GOOD THINGS TAKE TIME

Posted on August 6, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

p1040083.jpgBible thought: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me and I in Him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

Thirty-two years ago I planted a fragile concord grapevine seedling next to a wooden picket fence in our backyard. There is a perpetual stream of water nearby and a consistent supply of nutrients in the soil.

Recently, I built a trellis on top of the wooden fence, four feet high and twenty feet long, to accommodate the vast extension of vines and help make picking accessible.

Because the base of the plant now measures more than sixteen inches around, I thought, “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”

In our daily life, God’s Holy Word has a perpetual supply of refreshment and hope and a consistent supply of nutrients necessary for growth, maturity and fruit-bearing. Good things such as solid faith and trust, patience, stability, knowledge and wisdom all take time.

I love to think that God appoints, my portion day by day. Events of life are in His hand and I would only say

“Appoint them in Thine own good time and in Thine own best way.” Author unknown

Bob Bland, Bellvue, Colorado

 

“Power for Today”

“Holy Father, may Your Spirit within us empower a more wholesome balanced life in these stressful times. In Jesus’ name. Amen”

Day by Day By Oscar Ahnfelt, 1872

Day by day and with each passing moment,

Strength I find to meet my trials here.

Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,

I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.

He whose heart is kind beyond all measure

Gives unto each day what He deems best.

Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,

Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day the Lord Himself is near me

With a special mercy for each hour.

All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,

He whose name is Counsellor and Power.

The protection of His child and treasure is a charge that on Himself He laid.

As Thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,

This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then in every tribulation

So to trust Thy promises, O Lord.

That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation

Offered me within Thy holy Word.

Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,

E’er to take, as from a father’s hand.

One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,

Till I reach the promised land.

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WEEKLY NEWS JULY 24, 2016

Posted on August 6, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

Mark Your Calendars:

July 31 FELLOWSHIP MEAL Sunday morning after services. Hosts and Hostesses: Joe & Teri Winnett, David & Sheri Zoller and Bob & Donna Feuerbacher.

August 19-25 Joe and Teri Winnett will attend a preacher’s workshop in Tennessee. Charles Greenawalt will preach the morning of August 21st and Ken Darnell will preach the evening lesson.

August 19th has been set for the annual breakfast given for all Llano County school employees as well as volunteers and emergency first responders. For those who would volunteer to help in this endeavor, a signup sheet is on the table at the back of the auditorium.

August 28th Doug and Diane Wheeler will be here and Doug will preach for us that morning. We will have combined adult classes and our monthly pot luck lunch.

A NEW PLAN FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES PROGRAM

Packsaddle Elementary School has changed its school supply program this year. They are re-questing monetary donations instead of tangible goods—the school will buy the supplies needed. The church will make a donation at the appropriate time; however, if you would like to contribute additionally, please state “school supplies” on the bottom of your check. The school administration has been very complementary and appreciative of our work in this program.

human-footprints_318-46627Beautiful Footnotes

This is a continuation of the article published last week from Dennis Welch. Please continue to keep the gospel in Cambodia in your prayers. For the elders, Ken D.

“It is very hot — way hotter than it is in Singapore,” said Gladys Chen, 17, who somehow mustered the energy to jump and wave her arms as she sang “Today is the day You have made. I will rejoice and be glad in it” with the village kids in 99-degree heat. “Just seeing the joy in the kids’ faces, I guess, just keeps us going,” said Chen, who worships with the Moulmein Church of Christ in Singapore.

Kids were the inspiration for Angkor of Faith. More than a decade ago, when Siem Reap was the site of the Asian Mission Forum, missionaries wanted to find a way to serve the children they saw peddling souvenirs and begging for coins from tourists at Angkor Wat. Several of those children, now grown, assist in feeding the visitors and play games with the children.

This year, instead of bringing them to Siem Reap, the participants took buses to two of the children’s home villages. There, meters away from spirit houses — mailbox-size shrines where Cambodians offer fruits and cola to appease protective spirits — the young Christians hosted what they called a “mini-Vacation Bible School.”

