Translations

Showing posts with label Mission Work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mission Work. Show all posts

Thursday, September 08, 2022

KILIMANJARO MISSIONS - the STAFFORD FAMILY, in MOSHI, TANZANIA (published 9-8-2022; article #356)

Image from 09/05/2022 - KILIMANJARO MISSIONS AUGUST 2022 newsletter

Introduction

I have mentioned, in several articles, that Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I were part of a three-family mission team, called Mission Moscow. We served in Moscow, Klin, and surrounding areas – from 10/1/1994 to 9/30/1999. (I may write a book about mission work, which would include our initial short-term mission work in Jamaica, my short-term mission work in India, and our five years in Russia.) Under the maxim that a person is either a missionary or a mission area, we are still missionaries.

This article honors the missionary service of the Stafford family, in Tanzania, Africa. I have added “KILIMANJARO MISSIONS - the Stafford family, in Moshi, Tanzania,” in my “Folks, to Whom I Subscribe” section.

The Stafford Family

The daughter of one of the families, on the Mission Moscow team, was a wonderful Christian young lady, when we knew her, back in Russia. Jessica, we remember you very well!

That young lady has grown into a Christian wife, mother, and missionary. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I were elated to learn that the Stafford family began their mission work, in June, at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro!

Moshi Town, North Tanzania, Africa

The Stafford family base their missionary service in Moshi Town, in northeast Tanzania, on the continent of Africa. They minister widely, in several surrounding communities. I had known that Tanzania was in Africa, but I didn't know where exactly.

Explore Tanzania has information about Moshi Town and Tanzania in general. “Destinations: Moshi Town, North Tanzania” describes Moshi Town and locates the town on a map. Moshi Town is near, and south, of Mount Kilimanjaro. (I imagine visiting and hiking Mount Kilimanjaro!)

Kilimanjaro Missions

The Stafford family shares contact information, newsletters, and updates. You may subscribe to and view their newsletters at Kilimanjaro Missions: Email Campaign Archive. (Just click the “join our mailing list” button and fill out your email information, as I did.) As of this entry, there are seven newsletters on that website, so far.

Their Facebook link is Kilimanjaro Missions, for those who have Facebook accounts. (Interestingly, I had forgotten to “like” that page, until today!) Kilimanjaro Missions has daily news and updates, which include some humor.

Hey, Jessica! What is the name of y'alls new “security guard?” He looks like a good puppy! Please tell me his name! Also, we're glad that y'all found a house! It will become the home of a fine Christian family – with many, many guests!

By the way, Jessica, I “stole” the photograph in this article, from y'alls “09/05/2022 - KILIMANJARO MISSIONS AUGUST 2022” newsletter! I hope that you don't sue me!

Conclusion

A person is either a missionary or a mission area. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I have done cross-cultural mission work – in Jamaica at first then for five years in Russia. I did cross-cultural mission work in India. This little article further inspires my desire to write a book on the topic. Maybe I will.

The Stafford family are doing cross-cultural mission work, in Tanzania, now. May the Lord bless them in His service! Lost souls will see Jesus in them. I know. Several churches will be blessed by their ministry. Seed is being planted well on good soil.

Are you, dear reader, a missionary or a mission area? There are only two choices. If you are a mission area and would like me to help you know how to become a missionary, please use my “Contact Form” to reach me. I'm just one poor beggar, saved by God's grace, who tries to help other poor beggars find the Bread of Life.


Monday, May 30, 2022

2022 MEMORIAL DAY MUSINGS: McDonald's Russia, MTSU Shooting, Uvalde Texas Shooting, “Amerika” (published 5-30-2022; article #331)

 Introduction

On Memorial Day, I trust that my readers are doing well. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I are doing well enough. By the way, we are hunting a replacement car, for her (our) '08 Honda Civic – the long-suffering car that she drives. The air conditioning system need to be replaced. The cost is almost what the car is worth. We won't “throw good money after bad.”

Since 5/17/2022, I have had working documents, in draft forms, for this article. Yesterday, I started to incorporate my drafts into one document. I'll write about McDonald's in Russia, the MTSU shooting, and the Uvalde shooting. Do you remember the “Amerika” TV series? Before I conclude, I'll mention it.

McDonald's in Russia Closed, 5/16/2022

On Monday, 5/16/2022, I published our wedding anniversary article, for my “long-suffering” wife. She published her comment later that day. Dear, why don't you be a co-writer, on this website? I've offered to set you up as a writer!

That day, I'd heard, on local TV and radio, that McDonald's was closing all its restaurants in Russia. That brought back a few memories.

