Nazareth House Apostolate

By James Mansaray: Freetown, Sierra Leone

It’s been thirteen straight heavy rain days as of today. I’d say we’re almost half way through this dreaded, rainy season. Most of us consider it the hungriest month here in Sierra Leone. Many of us dream of making a living during the normal sunny days, its not easy, mostly impossible to find work enough to feed our families. Now, consider what it is like with everything flooded! For many, like the Kroo Bay Community, its nothing but more harder suffering, more deaths and lost of property. Hunger? During this rainy season HUNGER is a way of life. You fill your belly with contaminated water so the hunger rumblings are quieted and in your weakness you work harder to try to find a way to support yourself and your family.

Whilst tons are unaware of all this in America and the richer countries, I choose to draw your attention back to the same old life stories that shows nothing but more suffering for so many here in Sierra Leone. Nazareth House Apostolate works so hard to get the word out about the needs, they provide the staff and ability to fulfill the needs but they need only one thing. The Funding!

Sierra Leone is so far away from your everyday lives in other countries, it is easy to forget how bad things are. But you only have to scroll through past posts of this blog to see the reality of it all. For these poor people around us, they have no choice but to continue suffering in the same way moment after moment till their cries are heard.

For the people of Kissy Brook at the eastern part of Freetown, they go about their daily life, trying to make it through a day. Looking for food, looking for work, trying to stay alive. Their cries were never heard till a huge stone rolled (dislodged from rains)down over their mini poor houses early this morning killing several. Amongst those dead four were sweet, unfortunate and innocent children under the age of five who could not run fast enough and hid into their graves. I was in tears to see it all! Such a sorrowful scene.

(interviews with the people of Kissy Brook & photos on tomorrow’s blog – if internet server is co-operative.)

Few days ago Mama Vicki and Iwere discussing the possibilities of bringing more rice and medication to those desperately in need not only around St. Laurence House but also to reach as many as we could down at the Kroo Bay Community. More rains continue to pour in and now this incident at Kissy Brook has happened. I find it very sad to see all this odd stuffs around us repeating itself with less and less attention being given to the aid of it. These people need help. I need help. Please. I know that things are tight for everyone around the world, but some way, some how can you please send in a few bits to help us change some lives?

If we rally together, like we’ve done before, it need not be a burden for just a few, we can all do what we can and share it. Think of ways to raise money, beg to the people at your work, collect at your church, let everybody know that the people of Sierra Leone are counting on you through Nazareth House to make it happen.

James.

By James Mansaray: Freetown, Sierra Leone

It’s been thirteen straight heavy rain days as of today. I’d say we’re almost half way through this dreaded, rainy season. Most of us consider it the hungriest month here in Sierra Leone. Many of us dream of making a living during the normal sunny days, its not easy, mostly impossible to find work enough to feed our families. Now, consider what it is like with everything flooded! For many, like the Kroo Bay Community, its nothing but more harder suffering, more deaths and lost of property. Hunger? During this rainy season HUNGER is a way of life. You fill your belly with contaminated water so the hunger rumblings are quieted and in your weakness you work harder to try to find a way to support yourself and your family.

Whilst tons are unaware of all this in America and the richer countries, I choose to draw your attention back to the same old life stories that shows nothing but more suffering for so many here in Sierra Leone. Nazareth House Apostolate works so hard to get the word out about the needs, they provide the staff and ability to fulfill the needs but they need only one thing. The Funding!

Sierra Leone is so far away from your everyday lives in other countries, it is easy to forget how bad things are. But you only have to scroll through past posts of this blog to see the reality of it all. For these poor people around us, they have no choice but to continue suffering in the same way moment after moment till their cries are heard.

For the people of Kissy Brook at the eastern part of Freetown, they go about their daily life, trying to make it through a day. Looking for food, looking for work, trying to stay alive. Their cries were never heard till a huge stone rolled (dislodged from rains)down over their mini poor houses early this morning killing several. Amongst those dead four were sweet, unfortunate and innocent children under the age of five who could not run fast enough and hid into their graves. I was in tears to see it all! Such a sorrowful scene.

(interviews with the people of Kissy Brook & photos on tomorrow’s blog – if internet server is co-operative.)

Few days ago Mama Vicki and Iwere discussing the possibilities of bringing more rice and medication to those desperately in need not only around St. Laurence House but also to reach as many as we could down at the Kroo Bay Community. More rains continue to pour in and now this incident at Kissy Brook has happened. I find it very sad to see all this odd stuffs around us repeating itself with less and less attention being given to the aid of it. These people need help. I need help. Please. I know that things are tight for everyone around the world, but some way, some how can you please send in a few bits to help us change some lives?