With an ever-present smile, Theary Sy spoke to the children in their native Khmer language as the foreigners tried to help them improve their English with an animal guessing game. She roared, barked, “mooed” and cackled with delight as the children yelled “Lion!” “Dog!” and “Cow!” Sy, a Cambodian Christian grew up in a village outside the capital, Phnom Penh, and used to sew and sell vegetables to survive. “My house was smaller than this,” she said, pointing up at one of the humble wood dwellings on stilts. She became a Christian after meeting missionaries in Phnom Penh and “seeing the love that they have.” Now, she hopes the village children she serves — and their parents — will find what she’s found in Christ. “I pray this will lighten their hearts, soften their hearts and that, hopefully, they will see the love of God,” Sy said.

An increasing number of Cambodians take oversight roles in Angkor of Faith. In one village, students from the International Bible School of Siem Reap, a program supported by Churches of Christ, and a few of the children dressed up in costume and presented a skit in Khmer about the life of Joseph from the Old Testament. “They were paying attention,” said Piseth Rin, a graduate and teacher at the Bible school who asked questions after the performance.

In a country where people pay homage to multiple spirits, “what’s most difficult is to show them the true God,” he said. Showing their children the love of Christ is a good first step — something “I can learn from the brothers and sisters overseas.”

That spirit of unity, despite doctrinal differences, keeps Don Buo coming back to Angkor of Faith. It also keeps him young. “I’m not young anymore, “I’m 43,” said the Bible college instructor and song leader from the island of Cebu in the Philippines.”  Serving with the young people somehow makes me feel young.

“Within the Philippines there is division,” he added, “and I know that’s the same in other countries as well.”  But being in an environment like this … we all put down our differences and we serve as one. “That, to me, is amazing.”

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WHAT IF JESUS CAME TO YOUR HOUSE?

Posted on August 5, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

GVA-JesusinHouse

If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two

If He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you’d do.

Oh, I know you’d give your nicest room to such an honored Guest,

And all the food you’d serve to Him would be the very best.

But when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door

With arms outstretched in welcome to your heavenly Visitor?

Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in,

Or hide some magazines and put the Bible where they’d been?

Would you turn off the radio and hope He hadn’t heard,

And wish you hadn’t uttered that last, loud, nasty word?

And I wonder if the Savior spent a day or two with you,

Would you go right on doing the things you always do?

Would you keep right on saying the things you always say?

Would your family conversation keep up its usual pace,

And would you find it hard each meal to say a table grace?

Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on,

Or would you sigh with great relief when He at last was gone?

It might be interesting to know the things that you would do,

If Jesus came in person to spend some time with you.

Lois Blanchard Eades

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WEEKLY NEWS JULY 17, 2016

Posted on August 5, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

Attention All Bible Teachers!

The Central Texas Bible Teachers Workshop is coming up on July 22-23 (Friday & Saturday) at the Cameron Road church of Christ in Austin, TX. Take advantage of this good offer!

VISITING FOR THE MASTER

VISITATION PROGRAM Team #2 (leaders: Cary & Brenda Miller) will meet on Wednesday, July 20th, at 6:30 pm in the library for their assignments.

July 31st New Sunday morning adult Bible classes will begin a study entitled “The Glorious Gospel” by Mack Lyon. Charles Greenawalt will teach in the fellowship room and Ken Darnell will teach in the auditorium.

August 19-25 Joe and Teri Winnett will attend a preachers workshop in Tennessee. Charles Greenawalt will preach the morning or August 21st and Ken Darnell will preach the evening lesson.

August 28th Doug and Diane Wheeler will be here and Doug will preach for us that morning. We will have combined adult classes and our monthly pot luck lunch.

A NEW PLAN FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES PROGRAM

Packsaddle Elementary School has changed its school supply program this year. They are re-questing monetary donations instead of tangible goods—the school will buy the supplies needed. The church will make a donation at the appropriate time; however, if you would like to contribute additionally, please state “school supplies” on the bottom of your check. The school administration has been very complementary and appreciative of our work in this program.

human-footprints_318-46627Beautiful Footnotes . . .