When we were missionaries in Russia (10/1/1994 to 9/30/1999), we bought those “Улыбки бесплатно!” meals a few times. Our first apartment was within walking distance to a McDonald's on Ulitsa Tverskaya. We also walked past that McDonald's to the Kremlin several times.

On 5/16/2022, bne IntelliNews published, “McDonald’s to continue operating in Russia under new name – RBK,” by bne intellinews, May 16, 2022. The image, from that article, is below.

McDonald's is reportedly hoping to open the new restaurants as early as June. Image: bne IntelliNews.

That's a long line! By the way, our first office location was in the basement of the building, behind and to the left of that McDonald's. Our first apartment was a short walk to the right (or west) of that McDonald's.

This is my fourth article that mentions the 2022 Slavic War. See my articles of 3/8/2022, 3/20/2022, and 5/12/2022. I read those articles again yesterday. Sadly, the casualties of the 2022 Slavic War (Russia invasion of the Ukraine) are far more profound than the temporary loss of a fast food chain.

The Moscow Times section “Ukraine: As It's Happening” contains day-by-day, even hour-by-hour, coverage on the Russian invasion of the Ukraine. The section has recent (current month) coverage. The Moscow Times lists their older coverage on their 24LIVEBLOG website: The Moscow Times - Ukraine.

MTSU Shooting, 5/18/2022

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. On 5/18/2022, Wednesday, a shooting and loss of life occurred.

That day, NewsChannel 5, in Nashville, was one of several news sources that detailed that tragedy: “One dead, one critically injured in shooting outside MTSU's Murphy Center following graduation ceremony: The shooting happened after Riverdale HS held its graduation ceremony,” by Emily West. Posted at 9:31 PM, May 18, 2022. Last updated 6:54 AM, May 20, 2022.

On 5/18/2022 and again yesterday, I searched MTSU News, by “5/18/2022 shooting.” Both times, my search generated: “Not Post Found!” MTSU, apparently, chose not to write about that shooting.

On 5/18/2022, brother in Christ, Phil Robertson, on Substack, wrote about the shooting: “What I Want You to Know About Deadly Shootings & the Broken Culture of America: The Buffalo massacre, the California church attack, and God’s solution to a land filled with depravity,” by Phil Robertson, May 18, 2022. I suggest that y'all read his words of biblical wisdom.

Brother Phil referenced the Columbine High School shooting (4/20/1999). My wife and I were in our final year in Russia. Our Russian brothers and sisters could not understand how or why anyone would kill school-aged children like that. We were all shocked.

The Columbine High School shooting was the first school shooting, in this once great nation. It would not be the last.

Uvalde, Texas, Shooting, 5/24/2022

Six days later, on 5/24/2022, Tuesday, the Robb Elementary School shooting, in Uvalde, Texas, occurred. The various media sources have detailed and commented on the tragedy, for six days. (It seems to have been longer than six days.)

The Uvalde Leader-News did not have an article, until 5/26/2022: “Robb shooting claims 19 children, 2 teachers,” May 26, 2022. On 5/24/2022, I had found that newspaper website. I had searched that day and the next, to find no local articles yet. Their 5/29/2022 article, “They were smart, funny, loved,” May 29, 2022, lists the names and short biographies of each person who was killed.

Amerika”

On Saturday, 5/28/2022, I had endured enough of the opinions, on the 5/24/2022 Uvalde shooting, in the various media sources. Several government employees (i.e., politicians), including the President, were spinning the sadness, in various directions. Some, including the President, wanted to make political hay, from the sadness. I pray for the souls of those politicians.

So, on Saturday, I did a “Norton Safe Search” for “USSA propaganda.” The reply was, “Did you mean: USSR propaganda?” The search gave me a few options.

One option was The Harvard Crimson, The University Daily, Est. 1873, article: “Back in the U.S.S.A.,” by Martha A. Bridegam, February 23, 1987. That 1987 article was about “the ABC television miniseries, 'Amerika,'” which was “the portrayal of life in a United States controlled by the Soviet Union.”

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I were in Charleston, Missouri then. I was the minister of the Charleston Church of Christ. I remember watching that miniseries – or most of it.

Conclusion

What is the conclusion to this article? The problem, in this once great nation, is the lack of morality and family values.

Morality emanates from God, the Divine Lawgiver. God places the sense of morality (i.e., conscience) in us at birth. Many, sadly, corrupt that God-given sense of morality.

Family values are based on biblical values that include a God-centered home, a Christian man and woman, as husband and wife, and their children – raised accordingly.

