Letter to the editor - Jan. 2

Missionary work requires risk

I watched a movie called “Hacksaw Ridge” about a conscientious objector in World War II who wanted to be a medic in the U.S. Army. The story tells how Desmond Thomas Doss wanted to serve his country without carrying a gun.

To most people this sounded crazy and ridiculous. Desmond was ridiculed, beat up, and court-martialed for his beliefs. However, this did not deter him from his goal of being in the Army.

I have described this scenario because I have nicknamed myself “Hacksaw Ridge” in dedication to Desmond Doss who fought for his beliefs not to carry a gun and believe in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. I have the same inspiration to do God’s will and that is to serve in Curry County Adult Detention Center as a chaplain, providing spiritual words from the Bible to let these men know there is someone who cares about them no matter what their circumstances that led them to incarceration.

I have been a chaplain for almost 10 years now, having served with Clovis fire and police departments and others. This is something I will do the rest of my life. There will always be a need for someone to share God’s word with his children.

During these last couple of years of the pandemic, I have been willing to enter the detention center and provide spiritual education and biblical services to the inmates. However, due to the governor’s mandates, I have not been allowed to complete my ministry.

Do missionaries not take risks wherever they go to preach the word of God?

I just want to be given a chance to complete God’s work, which he has commissioned me to do for those of his children who need to hear his word.

Rev. Donald T. Sawyer Jr.

Clovis