Make Compassion Recession Proof

Posted on June 23, 2009 by vicki

35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink………………..DID YOU?


I was a stranger and you invited me in…..DID YOU?

36I needed clothes and you clothed me…..DID YOU?

I was sick and you looked after me…DID YOU? I was in prison and you came to visit me……DID YOU?

40…….’I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me….. Matthew 25:35-40


The perpetual runny nose.
Children of all nations suffer from this quite often in their lives, but none so regularly as those living in poverty. Poverty, where there is no “kleenex” …where market places DO NOT make available to them fifty choices of tissues to wipe their noses (some even with lotion to prevent the discomforts of the well-wiped, but chapped nose). And even if it were available, it would be priced beyond the means of the normal Sierra Leonean. ….So the noses run, the germs spread, the cycle perpetuates.
In America, a runny nose is an annoyance, quickly diverted by a tissue and an antihistamine. This is not the case in Sierra Leone, there is no diversion. This is the case for many of the poor, no diversions, no hope, no quick fixes. It is so hard for us in the West to imagine, a life so impoverished that less than a half of cup of rice a day is considered a luxury. But it is life in this West African Nation…it is the life of many…not a few, not some… but MANY.
We all have excuses why we are unable to give to enable Nazareth House Apostolate to help to come to the aid of these our brothers and sisters in needs. “The recession is weighing heavy on us”; “I can’t give enough to make a difference”; “I’ll give when things are better for me”; etc. etc. Though they might be legitimate excuses, they keep us from doing the very thing our Lord requires – helping those less fortunate then ourselves. The world constantly tries to tell us what we can’t do, but it is time to show the world what we CAN do. Even in the midst of a tumbling economy, let’s make our love, our compassion RECESSION PROOF…, putting the needs of our suffering brethren before our wants and excesses…. give today.
Nazareth House Apostolate
2216 Goldsmith Lane
Louisville, KY 40218



Posted in Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, Lazarus Sierra Leone Nazareth house death freetown salone Outreach, poor, poverty, runny nose | Leave a comment

Make Compassion Recession Proof

Posted on June 23, 2009 by vicki

35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink………………..DID YOU?


I was a stranger and you invited me in…..DID YOU?

36I needed clothes and you clothed me…..DID YOU?

I was sick and you looked after me…DID YOU? I was in prison and you came to visit me……DID YOU?

40…….’I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me….. Matthew 25:35-40


The perpetual runny nose.
Children of all nations suffer from this quite often in their lives, but none so regularly as those living in poverty. Poverty, where there is no “kleenex” …where market places DO NOT make available to them fifty choices of tissues to wipe their noses (some even with lotion to prevent the discomforts of the well-wiped, but chapped nose). And even if it were available, it would be priced beyond the means of the normal Sierra Leonean. ….So the noses run, the germs spread, the cycle perpetuates.
In America, a runny nose is an annoyance, quickly diverted by a tissue and an antihistamine. This is not the case in Sierra Leone, there is no diversion. This is the case for many of the poor, no diversions, no hope, no quick fixes. It is so hard for us in the West to imagine, a life so impoverished that less than a half of cup of rice a day is considered a luxury. But it is life in this West African Nation…it is the life of many…not a few, not some… but MANY.
We all have excuses why we are unable to give to enable Nazareth House Apostolate to help to come to the aid of these our brothers and sisters in needs. “The recession is weighing heavy on us”; “I can’t give enough to make a difference”; “I’ll give when things are better for me”; etc. etc. Though they might be legitimate excuses, they keep us from doing the very thing our Lord requires – helping those less fortunate then ourselves. The world constantly tries to tell us what we can’t do, but it is time to show the world what we CAN do. Even in the midst of a tumbling economy, let’s make our love, our compassion RECESSION PROOF…, putting the needs of our suffering brethren before our wants and excesses…. give today.
Nazareth House Apostolate
2216 Goldsmith Lane
Louisville, KY 40218



Posted in Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, Lazarus Sierra Leone Nazareth house death freetown salone Outreach, poor, poverty, runny nose | Leave a comment

Make Compassion Recession Proof

Posted on June 22, 2009 by vicki

35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink………………..DID YOU?


I was a stranger and you invited me in…..DID YOU?

36I needed clothes and you clothed me…..DID YOU?

I was sick and you looked after me…DID YOU? I was in prison and you came to visit me……DID YOU?

