From the Desk of Marie O’Hara
Mailing Address: {*}
Bolivar, MO 65613
Pastor Billy Russell, Former Pastor Ray Leininger,
and Former Interim Pastor Rodney Reeves,
and the Staff, Trustees, Deacons of the First Baptist Church of Bolivar
316 North Main Street
Bolivar, MO 65613
Fax: {*}
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
For many, the Economic Downturn has caused a considerable reshuffle: forward -- but, TWO steps forward and ONE step back.
In my last fax (dated Friday, March 6, 2009 - see here), I indicated that I would be contacting you by mail regarding a number of issues, including my previous letter dated November 11, 2007.
In that correspondence, I indicated that it was (and remains) my intention to coordinate an electronic Reconciliation Forum – through which we may address these issues.
However, after several years of waiting and praying, I have received confirmation that I will be a “probable candidate” for inclusion in a long-term study on chemical injury, which is cooperatively funded and sponsored by several major universities – including my new university.
In order to qualify for the (fully-paid) medical evaluation, testing, and eventual treatment, I must be relocated by mid-May or early June. Therefore, several matters require my immediate attention.
I regret that I will be unable to complete the preparations for the Reconciliation Forum this week. (I do not multi-task as well as I once did: Unfortunately, the days when I could type one term paper while simultaneously dictating another paper to a friend are long gone.)
However, with the help of friends, the preparation for the Reconciliation Forum is nearing completion. I do not anticipate that the delay will extend over three or four more days, but I request your patience in re-scheduling this Reconciliation Forum for some time next week.
In any event, I will contact you again before Sunday, March 15.
In the interim, I commend to you the beautifully-written Official Kansas State Proclamation by Kansas Governor Kathleen Sibelius, the nominee for head of the Department of Health and Human Services, which reads:
WHEREAS, people of all ages throughout the world have developed illnesses from Toxic Injury; and
WHEREAS, Toxic Injury is often characterized by medical intolerance to very small amounts of air pollution, petrochemicals, and other toxins found in our everyday products and environment; and it can be caused by short-term or chronic exposure to one or more chemicals, frequently pesticides and solvents. There are diagnostic codes readily available for toxic effects of many chemicals found in our everyday environments and surroundings; and
WHEREAS, toxic injury may include multiple, often disabling illnesses and can be life-threatening. It is a chronic debilitating condition for which there is no known cure, causing serious detriments on society; and it is crucial for those suffering with toxic injury to have the support and understanding of their families, friends, and society; and
WHEREAS, the prevalence of these illnesses and the lack of knowledge and qualified doctors warrant further education in this field for the public in general, future as well as practicing doctors, dentist, rescue personnel as well as other healthcare, social service, rehabilitation, housing, architects, HVAC designers and installers, building maintenance and cleaning personnel, school and employer/supervisory persons at schools, workplaces and public facilities and pest control personal; and
WHEREAS, further education is needed in this field for the public in general because the power of knowledge can save precious lives;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATHLEEN SEBELIUS, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF KANSAS,
Do hereby proclaim May, 2008 asTOXIC INJURY AWARENESS & EDUCATION MONTH
In Kansas and urge all citizens to join in this observance.
As you may know, former Missouri Governor Matt Blunt -- whose father, Congressman Roy Blunt, and family were members of your congregation -- followed the decade-long tradition among Missouri governors (and a growing majority of other governors) in a similar Proclamation on Illness for Toxic Injury and Chemically-Induced Injury.
(Former Governor Matt Blunt’s Proclamation may be accessed at : http://www.mcsbeaconofhope.com/06_Missouri_Proclamation.htm.)
Again, though it may require a bit of reshuffling, I am looking forward to the Reconciliation Forum this coming week.
Please look for my next letter within the next several days.
Praying for Your Wisdom, Integrity and Prosperity,
Marie O’Hara
