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as
Paul Harvey used to say ... "and Now the Rest of the
Story" |
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| For Immediate
Release Powhatan Commonwealth’s Attorney October 27, 2011 Powhatan Commonwealth’s Attorney Robert Beasley Beasley also announced today that Shaheem Evans was convicted in Powhatan Circuit Court on October 24, 2011, of distribution of marijuana. The incident occurred on June 27, 2011 in the parking lot at the Shell Station on Rt. 60 at the Powhatan County line. Also, Eric Glover was convicted of making a threat to bomb, burn or destroy the home of a woman with whom he shares a child. He will also be sentenced later this year.
Foal'n Around 4-H shares love for
horses Members of the Foal'n Around 4-H club recently enjoyed showing off three of the miniature horses they use for demonstrations. The younger members spent several days grooming and working with the “minis” to get them ready for Powhatan Farmers Market on October 13. The young people demonstrated the wonderful things these miniature horses can do and how friendly they are with people. According to club leader Catherine Akins, “A great time was had by all.” They also decorated horse shoes and sold them as a fundraiser. Club members and minis pictured from the left are: “Trouble”, Eliza Cart, Ceira Connor, “Ittsy”, Lexie Akins, Mia Spott, Ashley King, Kayley Thompson, “Eclipse”, Maddie Bonner, and Sophie Kidd. Missing from the picture are Caitlin Reamy and Daija Goode |
Bullying MUST be
stopped in Powhatan!
November 10, 2011 - 7:00 pm Bullying Is a Big Problem. Every day thousands of teens wake up
afraid to go to school. Bullying is a problem that affects millions of
students, and it has everyone worried, not just the kids on its Possible warning signs that a child is being bullied: Bullying is when a
Do you know what this is? Do you have a story to share about them? Send them to info@powhatanva.com |
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Reaching children Worldwide through Written by Meghan Schaefer; CEF is the world’s largest mission agency geared towards children.
This foundation was founded in 1937 by Rev. J. Irvin Overholtzer, who was
a man with a vision he believed to be solely from God for reaching girls
and boys and showing them the One of the areas CEF uses to reach these children is through the working of Good News Clubs which has been at the heart of CEF since the very beginning. Clubs usually meet once a week during the school year in the public schools, community centers, churches, homes, and other locations. Since the United States Supreme Court made the decision in June of 2001 to confirm the freedom of access to elementary public schools, these clubs have been opening up and running even in places where they had earlier been denied for many years! So you may ask. What exactly are these after- school Good News Clubs, what is the teaching that is presented to these thousands of children, or why should I be in favor of this? Well, let’s take a closer look. Good News Clubs are cost free, once a week after school classes any child from the ages of five and twelve, regardless of their religious background can attend. It is a wonderful opportunity for children who are in the public schools to hear the Gospel story as well as to learn the truth from the very Word of God. It includes Dynamic Bible lessons, creative learning activities, inspirational missionary stories, meaningful songs, and Life-changing Scripture memory, and review games or other activities that focus on the lesson theme. And the benefits are not only on a biblical standpoint. Your child will be taught the moral values of everyday life as well as character qualities and respect for authority. The results of Good News Clubs provide hope for children who may be angry from abuse, they offer real-life solutions which are backed by the power of God’s Word, they help children to develop a committed walk with Jesus Christ, improves a child’s memory skills, grades, attitudes, and behavior at home, and offers moral foundations needed to fight against the pressures of drugs, theft, violence, and other influence which would harm them. CEF greatly respects the right all parents have in their decision
whether or not their child should attend these events. For this reason,
signed permission is required for each child’s attendance. Also, the
safety and protection of your child is one of CEF’s greatest desire to
look out for. Every teacher has been specially trained by Child Evangelism
Fellowship which has taken specific steps to ensure well-being of each
child. All club workers have been carefully screened as a requirement by
the CEF Child So why is it important for children to learn Biblical principles? These statistics were recently taken from the Children’s Defense Fund. Every day in America: Many churches adopt a school as their mission field. The schools in
