Wisconsin

Gena O’Day and Carolyn Walker were baptized in the spring of 2003. Both ladies are legally blind, but their spiritual vision is sharp. They learned more about God's plans for their lives through the Hope for the Homeland meetings and both have been blessed by Christian Record Service's ministry.

I first met Gena O'Day in 1992. Her older brother had been attending blind camp at Camp Wakonda for several years, but she was very timid and didn’t care to attend. Eventually, she decided to go to camp with her brother and has been attending annually since 1998.

She attended church sporadically for a couple of years, but in the fall of 2002 decided to attend the Hope for the Homeland evangelistic series. It was difficult for her to complete the lessons because of her sight limitations—she must read with her eyes about two inches away from the paper. Despite this, Gena was eager to learn and poured over the material. She attended the meetings nearly every night. Gena is very bright and has been attending North Central Technical College in Wausau, completing studies in printing and art. Gena had a Catholic background, but her diligent study of the Scriptures shed new truth and lead her to a decision for baptism in April of 2003.

I learned of Carolyn Walker when I met her mom at a business in Marshfield, Wis., where she worked. She mentioned that she had a daughter who was legally blind. I made some attempts to reach Carolyn, but her mom didn’t respond and I lost contact with the family.

A few years later, one of our church members mentioned that a blind girl was living next door to her. It was Carolyn. She also learned of the services available through Christian Record Services, including information about blind camp at Camp Wakonda. She attended camp there for six years and later made a decision to attend church. After visiting church for quite some time, she made a decision to be baptized in March of 2003. Carolyn is so excited to be a member of our church. Sabbath is her favorite day.

She recently won a rock climbing award designated for persons with disabilities. Carolyn loves to climb the 45-foot climbing wall at Camp Wakonda, and in a recent competition received third place among 80 entries in her Special Olympics category. She also made the headlines of the Wausau Daily Herald with her wall climbing activities.

Gena and Carolyn need your prayers as they walk with the Lord in their new faith. Praise God that they have been blessed with spiritual vision!

Fran Fisher is a representative for Christian Record Services in Wisconsin.