EDWARDS TO BE HONORED FOR HIS WORK TO SAVE THE WACO VA HOSPITAL WEDNESDAY AREA VETERANS INVITED TO ATTEND

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - U.S. Representative Chet Edwards will be honored by Waco community leaders for his efforts to keep the Waco VA hospital open Wednesday, Aug. 22 at the Waco VA Hospital Campus Building 6. The reception at 11:30 a.m will include a formal recognition ceremony of Congressman Edwards for his vision and leadership resulting in the Waco Veterans Hospital remaining open to serve area veterans.

In 2003, the VA Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Series (CARES) Commission released a plan that called for closure of the Waco hospital. Working with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington and community leaders in Waco, Congressman Edwards partnered with Senator Hutchison to reverse that proposal in 2006. In 2005, Edwards pushed for House approval of legislation authored by Senator Hutchison designating the Waco VA as a “Mental Health Center of Excellence.” As Waco’s congressman, Edwards was the leader of the effort in the House of Representatives to keep the Waco VA Hospital open.

In 2005, Edwards created a research program that positions the Waco VA Hospital as a world-class post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mental health care research center. The research program, funded by Edwards with an initial appropriation of $3 million, combines the expertise of the Waco VA Hospital with Fort Hood, Texas A&M University, and Baylor University to better understand the root causes of PTSD, and improve treatment options.

In 2007, as the new Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee that funds the Department of Veterans Affairs, Congressman Edwards has so far this year authored historic increases of nearly $12 billion in the VA budget for 2007 and 2008. This increased funding will not only improve services for America’s veterans, but also strengthen the mission of the Waco VA, and provide the Department of Veterans Affairs the flexibility to potentially expand services at the Waco VA.

August 21, 2007

Distressed Travelers

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: Matthew 11:20-30

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. —Matthew 11:28

After a long journey from Hong Kong, which involved a 7-hour layover compounded by a 3-hour delay, we arrived in Chicago. We missed the last flight to Grand Rapids, our destination, by just 20 minutes. The airline arranged hotel rooms for us, and we took a shuttle for a short night’s rest. We must have been a pretty sorry sight to the hotel staff. One of them looked at us, shook his head, and simply said, “Distressed travelers.” Perhaps in the travel industry that is a common term, but it was new to me. And it felt appropriate after 2 hard days of travel.

That experience was, for me, something of a metaphor for life. We are pilgrims in this world, traveling to a heavenly home that will be beyond description. Along the way, however, the cares and burdens of the journey can rob us of our hope and joy. We become distressed travelers in desperate need of encouragement and refreshment. The Lord calls to weary pilgrims like us, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). Only He can give us rest for our souls to strengthen us for the road ahead.

Are you distressed in your journey? Lean on Him! His love and care are there to restore your heart.

Strength and courage for the weary,
God’s own hand to guide each day—
This and more is for the asking
When we meditate and pray. —Anon.

As you travel life’s weary road, let Jesus lift your heavy load.

Bible in One Year: Psalms 107-109; 1 Corinthians 4