"And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh." (Jude 22-23)

The Times-Reporter of New Philadelphia, Ohio, reported in September 1985 the celebration at a New Orleans municipal pool. The party around the pool was held to celebrate the first summer in memory without a drawing at any New Orleans city pool. In honor of the occasion, two hundred people gathered, including one hundred certified lifeguards.

As the party was breaking up and the four lifeguards on duty began to clear the pool, they found a fully dressed body in the deep end. They tried to revive Jerome Moody, thirty one, but it was too late. He had drowned surrounded by lifeguards celebrating their successful season.

I wonder how many visitors and strangers are among us, drowning in loneliness, hurt and doubt, while we, who could help them, don't realize it. We Christians have reason to celebrate, but our mission, as the old hymn says, is to "rescue the perishing." And, often they are right next to us. (From Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching, p. 152)