The Wired Word for 03092025 - CourtneyR.dev's 2nd Brain

The Wired Word for 03/09/2025 ![rw-book-cover](https://readwise-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/images/article3.5c705a01b476.png) ## Metadata - Author: [[The Wired Word]] - Full Title: The Wired Word for 03/09/2025 - Category: #articles - Document Note: --- tags: [#measles, #vaccines, #publichealth, #Texas, #communityhealth, #biblical, #discussion] - #measles - #vaccines - #publichealth - #Texas - #communityhealth - #biblical - #discussion Author: Communication Resource Team Source: The Wired Word; USA Today; The Washington Post; Fox News; Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine; Biblical passages Reference: Various news articles and Bible passages (e.g., Jeremiah 30:17, Matthew 4:23-24, Galatians 6:2, James 5:14-15) date created: 2025-03-09 12:06 --- # Title: Texas Measles Outbreak: Vaccine Debate, Community Health, and Biblical Reflections ## Table of Contents: - [📝 Summary](#-summary) - [🗒️ Expanded Notes](#-expanded-notes) - [❓ Answering the Questions](#-answering-the-questions) - [🙏 Prayer](#-prayer) ## 📝 Summary: This document examines a measles outbreak in Texas that resulted in the death of a child and over 100 infections, highlighting the challenges of vaccine hesitancy and the broader debate between personal choice versus state mandates. It also incorporates biblical insights to discuss themes of communal responsibility, healing, and wholeness, inviting readers to reflect on their individual and collective roles in public health, community care, and spiritual guidance. ## 🗒️ Expanded Notes: - **Introduction & Context:** - **Opening Statement:** - Begins with the tragic news: "One child is dead and more than 100 other people are infected with measles." - Sets the stage for a broader discussion on vaccines, public health, and the interplay of personal freedom and community responsibility. - **Purpose:** - To evaluate personal views on vaccines. - To analyze the balance between individual rights and state mandates. - To explore how faith and biblical principles can inform community health and healing. - **Outbreak Details:** - **Epidemiological Data:** - Reported death of a school-age child from measles. - Over 124 confirmed infections (primarily in children) before the fatality. - High concentration in regions like Gaines County and within Mennonite communities. - **Vaccination Statistics:** - Decline in immunization rates: from 95.2% (2019-2020) to 92.7% (2023-2024) among kindergartners. - Explanation of herd immunity: at least 95% vaccination needed to prevent outbreaks. - Vulnerability of 280,000 kindergartners due to lowered coverage. - **Vaccine Policy and Exemptions:** - **Mandated Vaccinations:** - All states require a set of childhood vaccines for school entry. - Standard immunization schedule includes MMR, DTap, Hib, polio, chickenpox, flu, hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, and pneumococcal vaccines. - **Exemptions:** - Parents can request exemptions based on medical need, religious beliefs, or personal convictions. - Discussion of "conscientious exemptions" with examples: - Gaines County: 13.6% exemption rate, significantly above state averages. - Crosby and Bell counties: Even higher exemption rates (23.7% and 18.8% respectively). - Insights from personal research by parents (e.g., Kaleigh Brantner’s experience and rationale). - **Media Reports and Perspectives:** - **News Sources:** - **USA Today:** Provided detailed infection numbers and local impacts. - **The Washington Post:** Reported on vaccine resistance and quoted concerned parents. - **Fox News:** Shared perspectives from figures like HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. - **Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine:** Offered expert opinions on vaccine safety and hesitancy. - **Contrasting Views:** - Presentation of scientific data versus anecdotal evidence. - Debate over vaccine safety concerns (e.g., claims about side effects versus statistical effectiveness). - **Biblical Integration:** - **Scriptural Passages:** - **Jeremiah 30:17:** Focuses on restoration and healing, highlighting God’s commitment to community care. - **Matthew 4:23-24:** Describes Jesus’ ministry of healing and his universal approach to curing every disease. - **Galatians 6:2:** Encourages bearing one another’s burdens, promoting collective responsibility. - **James 5:14-15:** Emphasizes prayer and community support in healing. - **Theological Reflection:** - The biblical call for healing and restoration is linked with public health. - Emphasis on the idea that God desires wholeness—not only in individual lives but across entire communities. - Discussion of how faith communities can offer both spiritual and practical support during health crises. - **Ethical and Social Considerations:** - **Personal Choice vs. Community Responsibility:** - Analysis of when vaccination should be a matter of personal decision and when it must be enforced for the greater good. - The role of personal research and cultural or religious beliefs in shaping vaccine decisions. - **Community Health:** - The relationship between individual health decisions and overall public health outcomes. - The ethical duty of individuals to protect vulnerable community members. - **Role of the Church:** - Encourages churches to be proactive in health ministries. - Discussion on how the church can support community well-being through education, prayer, and practical assistance. - **Call to Action and Reflection:** - **Reflective Prompts:** - The text asks readers to assess their views on vaccines and their sources. - It challenges readers to consider how their church and community can better engage in healing ministries. - Questions are designed to spark individual and group reflection on ethical, social, and spiritual dimensions of public health. - **Integration of News with Faith:** - Invites readers to blend scientific understanding with biblical teachings to form a holistic view on health. - Encourages active participation in both personal health practices and community outreach initiatives. ## ❓ Answering the Questions: ### Big Questions: 1. **What is your view of vaccines? What factors go into your decision to receive or not receive a specific vaccine?