Gun control” legislation is not the solution. In high school, 1974 to 1978, some of the older students drove pickup trucks to school. Some had shotguns or rifles, hung on the rack, by the rear window, inside the cab. They had either gone hunting or were going hunting. It was not a concern. Biblical values were the norm. The only school shootings were when we shot rubber bands at each other, during study hall.

By the way, “gun control” is when the shooter aims, fires, and hits the target. The target could be a bullseye, for practice. It could be game, for hunting. It could be to stop the imminent threat to life. A shooter who fires to murder “controls the gun,” by wicked choice. The gun does not fire itself. The evil shooter controls the gun.

“Gun control” legislation is a political sidetrack. “Shooter control” legislation is impossible, logically. Not even the Good Lord can force a person of free will to decide to do right and to avoid evil – freely. It is a logical contradiction. Legislation will not resolve the moral decay that has led to increased violence in this once great nation.

The solution to the manifold moral problems, in this once great nation, is to repent and to return to God.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14, KJV).

On Memorial Day, this once great nation is supposed to remember and honor the countless number of soldiers, who died in the name of freedom. The day is not just a day off work, to eat hamburgers.

Dear Lord, may everyone, of age, in this once great nation, turn from evil, honor the sacrifice of your Son and our Savior, and seek your face – before it is too late. Amen.


Tuesday, March 08, 2022

2022 SLAVIC WAR: THE RUSSIAN INVASION OF THE UKRAINE (published 3-8-2022; article #300)

 Introduction

As I began to write, about 5 PM, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman was arriving home from her job. I had worked from home today.

I paused, to see if she had a good International Women's Day (March 8th annually). This morning, I had forgotten to wish her a good Women's Day. The celebration hasn't caught on much, in this once great nation. It is celebrated like Valentine's Day in several nations, including Russia. We remember those celebrations well.

While we lived in Russia, they had started to celebrate Valentine's Day (February 14th) every year. My wife and I remember.

Men joked that women get two annual days (February 14th and March 8th), while men get only one day (February 23rd) – about which I write next.

Defender of the Fatherland Day (2/23/2022)

Annually, on February 23, Russians (and other nations) celebrate Defender of the Fatherland Day (День защитника Отечества). We remember the annual celebrations, when we lived in Moscow, Russia (10/1/1994 to 9/30/1999).

Generally, the day is when women give gifts to men – whether or not they served in the military. The day is commonly called Men's Day (День мужчин). Russians celebrated Men's Day, on 2/23/2022, Wednesday. I made a passing comment to my wife that day.

Russia Invades the Ukraine (2/24/2022)

The next day, on Thursday, February 24, 2022, Russian forces invaded Ukraine -- by land, air, and sea. The invasion has been described as the largest military attack by one nation against another, in Europe, since the Second World War.

We still keep in touch with some of our church family, in Moscow and in Klin (not too many kilometers north of Moscow). We keep in touch with other missionaries, who had served in Russia and in the Ukraine. We see information on the media sources that are still available, in Russia and the Ukraine.

Russians and Ukrainians (as well as other nations in that region) are Slavs. They are related, by the Slavic race that binds them together. Many Russians do not like what Russian President Vladimir Putin and his minions are doing. Putin is shutting down all forms of internal opposition to his invasion of the Ukraine.

Many news sources have many sad details. We see, read, and hear about it almost constantly. I recommend The Moscow Times, as an independent news source from Russia. It is not silenced – yet. You can subscribe, with no cost, to receive weekly email updates from The Moscow Times. That website is still up. I check it daily.

Conclusion

I write briefly today. I will probably write more, in a few days. My written prayer, now, is: “Dear Lord, by your provident grace, stop Vladimir Putin and the soldiers that are under his direction. Some of those soldiers do not want to do what they are doing, in the Ukraine. Some do. Bring peace, by your grace, to the Ukraine. I have the will but not the power. You, Dear Lord, have the power. Please use your providential will. Through Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.”

Grace and peace to all the innocent folks in both Russia and the Ukraine. The hearts of many are sad. We hope for wisdom and peace.


Sunday, September 12, 2021

SEPTEMBER 11, 2021 (published 9-12-2021)

Introduction

The often-repeated phrase is “9/11.” The year, 2001, is assumed to be known. The historical details of 9/11/2001 are known.

Yesterday was 9/11/2021. It was “life, such as it is” – in the context of memory, honor, and the usual.

Memory: Tuesday, September 11, 2001

 

The above photograph is from APNews.com. You can find many photographs on the “Interweb.” The above is one. The Statue of Liberty was and is still standing.

