Delayed Justice

I look forward every year to the Conquerors’ Support Group Thanksgiving Dinner at Oakdale Park Church in Grand Rapids. The group exists to help the families of murder victims. There is even a burial fund to meet immediate needs and there is counseling offered. The organization is staffed by volunteers who do everything in their power to help. And some of them have been in the same position of having a loved one murdered. The group was founded by my friend Carolyn Priester after the shooting death of her 34-year-old son, Lee Randolph Priester, July 28, 2007. His killer remains at large.

And even though terrible things have happened to loved ones of those who use Conqueror’s’ services, it is not a dour group. There are sometimes tears, to be sure, but there is laughter and joy, too. And young children.

Today I was asked to say a few words, and I stumbled through some thoughts about the problem of evil and the certainty of God’s love. At my request I was helped with some of the theology of those sharing the meal (help is there when needed). I am grateful. Sometimes my thoughts stick and I need a good shove to see something pretty obvious. Ah, well.

Certainly this group is worthy of support. People tend to shy away; after all no one wants to qualify for the membership criterion. But that possible discomfort makes it all the more important to pay attention. It’s all spiritual. And we can grow into the people we are called to be when we engage in the struggle. I suggest that some of you would benefit from the Conquerors’ Support Group.

They don’t ask anyone else to take on the pain that the families carry, merely to walk beside them.

And next year…if I can get myself in gear to let you know about it well enough in advance, you are invited to Thanksgiving with them. The dinner also serves as a fund-raising event, but the fellowship is so worth anything you’d care to give.