** - **Answer:** - I view vaccines as a critical tool for preventing serious and potentially deadly diseases. They are backed by extensive scientific research and are essential for maintaining herd immunity. - **Factors influencing my decision include:** - **Scientific Evidence:** Efficacy rates (e.g., 97% effectiveness of the measles vaccine) and data from trusted institutions like the CDC. - **Safety Profile:** Consideration of the low risk of severe side effects versus the high risk of disease. - **Public Health Impact:** The importance of protecting vulnerable populations through widespread immunization. - **Personal and Community Health:** Balancing personal beliefs with the responsibility to contribute to community health. - **Reliable Sources:** Information from reputable news outlets, medical journals, and health authorities. 2. **When should vaccinations be a personal choice, when should they be a government mandate? What exemptions should be allowed, in your opinion?** - **Answer:** - **Personal Choice:** - In situations where individual medical history or specific health conditions warrant tailored decisions. - When reliable, evidence-based information is accessible and parents can make an informed decision. - **Government Mandate:** - For diseases that pose a significant public health risk and require herd immunity (e.g., measles). - In settings like schools where the risk of disease transmission is high. - **Exemptions:** - Medical exemptions should be strictly allowed for those with legitimate contraindications. - Religious and personal belief exemptions should be carefully evaluated to ensure they do not jeopardize community health. Robust review processes can help balance individual freedom with the collective safety of the community. 3. **How do you maintain your individual health? What steps do you take to preserve the health of the community around you? What is the relationship between the two?** - Summary: One child is dead and more than 100 other people are infected with measles in an outbreak of the disease in Texas. Dear Class Members, One child is dead and more than 100 other people are infected with measles in an outbreak of the disease in Texas. Because the medical crisis raises questions about vaccines, this installment of *The Wired Word* will focus on personal choice versus state requirements, the challenges of individual health and community health, and God's desire for health and wholeness. ![](https://www.thewiredword.com/_img/tww_logo_email.jpg) **Texas Outbreak Provides Live Field Test of Measles Vaccine*****The Wired Word*** **for the Week of March 9, 2025** **In the News** On Wednesday, February 26, Texas officials announced the death of a school-age child infected with measles, part of an outbreak that is currently being experienced in Texas and New Mexico. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this death is the first of its kind in the United States since 2015. Lubbock city and Texas health officials confirmed that the patient was unvaccinated. The infected child was 6 years old and otherwise healthy. According to *USA Today*, The Texas Department of State Health Services announced before the death that confirmed infections were up to 124, mostly in children. All but five cases were in unvaccinated people or people with unknown vaccination status, and most of the infections were in Gaines County, in western Texas, primarily in Mennonite communities. Across the country, all states require students to have a set of childhood vaccines before they can enter school. The typical vaccine course includes the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, DTap (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccine, Hib (H. influenza) vaccine and vaccines for polio, chickenpox, flu, hepatitis A and B, rotavirus and pneumococcal. If parents cannot or do not want to have their children receive these vaccinations, they can submit a request for an exemption. These exemptions are usually requested on the grounds of medical need or religious and personal beliefs. Different kinds of exemptions are allowed in different states. *The Washington Post* reports that when measles began to spread, a mother named Kaleigh Brantner urged fellow residents of Seminole, Texas, to beware of vaccinating their children. Two weeks later, her unvaccinated 7-year-old son came home from school with a fever, which was followed by a rash across his body. Fortunately, he experienced mild symptoms and a swift recovery, and Brantner remained committed to her anti-vaccination stance. "We're not going to harm our children or [risk] the potential to harm our children," said Brantner, "so that we can save yours." Only 80 miles away was the unvaccinated child who died of measles. The outbreak in western Texas illustrates the stakes of slipping immunization rates and the rise of vaccine skeptics, including Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. American children have traditionally been well immunized against measles, but coverage rates have declined in recent years. In the 2019-2020 school year, kindergartners had a 95.2 percent vaccination rate, while those in the 2023-2024 school year had a 92.7 percent rate. This means that 280,000 kindergartners were vulnerable to measles, according to the CDC. At least 95% of the community must receive the full two doses of the measles vaccine to achieve "herd immunity" and reduce the chance of outbreaks. Herd immunity means enough people in a community are immune to a disease -- often through vaccination -- that it becomes very difficult for the infection to spread. Some vaccine skeptics are motivated by religious beliefs, and others are basing their decision on the claims of the anti-vaccine movement. For some, vaccine ingredients or vaccination itself are viewed as contrary to cultural or religious practices. In Texas, if an exemption is granted based on religious or personal belief, it is called a conscientious exemption. Gaines County has a high conscientious vaccine exemption rate of 13.6% in grades K-12, one of the highest in Texas, according to 2023-2024 state health data. This is more than five times the statewide average. But two other counties, Crosby and Bell, had even higher rates in 2023-2024 at 23.7% and 18.8%. What is motivating these requests for conscientious vaccine exemptions? Brantner told *The Washington Post* that she decided not to vaccinate her children after years of her own research. She also said that a nephew had a severe reaction to the vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. She moved from New Mexico in part because it is easier in Texas to claim an exception to school vaccine mandates. According to the *Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicin*e, "Safety concerns about vaccines are among the most common reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Individuals may