More Senseless Violence

AP:

Finnish Police Find Body of Alleged Mall Gunman After 5 Killed

Thursday , December 31, 2009

HELSINKI —

A man clad in black went on a shooting rampage Thursday, killing his ex-girlfriend then gunning down four workers at a suburban shopping mall near Helsinki before apparently turning his gun on himself, police said.

Finnish police said one woman and three men were shot dead Thursday morning at the Sello shopping mall in Espoo, six miles west of Helsinki.

Seems we have reports like this on a weekly basis recently. I have ministered in Finland a few times and we have friends in Espoo, where these shootings took place.

The frequency of these disturbing attacks makes me think about the Tribulation. When the restraining hand of the Holy Spirit is removed, incidents like these will probably be rampant. Time to get right with Jesus now.

A Christmas Greatest Hit

From last Christmas. Our rescued kitten's first Christmas wasn't so good for our tree.

Merry Christmas All

A photo from our first Christmas together. Not yet married.

Charles Crabtree Tribute Video

Upon his departure as assistant general superintendent of the Assemblies of God. I worked with him for a decade but remember him first as pastor of that great church in San Jose, Calif., Bethel Church. I was in that district, the Northern California-Nevada District of the AG.

Thomas Trask Video Tribute

The AGTV history channel is beginning to add more important historical videos, both early and recent history. This was the video tribute for Brother Trask as outgoing superintendent. What a privilege I count it to have worked with him for about a decade.

Watch here for more historical videos, or go to agtv.ag.org.

History of the Assemblies of God

Watch this 9-minute video to get a good glimpse of Assemblies of God history.

PE Connections with Wes Bartel

My interview with Wes Bartel, National Discipleship Ministries Director for the Assemblies of God.

West Point Is "the Enemy Camp" Says Chris Matthews

MSNBC’s Chris Matthews, host of "Hardball," called West Point "the enemy camp" and "a strange venue." I saw the actual clip last night after the president's Afghanistan speech.

Here’s the actual quote:

"It seems like in this case, there isn't a lot of excitement. I watched the cadets, they were young kids - men and women who were committed to serving their country professionally it must be said, as officers. And, I didn't see much excitement. But among the older people there, I saw, if not resentment, skepticism. I didn't see a lot of warmth in that crowd out there. The president chose to address tonight and I thought it was interesting. He went to maybe the enemy camp tonight to make his case. I mean, that's where Paul Wolfowitz used to write speeches for, back in the old Bush days. That's where he went to rabble rouse the 'we're going to democratize the world' campaign back in '02. So, I thought it was a strange venue."

Liberal commentators slip every once in a while and give us a glimpse into how they are thinking. And it isn't pretty.

Maybe they weren't "warm" to the president's speech ... but West Point is not "the enemy camp."

Amazing that anyone would say this about the stronghold of training for leadership for our nation's primary fighting force ... especially when the speaker is the very Commander-in-Chief of those forces.

Apology required Mr. Matthews.

Sarah in Springfield

Sarah Palin will be back in Springfield tomorrow at Borders for 2 hours to sign her book. Peggy and I saw her when she was here last year on the campaign trail. Dr. Wood tried to get through to her to see if she would stop by AG HQ, but no luck. She used to be a Missionette.

PE Connections with Virginia Chatham

My interview with Virginia Chatham, international editor for the Church of God of Prophecy and editor of the White Wing Messenger.

PE Connections with Steve Donaldson

My latest interview, with Steve Donaldson, president and founder of Rural Compassion.

Your Union in Action

In the era of entitlement, reason seldom rules.

Today, in a story titled, "Pennsylvania Union Leader Criticized for Threatening Legal Action Over Boy Scout's Volunteerism," the AP and FoxNews.com reported this astounding story:

A Pennsylvania union leader has come under fire after threatening legal action against the city of Allentown for allowing a Boy Scout to voluntarily clear a walking path in a local park.

Nick Balzano, president of the Service Employees International Union's Allentown chapter, said last week that the union might file a grievance against the city for allowing 17-year-old Kevin Anderson to clear the hiking trail, instead of paying some of the 39 recently laid-off SEIU members to do the work.

... the Morning Call quoted him as telling the city council that the union would be "looking into the Cub Scout or Boy Scout who did the trails … There's to be no volunteers."

Ah, that's the spirit. We don't want any of that nasty do-gooder mentality in this country.

