Christian Times Magazine Issue 37 | Dec 2019

Anil Anwar CEO / Editor In Chief Charles Lingerfelt Managing editor & Senior Associate Publisher Editor Matt Snape Editorial Member David Clarke Raven Youngblood

CHRISTIAN TIMES MAGAZINE

ISSUE 37 / DEC Published in United States of America Copyright Š 2019 by Christian Times Magazine (CTM)

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, For permission requests, www.ctimesmag.com 972 - 533- 3804

DISCLAIMER THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THE ARTICLES ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHORS AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OFFICIAL OPINIONS OR POSITION OF CHRISTIAN TIMES MAGAZINE.

ISSUE 35 - SEPTEMBER 2019

CONTRIBUTORS Paul McCabe / David A. Colbert / Chris Grahn Howard / Charles Lingerfelt

P. O. Box 360722 Dallas, Texas 75336 972-533-3804 / ctm@ctimesmag.com WWW.CTIMESMAG.COM

EDITOR NOTE At Christian Times Magazine, our mission is to distinguish ourselves from those who are providing the world with fake news. We report on facts and we have a team of professional reporters and columnists who provide insightful analysis and accurate reporting on the breaking stories happening right now. We are a source of truth and tradition at a time when the world needs it most.

CTM has been established for some time and we are becoming a respected brand across the United States. To continue that success, we need support from our readers, who make everything we do possible.

CTM News TV channel now on ROKU TV, which shows how well Christian Times Magazine is doing across our nation. But again, we cannot make these accomplishments happen without your support. Together, Christian Times Magazine's readers and writers can Make America Great Again.

Yours Sincerely,

Anil Anwar CEO / President

ctm@ctimesmag.com

www.ctimesmag.com

972-533-3804

Inside

www.ctimesmag.com

YOUR GUIDE TO ISSUE NO.37

FLOYD MCLENDON – PERSON OF THE YEAR 2019 SPECIAL INTERVIEW WITH FLOYD MCLENDON

14

MY MESSAGE TO THE SYRIAN KURDS

By Charles Lingerfelt

DEMOCRATIC-CONTROLLED HOUSE IMPEACHMENT OF TRUMP SETS THE STAGE FOR A TRIAL IN SENATE CTM News

20

10 19

MAKE AMERICA ONE NATION UNDER GOD AGAIN

By David A. Colbert

Inside

www.ctimesmag.com

YOUR GUIDE TO ISSUE NO.37

23

REFLECTIONS AND PREDICTIONS

By Chris Grahn Howard

25

REGRESSIVE RHODE ISLAND

By Paul McCabe

I ONCE HEARD, “SOME ARE BORN GREAT, SOME ACHIEVE GREATNESS AND OTHERS HAVE GREATNESS THRUST UPON THEM.”

31

30

THE GATE OF HEAVEN: A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE – TRUE STORY FROM WORLD WAR II

CTIMESMAG.COM

PAGE 10

Floyd McLendon – Person Of The Year 2019 Special Interview with Floyd McLendon

CHARLES: Please Tell Us About Yourself

FLOYD:I am a Christian, conservative with a strong faith

in

God.

I

am

husband,

and

a

father

of

four

wonderful boys. I am a military veteran of 25 years with a passion to serve my fellow American brothers and sisters.

I am avid about physical training and I love going to the movies. The little free time I have while running for Congress is spent with my wonderful wife,

Melinda,

to

nourish

our

souls

through

physical

exercise, attending church, going to the movies, reading, and prayer.

CHARLES: Give Us a Brief Summary of Your Life?

FLOYD:

Born in 1973 to two, southern rooted parents

who sought Chicago as a place of opportunity. I grew up on the south-side of Chicago, IL. I am the youngest (and biggest) of five. Four siblings; three brothers, and a sister.

Graduated high school, Harold L. Richards, in 1991 and joined the U.S. Navy in 1992, became an Electronic Technician,

specialized

in

Radar

and

Satellite

Communications. In 2005, after six years of preparation and training, I became a U.S. Navy SEAL. My 25 years of

military

service

consisted

of

five

deployments,

spanning over five continents and 24 countries. In 2017, while serving my last year in the Navy, I was a military, legislative fellow for a North Carolina Congressman in Washington, D.C. Upon completion of my fellowship, I retired

to

the

great

state

of

Texas.

My

first

year

of

retirement, I traveled, as a professional speaker, across the

country

talking

to

various

professional

teams,

collegiate athletes, and corporations about the importance of mental conditioning. Afterwards, I served 15 months as the Executive Aide to the Texas Attorney General. A few months ago, I departed the Office of the Attorney General – Texas to run my Congressional campaign full-time.

CTIMESMAG.COM

PAGE 17

CHARLES: Why Are You Running for the Position of

CHARLES: What prompted you to Join The U S

US Congressman?

Navy?

FLOYD:I believe it is a natural progression from my

FLOYD: After my first year of college, I realized the

previous

our

only reason I went was to get away from home and the

country. As a legislative fellow in Washington D.C., I

streets of Chicago. I had no academic vision or plan, and

saw first hand the good Representatives who are there for

it was reflective in my grades. The Navy gave me an

the right reasons: represent the people, create and pass

opportunity to not go back home, provide financially for

legislation that is conducive to the continued success of

myself, and mature to find my purpose in life.

life

and

military

experiences

of

serving

our country. But there are too few of them. I want to join them in the fight, increase our numbers and support to

CHARLES: In Your Opinion, What best qualifies you

defeat the Democrats’ false ideologies for the

to be a congressman?

direction of our country.

FLOYD:

Before anyone leads, it is best they first serve.

CHARLES: How long have you lived in Texas and

As a veteran of our military, for 25 years, I served the

District 32?

American people, and our country. As a husband and father, I serve my family. As a Christian, since I was a

FLOYD:

Texas: 2 years, 4 months. - District 32: 6

months

little boy, I have and continue to serve God. My life, personal and professional, experiences as a servant has culminated into this moment, which I believe is most

CHARLES: Please Tell Us Some of Your Experiences

suited to be the voice in Congress for District 32 of

as a U S Navy SEAL:

Texas.

FLOYD: Humility – When I chose the profession, I did

CHARLES:

not know how to swim. Committing to something I knew

Congressman Than Your Opponent?

very

little

about

and

having

no

experience

with

Tell

Us

Why

You

Will

Be

A

Better

the

required preparation, enforced a humble attitude. Because

FLOYD: I am the one authentic, grassroots conservative

the amount of time and effort needed to improve and be

in this race. I have a 25+ year record of service to

successful taught me the true meaning of hard work,

country, and causes greater than self. I have sacrificed for

perseverance, and pain.

freedom, and am willing to do so again.

