<< BACK TO ARCHIVES

• COUNTY NEWS
• OBITUARIES
• LAMPLIGHTER
• BY THE WAY

COUNTY NEWS

Youth Share Love on Mission Trip

TASK COMPLETED: This photo shows the entire mission building crew plus the new homeowners after the two homes were finished.

When Jeff Bertrand signed up for mission work to build houses in Mexico, he was probably a little worried to find out that  half of his construction crew was going to consist of Floydada girls 15 years old and younger. Not only that, but the older ones in the construction crew had no carpentry experience.

"It didn't matter though," said one mission worker, Matt Kirk, of Floydada,"we may not have been carpenters but we were all working for One."

The "Volunteers in Mission" were sent out and funded by the First United Methodist Church in Floydada. According to Bertrand the majority of the money for the mission is raised at the church's annual Harvest Festival.

"The church gave us enough money to build two houses" said Bertrand. "A house costs $1,400 to build."

The project, according to Jeff's wife Cindy, was called "Hands Together Ministries Rio Bravo". This group works with a Mexican government housing program to determine which families have the greatest need for a home.

The volunteers were to build a one room 12' x 16' house (called a casita). The house is made of cinder block with a tin roof, two doors, and two windows.

Once the game plan was established the word was put out to see who would like to volunteer for the project. Bertand was joined by his wife, his 11 year old daughter, Elizabeth, and his 9 year old daughter, Hallie. Other adults included Jim Covington, Winfield Davenport, Texas Tech freshman Eric Arellano and Floydada Seniors Abbie Horn and Matt Kirk. "We were told it would take 12 adults per house," said Bertrand, "and it would take four days to do that." Obviously the crew was going to need more help. The volunteers came quickly in the form of 9 young girls (including the Bertrands daughters). Joining the team were: 14 year old Kendra Covington, 15 year old Becky Warren, 12 year olds Mary Warren and Katie  Beth Crossland, and 13 year olds Britnee Brotherton, Reagan Heflin, and Tana Lloyd.

The team left the Sunday before Spring Break began, March 10, at 5:00 a.m. in the morning. They arrived at their destination at 6:00 p.m. The work site was located in a farming community (colonial) called 6 de Enero (the 6th of January). "We were blessed to have a job site with two houses to be built side by side," said Cindy. "The first  day goal is to complete 7 rows of bricks. We completed 8 rows and 9 in some places on both houses. We mixed all the concrete on the ground.

"The goal for the 2nd day is to finish the 10th row of bricks and pour the corners (pour concrete down the holes in the bricks in the corners of the casita for stability). When that's done you're through for the day because you have to wait for the corners to set up. We finished by noon. We were ahead of schedule.

"On the 3rd day," continued Cindy, "you should have the roof completed and build and hang the doors and put in the windows. We completed that early and started painting. Painting is usually a 4th day thing. We had actually completed our casitas in 3 days with our team.  It was definitely a ÔGod thing'."

Although applying stucco was not part of the teams responsibility they all returned on the 4th day and applied stucco to two house by 11:20 a.m.

Although Jeff Bertrand has also done mission work in Bolivia and Peru he said this mission was more satisfying. "I got more out of this," said Jeff. "It was more personal. I saw the job from start to finish.

"When we got there the coordinator asked me where all the crew was," said Jeff. "I pointed to everyone and he said, "There is no way you are going to get this done'. I guess he didn't know we were from West Texas."

Winfield Davenport agreed. "These kids worked very very hard. There was a fellow from upper New York who was also on the job site. He seemed surprised at how hard our kids worked. But I wasn't--kids around here have a strong work ethic. It was also a 'God thing'. We just turned it all over to Him.

"Maybe our lack of experience helped out. We did what we were told."

Each job had a "maestro"  in charge of the site. It was his responsibility to tell the crew what to do. The maestro gave almost all instructions in Spanish and the Floydada team did their best to interpret.

It was the responsibility of the local church to pick out the family in the most need. The poverty of the families who received the new houses will never be forgotten by the American children or their adult chaperones.

