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Today’s unrest in the middle east between Israel and the Palestinians is nothing new. It has been going on since before Israel was recognized as a country in 1948. Today I would like to share with you a letter written by my grandfather, Dr. J Frank Norris, to President Harry Truman in 1947. During a recent visit with my brother, he asked me if I was familiar with this letter. I knew nothing about it. He brought me a copy of this letter to read. I knew right away that I needed to share with you at the Pioneer. Dr. J Frank Norris was the pastor of First Baptist Church in Fort Worth for many years. He was also pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan. These congregations were over ten thousand members each and certainly among the forerunners of the mega churches of today. Following is a copy of the letter my grandfather sent to Harry Truman and following that is the President’s response to Dr. Norris. These letters are available on the internet at www. J Frank Norris’ letter to Harry Truman.com. I feel that these letters are appropriate in the present day when people are questioning whether Israel potentially should be divided. In the original letter Dr. Norris separated his thoughts with an open line. For the sake of print space. I have indented each thought. The wording is as originally printed.

I remember the time my wife and I went to a small country churches’ evening of singing, fellowship and a meal. While there something unusual caught my attention. An elderly man was there who was partially paralyzed from a stroke. It was hard for him to walk so he parked his pickup close to the fellowship hall entrance. When he got out of his pickup a small dog got out of the back of the truck and went right to his side. She was pretty and well taken care of but one thing; she kept her eyes on him and followed him everywhere he went. As he went inside, he stopped momentarily and told her to sit outside the door. I noticed that she kept watching him and kept her eyes on him and there was even a beautiful sparkle in her eyes. What devotion and love! That crippled man and the little dog reminded me of something in the Bible. We should love God voluntarily and be devoted to Him. The Bible even tells how much; with all our heart, soul and mind, (Matthew 22:37). It also goes on to say we cannot have two masters because we will hate one and love the other. The world, material wealth or God (Matthew 6:24). We have the opportunity to have a beautiful loving relationship with God, to be loved and love Him, (John 3:16,Romans 5:6 &8). See you in Church next Sunday.

BALMORHEA – The Heroes & Heritage Parade Planning Committee led by Daniel Alvarado is excited to announce its inaugural Labor Day Parade, celebrating the dedication and hard work of our community with the theme, “Honoring Workforce Heroes: Past, Present, & Future.”

MARFA - Judd Foundation today announced plans for completing the restoration and rebuilding of Donald Judd’s Architecture Office. One of eleven buildings associated with Judd in Marfa recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, the Architecture Office will open to the public in September 2025.

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has approved a revised recovery plan for the Mexican long-nosed bat, an endangered migratory bat from Mexico that is also found seasonally in West Texas and New Mexico. The revised recovery plan establishes downlisting and delisting criteria for the Mexican longnosed bat, which was listed as endangered on Sept. 30, 1988.

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Are you in the market for a new read? Your Fort Stockton Library has you covered. Here is a list of the new books received recently for you to enjoy. Free to all residents, visit the library in person or learn more at www.fort-stockton.lib.tx.us

This Saturday, June 27, at 7 p.m., the Fort Stockton Film Society will host a free screening of Chinatown at the Nelson Street Theater, 102 South Nelson. Doors open at 6:30, and free popcorn and drinks will be served. It’s all courtesy of our sponsor The Rea Charitable Trust.

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