ILTI Celebration Finale

LEI staff and ILTI graduates

ILTI Celebration Luncheon

Kirk of the Hills volunteers prepared a beautiful luncheon for our International Literacy Training Institute (ILTI) students in honor of their graduation achievement.

 Alice Rice (92 years young), wife of LEI founder Rev. Bob Rice, shared what a blessing it is to meet all the students who carry on her husband's life's work.

Thank you appreciations were given by Tedd Lodes (this year's ILTI coordinator) to the many staff members, teachers, and volunteers who made the five week event possible.  

Rev. Bob Beiderman (LEI North America Director) received an award commemorating his 20 years of faithful service.  Tedd Lodes (LEI Latin America Director), Rev. Sid Rice (LEI Executive Director) and Bob's daughter, Sarah, are present to share the moment with the LEI staff and ILTI students.

Friday Evening Graduation

 ILTI students Ted (far left) and Helena (far right) represented the students and spoke to those gathered, telling about the wonderful International Literacy Training Institute experience.

(pictured here are ILTI graduates Ted, Innocent, Tania, Funlola, and Helena)

 With a very encouraging message, Reverend Jim Lenderman, from Asbury United Methodist Church, Tulsa, challenged the students, with Matthew 25:14-21, to wisely use the talents with which the Lord has entrusted them.

 The graduates pause for a class photo.

(pictured left to right Ted, Innocent, Tania, Funlola, Helena, Faith, David, Emmanuel, Harold)

The graduation was hosted by LEI Board of Trustees Members Margie Scruggs (far left) and Julie Hughes (far right) at their church, Redeemer Covenant Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma.  We appreciate the act of kindness they bestowed on all of us.  There was tasty food, friendly fellowship and thought provoking table decorations.  

(pictured from left to right are Margie, Helena, Christa, Funlola, and Julie)

Can you guess the clever metaphor depicted by this table decoration?

"Church planting" 

The card says, "Growing God's Church one reader at a time, all to the glory of God."

"Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth." 

1 Corinthians 3:7 (NASB)

posted by Christa