"There was 18-19 people living in one  15' by 20' house," said Jeff. "The mother in the home had a daughter and her family and a son and his family living with her. The daughter had 4 children. The son was blind and his wife was blind in one eye and missing one leg.  The son's family consisted of four people. There were so many people in the mother's home that they had spilled out of the house and were living in the chicken coop. They would prepare meals in the chicken coop. The two homes we built got 9 people out of the mother's home."

Jeff said he will never forget the gratitude in the eyes of the family. Neither will his young helpers.

"I want to go back", said 15 year old Becky Warren. "My favorite part was seeing their faces and the gratefulness they showed. We couldn't communicate but the acts of the heart is what they liked. I would not have traded this trip for anything. I don't regret spending my Spring Break doing this.

Thirteen year old Britnee Brotherton echoed the same sentiments as Becky and also agreed with all the youth when she said, "I want to go back. I want to see how the families are getting along and how the houses are holding up.

"The families were so happy--so joyous. They thought the houses were mansions. It was awesome."

Britnee said the poverty of the area surprised her. "It was a lot different than what I expected. It was sad to see the kids there. The kids are on their own so much. There was a 6 year old bagging groceries to help feed his family."

Poverty was hard for 9 year old Hallie to see also. It made an impression neither her or her sister, Elizabeth, will ever forget. "People would stop your car and juggle things at your window for money," said Hallie. "People would also bang on your window for money.  The cows were so skinny you could see their ribs. The pigs were also skinny. One tortilla a day would be thrown out for about 20 chickens."

"We take so much for granted," said Elizabeth. "They were so happy with what they had and with what we built. Katie Beth gave them some of her clothes and Britnee gave them two blankets she had bought for herself. We bought them boxes of food. They were so excited with all of those things."

The maestro may have been a little worried with the number of youngsters he was going to have to direct--but the adults were also novice carpenters. "If it doesn't have horns, hoofs, or hair, I don't know how to handle it," said Davenport.

Twelve year old Mary Warren was not swayed by the challenge ahead. "My favorite part was building the houses," said Mary. "I liked mixing the cement in the ground and putting it on the bricks. I also got to paint and build doors."

"I liked painting the most," said 13 year old Tana Lloyd. "I thought the bricks and mortar was frustrating. When the paint was opened all the girls went straight to that. It was funny."
"I liked mixing concrete too," said Hallie. "We called it the concrete hat dance because we went around and around in a circle to mix it."

"I liked laying the bricks," said 12 year old Katie Beth Crossland. "It was a big challenge to get the brick up there without the mortar flying. It was really tiring, but we were very happy because each day we surpassed our goal. I want to go back and help more people."

The youth said that although their was a language barrier, communication was not difficult. "We had books with words we could look up and my dad also wrote out sentences on paper for us," said Elizabeth Bertrand. "Sentences like "my name is, and what is your name?'"

"I learned how to say, "God is good'," said Tana.

Communication of the heart came easy for those building the houses and for those receiving the gifts. "Communication was not that big of a barrier," said Jeff. "God tells you what you need to know. You just need to go with an open heart and mind.

"When we were done we were blessed by the mother whose children would now be able to move out," said Jeff. "She could not speak English but I was able to understand some of her Spanish. She told me, "God does not speak English and God does not speak Spanish--but He speaks through the heart in love.' She told us, "God would bless us for the rest of our lives because of the needs we had fulfilled."

Those shared blessings were also a favorite part of Winfield Davenports. "I loved blessing the houses," said Winfield. "After we were done building them we had a ceremony where we went in and blessed the houses in the name of Jesus. When we anointed the doorway with olive oil in the shape of a cross there was no translation needed. Seeing their reaction to that blessed us the most."
 

