Get out there!

As you know, my wife and I are missionaries serving in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I am, without shame, an American citizen. That is where God chose to have me be reared and I accept that fact. Our family lived across the bay in Niterói when the attacks on our country happened on September 11, 2001. My family and I watched in horror as we saw our country under attack. I remember clearly my feelings of powerlessness as I grieved over our nation and the strong desire that I had to return immediately to the States.

Well, we're 55 days away until our country will be voting for the next president. I am not going to tell you how you should vote, only that YOU SHOULD VOTE!!! I have been told more than once, "Don't blame me, I didn't vote for him". My comeback is, but, did you vote?!? Here in Brazil they have what I call a "forced democracy", that is, voting is mandatory. If someone here does not vote, they can NEVER run for public office, they run the risk of being fined, they could even face jail time. In the States too many people complain about their situation, but never do anything about it. My thoughts, VOTE! Use your right as an American citizen to mark your opinion. If you didn't vote, please don't complain about how bad the government is because you did nothing to change it.

There are two strong candidates out there running for the office of the President. It is your civil responsibility to see that the right one gets into office. Find out what each of them stand for. Find out about their histories. Where are they really on the issues facing America's future, where do stand regarding our involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, where are they regarding our economy, etc.?

Both Sharon and I are registered voters. We will soon be receiving our absentee ballots, we will complete them and mail them in right away. If you're not registered, get registered. It's a painless process and in most states an easy thing to do. So, get out there and make your country happen.

May God bless America!

Jeff Renard - Rio