LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Altar Society says thanks Editor, the Leader-News:

On behalf of the St. John's Altar Society in New Taiton, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who came out and supported our annual chicken dinner. It was again a huge success. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Also to the parishioners of St. John's, thank you for your continued support and dedication to our parish. May God reward each of you.

Karen Zapalac

Chairman

Pro-annexation group forms Editor, the Leader-News:

As to the age of towns, El Campo is a relatively young town. As to the age of the citizens of El Campo, I am a relatively old citizen and one of a few having been born here and living here for a lifetime. As such, I have observed much of the change and growth which has occurred over the past eight decades. What astonishing progress has been made. Let's keep it growing.

While young girls, my friend and I would ride our horses to her grandparent Franke's farm for a picnic lunch in the country (a long ride for us). That property is just behind Mr. Gatti's today. We also rode to "Dry Creek" way out in the country - that area is now populated with banks, businesses, a theatre, a bowling alley, etc. on the West Loop.

My father, Jesse Myatt, purchased farm property on which to build a new home and live in the country on the outskirts of El Campo. Soon after building, the city decided that the property should be annexed and my father didn't fight with the city because he knew the annexation would benefit the town. Today several El Campo schools and many homes occupy this area and the town has continued to build west and north.

The Halling farm and homestead and others to the north and west have been annexed as well, with no objections from the owners because these people are loyal citizens who prefer to put the good of the city before their personal agendas. Today the hospital, assisted-living center and shopping centers occupy these acres on the north part of the West Loop.

Other areas have been annexed through the years to accommodate industrial parks and highway businesses which need not only city utilities but also police, fire and ambulance services. This is what a business or industry requires when making a decision to locate in a city. That is also the reason people own homes near a city, to take advantage of the safety of that location and annexation should come as no big surprise.

Without annexation none of our progress would have occurred. What would El Campo be like today? Hillje?

Cities and towns don't stand still, either they grow or they stagnate and die. Do you care? Are you willing to look at the issues and help our city? A PAC, Let's Grow Together is being formed to get the facts out and you are welcome to join. We need fair minded citizens to join this effort.

Respectfully,

Rita Radley

Believers should all unite Editor, the Leader-News:

So long has passed since I last graced these pages with my words of opinion. I had mailed a letter to all the pastors and church leaders here in Wharton County, Hope I did not miss anyone.

We have about 44 churches between the Chamber of Commerce, phone book and a few other lists. The message was sent as a proposal of joining together as one body of Christ in the attempts to break down denominational walls. Some of us believe divisions are the way the enemy keeps the body of Christ separated and as long as the separation exists we will never be able to fight the good fight of faith. Why not come together as one unit and stand for what we believe - The Word of God.

The anointed who are called to minister, feed the same flock day in day out. We as believers in Jesus Christ get fed over and over again while the rest of the world follows a path to destruction. Are you the anointed, not responsible for those who need you the most or is it your responsibility to give 20 bucks to the John Doe that comes to the church door begging, knowing very well that it is used for some unscrupulous activity. Funny, there was one such lady who plays the system, at the bus station in El Campo, with three church leaders lining up to give her cash. Who are we trying to fool here? Did she need the cash or did she need salvation - a free gift.

The Word of God says: if my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and see my face and turn from their wicked ways then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land. 2 Chro. 7:14. So believers of Wharton County before it is too late, let us go out to the high-ways and hedges and compel them to come in that my house may be filled. Luke 14:23.

Churches in Wharton County let us unite as one body of believers and pray together for family, neighborhood, government. Let us join hands one day this year and stand up and be counted for Jesus Christ.

Sanjay Aberdeen