly O’Donnell, 40, son of Dennis and Peggy O’Donnell, died February teronomy 1:31). 28 in Austin, TX from injuries sustained from being The government has declared a time for quarantine, rear ended by a drunk driver on January 31. The driver to break the chain of spread of this virus. In the book of was arrested and blood alcohol was .20. There will be a Isaiah 26:20 we read, “Go into your house, my people celebration of life in Patrick’s memory on May 23, 2020. and shut the door behind you. Hide yourselves for a little while until God’s anger is over.” We also see in the gos- pel of John those who shut themselves in the room were Last week’s obituary for Shannon LuAnn Boor failed strengthened by the peace of Christ. That is why I say it to mention she is survived by two brothers, Richard Stiles a time to introspect oneself and get reconciled to Christ. of Manderson, WY and Andrew Scott of Joplin, MO. “It was late that Sunday evening, and the disciples were gathered together behind locked doors, because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities. Then Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you,” he said.” The Heppner Gazette Times will print all letters to the Editor with the following John 20:19 Yes, this is one of the times that we need his real criteria met: letters submitted to the newspaper will need to have the name the sender along with a legible signature. We are also requesting that you peace, we need Him Jesus to carry us through. And re- of provide your address and a phone number where you can be reached. The member, he is with us always as he promised, “I will be address and phone number will only be used for verification and will not be with you till the end of the ages” (Mathew 28:20). He is printed in the newspaper. Letters may not be libelous. The GT reserves the always with us in his word (Bible), in the sacraments, right to edit. The GT is not responsible for accuracy of statements made in especially in the Eucharist and in each one of us. What is letters. Any letters expressing thanks will be placed in the classifieds under important is that we love him and walk with him trusting “Card of Thanks” at a cost of $10. in his goodness and mercy. There is the story of a man who had a dream in which an angel appeared to him with a list of names in his hand. When the man saw the list, he became curious and asked the angel what the list was about. “It is the list of people who love God,” replied the angel with a smile. Getting and all false issues brought To the editor: hold of the list the man found his name was not in the Former Senator Cliff forth by his Democratic list. Immediately his face fell. Then the angel showed Bentz, who is running for colleagues. Eventually, he him another list and said that his name was included in Congressional District was uninvited from the that second list. It was the list of people whom God loves. No.2, held a meet and greet conversation because the Yes, God loves us dearly even when we do not re- at the Sage Center in Board- Democrats could not put member him and love him. And that is all the more reason man, Sunday March 15. forth a proposal that Cliff for us to turn to him and ask his special help to tide over There were approximately was not able to debunk or this heart-breaking crisis. Words like “Do not be afraid,” fifty folks who attended show it would not work. “Fear not” and “Be courageous” appear a few hundred and had a great opportu- Without conservative voic- times in the Bible and they are meant for us, to strengthen nity to meet Cliff and gain es at the table, the senators us and comfort us. Hence, as Jesus says, “Fear is useless; insight to his reason for this had no choice but to leave what is needed is faith” (Mark 5:36). Let us now hold on position. the state and block the pas- to our faith more than ever before and let us continue to Cliff is the only con- sage of the bill. pray with faith that our prayers will be answered. Cliff will listen to his servative choice for eastern St. Padre Pio used to remind people, “Why worry Oregonians to be represent- constituents and become when we can pray with hope?” Let us try to follow his ed in Washington DC. As a knowledgeable on any is- advice and try to pray constantly with hope and without state senator in the Oregon sue. He will vote in the way worry for an early end to this pandemic. Right now we legislature, he was instru- that is most conducive to cannot come together to pray as a community. However, mental in curbing SB2020, eastern Oregon. His back- united in faith and love we can pray in our homes for our in 2019. He has spent an ground in agriculture will well-being as well as the well-being of the whole human- enormous amount of time be an asset when the next ity. At the same time let us try to follow the