Rotarians have much to be thankful for. We serve our communities and the world in gratitude. We are thankful for all we have in our community, such as our unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We have the world best economy. We will have our differences, but we focus on our commonality in our service to eradicate polio in the world, seek world peace, help those in need, provide basics of life via Shelter Boxes to our fellow mankind in faraway, war-torn places like Gaza and Ukraine, and so much more.
Last Thursday, our country celebrated Thanksgiving as both a celebration of the bounty that our Creator has bestowed upon us and to give thanks life’s basics and more! Rotarians celebrated Thanksgiving by sponsoring last Thursday’s Salvation Army Feast. Rotarian and Salvation Army Lt. Cody Johns worked tirelessly from 5 am on Wednesday morning to the end of this display of providing hope to those who are in despair. His wife Amanda, celebrated her birthday last Thursday by serving hope via meals and counseling. I was one of hundreds who prepared the feast of ham, dressing, green beans, mashed potatoes with gravy, and pies to serve several thousand meals that Thursday. This feast is a realization that our community has members that need help.
The Salvation Army has been ringing the bells for their Salvation Army red pots in our community. This Saturday the Rotary Club of the Woodlands rings the bell for the Salvation Army at The Woodlands Mall. In addition, the Rotary Club of Conroe will be ringing that Saturday at Kroger’s on North Loop 336 in Conroe. Funds raised from the bell ringing will be used to provide hope for those in our community who live literally from pay check to pay check. Occasionally, those people have a dire need which the Salvation Army can assist them through monetary assistance and counseling.
Rotary also helps on an international scale. The Rotary Club of East Montgomery County members were happy to present Russell Leatherman with New Beginning Resources, Inc. (NBRI), a check for $7,599.03. These funds, were raised at the Rotary Golf Tournament and help subsidize tuition for students at La Generacion School in Guatemala. In 2004, NBRI members visited San Pedro Jocopilas, Guatemala, in search of ministry opportunities. They met Pastor Eliseo Gonzales, who pastors at La Iglesia “Torre Fuerte.” He had a desire and vision to reach the next generation of Guatemalans with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He wanted to start a school to provide a Christ-centered, quality education that would allow him and his staff to bring the children of his community to faith in Jesus Christ. In 2010, “Colegio Evangelico La Generacion” opened its doors and has grown from 17 to 118 students.
Rotary Clubs in the USA do not meet during Thanksgiving week. However, a “Lunch and Learn” featuring three Ukrainian solders was held by the Rotary club of Conroe at Honor Café. These soldiers told of their love of their country and had a certain Texas swagger. Their independence is dear to them. After the meeting, I donated the Texas flag flying at my Office to these Ukrainians to proudly fly as they fight for their continued independence.
Rotarians Chris Sadler, owner of Honor Café, participated with the U. S. Marine Corps Veterans in their annual Christmas toy drive. Chris has a special drop-off box at Honor Café for us to donate a new, unwrapped toy to be used as a Christmas present for a child in our community who would not get a present this Christmas except through this program. Chris is a proud Marine Veterans so please thank him for his service when you see him at Honor Café!
The Rotary Club of Conroe meets Tuesdays at noon at Honor Cafe.Â
Ron Saikowski may be reached with Rotary news at rsaikowski@comcast.net.Â
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