If we rally together, like we’ve done before, it need not be a burden for just a few, we can all do what we can and share it. Think of ways to raise money, beg to the people at your work, collect at your church, let everybody know that the people of Sierra Leone are counting on you through Nazareth House to make it happen.

James.

On Sunday August 9, 2009 we welcomed Astin Butler as a newly Baptized member into Christ’s flock.

On Sunday August 9, 2009 we welcomed Astin Butler as a newly Baptized member into Christ’s flock.

Midweek, last week, one of the retreatants at Jonah House asked “why do you do Mass so early?” (6:30 AM following Lauds) “Wouldn’t more people come if you catered to an easier time for people to make it?” I laughed, that is exactly what we at Jonah House/Grace Church don’t want to do – cater to the ways of the world.

Midweek, last week, one of the retreatants at Jonah House asked “why do you do Mass so early?” (6:30 AM following Lauds) “Wouldn’t more people come if you catered to an easier time for people to make it?” I laughed, that is exactly what we at Jonah House/Grace Church don’t want to do – cater to the ways of the world.

Today, August 10 is the Feast Day of St. Laurence, the patron Saint of our Nazareth House in Freetown, Sierra Leone.The account of St. Laurence (sometimes spelled Lawrence) follows. You will understand why St. Laurence House was named for this martyr…Sierra Leone is full of the treasures of the church”, the poor.James and Kadijah named their little son in honor of this saint. Although we all lovingly know him as “Roo”, his full name is Laurence (after the Martyr) Thomas(after Fr. Seraphim -Thomas) Mansaray.The story on St. Laurence:Saint Laurence was one of seven deacons who were in charge of giving help to the poor and the needy. When a persecution broke out, Pope St. Sixtus was condemned to death. As he was led to execution, Laurence followed him weeping, “Father, where are you going without your deacon?” he said. “I am not leaving you, my son,” answered the Pope.”in three days you will follow me.” Full of joy, Laurence gave to the poor the rest of the money he had on hand and even sold expensive vessels to have more to give away.The Prefect of Rome, a greedy pagan, thought the Church had a great fortune hidden away. So he ordered Laurence to bring the Church’s treasure to him. The Saint said he would, in three days. Then he went through the city and gathered together all the poor and sick people supported by the Church. When he showed them to the Prefect, he said:”This is the Church’s treasure!”In great anger, the Prefect condemned Laurence to a slow, cruel death. The Saint was tied on top of an iron grill over a slow fire that roasted his flesh little by little, but Laurence was burning with so much love of God that he almost did not feel the flames. In fact, God gave him so much strength and joy that he even joked. “Turn me over,”he said to the judge. “I’m done on this side!” And just before he died, he said, “It’s cooked enough now.” May you have a blessed St. Laurence Day and remember the poor and the hungry.Rainy Season is in full stage in Sierra Leone. James reports that in Freetown the unending rain is keeping people inside, people are losing money who support themselves by selling their goods. Especially keep in your prayers those that live in Kroo Bay.They must fight the floods of the rainy season. It is an unending battle, yet salvaging possessions and clearing mud, they still manage to flash a smile. This little girl washes clothes in the river in the midst of all the flood debris.Please help Nazareth House Apostolate especially at this time, Give Today. We are at a crucial stage of trying to be there during the Rainy Season when needs become harder for all. It is important that we physically are present to administer supplies, and needs during this time. Only you through your compassion demonstrated in your giving can make this possible. We must cover the cost of air fare for two, and the funds to provide for the people once we land in Sierra Leone. Every year, you’ve shown your dedication to this cause and made it happen. Despite the recession, we are trusting that you will come through again. God bless you.Mail to:Nazareth House Apostolate2216 Goldsmith LaneLouisville, KY 40218orvia paypal donation link on our websitewww.nazarethhouseap.org.If you are making monthly donations, thank you, please continue – we depend on this to provide the monthly needs of the people & continue the operation of the school in Kabala. If you are not contributing monthly, please consider doing so.For this special time we must ask for additional funds over and above the regular monthly donations to make this mission a reality. Thank You.

