The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Dear Editor,
Where does your food come from?
If you're like many Americans, the answer is the grocery store. And frankly, that disturbs me. The grocery store isn't where food comes from-it's just from where it's distributed.
In reality, far too many people are unaware of the role of American agriculture in their daily lives . . . and what it really takes to have food on their dinner table.
Just a few generations ago, most people were a part of-and had friends or relatives involved with-agriculture. Today, that's no longer the case. That's why I'm writing, because agriculture is responsible for providing the necessities of life . . . food, fiber, clothing, and shelter. And it's about time Americans recognize that contribution.
American farmers are working harder than ever, and it shows. Today, each American farmer feeds more than 129 people. And the need for food produced in the United States is dramatic. Agriculture is this nation's #1 export and vitally important in sustaining a healthy economy.
And it's not just the farmer who makes our food possible. The entire agriculture industry all the way to the grocery store, are vital links in a chain that brings food to every citizen-and millions of people abroad.
Frankly, it's easy to take agriculture for granted in America. Our food is readily accessible and safe. For this, we're unbelievably fortunate . . . but that doesn't mean we don't have an obligation to recognize how it's made possible.
This March 21, 2007 is National Ag Day. It's a good time to reflect-and be grateful for-American agriculture . . . and to share that message with others.
Carla Mudd
Dear Editor,
For many years second grade students in La Harpe corresponded with a retired teacher from Watertown, New York.ÊMrs. Avis O'Conner was their "grandteacher" during the time Mrs. Eckhardt and Mrs. Christoffersen were teaching second grade.Ê
Twice Mrs. O'Connor came to La Harpe to visit and meet the children and each year she knitted a pair of mittens for every child for Christmas. She stayed in our home on one visit and was really a special lady.Ê Our family still enjoys hearing Êfrom her from time to time. In her own words she is now "88 years old and feeling my years".
I'm sure she would enjoy hearing from the young people who were once her pen pals.Ê Her address is
Avis O'Conner,
238 Francis Street,
Watertown, NY13601-1605
Dianne Balmer
La Harpe
Dear Editor,
William Wood
Missions to Russia
Blessings to All!
Another reason to be Thankful !
When you have a child go off to collage in America now-a-days, it seems they just get in the car you have bought them and you send them off.
BUT whats is it like here in remote villages and/or settlements?
After service yesterday, I was taking people back home and noticed many youth walking to the main road that leads to Sytivkar to catch the bus. They were carrying large bags to return to collage as they had a holiday that gave them some days off, called "Ladies Day."
Once I helped with a bag and I thought, "What do you have, bricks inside?"
No, it was potatoes for their evening meal, enough to last them many days.
I have had the chance to eat some potato soup a few times. They put A LOT of salt in water then boil them, that's it! It's a very plain soup without any flavor except for the salt.
Some carry their heavy bags a few miles. Yes, miles! As the bus only goes on the main road as there is no way to go to every village, 67 in all, and many just a sand road and soon many will be cut off.
As warmer weather comes, so does the ice and snow that starts to melt which means there is no way to cross the river to reach these places.
The river moves so fast there is no way to put a temperary bridge there for 3-4 weeks because of 3 feet of snow melting.
How do these young Russian girls and many with small frames carry such bags you would wonder.
After living here, you find the answer. Many carry 2 buckets of water for long distances daily and if its a "bonya" day, they will need to make many trips.
I remember as a youth on the farm carrying these big buckets of water or grain even though I was very small, but over here, they carry them for a much longer distance.
Lord we take most everything for granted not taking time to Thank the Lord for all our blessings. We forget all good things comes from God. James 1:17
We stop, and now the best we can, say "Thank You for all we have," and we thank God most of all for His precious gift, His SON Jesus Christ our God and Savior. Amen !
William Wood
GLADSTONE now in Don in the Komi Republic Russia
[Publisher's Note:
I've become a strong admirer of William Wood and the mission work he does in Russia. No other have I personally seen give as much as this man gives in the name of Christ.
He writes: "If Paul was the chief of sinners, then I was the Admiral. God not only saved my spirtual soul, but my physical life as well."
Hopelessness, drunkenness, greed, self-hatred, total dependence on narcotics, and suicidal tendancies ended when William called on God. In 1991 he was saved. From 1992-97 William participated with Josh McDowell Ministries on nine two-week mission trips to Russia.
He has now dared to go to parts of Russia where no one else dares or wants to go to service the people in Don.
The WWMtoR Board in Gladstone hopes to raise enough support for William to remain in Russia for 5 years.
If you can share in some small way, please send contributions to WWMtoR Board
c/o Steve Law Treasure
RR1 Box 222,
Gladstone, IL 61437
Dan Ashton is President of the Board. If you would like to receive a newsletter please write Dan & April Ashton, RR1 Box 110, Biggsville, IL 61418.]