Bear Sighting in Shawnee

SHAWNEE, OKLA. – Shawnee Seventh-day Adventist Church has a “bear handler” in their congregation. 

Ronda Jackson Funk isn’t a traditional bear handler, working in a zoo or animal sanctuary. She hands out stuffed teddy bears to safety and correctional officers who then use these bears as comfort tools in emergencies.

“The bears are given to officers to help a child that has possibly been in an accident or may have had to be removed from their home,” stated Funk, “just something that may give them a little comfort.”

Funk delivered bears to representatives of two tribal governments—the Sac and Fox Nation and the Absentee Shawnee Tribe—and to two local law enforcement agencies—the Shawnee Police Department and the Potawatomi County Sheriff’s Department.

The Shawnee church has been exercising its mission to be good friends and neighbors in the community. They continue to give where there’s a need—from socks and underwear in the elementary schools to nourishment baskets for families in need. Members can also always count on an international food potluck every Sabbath.

Please be a part of this contagious “bear handler” ministry. Send bears you’d like to donate via U.S. mail to Ronda Funk, P.O. Box 775, Shawnee, Okla. 74802-0775.

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By Keith Dobbs

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