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Show Page 8 The OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Volume II, Issue II November 1999 United Families Update By JoAnn Christensen that lobby for their own interests. I was One of the reasons we all love our amazed to learn about the power of Valley is that the people that live here women’s rights organizations and are good. I believe the people are good environmentalists. One of the issues because the traditional family unit is these groups lobby for is population important to them. Residents come control. Huge amounts of money are from good Valley families with a strong donated for this ‘cause.’ But, as heritage, or have moved here to be in Wilkins explained, statistics show that this peaceful, beautiful place to rear the reason for the current population their families. explosion is because of better health, not higher birth rates. Chuck and Janet Hoffmann sponsored a meeting last month that These powerful groups also lobby was held at Snowcrest Jr. High. It was for laws supporting abortion, same-sex held to inform residents about marriages, and other issues destructive international efforts that are taking to the traditional family. He reminded place that will affect families. us that “with God all things are possible,” thus we should not become The meeting began with comments discouraged in the fight. on the family by Ramesh Krishnan, a member of the Professor Wilkins board of the Baptist explained that the good Church, which meets in things that happened in Huntsville. He said that he Istanbul were just a start felt the “attack on families and that the battle is not is getting fierce.” over. He talked about the Reverend Dominic work of United Families Gonino, Pastor of the International and the Fellowship Bible Church upcoming Second World stated, “Families are Congress of Families in disintegrating…God Switzerland that will be invented the family unit— Prof. Richard Wilkins held from November 14 so we need to fight for it.” through the 17 of this year. We can look to people like Ramesh Following Dr. Wilkins’ remarks, Krishnan and Dominic Gonino for Laura Lee Christensen, president of leadership, and support them and other United Families International, spoke leaders in the fight against incorrect about her experiences. She said that ideas that are destroying our families the first time she went to a U.N. and our society. conference she thought, “What am I Next, Richard Wilkins, a BYU law doing here? I should be home doing professor and former Assistant to the laundry where I’m much more Solicitor General of the Department of comfortable!” Justice, was introduced. Dr. Wilkins She said that the “opposition is has been involved in many battles, extremely well-funded,” and that we fighting to protect the rights of the need to be well-organized and funded traditional family in Utah. He is now also in order to fight to retain the rights heavily involved in this battle at an we now enjoy as families. international level. United Families International is the Professor Wilkins began by saying fastest growing pro-family he was glad to hear from the two organization in America and has been religious leaders that spoke at the legally set up as a public charity for beginning of the meeting, stating that tax purposes. Janet Hoffmann has been it is “vital to start an interfaith effort.” working to establish a local chapter He then told his story of traveling to called United Families of Ogden Istanbul and the events that lead up to, Valley. If you have any questions, or what many are calling, the “Istanbul are interested in joining, you can call Miracle.” You can read the condensed Janet or Chuck at 745-1339 or e-mail version of his experience in the them at JHoffm1339@aol.com. You October 1999 issue of the Ogden Valley may also make donations to United News, or a more detailed description Families International. See form in his recently published book Sacred below. Another thing we can all do is Duty. sign the Call From The Families Of Dr. Wilkins explained to the The World form that was printed in the audience the technicalities of what October ‘99 Ogden Valley News on goes on at United Nation conferences, page eight, and mail it to the address U.N. law-making procedures and how printed on the form. they are influenced by organizations Family Ties By Janet Hoffmann Last week our second son was married. As the photographer was taking pictures and asked our side of the family to stay for pictures my new daughter-in-law started to leave and the photographer reminder her that she was now part of our family. We love adding new members—whether from marriage, birth, adoption, or just through an extra strong connection. Whoever said that blood is thicker than water does not understand that blood isn’t what links us to people, it’s relationships. A family may consist of, not only blood relatives but, in-laws, step-relatives, adopted relatives, halfsiblings, foster relatives, married children’s in-laws, or even friends who are adopted as family. All these people become part of our extended family. It’s wonderful to add new family members to our families. At first these individuals may seem like outsiders because they say and do things differently than we do. Yet, over time, we become connected and even appreciate those same differences, and a new family member has joined our ranks. Yesterday we buried and said goodbye to my husband’s mother. Although others considered her my mother-inlaw I consider her my dear friend and feel very connected to her. I feel very connected to my stepchildren also. I do not feel like their mother because I wasn’t part of raising them, but I do feel connected. We have many friends we consider part of our family. It’s not blood that makes us family but our connections. November is a month of gratitude for all of our blessings. I hope your family will be on your list of things you are grateful for. How wonderful the family unit is. The family really does matter. If you have any questions or comments please write: Janet Hoffmann, PO BOX 161, EDEN, UT 84310, call 745-1339, or E-mail JHoffm1339@aol.com Sagel’s Dry Cleaning located in Valley Mark et Market • • • • 48 hour service Local convenience at downtown prices Family owned and operated since 1956 Pick-up & drop-off at Deli counter Buy 3 Bagels, get 3 FREE Order Now For Christmas Baskets Gift Bags Specialty Breads Jams & Sweets Ogden Valley may be isolated in the event of a disaster. Your Local C.E.R.T Organization is in need of volunteers and donations. Please call Linda Spencer at 745-0805 or 399-8640. Warm Their Hearts with Gift Baskets from Old Grist Mill Bread Co. 392-8801 Phone Orders Welcome Five Points Family Center (Next to Key Bank and Harmons) |