A great article shared by our fellow laborer, Dennis Welch. Please keep the work of the gospel in Cambodia in your prayers. For the elders, Ken D

In Asia, ‘a fellowship of difference’

A new generation of Christ-followers seeks to dispel disunity as they serve at 10th Angkor of Faith. The youths, who represent Churches of Christ across Southeast Asia and as far away as the U.S. and England, experienced a much different truth hours earlier — a truth few tourists here ever see. The Christians spent the afternoon in a Cambodian village, where they fed, sang songs and danced with children. Then they shampooed and deloused the children’s hair. “We also teach them how to cut their nails and brush their teeth,” said John Lim, 20, a member of the Pasir Panjang Church of Christ in Singapore. The goal is “basically just to help them improve their lives a little bit.”

Growing up in fast-paced, competitive Singapore, “I thank God that I’ve been able to see that life is a lot more than grades,” Lim said. The weeklong trip to Cambodia benefits young believers “who haven’t had a milestone experience to really anchor their faith.”

“Stepping Stones to Greater Unity” – Part youth rally and part mission trip, Angkor of Faith also builds unity among a new generation of believers — many of whom grew up in Churches of Christ after their parents were baptized by missionaries. In some Southeast Asian cities, division has plagued Churches of Christ. Members have disputed doctrine and fought over rights to church property. “Previously, from what my parents have said, churches used to be kind of isolated from each other,” Lim said. Events such as Angkor of Faith and the annual Asian Mission Forum — next scheduled for late July in Malaysia — are “stepping stones to greater unity,” he said. “If things keep going as they are right now, I really think that we’re going to see a lot more sharing and integration.” Unity was the theme of morning devotionals at the event, led by Wade Hodges, senior minister for the Preston Road Church of Christ in Dallas. “I think this is the most diversity I’ve ever seen in a church,” he said as he surveyed the hotel lobby filled with 126 souls from 13 countries. “Our culture has taught us that it’s OK to treat people from different cultures differently,” Hodges said. Two millennia ago, the apostle Paul wrote letters to young churches in Galatia and Ephesus, urging them to be “not a church of the same” but “a fellowship of difference.” “It is the diversity in the church,” Hodges said, “that reveals the power of the Gospel to a divided world.”

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A STRONG CHURCH

Posted on August 5, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

thebodyofChrist-400x400Our congregation knows that we need to be a STRONG church, don’t we? How does a congregation like ours get— and stay — strong for Christ?

MEMBERS MUST HAVE STRONG FAITH! Members must be well-taught in the word of God! No church can be strong without the members being well-taught and strong in faith! Come to Bible classes! Study the Bible at home! Pray and meditate with God throughout the day (how can I implement God’s teachings into my life? It is not just theory!)! May our faith be spoken of throughout the world (Romans 1:8)!

THE ELDERSHIP MUST BE OUTSTANDING! No congregation rises above Leadership! Pray daily for our Elders — Don, Ken D., Troy, Charles, Larry and Ken T.— to keep being the men of God for our congregation that they need to be!

THE CONGREGATION MUST BE UNITED! Jesus taught, “….and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand” (Matthew 12:25)! Let us always take care of any internal problems with Christian love, as division in a church makes her exceedingly weak!

CONGREGATIONAL WORSHIP MUST ADORE GOD! He is our benefactor! All spiritual blessings that we have come from Him (Ephesians 1:3)! “Every good gift and every perfect gift comes from above, coming down from the Father of lights….” (James 1:17)! The church is not to meet together to be entertained and spectate, but to adore God by participating in worship! “Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, and His praise in the congregation of the godly ones” (Psalm 149:1).

THE MEMBERSHIP MUST BE HOLY! God made us holy in Christ, and He expects us to live what He has made us! Because of His love, Jesus died for the church….that it should be holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:25-27)! Sin weakens more that yourself — it affects the whole congregation (Joshua 6-7)!

SOUL-WINNING MUST BE OUR PASSION! “He that is wise wins souls” (Proverbs 11:30)! The Great Commission tells us to make disciples of all nations, to go into all the world, to preach repentance and the remission of sins (Matthew 28, Mark 16 and Luke 24)!

God bless the Highland Lakes church of Christ to be a STRONG church!

