“10,000,000 people are alive today in Africa because of you [Americans] and what President Bush and President Obama have done fighting the Aids epidemic,”  said Paul Hewson in a recent television interview. In a bi-partisan nod to American help in Africa, Hewson credited our country with saving a generation on the sub-continent from disease and famine. Better known as “Bono,” lead singer of the band “U2,” Hewson encouraged his audience to be justifiably proud of saving so many.
     At a time when government seems to major in gridlock, it is encouraging to hear that some of our country's efforts have resulted in hope and health and even life for millions. It is also encouraging when we look at the Bible translation and literacy, world missions, mercy and ministry work conducted at the local, regional, national and international levels by our individual congregations, entire synod, and partner churches. Church bodies like governments can sometimes get bogged down focusing on relative levels of dysfunction, but with the unction of God's grace He empowers us to function together to reach the lost as His Spirit eternally saves millions from eternal death!