Superintendent's Report
Helping others provides many unexpected rewards
Marvin Beaty

I recently read a story about a man named Ernest Gordon. I would like to share it with you in hopes that you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Ernest was of Scottish descent and was in a Japanese POW camp during World War II. His surroundings were far different from his childhood home. Having come from a loving family and tight-knit town, he now found himself in an environment that made him look forward to death.

Having entered the service in his early twenties as a healthy young man, he now lay on his meager cot very ill with Diphtheria and sharing space with bedbugs and flies; his body had literally become skin and bones. His Allied comrades had begun to behave in a barbarous manner, stealing food and supplies from the dying as well as other prisoners. Death, he thought, would truly be a relief to what had become a fate worse than death. However, on a day when the heat smothered the breath from their lungs and oppressions seemed to smother the life and light from their bodies, a glimpse of hope appeared.

Two prisoners were transferred into the camp from a neighboring slave labor camp. These two prisoners were unlike any he had previously encountered. They dressed his wounds and shared their food rations willingly. They gave him the first bath he had in six weeks. Not only did they take care of Ernest, they also cared for other prisoners. Soon others began to emulate their behavior and before long the mood of the camp changed. Ernest regained his strength and began to show the same selfless compassion to his fellow prisoners. Bible studies cropped up and death was no longer a welcome guest in the camp. In short, hope had returned to this camp of disease, loss and suffering. The men began to start sentences with the words "When I get home."

We don't have to be prisoners of war to find hopelessness, selfishness and greed in our life. A simple look around is all it takes to convince us that it still exists. However, that same look around can reveal hope. Over the years I have seen many school children without proper shoes, coats and other basic necessities to get them through difficult winters. But, this year I have seen a glimpse of hope in my small world.

The men in my Sunday School Class and some other adults have taken it upon themselves to seek me out and offer me money anonymously to take care of kids that lack what we take for granted as the basic necessities of life. These men have put clothes on children's backs, coats around their shoulders and all without ever asking the selfish question of "Exactly who am I helping?" Now, I have some new heroes to look up to in this time of "me and mine."

I want to encourage anyone reading this article to do for others the things they cannot do for themselves. Making a difference in the life of a child is something you will never regret. Taking a holiday meal to a family in need does not have to be sanctioned by the church and your picture doesn't need to appear in the newspaper. One gentleman regularly gives to others through this office and has threatened my life if I reveal his identity.

At this festive time of year we must ask ourselves a simple question, "Am I doing right by my fellow man?" If the answer is no, then I have good news. The sun will rise tomorrow and give you a new opportunity to take actions that may be totally foreign to you. My Sunday School teacher from my boyhood always told me to "give and it shall be given unto you, shaken down, and pressed together." You've gotta love those Sunday School teachers.

If you want to do something for kids and just don't know how to get started, call me and I will put you in touch with those that can set you on the path. The blessing that comes with giving is one that I can't explain. However, when you have traveled the path of giving, no explanation is necessary.

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed and Happy New Year. And remember, you are always welcome at Troup ISD.