Faith Makes a Difference

One of the most effective of the "embedded" reporters in Iraq was David Bloom, who reported for NBC News. On his modified "Bloom-mobile" he was able to broadcast live news reports while accompanying the troops. In early April, viewers and media colleagues alike were shocked to receive news that the 39-year-old Bloom had suddenly died of a pulmonary embolism.

What most of us did not know then was that David Bloom was a committed Christian. He had grown up in a Methodist home, and within the past two years had entered a transforming relationship with Christ that had turned his life around. Writing about him recently, Chuck Colson said, "Bloom joined the New Canaan Society, a weekly men's fellowship group . . . I met Bloom several times as a guest of that fellowship, and we became friends. I was struck by the sincerity of his Christian faith. He was hungry for knowledge of God and how his faith ought to play out in his life."

In the last message he would ever send to his wife, Melanie, Bloom wrote: "When the moment comes in my life when you are talking about my last day, I am determined that you and others will say, 'He was devoted to his wife and children; he was admired; he gave every ounce of his being for those whom he cared most about-not himself, but God and his family.'"

Faith in Christ makes the difference in whether or not we are ready to face death.

(David's friends have established a trust for the benefit of his three daughters. Donations in memoriam may be sent to David Bloom Children's Trust, c/o Latham & Watkins, 885 3rd Avenue, Suite 1000, New York, NY 10022.)