So this morning we will spent the morning thinking about being peacemakers during our services at church. In my research for this sermon I came across the contents of the leaflets that were dropped over the cities in Japan that were about to be destroyed by Atomic bombs during WWII. It is amazing that while we were preparing to destroy the peace in a way never before seen by the world we were also trying to preserve it for the local innocent citizen. It is a dichotomy that I am still trying to get my head around. Here are the words dropped by airplanes in the days before the dropping of the bombs:

"ATTENTION JAPANESE PEOPLE: Read this carefully as it may save your life or the life of a relative or friend. In the next few days, the military installations of some or all of the cities named on the reverse side will be destroyed by American bombs. These cities contain military installations and workshops or factories which produce military goods. . We are determined to destroy all of the tools of the military clique which they are using to prolong this useless war. But, unfortunately, bombs have no eyes. So," in accordance with America’s well-known, Humanitarian policies, the American Air Force which does not wish to injure innocent people now gives"you warning to evacuate the cities named and save your lives.America is not fighting the Japanese people but is fighting the military clique which has. enslaved the Japanese people. The peace which America will bring will free the people from the oppression of the military clique and mean the emergence of a new and better Japan.You can restore peace by demanding new and good leaders who will end the war..We cannot promise that only these cities will be among those attacked but at least some or all will be so heed this warning and evacuate these cities immediately."

As history recorded, most people chose to ignore this attempt at keeping their world peaceful. I am thankful for those who work for peace. Yesterday, the small group leaders of Newark Naz. met in their monthly meeting. As I looked around the room I was so thankful for these individuals and couples who seek to lead others into community. True community will promote peace. Jesus said, "Those who work for peace will be called the children of God." Here is a picture of some of God's children.