Open Arms Community Church is planning a mission trip to Africa next spring to help some newfound friends.
"It's really quite interesting how this all worked out," said Multimedia Coordinator Josh Hatcher, describing the circumstances that built the church's relationship with a a church and school in Conakry, Guinea.

"I watched a movie called, 'Blood Diamond', about the civil war in Sierra Leone. The movie shows the horrors that these people faced, and it left me with a strong feeling that I should look for a way to help these refugees and victims of such a brutal war," said Hatcher.

A few weeks later, a friend lent Hatcher a book called, "A Long Way Gone" by Ishmael Beah. "When I read the story of this young boy who was conscripted to fight in an army, hopped up in drugs, and forced to kill at such a young age, I started to pray for a way to help."

Now, Hatcher was armed with information. In Beah's account, he escaped to a city in Guinea, where many refugees went to escape the war-- Conakry, Guinea. "For the next month, I prayed, and asked God to give me an opportunity to help the refugees from Sierra Leone that live in Conakry," said Hatcher, "But at that point, all I did was pray. That's why the email caught me completely by surprise."

Hatcher recieved an email from David Coker, Pastor of New Family Church and Administrator of Gateway International School in Conakry, Guinea. Coker had been browsing the internet when he discovered the Open Arms Church Website, and decided to send an email asking for the two churches to partner together.

"I get so many scams in my inbox, that I couldn't believe it. To get an unsolicited email from the exact people group in the exact city that I was praying for just seemed too strange," said Hatcher, who followed up with a little research.

Hatcher then came into contact with The Baobob Foundation in Texas. The Baobob Foundation is a small start up non-profit that is working to help Pastor Coker in Guinea, and other communities in Africa. They confirmed that Pastor David Coker's request was legitimate, and that their founder, Dr. Robert Bradsby had actually helped Coker start the school in Guinea a few years ago.

Open Arms Pastor Mike McAvoy and Hatcher started communicating with Pastor Coker via email, sending sermon notes, encouraging emails, and even some financial support.

Coker invited a team from Open Arms to come to Guinea in March of 2009 to help lead a Pastor's conference, offering training and equipping for pastors from all over West Africa.

"We plan to take a team that will not only help lead the conference, but also to do humanitarian work. Pastor David's School is in need of some maintenance and supplies, and we desire to help them strengthen their impact on the community they live in," said Hatcher.

McAvoy said, "I'm excited to go and be a part of making a difference in Conakry and hope that we the people of bradford realize that we can make a difference for the good both here in Bradford and overseas. I hope we're all challenged to think outside our box of our own lifestyles and wants and consider how our life and resources can help others."

Open Arms and the Baobob Foundation plan to send over a shipping container that will arrive at the same time they do. "We're collecting medical supplies, school supplies, treadle-powered sewing machines, gently used computers, new clothing, and anything else that would help our friends in Guinea meet the basic educational and health needs of their community."

Hatcher says that Open Arms is still raising funds to make the trip, and accepting donations of supplies. For more information, please contact Open Arms at 814-368-8846 or openarms@openarmsbradford.org

Last week came the welcome news that the Federal Highway Administration rejected the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s bid to toll Interstate 80. I, like many of you who opposed the tolling of I-80, was pleased with the decision and felt it was the appropriate decision for the citizens of the Commonwealth. It really speaks volumes to the success that can be experienced when state and local leaders work together for what is in the best interest of our communities.

However, while everyone continues to express appreciation for the federal government’s decision, one fact still remains…we have a transportation funding crisis across this country. Once again, and oddly rightfully so this time, the federal government finds problems, but never solutions. Sure, they turned down the transportation plan, but they did nothing to bring about solutions to this crisis. As you may or may not know, the Federal Highway Fund, which helps states fund a significant portion of our road and bridge needs, is almost bankrupt. Unless they come up with a solution quickly, and I doubt they will, it is going to be left up to the states to find means to support a deteriorating infrastructure. In Pennsylvania’s case, that deteriorating infrastructure is the worst in the nation.

