NWN Ruritans learn about ministry
The Northwestern Ruritan Club met Nov. 8 in the Northwestern High School cafeteria. President Kim Wellert welcomed members and guests, and the group joined in singing “America” with the invocation given by Wellert. Everyone had dinner, and members then adjourned to the school library for the program and business meeting.
Chuck Beck introduced Rev. Ben Walker, former executive director of the Haven of Rest Ministries, who gave a talk on the ministry. He has been involved with the ministry, in its 78th year, for 35 years. It is a Christ-centered outreach that responds to physical, emotional and spiritual needs of disadvantaged men, women and children, regardless of race, color, creed or social standing. They now have buildings including the Main Mission with 100 beds, Harvest Home for ladies with 52 beds and a building for children. They serve about 600 meals a day, totaling about 300,000 meals per year, and about 1,500 of the residents receive clothing a year.
Adults are expected to be open to the message of Jesus, help with various jobs, be willing to commit to a minimum stay of nine to 12 months, and be serious about a life change.
Aftercare is provided as people transition from the program with follow-up ministry. For children there is a Kids Club. Career development, transportation and mission outreach are provided. They receive no money from the government or from United Way, existing on gifts and donations.
The Oct. 11 meeting minutes were read and approved, and Michelle Bowman’s treasurer’s report was approved, subject to audit. Jamie Bowman reported the Parade of Flags was out for Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Flags will be checked for condition and put in storage for the winter. Bowman was thanked for chairing the Parade of Flags.
Beck announced 20 boxes were filled for the Husky Brigade on Saturday, Nov. 6 and had been sent out. The Frito Lay Co. donated many goodies, the ladies of the American Legion provided cookies and Northwestern Elementary students wrote over 100 letters to pack in the boxes for soldiers from the area. Beck was thanked for chairing the Husky Brigade committee.
Members have signed up to man the recycling bins located at the Congress Township building on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 9 a.m. to noon. This is a service to assist residents with unloading their recyclable trash.
Beck said the roadside cleanup of state Route 301 between Pleasant Home and Lattasburg was Wednesday, Oct. 20. He has sent in the renewal form to the State Highway Department for the cleanup for 2022. A motion was passed that the club send $200 each to the West Salem Outreach and to the Mohican Church Grocery Bag Ministry for their holiday needs.
The club’s Dec. 13 Christmas dinner/meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. at Northwestern High School with spouses invited. The NW FFA will furnish Christmas plants for table decorations while the NWHS choir directed by Elizabeth Crabtree will provide entertainment. Club directors will meet that evening at 6 p.m. in the school library.
With no more business, the meeting was adjourned with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.