Powhatan County and the churches who have taken on this role are: “I feel the Good News Clubs are a very positive opportunity for the children of our county,” Says Bev Kennell, Powhatan resident and wife of Pastor Tim of Powhatan Mennonite Church. “Many of them do not have the opportunity to learn about God and His message to us in the Bible. Through these clubs, they are taught biblical morals and character qualities that will help them through their growing up years as well as into adulthood. All of our children go through struggles and challenges, whether at school or at home. The club can be a safe place where they will feel loved and accepted." The Children in our lives, in our community, and around the world need our support and love, yes. But more than that, they need to know the love of God who gave the greatest gift anyone could ever ask for. Thank you to all those who willing give of their time and resources to make this all possible. Matthew 19:14 And Jesus said, “Let the little children come unto me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
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Upcoming Events! November 3 – The Powhatan November 9 - The World War II
Round Table of Central Virginia meeting on Wednesday, November 9 beginning
at 7:00 PM is another special monthly program interviewing a Marine Tarawa
survivor veteran whose unit suffered over 40% casualties. In keeping with
remembering World War II, the sing alike Andrew Sisters will bring back
many memories dressed in their World War II uniforms with a November 19 - 8 am - 5 pm. November 19 - Emmanuel November 19 ANNUAL HOLIDAY November 19 - Holly Days Bazaar
Powhatan Elementary School 4111 Old Buckingham Rd (Rt 13), Powhatan, VA
23139 Every Monday Every Thursday Send your events in … ____________________ The Friends of Powhatan Thursday Powhatan Public Library Paper Back Books 50 cents Saturday is $5 Bag day. All profits benefit the Library. file is large. |
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| Powhatan
Board of Supervisors Candidate has stimulated the public: submitted by Tammy Kramer Rogers, Powhatan, VA Independent Randy Schulkers is challenging the establishment for the District 4 Seat, without the benefit of political history, major party support or big money backing. Schulkers said, "All our neighbors are equal regardless of party or no party. I still feel that someone can win an election with the right principles and ideals - and without spending a ton of money. We are running a frugal campaign, just as I will run the office of Supervisor. We have only inexpensive photocopied brochures and basic signing. My campaign manager is my best friend, and my volunteer workers are neighbors and friends. We are all working toward the same basic values and goals. It is all about representing the people - doing what they want done. The people appreciate the common sense approach." Just like in the old days, Schulkers is knocking on every door in the district, day after day - since last November when he passed out brochures at the last election. With the huge increase in population in Powhatan in the past few years, it is a daunting task. "I love a challenge and my goal is to stop at every door in my district. If I miss any, it will be because I can't find it." Powhatan residents enjoy the country atmosphere and many homesteads may have hundreds of acres, without paved driveways. Schulkers may have a big challenge from the hand-picked replacement of the incumbent Supervisor, Scott Daniel, who selected Bill Melton, his commissioner for the past 2 terms, to replace him. Along Powhatan highways, there seems to be many times the number of Melton's signs that often dwarf Schulkers' small 18" x 24" yellow signs. But it is not hard to find Schulkers' supporters in any part of the county. Schulkers seems to have struck a positive chord with the public, and a lot of people are rooting for their underdog. This should be an interesting race to watch. More info at www.Randyschulkers.com |
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| Editorials ... below you will find letters submitted to us that ran in this week's paper. | The following are letters that were submitted for the Powhatan Today and not run ... the citizens have kindly asked that their voice be heard. (another note, if the paper does not have "room for more letters" then take out the games and TV listings or add more pages - content is easy to come by in Powhatan it's a busy community. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OLD
HANDKERCHIEFS
Dear Editor: Love the Old Fashioned Handkerchiefs piece. My mother, Virginia
DeNoon thought handkerchiefs were okay for everyday use but you should
carry a Blessings, Charlene ____________________ SUPPORT OF RANDY SCHULKERS Dear Editor: A Man of Integrity… District Four God Bless, ____________________ SUPPORT OF CARSON TUCKER LETTER TO THE EDITOR I wish that I did not have to write this I’m sorry, Mr. Gresham but that kind of electioneering is not done
in Powhatan. I do not want you, with that attitude, on the Board of
Supervisors. Unfortunately, I do not live in District Five and so I cannot cast my vote for Carson Tucker; but I am sure that if you do your own research and do not depend on “facts” provided by others, you will do so. Sincerely, _______________________ CITIZEN AWARENESS Dear Editor: Thank you for the hard work in bringing awareness of the many events
and issues surrounding the citizens. It is about time we know what is
going on in Powhatan. _______________________ IN SUPPORT OF MY FATHER Dear Editor: My name is Katherine Flannagan; I am a life-long resident of Powhatan County. My father, Frank Flannagan, is currently running for the District 3 seat for Powhatan’s Board of Supervisors. I would like to take this opportunity to share a little bit about my father. My father moved to the County as a child over forty-five years ago.