worry about potential side effects or long-term health risks associated with vaccination, particularly for newer vaccines or those developed rapidly, such as Covid-19 vaccines." Most medical experts and the CDC say harm from vaccines is rare and is vastly outweighed by the risk of a preventable disease such as measles. Two doses of the measles vaccine are 97% effective against the virus. Although he had previously said that there is evidence that vaccines cause autism, HHS Secretary Kenndy wrote an editorial for *Fox News* on Sunday, March 2, which said, "All parents should consult with their healthcare providers to understand their options to get the MMR vaccine. The decision to vaccinate is a personal one. Vaccines not only protect individual children from measles, but also contribute to community immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons." More on this story can be found at these links: [How Did the Measles Outbreak Spread? A Look at Vaccine Exemption Rates in Texas.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPA7ousAV-2BR-2F5mS0DDmLU4DA-2F0i8muLd0zCqMSLTbyS5ddMwXWFVQFhTygRoIJtdZCubrKIr45gmO5lnFaxQ12ovgUJInv4TpjT6FBaQnldI8iFObB-2Fc-2FOWC-2BtTH2Jjw31IWH8HDIspTU7g8wG4Z6D1M-3D7zK7_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BmIH-2Fph9mSc1q3uRn-2FAgCkbfxx-2BvWVuL3pYX8rd45QHfmKcApmwzEBkVeG5lqnHz-2FxbyWZBGaOzbzoSwK4yrB4q8AemxX7ONAx4dVKIOKM022-2BjQcHQJ4RjGFNlzJQBRk6yqVtL2d4odK6sRTX7n-2FPn5L2JC8-2Fe4Xsf4a8JwMAUm4QfRH36dm738RgBPOfl-2BD3-2F-2BcCJHfBaYd6DLxTImvLw-3D) [USA Today](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPA7ousAV-2BR-2F5mS0DDmLU4DA-2F0i8muLd0zCqMSLTbyS5ddMwXWFVQFhTygRoIJtdZCubrKIr45gmO5lnFaxQ12ovgUJInv4TpjT6FBaQnldI8iFObB-2Fc-2FOWC-2BtTH2Jjw31IWH8HDIspTU7g8wG4Z6D1M-3D5Tg6_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BjU9mdMLQtEmOjwsgYHAhH9JiiJw0SiCI0YGN4yHlCUvAVTP7yikw7KNih0Yqd-2Fs88DKVVi5hDvXOCFNZpNcDzsr6-2F3UkvDyCLFHv2Nm4K1HV-2FyWd-2Ba-2FpTIUe-2FHZguvBGeT8GMKCQDMlfDu981d6wpWmMBVUZEJ6sGb8XUO2eVYH0-2FArvpvbinJLOvsVI7dGPqJo4rqoxkW-2BYtd0C9nS4PI-3D) [Amid Te](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0W7LMc-2B-2BYurDiSS4ZTYTrkp8VthuXo-2BDbf9t9tuKzSobqu7MtaOtapFH-2BRGA30K1nndQB1MgBfHrh2r5GMP8QQ5jSEQSuWrfgTAnqO3mF0g9w-3D-3DsUCd_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BsXeZe02mzwtweOgLZ4QICXnnaEy-2BUsNUfPOXNndL-2BLK7x8JIBbT6p15kFnu6-2BAtlHoTPysocURcq3eqh9E2qqIzyTyfb8oFiQJE-2Fj6f-2Bgab4BRdecuFAgv8m-2BnwUNsToNLsBNpRoi-2FmwgPmmyfiIqCJ-2FlI6Qf1gE7bPas6fQvHTchvMLwUEmeez0E2sG-2Fh-2FlPA1MoyTngvOGRmTJyoSDVk-3D)[xas Me](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0W7LMc-2B-2BYurDiSS4ZTYTrkp8VthuXo-2BDbf9t9tuKzSobqu7MtaOtapFH-2BRGA30K1nndQB1MgBfHrh2r5GMP8QQ5jSEQSuWrfgTAnqO3mF0g9w-3D-3DzmLg_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BncVPCOGDBXOpMhkgDVegxaSLVdORnhfqBaIDu877NHvxn4SO1rjKlWnf0EY-2Fg-2BaAF9ZCkMMuKbSM3FVmL5D2sRoP1pQ6CF1ohmlHYtA5xY7W2cfNv6aW-2BrBLc4n-2F59b1H8PPSVpRWJHIMZ34ZGsqmJxH7VNyz1nloXxU76AnVDMhx800xL9bOF8bMojvK-2BaGoVwSly-2BrRLelFv-2FhvPopcQ-3D)[asles Outbreak, Vaccine Resistance Hardens in Seminole.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0W7LMc-2B-2BYurDiSS4ZTYTrkp8VthuXo-2BDbf9t9tuKzSobqu7MtaOtapFH-2BRGA30K1nndQB1MgBfHrh2r5GMP8QQ5jSEQSuWrfgTAnqO3mF0g9w-3D-3DhT6H_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BnjXA503aFngXrjpTuzlaWyMVFfeeR5C5gf53VRuDl3jGvrUJK9QDryiVXVAm8JBH4tH2znA0bFq7HFJFz7o7AqjnSZm07M9-2BGW9dQ9ydGZuOD1oLXZ7T6Or1Ol63kqmOTBrzMwaaZ1zEvZIR0bK7t4GyjRIw-2B-2BYGgrI09e784JpLamBLN-2BBD9m4tpT8SvW5PVutSdRsNaJ3hl-2FEZf2lbvg-3D) [The Washington Post](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0W7LMc-2B-2BYurDiSS4ZTYTrkp8VthuXo-2BDbf9t9tuKzSobqu7MtaOtapFH-2BRGA30K1nndQB1MgBfHrh2r5GMP8QQ5jSEQSuWrfgTAnqO3mF0g9w-3D-3DPNrr_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BvDGOjAUfrRo82VC146-2FTsh3qdyYeusK7PO8hvfbisCi-2FvdaOOtNGycPNi9mphQsvPqnefSAoGN1JMWxk0wohIURZ-2BYRiPgKK9h4OT-2FFaRBFXP2iLYKIV-2Fl082ZPVO-2F6WPa7uQJDMqv-2FFYeN2fkCWSQ-2BcPe1hsyK353A5BE-2B5oNzJP276J55b5-2Ffm-2Btb4ndQ-2B3dy0h-2BnmcWF06fxfCf6FaY-3D) [Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: Measles Outbreak](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUEfDtv6EKmvH6Z4aV2FS8bzlqP81Vi0jdG7XM-2FsbwIKaHpTYp9NEBm0B7LR70Etg8ivfLwn4RvEAUtrMY7o8CMtvvraC8Mqfh-2FnNN6ilryRYg-3D-3D7vtY_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BiydlmF3spJ75I6bEPgDEc5RKoSnNCL09OKM-2B8dg5E-2Fb9k3IHAvCKGyOyATKYF7i4fC31wZYO0B5Dn5xOFTnr-2FEcePuw4pXzIQwMudNra-2BRH-2BgcrUcRu6TgaivE867qPH6GcyCR8lFAxGvDk24FepbapAKsE8H0qhOqxlUFW4f1noxALuU-2BhXVixCXZXCOh1x1TPd5unH3E1Q1FQ9wrpy2s-3D) [Is](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUEfDtv6EKmvH6Z4aV2FS8bzlqP81Vi0jdG7XM-2FsbwIKaHpTYp9NEBm0B7LR70Etg8ivfLwn4RvEAUtrMY7o8CMtvvraC8Mqfh-2FnNN6ilryRYg-3D-3DxC2q_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BsoBc25Tp8VnN1HdWtNN8pxL-2FeErKbNVZbulx9Ppke96VA1xa8s-2FohHU9PELg1wX9st-2FqU1vke7UEFj3i5-2F4-2B9Uwyi48CFtdf5q8Y4ZoLD89F8kIQOktwnBRweR-2BqxQc-2B7mrnpUIwBYxorueJoZ0GZpRIynWzUpExOROG-2FZ3sqkEDnTkzM0NWle2NLHMIaV4-2BTUaykkQWM7JrYtJdg5hlEg-3D) [Call to Action for All of Us.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUEfDtv6EKmvH6Z4aV2FS8bzlqP81Vi0jdG7XM-2FsbwIKaHpTYp9NEBm0B7LR70Etg8ivfLwn4RvEAUtrMY7o8CMtvvraC8Mqfh-2FnNN6ilryRYg-3D-3DffsF_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2Bt1DT8yQcEMfjDdpeL9w1L97G9B11pIaGPTYC-2BYmrjujUNR6YK7Gi40LIruAGSWUa98jQqTXprMU34nWudJS04eCZ66g19vZqWIAGh6JZAI3TbcW1q4zfpPhfJhSRCaCQNDT3gbIVtGyuFeg4hHt9jjYxkycKDwusg3RAT-2FHapkEbnGQ-2B-2FHVCDFLyXo2zYCUhdGlX3iHCww91cRdkMF5CT8-3D) [*Fox News*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUEfDtv6EKmvH6Z4aV2FS8bzlqP81Vi0jdG7XM-2FsbwIKaHpTYp9NEBm0B7LR70Etg8ivfLwn4RvEAUtrMY7o8CMtvvraC8Mqfh-2FnNN6ilryRYg-3D-3DZPsp_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BoWePmwNCC-2B1vN2RvS-2F87G-2BwF3zkoBa-2B2MMlYdnHpwVrNrxY12A6h9Cc7KR3H3zzLDrT0ebGeFdI39y0nR2xRM0aoiJiiR5eWkdaQbEon0r8-2FPuB8lCQqvoYxZ1rik1dk3dW-2FgEkH5pbWfwEgP1VjKevjGaVbsz9b-2FDnOxEUqLz4COlGXIVdC7zYEf2sSWD0jkyGX5KrmC3O7fV58C3oIpY-3D) [Meeting the Challenge of Vaccine Hesitancy.