The Texas County Retired Teachers and School Personnel met Sept. 11 in the fellowship hall of First Baptist Church in Houston. A luncheon was enjoyed by members and five guests.
Wilda McNiell opened by leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
This month’s guest speakers were from On-Time Ministries. Theresa Dunlap and her husband, Steve, were both teachers until they were called to this ministry in 2011, while watching a program about ministers who worked with victims of human trafficking. From this, they became embroiled in the world of human trafficking, from the standpoint of volunteering their own time and resources to rescuing and helping young women break the chains of slavery, abuse and drug use.
They have created homes in Mountain Grove and Houston, where they can provide sanctuary, care and counseling to young women in our very own small communities. They bring in young women who are survivors and implement a four-phase program designed to provide access to education, including college and careers, while also supplying free counseling, medical, dental and faith-based care. They have worked with 57 young women, overall, in the United States. They have helped at least eight girls here. Two brave young women came forth to share their harrowing stories of the abuse they have suffered. Their stories of suffering, survival, and success were eye-opening. Services provided are all funded privately by donations from business, churches and very few-tono grants.
Vivian Alsup led the devotional based on the book, “Screech and the Songbirds,” by Irita Barnard. The author is a resident of Lebanon. The theme was about how both the good and the bad things that happen to us can both be part of God’s plan, and that we need to have faith in that plan.
The business meeting was called to order by Wilda McNiell. It was reported by Bonnie Carter that there were 34 members that have paid dues, and 14 canned goods were donated to Cabool’s Food Pantry. The first order of business was a motion by Elaine Campbell, and seconded by Jeannie Beltz, to donate $100 to On-Time Ministries. After discussion, the motion was approved.
Correspondence was then read, the club received thank you letters from Martha Schatz, the June guest speaker and Sharon Marler from Wright Country Retired Teachers, who attended the club’s June picnic. Karen Sinning from the Wright County group invited Texas County members to their meeting at 10 a.m. Sept. 19, at Country Living Assisted Living in Mountain Grove.
An invitation was received from the West Plains Retired Teachers group to the Oct. 20 regional meeting at First Baptist Church, South Campus in West Plains. McNiell called for volunteers to provide a basket for the fund-raising auction. Donna Jones volunteered to put one together.
Membership committee reported that cards were sent to new Texas County retirees. There were no replies received. Members were reminded that October is the month to pay dues.
Social Committee reported that the 2018 regional meeting would be moved to Cabool Christian Church.
During Old Business: McNiell reported the state meeting is Sept. 12. She will attend as the club’s delegate. Jay made a basket to send.
The next meeting is Oct. 9