APPLYING MORTAR TO THE ONE ROOM HOUSE
 

MIXING CONCRETE IN THE MEXICAN CONCRETE DANCE

FRIENDS OF FLOYD COUNTY MEMORIAL LIBRARY DONATES TO VETERANS MEMORIAL--Funds for the $5,000 donation to the Veterans Memorial from the Friends of the Floyd County Library came from memberships, undesignated gifts, and fund-raising efforts. "We want to return a portion of the gifts so generously made to the library by people interested in developing Floyd County," said Treasurer Jane Bean. Those shown here are: (l-r) Friends of Floyd County Memorial Library Treasurer Jane Bean, Board Member and Vietnam Veteran Jerry Crawford, Veterans Memorial Chairman Skyler Cornelius, Veteran Memorial Board Members Mellisa Dunlap, and Chance Crossland. The total raised to date is $49,346.80.

OBITUARIES

WILMITH DAY CARMICKLE
Funeral services for Wilmith Day Carmickle, 81, of Littlefield, were at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2002 at the First Baptist Church in Littlefield with Reverend Charles Broadhurst of Amarillo officiating, and pastor, Reverend Joe Stewart, assisting. Burial followed in Littlefield Memorial Park under the direction of Hammons Funeral Home of Littlefield.

Mrs. Carmickle died at 3:20 a.m.  Thursday, March 28, 2002 at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock.

She was born November 4, 1920 in Floyd County. She married Paul M. Carmickle on June 11, 1939 in Plainview. They moved to Littlefield in 1952. She attended Wayland Baptist College, West Texas State College, South Plains College, and Texas Tech University. She received her Master's Degree in Education from Texas Tech University. She taught in Watson, Tulia, and Littlefield schools for several years. She was a past member of the Eastern Star. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Littlefield. She is preceded in death by her husband, Paul M. Carmickle on September 16, 1998; a brother, R.C. Day; and three sisters, Vida Mae Culpepper, Pauline Day, and Goldie Day.
Survivors include two daughters, Paula Schroeder of Littlefield and Sandy Anderson of Amarillo; one sister, Nita Jo Hartman of Amarillo; five grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.

The family suggests memorials to the Parkinson Foundation or a favorite charity.
 

VIRGINIA TYLER
Services for Virginia Willadean Tyler, 72, of Amarillo, TX were at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 28, 2002 at Moore-Rose-White Memorial Chapel in Floydada. Les Reed officiated.  Burial was in Floyd County Memorial Park under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Floydada.

Mrs. Tyler died Tuesday, March 26, 2002 at Baptist St. Anthony's Hospice in Amarillo.

She was born on July 31, 1929 in Floydada, TX to the late Wiley Franklin and Bobby Rogers.  She attended schools in Floydada and married Albert Glen Tyler on June 30, 1946 in Floydada.  He preceded her in death on September 26, 1998.  She moved to Amarillo in 1964. She was a homemaker, a member of the Rebecca's Lodge and a Baptist.  She was also preceded in death by a sister, Nora Mummert, in 2000.

Survivors include one son, Ron Tyler of Amarillo, TX and one sister, Cecelia Jones and husband, Tony, of Bangs, TX.
The family suggests memorials to Baptist St. Anthony's Hospice PO Box 950, Amarillo, TX 79176 or to Floydada Senior Citizens 301 E. Georgia, Floydada, TX 79235.

A VIEW FROM THE LAMPLIGHTER

I suppose when we are wrong, we may as well admit it. After all, in this business we can't be right all the time.

Over the years we have generally been very pessimistic about events in the Middle East. But in recent columns we have written of hopeful signs in the region. True, there was no let up in the bloodshed, no letup in the suicide bombings, no letup in the movement of tanks, no letup in "settlements" in what the Israeli's refer to as their "territories."

But several things seemed to come together that might portend some sort of ceasefire, and maybe even lead to a peaceful settlement. The Saudi's advanced a peace plan that called on Israel to give up the land it occupied, (and still occupies) in exchange for diplomatic recognition by the Arab states, and the promise of peaceful relations between all the aggrieved parties.