Today, August 10 is the Feast Day of St. Laurence, the patron Saint of our Nazareth House in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The account of St. Laurence (sometimes spelled Lawrence) follows. You will understand why St. Laurence House was named for this martyr…Sierra Leone is full of the treasures of the church”, the poor.James and Kadijah named their little son in honor of this saint. Although we all lovingly know him as “Roo”, his full name is Laurence (after the Martyr) Thomas(after Fr. Seraphim -Thomas) Mansaray.

The story on St. Laurence:
Saint Laurence was one of seven deacons who were in charge of giving help to the poor and the needy. When a persecution broke out, Pope St. Sixtus was condemned to death. As he was led to execution, Laurence followed him weeping, “Father, where are you going without your deacon?” he said. “I am not leaving you, my son,” answered the Pope.
“in three days you will follow me.” Full of joy, Laurence gave to the poor the rest of the money he had on hand and even sold expensive vessels to have more to give away.

The Prefect of Rome, a greedy pagan, thought the Church had a great fortune hidden away. So he ordered Laurence to bring the Church’s treasure to him. The Saint said he would, in three days. Then he went through the city and gathered together all the poor and sick people supported by the Church. When he showed them to the Prefect, he said:
“This is the Church’s treasure!”

In great anger, the Prefect condemned Laurence to a slow, cruel death. The Saint was tied on top of an iron grill over a slow fire that roasted his flesh little by little, but Laurence was burning with so much love of God that he almost did not feel the flames. In fact, God gave him so much strength and joy that he even joked. “Turn me over,”
he said to the judge. “I’m done on this side!” And just before he died, he said, “It’s cooked enough now.”
May you have a blessed St. Laurence Day and remember the poor and the hungry.Rainy Season is in full stage in Sierra Leone. James reports that in Freetown the unending rain is keeping people inside, people are losing money who support themselves by selling their goods. Especially keep in your prayers those that live in Kroo Bay.
They must fight the floods of the rainy season. It is an unending battle, yet salvaging possessions and clearing mud, they still manage to flash a smile. This little girl washes clothes in the river in the midst of all the flood debris.

Please help Nazareth House Apostolate especially at this time, Give Today. We are at a crucial stage of trying to be there during the Rainy Season when needs become harder for all. It is important that we physically are present to administer supplies, and needs during this time. Only you through your compassion demonstrated in your giving can make this possible. We must cover the cost of air fare for two, and the funds to provide for the people once we land in Sierra Leone. Every year, you’ve shown your dedication to this cause and made it happen. Despite the recession, we are trusting that you will come through again. God bless you.

Mail to:

Nazareth House Apostolate
2216 Goldsmith Lane
Louisville, KY 40218

or

via paypal donation link on our website
www.nazarethhouseap.org.

If you are making monthly donations, thank you, please continue – we depend on this to provide the monthly needs of the people & continue the operation of the school in Kabala. If you are not contributing monthly, please consider doing so.

For this special time we must ask for additional funds over and above the regular monthly donations to make this mission a reality. Thank You.

Today, August 10 is the Feast Day of St. Laurence, the patron Saint of our Nazareth House in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The account of St. Laurence (sometimes spelled Lawrence) follows. You will understand why St. Laurence House was named for this martyr…Sierra Leone is full of the treasures of the church”, the poor.James and Kadijah named their little son in honor of this saint. Although we all lovingly know him as “Roo”, his full name is Laurence (after the Martyr) Thomas(after Fr. Seraphim -Thomas) Mansaray.

The story on St. Laurence:
Saint Laurence was one of seven deacons who were in charge of giving help to the poor and the needy. When a persecution broke out, Pope St. Sixtus was condemned to death. As he was led to execution, Laurence followed him weeping, “Father, where are you going without your deacon?” he said. “I am not leaving you, my son,” answered the Pope.
“in three days you will follow me.” Full of joy, Laurence gave to the poor the rest of the money he had on hand and even sold expensive vessels to have more to give away.

The Prefect of Rome, a greedy pagan, thought the Church had a great fortune hidden away. So he ordered Laurence to bring the Church’s treasure to him. The Saint said he would, in three days. Then he went through the city and gathered together all the poor and sick people supported by the Church. When he showed them to the Prefect, he said:
“This is the Church’s treasure!”