Dad was still in this temporal world. Mom had gone to her everlasting Home, on 12/27/2000. (Dad joined Mom, on 1/25/2008.) Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I were still living in our apartment on the ridge above where the Knox Center Mall used to be. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman was, and still is, teaching for a living, in Sevierville, Tennessee. I was working as a second shift operator and help desk agent at DeRoyal Industries, in Powell, Tennessee. Almost two years had passed -- since we had returned from our five years in Russia.

On 9/11/2001, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had already gone to work. I was alone. Just after 9:03 AM but before 9:37 AM, Dad called our landline. I was awake but still in bed. He told me about the planes that had hit the two towers. We talked a while. I remember. Dad, at the time, was doing well enough. I worked my second shift job. Life was surreal. Folks were going through a Tuesday work-a-day – with blank expressions and little comments. The timeline of 9/11/2001 is found on several websites. Here is one website.

In 2003, I worked on my time many mornings to early afternoons -- before working to make money on my second shift job – at our under construction house. We had broken ground in early December 2002 – before Dad had his ticker (heart) trouble later that month. We moved into our new house, on 6/7/2003 – the day, in 2000, that Health South let Mom fall. I know the details. I had done most of the interior sanding, puttying, and painting. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and family had helped some.

I still have the portable radio, to which I listened, while sanding, puttying, and painting. My youngest brother had given it to me as a Christmas gift. The radio played The Charlie Daniels Band's song “In America” (1980) often. Take a moment to listen to the song. I did. Charlie Daniels went Home, on 7/6/2020. The song “In America” remains. I wish that this “new America” had the same unified conviction as that America did back in 1980 (Iranian hostage situation, 11/4/1979 to 1/21/1981) and in 2001 (9/11/2001). That America had taken a couple of hard licks. That America was still standing.

Well, 9/11/2001 was 20 years ago. I still do not understand why the USA (USSA as of 1/6/2021) could not win the “war on terror” in a year or two. The USA had joined the Allies (British Empire, USSR, etc.) to beat the Axis (German Nazis, Italian Socialists, and Imperial Japanese) in less than four years. World War II was the last total war that the USA fought. After WWII, the USA started fighting “politically correct” wars. The USA tied in Korea, lost in Vietnam, won the Gulf War, and has lost the “war on terror.”

The USA (USSA) lost the 20-year “war on terror.” An almost countless number of soldiers died or were injured permanently. All soldiers who served in that tragic “war on terror” are HONORED. This article HONORS all who served! The defeat was NOT the fault of our soldiers. The fault rests on the shoulders of the many politicians (Republicans and Democrats alike) who used poor judgment, by which the war was lost.

Honor: Saturday, September 11, 2021

Twenty years have passed. I have seen the memorial to Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss. It is at the Corryton Weigels (where my '06 Frontier gets 100% gas), 2.5 miles from our house.

The image, below, is from a 9/3/2021 post, by Ashley Bohle, WVLT TV.

 

Corryton is a small community in east Knox County, Tennessee. I don't know anyone by the last name of Knauss. I may have walked near and spoken briefly with someone named Knauss, while on mundane errands, but we didn't exchange names.

In May 2016, Ryan Knauss graduated from Gibbs High School, three miles from our house. He enlisted in the Army after graduation. He married. At age 23, Ryan Knauss was one of the 13 soldiers who died, on 8/26/2021, in the terrorist bomb attack, at the Kabul airport, in Afghanistan. (Granny and Papaw Wood married on 8/26/1931.) His obituary is on the Knox News and the Mynatt Funeral Home, Inc. websites.

Yesterday, Saturday, September 11, 2021, there was a memorial service for Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss, at 5 PM, at the Gibbs High School Football Stadium. WATE (by: Kristen Gallant; posted 9/11/2021, 11:19 PM; updated 9/12/2021, 12:04 AM) has a video and written record. We decided not to join the large number of people who attended. Instead, I plan to print this article on paper and place the printed copy in the memorial box, which is behind the memorial wall, at the Weigels. I hope that the memorial to Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss remains permanently at the Weigels.

The Usual: Saturday, September 11, 2021

Yesterday, Saturday, 9/11/2021, my youngest brother called at 8:11 AM. We talked 44 minutes. His wife had managed to sprain her right foot severely. Later, my '06 Frontier and I hauled trash. I got a haircut. My truck had a good hand washing and oil change. My truck and I went to the Tractor Supply. We came home -- just after Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had come back from Dollar General Store and IGA shopping and before she went to visit her folks, 3.5 miles away. It was a usual Saturday.

September 11, 2021, was a routine day. The deeper memories and thoughts of 9/11/2001, 8/26/2021, and 9/11/2021 linger. Temporal life goes on, such as it is.