Growth Into Service – Each day was built on the days

CHARLES: Why Do You Call Yourself A

before

Constitutional Conservative Republican?

and

the

complexity

of

my

actions

were

increasingly scrutinized because, in the unlikely event I fell short, the ramifications would severely affect my teammates, team, and country. My thoughts, words, and actions were no longer my own. I grew into thinking, speaking, and acting in the best interest of the men and women

who

entrusted

their

well-being

to

me.

As

Congressman, I will continue to do the same. Faith – Most days, in training and real world operations, I didn’t know if I would be standing at the end of the day. It

FLOYD: Our Constitution is sacred. It’s what binds us all together as Americans and creates the rule of law that protects our citizens every day. We must stick together as Conservatives to fight against those who want to limit our free speech and prevent our right to bear arms. When I am Congressman, fighting for our Constitution and our rights as American citizens will be central to my core objectives.

required blind faith in God, blind faith of trust in my teammates to keep me safe, blind faith that I prepared enough to contribute to a successful mission, and blind faith,

in

the

unlikely

event

I

fell,

that

my

family,

teammates, team, and country knew I served them well.

CHARLES: Why Are You Running As A Republican?

CTIMESMAG.COM

PAGE 12

FLOYD: Individual Responsibility. Republicans fight for

FLOYD: Impeachment is a distraction and a sham. The

the individual and for freedom of choice in our daily

Democrats are using it to avoid the fact that their entire

lives. We believe in a system that provides equal

policy

opportunities for all, rather than a select protected few.

resonate with the majority of the country. Since they can’t

We believe that individuals should have the choice as to

win the debate, Democrats are using impeachment to

how to spend their hard earned paychecks, rather than

disrupt our duly, elected President and interfere with his

redistribute it through the government. Individual

mandate to govern this country. As Congressman, I will

responsibility is how I survived as a Navy SEAL, and it’s

fight for the President and fight for the policy issues he

what I look forward to fighting for in Congress.

stands for.

CHARLES: What Will Be Your First Priorities When

CHARLES: What Can We Do To Stop The Bitter

You Are Elected?

Partisan Divide in America?

FLOYD:

FLOYD:

Making sure our fellow Americans are safe

platform

is

built

on

stale

ideas

that

doesn’t

The American people are most influenced

and our country is secure. This encompasses securing our

through visual actions of the leaders in our country. As

southern

leaders, we must show the American people that we can

border.

Currently,

our

open

borders

are

the

gateway to human, sex, and drug trafficking. Through

respectfully

teamwork

without personally attacking one another. We need to

with

fellow

Conservative

Representatives,

implement an improved comprehensive healthcare legislation

affords

American

other’s

perspective,

encourage, through our respectful actions towards one another, social media and TV to focus on unification, not divide. Most importantly, the people are the pulse of our

and

country and individual responsibility is paramount. Each

healthcare

people

each

healthcare provider options, less restrictions on doctors, costly

the

with

more

less

that

disagree

premiums.

Build

a

communications bridge between the civilian sector and

of

us

are

military veterans to eliminate misunderstanding about

another.

responsible

for

loving

and

caring

for

one

military veterans and their perceived role in corporate America.

CHARLES: How Can you Defeat The Democrats in Dallas County in 2020?

CHARLES: What Is Your Assessment of President trump's Administration So Far?

FLOYD: We need courageous Conservatives who draw bright

line

distinctions

with

the

progressive

left,

not

FLOYD: What you won’t read in the news is that this

milquetoast candidates who blur the differences. Voters

Administration has several notable achievements that

need to know the clear differences, that they have a

have promoted this country and elevated Conservative

choice, and that choice is more jobs and more money in

principles. Take China for example. Unlike the previous

their pocket versus socialist schemes that spend all their

Administration, President Trump has the courage to take

hard-earned money on failed, big

on China, a country that many believe is America’s most

government ideas.

formidable adversary. From foreign policy and trade to immigration, taxes, and the economy, this Administration

CHARLES: Are You In Support of President

has strengthened our nation and enriched the lives of

Trump's Border Wall?

millions of Americans across the country.

FLOYD: Absolutely! Securing our southern border will CHARLES: Do You Feel That the Democrats Are

be my first priority as Congressman. The border wall is

Focusing Too Much On Impeachment So Far? Why?

only part of the solution. We must provide the necessary manpower, training, and resources for our border patrol

FLOYD: Impeachment is a distraction and a sham. The

agents to ensure they are efficiently and effectively

Democrats are using it to avoid the fact that their entire

capable of their duties.

policy platform is built on stale ideas that doesn’t

CTIMESMAG.COM

PAGE 13

CHARLES: What Is Your Favorite Achievement of

CHARLES: What Was Your Greatest Achievement

President Trump So Far?

As A U S Navy SEAL?

FLOYD: President Trump doesn’t back down from

FLOYD: To have served with some of the finest men

foreign leaders. He isn’t beholden to special interest

and women who selflessly put themselves in harm’s way,

groups, and he fights to protect hardworking Americans.

who trusted in me to fight along side them, and had faith

If I had to select one item, it would be immigration. As a

that I was prepared mentally, physically, and spiritually

border state, Texas bears the brunt of the violence and

to perform my duties as a war fighter for this great nation.

hardships associated with illegal immigration. President Trump understands the problem and is the leader we need

CHARLES: Who Was/Is Your Greatest Role Model?

to cut through the bureaucracy and party politics to secure the border. Millions of Texas are grateful for his efforts to

FLOYD: My mother, Maxine McLendon, is my greatest

secure the border and protect Americans, and I look

role model. We lost her to liver cancer in 2001. In her

forward to assisting these efforts in Congress.

mid 20’s, with only $20 in her pocket, she took the bus from Mississippi to Chicago. It took an enormous amount

CHARLES: When You Become a U S Congressman,

of courage to trail blaze such a path for her children. The

Will You Be a Consistent Constitutional Republican

sacrifices and perseverance I witnessed her endure to

Congressman, and Not Waiver From Your Standards

provide a better situation, a better moment for those

in Washington - No Matter The Opposition?

around her humbles me to this day. For decades, she put her dream of becoming a nurse on hold until her kids

FLOYD: Yes! As a military veteran, U.S. Navy SEAL,

were grown and out of the nest. She never lost sight of

husband, and father, the consistency of standing firm on

her dream and became a nurse. After her passing away, I

principles rooted in God, Constitution, and Conservative

learned she persevered through immense discomfort and

values, in the face of adversity, has been proven for

pain for years, suffering with cancer. Out of necessity, in

decades.

the last couple weeks of her life, did she share this particular journey. My mother walked the life of a servant

CHARLES: Are You A Pro Life Candidate? Why?

to others and things greater than herself. If I accomplish half of her achievements, I will consider

FLOYD: Human life is a sacred gift from a loving Creator. Scripture says He knew us before we were in the womb, that he has knitted us together perfectly. We need to protect unborn life, promote alternatives to abortion such as adoption, and appeal to the hearts and souls of the next generation of Americans to choose life.

CHARLES: Are You a Strong Believer In The Second Amendment? Why?