One of my favorite family stories is how my grandfather, Julian Sledd,
was one of the first Powhatan residents to welcome my father to the
county. The encounter stood out so much to my father that he retold it
in my grandfather’s eulogy. The two met with my father walked out to
the mailbox at his new home and my grandfather was there to deliver his
mail and offered his neighborly assistance if there was anything my
father needed. Little did either of them know that years later they
would become family. I like to think of my grandfather’s welcoming
nature and sense of community is what convinced my father that Powhatan
was where he wanted to stay and ultimately raise his family. As a young child I spend a lot of time at the old Company 1 Fire
House while my father was Chief as well as at the War Memorial Building
[when it was still the National Guard building] where my father had
served since he had enlisted directly after finishing his Turf Grass
Management Certification at Virginia Tech. Many of my early memories of
my father are of him in some sort of service roll: whether it be seeing
him off to go assist in bridge My father’s service has also made him closely familiar with the
political system. In addition to being Chairman of Powhatan’s Parks
and Recreation Advisory committee, he has also served as the Katie Flannagan ________________________ Letters to the Editor can be emailed to info@powhatanva.com or mailed
to Letters are printed as is, no edits - foul language or threats will not be permitted. Otherwise, America is FREE - send it on.
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DOES PARTY
MATTER?
Dear Editor: Ruth Boatwright raised two important issues in her letter in the July 20 Powhatan Today. She criticized the role of money in election campaigns and the involvement of political parties in local elections. Each poses a concern about liberty. The First Amendment guarantees our right to free speech, which includes how we choose to spend our money on political issues and candidates. It also guarantees our right to associate with others without undue interference by government. These guarantees set us apart from most other nations. There would be no need for political parties or lots of money for
campaigns if we all held the same opinions and value preferences, but
that has never been the case and never will be. Our system of The freedom to associate means that we have the right to form political parties. But do we need political parties to be involved in local elections? If there are differences of opinion about the direction the County should take or about the way our elected officials are managing the County, there is a definite role for parties to play. Parties can provide a way for County voters to hold their local government accountable that is much more effective than if each voter acted alone. Even where the two major parties are not involved, organizations such as Citizens for Good Government or Taxpayers against Waste are formed to serve the same purpose. Without this kind of concerted action, government is less likely to reflect popular preferences. Local politics often involves differences of opinion on taxes and spending, to name just two issues. Political parties can frame the issues in a way that gives voters a clear choice on the direction that a locality should take. Parties can also provide voters with a means of holding elected officials accountable for implementing the preferences chosen by the voters. Elected officials do represent all of the people in their respective constituencies, but they must do so in light of what the last election resolved. We don’t merely elect individuals to do what they think best. The voters make choices about policy in elections. Candidates campaign on issues and make commitments so that voters will have choices. Some voters prevail by succeeding in electing their preferred candidate. Those voters whose candidates don’t win have no right to demand that elected officials implement their preferences or expect that to happen. Elected officials must respect the outcome of an election when policy choices are clearly made by the voters. We all want noble, honest and moral elected officials, but those qualities don’t assure good government or a government that is consistent with the policy preferences of a majority of the people. Our Republic was founded on the notion that the people are sovereign, that they have the right to determine what policies their government will pursue and that their elected officials are accountable to them. That is true at the local level as well. Patrick McSweeney __________________ FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH To the editor, I would like to comment on a recent letter to the editor. The writer wrote that David Williams was more or less a pawn for a former member of the board of supervisors. He wrote that Williams was selected for the planning commission to help the former supervisor obtain passage of a project he was involved in. The writer then wrote, Williams was now