Conclusion

While my truck was getting his oil change yesterday, I conversed with a man, who is a little older than me. He is a veteran. He had tours of duty in Korea and elsewhere. He taught me a lesson. We stood. We looked eye to eye. We talked. We shook hands. I thanked him for his service.

I have weapons. I have ammunition. I know how to stop a life threat, if I need to do so. I am ready. I may have too much ammunition. The man, at the oil change location, educated me. He said that I do not need more than one clip (about 15 rounds). He said that I could stop 15 attackers. An attacker that I hadn't stopped would get me. Then, the remaining attackers would take my weapons and the rest of my ammunition. I hadn't thought about it that deeply – until yesterday. I will still keep the ammunition that I have.

Tony is my friend, brother in Christ, and barber. Yesterday, while he was giving me another great haircut, he and I conversed on several topics. We ended on a spiritual note. Tony and I are ready for the Good Lord to return. I spoke the following to the Good Lord, in Tony's presence, yesterday, “Dear Lord, please call everyone 'out of the pool' now!” He didn't. I was disappointed. I thanked the Good Lord for listening to my request again. I've made that request many times.

My perpetually written now prayer, to the Good Lord, is: “Dear Lord, please call everyone 'out of the pool' now! Come, dear Lord, soon!” He will eventually. His coming may not be in my lifetime. I hope it will be!

I place the temporal of 9/11/2001, 8/26/2021, and 9/11/2021 into my everlasting perspective. This is how I endure the realities of this temporal life. Of course, temporal life is not all bad or evil. This world has the good, bad, and ugly. I like the good. I endure, by evident faith, the bad and ugly. I hope, in known and verified faith assurance. In the everlasting, I will think back on this article. I will smile.

I will keep turnin' right and goin' straight. I have accepted, and try to live in appreciation of, the Good Lord's free-gift offer of everlasting salvation. I'll get HOME – eventually. I hope that you understand. If not, you are welcome to e-mail me. God knows how to help you. I am one poor beggar who found the Bread of Life. I know how to help you – if you will contact me and hear.


Monday, July 05, 2021

FERRELL FAMILY GATHERING FUN, 7-3-2021 SATURDAY (published 7-5-2021)

Introduction

Happy 5th of July, y'all! I will publish a topical article on Independence Day – eventually. This family heritage article had to be first!

My youngest brother had called me, on Sunday afternoon, 6/27/2021. He had invited us to the Morning Star Baptist Church picnic, on 7/3/2021, Saturday. I had hoped that we could attend – depending on how my three “bionic” joints and related “multi-trauma” muscle groups endured the work week.

I woke up Saturday morning feeling my oats. My usual hot to cold shower worked well enough, as usual. (I didn't even need to use my “muscle thumper!”) My '06 Frontier enjoyed taking Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and me on the road trip. He needed a good stretch of his legs. The about 78-mile drive from home to the Morning Star Baptist Church, in Church Hill, Tennessee, took about an hour and a half.

I hope you enjoy the photographs that my trusty Samsung (not-semi-intelligent) cell phone took. I will add comments after each photograph. The weather was in the low 80s and sunny.

Church Picnic

We started hearing fiddle playing, shortly after having turning north off Highway 11W! I understand upper east Tennessee back roads. I've driven many of them. I remembered the first back road. I hadn't been on it in decades. I think that I was in my late teens or early 20's. Dad had needed my help with pump work or to move the well machine. I remembered locations on that first back road! I had ridden with Dad, in his old work truck, to help with his Ferrell's Well-Drilling work. I rode with Dad, to help, many times over many years. Later, Dad rode with me, for trips to his medical appointments, usually to see his cardiologist, in Johnson City. Dad would always comment about locations we passed, where he had either drilled a water well, done pump work, or both – usually both. (The pump must be set after the well is drilled.) That is Ferrell's Well-Drilling heritage! (I have digressed down a back road memory. Let's return our thoughts to the 7/3/2021 back road ride as it continues!)

The last part of the drive, however, was back roads off back roads! The church building is well north of Church Hill. It is almost in Virginia. The drive farther north to Virginia would take less time than back south to Church Hill! The drive – up and down hills and around sharp curves -- was expected, as anyone raised in upper east Tennessee knows. The 78-mile drive was done. We had arrived at the church building!

I took the above photograph, while the “cake auction” was going on to my left. (I don't care for sweets.) I'll nitpick my Baptist brethren. My youngest brother is not the “pastor.” He is the preacher (or evangelist or minister). I can argue my point from scripture, but I will avoid doing so. You are welcome to write a comment, if you want me to explain the difference, in a future article!

