Sixty of us met for breakfast on Saturday, Nov. 12 to honor and remember all those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, their families and our first responders. We started with a short ABC news video addressing the Great War (WWI) and Armistice Day that focused on the extra- ordinary service of Naomi Wagner’s grandfather, Hitoshi Fukui.
Mariano Vasta, Navy Vietnam Veteran, opened the program with the invocation and David Hill, Marine Corps Veteran during the Cuban Missile Crisis, led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Following the breakfast, our keynote speaker, Matthew Rothert, Army Veteran, described his life’s spiritual journey—revolving around his favorite verse—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, Pray continually, give Thanks
in all circumstances as this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
RePeaT—R-rejoice, P-pray, T-thanks. These verses led him thru all the changes God had preordained for his life. Including moving from Arkansas to Holland, Michigan, three different times! He was given the privilege of teaching God’s Word in many places in the U.S. and Australia. He also shared that his father was responsible for getting “In God We Trust” on all US paper currency starting in 1957 with the $1 bill.
Matthew taught in the Pasadena area with Bible Study Fellowship (three times) where they now have the opportunity to stay at Providence Mission Home where Carol Lynn (wife of 56 years) and he serve God by serving others. Lake Avenue Church is their church away from home.
The US Armed Forces Medley was played, and our veterans stood for their service song. In closing, we finished with a prayer for healing for our brother Mariano Vasta.