ee Wednesday, November 30, 1994 enka: ‘ia i t Wednesday, November 30, 1994 The Castlegar Sun ee is quite low in fat. about the same fat-content milk. The risk of breast cancer increases with age. At age 25, the is 1 in 19, At age 50, it's 1 in 50 and at age 80, in 10. of our best Dt et 2 kerantary welln out tre door each night. our Staff serve you soon. Pharmasave Brand DM+ EXPECTORANT $322 100 mi. PHARMASAVE 3rd St. (Downtown) Castlegar OPEN SUNDAYS 11:00 A.M. TO 3 P.M. John Munday, my teacher/missionary friend in is both my and my candle in a darkening world. In an cra of western civi- lization which will certainly go down in history as the age of self-doomed victim-kin, John is a gallant, if all-too-human coun- terbalance. He was born with a frail body and nervous but My conscience have, kept | him struggling against the odds. I doubt, though, if like Job, his story will have such a happy ending—but who knows? Meanwhile, he has promised to write the story of his life in Ecuador. I ‘should bea fortunately, a well developed, if slightly zany, sense of humor. He taught French and English at Stanley Humphries, where he and I launched two early and successful He then went to South America as a missionary-teach- er, where after working in the Amazonian jungles, a feat of unimagined courage for anyone as nervous and fastidious as John then was, he started his orphanage/shelter, Dios Paj Nan (God's Way). It began with one room and two abandoned orphan boys. More than 30 years of tremen- dous toil and dedication later, had become a large complex of buildings and some 45 “sons and daughters.” About six years ago geologic and domestic earthquakes changed all this so that his build- ings, his organization and his own emotional and physical health were almost destroyed. Extensive heart surgery was only Partially successful and psycho- logical counselling less so. Finally, three years ago, a Stranger in his own land, he retuned “home” to Ecuador to attempt to carry on his work among some of the poorest of the poor—a daunting and dis- heartening task, particularly with his fragile health and deep bouts of depression. Like Job, he has suffered every kind of trial. Like Job his strong faith and all-embracing ig, all- too-human account, full of high tragedy ' and that zany humor, of high idealism and petty betrayal, laughter, courage and tears. His story of Maria is one facet among thousands. He Starts it as follows: “Yesterday I was in the center of town where 23-year-old Maria Lastena “works” all day, every day. Her “work” consists in sitting in her wheelchair so that passersby can drop coins and the periodic bill on her lap, even though Maria has no lap. She was born without arms or legs, nor has she any vestiges of arms or legs. This I know, because when she was five years old I became friends with the curly-haired head and limb- less trunk that is Maria. and my candle care for her five remaining brothers and sisters. “They rent a tiny room in a dangerous neighborhood high up on the slopes of Mt. Pichinicha and it's Maria's responsibility to pay the monthly rent of $20, to feed and clothe her small brood and to supply them with the and rapidly diminishing bank account, I had no trouble in deciding to buy the wheelchair, trusting it wouldn't turn into a pumpkin on the fairly long taxi ride back to the center of town and to Maria. “We'd been gone for hardly an hour when I pushed the wheelchair up beside Maria Lastena whose back was to me, | calling out, ‘taxi!’ She turned around and the radiance of her surprised smile was worth far more than $200. We soon had About a month ago, while they were all sleeping, their humble home was invaded by thieves. Their stove, tv, and even Maria's wheelchair all disappeared. Nor has either parent returned to cushion their loss so that they are lit- erally abandoned. Maria told me this unbeliev- ably sad story yesterday and explained that the broken-down wheelchair in which she was propped was only on loan for a few more days. Of course she was desperate, but her always cheerful face and sparkling eyes failed to reflect her inward pain. “Rather than attempt on of dol “She hardly 's the plastic, foam-rubber-lined chair I made for her where she was placed like a cheerful egg in a white plastic egg-cup, but I think she remembers my placing crayons in her mouth and encouraging her to color pic- tures from a Bible Paint Book.” That was 18 years ago. Since then, her attractive parents have separated her—father with another woman and her mother with another man. A younger brother and sister have marricd and moved to another part of town and are raising families -of their own, while Maria has been left to I told her I'd try ‘to find her a wheelchair all of her.own so that she could return ‘the bor- rowed and broken chair. My friend and I found the address of a tiny