I am 58 years old, on the tail end of the "Baby Boomer" generation; I grew up with the Cold War. When the Gulag Archipelago trilogy was published in the United States, I hungrily sought it out. His early novels are astounding; many of his essays deeply thought provoking and relevant today.

If you read nothing else of his works, please consider, at least, the 1962 release of "A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich". Also, you might try, "From Under the Rubble", a compilation of essays by a select number of Russian intellectuals on post-Stalinist life in Russia. Solzhenitsyn's essay there entitled, "Repentance and Self-Limitation in the Life of Nations" is especially worth the effort. It goes without saying that the "Gulag Archipelago" trilogy is a compelling masterpiece. If you want to discover more on the intrigues and personal sacrifices around Solzhenitsyn prior to his exile to ensure the preservation of his writings, you might enjoy, "The Oak and the Calf", followed by, "Invisible Allies".

The dedicatory, Volume I, Gulag Archipelago, speaks volumes: "I dedicate this to all those who did not live to tell it. And may they please forgive me for not having seen it all nor remembered it all, for not having divined all of it."

Solzhenitsyn was an inspiration. His life epitomized dedication to a higher cause. That cause crystallized during his 8 years in the GULAG and subsequent exile in Siberia. His discipline and drive as a writer were staggering: the truth must be recorded! Were he maligned, ostracized or threatened, he appeared to be fearless when speaking out, even in old age. His life seemed an analogy for the era in which we lived; his books, trustworthy and intimate friends.

I feel like I owe him something for his generosity: a thinker so willing to let you inside his own thoughts, provoking thought in his readers. I also take from him the example of vision and discipline with which he so fervently set out to record for posterity much that might otherwise have been less appreciated or forgotten.

In the context of our Christian walk, I find admonishment in his example: how distressing it is that we as "Christian" people so often seem bereft of inspiration, know little of self-sacrifice and restraint for the greater good, and manifest little compulsion to fulfill the Great Commission. And yet, ours is the higher calling.

Family: We were able to be in northern Wisconsin last month to attend my niece's wedding and to be with family. While we were there, Mom was moved to an Assisted Living facility. The Alzheimer's progressed to a point where things were no longer manageable at home. Dad and my sister, Cheryl, were able to take care of her much longer than anyone anticipated. Please pray for them.

Kids: We had a fruitful summer with the Vacation Bible School efforts in our churches. Linda and several of the ladies planned and organized months in advance. The kids learned a lot about the Patriarch Joseph; they had a great time each day; we had a wonderful turn out for the whole week; and, great support from the parents for the program on Sunday. Many new people were exposed to the Gospel message: salvation by faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ and the perfect sacrifice that he made once for all on the cross of Calvary.

Opportunity: Carla Andrea studies Communications and Broadcasting. The director of her school has offered her -and us- essentially free use of their recording studio. We hope to put together testimonies, interviews, Q & A on issues, things that might generate interest in knowing more about God and the Bible, and maybe even visiting one of our churches. We plan to incorporate these sessions into a website, thus making them available to the public. I am enthused that we have young people enthused about doing something like this. Please pray for us!

Email address changing: Please note the change in my email address from greg to gsmith@cancunqr.com