(Adapted from an article by Doug Wheeler)

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WEEKLY NEWS JULY 10, 2016

Posted on August 5, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

THANK YOU

Thank you for the prayers for my sister Patti. She is doing better. Some great things have happened. God be praised! Medical tests will be done over the next couple of months. In Christian love, Judy Womack

VISITING FOR THE MASTER

(VISITATION PROGRAM) Team #2 (leaders: Cary & Brenda Miller) will meet on Wednesday, July 20th, at 6:30 pm in the library for their assignments.

Attention All Bible Teachers!

The Central Texas Bible Teachers Workshop is coming up on July 22-23 (Friday & Saturday) at the Cameron Road church of Christ in Austin, TX. Take advantage of this good offer!

human-footprints_318-46627Beautiful Footnotes

“So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” 1 Thessalonians 2:8

Brother George Funk always has lots of wonderful news to share with us as fellow laborers in the spreading the Gospel in Africa, that we always only share a sampling of the good news, but there is so much happening there. Keep this wonderful work in your prayers that God may be glorified and that the kingdom may grow. For the elders, Ken D

Gospel Chariot Missions – The African Dream Second Quarter Report 2016

Hi Everyone, Hope this finds you doing well. Here is our second quarter update and my finger gets tired scrolling through it, let alone reading it, ha, ha! GOD IS UP TO SOMETHING. Amazing, amazing what God is doing through you all.

HERE IS SOME GOOD NEWS! AMEN.

THE NEW KENYAN GOSPEL CHARIOT IS ALMOST READY FOR EXPORT!!!!

The Kenyan chariot going through roadworthy in the Cape before getting a police clearance, it will be exported in the next couple of weeks.

We have a driver-evangelist, brother Lucas Oguta, from Kenya coming down to South Africa for some training with Bongani on Chariot 1. Lucas and Layman Mpharo, one of our experienced driver evangelists, will then drive the new chariot all the way up to Kenya. Only God can make such things happen. Wow, can you imagine how much good will be done because of this effort? And how long our reports will then be! Ha, ha! All Glory to God.

That’s not all. We’re in the process of trying to find the funds for a big chariot like this for Nigeria. 160 million people in Nigeria. Wow! Please pray for that to become a reality. Thank you, thank you to all who help us make these things happen. I made my visit to Togo earlier this month. We have 4 gospel chariots in West Africa – they are working in Ghana, Togo, Benin and Liberia. When over there we had meetings in Ghana with some of our Nigerian leaders about a big chariot for Nigeria that has a population of 160 million. Amen. Please pray for that.

HELPING THE HURTING in MALAWI

Amen, this is so touching to see God’s children helping the widows, orphans and those who have lost their homes and crops through drought and then floods during the rainy season. Our Gospel Chariot coordinator in Malawi is Moster Kanyinji, who also works through a church leadership team, which helps him allocate the relief. Moster says they started distributing the food on Monday, June 13. Chariot 2 has also just arrived in Malawi from Zambia and will have a month of gospel meetings, but also help with the distribution of food to the hurting. The Malawian mini chariot is also being used to collect and distribute food. Amen, this is God at work. Please pray for Malawi and thank you to all of you who made this happen. To God be the Glory! To God be the Glory. In Him, Love, Brother George Funk

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THE UNTOLD STORY – John 3:1-15

Posted on July 5, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

nicodemusWhat do we know about Nicodemus? This man Nicodemus was a ruler of the Jews (v. 1), in a group that we know as the Sanhedrin. They potentially consisted of 70-72 men who made judgments concerning disputes, law-breaking, and questions. Nicodemus was the ruler of the group! We also know, for better or for worse, that Nicodemus came to Jesus by night (v. 2). Some could argue that Nicodemus was afraid for his life because of his position as ruler and implied belief in Jesus. Others could argue that Nicodemus was weak in faith because he chose to shroud his meeting with Jesus in darkness rather than be exposed by the light. Either way, we know that he came to Jesus asking about Jesus’ teachings and signs (v. 2), and this took courage.

What do we not know about Nicodemus? The rest of the story. The story of Nicodemus’ life leaves us wanting more. Did he become faithful to God? Does he reject God and refuse the salvation offered to him? He seemed to be so close. You may be like me and want to believe that Nicodemus was on the edge about becoming a disciple of Christ and left his encounter with Jesus wanting more. All we can know for sure is that the rest of his story is left untold.

