Mission Trip to Nicaragua a Success!

“This is God’s team.”

By Shelly Burke, Editor

The Global Passion Ministries Mission Team recently returned from their fifth trip to Puerto Cabezas , Nicaragua. By all accounts it was a success—as much for the members of the team as for the patients they treated.

The team, who worked with a team of surgeons and other medical professionals from California, did approximately 50 procedures in the operating room, including about 15 surgeries to repair cleft lip and palates. Other surgeries were to remove tonsils and repair hernias.   

Tamra Boettcher, a Nurse Practioner from Columbus, NE, was on her third trip. She worked in the minor procedure room where they performed about 100 surgeries, removing moles, skin tags and other lesions and keloids (keloids are overgrown tissue at the site of scars; the people in Puerto Cabezas are prone to severe scarring from even minor injuries).  Tamra also worked in triage, determining who could be treated while the team was in Puerto Cabezas. She remembers, “This was a tough job; we had to send some people away because we just could not help them. “

 The patients ranged in age from 9 months to over 90 years old.  

Sue Tillinghast, from Lincoln, NE, was on her fifth trip to Nicaragua. She is a surgical scrub nurse and her favorite memory of this year’s trip is of a little girl, about 6 years old, named Ana. Ana had been badly burned (the people of Puerto Cabezas cook over open fires and children are frequently severely burned when they fall into these fires) and the scar tissue caused her arm and hand to contract, meaning Ana could not move them fully. Doctors had released her scars, restoring mobility to her hand and arm. Sue said, “When Ana was at the hospital she would stand and wait in the same corner. Every time I saw her she flashed that beautiful smile and we would hug. She has no idea how much that fortified me. If I was tired I felt renewed; if the amount of need overwhelmed me I was reminded of what a difference we made in her life. Her bright and hopeful face makes me believe all things are possible through Christ!”

Dean Athey, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist from Columbus, NE, was also on his fifth trip to Nicaragua. One of his blog entries says that their “rule” is not to put infants under the age of 10 months, or under the weight of 10 kilograms, under anesthesia. His entry continues, “That lasted until our first patient. She was only 7 months old and weighed just 9 kilograms but we called her Kid Too Cute, meaning she was too cute not to do surgery on.” (Read more at the blog at Global Passion Ministries )

Although the trip takes them away from their families and puts them in a less-than-optimal work and living environment, it is clear that the team members are grateful to honor God by using the talents and gifts that He has given them. All of the team members mentioned the long, difficult days, and all of them made it clear that in blessing the people of Nicaragua, they themselves were blessed.

Sue reflects, “It is so fulfilling to be a small part of the team that changes a child’s life. Even though those cleft lips and palates are a birth defect those families and children feel shame. To witness the shame lift and the true spirit start shining is wonderful! It is extremely hard work; our patients so appreciate our efforts and that fills us too.”

Tamra Boettcher says of her work in Nicaragua, “It’s about being a Christian and doing God’s work with the talents He has blessed us with. God gives us the strength to work long, hard days and we honor Him at all times by starting the day with worship and ending with prayer and worship as well. God allows His people to trust us with their lives, undergoing surgery done by perfect strangers.”

Dean says of the team and the trip, “As the team has evolved during the trips, it has become very apparent that this is God’s team. He has chosen the members of the team by their abilities and love of service. I am so glad to have the opportunity to use the talents that God has given me, in service of His children in Nicaragua. I am sure that this team and this place (in Nicaragua) is where God wants me to be.”

The team wants to thank anyone who supported their trip in any way! Read more about the team at Mission Trip to Nicaragua and  Global Passion Ministries . The team plans to travel to Nicaragua again next year, and the “Nebraska Family Times” will again cover their trip. 

The Nebraska Family Forum Opposes Common Core for Nebraska's Children

(Editor’s Note: This article was edited, with permission from the Nebraska Family Forum blog. Please go to Nebraska Family Forum to read the complete article as well as information about other education policies in Nebraska.) 

