• David Johnson named Ariz. executive director
• Randy Adams elected NW executive director
• New Bush presidential library testifies to faith, family values
• Pastorate can be ‘lonely place’ new Suwannee DOM says
• Three Florida Baptist communicators recognized with awards at annual meeting
• Witness Executive Editor James Smith takes position at Southern Seminary
• Worship pastor changes beats, slows tempo
• After 40 years Pastor Bumpers says ‘the old-fashioned stuff’ still works
• Tampa native takes helm of new Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism and Ministry at Southern
• Advocates: Immigration bill a good step forward
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Letters to the Editor may not reflect the views or opinions of the Witness. Letters may be mailed, faxed or submitted using our online form. Only letters marked clearly for publication, signed with address will be considered for use. Letters are subject to editing. Please limit letters to 250 words.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP)–In reflecting on this season of the year, I have often wondered how a Martian reporter would do a story on Christmas in the United States. If one only had the dominant cultural icons of TV, movies, news media and retail stores, my guess is that the Martian viewing audience wouldn’t have a clue as to what Christmas was about.

Faced with the end of his world, even the cheery hobbit Pippin lost hope.

"I didn’t think it would end this way," he tells Gandalf, as they watch the forces of evil advance in Peter Jackson’s epic "The Return of the King."

Was shopping for school with your teenage daughter a challenge this year? If it was, you’re not alone. The skimpy clothing popular among young girls has led some public schools to move to uniforms. Not a bad idea.

Have fun with cryptography and exercise your Bible knowledge. A King James Version verse is encoded by letter substitution. The same letter is substituted throughout the puzzle. Solve by trial and error.

LAKE YALE (FBC)—Gales of laughter from 106 care-free migrant children filled the air of the wooded camp grounds at Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center Dec. 5-7.

Despite the chilly air and low temperatures, smiles draped the faces of the children, age 8-12 attending the 14th annual Migrant Children’s Christmas Camp sponsored by the Florida Baptist Convention’s Church and Community Ministries Department.

JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—Contributions to the 2003 Maguire State Mission Offering are approaching the $1 million mark, making it likely that the offering will meet its previous record of $1,022,826 given in 2001.

It will be only the second time in the history of the offering that funding surpassed $1 million.

LAKELAND (FBC)—What do a Navy chaplain, a professional fisherman and an internationally renowned basketball coach have in common? Their Christian commitment has allowed them to "Stand Firm" when facing obstacles in life today.

WASHINGTON (BP)–The capture of Saddam Hussein, President Bush said Dec. 15, means the end of excuses for Iraqis who have opposed the peace process. Because the cruel dictator can never again rise to power, they should no longer live in fear, Bush said in a news conference.

"That’s the most important thing about this capture," Bush noted. "He can no longer provide any excuse for some who were afraid to act."

[EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the final article in a two-part series telling the story of Amber Satterwhite. Part one, "Amber’s story: Joy on Christmas Eve," detailed Amber’s journey from the time she collapsed into a diabetic coma at age fourteen in 1995, until the present. ]

MIAMI (FBW)–While at times it might seem cruel that 22-year-old Amber Satterwhite has not mentally progressed beyond a 3-year-old, her mom said that’s not a reason to cast doubt on her quality of life.

BAGHDAD, Iraq (BP)–Sergeant James Crowell from Sayre, Pa., is a scout sniper with the 82nd Airborne, Third Battalion, Second Brigade combat team. Although he grew up in church, it wasn’t until he was a few days from entering the war with his unit that he understood what it meant to have a relationship with God.

The Witness would like to receive the names of Florida Baptist church members or family members of church members who are serving with the United States military overseas in Iraq or Afghanistan so that our readers may pray for these brave men and women.