FLOYD: Yes, I believe Americans have a constitutional right to defend themselves, and no laws passed at the federal, state or local level should infringe on that basic right. Gun control laws give advantages to criminals who refuse to obey laws. Every law-abiding citizens should have the right to own and possess firearms in furtherance of their self-defense.

myself blessed beyond measure.

C T I M E S M A G . C O M

P A G E

1 4

My Message to The Syrian Kurds

By Charles Lingerfelt, CTM Associate Publisher On 7 October 2019, the American Troops began to pull

poolside and those two families told me who they and

out of Northern Syria at the request of their Commander-

their ancestors were. I listened, and I learned. I was “all

in-chief, President Donald Trump of the United States.

ears.”

There had been a small contingency of troops there for a number of months, and the President felt that it was time

In all my travels to Kurdistan: ‘the land of The Kurds,’ I

to “bring the troops home.”

have traveled to and through the Southeastern parts of Turkey. Cizre is one of those places I’ve gone through,

At first, it disturbed me quite a bit; and it did many

including the province in which it exists. I have seen

thousands of American citizens as well. We felt that it

hundreds of Kurds who live there, and have talked with

was not a good move for the president at this time,

many of them. And I have always been

especially while we are in an election period. And then

treatment they have received from the Turks. For much of

too, it would be viewed by The Kurds around the world

the time, the Turks do not even treat the Kurds with

as

human dignity and care. It’s shameful how the Kurds are

“just

another

backstab!”

Backlash

followed

his

decision and the Troop “pullout” almost instantly and

shocked at the

treated in that part of the world.

even many Democrats came aboard to ‘gang-bang’ the president; although we Americans believe the Democrats

All of the above is presented so that you, the reader, may

don’t give him credit for ANYTHING he does!

know and understand who The Kurds really are – and from whence they have come.

As many of our readers know, I have worked among the Kurds for many years and have established very good

The Ottoman period of time has always been of keen

relationships with them around the world.

interest to me because my paternal Grandfather fought in Turkey during World War I and used to talk with us

I have traveled extensively to the Middle East since June

grandkids about his time in the U S Army. He had a few

1980

black and white photos of him and his buddies while they

-

building

relationships

with

people

in

Israel, and

were in Turkey with British troops “pulling down” the

Dubai. I have been a close friend to the Kurds for more

Ottoman empire. When Sultan Selim I, after defeating

than 32 years and I have made 24 trips(as of 2018) to

Shah Ismail I in 1514, annexed Western Armenia and

Kurdistan since 2006. All of these trips have been to

Kurdistan, he entrusted the organization of the conquered

build

the

territories to Idris, the historian, who was a Kurd of Bitlis.

people in the Middle East. By so doing, there could be a

He divided the territory into sanjaks or districts, and,

development of greater understanding of the people in

making

America. It is my opinion that there could be an ongoing,

heredity, installed the local chiefs as governors. He also

viable foreign relationship to prevent misunderstandings.

resettled the rich pastoral country between Erzurum and

It has become my pleasure to know and be friends with

Erivan, which had lain in waste since the passage of

many hundreds of people from The Middle East; and

Timur, with Kurds from the Hakkari and Bohtan districts.

thousands of Kurds around the world.

For the next few centuries, from the Peace of Amasya

Lebanon,

and

Jordan,

Syria,

establish

Iraq,

Iran,

long-lasting

Doha,

Qatar,

relationships

with

no

attempt

to

interfere

with

the

principle

of

until the first half of the 19th century, several regions of I first became friends with The Kurds in the summer of

the wide Kurdish homelands would be contested as well

1987 when I met two Kurdish families right here in North

between

Dallas. Prior to that, I had never met Kurds and I didn’t

successive Iranian dynasties (Safavids, Afsharids, Qajars)

know who The Kurds were. That day we sat by the

in the frequent Ottoman-Persian Wars.

the

Ottomans

and

the

neighboring

rival

C T I M E S M A G . C O M

P A G E

1 5

The Ottoman centralist policies in the beginning of the

Today in 2019, The Turks yet have not learned to relate

19th

to

century

aimed

to

remove

power

from

the

The

Kurds

very

well

and

The

Turks

still

feel

principalities and localities, which directly affected the

‘threatened’ and intimidated by them. The relationship is

Kurdish emirs. Bedirhan Bey was the last emir of the

not very good between the two of them at all. To put it

Cizre Bohtan Emirate after initiating an uprising in 1847

lightly, The Turks have for years maintained a HATE

against the Ottomans to protect the current structures of

against the Kurds, and really want to “wipe them out!”

the Kurdish principalities. Although his uprising is not classified

as

a

nationalist

one,

his

children

played

In 1987, when I met the two Kurdish families, which I

significant roles in the emergence and the development of

spoke about earlier, they carefully took time with me and

Kurdish nationalism through the next century.

educated

me

a

great

deal

about

the

Kurds

and

the

traditions of the Kurds. I walked away that day with a The first modern Kurdish nationalist movement emerged

great love and appreciation in my heart for the people,

in 1880 with an uprising led by a Kurdish landowner and

their traditions and culture. I have never forgotten them,

head

and never will; because it was on that day that God

of

the

Ubeydullah, outright

powerful

who

Shemdinan

demanded

independence

for

family,

political Kurds

Sheik

autonomy

as

well

as

or

‘opened my eyes’ and gave me a love and appreciation

the

for these people who have endeared themselves to me and

recognition of a Kurdistan state without interference from

my family – and me to them.

Turkish or Persian authorities. The uprising against Qajar Persia

and

the

Ottoman

Empire

was

ultimately

As we talked together, the two Kurdish families and me,

suppressed by the Ottomans and Ubeydullah, and along

they

with other notables, were exiled to Istanbul.

happening in The Middle East at that time. There was a

communicated

to

me

more

clearly

what

was

war going on then, between Iraq and Iran. To me, it was Kurdish nationalism emerged after World War I with the

just another “Middle Eastern war;” or so I thought up

dissolution of the Ottoman Empire which had historically

until that time. The Kurdish families were able to give to

successfully integrated (but not assimilated) the Kurds,

me a different perspective of what was happening.

through use of forced repression of Kurdish movements to gain independence. Revolts did occur sporadically, but

In

only in 1880 with the uprising led by Sheik Ubeydullah

conversations I have had with many hundreds of Kurds

did

since

the

Kurds

as

an

ethnic

group

or

nation

make

my

own

2006,

personal

I

believe

opinion,

there

were

based

upon

all

WMDs(Weapons

the

of

demands. Ottoman sultan Abdul Hamid responded with a

Mass Destruction) and were secretly moved into Syria

campaign of integration by co-opting prominent Kurdish

just before the beginning of The Iraq War(2003).

opponents to strengthen Ottoman power with offers of prestigious positions in his government. This strategy

