Conference set to begin on Friday

SIKESTON - Networking, public education, spiritual renewal and learning to deal with stress are issues often on the minds of farm and ranch families as well as other concerned individuals.

And what the ADOPT Ministry wants them to know is they're not alone, which is the whole purpose behind the Rural Restoration Conference.

The 12th annual event is set for Feb. 15-17 at the Best Western Coach House. Registration begins at 3 p.m. Friday, followed by dinner at 5 p.m. Last year over 100 people attended.

"This Christian farm conference draws families from across the United States," said Mary Myers, president of the local ADOPT Ministry. "And through it, opportunities will be formed for networking, increased knowledge and spiritual and friendship renewal."

Friday evening will include music by Ron and Haven Howard whose music ministry has involved singing and preaching at revivals, concerts and camps throughout the U.S. as well as New Zealand and Jamaica. The couple has directed adult and children's choirs, conducted music workshops and sang at conventions. In addition, Howard has composed many of the songs they sing and has written "Daily Discovery" which is an interactive Bible study series.

"He plays the guitar and she plays the electric keyboard," Myers noted. "They are so humble, you almost want to weep before them as you worship with them. They are going to be doing this all through the conference. I told them to sing whenever the Lord leads them."

As Friday's keynote speaker, Richard Wheeler's message will be "O, Say, Can We See?" Wheeler is manager/owner of WJLY Radio in Ramsey, Ill.

Ron Steinmetz's midmorning discussion on Saturday will target making stress work in your life and is titled "Stress, Arsenic or Spice." He is the executive director of Bootheel Counseling Services. Discussion will follow with ADOPT board members.

"What Ron says in his speech is that stress can be good," explained Myers. "But it can either poison you or it can make you a stronger person. We are naturally geared to be a little bit stressed and it will motivate us but if you can't get a hold of it then it can become poison."

Setting the stage Saturday afternoon will be Dr. John Stormer whose message is titled "Rebuilding Foundations." A noted speaker and author of "None Dare Call It Education," "Death of a Nation," and "None Dare Call It Treason," he has conducted two weekly Bible studies in the Missouri Capitol for members of the legislature since 1977.

Greg Branum of Columbia, USDA rural development director and formerly with U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, will speak on "Farm and Ranch Families and Rural Development."

At 4 p.m. Saturday Haven Howard will present a workshop for women only. She will provide information about work being accomplished through the RSVP program. Howard has been associated with Missouri Concerned Women for America in Branson.

Sunday will include a prayer session, group praise and worship and testimonies. Also on the agenda is music and a noon buffet. The event will close with a noon buffet and closing ceremony.

Cost is $10 for lunch and breakfast and $15 for dinner. The workshops are free. To register call Myers at 472-4673 or 1-800-472-4674.

"Mainly what we're trying to do is preserve and protect what the founding fathers of America started and gave us and educate people about how we can continue to do this in a peaceful way," Myers said.

"People might have sat around and wondered what they could do, because the picture looks so big but we're just a part of the solution. If one does something about it just in a little way, they are adding to the picture to improve it. When people leave this conference I want them to be motivated to go out and do something in their community."