Teachers Saving Children® Inc. - National
Newsletter
Volume 12, Number 4
April 2002
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"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."
Salt, according to Webster, is "a crystalline compound..., abundant in nature, and is used especially to season or preserve food...." The very characteristic of saltiness proclaims a difference. We have all experienced that time when a very small amount of salt even in a large medium was at once noticeable to the taste or to the wound. Salt, essentially different from the medium in which it is placed, exercises all its qualities by being different.
One value of salt is its aseptic influence; thus preventing the spread of infection or corruption. However, when salt loses it saltiness, it has no "tang" or that quality in taste which is biting or sharp. There is nothing left to stop the spread of the infection or corruption; thus is has no aseptic influence.
Another value of salt is its positive influence, thus preventing something not yet corrupt from becoming corrupt. But when we lose our "saltiness", we become of no use or value to the cause for which we are involved. We are unable to prevent corruption from occurring.
Jesus Christ looked out over the multitudes of His day and saw the disintegration of life. Because of His great love for the multitudes, He knew that the thing they needed most was "salt" in order that the corruption could be stopped.
The words of Christ are also for today. We see the multitudes all around us who are living in circumstances of corruption. It is impossible for us to escape from the evil and corruption that is all around us. Thus, we are to become men and women who are willing to be "salt" among these multitudes of people within our places of employment, within our communities, within our neighborhoods...absolutely everywhere!
But how many of us are willing to do just that - to live in the midst of this evil world and really make a difference? Too often we have become comfortable with the way evil prevails, or we have become too busy to get involved, or we have decided that things will never change so instead we avoid anything that would bring conflict with others who think differently than we do. Yet we must be willing to live at a higher standard and to take a stand in order to be that aseptic and positive influence within the world around us.
In this Scripture passage, Christ is talking to His disciples. He knew that the church, like salt, would save by contact. The same is true of Teachers Saving Children®. For the past two years, Teachers Saving Children® has had the opportunity to be "salt" to thousands of attendees at the National Education Association pre-Representative Assembly exhibit exposition. For a total of three years we have had the opportunity, and will once again this summer have the opportunity, to make contacts and speak directly to hundreds of individuals. The expense has been great, but the cost truly worth every penny that has been spent on this wonderful ministry opportunity. Please continue to pray that the seeds of truth that have been planted will produce beautiful fruit.
However, as an organization, TSC can only do so much. The great hope for a change in today's society regarding the sanctity of life issue is for there to be an increasing number of individuals who are willing to be "salt" in a corrupt society. Our character is to be of a higher standard so that then we may exercise a positive influence upon those who need the truth. We need to be willing to be the vessels through which the Lord works in order for the hearts of men and women to change. We need to be open to each opportunity granted to us by the Lord to positively influence those who so desperately need to see and hear the fundamental truths of the development of human life in utero.
Are you (am I) willing to be the "salt" to the thousands of individuals who attend the NEA RA each summer? Are you (am I) willing to be the "salt" to the many individuals who are all around us every day of our lives? Are you (am I) willing to live such a life that individuals know, without a doubt, your (my) convictions regarding the sanctity of human life?
The task ahead of us is not too great for the power within us and behind us is greater; "for greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world" (I John 4:4). By our very life and presence in this world, we have the capability through Jesus Christ to halt the spread of corruption and give goodness its opportunity to blossom into beauty. Consider being the "salt of the earth" today and every day that the Lord grants to you (to me) the preciousness of life.
"Shake the Nation" originated in September 2001 as a pro-life coalition organizing in advance of any Supreme Court nomination. This new pro-life campaign, organized by Janet Folger who is the National Director of D. James Kennedy's CENTER FOR RELAIMING AMERICA, shows a united front among conservative groups after divisions occurred last August over President George W. Bush's decision on embryonic stem cell research. It is an advertising effort of 32 of the most respected pro-life organizations, including Family Research Council, Focus on the Family, and Life Issues Institute, who have joined together as never before. Joining this coalition are the three founders of abortion on demand who are now strongly pro-life: Norma McCorvey, "Jane Roe" of Roe v. Wade; Sandra Cano, "Mary Doe" of Doe v. Bolton (Roe's companion case that legalized late-term abortions); and Dr. Bernard Nathanson, a co-founder of the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL).
According to the "Shake the Nation" Web Site, the mission of the campaign is fourfold: 1) To be a voice for the voiceless; 2) To encourage the President to nominate pro-life justices; 3) To let the U.S. Senate know that millions of Americans support the confirmation of pro-life justices; and 4) To take this message to the American people via nationwide TV, Radio, and print ads.
The main focus of the campaign is to build support for pro-life Supreme Court appointments by preparing for the nomination process and focusing pro-life Americans from across the country on the issue in an effort to clearly communicate to the Senate and the White House the strong support for life that exists nationwide. The campaign began with TV ads in the Washington DC area. These ads are depicting the pro-life movement in a positive light. They will also show the pro-life movement as a strong, unified, winning team.