running for supervisor of district one so as to further assist the former supervisor in this project. Nothing could be further from the truth. The writer can not prove his accusation because there is no evidence to prove his slanderous remarks. David Williams was selected for a position on the planning commission due to his qualifications. Williams' qualification were clearly stated in a recent edition of the Powhatan Today. This writing shows that he is considerably more qualified than his opponent. I have known David for several years and find him to be an honest, intelligent person. David did not jump at the opportunity to run for supervisor of district one. I have encouraged him to run for the last couple of years. Thankfully he finally agreed to do so. I was born in Powhatan County, seventy-eight years ago. I have seen supervisors come and go, some good, some bad. We do not want our local government body to become a small version of Washington, D.C. who is spending far more money than it takes in. David Williams is a conservative, he will do all in his power to keep our taxes as low as possible. David is not only the right choice, he is the only choice. I urge all voters in district one to support and vote for David Williams. Thank you, _____________________ IN SUPPORT OF TIM GRESHAM The following is a letter I submitted to Powhatan Today which did not make the print edition. I received a very nice e-mail from that editor saying it would be posted at their online site: To The Editor, I am writing to ask each voter in Powhatan's 5th District to come to the polls on November 8th and cast your vote for Tim Gresham for the Board of Supervisors. Our current supervisor says in his campaign literature that he's committed to securing future access to water for Powhatan for economic development. But he voted against a collaborative effort to develop a reservoir in Cumberland County to serve our region. Our incumbent has for years been heavily in favor of enticing
corporate "big box" stores to Powhatan as the solution to all
our tax and economic woes. He doesn't seem to know that most people in
this country work for small businesses, and that every dollar spent at a
local small business circulates through the local economy more times,
and benefits it more, than that same dollar spent at a big box store
whose profits go to a headquarters somewhere else. Many of you may remember how the incumbent made a political name for himself, and announced his first campaign for Supervisor four years ago. He resigned from the Planning Commission in protest to the Board of Supervisors cutting him off when his allotted speaking time was up. Some people felt he was some kind of folk hero standing up for his right to be heard. Well, I can tell you from personal experience, he has stomped out of an organization's board meeting in order not to have to listen to someone else. And I have seen his short temper when others argue against his position. His literature talks about his belief in openness and inclusion, but
my experience working with the incumbent has taught me that he likes
closed meetings and backroom deals and secret financial arrangements. As
a Supervisor he favors exempting County business from coverage by the
Freedom of Information Act. He doesn't want the public to have the right
to know what our local government is up to. I think President Woodrow
Wilson said it beautifully: "Everybody knows that corruption
thrives in secret places and avoids public places, and we believe it is
a fair presumption that secrecy means impropriety." (I can still
hear Mr. Tucker's footsteps loudly, and quickly, exiting the building as
soon as I began to speak those words.) Sandra Person |
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| Concerned Citizen Remarks:
A
Tale of Two Boards “Some
of the things being said could be considered
inflammatory”---Supervisor Carson Tucker to the School Board at a
Joint budget meeting. “Well
Mr. Tucker, sometimes the truth is inflammatory”-----School Board
Member Debbie Jones in reply. It’s no secret that budgeting can be strenuous during
difficult economic times. In
our homes and businesses, we sit down at tables of varying sorts and
hammer out our priorities and elective spending. More often than not,
all parties sacrifice. Through attrition and give and take, we find
common ground for fiscal wellbeing and viability. When times get better,
we address those priorities we could not attend to previously. Is it not
reasonable to expect the same of our local government? Imagine now a household, where one party generates and
controls the revenue. They not only refuse to sacrifice or curtail their
spending priorities, but increase them. As revenues diminish, the
shortfall is made up by the other party in forced cuts with no
consideration or concern for the long term consequences of those
decisions. Most counselors would probably tell you that relationship
wasn’t going to work long term for the overall good of the household.
In extreme cases, some would even term it economic abuse.