What will your story tell us? Nicodemus’s story is set in stone and only God knows his eternal destination. However, unlike Nicodemus, your story is still being written. You still have a chance to finish your story in a way that will not leave God wanting more. What God wants from you is complete love (Matthew 22:37). Do not attempt to cover your faith and trust in God with darkness and secrecy. Stand up and stand out! Then, when an individual is completely in love with God obedience follows (Luke 9:23-24). As you write your story in this life, do so in a way that tells others obeying God is the only way to hope, security, and peace. Ultimately, it’s up to you. What will be the rest of your story?  – Austin Johnson Calvert City church of Christ Calvert City, KY

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WEEKLY NEWS JULY 3, 2016

Posted on July 5, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

Thank You

The elders would like to thank everyone who helped last Thursday at the World Bible School Workday. About 2,320 lessons were processed and mailed to Nigeria.

Thank You Note

Dear Christians, Bobby had his last treatment Thursday. In a few weeks they will do a CT scan and bloodwork. Thanks to all the ladies who brought the delicious food. It was appreciated. Bobby & Donna

VISITING FOR THE MASTER

VISITATION PROGRAM Team #1 (leaders: Joe & Teri Winnett) will meet on Wednesday, July 6th at 6:30 pm in the library for their assignments.

Attention All Teachers!

The Central Texas Bible Teachers Workshop is coming up on July 22-23 (Friday & Saturday) at the Cameron Road church of Christ in Austin, TX. Make your plans to attend. It will be a great experience!

human-footprints_318-46627Beautiful footnotes

“and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel” Ephesians 6:17 -19 (ESV)

One of the obligations of our love for God’s people is to pray for them and lift up their needs to God and pray that they be given opportunities and words to proclaim the gospel. What a blessing to be asked by others to pray for them. Please consider the following prayer requests of our fellow workers in the kingdom, the Welches, as they strive to proclaim the gospel to the people of Cambodia. For the elders, Ken D

Greetings brethren, loved by God, loved by us,

Thank you so much for the blessings you are to our lives, especially how you blessed us when we visited some of you during our recent furlough.

We have returned to SE Asia, Sharon is in Phnom Penh and I am at a Come Before Winter men’s renewal retreat in Chiang Mai, Thailand. CBW, is a Church of Christ retreat originally started for missionary women. This is the first ever men’s version. Along with great singing, we are studying, praying, meditating, reflecting and story-telling through the Gospel of Luke. Story-telling is a big part of ministry in Asian cultures because, although most people can now read and write, the cultures are still mostly oral/visual.

I so much needed this retreat. Sharon and I have been functioning like “Martha” and forgetting the better, to be like “Mary ” at the feet of Jesus. Please pray that we always stay connected to the true, life -giving vine as we strive to bear fruit and minster to others. May the Spirit of Jesus reign in all of our lives.

Sharon asks that you pray for Cambodia and the political unrest, for strong Christian families and for locals to rise up for Christ and His church.

Daughter, Theary asks you to pray for God’s guidance as she graduates (from university) and starts a new season in her life. She wants to be obedient to His will.

We all ask you to pray that our family will be a strong and holy witness in the community.

May God pour out His blessings on you for your faithfulness in prayer.

Eternal love and blessings, Dennis &Sharon (June 23, 2016)

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ARE WE WEIGHTED DOWN?

Posted on June 24, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

cloud-weighed-down1The army of Alexander the Great was advancing on Persia. At one critical point, it appeared that his troops might be defeated. The soldiers had taken so much plunder from their previous campaigns that they had become weighted down and were loosing their effectiveness in combat. Alexander immediately commanded that all the spoils be thrown into a heap and burned.

The Hebrew writer admonishes, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1).

The race before us is the Christian life. How often do we, like the “foolish Galatians” allow things of this world to hinder us from our enduring faithfulness to God? If we are not careful we will allow such things as work, recreation, education, retirement plans, hobbies, and even our families weight us down and impede our growth and pursuit of the prize of the high calling of God (Philippians 3:14).