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJsKOSJOtM3sgjF5MCBpgoxeQFl66EvQIdZ2KY1yODZ1dzoz2NRsn-2FU9ZRgQm0A-2FsQ-3D-3DgTA8_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BloABefWI8Jla1wvyxxOpb6dK6eisYZuJHOiWuo6Z2DD-2FltPfWmVyeXU7ZtvPL7LKWk63zdbS2EQp2p-2BPpUQHKYRk5QcC-2BAyIctUO8rEYhdp-2Bm1nI2vydVW236m2rCfUJxJwLNvTxtmgSsBl-2BS5vbGQQvhlm3uBs3jgkOVrFjAyhQR-2FpZYkS98AYithQgv3d3lOB-2B7MBpfG2wa6kT0-2FyfqE-3D) [*Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJsKOSJOtM3sgjF5MCBpgoxeQFl66EvQIdZ2KY1yODZ1dzoz2NRsn-2FU9ZRgQm0A-2FsQ-3D-3D11hJ_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BkEjkxWo5WXuLhGrjbHcMMViorAr9zjsWvngHo5MHpO4oN3wWRONaIeipOg3X7jokmG3-2BfhX8IGhsGf8cg8h9oX2tRnAKCMGPkFZdYDEht7Vv32Kd6m-2B6DkIledQbq0fwqMHjfuGgsu87lp8eA79IwY9wt-2FPlHyUAopNt7-2FPUF0ZtRYGsmALILTs1W9jWqYSLQPFRT2ihKhVyLNgVzU0UqI-3D) **Applying the News Story** Use this story of the death of a child in the middle of a measles outbreak to evaluate your view of vaccines and the sources on which that view is built, personal choice versus state requirements, the challenges of individual health and community health, and God's desire for health and wholeness. **The Big Questions** 1. What is your view of vaccines? What factors go into your decision to receive or not receive a specific vaccine? 2. When should vaccinations be a personal choice, when should they be a government mandate? What exemptions should be allowed, in your opinion? 3. How do you maintain your individual health? What steps do you take to preserve the health of the community around you? What is the relationship between the two? 4. In what ways is your church involved in ministries of healing? How are you involved? What more could the church do? 5. Where do you see signs that God desires health and wholeness, in individuals and in communities? In the Bible, "wholeness" is a state of being complete, healthy and at peace in body, mind and spirit. How can you follow where God is leading in this area? **Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope**Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: **Jeremiah 30:17***For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, says the LORD, because they have called you an outcast: "It is Zion; no one cares for her!"* (For context, read [Jeremiah 30:12-17](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxJvgik996U85rhX2pdLmiu56BxpkceH-2BrVoh-2Fv7a0hq2gpjcOtdqxpLwg7VXMqQ-2B1I-fT_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BvlQPtf-2FwozGjPc0-2FG4XsL-2Bfr-2FGfsjCTbQLSTnF48c-2FLgevXQuqmrkWPmjAo9PdDWq2PtKAPBBTDyC0dO1kcbcU4lna20H597-2FYoRq-2BUbR9kUnSY2hygaHBqixTYpA-2BEo8-2FDOiwt8kzwepe2-2BJCI8sLrvUcjF3mxLx7aymxOGU-2FGt7oTAcDmGeD2YToXehcTw4OWT2cxxctphmsV3yM4Qsg-3D)). The prophet Jeremiah called the people of Israel to repent from their unfaithfulness, and announced judgment because they had broken their covenant with God. He prepared the people for exile in Babylon, but also anticipated that they would return and that God would make a new covenant with them. In chapter 30, God is speaking through Jeremiah to his people just before the fall of Jerusalem, and says to them, "There is no one to uphold your cause, no medicine for your wound, no healing for you" (v. 13). But in spite of this terrible prognosis, God goes on to say, "I will restore health to you." God cares for his people, even though others have said, "no one cares for them." The promise of God is to the entire community, not to isolated individuals. > **Questions:** Why does God care for the health of the entire community? In your church, are there wounds that need to be healed? How can you participate in God's healing work? **Matthew 4:23-24***Jesus went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, people possessed by demons or having epilepsy or afflicted with paralysis, and he cured them.* (No context needed.) At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus focused on teaching, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and "curing every disease and every sickness among the people." His success as a healer caused his fame to spread, and the result was that people sought him out for all kinds of healings. He cured "those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, people possessed by demons or having epilepsy or afflicted with paralysis." Nothing was beyond the ability of Jesus to heal, even demoniacs who were controlled by evil forces. The clear message is that God, through Jesus, is committed to the health and wholeness of all people, in body, mind and spirit. > **Questions:** What does the healing ministry of Jesus mean to you? How have you experienced his restorative power in your individual life, and in the life of your family or church community? What connection do you make between "the good news of the kingdom" and the healing ministry of Jesus? **Galatians 6:2***Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.* (For context, read [Galatians 6:1-6](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxkbFv7nat5bHPJJ9MZ1n5O9GxeXCOF7oaQwMysQA5iF585-2BQxO2DHX-2FKxUy8GcNz80Tb__-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2Bg-2FbbVeFFi0WKNmGc5HrYiBM4pwxnChCZ6yeG0UebZxB8A1Jd5wtqoUxc0J-2FmiC-2FbiqcRcezU0dez0ucOS8tWjuc-2FBfVSW30R2fg77U7t7LwMfhgSV97Ybm5vqrN9h7uV-2Fm23S4xva9vSxsoVaPuhYzmrzNKnG769XDfF-2Bpox7vU8XHhC6fKn3PYhhcGc-2F0lW-2B6L07GtoHXqs3jVmyAxxUM-3D).) In his letter to the Galatians, the apostle Paul was writing to churches in a region called Galatia, located in the central highlands of what is now Turkey. The good news he proclaimed was that "a person is justified not by the works of the law but through the faith of Jesus Christ" (2:16). Having been freed through the faith of Christ, followers were to use their liberty in a particular way. In chapters 5 and 6, Paul outlines how freedom through faith should be shown through virtuous qualities. To "fulfill the law of Christ" means to follow the teachings of Jesus, and one of the ways we do this is to bear "one another's burdens." He challenges people to "test their own work" (v. 4) as they follow Jesus. > **Questions:** How should members of the Christian community bear the burdens of others in the area of community health? What grade would you get if you were asked to "test your own work" in the area of healthy living, and why do you give yourself this mark? **James 5:14-15***Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up, and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven.* (For context, read [James 5:13-18.