So goes the Board of Supervisors relationship with the School
Board these last few years. Numbers don’t lie. The BoS have increased taxes twice during
the last four years. They have continued spending as if there were no
economic slowdown or loss of revenue. They have shown their priorities
in both actual spending and in their capital improvement forecasts. They
removed the replacement of the Jr. High school in favor of architecture
and engineering on a new government complex. We can afford neither
facility, because debt affordability or the proverbial credit card is
maxed. Their budgeting is based on the previous year’s spending. While
the BoS did cut spending from $73 million to $68 Million from two years
ago, the net increase in the last four years is $5 million. Positions
have been added, including a full time County Attorney and legal
assistant. The majority of funding differences have been made up by the
schools. This year, the overall budget remained basically the same as
last, though the schools were forced to reduce by $1.2 Million. For the last two years, the schools have come to the budget
table with legitimate concessions and reductions. Their budgeting is
zero based. The schools have been forced to reduce positions and other
areas while watching their counterparts add positions and continue on as
if nothing has changed economically. If the overall spending is the
same, but the schools are given reduced funding, that isn’t a
shortfall, it’s clearly a show of priorities by the BoS. The schools
have been honest brokers at the table, only to be treated as unwanted
guests. It isn’t spin or hyperbole to say that the BoS and County
Administration’s treatment of the School Board has been unprofessional
at best and abusive at worst. During workshops, Chairman Walton
alternately checks his watch and stares at his computer screen while
school representatives are talking. When it’s his turn to speak,
it’s more of a lecture on what he thinks and what he said previously.
Often, the workshops are not a meeting of the minds to hammer out
priorities, but a session where it’s Mr. Walton talking to the SB and
the SB talking to Mr. Walton. Other
government parties are texting and instant messaging during the meeting
up to and including the county administrator. The relationship has
descended to a point where the BoS and SB have their lawyers present and
are called upon often. The schools representatives are often spoken to
and treated as unwanted guests who should make their presence brief, as
told by Chairman Walton’s constant reminders of the remainder of time
available. The schools have sought out and encouraged citizen
involvement. They encourage public comment and input at every
availability, even seeking out those who may disagree with them to
engage in discussion and clarity of the facts and issues. It’s not
exaggeration to say they can track their expenditures down to the
pencil. They have trimmed everywhere that they can to a point where
further cuts will result in a large overhaul of how they deliver
education. Consider for a moment that of all the local jurisdictions,
only Powhatan Public Schools were 100% accredited this year despite
fiscal constraints. Information can be found on the School Board’s website or quickly and professionally by contacting them. The BoS have stifled public involvement. They sought legal
means to deny citizens public input during joint workshops. Supervisor
Tucker called those who came to speak at one joint workshop a “special
interest group who wants to disenfranchise the voters of his
district.” The Board threatened to walk out of that workshop if the
schools insisted on public comment. This, the same workshop they came
unprepared for because they had just returned from a weeklong vacation,
while the budget was front and center on the agenda. Some members of the
Board have threatened to circulate petitions to silence radio shows.
Another sent emails to demand certain articles were removed from
privately owned websites. Used intimidation and coercion to attempt to
silence those who have concerns about the function of our local
government, myself included. In some cases, writing letters to the
Powhatan Today lecturing the public on civility and compromise while
being a party to actions that indicate anything but. Their budgeting is consistently based on last year’s numbers
and they couldn’t tell you what they spend on cell phones, fuel,
vehicle service, and various other expenditures without having to
research it. Often, FOIA requests are needed to get information from the
county. They also pushed legislation at the General Assembly to put
limits on those requests. I’m not trying to imply that the schools should have revenue
raising capability or a blank check. My conclusion is simple. It is
impossible to find common ground for the overall good, in this case our
children, when the BoS absolutely refuses to compromise or share in
sacrifice. I don’t expect the budget process to be smooth and without
some contention. I expect it to be professional at the least. This BoS,
led by Mr. Walton and Mr. Tucker, has been anything but. Darrell Griffin |
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| from the editor's desk:
