I am currently driving (no, dad's driving) across Alligator Ally (I-75) heading from the east coast of Florida in Boca Raton back to the west coast to Sanibel. We were over there in that beautiful part of the state for CURE's first conference, what they called their inaugural President's Weekend. Since it was their first event, I was very excited about attending, but I really didn't know what to expect other than a great time of getting to know some of the people who are a part of CURE's family.
Well, let me just say that it was beyond what I ever would have thought it would be! I knew that CURE is an amazing organization, but this event just blew me away. The videos that they had put together and the people that they had come and share were just outstanding. If you want to be a part of giving a child a new life and hope, I strongly encourage you to support CURE. Not only do these children receive hope for this life on earth, but also for eternal life with Christ. Being a part of this great work that God is doing is something that I am absolutely blessed and thankful to be a part of, and one that I encourage you to pray about being a part of as well.
One highlight of the weekend for me was seeing one of CURE's board members, my good friend Judy Bellig who was one one of my fellow travelers to Ethiopia and Rwanda and one of my favorite people! I've been so blessed beyond words to spend time with her and her husband Charlie, and of course their son Gary who also came to Ethiopia with us, both of whom are some of my favorite people as well. I was also of course looking forward to meeting CURE's Senior Vice President, Dale Brantner, with whom my mom and sister-in-law went to Haiti and the DR with last month. It was great to spend time with him, hearing stories from his travels and laughing at crazy adventures, but also to listen to his message during devotions each morning. What a gifted teacher... his heart for God and to heal the broken is truly evident. Anyone who gets to meet him is very blessed indeed!
So blessed to see Judy and Charlie (who was taking our picture; thanks Charlie!)
One of the speakers this weekend was Chritine Kithome from Kenya. Christine is the Spiritual Director at CURE's hospital in Kenya. This was their first hospital, so Chritine was a huge part in building CURE's spiritual ministry program. What a delight she is! She truly loves the Lord and her country. CURE is so blessed to have her, and I hope to be able to visit her ministry in her country some day.
Christine, Jody (who works with CURE) and I walked to the beach one afternoon. Christine told us that she had been to the beach once before in 2001. It was wonderful to spend two hours with her and Jody, walking from our hotel to the beach and back... beautiful places with beautiful people.
Dr. Kachinga from Zambia was another speaker, and he is one of the two neurosurgeons at the CURE hospital in Kenya. What a gifted man with a heart for the Lord and the people of Zambia! I am so thankful that he and Christine could be a part of this event, giving us a glimpse into their wonderful work at CURE and a piece of all of CURE's staff.
Visit CURE and be a part of lasting, life-giving change. http://cure.org
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