The News

Sometimes I think it would be better if I did not watch the news. It has been so depressing lately.

First there was the hotel bombings in Jakarta last Friday. Three Australians, 2 business men and one trade official were killed and one New Zealand business man. I am not sure of the nationality of the other 5 killed, I presume they were Indonesian and one was the suicide bomber. I think about 60 were injured. I cannot understand any religion which seems to believe in a God of hate and this includes some well-known Christian even if they do not resort to actual physical violence.
Prayers for the families of the deceased and the nation of Indonesia which is trying with a great deal of recent success to be a democracy.

Second our news was of the 11th Australian soldier to die in Afghanistan, a young man of 22. I know this is not many by US standards but still bad enough. At least there were comments by the Chief of the Defence Forces, the Minister for Defence and the Prime Minister. On past performance they are all likely to attend any funeral service. Sadly that would be impossible in the USA. I am becoming increasingly disenchanted with the war in Afghanistan. It seemed worthwhile immediately after 9/11 but unfortunately the effort was diverted to Iraq and now experts seem to think it is unwinnable and we are only remaining to 'save face'. A poor reason for sending young men to their deaths. Prayers needed for the family and all the forces of many countries fighting in Afghanistan.

Finally our news is full of the death of a family in a quiet suburb of Sydney.Two young boys aged 9 & 12, their mother, father and aunt were found bludgeoned to death in their home on Sunday morning. They owned the local newsagency. As yet no reasons are known. Prayers especially are needed for the 15 year old daughter of the family who was on holiday overseas. Her grief must be unimaginable.