shop that specializes in prosthetic limbs and is owned and managed by a gen- tleman who has two artificial legs himself.” Miraculously, someone had left a slightly-used wheelchair that was in perfect condition except for one of the two foot supports. As Maria has no feet that was no problem They gave it to me for half Price at $200, and despite a her fe and had the old borrowed wheelchair back at the Social Institute.” While I reminded her that we had an eternal home in heaven waiting for us made possible because of God's grace and the perfect work of Christ on our behalf, I also assured her that right now, in this life, things would start to look up for her. “At this stage two middle- aged nuns dressed in white stopped to chat with her, almost overcome by her tragic situation and obvious courage. One of them, remembered me from the time I lived at the “Line of the Equator” and both were exceed- ingly friendly. I'm sure that we belonged to the same spiritual family and are just here for a very short time, but I was struck by their love and kindness and genuine compassion. “Refreshing gusts of a heav- enly kind of air and atmosphere come from the most unexpected places. In this case it was the fellowship enjoyed through the befriending of two Roman Catholic nuns (who addressed me as “Padre!).”” In another letter (to Burt Campbell), John writes: “T think it was St. Augustine who centuries ago said: * You, our God, have made us for your- self and we find no rest until we find it in you!” *" Our Neig Abourly Rates Make It Seem More Like Borrowing Than Renting. | 4 } )95 per three-day weekend Your Neighbourhood Thrifty Car Rental When you need to rent a car, drop by your neighbour- hood Thrifty Car Rental. Who else would give you the 1-800-FOR CARS™ (1-800-367-2277) Rate applies to a three-day weekend rental on the Plymouth Voyager or similar Minivan Rate includes 800 free kilometres. 18 cents each additional kilometre. Offer subject to availability. Some restrictions apply, @ Traity teatures quality products of Chrysler Canada and other fine cars. Thrifty Car Rental. We're the ones in your neighbourhood. neighbourly gesture of 10% off this rate when you rent a Plymouth Voyager with the American Express® Card. It's just part of what you expect from the car rental company that's Historically Known For Low Rates. TM, * used under license from American Express Company Castlegar Airport 365-3900 Sebi offers something for everyone | | W's easy | It's en than you think to ike a difference in today's ) The public is invited to a free talk by Jackie Mealing and ‘Annalia Thompson on a grass- ers program in which they are involved that empowers families jand Mayan villages in Mexico. ‘The talk will be heard Thursday, jDec. 1 from 12-2 p.m. in the Sen- tinel Lecture Theatre at the Castle- gar Campus. Other aid initiatives under discussion are Gift of Hope, Northwest Medical, recycling clothing and a cement project. Everyone is welcome, and anyone fan make a difference. | | First time Now, for the first time, those rating a small business cater- jing to tourists can attend a 30- Coen ey credit hours in ting and Customer Service presented by the Tourism (Careers Training department. Starting Jan. 9, classes meet Monday and Wednesday form 7- 10 p.m. Topics include market esearch, customer profiles, uct analysis and pricing and marketing techniques: For Festival features a lottery for three fabulous travel packages. Tickets are $5 each and are avail- able from College campuses in Trail and Castlegar as well as at particip All proceeds from the Festival of Trees and the lottery support the Selkirk College Foundation’s efforts to raise funds for student awards and the enhancement of higher education at Selkirk Col- lege. Don’t miss out on your chance to win a great trip. Buy a Festival Lottery Ticket. Tourism workforce training A Tourism Workforce Training program gets underway in Trail starting Jan. 9, This 18-week pro- gram is designed for those receiv- ing B.C. Income Assistance who have the desire to work in the industry. The Yetails, contact the A Office at the Nelson Campus. Dee Daniels | On Dec. 2, Vancouver based Jazz/Gospel singer, songwriter and pianist Dee Daniels will spend the day with music stu- dents before performing at Nel- son's Capitol Theatre. Tickets are {510 at the usual outlets in Nelson. | | Festival of Trees It's Festival of Trees time gain and this year’s fifth annual gala event will be held Friday, Dec. 2 at the Rec. Complex in (Castlegar. This year’s expanded vent actually begins Thursday, . 