SIGHT dedication
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A Sight Ministry Center was officially opened with the dedication ceremony held Jan. 9 at St. John's Lutheran School in Baldwin. It was established by Lutheran Women's Missionary League societies of the area Lutheran churches.
Dr. Phillip Pledger, president of Lutheran Braille Workers (LBW) based in California, was the guest preacher during the worship service and spoke at the dedication. He was assisted by Rev. John Taggatz, pastor at St. John's.
The Center, known as SIGHT (Seeing Impaired Gaining His Truth), will be producing Christian literature for those who are visual impaired. The first book that is being produced is the Book of Revelations. It contains 95 pages in large print. The Center is expected to produce 200 books per month.
Dr. Pledger emphasized the importance of reaching out with the Gospel to those who are visual impaired. There are more than 180 million people around the world experiencing life with a visual impairment. The LBW is one of the largest providers of Christian Braille and specialized large print in the world. He said all the literature that is requested is free of charge made possible through contributions and the volunteer labor.
There are around 200 work centers throughout the United States, Canada and Brazil. The materials are produced in more than 30 different languages in more than 120 countries.
The SIGHT Center is responsible for the cost of assembling the books. It will cost $1.25 per book. A grant from the Southern Illinois District Lutheran Women's Missionary League, as well as contributions from individuals and area Lutheran churches and organizations, will help fund the production. Materials produced for the blind or visually impaired is shipped free of charge through the postal service.
If anyone would like to make a contribution, they can send it to Mary Ann Wegener, 10 Bradley Ct., Red Bud, IL 62278.
Volunteers, mission minded financial partners and prayer warriors assist LBW in helping people touch the promises of Jesus, delivering God's Word in formats they can read for themselves.
Schedules are being established for those who would like to volunteer. Sandra Ruhmann, the SIGHT coordinator said, "We would welcome anyone who is interested in helping. It is not hard to do. Members of the steering committee are going to be at the Center Jan. 13, 20 and 27 at 7 p.m. If anyone would like to see how it is done, they can come any of those nights." Contact Lela Rehmer at 785-2593 to set a date.