If you truly want to know, without any doubt whatsoever,

appears

loyalty

IF

during

Iraq, just ask a Kurd.

to

displayed

have

by

been

the

successful

Kurdish

given

Hamidiye

the

regiments

there were “Weapons of Mass Destruction,” found in

World War I. Further yet, allow me to take you to my dear young The Kurdish ethno-nationalist movement that emerged

Kurdish friend, whose family was gassed at Halabja, but

following

she survived the attack, and You can ask her if there were

World

War

I

and

the

end

of

the

Ottoman

Empire was largely a reaction to the changes taking place in

mainstream

secularization, abhorred,

to

threatened

the

Turkey, which

the

primarily

the

strongly

centralization local

‘weapons of Mass destruction’ in Iraq.

radical

Muslim

Kurds

She was less than 10 years old at the time of the gassing

authority,

which

and only survived because she lay on the ground, in a

Kurdish

hiding position – and the wind blew the smells of the gas in an opposite direction from her. Her family perished

nationalism

that day at Halabja.

the

of

the

autonomy. And it threatened as well the rampant Turkish in

power

of

to

new

chieftains

Turkish

and

Republic,

obviously threatened to marginalize them.

which

C T I M E S M A G . C O M

P A G E

1 6

In March 2003, on the Saturday after the Wednesday of

On the one hand, I am so very proud of our troops, who

the

I

constantly have paid a terrific price for their dedication

founded in 1998, NORTH TEXAS FREEDOM RALLY,

and constant service to this nation and our Commander-

conducted a rally in downtown Dallas. It was a “Support

in-chief. Too, our troops are constantly helping other

the

people and their quest for liberty and freedom. In that

start

of

Troops

The

Iraq

Rally”

War,

and

the

was

organization

attended

by

which

over

3,000

persons who came to show support for our Troops who

search, they have always remained true!

were ‘called up’ to war in Iraq. It was attended by more than 1,500 Kurds, mostly coming from all over North

Then on the other hand, I feel this tug in my spirit: a “pull

Texas. It was a great day of support for our troops and

at the strings of my heart,” which has been loyal to my

was covered by every TV/NEWS outlet in DFW. An

sweet friends, my loving friends in the Middle East - The

AP(Associated Press) reporter came up to me afterwards

Kurds. They’ve been my friends for many years! And

to interview me and said, “Mr. Lingerfelt, are you aware

when you have friends, devoted as they are and loving as

that there were over 3.000 people here today in your

they are, you just don’t ”give up on them!”

Rally?” And I said, “No, I wasn’t aware of the number – but I knew we had many here.” He finished his interview

I have had this deep love for the Kurdish people for such

and told me he would be posting his article later in the

a long period of time that you just don’t “turn your backs

afternoon.

on your friends!“ My friends are Kurdish families, their children and youth, and the Peshmerga: Generals, officers

During the rally, it rained on us, but no one cared, and we

and all. I have worked with their Kurdish Education

all remained there standing in the rain in support of our

Department, their colleges and universities; and it is so

Troops who were enduring much more than rain in Iraq.

difficult to write and speak these words right now because my emotions have been so raw!

The Kurds know me and trust me – and I know them and Trust them as well. They are our friends in the Middle

But I awoke this morning with a new faith and vigor, a

East. They love us – They love America, and they love

new hope that God was leading our president, and that

Americans. They helped our Troops in the fight against

God was yet in control in the Middle East!

ISIS. They actually became “Our Boots on the ground” in

how you feel about the current situation, and no matter

the fight against ISIS! They are a reasonable and open-

what you think - our trust just Has to be in God and in

minded people. They are dependable people and I have

Him alone.

found

it

easily

to

build

relationships

with

the

No matter

Kurds

through the years.

We

absolutely

MUST

TRUST

HIM

with

every

circumstance and each situation! We have said for many When the modern Middle East was carved out, following

❤

years, ‘In God We Trust!’ Now, Let’s Do It!

the fall of the Ottoman Empire and mapped anew at the end

the

I am reminded of a verse of Scripture I learned many

mountainous Kurdish region was divided by the borders

of

World

War

I

by

the

British

and

French,

years ago as a teenager: “Some trust in chariots and some

of Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. The Kurds lost out on

in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our

those nation-stakes. There is no Kurdistan on the map,

God.”(Psalm 20:7)

and this is a continuing factor in Middle Eastern politics, as the Kurds have been rebelling against this status now

There is a Prophecy in The Old Testament of The Bible,

for nearly a century.

in

Isaiah

17,

which

speaks

of

‘The

Destruction

of

Damascus.’ I believe that destruction is very soon “at the What I specifically want to say to The Syrian Kurds now

door.”

That’s

why

I’m

calling

on

You,

My

Syrian

is this: “Get out of Damascus and get as far away from it

Kurdish friends, to “Get Out of Damascus, and take all of

as you possibly can!” It is for Your very own safety that I

your families with You.”

tell you this! I have mixed emotions as I view this photo below. It is a photo of our American troops departing

I believe the vengeance of The Turks and Erdogan is

from northern Syria on 7 October 2019.

about to be unleashed against Northern Syria. And when

C T I M E S M A G . C O M

P A G E

1 7

that happens, our president, President Donald Trump is NOT going to like it and he is going to react with anger – and “all Hell is going to break loose!” It is best for You, my dear friends to leave Damascus and get totally away from ‘The Hellfire.’

My love for You ALL is real and intact. I Love you with the Love of God. We are

Praying for You and Your safety! Please take care of yourselves and your families.

Remember, God Loves You and I Love You too!

Sincerely,

Mr. Charles Lingerfelt Dallas, Texas On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charles.lingerfelt1

Merry Christmas

C T I M E S M A G . C O M

P A G E

1 9

Democratic-controlled House impeachment of Trump sets the stage for a trial in Senate

PHOTO SOURCE CHELSEA STAHL / NBC NEWS

The impeachment of President Trump in the Democratic-controlled House on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress sets the stage for a historic trial next month in the Republican-controlled Senate on whether he should be removed from office.

The mostly party-line votes on Wednesday in the Democratic-controlled House came after long hours of bitter debate that reflected the partisan tensions in a divided America and made President Trump the third U.S. President to be impeached.

GOP argued that Democratic Party was using a rigged process to nullify the 2016 election and influence President Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign, while Democrats lawmakers said President Trump’s actions in pressuring Ukraine to investigate former vice President Joe Biden, a leading Democratic presidential contender, were a threat to U.S democracy.

The Senate’s top Republican Party, Senator Mitch McConnell, has predicted there is “no chance” his chamber will remove President Trump. Speaker Nancy Pelosi said after the vote she would wait to name the House managers, who will prosecute the case until she knew more about the Senate trial procedures.