Nebraska is one of a handful of states that has not yet adopted the Common Core State Standards. Our state has resisted efforts by the federal government to go along with these national standards, even though millions in federal dollars are being dangled as an incentive. However, the Nebraska Board of Education is now considering contracting themselves with the US Department of Education and adopting the Common Core. Here are the reasons the NFF opposes the Common Core:

What is Common Core?

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are a set of content standards at this time limited to English language arts (ELA) and mathematics. These standards, if adopted by a state, will replace existing state standards in these subject areas. There are other agreements the states make when they choose to adopt the Common Core State Standards including the new Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) that will be given twice yearly, and participation in the State Longitudinal Data Systems (SLDS) which will store testing data along with private student specific data and share that data with other states, the Federal Government, and private interests.

What's wrong with Standards?

Nothing. Nebraska and every other state has standards, most of which are very similar, but Common Core State Standards were created by national non-governmental organizations in Washington DC with no public involvement.

Are Nebraska's students disadvantaged by not participating in CAT tests?

NO. Research on cognitive ability tests shows that adaptive tests, and paper-and-pencil tests lead to equivalent scores. Paper-and-pencil tests are also cheaper and the state has more control over the content of the tests and what they are designed to measure. It is nearly impossible for state leaders to provide oversight of CAT tests because no two students will see the same test, a grade-level test will have about 1600 possible questions, and it requires psychometrician professionals to interpret the results of such tests.

What information will they store in these data bases and why should I be concerned?

Perhaps the most alarming aspect of the Common Core agenda is the data mining of our children's information outside of parental consent or knowledge. Stored in these data bases that were created as part of the "Race to the Top" grant program is highly personal student data such as social security number, health-care histories, learning disabilities, disciplinary action (from detentions for minor infractions to expulsions), attendance, homework completion, religious affiliations, and any educational or physiological data assessed through CAT. The NFF is concerned that if Nebraska adopts Common Core fully our children's personal and family information will have no protections under privacy laws.

GOOD OR BAD OVERALL

There are a few simple facts about Common Core that make it a dangerous path for American education. (1) States who adopt Common Core lend their constitutional powers and responsibilities to oversee education in their states to the Federal government and move decision making over a child's education further from the hands of parents and communities. (2) There is no way to control the private interests who are highly involved with Common Core or to be certain they have our children's best interest at heart. (3) There is no way to be certain that very private data on our children and by extension our families won't be abused by the Federal Government or private interests with access to this data. And (4) There is NO evidence that further standardizing education and a new testing regime will result in better educations for our children.

Read more about education issues in Nebraska at www.nebraskafamilyforum.org

(This article appeared on the October issue of the "Nebraska Family Times." Our mission at the "Nebraska Family Times" is to "inspire, encourage and motivate you in your Christian walk." We cover national, state, and local issues from a Christian point of view--including issues regarding the education of our children. To receive a FREE issue of the "Nebraska Family Times" e-mail shelly@shellyburke.net or call (402) 750-3496.) 

Nebraska Considering a Transgender Policy

By Al Riskowski

The Nebraska School Activities Association has announced that their board is considering a transgender policy that would allow students to participate in school sports without consideration of biological gender.

The board will consider the policy August 21 during its regular meeting.

“Placing the proposal on the August board agenda as an action item will eliminate any confusion on the transparency of the association or myself to formally address procedures for transgender participation within our board procedures,” Blanford-Green said in a news release.

Ironically, the policy, which originally had appeared on the NSAA’s website (but read the Transgender Policy here;  https://nsaahome.org/nsaaforms/pdf/transqa.pdf ), has been removed.

According to the original version of the policy, it would require students who want to participate in a sport with members of the gender opposite from their biological gender to prove their gender identity through the testimony of experts such as hormonal experts and psychologists.

