Opening a Great Door

Chaplain Len Patterson

Opening a Great Door

In the first few centuries of the Church, being a Christian could be very dangerous, especially during periods of organized persecution. Thousands were either murdered or executed, just for being a Christian, including all but one of the Lord's Apostles. If a Christian came to a new town and sought for other Christians, he would go to a public place and draw an arc in the dirt, similar to the base of a rocking chair. This mark meant nothing to the enemies of Christ, but to another Christian it was a code of recognition. The other Christian would then draw a reverse arc above the other completing the sign of the Fish. The two would then embrace as Brothers in Christ.

While it is not a crime to be a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, at least not yet, we are still being persecuted by the media, politicians and other various groups and persons.. They defile our heritage, dishonor our brave Confederate forefathers, and disgrace the just cause for which they fought. Even the states that asked them to serve in their defence, often refuse to remember their sacrifice. And of course, we are labeled as a bunch of ignorant malcontents still fighting the "Civil War." The Apostle Paul wrote in First Corinthians 16:9, "For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries."

We too have "many adversaries." However, just as that small group of despised and persecuted early Christians, within less than three hundred years, captured the entire Roman world for Christ, the Sons of Confederate Veterans also has a great and effectual door of opportunity open to us. The key to open this door begins with faith and trust in God, and embracing each other as SCV Brothers. Perhaps we can understand the secret to the early Church's success. From the very beginning "they were all with one accord." (Acts 2:1) If we, as the descendants of those who so faithfully served the Confederacy can do the same, then our Cause is not "lost." It as just begun.

It is my prayer that we, as members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, faithfully and in one accord serve God and our Southern Cause. I pray that we, with confidence, strength and unity of purpose, walk humbly before Him, and proudly before our adversaries. Bro. Len Patterson, Chaplain