Wisconsin
Ashley Wasmund was excited to attend blind camp at Camp Wakonda, in Westfield, Wisconsin. She learned about the camp at the Janesville Public School for the Blind, where the camp advertises its summer camp program.
At four months of age, Ashley developed cancer in one eye. It eventually spread to the other eye leaving her totally blind by the age of four. As Fran Fisher, a Christian Record Services district representative, observed Ashley at camp, she noted that Ashley managed quite well—better than most Fran worked with.
Ashley enjoyed the messages given by Wendell Springer, camp chaplain. His appeal to the campers to give their hearts and lives to Jesus touched Ashley's heart, so she filled out a decision card indicating her desire to be baptized.
After camp was over, Fran received a letter from Ashley's mother who thanked her for the camp and told Fran how much Ashley really liked her and appreciated her kindness. Later, Fran personally followed up on Ashley's desire to be baptized; Fran brought Ashley a set of Bible lessons on cassette tapes. Ashley listened to each tape and later discussed each taped lesson with William Bossert, pastor of The Shepherd's House Adventist Church in Wausau, Wisconsin, when he visited. It was a glorious day when Ashley was baptized and became a member of The Shepherd's House.
Today Ashley lives on her own as a student at North Central Technical College where she is taking a course in medical transcription. Christian Record Services seeks to assist with Ashley's transportation needs by taking her to the Adventist health food store once a month, and taking her and six other blind individuals to church each Sabbath. Ashley hardly ever misses a worship service, even if it is a visit to the Green Bay Church 90 miles away.
Ashley eagerly awaits the time when Jesus will come again, and for the fulfillment of the Bible promise, "in that day ... the eyes of the blind shall see" (Isaiah 29:18).
Bruce Babienco, Lake Union Herald volunteer correspondent, with Fran J. Fisher, Christian Record Services district representative