Blanford-Green, executive director of NSAA, said she proposed the policy to the NSAA board because she wanted to establish an equity policy for transgender students before her appearance at a national conference on transgender student participation in sports.

If such a policy would be passed it would create an unfair advantage for transgender students, especially boys who ask to play against girls.

This type of policy can create so many difficulties for a public school in so many different ways, like locker room and restroom accommodation. It certainly seems parents should be involved in this type of decision that morally and economically affects schools and sports programs.

A policy of this type would also affect private and parochial schools because they compete against the public schools in various sports. For example, if a boy played for a girl volleyball or basketball team the home team would be required to accommodate in locker and restroom provisions. Schools would face difficult decisions on how to or if they should accommodate transgender student athletes and allowing boys and girls to share locker rooms and showers.

This issue is on the agenda for the August 21 meeting of the NSAA Board of Directors. It is not listed as an Action Item; it is listed as an item on the Executive Director Report. Thus, this proposal will be discussed at the August meeting but a vote on this policy may not be taken until possibly November.

The NSAA needs to hear from concerned Nebraska citizens who oppose the adoption of a transgender participation policy.

1. Send an email to the directors. Copy the executive director and all board members in your email. For contact information go to www.nebfc.org
2. Mail a letter to Rhonda Blanford-Green, Executive Director. Ask that she provide a copy to all board members. Mail to: NSAA Customer Service, P.O. Box 85448, Lincoln, NE 68501-5448
3. Call NSAA customer service at 402-489-0386 and communicate your concern.

You can learn more about this issue by contacting Nebraska Family Council toll free at 1-888-777-3191 or go on our web site, www.nebfc.org.

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Al Riskowski is Executive Director of the Nebraska Family Council. 

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The Nebraska Family Times publishes articles to "inspire, encourage and motivate Christian readers." You can receive local, state and national news from a Christian point of view for only $20/year by subscribing! Send your payment via check to Nebraska Family Times, 209 27th St. Apt #13, Columbus, Nebraska, 68601 or to shelly@shellyburke.net via PayPal. 

Living Water Rescue Mission completes Ladies and Families Phase

By Shelly Burke, Editor

(This article appeared in the October issue of the 

Nebraska Family Times. If you would like a FREE

sample issue of the paper, e-mail shelly@shellyburke.net)

The Living Water Rescue Mission (LWRM) in York, Nebraska, recently completed the Ladies and Families Phase. As of July 26^th, the LWRM has the capacity to provide overnight facilities for up to six women, five single women and their infants, and six family members (couples must be married) in addition to the men’s overnight guest dorm.  

Chaplain Dave Martell, Associate Director,  continues to look ahead. “The construction is done, but the most important task—ministry—lies ahead.”  When the LWRM was built there were questions as to whether there was a need for a Gospel rescue mission in this rural area. The LWRM has been open for sixteen months and Martell reports, “The men’s overnight guest dorm has been running at full capacity for months.  Since the Ladies and Families phase has opened we have been serving meals to an average of 20 people, three times a day. We are on track to serve almost 22,000 meals in the next year. “

The Ladies and Families Phase is volunteer dependent; there are no paid staff members. Volunteers are needed to mentor women guests and lead chapel. Volunteers serve in many capacities throughout all areas of the mission. Martell says, “God called upon His people to build His mission. It only makes sense that God would send His people to keep His mission doing His ministry. This is a call on His people to facilitate His work for His kingdom.”

The mission is praying to obtain funds for more paid staff members, and donations of food, clothing, household items and working bicycles are always appreciated, as are monetary donations. Martell says that the thing they need most is prayer that the mission will fulfill its ministry. 

Overnight guests of the mission (and the Rescue Missions in Columbus and Norfolk) receive free temporary housing, showers, meals, personal care items, and laundry services. Guests who are not in need of housing can receive clothing, food and furniture from the mission. These items are given at no cost to those in need. If you have items to donate, please consider doing so to the Rescue Mission nearest you.