I took the above photograph moments after the first one, having turned to my left. I'm facing west now. The area to the right (shelter and tents) is where the “cake auction” was continuing. My youngest brother and his family (wife and two daughters), my next to youngest brother, my brother (who is about three years younger than me), Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, and several other folks (church members, etc.) are in the shelter and tents area. I see the rear and left side of my silver '06 Frontier truck, with his new “tars” on! The blue truck (closest, front and left side) belongs to my brother, who is just younger than me. The VA helped him buy that truck. My brother was in the Air Force eight years. He served in Operation Desert Storm. He probably contracted multiple sclerosis from immunizations he had to take, during Desert Storm. The nation owes many veterans, including my brother, a debt of gratitude. I am glad that the VA helped him buy his new to him truck. (It's a 2017 Tacoma.)

 

In one of my 6/8/2021 articles, I'd written that I would publish an image of my truck, wearing his new decorative plate and new “tars.” (I've commented about the new “tars,” on since 6/4/2021. By the way, I see me – arms and chest at least – in the chrome.) My decorative plate has been on my truck, since 5/23/2021.

The four sons and Earl and Betty Ferrell had not been together, since 7/23/2020 – at the gravesite service for my eldest niece. Next to youngest brother had visited us on Thanksgiving, 11/26/2020. Youngest brother and his family had visited us on 11/28/2020, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We were glad to have been able to be together again – all four of us at once. The setting was much better than on 7/23/2020. My veteran brother and I talked quite a bit, about our “whatevers” and other topics. He has left shoulder and right leg problems. I have left shoulder and right leg (knee and foot) problems. We both endure. Our “whatevers” are different, but we understand each other. (His wife, daughter, and grandson had gone to see his wife's family, in Kentucky.)

My youngest brother's two daughters were able to get their Christmas presents, finally. His eldest daughter got her birthday present also. We had Christmas in July, I recon.

Cemetery

 

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I had to start our way back home. On our drive back, we stopped at Mom and Dad's gravesite. The cemetery is behind a known church. Fifteen Ferrells are resting in the cemetery, including Mom and Dad. We visited each gravesite.

Three of my uncles and their wives (my aunts) and three of my first cousins rest there. I knew and remember my aunts, uncles, and first cousins very well.

The first row, in the above photograph, is where Dad's oldest brother, his wife, two of their children, and his wife's mother are resting. Many memories come to mind, of uncle Bill, aunt Bobbie, cousin Larry, and cousin Retha. Aunt Bobbie's mother died five years before I was born. We had a good visit.

Mom and Dad are resting together at the second row, in the photograph. Farther back, the flag pole and flag on the tree stump mark where the large mimosa tree had been standing. That tree had provided shade to Mom and Dad's gravesite -- which was good, when visiting on a hot and sunny or a rainy day. The roots, however, had become a concern. Dad had selected the perfect marker. The words to the poem, above “FERRELL” (visible), are not legible, in my photograph. I memorized the poem over 20 years ago. The words fit Mom and Dad well. Dad had selected the poem. He talked about it many times. We had a good visit.

The gravesite of an aunt and uncle and their son is farther back. Their gravesite is beside the gravesite of another aunt and uncle. Uncle Roy, Aunt Maxie, and cousin Bart have one site. I had to laugh a little, when I recalled the many jokes with Bart. He could always name more state capitals than I could.

Uncle Carson and Aunt Hazel have the other site. Many good memories filled my mind. I have nary a bad memory! Well, I have one. It was the last time I saw Uncle Carson. My wife and I had been back from our five-year mission work in Russia, by less than two months. We saw Uncle Carson and Aunt Hazel, at the hospital. (We had visited them at their home, on 11/26/1999.) I do not have the date written on my 1999 calendar, but it had to have been after 11/26/1999. Uncle Carson had a very few days to live. (He went home on 12/1/1999.) Aunt Hazel had started to cry, as we talked. Uncle Carson told his wife not to cry and that “it will be okay.” Uncle Carson must have been thinking in the everlasting perspective – knowing that he had only days before he went Home. The memory is bad in the short-term. It is a good memory, in the everlasting perspective.

The gravesite of Papaw Marion Ferrell's younger brother's son, his wife, and two of their children are in the cemetery also. I was born five months after the son of Papaw Ferrell's younger brother died. I don't recall having met his wife or their two children. I may have.

Homeplace

Our next to last stop was a quick visit to the homeplace. (We were trying to get back, in time to do “Molly doggy's.”) The above photograph is looking northeast, with the back of the homeplace in the image. Granny Wood's grapevine is to the left. Her grapevine will have plenty of grapes later this year.

