IT'S ABOUT SERVING the Lord and serving the people. God brings the rain and—with the help of good plumbers—gets that life essential safely into our homes and workplaces. Water is a precious commodity and good plumbing keeps it from being wasted. Good plumbing also carries away toxic waste. Sounds like a good ministry to me! How can we get more respect for our brothers and sisters in the trades (ministries!) like plumbing and carpentry? How can we encourage more of our young folk (and those needing to find good work) to follow the Lord into these vocations?

These ideas (and the ones shared) framed our Forum discussion with Louis Ray on September 25.