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxVudoY479Q5ENps4P-2Fs4cpIZAse45-2F6CUI-2Fpr76ufqNB6f3E-2FsX6EuUiitLm1ibCyb5Up_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BqAQ-2FlkMjz0Yytp3sSNyMDAho2wOYvW1gNMSpvE9QySV2lGqkRttz10tOZMi-2F80nsHmgZWThp7K5dxvRWMMekVg2wEPfbUS5AX6vZkHBN-2F3w8PjyPgkVJQtOqVCJCqec221YVXuW9UiSXbgmEjp5lK6FVuwHldrei8W2zPx9m-2BiQLnT89e-2FXydXOCYTYRN4gD1pnUPejxM8-2Fi2cf8YxqhTM-3D)) Like Hebrews, the letter of James was written to Jewish followers of Christ, and his focus was the proper relationship between faith and action. "Be doers of the word and not merely hearers," he said to a group of Christians outside Palestine (1:22). "So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead" (2:17). At the end of the letter, he turned his attention to prayer and asked, "Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them." He predicts that the "prayer of faith will save the sick," and the Lord will forgive them.. > **Questions:** Where do you see a connection between prayer, healing and forgiveness? How do you pray for the sick in your family and community, and what results do you see? **For Further Discussion** 1. The [American Pharmacists Association](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEXLSaW8qvvQC0uNpKipwNMIRAFOrQxxVIbJVJDVqp4Lo4XcS72MMu-2FrKIUZefZz8rMT5qoTJv5WP-2BG7subYUVWWUB8e5U8-2F6jgzAj0xRcLFO1nUvZeaGaM-2FwYjqWV-2BFOYN-2B8J4ma7JwffUvSPI5WEl023LShC4rvZJ4MX8CjL-2BIyeSVgOpT5evIu6I3hghMMsmkShgkr6qtyEHIcVVflQQTeLMsJzNhEwy0sUX86RDJD0IRa4yV2A3EAd0x-2Bn11vQ-3D-3D6qaS_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BibwupKoL24rlBfADEBSKOTwsmNZJsb-2BQ8y6o0NFGBnXKfApEXQKVkb0P3q5czhQxGU2vUWwSy0o7KiSJsY2tS7-2BObMcbvGrrsSnDGbgstilbKcAlra761pPrdYXvBdVpg9hjcQjUuP-2Fhg1vHsnjad4YnLDhhV3TS-2F5S4Rcekrfa8DPkOo5lmwI3aYMk0GYKz7uz8Nvhbbo8E1-2FItxsZhbc-3D) website says, "With contagious diseases such as COVID-19, the responsibility of one person to avoid transmitting the virus to another person resonates with the 'Am I my brother’s keeper?' aspects of the Cain and Abel story (Genesis 4:9). A decision to be vaccinated is not solely a personal decision, as it changes the likelihood that bystanders (e.g., household members, neighbors) will contract a lethal contagious disease. Christians take this imperative further with loving your neighbor as yourself (James 2:8) and acting kindly to strangers, as did the good Samaritan (Luke 10:33-35)." Discuss. 2. There has been much attention given to vaccines in recent years, especially since the start of the pandemic. Have leaders of your church done any preaching or teaching on the topic? If so, what did they say, and how did the congregation respond? If not, what (if anything) do you think they should have said? 3. "Australia's most prolific blood and plasma donor, James Harrison, has died at age 88. Known as the 'Man with the Golden Arm,' Harrison is credited with saving the lives of 2.4 million babies over the course of more than half a century," reported [*NPR*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHqYzlFhngTMk0G9-2F-2BQ1rl-2Bkl9aaNzsuv1Fr5Qvnb8EV1x3hANm0pn7fOe0nU-2F2viMZP6NvgC3uaHUJYoLn6DCMIlgmkpkcA9g-2BkbQJTjBtThOHE_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BmfMDv2PQUaqbvNcMLcIeig-2Bnv-2FsXcxj4vL8dO4XnbS9Ad75gZq7Cl7Hbg-2BQnw-2Fx-2F9bHxkiv7w2-2BmsFKB2E-2FBvNG34EmCxoDvavJem7MkGd-2B9zP3TbQU-2FEr7smNmdOMFVBCsrSjchlQeNjlvQchPSFrWr2ZeI-2F0B2ERY-2BfdiaSg4I7-2BznfB1K9Bht0sPkL8ZU7xfK2g014tXZx339kQ2mO8-3D). "Harrison donated blood and plasma a whopping 1,173 times, according to Lifeblood, every two weeks between 1954 and 2018." He was "committed to a lifetime of giving," said the CEO of Lifeblood. What is the significance of such a life? What efforts can you make to serve your community and improve its health? 4. Some congregations have "health ministries" that attend to the well-being of church members. How are health ministries connected to the healing work of Jesus? Where do you see value in such efforts, and what should their focus be? **Responding to the News** Discuss the ways in which you can be involved in improving your own health, as well as the health of your congregation and community, as a follower of Jesus Christ. Make a commitment to do this work in the week to come. **Prayer** Almighty God, we thank you for the healing work you do in our lives as individuals and communities. May we join this work as followers of your Son Jesus, who desired the health and wholeness of all your children. Amen. ****Copyright 2024 Communication Resources**** [Unsubscribe From This List](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user_id=14323725&data=IvBVJ5zPUjfDwPBfRFJbnshnCB9FFGigpyLfaLmIR3xoMDAwdTAwMCKCRaB_EatZgOwDqMNp2PrV-4qCOp3cF7YK7GpyM1T7V7gdmN8s_8qo3S5-V9oCTHcBQfDSQIeeHNi2R3QVeMRlNV2yE_U6T-zYjPGU6s9P6eXNb4wYCqeCdPMprRALEg-mUwnAviUOn1RdvF1YFyOuXgPNhs_k2yCOpdKxRtWA8EYWbW84gapwYWGebfnOzjiUU1P1hczJ7b0dILfTasyYzsFlCuO8s7iZSwReGJA_TBwzasI-IJ7C6zuNQOCt8Y38Wzk8CSix6YRXQshldqcv6ZKdosTdQJOqWnzFoIWSRDzBPslXsSJM9ImZYftmkBmQFhCNDY-UBmvvmWEiN3dyPObTGoIpWJS3KuYZ1hSMZJwVvhpHIGoOqyOf0u66OGWc4x7Ste46O7HM3KVCKy8ObHDPHQ0CbkVzgD0e0PepMjkUFz_2ILROKQcXpyblXorgLkdBVr1KTzVMq10yLzW7J2WufqWK-w9UU52GvPDit7q4CEshbLOY8tNi3-qxTf4uPv3z4MFADCDPTDVuGusIUA4str6jfZ2cJKq1NtOlP4h5TDsJ3D1Ckk7gx4Qwd8qZUOLeyaUwAJfh4WMP3JA=) <div>Dear Class Members, One child is dead and more than 100 other people are infected with measles in an outbreak of the disease in Texas. Because the medical crisis raises questions about vaccines, this installment of The Wired Word will focus on personal choice versus state requirements, the challenges of individual health and community health, and God's desire for health and wholeness. <center><img src="https://www.thewiredword.com/\_img/tww\_logo\_email.jpg"/></center> Texas Outbreak Provides Live Field Test of Measles Vaccine The Wired Word for the Week of March 9, 2025 In the News On Wednesday, February 26, Texas officials announced the death of a school-age child infected with measles, part of an outbreak that is currently being experienced in Texas and New Mexico. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this death is the first of its kind in the United States since 2015. Lubbock city and Texas health officials confirmed that the patient was unvaccinated. The infected child was 6 years old and otherwise healthy. According to USA Today, The Texas Department of State Health Services announced before the death that confirmed infections were up to 124, mostly in children. All but five cases were in unvaccinated people or people with unknown vaccination status, and most of the infections were in Gaines County, in western Texas, primarily in Mennonite communities. Across the country, all states require students to have a set of childhood vaccines before they can enter school. The typical vaccine course includes the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, DTap (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccine, Hib (H. influenza) vaccine and vaccines for polio, chickenpox, flu, hepatitis A and B, rotavirus and pneumococcal. If parents cannot or do not want to have their children receive these vaccinations, they can submit a request for an exemption. These exemptions are usually requested on the grounds of medical need or religious and personal beliefs. Different