America Good to Guam
In doing research on the Chamorro culture, I stumbled
across a web
site online and a few other sites voicing
their beliefs and opinions on
Guam's should-be independence
from the United States. What intrigues
me is that in all cases
writers share the “what’s” of their thoughts and
opinions for
change but nowhere do I find the explanations on how to bring
about the change. Independence from America is sought but
again, how
does one plan on accomplishing this enormous task?
It is a fact that Guam is experiencing socio-economic struggles.
Medical patients
having to travel off-island for medical
attention is on the rise. Cancer appears to be
a growing
medical problem among Guamanian Domestic violence, social
violence,
and drug use headline the local newspaper and the
Internet. The exodus of families
to the United States seeking to
support their livelihood is also on the rise. Moreover,
we are fighting for independence? “What’s up with that?” …As some would ask.
It is not an accident that in the year fifteen twenty one Magellan found his way to
our
island. It was the year of the Great Reformation of the church. It was the year
when
Martin Luther, a devout Catholic monk, nailed his thesis to the doors of the
church in
Rome. Having read the Book of Romans given to him by a fellow monk,
Luther learned
that there were grave errors within the teachings of the Roman
church. He protested
against these errors and thus, Protestantism was born.
God came to Guam. However, the teachings of Catholicism are rooted deeply into
her
culture yet the truth of God’s word has not entered the ears and hearts of her
people
even to this day. Guam needs a spiritual awakening before her people can
experience
peace, joy, and prosperity. Without it, she will continue to struggle as
she does today—
there is no getting around that truth. Jesus said,
“I am the vine, you the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5].
Are you with me?
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