To be fair, the story includes this:

SEIU spokesman Matt Nerzig called Balzano's comments "completely unauthorized and insensitive" and said the union was "not at all" considering a grievance in this case.

... "Not sure where he got the idea but he certainly doesn't have the authority to do so."

Anderson, a member of Boy Scouts Troop 301 of Center Valley, spent more than 200 hours creating the 1000-foot path in Kimmets Lock Park along with fellow scouts, friends and parents.

...

"The volunteers and I removed trash, many old tires and recyclables from this former illegal dump-site," Anderson told FoxNews.com.

Now that is offensive.

Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski countered the union official's threat:

"We would hope that the well-intentioned efforts of an Eagle Scout candidate would not be challenged by the union," he told the Morning Call.

In a letter written Tuesday to Balzano, U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania said the union official owes the teen an apology.

"I am astounded, that you would threaten to file a grievance against the City of Allentown because the administration wisely chooses to make volunteer opportunities available," Dent said. "Especially when this type of frivolous grievance could add to the tax burden of the citizens."

"An apology both to the scout involved and to the public would be appropriate," he added.

I look forward to reading it.

One More Fort Hood Victim

Received this message on Facebook tonight from my friend Gaylan Grant, who pastors in Killeen, Texas.

Ken in the Killeen/Fort Hood shooting, one of the victims who was killed was about three months pregnant. The baby was unaccounted for in the statistics and no one is talking about it. They are truly treating this unborn baby as a "nobody". I think it is truly indicative of this administration to continue to justify abortion by failure to acknowledge unborn babies as viable lives.

Dr. Clyde Hughes on PE Connections

My latest PE Connections interview, with Dr. Clyde Hughes, general overseer of the International Pentecostal Church of Christ, London, Ohio.

Veterans, We Salute You

20-year Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall

On Nov. 9, 1989, the communist East German government announced that all citizens would be permitted to visit West Berlin and West Germany, officially ending half a century of militarily enforced division. As the news spread, crowds of Eastern and Western Germans rushed to the Berlin Wall, where they met on top in peaceful celebration.

The fall of the Berlin Wall -- the ultimate symbol of Cold War tensions and division -- began the process of German reunification and precipitated the downfall of other communist regimes across Eastern Europe. Germany was officially reunited on Oct. 3, 1990. (AP)

If you have the History Channel, be sure to view "Rise & Fall of the Berlin Wall." I remember when the wall went up and when it went down. It is truly one of the great stories of the 20th century. What the Communist government did to keep people in and what people risked to gain their freedom is amazing. The triumph recognized today is one of freedom's great victories.

Slideshow here.

My Interview With James Cossey

James is a good friend and also the editor in chief of Pathway Press and the Church of God Evangel in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Oregon Dominates USC, 47-20

Still reveling over the dominating victory the #10 Oregon Ducks put on the #5 USC Trojans. The Trojans, now with 2 losses in the Pac 10 will see their 7-year streak as conference champs come to an end. USC will not go to the national title game or to the Rose Bowl this year.

AP report excerpt:

No. 10 Oregon runs past No. 4 USC 47-20
By ANNE M. PETERSON, AP Sports Writer
Nov 1, 1:28 am EDT

EUGENE, Ore. (AP)—As the T-shirts worn in Oregon’s student section proclaimed, it was Fright Night at Autzen Stadium.

It certainly was for USC.

Jeremiah Masoli threw for 222 yards and a touchdown and ran for 164 more yards with another score and the 10th-ranked Ducks trampled No. 4 Southern California 47-20 Saturday night, the Trojans’ worst loss since 1997.

“I don’t know if we made a statement, this is just what we planned on doing,” Masoli said. “If it makes a statement it makes a statement. That’s just Oregon football and how we roll.”

Redshirt freshman LaMichael James ran for 183 yards and a score as the Ducks (7-1, 5-0 Pac-10) racked up 391 yards on the ground against the Trojans, who came into the game with the fifth-best rush defense in the nation (79.9 yards a game).

USC’s defense yielded a total of 613 yards to Oregon.

“It was a real mess for us tonight,” said Pete Carroll, who was handed his worst loss as coach of the Trojans. “Oregon did everything that they wanted to do.”

Southern California (6-2, 3-2) had not lost a game by more than a touchdown since a 27-16 loss to Notre Dame in 2001, Carroll’s first season with USC. The last time the Trojans were so soundly beaten was 1997, when they lost 35-7 to Arizona State and 27-0 to Washington.

