The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
A Church Remembered
by: Melanie Sharpe-Lessen
It is hard to believe twenty years have passed since the burning of the La Harpe Christian Church.
I remember the day distinctly, as I'm sure many people in this community do as well. It was a hot July afternoon, July 17, 1985, to be exact, and I was six years old.
I remember that my Aunt Jackie came into our dining room and broke the news to our family.
My family and I were in the middle of eating dinner, and we left at that moment to go and see what was happening to our church.
We left so abruptly, i didn't have time to put my shoes on. I will never forget standing by the post office,, barefoot, in the rocks, watching as most of the adults around me stood crying.
I think that moment is why I remember the day so vividly. I do not think I had seen, or have seen since so many people moved so emotionally in such close proximity.
Approximately 4:25 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 1985, a disastrous fire completely destroyed the La Harpe Christian Church. The building where the congregation had worshiped for 56 years was gone. I looked back at the Quill that featured the story. The article, by Nancy Lee Parrish, stated that the three story brick building and property inside valued at $900,000 was completely destroyed.
It also went on to say that some eighty-five to ninety firefighters were at the scene. More than five fire departments turned out to help. One firefighter described it as, "the worst fire I've ever tried to fight."
I thought it was necessary to commemorate this event in La Harpe history. For me, it was a very vivid childhood memory and one I will never forget.
The church that now stands in its place still feels like a new addition to our town even though it has been here two decades now.
No matter what happens to that building, or any of La Harpe's places of worship, we all know that the people make the church, not the building.
William Wood Missions To Russia
William's latest e-mail letter arrives! We finally heard from William at the first of June via an email. It follows in its entirety, and our Russian family has been very busy!
Dear April and all precious,
I think I must have some loose change as I don't remember about your question.
Anyway the latest... Work projects have started full time. We now have water running down the hill. What a blessing it must be for these people since it saves them hauling water long distances and from an old dug well that has a barn not too far away.
We were really not sure what has filtered into it, but now at least in our area we have water from a deep drilled well.
We bought 260 meters of black plastic pipe and fittings, plus at the end of our settlement they needed another 200 meters as the old steel pipe broke during last winter, leaving those people to haul some long distances!
I'm so grateful to help provide clean water, and I'm working on another area as well.
Also, an Orthodox priest came and stayed about a week. We had invited him to come, sharing how we are of the same faith.
He said this was the first ministry he has ever known doing what we are doing, which is helping the most needy with their needs, both physical and spiritual.
He also had spoken to two other priests in this area and shared with them that we are not a cult, and that they should be working together with us.
So we pray this will open many doors. In fact, an Orthodox lady who serves in the head of our district is now working with us to help two very needy families.
Praise God, it's also time to plan for our next baptism! One of our church family just called two hours ago very, very excited.
She had just led a lady to Christ, and she just had to call. So we're thanking God for all He is doing!
We have just finished working in another settlement. The best I can spell it is "Miyoldino." We spent most of our time in a kindergarten. The first thing we built was a sandbox that looked like a truck. When the little ones came out to play, you could not even see the sandbox. They were all over it! Then we built a slide. The school kids were coming and playing on it even before we had time to finish. Then we built a balance bean, a couple of pull-up poles and bars, then an upside-down, v-shaped ladder, a shelter playhouse, plus bought paint for the inside of the school.
We had a good time witnessing to the staff, and they had questions every day.
We stayed there over two weeks. At the end of each day, we showed a different Christian video. We showed the videos at the local culture club. People were standing as there were no more benches.
The Mayor came one night and sincerely thanked us for showing such films and shared this is what (they) need and more of it!
Later, we repaired three more benches for them and put in four lights at the local library and some electrical work at the administration building.
I truly believe we had a good seed-planting our first visit there!
After returning to Don, I had one full day of welding, three people were there at one time! I had another helper come from Emba, a Christian lady to help out on our peachka (wood stove) requests, five new ones and repairing one.
Ted came from Moscow and helped with the local water system, plus worked on my computer again. Maybe we should pray that I can send emails when I'm home in Don. While we're in other settlements, no way! Even phone service is a question mark and no cell phone connection.
Okay, must close.
Love, Thanks, and Prayers!
William Wood and Staff
CIY Conference in Durango, Colorado
This year, students from La Harpe Christian Church, and other surrounding churches, had the opportunity to attend a conference in Durango, Colorado. The conference was hosted by a parachurch organization known as Christ in Youth or CIY.
At CIY, students experienced energetic worship led by One 5 Oh, dynamic speaking, practical classes taught by youth leaders and ministers, comedy led by Bone (yep, that's his name), a famous Christian comedian, and lots and lots of fun.
The students experienced growth on a group level and a personal level.
We appreciate everyone who donated money for us to attend CIY. The cost of the trip was enormous, but it pales in comparison with the effect that the conference had on our students. I also appreciate everyone who prayed for us while we were at CIY.
My hope is that our students have come back from Colorado changed by what they experienced. We appreciate your support!
In Him,
Nate McCarter
Youth Minister
La Harpe Christian Church