CTM NEWS

C T I M E S M A G . C O M

P A G E

2 0

Make America One Nation Under God Again

By David A. Colbert In this Country today lies appear to have become the

violence will continue, because nation without God is out

norm. The last few months and years in portions of our

of control. In the news lately we have had to endure an

government. The lie is too easily accepted. Unfortunately,

impeachment inquiry from the far left Democratic Party.

this tells us that the father of lies Satan is gaining more

This attack on President Trump will end soon with a vote

and more ground in the USA.

in the Senate, but I predict we have not seen the last of the Democratic Party Antics.

The recent fiasco in the House of Representatives proves that they are in the need of Jesus to guide them to the

The process we have recently seen in Congress reminds

right

me of when I was not a believer in who Jesus was. I tried

path

as

our

Nation’s

Representatives;

especially

those in the Democratic Majority.

to dismiss those who told me about him as weak minded people. I was wrong, but the same stubbornness I had

I have lived in the USA for all of my life and I have never

against the truth is the same stubbornness I see in the

witnessed anything like this present Impeachment attempt

House of Representative.

on a Duly elected President with no supporting evidence.

I feel that the Democratic house has lost

touch with

reality.

What I believed did not change who Jesus was, and neither will anyone who tries to overcome the truth. If you refuse to believe the truth, then all that’s remains is a

As we prepare to vote in the 2020 elections, I believe as

lie. The facts are that nothing will change the lie, no

the

matter how many times you repeat it. At the end of the

American

people

we

need

to

be

educated

and

informed. We need to know what is occurring in our

day it will still be a lie.

government. We need to vote our conscience.

I am excited about the upcoming 2020 election year, and I

have

been

amazed

at

the

hatred

displayed

against

Lord willing I will be here to enjoy. I expect that by

President Trump. You would think he deliberately hurt

February of next year the Democratic Party will have

somebody. I think the Democratic Party is afraid of his

some new horse to ride in on, for their attack against

influence with the American people.

President Trump.

We need to start bringing back God to our schools and

Since the Democratic Party has turned their case over to

places of business. We wonder why there is so much

the House Judiciary Committee. They have started their

violence in our schools and workplaces . We need to

assault on the American people with their socialist style

return God to his rightful place in the school districts and

bills they are trying to send to the Senate for passage.

our governments.

I know in the coming year we are going to see a lot of I feel optimistic about this upcoming year. I believe He is

new issues coming down the pike from the Democratic

going to do great things in the USA and around the

controlled House. I believe the Republican Party will be

world. I am growing weary of those who want to write

ready after the Impeachment fiasco.

God out of our educational systems. God will not stay where He is not wanted. If you reject God then theÂ

President Trump poised and ready for anything they

C T I M E S M A G . C O M

P A G E

2 1

throw his way. I am looking forward to see the fruit from the new USMCA as well.

The Christmas season is upon us and with the improved economic conditions retailers can expect a banner year. It is good to see so many people back to work.

I noticed something that was overlooked by many. The Democratic Party is

trying their best to force recession, but it is not working thanks to President Trump’s commitment to Make and Keep America Great.

I will be watching in the coming year the good things a working President will have done now, and in his next term.

The Democratic Party wants to unseat him, but he has won again over another impeachment sham. I am encouraged that we finally have a President who believes that he has been placed in office by the people, for the people and he is of the people.

I think that we will see a lot more plans and programs for the good of our country in the near future. He is cleaning the swamp, and he is going to help Keep America Great. Thank you for reading this article. Please tune into Straight Talk With David Colbert on CTM News-The Voice of Truth Monday thru Friday at 8:15pmET .This is David Colbert saying God Bless America and The World

davidcolbert624@gmail.com (Leave your comments and I will read them)

C T I M E S M A G . C O M

P A G E

2 3

Reflections and Predictions

By Chris Grahn Howard Last month I wrote on the planned impeachment of the

and keep moving and hitting back. Two, despite the best-

President. The hearings are over, and the report is being

timed

issued...

opponents

there

aaaaaand‌.nothing.

would

Honestly,

I

had

thought

never

seem

to

land

a

clean

Trump, shot

on

his him.

was

this time and time again.

Democrats

the

of

warfare. I have written on this before, and Trump proves

the

that

defenses

would last longer into the primary cycle. The truth? There there;

there...there,

lowered

Finally, Trump wages asymmetric and unconventional

little

more

and

hearings

so

be

shots

could

not

even

accomplish that. Will they vote to impeach? I think they don't want to go there but have no choice now. They will

Imagine if the republicans and Trump have the goods on

vote to impeach. They will make the best of it. They, as

the democrats and use the impeachment trial to unload?!

do we, already know the outcome. The real question here

Every day there will be a new revelation, accusation, and

is, who does the most damage to the other side?

condemnation by the President of his many accusers. The national Press will not be able to keep up and will have

Trump will be made to look bad and may look wrong.

no choice to try, to report and to comment on the trial.

However, Trump will win this battle on more than one

Could

front. Legally, most importantly, he will win. There is no

elections for the democrats? Ironic when one considers

proof of quid pro quo. There is no, has been no proof of

that every republican consultant is convinced that 2020

any

even

will be a bad year for the GOP despite what most believe

honestly attempted such. Trump will win, he will have

will be a Trump win in November. Right now, many

the final word, and the democrats are in a real quandary.

Republicans are not raising money or even considering

They know they have already lost. The newest polls show

running due to the "Trump effect," ‌which will prove to

the majority of the American people have little or no

be a positive and not a negative.

collusion

and

no

proof

that

the

President

this

be

the

worst-case

scenario

for

the

2020

interest in impeachment and believe it is all political.

Worse, the majority of people are waiting to see what the

"It's the Economy ‌Stupid" this was the mantra of the

President has to say in rebuttal. Now, people who see

'90s

themselves as Democrats are not going to support Trump,

American politics and will be for some time to come.

but that does not translate into support for impeachment.

Being the case, Trump is looking good going into 2020,

and

the

Clinton

era.

It

is

a

universal

truth

of

and this may prove to have added some "coattails" for The greatest fear for the democrats is that in the trial, the

congressional

republicans in the senate will not just vote down the

upcoming

articles of impeachment outright. The real fear is that

against this tenant of politics. That my friends is a bad

there is a senate trial and that the President has his day in

bet, please keep in mind that the democrats are mostly

court.