The second part of the campaign is the rattles. This part of the campaign involves the coordinated delivery of thousands upon thousands of baby rattles to each and every U.S. Senator. With each rattle is sent a clear message that abortion involves ending the life of a baby. Last fall, U.S. Senators began receiving baby rattles in the mail. "We hope that the sounds of those rattles will be a constant reminder of the children whose lives are at stake and of the voters who are watching closely to see protection for children restored in our life-time," stated Janet Folger to Focus on the Family (Focus on the Family magazine, January 2002, page 21).
Teachers Saving Children® is currently in the process of joining the coalition of pro-life organizations who are united behind the "Shake the Nation Back to Life" campaign. It is our hope that soon the information and necessary links will be included on our Web Site. In the meantime, individuals can read more about the campaign and send their senators a rattle package by visiting www.shakethenation.org.
We must be the voice for the helpless and the voiceless because a preborn child is unable to cry out for mercy. Help "Shake the Nation Back to Life" by participating in this historic campaign.
Sources: "Shake the Nation Back to Life" Web Site, "Shake the Nation" packet of materials, and Focus on the Family magazine (January 2002 issue).
By faith, the TSC Inc. - National Board of Trustees last fall made a decision to once again apply for exhibit space in the huge display area during the pre-RA activities. With God's help our exhibit puts the facts and the wonder of human development before the largest assembly of decision-makers in the teachers' union.
The purpose of our exhibit will be to once more promote and provide educational classroom materials especially for science and health teachers. TSC will be investing over $1100 for the exhibit space rental fee and miscellaneous fees. The Lord continues to miraculously provide the finances for this special ministry opportunity, and for that provision we are grateful.
This year the TSC Inc. - National Board of Trustees has made the decision to include the book Donnie Lost in the Cornfield by Judy Bruns, a very active TSC member. This book is about a young boy, born mentally handicapped, who wanders out of the yard to the cornfield on the edge of town. Family and neighbors worry until he is found. The "Donnie" story encourages a respect for children with disabilities. To purchase 500 copies of this book will cost TSC around $3000. It is our hope to raise the money needed for this purchase as well as other materials that will be given away free of charge. It is also our hope that the author will be present during the exhibit to do a book signing.
Prayerfully consider being a part of this special endeavor by sending in your contribution today.
Note: Please make checks payable to "TSC Inc. - National". Please carefully note how the amount given is to be designated ("NEA Exhibit") so that the contribution will be appropriately allocated.
1. Election of Officers for the 2002-2003 fiscal year was held. Connie Bancroft will serve as the Executive Director; Gary Winney will serve as the Assistant Executive Director; Gloria Hoelle will serve as Secretary; David Kaiser will serve as Treasurer.
2. The Board of Trustees passed the "Resolution Regarding Teachers Saving Children® Inc. of Michigan State Affiliate Chapter Incorporation". (See related article on Affiliate State Chapters)
3. The Board of Trustees discussed the TSC exhibit for the NEA Expo 2002. It was approved to purchase 500 copies of the book Donnie Lost in the Cornfield by Jury Bruns for distribution at the "Wonder of Life" exhibit. Monies for this purchase as well as other materials will need to be raised.
4. The Board of Trustees approved to join the coalition of pro-life organizations that are supporting the "Shake the Nation Back to Life" campaign. In addition, a link will be added to the TSC Web Site so individuals can become directly involved in the "Shake the Nation" campaign. (See related article)
Membership: As of March 31, 2002 there are 326 paid TSC members. TSC membership is open to all pro-life/pro-family educators and concerned citizens. Contributions and memberships are NOT tax deductible. Please note that according to the TSC Constitution & Bylaws, the membership year is from September 1 - August 31. Our membership drive for the 2002-2003 membership year will begin June 1st. Renewal membership information will be sent to all current members in early July.
TSC Inc. of MI, 4789 Section Road, Ottawa Lake MI 49267; tsc-mi@multimag.com.
Ohio: The Ohio TSC Board of Trustees met on March 2, 2002. An updated publicity brochure has been printed and multiple copies are now available. The Ohio TSC Chapter continues to cooperate with Ohio Life Issues Caucus.
TSC Inc. of Ohio, PO Box 125, Damascus OH 44619-0125; tsc-life@juno.com.
Pennsylvania: The Pennsylvania TSC Board of Trustees is meeting in early April. More information about the activities of this affiliation will be in the June newsletter.
TSC of PA Inc., PO Box 214, Pen Argyl PA 18072; tscofpa@earthlink.net.
Please take time to check out the Teachers Saving Children® Inc. - National web site, which includes information about the national organization and the three affiliate state chapters. It also includes copies of the TSC newsletters, brochures, and other published materials. Please be patient as there are still some pages that are "Under Construction". At the present time the web site will be updated bi-monthly.
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