Oregon remained alone in first and undefeated in the Pac-10. USC has won or shared the last seven Pac-10 titles. That streak is in serious jeopardy. The Trojans’ run of seven straight BCS games is also in danger.

The Ducks are now poised to take the crown after stomping the longtime Kings of the West Coast.

Sweet.

More Shots From Make a Difference Day at Bissett School

Make a Difference Day at Bissett School

Peggy and I participated in this along with a bunch of volunteers from AG HQ.


View local KY3 report:




Here's the Convoy report:

Springfield Gets a Shot of Hope

When the gates to the Convoy of Hope outreach opened at 10 a.m. eager guests pushed forward and stepped onto the grounds at Reed Middle School in Springfield, Mo. Among the more than 1,000 guests were Wendi, a twenty-something housecleaner, and her one-year-old daughter Emilie.

“I run out of food every once in a while,” Wendi admitted. “So this [the outreach] came at a good time.”

Indeed it did.

The outreach was one of five Convoy of Hope was holding on October 24th in Springfield where the humanitarian relief organization is based.

“Each year we try to do something special for our community because the community is so supportive of us,” says Jeff Nene, senior director - technology and communications. “This year we decided to hold outreaches throughout the city on Springfield’s Make a Difference Day.”

It is estimated that 46 percent of students in Springfield public schools live in food insecure homes - homes like Wendi’s.

During the Springfield outreaches 5,063 guests attended. More than 400 people received haircuts. One thousand families received portraits. And more than 1,300 volunteers worked.

“We scratch up what we can and squeak by and make it happen,” says Wendi. “With the economy the way it is, we have lost a couple accounts. That cuts into the little amount of money I make.”



And that is precisely why Convoy of Hope holds up to 50 citywide outreaches each year throughout the United States. Since it was founded 15 years ago Convoy of Hope has served more than 30 million people.

“Our outreaches give people a hand up and let them know someone cares,” says Nene. “Many times that is all it takes to help a family through a tough time.”

At Reed Middle School, children bounce around in the bounce houses. Families gather around plastic tables and have lunch. Many guests are also quick to take advantage of the free community and health services that included massages, haircuts and hygiene products.

“This feels good to know that there is someone out there who wants to help you,” says Kim, a single mother, as she waits in a line for free groceries. “These groceries will help out a lot.”

In the Kid’s Zone Emilie, Wendi’s daughter, bounds with arms wide toward volunteers who are passing out balloons. She gladly takes the balloon, smiles then trots across the way to another volunteer who happily hands her mother a newly made blanket. Thirty minutes later the family is posing for a picture in the portrait tent where professional photographers are snapping pictures.

“This is really great,” says Wendi as a huge smile spreads across her face.

After checking out the community tent where various organizations are offering free services, Wendi and Emilie head back to the Kid’s Zone for another round of fun.

Near the exit volunteers load honored guests with bags of groceries that promise to give each person just a little boost and a measure of hope.

And that seems to be just enough for families like Wendi’s.

First Pentecostal Evangel Connections Program

PE Connections with AGTS President Byron Klaus
Pentecostal Evangel interviews Dr. Byron Klaus, President of the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.

A Contemporary Picture of Blind Legalism

So you want to know what legalism is? Well, a picture is worth a thousand words. Rather than a definition, let's look at a contemporary example of legalistic authority run amok ... not in church but in a public school.

The following is from foxnews.com:

School Chief Sticks By 'Zero Tolerance' Ruling for Eagle Scout

Friday , October 16, 2009

By Joseph Abrams

Call him Mr. Zero Tolerance.

The upstate New York school superintendent who suspended an Eagle Scout for 20 days for keeping a 2-inch utility knife locked in his car is unwilling to speak to the teen's family or bend in his ruling.

Lansingburgh Central School District Superintendent George J. Goodwin, 55, said in a written statement that his district "has an established policy of zero tolerance with respect to the possession of weapons of any kind on school property or in school buildings."

But nowhere in the school district's rule book, which is published online, is there any mention of a "zero tolerance" policy, leading some to question whether Goodwin, in fact, was compelled to suspend the youth.

