Some trust in chariots...

The independent Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) has voted down the Department of Defense proposal—the New London Base stays open and the thousands of highly anticipated new residents will not move to Camden County. This morning's Florida Times-Union covers the story with lots of quotes from officials here in the Kings Bay area.

Many in this area had begun to move in reaction to the Department of Defense recommendations. Property values rose sharply and business plans were being hastily put together. It was hard not to count the chickens before they were hatched.

What happens to economic development in this area now? We trust in God. That was the plan all along.

The Prophet Isaiah wrote,

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help And rely on horses, And trust in chariots because they are many And in horsemen because they are very strong, But they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the LORD!"

Chariots and horses were the top weapons in the arms race of 700 B.C. and Isaiah knew that many in Israel depended on the chariots and horses to protect their nation and did not trust in God for their needs.

Some have trusted in BRAC to care for their needs. Now we are back to Plan A, trusting in the Lord our God to care for the people of Camden County.

And speaking of caring for the people of Camden, there are important ways in which we Christians are to take part in what God desires to do for God's people. The Times-Union article notes that Camden County Commission Chair David Rainer said developers' plans to build affordable housing in the county, as a result of the possible closure of New London, are likely to be scrapped. Unfortunately, Rainer is probably speaking the truth.

Yet, we should not loose the focus on providing quality housing under $100,000. Habitat for Humanity continues to chip away at the problems of safe, decent and affordable housing (Habitat families pay for the house with a no interest loan), but our community needs to address this large need through other avenues as well.

peace,
Frank+
The Rev. Frank Logue, Pastor + King of Peace Episcopal Church