The LWRM, Columbus Rescue Mission and Norfolk Rescue Mission also offer guests The New Life program, a non-denominational Christian discipleship program. One goal of the program is to encourage our men and women to establish a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. The program uses the Bible, various textbooks and some videotapes and all are Biblically sound.

Congratulations to the Living Water Rescue Mission on completing the Ladies and Families Phase! God bless you as well as the Columbus and Norfolk Rescue Missions as you continue to serve those who need your services!

The Living Water Rescue Mission is located at 701 S. Lincoln Ave., York and can be reached by phone at: (402) 362-0127  or e-mail: info@lwrmyork.org

The Columbus Rescue Mission is located at 1471 25^th Avenue in Columbus and can be reached by phone at (402) 563-1096 or e-mail: info@columbusrescuemission.org.  

The Norfolk Rescue Mission is located at 111 N. 9^th Street in Norfolk and can be reached by phone at (402) 371-6484.     

Upcoming Retreat

Hello friends!

Happy October! It's hard for me to believe that summer is over...heck, part of fall is over too! This morning when I went out with Jenny (the beagle) at 5:45 it was almost 60 degrees out. A few hours later I met my mother-in-law at the vet's office (her chocolate lab, Cadbury, needed a minor procedure) to help her take the dog in. It was raining, windy, and the car thermometer said just 48 degrees.

Have you ever been to Camp Luther? It's a Lutheran Camp (campers and friends of ALL denominations are welcome at any and all Camp Luther activities) between Columbus, NE, and Schuyler, NE. Although our church has supported Camp Luther activities for years, I had never been out there until last November, for a retreat. Camp Luther is out in the country, in a beautiful setting of rolling hills, trees, flowers, and even a lake. It's the perfect place to get away for a retreat. My good friend Deb Burma is holding a retreat at Camp Luther next month. I hope you'll consider attending! Deb is an inspiring speaker; one minute she had us laughing, the next minute crying...and throughout all of her talks she points us toward the most important part of our lives--our faith. I hope to see you there! 

Prayer in School

Prayer in School 
by Shelly Burke, Editor and Publisher

From iStockphoto.com

I'm so thankful that Lakeview High School is standing up for the rights of the kids to have a prayer at their graduation ceremony! THANK YOU to the administration, teachers, Graduation Committee, and students for being firm in their faith. Read one of the stories here:    Lakeview to Pray at Graduation.     

One of the things that angers me the most about this whole issue is that there has NOT been a SINGLE complaint about having prayer at graduation this year (according to the article there was a complaint filed in 2001--11 years ago). The ACLU  is simply trying to stir up trouble. It was shocking to me to learn that even here in Nebraska in a small town we're facing an attack on Christianity.            

As I've followed this story I've learned a lot about the Constitution and our rights--did you know the words "separation of church and state" are not even in the Constitution? Please educate yourselves about these issues so you can discuss the FACTS and know your rights.

Gateways to Better Education has a mission of "Keeping the Faith in Public Schools." Check out their website to find out how religion can legally be shared in school. 

Please pray for all the kids who are graduating from high school and college this spring, as they move on to the next stage in their lives. May God bless them! 

40 Days For Life

By Al Riskowski

Over the years it has been my practice to occasionally stand outside the abortion clinic in Lincoln and silently pray for its closing. I have watched cars with license plates from across Nebraska arrive with a young girl prepared to have an abortion. It saddens my heart to know what will take place inside the Planned Parenthood Clinic. The tragedy of abortion prompts us to work for an abortion free Nebraska. This is why Nebraska Family Council supports “40 Days for Life”, taking place September 28th to November 6th. This effort takes a determined and peaceful approach for the end of abortion in America.

The mission of the campaign is to bring together the body of Christ in a spirit of unity during a focused 40 day campaign of prayer and fasting. The purpose of the campaign is to bring about repentance and to seek God’s favor to turn hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life.

There have now been seven coordinated 40 Days for Life campaigns since 2007.

