Sharing God’s Love
A trip to Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries, to build a “Casita”, a 10’ X 20’ house at the Casa Betel orphanage in
Matamores, MX. See Larry Cruse, (936) 291-3679 or 714-4652 If you are interested in participating in mission work.
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Nicaragua Mission Trip 2011
On the mission trip this year, a school house was remodeled and painted. Before and after pictures are below.
The name of our school, for this is the one we are now supporting, is San Antonio and it is located in the
community of Tomayunca. This school has been closed for a while but with our completed renovations it will be in
use again and run by MisionParaCristo.
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Change for Change projects
Your change for change dollars paid for the materials for this 37' long wheel chair ramp. The ramp was built for
Deacon Upson of New Waverly by the Boy Scouts of Huntsville under the direction of Noah Speer. The boys
worked very hard from 9:00 on a Saturday morning until 11:30 that night and then a few had to return at a later
date to install the hand rails.
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Bethany’s Legacy
by Molly Campbell
“... the location must be entirely rural—in the country, detached from all external society; not convenient to any town or
place of rendezvous—in the midst of forests, fields, and gardens—salubrious air, pure water—diversified scenery of hills
and valleys, limpid brooks, and meandering streams of rapid flowing water.” Quoted from Alexander Campbell on the
establishment of Bethany College in his newspaper The Millennial Harbinger, 1839.
On a twisted road we traveled through lush green foliage in the Allegheny foothills, which gave us a clue to the natural
beauty of Campbell's Bethany. The collegiate Gothic architecture of Bethany College intrigued us as we passed down
Main Street. We then crossed the bridge over Buffalo Creek; up a hill and over the top we ascended for the seven
disciples’ first vista of the Campbell Mansion (1790-1840).
We HFCC disciples came together in our search for something bigger than ourselves. This mission was to preserve
the legacy of Christian Church founder A. Campbell by repairs to his mansion. Our restoration included scraping,
sanding and painting of interior windowsills, baseboards and doors. To experience the atmosphere of this historic
mansion as we learned of the impact of our Christian forefather’s new reform movement encouraged a renewal of faith.
W. Virginia Regional Minister Thaddeus Allen shared his understanding of the great movement in this country for
Christian freedom. He spoke of Alexander and Thomas Campbell’s sense of righteousness that all should be welcome to
the sacramental life. Author Debra Hull talked regarding two women who helped pioneer the reformation of the church in
early America, Carrie Nation and Zerelda Wallace. Felicity Ruggiero, curator for the Campbell Mansion, guided us and
imparted her extensive knowledge of Bethany legacy. The seven HFCC disciples felt blessed to belong where all are
welcome to the Lord’s Communion Table. All of us experienced a time of enlightenment and fresh understanding to
share with our congregation.
These people were members of the Bethany mission trip from the HFCC, TX, and Southington Methodist Church,
Ohio. Minister of Missions Larry Cruse with wife Jan, both retired, directed this mission. Other believers were: Worship
Ministry Leader Molly Campbell, retired teacher of the arts; Associate Minister of Music Carol Carden, retired choral
educator; Warren, Ohio, business woman Brenda Goswick, retired TDCJ Lieutenant; Annette Jergins, retired public
school librarian; and our youngest Golden Wright, professor of Dance LSU, Beaumont, TX.
In the town of Bethany (2008) there was one general store, Bethany College, Campbell Mansion, BMCC, Equestrian
Center, residential homes and a motel. No gas stations, no Wal-Marts, no fast food cafe existed in Bethany. We lived in
the dormitory and ate in the cafeteria at the college. Our bonus was an indoor swimming pool. The Bethany Memorial
looked to be the only church. Its beauty and sanctuary were open to all for twenty-four hours. We admired the beautiful
stain glass windows and explored its empty rooms. With permission we held our evening devotional there with scriptures
read, prayers shared, Carol played the piano and we sang. What a blessing found in a church building with its doors
open to welcome visitors anytime. The confidence of the people in that church warmed our hearts and strengthened
our trust in mankind. All seven of us want to go back to Bethany with the warm friendly people. The unity of friendships
developed between our members inspired us to join another mission trip led by our Larry Cruse.
by Molly Campbell
“... the location must be entirely rural—in the country, detached from all external society; not convenient to any town or
place of rendezvous—in the midst of forests, fields, and gardens—salubrious air, pure water—diversified scenery of hills
and valleys, limpid brooks, and meandering streams of rapid flowing water.” Quoted from Alexander Campbell on the
establishment of Bethany College in his newspaper The Millennial Harbinger, 1839.
On a twisted road we traveled through lush green foliage in the Allegheny foothills, which gave us a clue to the natural
beauty of Campbell's Bethany. The collegiate Gothic architecture of Bethany College intrigued us as we passed down
Main Street. We then crossed the bridge over Buffalo Creek; up a hill and over the top we ascended for the seven
disciples’ first vista of the Campbell Mansion (1790-1840).
We HFCC disciples came together in our search for something bigger than ourselves. This mission was to preserve
the legacy of Christian Church founder A. Campbell by repairs to his mansion. Our restoration included scraping,
sanding and painting of interior windowsills, baseboards and doors. To experience the atmosphere of this historic
mansion as we learned of the impact of our Christian forefather’s new reform movement encouraged a renewal of faith.
W. Virginia Regional Minister Thaddeus Allen shared his understanding of the great movement in this country for
Christian freedom. He spoke of Alexander and Thomas Campbell’s sense of righteousness that all should be welcome to
the sacramental life. Author Debra Hull talked regarding two women who helped pioneer the reformation of the church in
early America, Carrie Nation and Zerelda Wallace. Felicity Ruggiero, curator for the Campbell Mansion, guided us and
imparted her extensive knowledge of Bethany legacy. The seven HFCC disciples felt blessed to belong where all are
welcome to the Lord’s Communion Table. All of us experienced a time of enlightenment and fresh understanding to
share with our congregation.
These people were members of the Bethany mission trip from the HFCC, TX, and Southington Methodist Church,
Ohio. Minister of Missions Larry Cruse with wife Jan, both retired, directed this mission. Other believers were: Worship
Ministry Leader Molly Campbell, retired teacher of the arts; Associate Minister of Music Carol Carden, retired choral
educator; Warren, Ohio, business woman Brenda Goswick, retired TDCJ Lieutenant; Annette Jergins, retired public
school librarian; and our youngest Golden Wright, professor of Dance LSU, Beaumont, TX.
In the town of Bethany (2008) there was one general store, Bethany College, Campbell Mansion, BMCC, Equestrian
Center, residential homes and a motel. No gas stations, no Wal-Marts, no fast food cafe existed in Bethany. We lived in
the dormitory and ate in the cafeteria at the college. Our bonus was an indoor swimming pool. The Bethany Memorial
looked to be the only church. Its beauty and sanctuary were open to all for twenty-four hours. We admired the beautiful
stain glass windows and explored its empty rooms. With permission we held our evening devotional there with scriptures
read, prayers shared, Carol played the piano and we sang. What a blessing found in a church building with its doors
open to welcome visitors anytime. The confidence of the people in that church warmed our hearts and strengthened
our trust in mankind. All seven of us want to go back to Bethany with the warm friendly people. The unity of friendships
developed between our members inspired us to join another mission trip led by our Larry Cruse.