40…….’I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me….. Matthew 25:35-40


The perpetual runny nose.
Children of all nations suffer from this quite often in their lives, but none so regularly as those living in poverty. Poverty, where there is no “kleenex” …where market places DO NOT make available to them fifty choices of tissues to wipe their noses (some even with lotion to prevent the discomforts of the well-wiped, but chapped nose). And even if it were available, it would be priced beyond the means of the normal Sierra Leonean. ….So the noses run, the germs spread, the cycle perpetuates.
In America, a runny nose is an annoyance, quickly diverted by a tissue and an antihistamine. This is not the case in Sierra Leone, there is no diversion. This is the case for many of the poor, no diversions, no hope, no quick fixes. It is so hard for us in the West to imagine, a life so impoverished that less than a half of cup of rice a day is considered a luxury. But it is life in this West African Nation…it is the life of many…not a few, not some… but MANY.
We all have excuses why we are unable to give to enable Nazareth House Apostolate to help to come to the aid of these our brothers and sisters in needs. “The recession is weighing heavy on us”; “I can’t give enough to make a difference”; “I’ll give when things are better for me”; etc. etc. Though they might be legitimate excuses, they keep us from doing the very thing our Lord requires – helping those less fortunate then ourselves. The world constantly tries to tell us what we can’t do, but it is time to show the world what we CAN do. Even in the midst of a tumbling economy, let’s make our love, our compassion RECESSION PROOF…, putting the needs of our suffering brethren before our wants and excesses…. give today.
Nazareth House Apostolate
2216 Goldsmith Lane
Louisville, KY 40218



Posted in Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, Lazarus Sierra Leone Nazareth house death freetown salone Outreach, poor, poverty, runny nose | Leave a comment

Make Compassion Recession Proof

Posted on June 22, 2009 by vicki

35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink………………..DID YOU?


I was a stranger and you invited me in…..DID YOU?

36I needed clothes and you clothed me…..DID YOU?

I was sick and you looked after me…DID YOU? I was in prison and you came to visit me……DID YOU?

40…….’I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me….. Matthew 25:35-40


The perpetual runny nose.
Children of all nations suffer from this quite often in their lives, but none so regularly as those living in poverty. Poverty, where there is no “kleenex” …where market places DO NOT make available to them fifty choices of tissues to wipe their noses (some even with lotion to prevent the discomforts of the well-wiped, but chapped nose). And even if it were available, it would be priced beyond the means of the normal Sierra Leonean. ….So the noses run, the germs spread, the cycle perpetuates.
In America, a runny nose is an annoyance, quickly diverted by a tissue and an antihistamine. This is not the case in Sierra Leone, there is no diversion. This is the case for many of the poor, no diversions, no hope, no quick fixes. It is so hard for us in the West to imagine, a life so impoverished that less than a half of cup of rice a day is considered a luxury. But it is life in this West African Nation…it is the life of many…not a few, not some… but MANY.
We all have excuses why we are unable to give to enable Nazareth House Apostolate to help to come to the aid of these our brothers and sisters in needs. “The recession is weighing heavy on us”; “I can’t give enough to make a difference”; “I’ll give when things are better for me”; etc. etc. Though they might be legitimate excuses, they keep us from doing the very thing our Lord requires – helping those less fortunate then ourselves. The world constantly tries to tell us what we can’t do, but it is time to show the world what we CAN do. Even in the midst of a tumbling economy, let’s make our love, our compassion RECESSION PROOF…, putting the needs of our suffering brethren before our wants and excesses…. give today.
Nazareth House Apostolate
2216 Goldsmith Lane
Louisville, KY 40218



Posted in Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, Lazarus Sierra Leone Nazareth house death freetown salone Outreach, poor, poverty, runny nose | Leave a comment