The

tables

and

are

the

betting

headlines for the democrats every single day during the

not socialists and are more likely to be the deciding factor

tough

in any national election.

every

could

democrats

about

but they are not the majority. Most independents are also

that

trail

The

worrying

NOT socialists, and that wing of their party may be loud,

Imagine

the

cycle.

are

be

period.

turn,

election

who

running full tilt during February and setting up negative

primary

could

candidates

day,

the

President, who will be at his very best performance, will be hitting his opponents and their actions with his very

As predicted, the current economy defies expectations.

best blows. Pardon the boxing reference here, but Trump

The recent jobs report has far exceeded expectations as

has proven several things. One, he can take the punches

well as other economic indicators. Now, there are threats

C T I M E S M A G . C O M

P A G E

2 4

of a recession hitting after the first of the year. I believe

Trump's accusations. Additionally, Trump will benefit, as

this is based on the same faulty models that predicted a

well. No matter the outcome, 2020 will be in many ways,

recession this fall. I point this out to reaffirm that the

one of the most exciting Presidential campaign years in

Trump economy is strong and shows no signs of a real

history, not to mention just the potential for the impacts

slowdown.

of

the

Trump

change Peace! Well, we shall see; however, there appears to be a

with

agenda. another

Think year

of

of

how

a

our

growing

world

will

economy,

denuclearization of North Korea, honest and fair trade

slowdown in ISIS activity. That could be a result of the

with

recent raid. You know the one where Trump faked out

President Trump could have a breakout year in 2020

ISIS by stating he was pulling out of Syria and Baghdadi

leading into November. If, if Trump wins reelection and

let his guard down. What we may see is an uptick in low

has the noted successes...the world will be a much better

lever attacks by these thugs, not the higher-level terrorist

place for everyone.

attacks of the past couple of years.

I think Elizabeth warren may break out of the Democrat pack and gain the nomination. She appears, at this point, to

have

the

best

functioning

operation/ground

game

going. Crazy Uncle Joe has just imploded, and the others have run too far to the extreme left. I am not trying to say that Warren is a centrist in any form or fashion. I am just stating what many are seeing on the ground.

The good news here is that Trump will beat Warren.

Warren cannot play asymmetric warfare the way Trump does and will. Trump will get in her head, force her to make extreme statements, or just poor ones. Trump, other than the obvious, will have many advantages going into the

election.

The

economy,

relations

with

China

and

NoKo, the slowdown of ISIS and other terrorist groups, and most of all‌I expect even more people will vote for this populist President because of the fatigue from the political doublespeak. The average working American is just tired of the game.

Speaking of games, the American people have endured so many politicians that have used the doublespeak method of

communication.

Trump

is

still

refreshing,

even

if

frustrating to most Americans. The Press, the Democrats, and the GOP establishment will have to be on their best behavior in 2020. Why? Trump will continue to call out any so-called "Fake News."

Interestingly enough, there are enough documented cases of

severe

falsehoods

and

misrepresentations

that

now

force the Press to be more accurate and more aware of the potential

distortions.

Ironically,

if

the

Press

positively, the Press will benefit from the years of

reacts

China,

growing

chances

for

mid-east

peace.

C T I M E S M A G . C O M

P A G E

2 5

Regressive Rhode Island

By Paul McCabe

Gaspee. marked

This the

event

first

and

acts

of

others

in

violent

Narragansett

uprising

Bay

against

the

British crown's authority in America. On May 4, 1776 Rhode Island was the first of the thirteen colonies to declare its absolute independence from England.

Two and a half centuries later, the outlook is much less glorious. After decades of control by the D party there is a long record of mismanagement, failure, and corruption.

The world’s most famous chicken and official state bird: the Rhode Island Red

In one of the saddest examples the local Pawtucket Red Sox, the Triple-A affiliate team for the Boston Red Sox,

After recent articles discussing the disastrously-run blue

announced last year that it was moving across the state

states of New York and California, my attention now

line to Worcester. This happened after years of botched

turns to my home state of Rhode Island and Providence

negotiations

Plantations. It is the smallest state but has the longest

stadium and incentives. In 1981, the Paw Sox played in

name.

and

Texas

Republican

is

221

times

Presidential

larger.

candidate

The

won

last

the

time

state

a

was

won

history,

with

the

a

the

longest

33-inning

state

government

game

affair

in

about

professional

against

the

a

new

baseball

Rochester

Red

1972. (It was Nixon’s landslide against McGovern when

Wings. But now it’s bye-bye baseball, a RI hometown

the President took 49 states.)

feature for fifty years.

This little portion of America has a long and glorious

Since

history. A Protestant minister in 1636 rebelled against

Raimondo, plagued by allegations of financial misdeeds

Puritan orthodoxy in the new Massachusetts Bay colony.

in the state pension fund, at Point Judith Capital where

Soon he walked 30 miles with his flock and found a

she was on the board, at the Ocean State Investment Pool,

felicitous

and at investment company Oaktree.

spot

where

two

rivers

joined.

There

Roger

2015

the

first

female

Governor

has

been

G.

Williams said “It is Providence which has brought us here.”

Thus

right

from

the

start

RI

was

a

center

of

In

June

2019

she

succeeded

in

passing

one

of

the

religious tolerance. Williams established the first Baptist

country’s most radical abortion laws. This is the most

church

Catholic state in the country, whose immigrants came

on

the

continent.

His

principles

concerning

separation of church and state were enshrined in the US Constitution

more

than

a

century

after

his

death.

from

Italy,

Providence

Ireland, Bishop

Portugal, Thomas

France, Tobin

and

called

Poland. the

bill's

America’s first synagogue was established at Newport in

passage "profoundly disappointing, a very dark day in the

1763 and still functions there.

history of our state." Planned Parenthood applauded the new

law.

Raimondo

eagerly

signed

the

bill

within

the

minutes of approval by state legislators and claimed it

Continental Army, Nathanael Greene, was a native son

was “about protecting and providing health care.” Both

whose statues stand in Washington DC, Savannah GA,

the Senate and House leaders voted against the new law.

George

Washington’s

deputy

commander

of

Greensboro NC, and of course Providence. In 1772, more than a year before the Boston Tea Party, Rhode Islanders

Her predecessor L. Chafee got his start in politics when

attacked and burned a British navy ship called HMS

the D governor appointed him to the Senate seat vacated

C T I M E S M A G . C O M

P A G E

2 6

by his well-known father, who died in office in 1999.

(RICO), normally used to indict members of organized

Since

crime.

then

he

has

changed

from

Republican

to

He

favors

the

radical

“green

new

deal,”

Independent to Democrat to Libertarian. Chafee briefly

Obamacare, abortion, and a commission to “uncover the

ran for President in 2016 before vanishing from view.

war crimes” of the Bush administration. In September 2019 he published another bizarre op-ed in the same

His

Through

leftist newspaper with the ludicrous title “The Supreme

Peace”. During TV debates he emphasized the adoption

oddball

Court Has Become Just Another Arm of the GOP.” He

of the metric system. He voted against funding the war in

seems too young to be senile. So the explanation must lie

Iraq

elsewhere: a D driven to ridiculous levels of partisanship

in

platform

2003

and

was

called

endorsed

“Prosperity

Obama

in

2008.

Local

reporters called him “Governor Gump” and “Governor

by

Trump

Derangement

Syndrome

Grinch”. Before entering politics he trained in Montana

many in the nation’s capital.)

(which

afflicts

so

and pursued a career as a farrier. “I think I put shoes on 5,000 horses,” he said. (No, I am not making this up.)

