Conflicts in Caperston mimic some challenges throughout the world today. The stratification of haves and have-nots is increasing, particularly in America. The rich get richer and the poor ... ???

The movement in Caperston, led by Zester, to denounce the mountain people as equals led to the violence in their society? What do you think we

can learn from Caperston's trials and tribulations?

Did not inequality lead to the massacre on the highway?(http://christianteensactivities.org/newstoryApril2014.php)

Did not impatience lead to the martyrdom of Dustin? (http://christianteensactivities.org/NewstoryMay2014.php)

Most recent comment from Alex: Wouldn't it be nice to just forget the past and move on with a future of hope. However, we live in a world too separated by people with big differences of opinions. We can agree to differ but there is too much anger from extreme people on the "left" and the "right".

See below on right to reply.

 
        In 1973 it became apparent that it was time for me to move on. It  was difficult. Though I had a job at a local insurance company, my youth ministry at the Stony Brook coffeehouse was my real mission in life. It took a good friend's  heart to heart conversation with me to solidify my conviction that there truly was a new life ahead. I prayed about it and decided to leave it in God's hands - I would take the first affordable apartment anywhere within an hours drive of my place of business.

        In May 1973 that "anywhere" became an unknown town in central Long Island, N.Y. by the name of North Babylon. Bordering to its north was the village of Deer Park. To my amazement the very first Sunday I attended the Deer Park Presbyterian Church a church elder announced that he wanted the church to support a new local coffeehouse. God had called me to leave one coffeehouse ministry behind and immediately gave me a new one in my new home. To this day I still marvel at how God calls us to our missions.

For those of you visiting this blog from the Facebook page: Friends of Mattpaul, you have seen the attached video. You will recognize that this call to youth ministry in Deer Park comes after the discussion of the beginning of the Stony Brook Coffeehouse and the thoughts beginning with "Fast forward 32 years".

Please comment on my story and please, please share your own story of faith, hope and/or love.
 

An acquaintance announced to a friend, in response to a question, "How's it going?" ... it's going "better than average" with a smile. When his friend left I told him, "If we could live our lifes "better than average, we would be happy men". I made a new friend as he walked over, introduced himself and shook my hand.