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While I’m posting this article and slide show on Christmas eve, it really isn’t a Christmas story. At least, it’s not a “WalMart Christmas” story. It’s not about people getting the latest and greatest smart phone—a phone that probably isn’t needed, but is simply wanted. The story is also not about someone simply repeating Christ’s words, and then being anything but Christian.

Instead, it’s about two young women from Etna who are living Christ’s words, and walking His path. It’s about Emily Loogman’s senior project, the Lifesaver Kit Project, and her sister Sarah’s deep involvement with the project.

Now that I think more about it, maybe this is a Christmas story–a story that reflects the true reason for the season.

Here’s the story as told by Sarah:

By Sarah Loogman

This past summer, Etna High School senior and student-athlete Emily Loogman, embarked on a two-month journey that changed her life. Through a Christian ministry organization called Teen Missions International, Emily spent the majority of her break in the bush of Zambia, Africa. Riding between villages and orphanges by motorcycle, Emilys’s band of “Orphan Angels” spent each day teaching classes, giving demonstrations, and spending time with AIDS orphans and other local villagers.

Though Loogman has since then acclimated back to the every day life of a busy high school senior, the memory of Africa hasn’t escaped her. While in Zambia, Emily noticed a fundamental need among the Africa people for basic medical supplies. She noticed that such things as basic as a bandage or antiseptic wipes could be the difference between life and death in such bacteria-filled environments – items that Americans take for granted. (more…)

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