"For Your Tomorrows, We Gave Our Today"*

The King was in Staffordshire, but we went to the local VJ Day Commemoration Service on Friday at Dereham Parish Church. It was very moving. The Curate preached the sermon, and spoke of his grandfather, who had been a prisoner in the Far East. He also talked about Bishop Leonard Wilson of Singapore, and how this gracious man of faith was able to forgive his torturers because he believed God's Spirit gave him the grace and strength to do so. I had quite forgotten about the Bishop, one of my Dad's 'heroes of faith'. I must try and find "The Singapore Story" - the moving biopic made about this man.
Here is the prayer of commitment from Friday's service

Let us pledge ourselves anew
to the service of God and our fellow men and women:
that we may help, encourage and comfort others,
and support those working for the relief of the needy
and for the peace and welfare of the nations.
Lord God our Father,
we pledge ourselves to serve you and all humankind,
in the cause of peace, for the relief of want and suffering,
and for the praise of your name.
Guide us by your Spirit;
give us wisdom;
    give us courage;
        give us hope;
and keep us faithful now and always. Amen.

* The famous Kohima Epitaph