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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2005-07-21, Page 15THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2005. PAGE 15. Blyth girl visits Guatemala to learn On a mission Meredith Dow, a student at Prairie Bible College in Alberta, recently returned from Guatemala where she, along with 12 other students and their leaders went to study and become acquainted with the people. (Photo submitted) By Meredith Dow, Blyth I’ve always wanted to travel the world, but never did I expect to find myself in Central America during my first year away from home. After graduating from F.E. Madill a year ago, I flew out to Alberta for an Intercultural & Leadership Studies certificate at Prairie Bible College. From August until December life was pretty normal, meeting new friends and learning new things. After Christmas, though, the real adventure began. Along with the 12 other students in my program and our 10 staff. I arrived in Guatemala. different way from me. Sometimes it takes the unfamiliar to see the familiar more clearly, and that is exactly what happened for me. 1 found that 1 really don’t need so many pairs of shoes, when some kids aren’t allowed in school for lack of one pair. I experienced hospitality in a magnified way, as people would feed me, not knowing where their next day’s rice was coming from. Getting to know the people better revealed that though their countries are barely just recovering from civil wars, and though they grow up with chickens running around their dirt­ floor homes, they still know how to laugh. And while we may live many miles from them, they also undergo many of the same hopes and fears that we Canadians do. We have the ability, though. t<> easily relieve some of their fears. Through the generosity of some ol you, I brought a bag of clothes and shoes and was humbled to sec the bright smiles and meek thankfulness as we handed them out. While many skilled professionals live in the cities, the small villages are in desperate need for doctors and dentists. The land is dying for environmental wisdom. The young people are eager to learn English, and I even had the chance to leach some swimming lessons. Most of all. though, the people crave spiritual direction. There are many churches, but now it is time lor believers from Guatemala and El Salvador to minister to the rest of the world, and that requires training. Glad Days in Blyth Aug. 4, 5 During the month of August, gladioli are sold throughout Canada to heighten public recognition and understanding of epilepsy. The Give Light and Dreams Campaign was introduced by Beth Parker, a woman living with epilepsy. All dollars raised remain in our local community to support those affected by epilepsy and to provide educational programs to the public. Glad Days are Goderich. Sweets and Memories. Aug. 4 and 5; Blyth. Canada Post Office. Aug. 11 and 12; and Clinton, Canada Post Office. Heartland Credit Union. Moore's Food Market, Aug. 17 and 18. Though the erics lor help seem endless, it is inspiring to know that we can make a difference in some peoples' lives. Whether they he in a different country or the house across the street, take the time to help out someone else. As Theodore Roosevelt once said. “Do what you can. with what you have, where you arc." Circle time Kids Comer got off to good start for another summer last Monday at the Brussels Mennonite Fellowship Hall. After a drama presentation, children were divided into groups to discuss what they’d seen before beginning their activities. (Bonnie Gropp photo) THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA Trinity, Blyth 9:30 a.m. cfocc to come SUNDAY, JULY 24 St. John's, Brussels 11:15a.m. The Rev. Tom Wilson, B.A., MDiv. 887-9273 barely knowing how to say more than “Hola”. and never having been out of Canada or the States. Wide- eyed I soaked in the culture. For over three months we lived and studied in both Guatemala and El Salvador, learning Spanish, studying missions and leadership, getting to know the people, and helping them however we could, i had the incredible opportunity to do such things as teach English, clear land for both a school and a church, lead kids’ clubs, and perform evangelistic dramas. The best part, though, was meeting friends who see the world in a whole July 24 Lisles1 Smail Group "An Ordinary Day with Jesus, Pt. 2: Discovering Your Own i Spiritual I Pathway" Christ-centred, Bible-believing, Fellowship-friendly, Growth-geared I iI 10:30 am Ju/y Location: Blyth Community Centre, Upstairs Pastor: Ernest Dow - 523-4848 http://getlivingwater.org Donation-based PASTORAL COUNSELLING • Marriage • Family • IBudgeting 'PCeaae fowt fat Sunday, July 24 Morning Worship Service - 10 a.m. Evening Worship Service - 7:30 p.m. BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Pastor John Kuperus Hwy. 4, Blyth 523-9233 Wheelchair accessible BRUSSELS - ETHEL PASTORAL CHARGE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA Church Office 887-6259 E-mail - bepc@wightman.ca Sunday, July 24 Ethel United Church 9:30 a.m. Brussels United Church 11:00 a.m. We welcome our neighbours from Melville Presbyterian Celebrating our Christian Faith together in worship MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS t/ie mo-nth of fuly. Knox Belgrave is worshiping with their friends at Knox United Church, Belgrave Melville Brussels is worshiping with their friends at Brussels United Church Services will resume at Melville on July 31st. We will be welcoming our friends from Brussels United who will continue to worship with us for the month of August. Rev. Cathrine Campbell - 887-9831 Church "The Church is not a Building, It is People Touching People" Sunday 9:15 a.m. - Prayer Meeting 11:00 a.m. - Worship Service Phone 523-4875 308 Blyth Rd. E. ~ Pastor Les Cook 523-4590 HURON CHAPEL EVANGELICAL SlNGASON(pOF eW MISSIONARY CHURCH Auburn - 526-1131 PASTOR DAVE WOOD Sunday NO Sunday School for July or August 7:30 p.m. - Evening Worship Service 7:00 p.m. 7:15 p.m. 10:30 a.m.Morning Worship Service For the month of August there will be special guest speakers - Adult Bible Study Adult & Youth Bible Study Blyth United Church Corner of Dinsley & Mill Street Sunday, July 24 Worship Service 11:00 a.m. Minister: Rev. Robin McGauley Office: 523-4224 Blyth United Church is a welcoming community of faith. We celebrate God's presence through worship and study, and through responding to the needs and gifts of each other.