ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH
(The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod)
Alma, Kansas
A family united by faith in Christ gathering around God's Word and Sacraments.
To reach out in Christ-like concern and Christ-borne love to each other and to those without Christ!
In This Month's
St. John Witness
OCTOBER WITNESS
Pastor's Message
“Joseph stored up grain in abundance, until he stopped measuring, for it was beyond measure.” Genesis 41:48-49
On October 31, 2011, the bodies of three workers were found after a massive explosion of the Bartlett Grain Company elevator at Atchinson. Two others were injured and transported to the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City. Four workers were spared injury from the incident. The search for three others who died was called off for safety concerns. The workers were loading a train with corn when the explosion took place.
Grain dust explosions remain a concern at elevators, where grain is transferred, and accumulated dust is made airborne and then ignited by a wayward spark. Grain dust can be as much as six times more powerful than an explosion with gunpowder. The blast at Atchinson caused its residents to rush to the elevator west of town to provide assistance, and was even felt in Missouri.
In April 2012, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Bartlett Grain with five willful violations and eight serious violations of safety rules. In a press release, the U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis stated: “The deaths of these six workers could have been prevented had the grain elevators operators addressed hazards that are well-known in the industry.”
Excepted from On This Very Day in Kansas History by Paul E. Barkey
God is the Lord of the harvest. This year, as the bounty of crops is reaped, counted and stored, we remember that God is the one who blesses the earth with its fruitfulness. We pray for wisdom in handling these blessings, and for safety among those who handle the harvest of grains.
We also look to the Lord of the harvest to bring His Word to bear in the lives of those who are lost in the world. Our culture ignores the warnings from God, the Almighty, and often ends in disaster. When sin abounds, and lawlessness grows, dangers multiply and destruction is nearer than we can imagine, until it comes. For souls who claim to save themselves, or even directly claim Jesus Christ is not a Savior from death and damnation, there is no hope or redemption. Eternal death is doubted, but yet, a true reality.
Jesus Christ has taken the punishment of sin upon himself. Our willful and serious violations of God’s royal law “Love your neighbor as yourself” brings judgment. Jesus saves us from this curse of sin. Our Reformation message tells us eternal death can be prevented by faith in Jesus Christ.
Rejoicing as holy children of God!
Pastor Grimm