That, in itself, seemed to be the root cause of much bitterness in the region, the heretofore refusal of Arab states to advance diplomatic recognition to the state of Israel. That refusal of recognition by the Arab states had been pointed to, by the Israelis, as proof that the Arab states were determined to seek the liquidation of Israel. The Arab states, meeting in Beirut, Lebanon, agreed to the Saudi plan. The Palestinians accepted the plan, probably gladly. Israel would not commit itself, but it did not outright reject the Saudi plan either. Israel did not like, ostensibly, certain details of the Saudi plan, particularly they did not like that part of the plan that would allow Palestinian refugees the "right of return" to land they had been driven from. Nor was Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon keen on giving up "all" the land they had occupied.

Still, all in all, there were hopeful signs. Too, the American President, Mr. George W. Bush, finally took note of the situation, and its potential for still more bloodshed, and dispatched his own emissaries to the region. Surely that would do the trick. After all, Israel would not exist were it not for the financial and military support it has gotten from America, starting with the Administration of Harry Truman. In all its wars, America has seen to it that Israel was not defeated. If our memory is right, it was only in that war in which Israel teamed up with Britain and France to take control of the Suez canal (during which President Eisenhower simply ordered the combatants to back off) have we ever taken a position in the Middle East contrary to the wishes of Israel. Given that history, one would think the Israelis would pay particular attention to the wishes of America.

Not so. We have now seen, if we did not know it before, that the interests of Israel, in the view of Israel, are independent of our own. And, in the present situation, America presents a confused, almost incoherent position of its own interests. For the first time in history, America voted with the rest of the United Nations Security Council in demanding an Israeli withdrawal from occupied territory.

But at the same time we vote to demand Israeli withdrawal, President Bush voices his "understanding" of the blood thirsty Sharon's tactics. His confusing position relative to the Middle East is on a par with his erratic stance on the issue of emigration.

One is left with the feeling that his position in both instances is determined, ad hoc, by the politics of the situation. In the last election the Jewish vote went overwhelmingly for Al Gore, something like 90 percent. In Florida and California that vote was critical, as it was in New York. Among the Hispanic community as well, the vote was overwhelmingly for the Democratic ticket. The President's political advisors may convince him that those votes are up for grabs, but experience dictates otherwise. He may actually gain a few Hispanic votes, but his votes from the Jewish community will be precious few. Even the New York Times, with its cadre of Jewish editors and writers, will oppose both the President and his Party when the time comes.

The President has proven himself a capable leader when it comes to rallying the American people, as he did following the September 11 attack at the World Trade Towers in New York. It is time, in our view it is past time, to show the same kind of leadership in the Middle East.

BY THE WAY

I've recently finished reading the insert inside the Lubbock Avalanche Journal celebrating the building of the Mormon Tabernacle Temple. The brochure explained the teachings of the Mormon church and I found it to be very interesting reading.

I have heard for years that the Mormon church was not "Christian" and this brochure told me they were. In fact, the writings were very clear that they believed in Jesus Christ and believed him to be the son of God. A Christian who does not bother to research his own beliefs would find the Mormon teachings very similar to his own.

And there, I believe, is part of the problem. A lot of Christians don't know what they believe and can easily be deluded into thinking that Mormonism teaches the same thing as Christian churches. As a matter of fact, there are probably a lot of Mormons on the Mormon church roll that don't know what they believe.

The Mormon church is known for their strong moral code. The church teaches abstinence before marriage, honesty, integrity, obedience to law, and cautions against tobacco and drinking. They believe in tithing 10% and the importance of family.
They believe in the Holy Bible, "as long as it is interpreted correctly" (Articles of Faith 1:8). However the Bible is superceded by the Book of Mormon which the Mormon founder, Joseph Smith, declared is "the most correct of any book on earth". The Book of Mormon is also used side by side with other "latter day scriptures", such as the "Doctrine and Covenants" , and the "Pearl of Great Price".

They believe in baptism by immersion "for the remission of sins". They do not believe that your faith in Jesus Christ is what gets you to Heaven. Living a "worthy" life is what gets you to Heaven. They do not believe in Hell--only a different level of Heaven.

Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God--but do not believe He is the only son of God.  The phrase, "only begotten son of God" is either rephrased to say, "begotten son of God", or "only begotten son in the flesh". They believe Jesus was the "firstborn of the Father".