This year's election season is coming to a close in just a few short days. There will be some of you who get this email that will immediately remove your name from this list. Not caring about local politics nor caring about what your neighbour has to say. You have that right. Others also have the right to be heard and that my friend is something that doesn't happen in Powhatan County any longer. Only SOME comments are heard - at meetings, in public, even in our local media outlet. Letters, columns, articles that are written are filtered and only the "good ol' boy network" gets to voice their opinion. And even down to innocent children who might "kill their first deer, or score a goal at a game" can't even share with the community if their parents or grandparents are on "the other side of the fence". All that to say this ... for the past MANY years, attempts to shut up (harsh words, I know) the public and keep them where "others want" has created a Powhatan that is EMPTY! Everyone is going in circles not knowing what the other is doing or needing. Candidates for office, as well as paid positions came to the table with song and dance, totally "caring about the community" UNTIL "power" set in. Control - and it's WRONG! Just more "drama" - "fluff" - always concerned about looking pretty ... whether physically or with words. More fluff, more spending, more facebooking, more stirring the touchy-feely stuff to win their self-inflicted popularity contests. This is the REAL world. And our community needs REAL business. There is a time and place for everything. MANY sit behind a desk, play, start and sit through meeting after meeting discussing the same things over and over. Making a mountain out of a molehill. Establishing umpteen committees or hiring outside firms to "tell them how to do their job" - and the most embarrassing of it all ... then go to other localities showing just how "out of touch" we are about our own government begging for water to supply the lavish wants to bring more more more to the Route 60 corridor or the "village" ... and wanna be mini Westchester Commons. It's NOT rocket science. It's a JOB - it's been done for YEARS before they came on board - and was done without 40 deputies, and however many people it takes to stand at the transfer station and watch people dump trash, or however many people it takes to take care of the paperwork for our community. If more time was spent DOING the job, and stop flirting with life, facebooking, texting, having LONG lunches at all the restaurants in the community, constantly talking about the same things over and over and over again - we could get something done. But there's plenty of time to organize, manage and FUND drinking parties and social gatherings ... but no money to take care of BUSINESS. Then they proudly brag about it on the front page news or Facebook as word has been given to local law enforcement to NEVER arrest anyone for a DUI or lose their job. But no ... the government has taken control of everything. They know when an elderly person needs to go to the bathroom, they know which articles will and won't be written in the local paper, they make sure the photographs taken and posted of them makes their numbers rank higher in the public eye, they choose the businesses to come and GO in the community, they threaten lives if one comments or questions decisions. They go as far as spending YOUR money to buy what they please just like the new leather recliners with embroidered logos for the new fire department's theatre seating. Nothing against the hardworking guys at the fire departments ... it's so we can look "GOOD" to big box stores and big developers. Powhatan has become another mini Midlothian - and it's not stopping. YES we need business, smart business ... but most important we need to be FAIR AND EQUAL. ALL COLORS, ALL SKILLS, ALL INCOME LEVELS. It's time to CLEAN HOUSE - and to put the RIGHT ones in office. NOT the ones who are also hand picked by the old. And just as important clean house inside as well. Last time I checked it's not MY COUNTY ... it's OUR COUNTY. When you silence the public - you are saying this is YOUR COUNTY. I go on record ... God's keeping the record. People can write articles that begin with "The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth" ... but they left off the most important ending phrase ... "SO HELP ME GOD." Why - because they do not believe in or respect God. Our work is hated by many because it radiates the LOVE of God and His Blessings - it radiates how we should act and live as neighbours. Our local government has told me that they have lost all respect for Curtis and I. All because we stand up for what's right - and for God. Well - that's fine - we don't deserve that kind of respect anyway. But I do not expect any different when there are admitted atheists and satanic worshippers among those who hate us. God also is bigger than satan. I was told "be careful what you say" you don't want to upset people, they might come after you - well Jesus didn't tell everyone constantly ... "oh I love you, do whatever you want, I will still love you." No He showed them their wrong and show them also the right` way." We are coming down to the end of the wire, time is drawing near and how we live and work and manage the gifts that God has given us to be stewards of is how we will stand before Him on that day. If standing for the RIGHT is for nothing else but to honor and praise the God that gave His only begotten son to DIE for the sins of this world and to bestow the gift of salvation - and to thank Him for the opportunity to give back to Him and manage His blessings on our lives - that's WORTH IT ALL! Many blessings to you all - and pray hard this weekend. ~ Katrina |
Listen carefully
to the radio interviews of Candidates here. Listen to the words, the
tone of voice, the mission.
file is large. please wait while downloading. thank you.
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