The two Winesap apple trees that Dad had planted are farther west, not in the image. The smaller tree is starting to produce apples. The larger tree may or may not produce apples this year. Both trees are healthy. Ferrell family are welcome to stop by, to get grapes and apples! Two great neighbors have been doing so for years. My youngest brother and I have been doing so for years.

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman was “hiding” in my '06 Nissan Frontier. The first cut of hay had been done. I wish that my good neighbors had been home! I missed seeing them. The garden, behind the image, was looking good. The target practice area looked like it had been used recently, by a good neighbor. I need to target shoot there soon!

Dad, we're still “keepin' it going” at the homeplace. I remember what you said, after Mom went to see Jesus.

Conclusion

I had started writing this article yesterday, on Independence Day. The plan to publish this article yesterday – with another article afterward, on the topic of Independence Day -- was delayed. (A man has to do other stuff!) Well, this family heritage article is published! I will get around to writing and publishing my Independence Day article – in better late than never mode.

I have written earlier, about having started “our way back home.” Our 7/3/2021 travels took just over six hours total. (After having been at the homeplace, my truck was hungry. I fed him 89 octane 100% gas, at the Liberty Market, which is across from the elementary school, on Main Street.) To my family and friends in Rogersville, I'm sorry, y'all, that I didn't let you know we were coming! What we did took enough time. We didn't have any more time!

“Our way back HOME” will take more time. Family are already at HOME. We here, in the short-term perspective, are living to go HOME. To my biological and spiritual family, who are already HOME, my wife and I, along with others, are on our way HOME! We will get there. It won't take long – in the short-term perspective. Until then, y'all “keep it goin'” up there! We will see you soon!

The Ferrell family gathering fun, on 7/3/2021, was a foretaste of future Ferrell family gathering fun – at HOME!


Sunday, May 23, 2021

STEALTH INVASION BY NIGHT IN CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE (published 5/23/2021)

Introduction

The above photograph came from a free photograph website. It is one location on the former Berlin Wall (8/31/1961 to 11/9/1989). I don't know when the photograph was taken, at what wall area, or by whom.

My first short-term (six-week) mission work -- in the East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, India -- was in the fall of 1989. I was 29 years old. I preached and taught in several areas in and near Rajahmundry and Kakinada. Another American, two fine translators, and one driver made a great five-man team. I learned and still remember a few words and sentences in Telugu. I have memories, writings, and photographs -- of my three total short-term mission efforts in India. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman was with me, on my final trip (1993). I went alone, on my second trip (1991).

In the fall of 1989, the flights to and from India were on Lufthansa. We switched planes at Frankfurt International Airport. The Berlin Wall was in the process of being destroyed. Berlin and the world were celebrating. The border between East and West Berlin was an unnecessary relic. It needed to come down.

I apologize for my personal, historical digression. Let's continue to the purpose of this article.

Illegal Aliens Invade Chattanooga, Tennessee

A country has recognized and secured borders. The USSA is a country that has a recognized but unsecured southern border. A recent event in Chattanooga, Tennessee is one of many examples.

The military was not mobilized. A citizen army did not organize. The USSA government created the invasion of its own country. The invasion was stealth (i.e., to keep citizens from knowing, until it was too late), in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Four flights of illegal alien children were smuggled into Wilson Air Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee under a cloak of darkness. There have been four flights, so far -- on 5/14,15,19/2021. Two flights were on 5/14/21. I state “illegal alien children,” since no research that I did indicated they they had arrived in a legal manner. If anyone finds that their entry was legal, please inform me.

The previous and following information is from WRCB TV, 5/19/2021 article, updated 5/20/2021. The article has more details. The illegal alien children were loaded into buses, for transport. One bus line was Coast to Coast Tours of East Point, Georgia. The bus line has a contract with the United States Department of Defense. (Note: I searched USDoD website, by “Chattanooga,” and found eight old articles. Nothing referenced this event. It's a USDoD discovered secret.) The children had unidentified chaperons. A person, with knowledge of the operation, who remains anonymous, stated: “30 to 50 minors are transported at a time, some to reunite with family members and others to go to group homes.” One group home is The Baptiste Group, owned by Kevin Baptiste. It is in Chattanooga. That group will house up to 100 children, ages 12 to 17.

The (Nashville) Tennessean article, of 5/21/2021, includes several details. I quote the following.

