This Month at PAYH: Monthly Newsletter, September 2024

The USA and Labor Day

By James Lowe

In 1894, Labor Day became a federal holiday in the USA. It is celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the work and contributions of laborers to the development of the USA.

Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor. Labor Day was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, which organized the first parade in New York City. By the time it became an official holiday in 1894, thirty states were already celebrating Labor Day.

Labor Day is called the “unofficial end of summer” because it marks the end of the cultural summer season. For many years, students returned to school the day after Labor Day. Now, many schools begin the “Fall Semester” in early August. However, some states, such as Virginia, require most school districts to have their first day of school after Labor Day in order for the amusement park industry to operate successfully into Labor Day. In the USA, Labor Day marks the beginning of Fall Sports such as College Football and the Southern 500 NASCAR race in Darlington, South Carolina. In fashion, Labor Day is (or was) considered the last day to wear white. Many Businesses run sales during the Labor Day Weekend. There are also numerous fun events, including concerts and parades.

In our Christian Walk, the Bible states the benefits of labor in several passages:

1. Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the LORD and not for men…”

2. Proverbs 16:3, “Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.”

3. Genesis 2:15, “The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”

4. John 6:27, “Do not work for food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you.”

5. Exodus 20:8–10a, “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all you work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God.”

All these verses show God’s view of the importance of work—both physical and spiritual. However, the last may be more familiar to us as honoring the Sabbath. As we pause from our work for Labor Day, let us never forget that honoring the Sabbath is important to God.

Happy Labor Day 2024!

Strength For The Day

Each week, PAYH shares a devotional; “Strength For The Day,” by Chaplain (Col) Stephen W. Leonard, USA, Ret. In addition to being a retired US Army Chaplain, he is also the husband of our Co-Founder, Glenda Anderson Leonard. His writing is both moving and inspiring and will most certainly lift your spirit and encourage you in your walk with Jesus. To receive his weekly writing, you can subscribe online at payh.org. You can also read past writings by clicking here.

Congratulations Noah!

The PAYH is extremely proud of one of its very own in the progress he has made since graduating the program. Noah recently completed the US Army’s “OSUT,” which is the acronym for “One Station Unit Training.” Noah said PAYH definitely prepared him well for Army life. If anything, he wasn’t challenged enough during his basic training. Noah did say that PAYH prepared him not only for the physical portion of the military, but also the mental aspect as well. We are excited for what the future holds for this young man and look forward in sharing his accomplishments.

Congratulations Ben!

The PAYH wanted to share in the excitement and joy of Ben, one of our alumnus, joining the U.S. Army. This is a quote from Connie’s (Ben’s mom) Facebook Page:

“Sharing our joy with our special friends at PAYH! Another testament to the incredible ministry you have given your lives to bring young men to Christ. Love all of you so much! Ben ships out 9 Sep 24 to Fort Sill in OK City, and then to Ft. Eisenhower in Augusta for training as an Electronic Warfare Specialist! He scored so high on the exam that he qualified for over 30 different jobs. He will have a top-secret clearance for this one. I am so proud of him!”

We join with you, Connie, in the celebration of Ben’s accomplishments. We are so proud of him, too!

Pope Family Testimony

There are many questions that parents have when it comes to determining where to send their son to get them back on the right path again. Listen to the parents of a PAYH graduate, on why our program was the right decision, and how it saved not just their son, but their entire family.