These efforts have mobilized people of faith in cities across all 50 of the states.

• Reports document 4,313 lives that have been spared from abortion — and those are just the ones we know about

• 53 abortion workers have quit their jobs and walked away from the abortion industry

• 14 abortion facilities completely shut down following local 40 Days for Life campaigns

• Hundreds of women and men have been spared from the tragic effects of abortion, including a lifetime of regrets

After so many years of legalized abortion, many people of faith are experiencing a renewed sense of HOPE!

Dr. Sonny Foraker, Founder and Director of Pastors for Life, is a pastor at First Baptist Church, Pearland, TX. He says, "Pastors for Life believes in the spiritual strategy of prayer at the very doors of the abortion centers. Therefore, we wholeheartedly support the national 40 Days for Life! It's the desire of this campaign to seek God's favor with humility and contriteness of heart. Victory will come, not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord. That's why it is important to pray! The success of this campaign is based upon our faithfulness in obedience to God’s command."

To sign up for a time to pray at the Omaha or Lincoln abortion clinics go to the 40 days for life web site (www.40daysforlife.com). For those who are not able to physically go to an abortion clinic, please continue to join us in praying and fasting for an end to abortion, for the conversion of those involved in the abortion industry and for the healing of those hurting after an abortion.

The 40 Days for Life campaign will take place from September 28th to November 6th. To learn more about the campaign you can go to their web site, http://www.40daysforlife.com/ or call toll free at Nebraska Family Council, 1-888-777-5188.

Planned Parenthood Coming to Norfolk

by Al Riskowski, Nebraska Family Council

Last month Planned Parenthood of the Heartland announced their intentions of opening six more clinics in Nebraska, with one planned for Norfolk. Currently Planned Parenthood has a total of three clinics in Lincoln and Omaha, and two of them perform abortions.

Planned Parenthood continues to receive $363 million in federal money. The total annual budget for Planned Parenthood is $1.1 billion dollars(-Omaha World Herald Article, ‘Planned Parenthood tells of expansion’). Planned Parenthood performs over 325,000 abortions each year in the United States. The number of abortions in Nebraska has doubled since 2005 with over 1,000 abortions performed in 2010.

Planned Parenthood has 16 clinics in Iowa doing webcam abortions with plans for more.

We are concerned that Planned Parenthood will use these satellite clinics to perform chemical abortions without an attending physician, called webcam abortions. In Iowa a patient can talk to a doctor via the Internet on a private computer. The doctor can then remotely open a container to provide the patient with pills used to induce an abortion. A Legislative Bill, LB 521, introduced by Senator Tony Fulton, would require a physician to be physically present for the administration of such a chemical abortion.

Iowa currently has 16 Planned Parenthood clinics that perform webcam abortions. Planned Parenthood announced last month they are planning to open six additional clinics in Iowa. We want to prevent Planned Parenthood from placing clinics all across Nebraska that preform webcam abortions.

LB 521 is now before the full Legislature with the expectation it will be passed into law this month. The passage of LB 521 would send a strong message to Planned Parenthood of the Heartland that they are not welcome in Norfolk or other cities across Nebraska.

You Can Make A Difference
Help Stop Planned Parenthood’s Expansion!

• Pray! LB 521, which would prohibit webcam abortions in Nebraska, is before the Legislature. Pray that it will become law. This would send a strong message that Planned Parenthood isn’t welcome in six more Nebraska communities.

• Contact State Senators and ask them to vote for LB 521. (for a list of State Senators go to http://nebraskalegislature.gov/pdf/senators/2011_roster.pdf)

• Be Informed! Planned Parenthood is the largest abortion provider in America and federally funded.

• Take Action! Contact key individuals in Norfolk. Let the City Council know that you don’t want Planned Parenthood to locate in Norfolk. (Contact Mayor Sue Fuchtman at (402) 379-1440 or sfuchtman@ci.norfolk.ne.us. Contact information for City Council members at www.ci.norfolk.ne.us.)

