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St. Peter's Lutheran Church and School September 1, 2002 Dear Friends in Christ, My name is Sonia Holder. I am the President of St. Peter's Lutheran Church. I am writing to invite and encourage you to participate generously in the David H. Benke Advocacy and Defense Fund. One year ago today, Pastor Benke was in New Orleans with 18 members of St. Peter's Youth Group when he suffered a heart attack and underwent emergency angioplasty. When he returned to New York, he promised us that he was going to take it easy. Then came September 11. And Pastor B initiated the Lutheran Disaster Response of New York, which has helped thousands of people with comfort and renewal. It hasn't been easy for him, but it has been and continues to be the right thing to do for all human beings in New York. Then came September 23, when Pastor B prayed for the Triune God's healing power in the precious Name of Jesus. He asked us whether he should go and said, "It's OK to pray," isn't it? We heartily agreed and were there with him in Yankee Stadium, praying along. He asked our Atlantic District Board, and said, "It's OK to pray," isn't it? They heartily agreed, and members of our sister parishes were there with him in Yankee Stadium, praying along. He asked President Kieschnick of the national LCMS and said, "It's OK to pray," isn't it? Our President heartily agreed. He granted his permission, and thousands upon thousands of LCMS members have since expressed their appreciation that Pastor Benke was there. They agree - "It's OK to pray." Since offering that comforting prayer, Pastor B has been called a murderer, an "errorist," and a "genuine terrorist." He has received death threats. Several weeks ago, 700 people gathered in support of prayer in public at our church. Now we have all been accused of "mass non-thinking hysteria ." What troubles us at St. Peter's is that these outrageous, slanderous accusations have been made mostly by pastors in our own denomination! Meanwhile, our Pastor has been suspended from the clergy roster! This is what we want to tell you, pastors: "It's OK To Pray!" In the Precious Name of Jesus, let God's people pray! Pastor B has been with us at St. Peter's for over 25 years as pastor and member. He and Judy are part of our families; when they hurt, we hurt. Prayer heals, by God's grace! The David H. Benke Advocacy and Defense Fund at St. Peter's is a way for all of us to help support, promote, protect and defend the mission and ministry positions of our congregation and the Atlantic District as Pastor Benke carries them out. Donations are held in a designated account, and are used to cover expenses associated with the defense of our positions and Pastor Benke's support and leadership of those positions, and to continue to spread the Good News of Jesus. Let the world continue to hear strong words of mission and ministry. Let all the world's people continue to receive our message as expressed by our Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Pastor, Dave Benke: "It's OK to pray." As justice is served by God's grace, any funds remaining will be designated for Missions. Please join us! Sincerely yours in Christ Sonia Holder, President |
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