According to Mormons, all of us were once in heaven, as was Jesus, with spiritual fathers and mothers. The first born to heavenly parents was Jesus Christ, so he is literally each person's spiritual brother. (Gospel Principles, p. 11).  I have been told by a friend who was raised a Mormon, but then converted to Christianity, that the Mormons also believe Jesus and satan are brothers.

The reason Jesus is called the "only begotten son", say the Mormons, is because he was the only person on earth to be born of a mortal mother and an immortal father. His death and resurrection provides immortality for all people regardless of their faith.

Christians believe (or at least they should) that there is one God in three persons. The Holy Trinity is made up of three parts--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. You can't have one without the other. In my own walk I have always had trouble explaining the Holy Trinity. It is a difficult concept to grasp. One body--three parts. It takes faith to understand those parts.
Joseph Smith rewrote this part of the Bible also-making it easier for mortal man to understand. Mormons believe in the Father, the son, and the Holy Ghost--but they are three different things entirely. God (the Heavenly Father) is an exalted man with a physical body of flesh and blood--and Jesus is the same. The Holy Ghost is a spirit so he can dwell in us.

Again, Mormons believe that people are the preexisted spiritual offspring of the Heavenly Father and Mother. "All men and women are...literally the sons and daughters of Deity. Man, as a spirit, was begotten and born of heavenly parents, and reared to maturity in the eternal mansion of the Father, prior to coming upon the earth in a temporal (Physical) body. (GP, p.11). They are born basically good and are "gods in embryo".

A commonly quoted Mormon saying, (attributed to the 5th LDS president Lorenzo Snow) says, "As man is God once was; as God is, man may become."

The three Heavens, according to Mormonism, include "celestial heaven" for those Mormons who do enough good works on earth. You can eventually work your way up to godhood here.

"Terrestrial" heaven is for those who don't do well or are honorable non-Mormons. "Telestial" heaven is for those who are wicked.

Mormon doctrine includes "progressive revelation"--the most recent revelations of the current living prophet supersedes previous doctrines in their authoritative writings--so their doctrines change.

This seems particularly odd to me. The founder Joseph Smith said God appeared to him and told him all denominations were wrong and corrupt and gave him "new" prophesies. So if God had to clarify or correct himself by giving Joseph Smith the "right" prophesies--how come those get rewritten in future "revelations"?

The Book of Mormon has seen over 3,000 changes since it was first written.

Although the Holy Bible may be interpreted and taught differently in different denominations, the basic Christian belief of the Bible being God's unchanging truth and the only authority to teach from has stayed the same.

The Mormon church maintains genealogy research records which are literally unmatched in the world. These archives are open to the public.

The reason their records are so detailed and thorough is because Mormons believe living "proxies can stand in for the dead". These records provide church members the names of ancestors so the living can baptise them into heaven. "Individuals in the spirit world will be free to accept or reject earthly ordinances performed for them, including baptism, marriage, and the sealing of family relationships." These ceremonies are performed in the Temple on behalf of family members who have died and did not join the Mormon church while alive.

The sacred place for Mormons is their beautiful Tabernacles. They believe they are sacred places of holiness and peace in which "eternal questions are answered". The temple is compared to the Jewish temples where special ordinances were performed and where "only those who met the required qualifications could participate in these ordinances".

The Jewish high priest had to have a rope tied to his foot so if something happened to him, he could be dragged out. No one could go in to get them because the Holy of Holies was so sacred.

The Mormon tabernacle is held in similar high regard.
I rejoice in the Christian belief that the "curtain was torn in half". Now we have a direct line to Jesus without the need of a "high priest". If there were never another church building built--Jesus and His Word, and His unchanging Truth, would still be alive in me. I'm the temple and so are Christians everywhere. God's earthly body used to look just like Jesus--now it looks like me--and you. I'm not a god and I'll never be one. I just carry Him around with me.

© 2002, Floyd County Hesperian Beacon

Questions? Comments? E-mail The Editor | Webmaster