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U.S. NEWS

Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, died last weekend. He was 100 years old. 

Carter was the longest-lived U.S. president. He was governor of Georgia before he served one term in the Oval Office from 1977-1981. During his time as president, Carter negotiated a peace deal overseas, but he struggled against significant economic issues in the U.S. 

Most people know Jimmy Carter more for what he did after he was president. Carter was involved in a lot of humanitarian work—charitable work to help people. He earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for promoting democracy and fighting diseases. Carter was also famous for teaching Sunday School and building homes. He continued that work until 2019, when his health declined. 

He passed away peacefully in his small Georgia home, surrounded by his family. Following his death, President Biden announced that a National Day of Mourning would be held on January 9th. This is traditional to do after a U.S. president dies. On that day, even the stock markets in New York City will close. 

Funeral services will start in Georgia this weekend. Early next week, Carter will be taken to Washington, D.C., for his presidential state funeral, scheduled for a week from today. 

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Verse to consider when your time on earth draws to a close… “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?” 
John 14:1-2 (CSB) (read full passage)

What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?
Humility is beautiful.

Jimmy Carter is not remembered as a great president, but he is widely regarded as a good man. He didn’t spend his post-presidency in the comforts his station could’ve afforded but instead served others. Moreover, he was well-known for serving in ways most regarded as “beneath” him; he swung hammers building homes for the poor when he could’ve simply raised money. He taught small groups of children the Bible when he could’ve drawn large crowds.

President Carter’s relatively simple life and his persistent focus on the less fortunate point to Jesus, who could have insisted on the royal treatment but instead chose to serve others.

What gospel lesson can be taught through this story?
Jesus defeated death.

President Carter received the best medical care in the world and lived to be over 100 years old, yet his earthly body still failed eventually. But for those who are in Christ, death is the beginning of something much, much greater.

Jesus confronted death directly and won so that we could also spend eternity with him in Heaven! This truth removes death’s power. It means we do not need to fear death anymore. “‘Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, death, is your victory? Where, death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” (1 Corinthians 15:54-57 CSB).

• Sign up to serve as a family. Whether it’s volunteering to help with Sunday School at your local church, building a home through Habitat for Humanity, or something else, make service a part of your family rhythm.

• Memorize 1 Corinthians 15:54-55, “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, death, is your victory? Where, death, is your sting?”

• Pray for God to use the life and death of President Jimmy Carter for his glory, drawing people near to him.

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