Vision, Work, and prayer

Some people work hard to get "somewhere."  Unfortunately they have little vision of what they want to accomplish or what their Preferred Future might really be.  Others have a clear vision of where they want to go but they do not have the dedication to work towards this end.  Still others have vision and dedication, but they spend little time in prayer seeking God's guidance or assistance.  But I believe it is when when vision, hard work, and prayer are merged together that there is often a wonderful outcome...

Months ago my son, John Schneider, (who is the Executive Director of Youth and Family Services in El Reno, Ok) became aware that there was a considerable sum of Federal money (over 30 million dollars) that was to be appropriated through State Legislation.  Thus, a vision of over $30,000,000 being appropriated to Youth and Family Services throughout the state was born.  He teamed up with several key legislators and an appropriation proposal was presented to a joint session of the Senate and House Finance Committees.  John was invited to make a presentation to this group as to why these monies should be allocated to Youth and Family Services in Oklahoma.  Following an hour of preparatory prayer in the Capitol parking lot, John felt his presentation went well.  The result was unanimous acceptance of this proposal by the Finance committees, followed by the passing of this appropriations bill by both the House and Senate.  Needless to say, this was an extremely happy day for Youth and Family Service directors, board members, workers, and sponsors throughout the state of Oklahoma.  (This was also a wonderful day for thousands of needy children and youth throughout our state).

Pictured above are:  Dr. Peter Messiah (director of OAYS), John Schneider (Executive Director of YFS of El Reno), Courtney Dukes (Executive Director of YFS in Durant), and Steve Louis (OAYS lobbyists and former Speaker of the House.  The passing of Senate Bill 19 (and the appropriation of 30 million dollars to YFS) is truly a result of Vision, Work, and Prayer.  Congratulations to all who were involved in this effort.