Friday, February 17, 2012

Wisconsin Rural Bible Crusade

We spent the last two and a half weeks with Denielle´s sister and brother-in-law smack in the heart of cheese country Wisconsin. We were only a few miles south of Colby, Wisconsin. We managed to visit a couple of cheese factories, though mostly their markets for selling their wares. A highlight: 12 year aged cheddar. The purpose for our stay was their Winter Retreat at Living Waters Bible Camp which was a special time but ended up being icing on the multi-layered cake.

Joe and Deb are the directors of the Wisconsin Rural Bible Crusade. Several things about these weeks were a blessing to us and we have much to be thankful for. Fantastic fellowship was had throughout. This might be because we find ourselves with so much in common and of one mind on so many issues. There were also several intense moments around the Catan game board which may or may not have contributed to the edifying nature of our visit. It was wonderful.

I am impressed with Wisconsin Rural Bible Crusade. First of all, Joe and Deb have taken on an enormous job and jumped in with their entire lives. We were challenged by their example of selfless love and giving spirit (not just because they put up with us for two weeks!) and dedication to the churches and people they are reaching. Sorry guys, the only picture I have of you was this one taken at MacnDon´s International Stake House as the kiddos had a blast on family night.

One of our projects was to help sort through 60+ years of Wisconsin RBC history that had accumulated over the years. Rural Bible Crusade, out of Wheaton, Illinois at one time had chapters in almost every state with the goal of reaching and discipling America´s rural youth through Daily Vacation Bible School, Bible Memory Programs and correspondence Bible courses (Mailbox Club). As far as we could figure it, the Wisconsin Rural Bible Crusade is the only chapter still functioning today as Rural Bible Crusade.

God blessed this organization with a history of dedicated people who faithfully taught the Bible and worked tirelessly to put it into the hands of as many of Wisconsin´s youth as possible. That dedication to God´s Word over decades of time is today a legacy that enables Joe and Deb to reach a different generation of Wisconsin cheese heads. I will not easily forget a seminal moment that impressed me with the legacy Wisconsin RBC enjoys from those who have gone before. We discovered an old mailing address system from the 1950s, address cards like old slides, each one with one name and address that could be stamped onto the envelope for mailing. We pulled out a slide, one of hundreds, read the name and Deb stated, "We still send our letter to this person."

I want to leave that kind of legacy. Find them on Facebook, Wisconsin Rural Bible Crusade.

2 comments:

Debra Cable said...

We may need to borrow this entire post for advertising purposes.

Jonathan Johnson said...

Feel free to especially use the photo!Thanks again guys!