Seventeen-year-old Matthew Whalen, a senior at Lansingburgh High School in Troy, N.Y., says he got in trouble over a survival kit he keeps in his car that includes a sleeping bag, water, a ready-to-eat meal and the small pocketknife, which was given to him by his grandfather, a police chief in a nearby town.

When Whalen acknowledged he had the knife locked in his car, he was barred from school for a calendar month. Now that he is getting just 90 minutes a day with a tutor instead of 7 hours of instruction in class, he says he is worried that the suspension will mar his academic record and affect his application to attend the U.S. Military Academy.

Whalen was initially suspended for five days by his assistant principal — but then had another 15 tacked on by Goodwin following a hearing to decide his fate. Though Goodwin was not present at the hearing, he told Fox News he listened to a tape of the proceedings, and decided to extend the suspension.

Since then, Whalen's family says, Goodwin has refused to speak to Matthew even during daily interactions at the district's head office, where he meets with his tutor.

Not much needs to be said about this. This ludicrous legalism rivals anything you may have heard of before. This authoritarian went out of his way to make the punishment worse and compounds his despotic intolerance with authoritarian arrogance that even refuses to speak with the boy or his family.

"I don't think it's unreasonable to ask for some intelligence on the part of administrators to use discretion and judgment in their daily decisions," said Bryan Whalen. "Otherwise, what are we paying them for?

"You could have a trained monkey or a computer sitting there just spitting out right and wrong and never any gray areas. That's just not the way the world works," he told Foxnews.com.

Goodwin's office did not return repeated requests for comment from Foxnews.com. His office took a message seeking an interview, but one was not granted.

Read the whole story here.

Peggy Has Minor Injuries After Accident

We're thanking and trusting the Lord.

It has not been that long since Peggy finished her several months of treatment for cancer. Yesterday she was rear-ended by an SUV while at a full stop. We don't care much about the damage to the car, but she is just starting to get back to her old self since the end of her treatments and now she is dealing with neck pain and headache from this.

I left work early and we spent about 4 hours at the emergency room at Cox South. Because of all the radiation she had just had they did not want to do X-rays, but they are sure Peggy has a whiplash. They don't feel it is severe but they expect her to have significant pain for a few days ... both head and neck pain

The pain meds they gave her made her sick last night.

Peggy is dealing with this in her usual overcoming way. She is absolutely a champion. (But I am really mad at the devil.)

Thanks for all the prayer support.

Images of Niger

A few shots from my trip to Niger a few years ago. Few trips have impacted me more.

Chicago Cubs Declare Bankruptcy

The Chicago Cubs filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection yesterday. Chicago Cubs fans have been waiting for something good to happen for 101 years. Their last World Series title was in 1908. That's 1908.

They are of all sports fans the ones most to be pitied. Let me take you back in time to an earlier lament when the Cubs were still considered the team to beat. It was right near the beginning of their long losing streak.

Baseball's Sad Lexicon

A poem by New York Newspaper Columnist Franklin Pierce Adams, published in 1910


These are the saddest of possible words:
"Tinker to Evers to Chance."
Trio of bear cubs, and fleeter than birds,
Tinker and Evers and Chance.
Ruthlessly pricking our gonfalon bubble,
Making a Giant hit into a double--
Words that are heavy with nothing but trouble:
"Tinker to Evers to Chance."

"Pricking our gonfalon bubble" means popping the balloon of pennant hopes for the poet's beloved team of choice, the New York Giants. Joe Tinker, Johnny Evers, and Frank Chance were a renowned double-play combination who helped the Chicago Cubs win four National League pennants (1906-08, 1910) and two World Series titles (1907-8). This was the Cubs' last hurrah.

The bankrupt Cubs could use them today.

One of My Favorite Photos of My Parents

Rose and Roy Horn, Oct. 1978.

Pokeberries

Shot this earlier in the week. Pokeweed is abundant on the trails I regularly walk.

Quail

I shot this last week in the backyard of the home where we stayed in Scottsdale, Arizona (Peggy's cousins Melba & Dick).

Fisherman in the Making

Just scanned this old photo of me at 9 years of age fishing Nelson Creek, a tributary of the Pit River, in Northern California. This was one of the places where my dad taught me to fish. I grew more fervent for fishing in subsequent years.

Treatment Done

Peggy got to ring the bell Thursday for a second time. The first one was when she finished her chemo and the second was Thursday, when she finished her radiation. She was diagnosed last December just before Christmas, had surgery in January and has had about 8 months of treatments.