My

own

Congressman

1995-2011

used

to

be

Patrick

Kennedy, son of the notorious Teddy Kennedy (D-Mass.)

The senior Senator now is J. Reed, in office since 1997

I always voted for that blithering nitwit for sentimental

and in the House before that since 1991. Despite years in

reasons: once upon a time I worked for his uncle Bobby.

the US Army, he now takes leftist positions on issues like

Eventually he left Congress following a scandal in 2006

abortion,

and

where he crashed his car at 2:45 am on Capitol Hill after

unionization,

unemployment

funding,

increased gun

Medicare

and

he had taken sleeping pills. Two days later Kennedy got a

illegal immigration. Like his colleague Chafee he voted

control,

energy

use,

show of support when the RI Democratic Party officially

against funds for the invasion of Iraq. In 2010, he turned

endorsed

down Obama’s offer to become the Secretary of Defense.

program at the fancy and expensive Mayo Clinic. He

Apparently Obama sought a dove like Reed to head up

went to rehab again in 2009 and did not run in 2010.

him.

Then

he

entered

a

drug

rehabilitation

the huge Defense Department. In 2014, Reed won reelection 71% to 29%.

He must run again next year or he

can retire at age 71.

The junior Senator S. White House has a name that sounds like it is from a political satire but it isn’t. To enter the Senate he defeated “Governor Gump” Chafee in 2006

by

national

27,000 TV

Kavanagh’s

votes.

White

year

during

last

nomination

to

House the

the

got

himself

hearings

Supreme

on

on

Brett

Court.

As

thousands of his voters watched, he used his time to discuss school

flatulence yearbook

with he

Judge

closely

Kavanagh,

examined

whose

and

high

excoriated.

This jaw-dropping drama enthralled none who saw it.

White House embarrassed himself, the Senate, and his home state by such weird questions and behavior. Shame

This vacancy allowed the ex-mayor of Providence, D. Cicilline, to succeed Kennedy in the 1st district seat. The new

Congressman

had

become

mayor

following

the

arrest and conviction of the colorful and criminal mayor

on him.

V. “Buddy” Cianci on a racketeering conspiracy charge In 2007 the National Journal ranked him as the 2nd most left-leaning senator. Since then he has veered further left, like

much

of

the

Washington

leadership

Post

of

the

editorial

D

party. in

In

a

2015,

WhiteHouse advocated prosecution of members of the energy

industry

under

the

Corrupt Organizations Act

Racketeer

Influenced

and

in 2002. Eight others also were convicted then on various Federal charges. Originally Cianci had run claiming to be the “Anti-Corruption Candidate” after more than 30 years of corrupt Irish mayors. Of course in RI both Italians and Irish are leaders of the D party. While Cicilline was still mayor in 2008, his brother John pled guilty to Federal charges of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and making

C T I M E S M A G . C O M

P A G E

false statements. He went to prison. John was indicted along with J. Bevilaqua Jr., son of the infamous ex-Judge.

In 2011, Providence City Council Finance Chairman John Igliozzi accused the previous mayor of raiding the city’s cash reserves without the approval of the city council. He said Cicilline hid the scope of the city’s fiscal woes through “illusory revenues, borrowing, and other tricks.”

But

Mayor

Congress

Cicilline

in

already

Washington.

had

Others

escaped were

to

stuck

the

US

with

the

municipal financial wreck he left behind.

jerk “populist-leaning liberal”. With no background in foreign affairs, he loudly criticized President Trump’s historic meeting with the North Korean Kim and opposed John Bolton as National Security Adviser. (Under the Constitution the House has nothing to do with either of these

matters.)

supports

He

is

“sanctuary”

a

strong

cities,

anti-gun

advocate

government

funding

and of

abortions, and open borders.

a

motley

collection

of

about

100

whiny

left

wingers who regularly howl their unrealistic proposals about raising taxes, climate change, abolishing the Patriot Act, increasing welfare payments, etc., ad nauseum. In fact the group is made up of retromingents disguised as progressives.

Local

TV

station

WPRI

reported

that

“On

policy,

as well as a relentless and caustic critic of President Trump.” His other D leadership positions include co-chair the

LGBT

Equality

Caucus

and

vice-chair

of

the

House Gun Violence Task Force. He has been a strident and unreasonable voice calling for impeachment of the President. In September 2019 he criticized the President’s “obstruction of justice, abuses of power, and corruption” and insisted that his “voters care” about this.

since 1793 that RI would have just a single seat in the House of Representatives. Good job, Democrats!

“Ye

are

a

factious

crew,

and

enemies

to

all

good

government. . . Ye are grown intolerably odious to the whole nation. You were deputed here by the people to get grievances redressed, are yourselves become the greatest grievance. . . Go, get you out! Make haste! . . .

-- Oliver Cromwell to the

Rump Parliament in London, 1653

To be fair, corruption in the state did not start with the D party. For decades the regional boss of the New England mafia

was

Rhode

Islander

R.

Patriarca,

whose

reach

covered all six states. A real-life Godfather, he had a wide influence in organized crime nationally too. In 1970 he was convicted of conspiracy to murder and sentenced to 10 years. Patriarca continued to run his “family” while in

My home state also distinguished itself in another way. In 1986 the Chief Justice of the state Supreme Court J. Bevilaqua resigned under pressure during impeachment proceedings. Numerous problems centered on his long association with “Nicky” Bianco, successor to Ray “The Man” Patriarca as crime boss, and with other organized

representation

in

Congress

following

in the state House of Representatives where he was a lifelong member of the D party. No doubt Rhode Island gets Olympic gold in graft, fraud, payoffs, and extortion.

No

other

state

can

challenge

this

level

of

official

corruption.

What is the outlook for the future of this little state of about a million people? A survey in August this year by the Princeton Review ranked the University of RI as the 3rd from the top nationally in terms of marijuana use by students and faculty. A recent CBS News story said that

Like other highly-taxed blue states, RI is in danger of losing

representative instead of two. It would be the first time

crime figures. Judge Bevilaqua rose in politics as a leader

Cicilline has carved out a reputation as a leader on the left

of

is coming up fast. Voters may have to elect a single U.S.

prison.

He is the Vice Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus,

will decline too, from four to three. The election of 2022

In the name of God, go!”

Cicilline has established himself in Congress as a knee-

2 7

the

2020

census. Recent press reports indicate that it is likely that RI will lose one House seat due to declining population.

Now it ranks 44th in population and the numbers are trending down. In that case its number of electoral votes

RI has among the highest consumption rates of cannabis (more than 14% of the population). Governor Raimondo (D) will call for legalization in her next budget proposal, according to the local Providence Journal. Moreover, the National Institute of Drug Abuse reported on its website that in 2017 RI had almost double the national rate of opioid-involved overdose deaths (mainly due to fentanyl).

C T I M E S M A G . C O M

P A G E

2 8

In July this year, CNBC released its annual ranking list called Top States for Business. RI was last (50th) for both business climate and infrastructure.

