|
Setting the Standard . . .
The South Texas Literacy Symposium was held on a beautiful balmy Saturday morning in Weslaco, Texas, this past December.
I arrived the evening before and met with Diann Whisnand for dinner at one of my favorite Mom and Pop restaurants. Many of you know Diann who represents the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in addressing systemic poverty in the Valley. Diann is privileged to work with Dr. Ida Acuna-Garza who is the Director of the South Texas Literacy Council and a true Hero of Literacy. Dr. Ida is not only a valuable connection and friend to Literacy Connexus, but one of the kindest ladies I have been privileged to meet. |
|
| |
Members of the Rio Grande Valley Literacy Center team
|
The morning began with pastries and coffee--as any decent symposium should--and colorful vendor tables to peruse, with handouts, samples, and sign-up sheets. I particularly liked the first session, a discussion panel with moderator and five experts in various areas of literacy. The dialogue was well-rounded with great information.
We then had the opportunity to visit one of five classes, followed by a nice boxed lunch, two more teaching sessions, and then closing activities with everyone's favorite--door prizes. The speakers were all exceptional in their fields and I was able to visit with some old friends and make new ones.
|
| |
A warm welcome to symposium participants from
Literacy Texas Executive Director Jennifer Edwards
|
I attended the symposium as a representative of Literacy Connexus, and brought four bookcases built locally to share. Diann and I had fun filling them with story books, crayons, coloring books, and Bibles. These were given as door prizes along with information on TEX trainings, Books for the Border and Beyond, and other language and literacy ministry opportunities.
|
There is so much work to be done in this area of Texas. So much need for English speaking volunteers. Diann is working on organizing short term mission opportunities for anyone with a heart to serve. I was glad to participate in this event and see the fruit of many dreams and prayers come to pass. It was another opportunity to see how God uses people from all walks of life to accomplish His work.
|
| |
Connie Anthony and Diann Whisnand
|
I highly recommend everyone attend one of these free symposiums (lunch is $10). I know I'll be taking all of my program volunteers to the one in Pearland later this month.
It is the best deal in Texas.
Connie Anthony, FBC Conroe
Literacy Connexus Ministry Consultant Coordinator
|
|
More Symposium and Training Opportunities . . .
|
Lester Meriwether, Executive Director
Offices at Henderson Hall - Agape Baptist Church
3954 Southwest Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76116
Mailing/shipping address:
3020 S. Cherry Lane, #123168
Fort Worth, TX 76121
817-696-9898 www.literacyconnexus.org
 
Pam Moore, Editor
|