• Get Involved! Join others in forming a grassroots coalition to stop Planned Parenthood.

For additional information contact Nebraska Family Council toll free at 1-888-777-5188 or email at info@nebfc.org.

Nebraska Family Attends National March for Life

Nebraska Family Attends National March for Life
By Virginia Nelson
My son Allen, grandson Luke, and granddaughter Wendy and I made the trip to Washington DC for the National March for Life on Jan 24th, 2011. We had a great time taking in the sights and the history of Washington DC. One of the sites we toured was the Holocaust Museum, and some of the things we saw there are too horrible to even mention. And all the way through it, I just kept thinking, this is the same mentality in the world today. The lack of respect for human life is staggering, with the slaughter of 4000 unborn babies each day through abortion. And just like now, so many people looked the other way, knew what was going on, and didn't do anything about it. I was reminded of the words of Genesis 4:10; "What have you done? Hark, your brother's blood cries out to Me from the ground."

The March for Life was awesome. The day was bitter cold, but sunny and still, and 400,000 marchers participated. We spent about four hours standing for the rally and walking. I was proud to be a Nebraskan that day, as Lee Terry (Nebraska Congressman) gave a booming message of his commitment to the right to life, giving his assurance that he would do all he could to put an end to abortion and the use of our tax dollars for abortion; $363 million, according to Planned Parenthood's 2008-2009 Annual Report.

Nebraska Representative Jeff Fortenberry gave a short but stirring message along the same line. Both men said they can't do it without the grassroots support of we, the people!

Women from Silent No More spoke of regretting their abortions, with the young men standing by their side holding signs that said "We regret lost fatherhood." Many of the newly elected congressmen were there with many different messages but all saying much the same thing.They said they want us to send letters, emails, faxes and phone calls, even if we know how they're going to vote. This is a difficult battle and they need to know we're out there supporting them.

It was said that day that our abortuaries are nothing more than death chambers, just as those in Nazi Germany. Let's remember that a nation that kills its young is a nation without hope. One Pastor toward the end of the rally said, "Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord! As we march today we light a candle to pierce the darkness of rejection and despair."

Let's help pierce this darkness by getting involved, by sending those messages to our congressmen, by writing letters to the opinion page, by prayer, and if you can't do anything else, send money. It takes so much money to fight Planned Parenthood and its supporters. And we need to gear up for the next presidential election and elect a pro-life president who will move toward a pro-life Supreme Court.

I will continue to try to fulfill one of the other quotes I saw that day, "I call Heaven and earth to witness this day. I have put before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose LIFE that you and your descendents may live!" (Deut 30:1)

Virginia lives in Genoa, NE

Nebraska Legislature to Debate Breastfeeding Bill

Nebraska Legislature to Debate Breastfeeding Bill
[NFT] Senator Annette Dubas (Fullerton, NE) recently introduced Legislative Bill 197 in an attempt to join Nebraska with the 48 other states that give mothers the legal right to breastfeed their babies in public.

LB197 would uphold a mother’s right to breast-feed “in any public or private location where the mother is otherwise authorized to be.” In previous years breastfeeding mothers have been asked to leave restaurants, outdoor concerts, and parks. One mom, asked to move to a restroom instead, was breastfeeding her baby in an out-of-the way corner of Joslyn Art Museum--next to a statue of a bare-breasted women.

The Centers of Disease Control says that 75% of mothers start out breastfeeding, with about 43% continuing past the baby’s six-month birthday. Breastfeeding provides many health benefits for the baby, including boosting their immune system (breastfeeding babies have a lower incidence of ear, respiratory tract, and urinary infections) and decreasing the risk of developing asthma. New mother who breastfeed often return to pre-pregnancy weight faster and breastfeeding also reduces the risk of ovarian and breast cancers.

LB 197, if passed, would provide breast-feeding mothers legal backing for doing so.