The Office of Refugee Resettlement, which falls under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, told The Tennessean it is in charge of unaccompanied children until they are united with a vetted sponsor, which is usually a parent or close relative. The office said 290 unaccompanied children were released in Davidson County between Oct. 1, 2020, and March 21. Statewide, a total of 717 unaccompanied children were released in the same time period. However, the office did not say how many unaccompanied minors were released since March 21. It also declined to answer any further questions about reports of unaccompanied minors flying into Chattanooga.

The U.S. Border Patrol apprehended more than 5,600 unaccompanied children in January. The number grew to more than 9,200 in February, then swelled again to more than 18,600 children in March -- a record for apprehensions of unaccompanied children in a single month. The HHS network of 13,500 beds in permanent, state-licensed shelters is essentially exhausted.

[Governor Bill] Lee posted to Twitter about the situation on Thursday. He said he declined a request from the Biden administration to house unaccompanied minors and called for them to “secure the border” and “stop scattering children across the country.” He claimed they “cut off transparency” when he demanded more answers on the unaccompanied minors. “Tennesseans deserve to know who is coming into our state,” Lee said. Casey Black, a spokesperson for Lee, said the governor declined the housing request on March 19. Lee also signed onto a letter in May with 19 other governors urging action from the Biden administration to secure the southern border.

Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty and U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann -- all Republicans -- joined Lee's criticism and call for answers. The three wrote a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas asking about how the youth are being managed and housed.

I discovered, by clicking around in all the links (underlined in blue, above), that the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) -- which is under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) -- uses the services of the Refugee Processing Center (RPC). RPC is a bureaucracy, inside a bureaucracy (ORR), which is inside a bureaucracy (HHS) -- which is, ultimately, inside the USSA bureaucracy.

The USSA has tied itself into a huge, bureaucratic Gordian knot. It has an ongoing effort to invade itself -- by using tax dollars (i.e., newly printed Monopoly money) to bring in the invaders and to provide their care afterward.

The USSA must be the largest human trafficking organization -- much larger than the cartels south of the border. It has bureaucracy that trafficks in humans (mentioned above). It has bureaucracy that acts again human trafficking (e.g., USAID). It has bureaucracy that acts both for and against human trafficking. For example, the Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) acts against it, while the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, which governs OTIP, acts in favor of it (as verified by the evidence stated previously).

Conclusion

The Berlin Wall needed to fall. It did. East Germany exists no longer. (My wife has a coffee maker -- which her father gave her, back in her college years -- that, supposedly, was made in East Germany. It still works.) The reunification of East and West Germany led to the fall of the USSR. That led to our mission work in Moscow and Klin, Russia, from 1994 to 1999. Some nations need to fall -- to be reunited, divided, overtaken, or reborn. Some nations did not need to fall but fell anyway.

The USA “border wall” along the Mexican border had been a good idea, when the last president of the USA inspired the construction of it. (Trump Wall may be a good website on details.) All nations need secure borders. The USA had been trying and doing a good enough job, at the time.

The USSA (1/6/2021 start, as mentioned in my 1/24/2021 article) has an open southern border. Come on in! The USSA will house, feed, and cloth you. Your medical and educational needs will be met -- by taxpayer-funded monopoly money! The USSA cares.

Balderdash! The USSA Democrat Socialists simply want more voters, to further water down the constitutional conservative voters. (Will conservative states secede from the USSA eventually?)

The southern border needs to be secured, by any practical means. The USSA needs to get out of the human trafficking business. The USSA needs to stop invading itself -- but that is its plan all along. (I wonder how many terrorist groups have entered. They may start their deadly work in spades soon.)

The Democrat Socialists are advancing their agenda faster than I thought that they would. I am not a prophet, or the son of a prophet, but, as anyone with insight can see, the next “progressive” steps will be, not in a particular order: inflation (even more than now), currency devaluation (even more than now), shortages (i.e., gas, about which we know; food, goods, etc), government take over of private corporations, firearm confiscation, further and more comprehensive forced transfer of wealth, elimination of free speech unless authorized (e.g., what “Farcebook,” “Twiddle,” etc. do now), travel restrictions without a permit, closure of churches or turning them into socialist gathering locations, private property confiscation, forced transfer of those who disagree to “education camps,” and so forth. The list could go on.

Of course, the Democrat Socialist model may look more like the European Socialist model, so some of my predictions could be overstated, or not. The former Soviet Union “progressed” in those areas. The USSA is at least 70 years behind the former USSR. The USSA will fall or divide, by conservative state secession. Wait for it, if you are still alive.

I am signing off now. I wish that I had not needed to write this article, but it is done -- finally. Tomorrow, I have a chiropractic appointment! Maybe the adjustment will improve my “whatevers” (that started last Sunday) and my mood! We will see. My next article should be more entertaining! Wait for it!