Therefore, over the past several months I have been around the district informing community leaders of a transportation plan, which I recently introduced in the Senate. First, the plan calls for the elimination of tolls on Interstate 80; part of the plan that has already proven successful. In addition, this plan calls for the General Assembly and the Governor to make tough budgetary decisions. It calls for, among other actions, transferring funding for the Pennsylvania State Police out of the Motor License Fund over a two-year period. This creates over a half billion dollars toward our roads and bridges. The State Police would be funded by existing revenues in the general fund. Along with public-private partnerships and limited bonding, the Commonwealth would be looking at approximately one billion dollars toward transportation.

As I stated, we have to make tough, prudent decisions in the general fund to make this happen. However, I believe the safety of our residents far outweighs the need for a good headline on a project that should not be a priority in the budget. It is time to reign in spending, make infrastructure a priority and find much of the revenues for our road and bridge problem in the current state budget.

Tuesday, August 5th

Join You Neighbors!
Say Thank You and Good Bye to Elm Street Interns Kara and Rachel!
Give Crime and Drugs a Going Away Party!

Garden Wrap Up 5-6:30 PM
- Community Garden - 9 Bank Street

National Night Out
7-9 PM
- Family Video Parking Lot


National Night Out will feature
WESB and Cool 100 Live Remote
Bradford City Police Department
DARE Care and ERT Van
SAFE Kids McKean
Fingerprinting ID Kits
Safety Information
Kids Activities

Open your heart and home to an international high school student! We are looking for families just like yours who are willing to open up their heart and home to one of our students. Our families are interested in other cultures and youth and want the experience of a lifetime!

As a host family, you will become part of the worldwide Face The World family, a leader in student exchange programs. Your generous hospitality, understanding, and enthusiasm form the foundation of our programs. You will build friendships and relationships with students and families around the world. By hosting an international student you are providing an opportunity for community and school outreach and can impact the lives of those around you.

We're looking for host families in the McKean, Potter, and Cameron County areas!

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, contact:
Zoe Hatcher
814-362-2813
helgazoe@atlanticbb.net

Labels: exchange students

Happy Birthday USA

Happy Birthday too, to Isaiah And Michaelah!

and Happy Tenth Anniversary to my wife Zoe!

A few weeks ago, a handful of Sunday School kids put their faith in action, and that action is motivating others at Open Arms Community Church in Bradford to do the same.

"Before church, they were selling rocks for a dollar," said Josh Hatcher, Outreach Coordinator at Open Arms. He said the kids had handwritten a little sign that said, "Rocks 4 Sale to help the Africa 'Mishuns' (Missions) Trip."

Open Arms has been planning a trip to the city of Conakry in Guinea, Africa in the Spring of 2009 to do humanitarian work.

After church, while the some of the adults were in a leadership meeting, the kids took their passion to the streets, putting together a makeshift lemonade stand and attempting to hawk their wares to passing cars.

Children's Ministry Coordinator Michelle Mahaney said, "I was really moved by what those kids did! They had that burning desire in their hearts; they were on a mission! They wanted to help and they did it the only way the knew. They had one hour to work with, and it got me thinking about how much they did in one hour."

Mahaney was inspired to launch what she calls "Mission Lemonade." She will work with all the kids from the Open Arms Children's Ministry to put up a lemonade stand at the church this weekend. All of the money raised will go to fund the upcoming missions trip.
"It's really the idea of a handful of elementary aged kids. I just want all of the kids to see that they can help make a difference. I want them to have a sense of accomplishment. If it works out well, we may sell lemonade once a month," said Mahaney.

Hatcher said that the church's trip to Guinea will be to help out a church and school comprised largely of refugees from Sierra Leone. "These are the refugees that you see in the movie 'Blood Diamond'. Guinea is one of the poorest countries in the world. We've been in a close relationship with this church and school for about a year now, and we're excited about meeting our friends there face to face."

The "Mission Lemonade" stand will be open this Saturday, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM and Sunday form 10:30 to 12:00 PM in front of Open Arms Community Church on East Main Street.

I had to travel to Batavia, NY to visit Northgate Church ( http://www.northgatefmc.com )

On the way home, my friend took me out to eat at Alex's Place ( http://www.alexsribs.com ) near the Batavia Downs Race Track.


I had the Half Rack Lunch Special - Garlic Ribs with BBQ on the side, coleslaw, fries, and a bowl of Cheesy Pepperoni Soup.