kinds of exemptions are allowed in different states. The Washington Post reports that when measles began to spread, a mother named Kaleigh Brantner urged fellow residents of Seminole, Texas, to beware of vaccinating their children. Two weeks later, her unvaccinated 7-year-old son came home from school with a fever, which was followed by a rash across his body. Fortunately, he experienced mild symptoms and a swift recovery, and Brantner remained committed to her anti-vaccination stance. "We're not going to harm our children or [risk] the potential to harm our children," said Brantner, "so that we can save yours." Only 80 miles away was the unvaccinated child who died of measles. The outbreak in western Texas illustrates the stakes of slipping immunization rates and the rise of vaccine skeptics, including Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. American children have traditionally been well immunized against measles, but coverage rates have declined in recent years. In the 2019-2020 school year, kindergartners had a 95.2 percent vaccination rate, while those in the 2023-2024 school year had a 92.7 percent rate. This means that 280,000 kindergartners were vulnerable to measles, according to the CDC. At least 95% of the community must receive the full two doses of the measles vaccine to achieve "herd immunity" and reduce the chance of outbreaks. Herd immunity means enough people in a community are immune to a disease -- often through vaccination -- that it becomes very difficult for the infection to spread. Some vaccine skeptics are motivated by religious beliefs, and others are basing their decision on the claims of the anti-vaccine movement. For some, vaccine ingredients or vaccination itself are viewed as contrary to cultural or religious practices. In Texas, if an exemption is granted based on religious or personal belief, it is called a conscientious exemption. Gaines County has a high conscientious vaccine exemption rate of 13.6% in grades K-12, one of the highest in Texas, according to 2023-2024 state health data. This is more than five times the statewide average. But two other counties, Crosby and Bell, had even higher rates in 2023-2024 at 23.7% and 18.8%. What is motivating these requests for conscientious vaccine exemptions? Brantner told The Washington Post that she decided not to vaccinate her children after years of her own research. She also said that a nephew had a severe reaction to the vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. She moved from New Mexico in part because it is easier in Texas to claim an exception to school vaccine mandates. According to the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, "Safety concerns about vaccines are among the most common reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Individuals may worry about potential side effects or long-term health risks associated with vaccination, particularly for newer vaccines or those developed rapidly, such as Covid-19 vaccines." Most medical experts and the CDC say harm from vaccines is rare and is vastly outweighed by the risk of a preventable disease such as measles. Two doses of the measles vaccine are 97% effective against the virus. Although he had previously said that there is evidence that vaccines cause autism, HHS Secretary Kenndy wrote an editorial for Fox News on Sunday, March 2, which said, "All parents should consult with their healthcare providers to understand their options to get the MMR vaccine. The decision to vaccinate is a personal one. Vaccines not only protect individual children from measles, but also contribute to community immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons." More on this story can be found at these links: <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPA7ousAV-2BR-2F5mS0DDmLU4DA-2F0i8muLd0zCqMSLTbyS5ddMwXWFVQFhTygRoIJtdZCubrKIr45gmO5lnFaxQ12ovgUJInv4TpjT6FBaQnldI8iFObB-2Fc-2FOWC-2BtTH2Jjw31IWH8HDIspTU7g8wG4Z6D1M-3D7zK7\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BmIH-2Fph9mSc1q3uRn-2FAgCkbfxx-2BvWVuL3pYX8rd45QHfmKcApmwzEBkVeG5lqnHz-2FxbyWZBGaOzbzoSwK4yrB4q8AemxX7ONAx4dVKIOKM022-2BjQcHQJ4RjGFNlzJQBRk6yqVtL2d4odK6sRTX7n-2FPn5L2JC8-2Fe4Xsf4a8JwMAUm4QfRH36dm738RgBPOfl-2BD3-2F-2BcCJHfBaYd6DLxTImvLw-3D">How Did the Measles Outbreak Spread? A Look at Vaccine Exemption Rates in Texas. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPA7ousAV-2BR-2F5mS0DDmLU4DA-2F0i8muLd0zCqMSLTbyS5ddMwXWFVQFhTygRoIJtdZCubrKIr45gmO5lnFaxQ12ovgUJInv4TpjT6FBaQnldI8iFObB-2Fc-2FOWC-2BtTH2Jjw31IWH8HDIspTU7g8wG4Z6D1M-3D5Tg6\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BjU9mdMLQtEmOjwsgYHAhH9JiiJw0SiCI0YGN4yHlCUvAVTP7yikw7KNih0Yqd-2Fs88DKVVi5hDvXOCFNZpNcDzsr6-2F3UkvDyCLFHv2Nm4K1HV-2FyWd-2Ba-2FpTIUe-2FHZguvBGeT8GMKCQDMlfDu981d6wpWmMBVUZEJ6sGb8XUO2eVYH0-2FArvpvbinJLOvsVI7dGPqJo4rqoxkW-2BYtd0C9nS4PI-3D">USA Today</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0W7LMc-2B-2BYurDiSS4ZTYTrkp8VthuXo-2BDbf9t9tuKzSobqu7MtaOtapFH-2BRGA30K1nndQB1MgBfHrh2r5GMP8QQ5jSEQSuWrfgTAnqO3mF0g9w-3D-3DsUCd\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BsXeZe02mzwtweOgLZ4QICXnnaEy-2BUsNUfPOXNndL-2BLK7x8JIBbT6p15kFnu6-2BAtlHoTPysocURcq3eqh9E2qqIzyTyfb8oFiQJE-2Fj6f-2Bgab4BRdecuFAgv8m-2BnwUNsToNLsBNpRoi-2FmwgPmmyfiIqCJ-2FlI6Qf1gE7bPas6fQvHTchvMLwUEmeez0E2sG-2Fh-2FlPA1MoyTngvOGRmTJyoSDVk-3D">Amid Te</a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0W7LMc-2B-2BYurDiSS4ZTYTrkp8VthuXo-2BDbf9t9tuKzSobqu7MtaOtapFH-2BRGA30K1nndQB1MgBfHrh2r5GMP8QQ5jSEQSuWrfgTAnqO3mF0g9w-3D-3DzmLg\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BncVPCOGDBXOpMhkgDVegxaSLVdORnhfqBaIDu877NHvxn4SO1rjKlWnf0EY-2Fg-2BaAF9ZCkMMuKbSM3FVmL5D2sRoP1pQ6CF1ohmlHYtA5xY7W2cfNv6aW-2BrBLc4n-2F59b1H8PPSVpRWJHIMZ34ZGsqmJxH7VNyz1nloXxU76AnVDMhx800xL9bOF8bMojvK-2BaGoVwSly-2BrRLelFv-2FhvPopcQ-3D">xas Me</a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0W7LMc-2B-2BYurDiSS4ZTYTrkp8VthuXo-2BDbf9t9tuKzSobqu7MtaOtapFH-2BRGA30K1nndQB1MgBfHrh2r5GMP8QQ5jSEQSuWrfgTAnqO3mF0g9w-3D-3DhT6H\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BnjXA503aFngXrjpTuzlaWyMVFfeeR5C5gf53VRuDl3jGvrUJK9QDryiVXVAm8JBH4tH2znA0bFq7HFJFz7o7AqjnSZm07M9-2BGW9dQ9ydGZuOD1oLXZ7T6Or1Ol63kqmOTBrzMwaaZ1zEvZIR0bK7t4GyjRIw-2B-2BYGgrI09e784JpLamBLN-2BBD9m4tpT8SvW5PVutSdRsNaJ3hl-2FEZf2lbvg-3D">asles Outbreak, Vaccine Resistance Hardens in Seminole. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0W7LMc-2B-2BYurDiSS4ZTYTrkp8VthuXo-2BDbf9t9tuKzSobqu7MtaOtapFH-2BRGA30K1nndQB1MgBfHrh2r5GMP8QQ5jSEQSuWrfgTAnqO3mF0g9w-3D-3DPNrr\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BvDGOjAUfrRo82VC146-2FTsh3qdyYeusK7PO8hvfbisCi-2FvdaOOtNGycPNi9mphQsvPqnefSAoGN1JMWxk0wohIURZ-2BYRiPgKK9h4OT-2FFaRBFXP2iLYKIV-2Fl082ZPVO-2F6WPa7uQJDMqv-2FFYeN2fkCWSQ-2BcPe1hsyK353A5BE-2B5oNzJP276J55b5-2Ffm-2Btb4ndQ-2B3dy0h-2BnmcWF06fxfCf6FaY-3D">The Washington Post</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUEfDtv6EKmvH6Z4aV2FS8bzlqP81Vi0jdG7XM-2FsbwIKaHpTYp9NEBm0B7LR70Etg8ivfLwn4RvEAUtrMY7o8CMtvvraC8Mqfh-2FnNN6ilryRYg-3D-3D7vtY\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BiydlmF3spJ75I6bEPgDEc5RKoSnNCL09OKM-2B8dg5E-2Fb9k3IHAvCKGyOyATKYF7i4fC31wZYO0B5Dn5xOFTnr-2FEcePuw4pXzIQwMudNra-2BRH-2BgcrUcRu6TgaivE867qPH6GcyCR8lFAxGvDk24FepbapAKsE8H0qhOqxlUFW4f1noxALuU-2BhXVixCXZXCOh1x1TPd5unH3E1Q1FQ9wrpy2s-3D">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: Measles Outbreak</a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUEfDtv6EKmvH6Z4aV2FS8bzlqP81Vi0jdG7XM-2FsbwIKaHpTYp9NEBm0B7LR70Etg8ivfLwn4RvEAUtrMY7o8CMtvvraC8Mqfh-2FnNN6ilryRYg-3D-3DxC2q\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BsoBc25Tp8VnN1HdWtNN8pxL-2FeErKbNVZbulx9Ppke96VA1xa8s-2FohHU9PELg1wX9st-2FqU1vke7UEFj3i5-2F4-2B9Uwyi48CFtdf5q8Y4ZoLD89F8kIQOktwnBRweR-2BqxQc-2B7mrnpUIwBYxorueJoZ0GZpRIynWzUpExOROG-2FZ3sqkEDnTkzM0NWle2NLHMIaV4-2BTUaykkQWM7JrYtJdg5hlEg-3D"> Is </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUEfDtv6EKmvH6Z4aV2FS8bzlqP81Vi0jdG7XM-2FsbwIKaHpTYp9NEBm0B7LR70Etg8ivfLwn4RvEAUtrMY7o8CMtvvraC8Mqfh-2FnNN6ilryRYg-3D-3DffsF\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2Bt1DT8yQcEMfjDdpeL9w1L97G9B11pIaGPTYC-2BYmrjujUNR6YK7Gi40LIruAGSWUa98jQqTXprMU34nWudJS04eCZ66g19vZqWIAGh6JZAI3TbcW1q4zfpPhfJhSRCaCQNDT3gbIVtGyuFeg4hHt9jjYxkycKDwusg3RAT-2FHapkEbnGQ-2B-2FHVCDFLyXo2zYCUhdGlX3iHCww91cRdkMF5CT8-3D">Call to Action for All of Us. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUEfDtv6EKmvH6Z4aV2FS8bzlqP81Vi0jdG7XM-2FsbwIKaHpTYp9NEBm0B7LR70Etg8ivfLwn4RvEAUtrMY7o8CMtvvraC8Mqfh-2FnNN6ilryRYg-3D-3DZPsp\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BoWePmwNCC-2B1vN2RvS-2F87G-2BwF3zkoBa-2B2MMlYdnHpwVrNrxY12A6h9Cc7KR3H3zzLDrT0ebGeFdI39y0nR2xRM0aoiJiiR5eWkdaQbEon0r8-2FPuB8lCQqvoYxZ1rik1dk3dW-2FgEkH5pbWfwEgP1VjKevjGaVbsz9b-2FDnOxEUqLz4COlGXIVdC7zYEf2sSWD0jkyGX5KrmC3O7fV58C3oIpY-3D">Fox News</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJsKOSJOtM3sgjF5MCBpgoxeQFl66EvQIdZ2KY1yODZ1dzoz2NRsn-2FU9ZRgQm0A-2FsQ-3D-3DgTA8\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BloABefWI8Jla1wvyxxOpb6dK6eisYZuJHOiWuo6Z2DD-2FltPfWmVyeXU7ZtvPL7LKWk63zdbS2EQp2p-2BPpUQHKYRk5QcC-2BAyIctUO8rEYhdp-2Bm1nI2vydVW236m2rCfUJxJwLNvTxtmgSsBl-2BS5vbGQQvhlm3uBs3jgkOVrFjAyhQR-2FpZYkS98AYithQgv3d3lOB-2B7MBpfG2wa6kT0-2FyfqE-3D">Meeting the Challenge of Vaccine Hesitancy. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJsKOSJOtM3sgjF5MCBpgoxeQFl66EvQIdZ2KY1yODZ1dzoz2NRsn-2FU9ZRgQm0A-2FsQ-3D-3D11hJ\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BkEjkxWo5WXuLhGrjbHcMMViorAr9zjsWvngHo5MHpO4oN3wWRONaIeipOg3X7jokmG3-2BfhX8IGhsGf8cg8h9oX2tRnAKCMGPkFZdYDEht7Vv32Kd6m-2B6DkIledQbq0fwqMHjfuGgsu87lp8eA79IwY9wt-2FPlHyUAopNt7-2FPUF0ZtRYGsmALILTs1W9jWqYSLQPFRT2ihKhVyLNgVzU0UqI-3D">Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine</a> Applying the News Story Use this story of the death of a child in the middle of a measles outbreak to evaluate your view of vaccines and the sources on which that view is built, personal choice versus state requirements, the challenges of individual health and community health, and God's desire for health and wholeness. The Big Questions 1. What is your view of vaccines? What factors go into your decision to receive or not receive a specific vaccine? 2. When should vaccinations be a personal choice, when should they be a government mandate? What exemptions should be allowed, in your opinion? 3. How do you maintain your individual health? What steps do you take to preserve the health of the community around you? What is the relationship between the two? 4. In what ways is your church involved in ministries of healing? How are you involved? What more could the church do? 5. Where do you see signs that God desires health and wholeness, in individuals and in communities? In the Bible, "wholeness" is a state of being complete, healthy and at peace in body, mind and spirit. How can you follow where God is leading in this area? Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: Jeremiah 30:17 For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, says the LORD, because they have called you an outcast: "It is Zion; no one cares for her!" (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxJvgik996U85rhX2pdLmiu56BxpkceH-2BrVoh-2Fv7a0hq2gpjcOtdqxpLwg7VXMqQ-2B1I-fT\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BvlQPtf-2FwozGjPc0-2FG4XsL-2Bfr-2FGfsjCTbQLSTnF48c-2FLgevXQuqmrkWPmjAo9PdDWq2PtKAPBBTDyC0dO1kcbcU4lna20H597-2FYoRq-2BUbR9kUnSY2hygaHBqixTYpA-2BEo8-2FDOiwt8kzwepe2-2BJCI8sLrvUcjF3mxLx7aymxOGU-2FGt7oTAcDmGeD2YToXehcTw4OWT2cxxctphmsV3yM4Qsg-3D">Jeremiah 30:12-17</a>). The prophet Jeremiah called the people of Israel to repent from their unfaithfulness, and announced judgment because they had broken their covenant with God. He prepared the people for exile in Babylon, but also anticipated that they would return and that God would make a new covenant with them. In chapter 30, God is speaking through Jeremiah to his people just before the fall of Jerusalem, and says to them, "There is no one to uphold your cause, no medicine for your wound, no healing for you" (v. 13). But in spite of this terrible prognosis, God goes on to say, "I will restore health to you." God cares for his people, even though others have said, "no one cares for them." The promise of God is to the entire community, not to isolated individuals. <blockquote> Questions: Why does God care for the health of the entire community? In your church, are there wounds that need to be healed? How can you participate in God's healing work? </blockquote> Matthew 4:23-24 Jesus went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, people possessed by demons or having epilepsy or afflicted with paralysis, and he cured them. (No context needed.) At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus focused on teaching, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and "curing every disease and every sickness among the people." His success as a healer caused his fame to spread, and the result was that people sought him out for all kinds of healings. He cured "those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, people possessed by demons or having epilepsy or afflicted with paralysis." Nothing was beyond the ability of Jesus to heal, even demoniacs who were controlled