Thanks so much for the many who have prayed. We have heard regularly from people on our blogs, facebook pages and more conventional ways. God is good. Now if I could ask all of you to pray a little longer until everything verifies she will need no further treatment. They haven't let her have her port removed yet in case more treatment is needed. But we are believing she will be pronounced cancer free.

Thanks so much to all of you for the wonderful support.

I'm Now on Twitter

I have taken the plunge and begun tweeting. To follow me on Twitter: kenhorn1.

Lines at PE Booth

People lined up at our booth for each of our nine book signings.

Last GC09 Service

Missions.

Herbert Cooper Message at GC09

Entire service here. Message begins at 206:00. Herbert Cooper and his church are our cover story in an upcoming issue.

August 5 Youth Service at GC09

Go to 61:00 for the start of Tony Dungy's message. A message by National Youth Director Jay Mooney follows.

Dr. Wood's Keynote Message on: Leah

Move the slider to 107:00 to go directly to the beginning of the general superintendent's keynote message on August 4, 2009, at the 53rd General Council of the Assemblies of God in Orlando, Florida.

State of the Assemblies of God Fellowship

State of the Fellowship Report given by General Superintendent George O. Wood during the 53rd General Council in Orlando, Florida, in August 2009.

Real Leaders Don't Do PowerPoint

I read this because of the title (not the subtitle). I have done PowerPoint but have always felt more confident without it. The author's point that PowerPoint conveys information but the speaker's job is to inspire and influence is a good one. The audience does not make as good a personal connection with a screen as it does with a person.

So ... PowerPoint: asset or crutch?

Very Old Paul Family Photo

Photos of Peg I Recently Saw for the First Time

Peggy's Dad & a Younger Sibling

My Interview with Dr. Wood on AGTV

How much wood ...

... can a woodchuck chuck?

Have been seeing this critter near a trail I walk. Took my camera tonight and ... groundhog snapshot.

They are also known as whistle-pigs for the way they warn others of their kind of impending danger. (Marmota monax)

Peggy at Convoy Booth, General Council 2003

Prepping for General Council in Orlando this year. Here is a shot of Peggy in Washington DC at the 2003 GC. She's at the Convoy booth but did most of her booth work for the Evangel. She has helped every year. She will again this year, but will not be quite as energetic. They are giving her a week off radiation to attend GC.

Another Vintage Shot of Peggy's Dad

July 2009 Calendar

Hollyhocks in Bloom

Took these yesterday when we were at Peggy's mom's house, which we are still trying to sell.

Big Wheel Log Hauler, Klamath, Oregon

Peggy's dad.

Heat Continues, 93 at 8:16 pm

Heat index reached 106 according to one source. But they say cooling is mercifully coming.

Heat Is Suffocating (94 at 10:28 am)

Heat and humidity has our heat index at 94 before 10:30. I have tried to go out at 9 or later to walk this week and the unbreathable air is still in the 90s (index). We have another heat warning out today.

Matching Outfits

Peggy, her dad, Alfred Paul, and brother, Don, sport spiffy matching outfits in this photo with Dad Paul's mother. Probably 1953.

Knotts Berry Farm, Fall 1952

Peggy and Don with their dad the year she was born. So it wasn't the first time she was there when we went on our honeymoon.

Peggy's Dad in 1943

Peggy's dad, Alfred Paul (right), with his brother Harvey, Feb. 26, 1943, in Walnut Creek, Calif.

Hearing From Dick & Melba

Melba is always so thoughtful. Peggy's cousin has sent her goodies throughout Peggy's cancer trial. A box arrived Saturday. Since Dick & Melba are traveling, they also keep us in postcards indicating where they are. Here are the last 2 we received.

Bald Eagle

Another recent shot from Lake Taneycomo. I was disappointed that I didn't get a sharper image of this majestic raptor.

Great Blue Herons in Nests

I shot these impressive birds on Lake Taneycomo.

More About the Bell

Be sure to view the 22-second video of Peggy ringing the bell in the post below.

Peggy Rings the Bell!

After months of treatment, Peggy rings the bell in the Hulston Cancer Center three times, signifying she has just completed her last treatment. Yahoo!

Still some stuff to come, including a trip back to the cancer center tomorrow for a shot, but she's had the last of the poison. Now a month and a half to get it out, then 6 weeks of radiation.

Getting Close

4 Days to Go