These were by far, the best ribs I've ever tasted in my life, and perhaps the best restaurant I've ever been to in my life.

The establishment looks like an old speak-easy, and it was a little darker inside than I prefer, but again, the food was ABSOLUTELY amazing, and if any of you are in the neighborhood, I highly recommend getting ya' some ribs!

Labels: New York, ribs

I had to travel to Batavia, NY to visit Northgate Church ( http://www.northgatefmc.com )

On the way home, my friend took me out to eat at Alex's Place ( http://www.alexsribs.com ) near the Batavia Downs Race Track.


I had the Half Rack Lunch Special - Garlic Ribs with BBQ on the side, coleslaw, fries, and a bowl of Cheesy Pepperoni Soup.

These were by far, the best ribs I've ever tasted in my life, and perhaps the best restaurant I've ever been to in my life.

The establishment looks like an old speak-easy, and it was a little darker inside than I prefer, but again, the food was ABSOLUTELY amazing, and if any of you are in the neighborhood, I highly recommend getting ya' some ribs!

Gage Campbell of Bradford picked off this six point this morning near Coudersport.

Way to go Gage!


Did you get a deer? email us the photo and your information to: editor@rouletterebel.com

Labels: deer, hunting

Someone has way to much time on their hands!

News: 08/28/07 - Council Passes Parks Smoking Ban It's almost official – no smoking in three city parks. Bradford City Council Tuesday night amended a resolution that will ban smoking in Veterans Square, Callahan and Hanley parks. Mayor Michele Corignani voted against the resolution, only because she says doesn't address enforcement of the ban. Councilman Tom Riel, however, says enforcement is already built into the existing regulations. Riel says he introduced the amendment because city employees are spending too much time cleaning up cigarette butts in the parks. Riel the ban is a step forward for to make Bradford a better place. The amendment will go into effect after it's posted, and a legal notice is in the paper. Riel says everyone he's talked to is overwhelmingly in favor of the smoking ban.

From WESB.com

The following is a memo from City Clerk John Peterson to Mayor Michele Corignani and Bradford City Council.

Following the devastating storm on Saturday evening, August 25, the city's unofficial motto "Cool Town, Warm Hearts" was never more evident. Scenario after scenario unfolded over the weekend with neighbor helping neighbor, business owners helping city work crews, adn the list goes on and on. To try to thank everyone would be virtually impossible, but some deserve special recognition.

Penelec for the coordinated response. More than 85 lineman plus supervisors and mechanics were on site from as far away as Erie, Meadville, Clearfield, Johnstown and Cleveland. They worked around the clock to restore all power by 12 p.m. Sunday.
Davey Tree Service for their invaluable assistance to electrical crews and our residents.
Verizon for all of the necessary pole replacements.
Country Fair and Store Manage Melinda Haynes and Her Staff for keeping city emergency vehicles fueled while power was out at our normal facility. In addition, Country Fair fed and supplied coffee for city crews and special police.
Bradford Sub Shop for feeding City Fire Department emergency workers.
Bradford Special Police for their dedication and countless hours of work this past weekend. They provided coverage for the Crook Farm Country Fair as well as emergency storm coverage, and returned to provide coverage of Crook Farm again on Sunday. Chief Lloyd Huntoon and his staff deserve a round of applause and a sincere thank-you.
City Fire, Police, DPW and Parks Employees for their tireless efforts in all areas of the city as they reopened roadways, tended to emergency needs of our residents and their continuing efforts to restore our city to its nomal condition.
Bradford Water Authority, Sanitary Authority, Flood Control Authority and Adjoining Municipalities both local as well as Kane Borough and Wetmore Township for their assistance as the cleanup effort continues.
McKean County Emergency Management Agency for their response to the Bradford area.
Bona Responds for hearing about the storm and respondng from St. Bonaventure University to our community.

I am certain that this is just a very short list of people and agencies that have stepped up to help. I apologize to everyone that may have provided assistance that were not mentioned; these are only the ones that I have been made aware of.

Finally, perhaps the biggest thank you should go to all of our community for whatever assistance you may have provided during the storm. Whether it was cutting up trees, hauling branches, sharing generators or tools, cleaning off storm grates, etc., etc., etc.. In 35 years of government service I don't think I have every been more proud of our city residents and workers.