July 27, 2025

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News
July 31, 2020
‘Works in progress,’ like the rest of us

“And why have you come to this country?”

“And why have you come to this country?”

The Kenyan interviewing the newly-arrived couple surveyed their passports. They could hear another passenger jet touching down beyond the terminal.

“We have come to serve as missionaries.”

Studying them soberly, his rubber stamp poised, the official offered flatly, “You’re too young to be missionaries.” Chip and Chari Kingsbury breathed a sigh as the stamp thumpthumped each document.

“Okay, guys,” I called to our new coworkers while gathering luggage, “next stop — a wedding!”

After the July 4th ceremony the newlyweds, Moses and Jacinta, made their way home. Together they pressed into pastoral work.

Funds were tight but the Kikuyu couple wholly embraced the mission driving them. Moses’ open-air preaching at the city market – his teaching, mentoring, lifting, challenging – spawned new believers, a number of whom responded themselves in the call to serve. A serious cry for training grew.

“Here we are, Jerry, all the extension materials accounted for.” The Kingsbury’s joining us in the Nyeri work came at the right time. Our friendship deepened. Christian workers caught vision, increased their knowledge, prayed fervently, grew bold. The Lord’s kingdom expanded.

“Okay kiddos, let’s see what the Pevensies and Aslan are up to today!” Nothing fired up our children’s imagination (nor our own) like the weekly ritual every Tuesday with Uncle Chip. Reading aloud one by one, all seven volumes of C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles.

Coming years saw Sunday Schools launched as Ann and Chari trained African volunteers eager to nurture children in the Lord.

Creative objects lessons for installing truth were fashioned of raw materials within easy reach. A pile of pebbles, a thorny plant, maize seed.

Young Pastor Moses poured heart and soul into a Pentecostal movement’s Africa work. But labels aside, Christ was gaining a hearing. I link up in a Bible training role – Theological Education by Extension. Sipping chai alongside

Sipping chai alongside X-ray tech Haniel and Civil servant Hector, I watched the T.E.E. trainees apply Biblical truths to hard problems.

Their tackling real issues by prayer and obedience deepened confidence, increased their spiritual influence.

It was powerful change affected through ordinary and not-so-ordinary Jesusfollowers. . . Fallible, limping – and, like the rest of us – continuous “works-inprogress.”

Speaker-writer Jerry Lout grew up in Okmulgee County. A graduate of Preston High School, he completed media training at OSU-Okmulgee prior to his San Antonio college years. He and his wife served 20 years as missionaries in Africa. Visit his website at: www.jerrylout.com, which features his blog entries. Jerry welcomes comments by email at: jerrylout@gmail.com.

©2020 Jerry Lout

New HPS Board Member Welcomed
A: Main, Lifestyle...
New HPS Board Member Welcomed
July 26, 2025
Willem Vandenborn is welcomed by Henryetta Public Schools Superintendent Jason Price after he was sworn in to fill the Ward 2 seat on the HPS board. The action came during a special meeting Thursday, ...
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Patrons Bank warns community of rising phone scams
A: Main, Lifestyle...
Patrons Bank warns community of rising phone scams
July 25, 2025
Patrons Bank is urging the community to be on high alert as phone scams targeting bank customers continue to rise across the country - and right here at home.Scammers are spoofing legitimate bank phon...
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Christmas in July is today
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Christmas in July is today
July 25, 2025
Downtown Henryetta is set to come alive with holiday spirit and summer sunshine today, as the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce presents its annual “Christmas in July” celebration. The event, scheduled fr...
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Back-to-School excitement builds
July 25, 2025
As summer winds down and the school year quickly approaches, Henryetta Public Schools and Dewar Public Schools are rolling out the red carpet for students and families with a series of exciting back-t...
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Main Street Crossing Temporarily Closed
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Main Street Crossing Temporarily Closed
July 25, 2025
The City of Henryetta has announced that the Main Street railroad crossing is currently closed to all traffic. Residents needing to cross the tracks are encouraged to use the Trudgeon Street crossing ...
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Sales Tax Holiday returns Aug. 1-3
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Sales Tax Holiday returns Aug. 1-3
July 25, 2025
Shoppers across Okmulgee County and throughout the state will soon get a much-needed break on back-to-school expenses, as Oklahoma’s annual Sales Tax Holiday kicks off Friday, Aug. 1, and runs through...
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Editor Picks
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Historical Museum open Saturday
July 25, 2025
The Henryetta Historical Museum continues to welcome guests through its doors this summer with its special every-other-weekend schedule - and this Saturday is no exception. The museum will be open Jul...
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News
OCEM Report
July 25, 2025
This report is a summary of activities Okmulgee County Emergency Management participated in and does not reflect all activities performed by or participated in by Okmulgee County Emergency Management....
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Plans underway for Okmulgee County Fair
News
Plans underway for Okmulgee County Fair
July 25, 2025
Planning is in full swing for the much-anticipated 2025 Okmulgee County Fair, with the event officially set to take place Sept. 4-6 at the Okmulgee County Fairgrounds.Members of the Fair Volunteer Com...
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Lions Club celebrates new members, history and upcoming events
News
Lions Club celebrates new members, history and upcoming events
July 25, 2025
The Henryetta Lions Club held a lively and productive meeting on Thursday, July 17, at The Shack 2.0, welcoming new members, celebrating local heritage and preparing for several key community events o...
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News
Preston Schools announces Child Nutrition Program
July 25, 2025
Preston Public Schools announced they are participating in free lunch and/or breakfast program for the 2026 school year. All students enrolled in the district or the listed sites may participate in th...
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