President Jerry Weber began the Wednesday Rotary Club meeting on December 5th with an ear-splitting ring of the bell. The President has a “thing” about getting just the right ring tone! He even woke up little William Woods who was attending the meeting with his mother. Gerrit Juffer introduced two of his employees, Amanda Larson and Alison Kusler from the Wagner office who were his guests at the meeting.

Rotarian/Pastor Laurie Kidd led the group in prayer by giving thanks for the wonderful turkey dinner prepared by our cooks Geri McAdargh and Margaret Mach. She asked for a blessing upon the club members and for us not to forget those who are unfortunately out in the elements during this winter season.

The club sang Happy Birthday to Brenda Jaton and then were led in singing two verses of O Come O Come Emanuel.

Kathe was also lucky again at getting a chance at the Queen of Hearts, but she drew the Ace of Spades.

Secretary/Treasurer Patty Frei reported that $26.00 was collected for the Queen of Hearts drawing bringing the total up to $187.00. She announced the winners for the Football Book and they were Dana Sanderson sold by Joe Stedronsky and Scott McAdaragh sold by himself.

President Jerry announced that next week on December 12th we will watch a replay of the 2018 Predictions by club members. Ken Cotton will oversee showing that to the club. Our annual business meeting will be held the following Wednesday on December 19th, and Rotarian Bill Frei will have the program for the 26th of December. The first meeting in January will be filmed by Ken Cotton with club members giving their predictions for the year 2019.

Kathe Henke introduced her program which was Donna Juffer Williams. She was to talk about her trips to Kenya, Africa but she brought two guests with her who could explain in words and pictures what her trips have been like. She introduced Tessa Lea-craft and Chase Ward from Simba Ministries.

Chase began the program with a PowerPoint explaining the purpose of Simba Ministries. They are a nonprofit organization that is helping the children in Kenya by sending those who are interested in helping the children on their mission trips. Simba means lion in Swahili and that is the language spoken in that area of Kenya. Simba Ministries is based on 5 areas which is meant to enrich the lives of the children and the people. Kingdom Building, Widows and Orphans, Sponsorship, stewardship, Health and Wellness.

Chase has taken several teams to Kenya on mission trips. Some of the people on these trips have become sponsors for a child. They encourage sponsors to meet the child and his or her family. A special bond is formed which is beneficial to both. Mission workers have also helped monetarily or physically to help built structures for the school. They have a dairy project, gardens where they grow corn and hay. There is a sewing project also. A great deal of money and material has been donated by benefactors most of whom are from the area that Chase is from in and around Garretson, SD. Donna Juffer Williams and family donated a well, so the project would have safe, clean water.

Please visit Simba Ministries.com to read further about this project. You may contact them there if you are interested in any area.

As usual when there is such an interesting topic time ran out. Chase was given a round of applause and we adjourned by singing America.