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Help Children like Juvino at the Songa Center in Nairobi

Juvino during a learning session at the Songa Center -Nairobi, Kenya

When St. Paul wrote these words to his fellow Christians nearly 2,000 years ago, his heart was filled with gratitude for the kindness and generosity that the people of Thessalonica, Greece, had extended to him — all that they had sacrificed for the good of others. Today, as I reflect on the meaning of the Christmas Season and the Gift of God’s love — I want to echo his words . . . and let you know what a difference you continue to make in the lives of the poor and those in need. It is only because of you that we are able to do so much!

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers!”

1 Thess. 1:2

When St. Paul wrote these words to his fellow Christians nearly 2,000 years ago, his heart was filled with gratitude for the kindness and generosity that the people of Thessalonica, Greece, had extended to him — all that they had sacrificed for the good of others. Today, as I reflect on the meaning of the Christmas Season and the Gift of God’s love — I want to echo his words . . . and let you know what a difference you continue to make in the lives of the poor and those in need. It is only because of you that we are able to do so much!

Last winter, I wrote to tell you about a letter I received from Sr. Leah Nyamaitho, a missionary Sister working in Central Kenya in East Africa. There, Sr. Leah is in charge of the Amukura Orphanage which provides food, clothing, shelter, education, and care for orphaned children. Because of you, we were able to help the orphanage develop a reliable source of food.

Last spring, when I wrote to you about Fr. Charles Obanya — one of our missionaries who is working in Nairobi, Kenya, in East Africa — you came through again!

“Kosele is a poor community where many people struggle just to have the basic necessities of life,” Fr. Charles explained. “The Mill Hill School was built to provide early childhood education for children facing the challenges of living in a very poor, rural area. But providing education and meals for children who are so desperately poor is a constant challenge.”

Thanks to you, we were able to provide financial assistance to help feed more than 200 children over a 40 week period. This could not have happened without your generosity!

During the summer, when I wrote to you about Fr. Albert Obembe — of the Osogbo Diocese in Nigeria, in West Africa — you were just as generous! “The scarcity of water is so serious here,” Fr. Albert wrote, “that things have gotten to a critical stage.” Thanks to you, though, we were able to help provide a new borehole well so as to provide both the parish and the nearby community with a source of fresh water.

Together we have done so much — but there is still so much to do. Will you help once again?

Recently, I received a letter from the staff at the Songa Center located in the Mukuru slums of Nairobi, Kenya, in East Africa. The Center serves high risk children and children with disabilities living in the slums. The children have a variety of disabilities such as mental disorders, autism, hearing impairments, convulsive disorders, and others. Most importantly, the Center intervenes for poor children with disabilities to provide therapy, food and education.

“One of the greatest challenges in the slums is the incredible depth of poverty,” the letter explains, “and this adds to the challenge of having a disabled child in the family. The Center staff gives opportunities to these children through daycare and rehabilitation which enable them to grow with opportunities just like any other child. These little ones long for a sense of normalcy in their lives — can you help us help them?”

My dear friend, during this season of giving and as we begin a New Year —
I am hoping you will continue to reach out in compassion
and offer financial support for those in need.

There are so many ways in which you can help in your own community, especially during this holiday season! You could collect canned good (or purchase extra ones when you are grocery shopping) and drop them off at your local emergency food pantry. You could also purchase a new coat or other article of clothing for a member of a needy family. Your pastor probably knows someone in need who could benefit from your kindness.

I am also hoping that we can raise an additional $50,000 during this Christmas Season to provide life-saving food, water, medicine and shelter for those in our missions and elsewhere who have so little. Whatever you can do, however much you can send, whether your donation is large or small — the most important thing is to let the poor know they have not been forgotten. God bless you for all that you have done — and continue to do!