guidelines of and effort to educate him- farm bill is constructed. He both civil and ecclesiastical authorities and take the nec- self on the “Cap and Trade” will support agriculture, essary precautions to avert this tragedy. I am reminded of issue. He was invited by the livestock and forestry. He is another scripture verse “Don’t worry about anything, but Democrat majority to help most interested in keeping in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always ask negotiate a fair outcome to jobs in eastern Oregon and him with a thankful heart” (Philippian 4:6). As I conclude SB 2020. He made 16 trips improving our rural life and this letter, I urge everyone of you, “When you pray and to Salem from Ontario to infrastructure. ask for something, believe that you have received it, and participate in the discus- Cliff Bentz is “Fighting you will be given whatever you ask for” (Mark 11:24). Let sions. His knowledge of for Rural Oregon.” us strengthen each other in our continuous prayers at this “Cap and Trade” put him in Respectfully submitted time of global catastrophe. Thank you and God Bless you. the position to counter any by Clinton R. Carlson Libraries offer virtual services Primary election to include county candidates All Oregon Trail Li- brary District branches are closed to the public pursu- ant to Executive Order No. 20-12 issued by Governor Brown, OTLD Director, Kathy Street, announced. Curbside service is no lon- ger available. If you need any assistance with your library card account, please leave your name and num- ber in a voice mail. Mes- sages will be checked daily. While the physical spaces are closed, your Library card gives you access to a world of digital content and other services, including downloadable magazines, eBooks, au- diobooks, and educational resources. Visit oregontrail. ploud.net to access digital content. If you need any assistance, please call your local branch. A staff person will be available to help you. You should also know: -We will be extending Most candidates run- ning for Morrow County positions will be seen on the primary ballot in May. The exceptions, due to two or less filing for the positions, are Morrow County Sheriff and Morrow County Clerk, who will appear on the general ballot in November. Quarantine is a time for introspection holds and due dates. If you have materials that are due during this closure, please keep them until libraries reopen or return to the book drops. -All inner library loans are suspended until libraries re-open. -Please keep items at home and do not put in drop boxes. -Library events and meeting room reservations are cancelled through Mon- day, April 13. We will con- tinue to monitor how long these spaces and programs will remain unavailable. -Visit our website at oregontrail.ploud.net for COVID-19 information and resources. We will also post information on our Face- book and Twitter accounts. Your health and safety, as well as that of our staff, volunteers and Friends of the Library is our top con- cern. Correction ~ Letters to the Editor ~ Bentz the only conservative choice We’re Here To Help! In these trying times, if you feel at risk, remember that we offer delivery and mail service. Our goal is to help you stay healthy. Call us! 217 North Main St., Heppner, OR Phone 676-9158 Floral 676-9426 murraysdrug.com www.murraysdrug.com Bobbi Childers has filed for Morrow County Clerk. Mark Pratt and Kenneth W. Matlack are running for Morrow County Sheriff. Candidates for Morrow County Commissioner, Po- sition One are Joseph B. Armato, Jim Doherty, Mi- chael H. Sweek and Joel R. Peterson. Sabrina L. Bailey Cave, Jaylene Papineau, Cody High and Erik L. Pat- ton have filed for Morrow County Treasurer. Running for Justice of the Peace are Theresa Crawford, Glen G. Diehl and Kelly L. Doherty. According to Oregon Secretary of State, Bev Clarno, Oregon’s May 19 primary election will con- tinue as planned. “Because Oregon votes by mail we do not have to be concerned about social distancing is- sues at polling places that so many other states are strug- gling with,” Clarno said. ““Many states are looking to implement our vote by mail system as a safer way to conduct elections in No- vember.” Due to the State guidelines regarding the Coronavirus outbreak, All Wheatland Insurance Offices will be closed to the public. Employees will be working in a secure location in order to continue taking care of business. Please call 541-422-7410 to talk with an agent regarding any of your insurance questions. You will be able to make premium payments during this time by calling 541-422-7410. Payments can be made by credit card or debit card. For cash payment options, please call the 541-422-7410 number to make arrangements. We all are praying this situation will be over very soon. Please be safe.