In the category of economy, it was ranked at 48. These rock-bottom numbers

represent a new low achieved after several decades of D control.

Taxpayers and voters are fleeing the messes created by the job-killing D party and its endless congeries of tax-and-spend policies. The economy and the population are shrinking. But many of those staying behind will be too intoxicated to notice the state sinking into debt, drug use, financial problems, and unemployment. On the lovely state flag the optimistic motto says HOPE. But today in 2019 the place, badly led by dozens of Ds, seems to be declining deeper into a dreary quagmire. Reluctantly I am reminded of the stark and somber images in Dante’s famous Purgatorio.

C T I M E S M A G . C O M

P A G E

3 0

I once heard, “Some are born great, some achieve greatness and others have greatness thrust upon them.”

By Charles Lingerfelt Deep inside of me, I don’t think it should be our total

byproducts of His love and His influence in this universe.

desire to seek to be great! I think we should, with all our

We are not here on this earth by chance, circumstance or

heart, seek the full measure of the completeness of God’s

haphazardly. We are His divine creation; and as long as

love within, so that we may be ‘an instrument in God’s

we understand who God is, and who we are and why we

Hand’ to be a revelation to this world of His love and care

are here, then we will certainly have an understanding of

for all.

one another.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,

And that, my friend, is so important for us to know today!

that

There is so very little understanding of one another in this

ye

present

your

bodies

a

living

sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

world today! And because of the lack of understanding, great

2

And

be

not

conformed

to

this

world:

but

be

ye

and

serious

problems

persist

in

our

society

constantly.

transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect,

“You are from God, little children, and have overcome

will of God.”(Romans 12:1,2)

them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world."

In the wisdom of the great and powerful King Solomon, who wrote over 3,000 Proverbs, we are admonished, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Proverbs

Now get up and get out there and start mirroring the reflection of God’s love from within your life.

4:7)

Each year, during this season, there is much “giving and receiving.“In the words of Jesus, we are taught that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.“

Don’t ever allow it to be said of you that you are not bearing a full reflection of godly living with your life because you haven’t loved the least, the last, the lost and the unloveable.

But all of us know exactly what it is, and what it means to “get and receive.“ We will experience this in a few days.

I want to remind you, and myself as well, of Solomon’s

Get out there and “Be a reflection of the understanding of The Miracle of The Season: God’s love.” ❤ ❤ ❤

choice words: “With all thy getting, Get Understanding.”

It is of utmost importance that we truly understand who God is and why it’s important that we put Him first in our lives. And it is also very important that we remember His specific influence upon this world in which we live; God is not just some small byproduct of someone or some thing

in

our

world.

He

is

the

Creator

of

universe that we live in. And we are simply the

this

entire

Merry Christmas, Charles Lingerfelt, Associate Publisher CHRISTIAN TIMES MAGAZINE

C T I M E S M A G . C O M

P A G E

3 1

THE GATE OF HEAVEN: A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE – TRUE STORY FROM WORLD WAR II

By Robert Summers Sergeant James Dunn was awakened early in the

this I know for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him

morning by a loud voice calling his

belong. They are weak, but He is strong.”

“What the …….!” he exclaimed as he jumped into his

name. “James, wake up! Don’t you know what

Army

today is?” his warrant officer friend was sticking

trousers

and

rain

boots.

He

ran

outside

and

discovered a band of island natives carrying gardening

his head in James’ small tent. James stirred in his

tools and singing. “Yes, Jesus loves me…”

cot and managed a disinterested reply. “I have no idea,” he answered.

James ran to stop them. “Where did you learn that song?” he queried, looking for one who spoke English. Several

“It’s Christmas!” his soldier friend persisted. “Christmas, James.” Christmas! James really had not thought about it.

He actually had lost track of the date. He did not jump right up. In fact, he lay there for a moment thinking of Christmas back home in East Texas. Mother would

Letters

rarely

came.

James

was

Presbyterian Missionaries come to our island. They tell us about Jesus and teach us songs.” “Where are the missionaries?” James shot back “They gone,” came the reply of the islander who appeared to be in charge. He

have the table set for family dinner. He remembered his sweetheart.

of the singers replied in broken English, “We Christians.

basically

without address, always on the move with the front lines.

had tears in his eyes. “Soldiers come take them away,” he explained. “Japanese say this island now Japanese island.

No

missionaries!

They

take

away.

We

had

church.

Japanese say they will burn it. We take it down and hide In

December

of

1944,

James

was

stationed

in

the

Admiralty Islands of the South Pacific with the US Army

in sand at beach. We go today to dig it up for Christmas. We happy people. We sing!”

1 st Cavalry Division. The unit had moved in and taken the island from its Japanese Imperial Army occupiers in a month-long bloody battle. The US Army Corps of

The commander was moved by this report. “Let’s get the

Engineers had recently improvised a bulldozed jungle landing

strip.

James’

tent

was

at

the

runway’s

James ran to the mess tent to tell his company officer.

end

because he kept a complete log of the manifests of flown-

wench

truck

and

the

bulldozer

and

help

them,”

he

announced. “James, get a patrol of men to help you. Tell them I said so. Tell them Merry Christmas”.

in war supplies and the dead and wounded flown out from the airstrip.

Every GI on the island wanted to help. They soon had excavated

As James lay still on his cot, a wave of despair swept over him. He feared never seeing home, mother and his sweetheart again. In the heat of battle, he had just about lost all hope and faith. Christmas lights and love were a million miles from his war-ravaged island of Arawe.

building

all

was

the

little

erected

chapel’s and

pieces.

nailed

back

By

noon,

together.

the The

company Chaplain called for a Christmas day dedication.

Every soldier who owned a camera took photographs.

The little chapel was known by its Biblical name, The Gate of Heaven. According to James, many of the GI’s had tears in their eyes as the Chaplain prayed. All seemed

He remembered he had prayed as a boy in Sunday school.

James prayed quietly this morning. “God, if you really are real, if you’re still Lord, still love me, then somehow show me.” James thought he heard singing. Yes, he did hear voices singing a familiar tune. “Jesus loves me

to have their hopes renewed that peace would come soon and that they could go home to the ones they loved. They had experienced a Christmas miracle. They had stood at the Gate of Heaven. Postlog: James came home after the

C T I M E S M A G . C O M

P A G E

3 2

war and married Yvonne Lundsford, his sweetheart. In the early 1950’s he taught a junior boys Sunday school class. He told his story every Christmas. I was in that class. Over the years my wife JoAn and I visited the Dunns. James lived to be 99. I ministered the Dunn funerals. His grandson, Adam Dunn was a well known baseball pitcher for several National League ball teams. James wanted me to have the original

snapshot of the native church “The Gate of Heaven.” That name is taken from Jacob’s encounter with God at Bethel: “This is none other than the house of God and this is the gate of heaven” Genesis 28:17