by evil forces. The clear message is that God, through Jesus, is committed to the health and wholeness of all people, in body, mind and spirit. <blockquote> Questions: What does the healing ministry of Jesus mean to you? How have you experienced his restorative power in your individual life, and in the life of your family or church community? What connection do you make between "the good news of the kingdom" and the healing ministry of Jesus? </blockquote> Galatians 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxkbFv7nat5bHPJJ9MZ1n5O9GxeXCOF7oaQwMysQA5iF585-2BQxO2DHX-2FKxUy8GcNz80Tb\_\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2Bg-2FbbVeFFi0WKNmGc5HrYiBM4pwxnChCZ6yeG0UebZxB8A1Jd5wtqoUxc0J-2FmiC-2FbiqcRcezU0dez0ucOS8tWjuc-2FBfVSW30R2fg77U7t7LwMfhgSV97Ybm5vqrN9h7uV-2Fm23S4xva9vSxsoVaPuhYzmrzNKnG769XDfF-2Bpox7vU8XHhC6fKn3PYhhcGc-2F0lW-2B6L07GtoHXqs3jVmyAxxUM-3D">Galatians 6:1-6</a>.) In his letter to the Galatians, the apostle Paul was writing to churches in a region called Galatia, located in the central highlands of what is now Turkey. The good news he proclaimed was that "a person is justified not by the works of the law but through the faith of Jesus Christ" (2:16). Having been freed through the faith of Christ, followers were to use their liberty in a particular way. In chapters 5 and 6, Paul outlines how freedom through faith should be shown through virtuous qualities. To "fulfill the law of Christ" means to follow the teachings of Jesus, and one of the ways we do this is to bear "one another's burdens." He challenges people to "test their own work" (v. 4) as they follow Jesus. <blockquote> Questions: How should members of the Christian community bear the burdens of others in the area of community health? What grade would you get if you were asked to "test your own work" in the area of healthy living, and why do you give yourself this mark? </blockquote> James 5:14-15 Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up, and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxVudoY479Q5ENps4P-2Fs4cpIZAse45-2F6CUI-2Fpr76ufqNB6f3E-2FsX6EuUiitLm1ibCyb5Up\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BqAQ-2FlkMjz0Yytp3sSNyMDAho2wOYvW1gNMSpvE9QySV2lGqkRttz10tOZMi-2F80nsHmgZWThp7K5dxvRWMMekVg2wEPfbUS5AX6vZkHBN-2F3w8PjyPgkVJQtOqVCJCqec221YVXuW9UiSXbgmEjp5lK6FVuwHldrei8W2zPx9m-2BiQLnT89e-2FXydXOCYTYRN4gD1pnUPejxM8-2Fi2cf8YxqhTM-3D">James 5:13-18.</a>) Like Hebrews, the letter of James was written to Jewish followers of Christ, and his focus was the proper relationship between faith and action. "Be doers of the word and not merely hearers," he said to a group of Christians outside Palestine (1:22). "So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead" (2:17). At the end of the letter, he turned his attention to prayer and asked, "Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them." He predicts that the "prayer of faith will save the sick," and the Lord will forgive them.. <blockquote> Questions: Where do you see a connection between prayer, healing and forgiveness? How do you pray for the sick in your family and community, and what results do you see? </blockquote> For Further Discussion 1. The <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEXLSaW8qvvQC0uNpKipwNMIRAFOrQxxVIbJVJDVqp4Lo4XcS72MMu-2FrKIUZefZz8rMT5qoTJv5WP-2BG7subYUVWWUB8e5U8-2F6jgzAj0xRcLFO1nUvZeaGaM-2FwYjqWV-2BFOYN-2B8J4ma7JwffUvSPI5WEl023LShC4rvZJ4MX8CjL-2BIyeSVgOpT5evIu6I3hghMMsmkShgkr6qtyEHIcVVflQQTeLMsJzNhEwy0sUX86RDJD0IRa4yV2A3EAd0x-2Bn11vQ-3D-3D6qaS\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BibwupKoL24rlBfADEBSKOTwsmNZJsb-2BQ8y6o0NFGBnXKfApEXQKVkb0P3q5czhQxGU2vUWwSy0o7KiSJsY2tS7-2BObMcbvGrrsSnDGbgstilbKcAlra761pPrdYXvBdVpg9hjcQjUuP-2Fhg1vHsnjad4YnLDhhV3TS-2F5S4Rcekrfa8DPkOo5lmwI3aYMk0GYKz7uz8Nvhbbo8E1-2FItxsZhbc-3D">American Pharmacists Association</a> website says, "With contagious diseases such as COVID-19, the responsibility of one person to avoid transmitting the virus to another person resonates with the 'Am I my brother’s keeper?' aspects of the Cain and Abel story (Genesis 4:9). A decision to be vaccinated is not solely a personal decision, as it changes the likelihood that bystanders (e.g., household members, neighbors) will contract a lethal contagious disease. Christians take this imperative further with loving your neighbor as yourself (James 2:8) and acting kindly to strangers, as did the good Samaritan (Luke 10:33-35)." Discuss. 2. There has been much attention given to vaccines in recent years, especially since the start of the pandemic. Have leaders of your church done any preaching or teaching on the topic? If so, what did they say, and how did the congregation respond? If not, what (if anything) do you think they should have said? 3. "Australia's most prolific blood and plasma donor, James Harrison, has died at age 88. Known as the 'Man with the Golden Arm,' Harrison is credited with saving the lives of 2.4 million babies over the course of more than half a century," reported <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHqYzlFhngTMk0G9-2F-2BQ1rl-2Bkl9aaNzsuv1Fr5Qvnb8EV1x3hANm0pn7fOe0nU-2F2viMZP6NvgC3uaHUJYoLn6DCMIlgmkpkcA9g-2BkbQJTjBtThOHE\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmRvSpE8jfC2g3n8-2FWmntL0YrLhR89m-2BoDh0pmAW6bTT8J-2FY-2B2vVBdhGbFKvpT5Ud-2BmfMDv2PQUaqbvNcMLcIeig-2Bnv-2FsXcxj4vL8dO4XnbS9Ad75gZq7Cl7Hbg-2BQnw-2Fx-2F9bHxkiv7w2-2BmsFKB2E-2FBvNG34EmCxoDvavJem7MkGd-2B9zP3TbQU-2FEr7smNmdOMFVBCsrSjchlQeNjlvQchPSFrWr2ZeI-2F0B2ERY-2BfdiaSg4I7-2BznfB1K9Bht0sPkL8ZU7xfK2g014tXZx339kQ2mO8-3D">NPR</a>. "Harrison donated blood and plasma a whopping 1,173 times, according to Lifeblood, every two weeks between 1954 and 2018." He was "committed to a lifetime of giving," said the CEO of Lifeblood. What is the significance of such a life? What efforts can you make to serve your community and improve its health? 4. Some congregations have "health ministries" that attend to the well-being of church members. How are health ministries connected to the healing work of Jesus? Where do you see value in such efforts, and what should their focus be? Responding to the News Discuss the ways in which you can be involved in improving your own health, as well as the health of your congregation and community, as a follower of Jesus Christ. Make a commitment to do this work in the week to come. Prayer Almighty God, we thank you for the healing work you do in our lives as individuals and communities. May we join this work as followers of your Son Jesus, who desired the health and wholeness of all your children. Amen. 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