In great anger, the Prefect condemned Laurence to a slow, cruel death. The Saint was tied on top of an iron grill over a slow fire that roasted his flesh little by little, but Laurence was burning with so much love of God that he almost did not feel the flames. In fact, God gave him so much strength and joy that he even joked. “Turn me over,”
he said to the judge. “I’m done on this side!” And just before he died, he said, “It’s cooked enough now.”
May you have a blessed St. Laurence Day and remember the poor and the hungry.Rainy Season is in full stage in Sierra Leone. James reports that in Freetown the unending rain is keeping people inside, people are losing money who support themselves by selling their goods. Especially keep in your prayers those that live in Kroo Bay.
They must fight the floods of the rainy season. It is an unending battle, yet salvaging possessions and clearing mud, they still manage to flash a smile. This little girl washes clothes in the river in the midst of all the flood debris.

Please help Nazareth House Apostolate especially at this time, Give Today. We are at a crucial stage of trying to be there during the Rainy Season when needs become harder for all. It is important that we physically are present to administer supplies, and needs during this time. Only you through your compassion demonstrated in your giving can make this possible. We must cover the cost of air fare for two, and the funds to provide for the people once we land in Sierra Leone. Every year, you’ve shown your dedication to this cause and made it happen. Despite the recession, we are trusting that you will come through again. God bless you.

Mail to:

Nazareth House Apostolate
2216 Goldsmith Lane
Louisville, KY 40218

or

via paypal donation link on our website
www.nazarethhouseap.org.

If you are making monthly donations, thank you, please continue – we depend on this to provide the monthly needs of the people & continue the operation of the school in Kabala. If you are not contributing monthly, please consider doing so.

For this special time we must ask for additional funds over and above the regular monthly donations to make this mission a reality. Thank You.

Today, August 10 is the Feast Day of St. Laurence, the patron Saint of our Nazareth House in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The account of St. Laurence (sometimes spelled Lawrence) follows. You will understand why St. Laurence House was named for this martyr…Sierra Leone is full of the treasures of the church”, the poor.James and Kadijah named their little son in honor of this saint. Although we all lovingly know him as “Roo”, his full name is Laurence (after the Martyr) Thomas(after Fr. Seraphim -Thomas) Mansaray.

The story on St. Laurence:
Saint Laurence was one of seven deacons who were in charge of giving help to the poor and the needy. When a persecution broke out, Pope St. Sixtus was condemned to death. As he was led to execution, Laurence followed him weeping, “Father, where are you going without your deacon?” he said. “I am not leaving you, my son,” answered the Pope.
“in three days you will follow me.” Full of joy, Laurence gave to the poor the rest of the money he had on hand and even sold expensive vessels to have more to give away.

The Prefect of Rome, a greedy pagan, thought the Church had a great fortune hidden away. So he ordered Laurence to bring the Church’s treasure to him. The Saint said he would, in three days. Then he went through the city and gathered together all the poor and sick people supported by the Church. When he showed them to the Prefect, he said:
“This is the Church’s treasure!”

In great anger, the Prefect condemned Laurence to a slow, cruel death. The Saint was tied on top of an iron grill over a slow fire that roasted his flesh little by little, but Laurence was burning with so much love of God that he almost did not feel the flames. In fact, God gave him so much strength and joy that he even joked. “Turn me over,”
he said to the judge. “I’m done on this side!” And just before he died, he said, “It’s cooked enough now.”
May you have a blessed St. Laurence Day and remember the poor and the hungry.Rainy Season is in full stage in Sierra Leone. James reports that in Freetown the unending rain is keeping people inside, people are losing money who support themselves by selling their goods. Especially keep in your prayers those that live in Kroo Bay.
They must fight the floods of the rainy season. It is an unending battle, yet salvaging possessions and clearing mud, they still manage to flash a smile. This little girl washes clothes in the river in the midst of all the flood debris.

Please help Nazareth House Apostolate especially at this time, Give Today. We are at a crucial stage of trying to be there during the Rainy Season when needs become harder for all. It is important that we physically are present to administer supplies, and needs during this time. Only you through your compassion demonstrated in your giving can make this possible. We must cover the cost of air fare for two, and the funds to provide for the people once we land in Sierra Leone. Every year, you’ve shown your dedication to this cause and made it happen. Despite the recession, we are trusting that you will come through again. God bless you.

Mail to:

Nazareth House Apostolate
2216 Goldsmith Lane
Louisville, KY 40218

or

via paypal donation link on our website
www.nazarethhouseap.org.

If you are making monthly donations, thank you, please continue – we depend on this to provide the monthly needs of the people & continue the operation of the school in Kabala. If you are not contributing monthly, please consider doing so.

For this special time we must ask for additional funds over and above the regular monthly donations to make this mission a reality. Thank You.