As Alexander commanded his armies, we must not simply store in another place those things that hinder us from our fighting the good fight, but we must cast them aside and completely remove them from our lives — regardless how precious they may seem! Consider the results for the armies of Greece: “Alexander’s men complained bitterly but soon came to see the wisdom of the order. Someone wrote, ‘It was as if wings had been given to them — they walked light again.’ Victory was assured.”

Remember, “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24)

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WEEKLY NEWS JUNE 26, 2016

Posted on June 24, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

THANK YOU NOTE

Dear Members of the Highland Lakes Church of Christ, I greatly appreciate you paying for me to go to camp.  I had a wonderful time thanks to ya’ll sending me.  ♥ Love, Brianna Arnold

Would You Like to Improve Your Bible Skills?

The Central Texas Bible Teachers Workshop is coming up on July 22-23 (Friday & Saturday) at the Cameron Road church of Christ in Austin, TX. Make your plans to attend. It will be a great experience!

Please check . . .

. . . the “Continue to Remember” list and the “In The Military” list periodically. If you think that your name or the name of a loved one needs to be removed (or added), please let the secretary (Helga) know! And as always, a written note or e-mail is best.  Your help is very, very much appreciated!

VISITING FOR THE MASTER

VISITATION PROGRAM Team #1 (leaders: Joe & Teri Winnett) will meet on Wednesday, July 6th at 6:30 pm in the library for their assignments.

FELLOWSHIP LUNCH

Our monthly Fellowship Luncheon today is a “Salad Luncheon”. Be sure to stay and enjoy the various salads, desserts and the good fellowship! Hosts & hostesses are: John C. & Ida Brewer, Ken & Gail Darnell and James and Vicky Williams.

Things of Importance!

There is a need to have 2 adults in every children’s Bible Class on Sunday morning. The teacher and another person to be the helper in various ways. If you are willing to help, please let Joe know.

There is a new, revised Deacons’ list about the areas of their service. It is in the back of the auditorium. Be sure and pick up a copy.

The Food Pantry needs more plastic bags!!!

Don’t forget to use the prayer lists for your own personal prayer time!

human-footprints_318-46627BEAUTIFUL FOOTNOTES

We were honored this spring to be able to help support Troy and Leanna Futrell’s granddaughter Madison on a reading literacy mission trip to Rwanda with Harding University. Last week’s bulletin shared Part One of her reflections on the trip. This week we share Part Two as she concludes her reflections on her trip.

“Now that I’ve had time to reflect on my trip to Rwanda, I have come away with a few lessons. As cliché as it is to say, the kids and people of Rwanda taught me many things.

“Be patient – To get around Rwanda we would either take taxis or ride motorcycles. If we wanted a taxi, we would have to wait about 20-30 minutes for them to get wherever we were. After that we would weave in and out of traffic to get to our destination. We quickly found out that everyone has their own time in Rwanda. We learned that church ‘started when people showed up’ and ‘ended when people left.’ I am a very punctual person so this was an entirely new concept to me. I had to learn to wait and be okay with waiting.

“Not having good wifi is NOT the end of the world – Our wifi was a little spotty. It would work in certain places but not in others. Sometimes you had to wait five minutes for a snapchat to load or for Facebook to be refreshed. There was really good wifi at some different restaurants we went to, so it was nice to be able to post pictures or talk to our families occasionally. Surprisingly enough, not being on our phones 24/7 allowed us to do other things. We could really get to know the people there and each other. The group that went on this trip was amazing and I was thankful that the lack of wifi allowed us to get to know each other well. It gave us more time to take in all of the beautiful things that Rwanda has to offer. Not having quick wifi was an adjustment for us all, but it was definitely a blessing in disguise.

“Bugs are not going to kill me and they (probably) won’t hurt me – I hate bugs. I don’t like bugs that crawl. I don’t like bugs that walk. I don’t like bugs that fly or jump or hop. We were very lucky in our first room to not have any cockroaches. We moved rooms and experienced our first cockroach… I will admit there was a little freakout when we saw it (there is a video to prove it.) Thankfully Riley came to our rescue and killed them for us. We learned to live with them and eventually didn’t give them much thought.

“Rwanda has changed my life and I will be forever grateful for this experience with AfricaReads. Until next time, Rwanda….”

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