1 with a seniors tour of the {trees on display from 10:30 - jnoon followed by a visit from \Santa for area children form 2-5 ‘p.m. at the Recplex. This year’s bulk of the training is done through work placements that allow participants to gain real-life experience in the tourism indus- try. For more information, quali- fied candidates should contact the Trail Campus or the nearest Social Services Office. Hospitality A proposal for the college to run Hospitality Skills Develop- ment program in conjunction with Human Resources Canada has been developed to meet the needs of those with work experi- ence in tourism who are unable to advance because they lack formal credentials or superviso- ry skills. The proposed program would begin in January at the Nelson Campus. Graduates would receive an Association of 301 - 11th Ar (Tulips Building) 365-51 Tourism Professional Tourism Careers Passport awarded by the Pacific Rim Institute of Tourism, If this program is of interest to you, please contact Selkirk College's Tourism Department at 352-6601. Office administration The Office Administration program at the Nelson and Trail Campuses is accepting applica- tions for the program beginning Jan. 3. This is a full-time, 10 - month hands-on training pro- gram in modern office technology and related office management skills. For those who have completed the Office Administration program and desire specialized training, the Legal Secretary option is accepting applicants to begin studies in January in the prepa- ration of legal documents relat- ing to conveyancing, civil litigation, probate, corporate and family law. For more informa- tion, contact either the Nelson or the Trail Campus. Local writers The second in the Selkirk Col- lege Local Writers’ Series will be heard Thursday, Dec. 1 from 12-1 p.m. when Slocan Valley free- lance writer Rita Moir reads from her new book Survival Gear pub- lished recently by Polestar Press. The reading is free and open to anyone interested. Home study Selkirk College Home Study begins a new semester in January with some new listings. Added to the winter line-up of credit courses is Creative Writing, Rus- sian Language, Psychology 206. Don't forget, the Electronics Technician Core program is now available by home study as are courses in medical terminology and bookkeeping. For more intor- mation about Selkirk College Home Study, contact any Selkirk College Admissions Office. | STi WROCK CAFE FEATURING mexican & Western Disnes BANQUET FACILITIES & A Kootenay Christmas Story Dennis looked cautiously about the room... . Out of sight, out of mind, was no longer true. Budding writers ages 10 and up are invited to write a story, up to 250 words, starting with “Dennis looked cautiously about the room...” and finishing with "Out of sight, out of mind, was no longer true.“ Please submit your stories to: The Castlegar Sun, 465 Columbia Ave. Castlegar, BC, VIN 1G8 by Wednesday December 14, 1994 and they will appear in our December 21st issue. Great Prizes. Watch for more details! Richard Maddocks (I), Castlegar and District Economic Development Officer, and David Emerson, President and CEO, YVR, discuss the federal government's ~new national airports policy, including the transfer of airports from Transport Cana- da to local control during the recent community airports conference in Richmond. More than 130 representatives from 26 British Columbia airport communities attended the two-day meeting hosted by Vancouver International Airport which has been a locally controlled authority since 1992. | The Sun Classifieds - sell, sell, sell! | STARTING JANUARY '95 Set a date... and Plan your Autoplan with BCAA! Your Autoplan agents at BCAA are pleased to introduce three new features for your 1995S Autoplan policy— all designed to provide you with added security and peace-of-mind. Good news for safe drivers! If you have kept your 40% safe-driving discount for more than 5 years in a row—you are now eligible for DISCOUNT PROTECTION—which means should you have one accident, you will continue to receive the maximum 40% discount ROADSTAR PACKAGE Again, if you've kept your safe-driving status for more than 5 years, you are now eligible for $100 worth of coverage for only $30, which gives you a Rental Vehicle Policy, Vehicle Travel Protection Policy and Loss of Use Policy—ask your BCAA Autoplan Agent for full details! PLACEMENT COST POLICY FOR NEW VEHICLES And yet another benefit for safe drivers in B.C.! In the event of a total loss, this new policy option offers you either a brand new vehicle or a cash settlement equal to the original price of the vehicle, plus a built-in factor for inflation! BCAA offers you all this plus ¢ 20 convenient locations ¢ free parking at most locations ¢ the most experienced agents to advise you on the best coverage for you and your automobile! BCAA Insurance ADENCY GRD as on os on os om oo 596 Baker Street Ph. 352-3535 * Sl ly The Caen AIK The weekly newspaper with a daily commitment a 7. Rental STORICALLY KNOWN FOR LOW RATES. gar Sun Recognizing Road Sense FA oe ee ee ee oe ee eee ee ee L SSS SSS SSSS SSS SSSSSS SS SSS SPSS SSS SSS SSeS eee