Window Passages

Posted on June 19, 2009 by vicki

There is a bedtime procedure that most parents, including myself, use. It is the method of feeding, changing, tending to your infant – making sure it has all that it requires to comfortably sleep through the night. You place the child in its crib, kiss it goodnight and tip-toe out the door. Invariably, the child realizes he is alone. Wanting attention, it begins to cry. But the parent, knowing the child does not want for anything, is aware that the baby only wants attention and is fighting sleep. The parent “ignores” the child. Alone in the dark, the child eventually cries itself to sleep.
Whenever I think of Sierra Leone, the above scenario goes through my mind. Sierra Leone, to me, is that child, left alone in the dark, its cries being ignored. The difference being – it is NOT alright, it doesn’t have everything it needs to sleep comfortably through the night. Its belly is NOT pleasantly filled to give it that full, groggy feeling that allows it to drift off to sleep. It is NOT healthy, it doesn’t have the basic medical requirements needed for mere existence. It is lying in filth and its own waste.
Nazareth House Apostolate, you, me, individuals and the branches throughout the world are the ones looking in on that child, Sierra Leone. It is crying and its needs are not met. Its parents, in need themselves, are unable to make it comfortable. Without us, without our love, our compassion the night will serve to plunge it further into desperation. Sierra Leone is not looking for attention for the sake of attention. It is crying because it is without, neglected, marginalized, broken and begging for help.
James’ photographs are always awesome and depict life in Sierra Leone, on the ground, reality to the utmost degree-untouched, raw – pain showing through.
Today’s pictures on this post draw you into the battered, hungry, scarred souls of these children as they peer out of the window in search for what’s out there, beyond their world of suffering.
Just like Russian Religious Icons are considered “windows” that allow us to peer into another dimension bringing the Beyond to be in our midst, these photographs, these windows, allow you to look into a life very different from your own. A life looking for you, looking for us.
As we look into their eyes we see their pain reflected in ours. Many times in life what you see isn’t what is really happening. In James’ pictures, it is exactly what is happening. Total reality, not black or grey – but color!
As these beautiful, sorrowful children peer out the window, searching for hope, a different life…they see a light in the dark, showered in James’ sunbeam smile – our smile, all of us of Nazareth House represented in James. They nervously inch their fingers through the window to touch what is beyond them. They reach for something to comfort them. They find an extended hand, steady and sure. They find the hand of Nazareth House Apostolate.
Join Us Today
Nazareth House Apostolate
2216 Goldsmith Lane
Louisville, KY 40218
Your donations make a difference.
Click on a picture to enlarge
All photographs are the exclusive property of Nazareth House Apostolate and its photographers. All rights reserved.
Posted in Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, Nazareth house apostolate | Leave a comment

Window Passages

Posted on June 19, 2009 by vicki

There is a bedtime procedure that most parents, including myself, use. It is the method of feeding, changing, tending to your infant – making sure it has all that it requires to comfortably sleep through the night. You place the child in its crib, kiss it goodnight and tip-toe out the door. Invariably, the child realizes he is alone. Wanting attention, it begins to cry. But the parent, knowing the child does not want for anything, is aware that the baby only wants attention and is fighting sleep. The parent “ignores” the child. Alone in the dark, the child eventually cries itself to sleep.
Whenever I think of Sierra Leone, the above scenario goes through my mind. Sierra Leone, to me, is that child, left alone in the dark, its cries being ignored. The difference being – it is NOT alright, it doesn’t have everything it needs to sleep comfortably through the night. Its belly is NOT pleasantly filled to give it that full, groggy feeling that allows it to drift off to sleep. It is NOT healthy, it doesn’t have the basic medical requirements needed for mere existence. It is lying in filth and its own waste.
Nazareth House Apostolate, you, me, individuals and the branches throughout the world are the ones looking in on that child, Sierra Leone. It is crying and its needs are not met. Its parents, in need themselves, are unable to make it comfortable. Without us, without our love, our compassion the night will serve to plunge it further into desperation. Sierra Leone is not looking for attention for the sake of attention. It is crying because it is without, neglected, marginalized, broken and begging for help.
James’ photographs are always awesome and depict life in Sierra Leone, on the ground, reality to the utmost degree-untouched, raw – pain showing through.
Today’s pictures on this post draw you into the battered, hungry, scarred souls of these children as they peer out of the window in search for what’s out there, beyond their world of suffering.
Just like Russian Religious Icons are considered “windows” that allow us to peer into another dimension bringing the Beyond to be in our midst, these photographs, these windows, allow you to look into a life very different from your own. A life looking for you, looking for us.
As we look into their eyes we see their pain reflected in ours. Many times in life what you see isn’t what is really happening. In James’ pictures, it is exactly what is happening. Total reality, not black or grey – but color!
As these beautiful, sorrowful children peer out the window, searching for hope, a different life…they see a light in the dark, showered in James’ sunbeam smile – our smile, all of us of Nazareth House represented in James. They nervously inch their fingers through the window to touch what is beyond them. They reach for something to comfort them. They find an extended hand, steady and sure. They find the hand of Nazareth House Apostolate.
Join Us Today
Nazareth House Apostolate
2216 Goldsmith Lane
Louisville, KY 40218
Your donations make a difference.
Click on a picture to enlarge
All photographs are the exclusive property of Nazareth House Apostolate and its photographers. All rights reserved.
Posted in Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, Nazareth house apostolate | Leave a comment

Window Passages

Posted on June 19, 2009 by vicki

There is a bedtime procedure that most parents, including myself, use. It is the method of feeding, changing, tending to your infant – making sure it has all that it requires to comfortably sleep through the night. You place the child in its crib, kiss it goodnight and tip-toe out the door. Invariably, the child realizes he is alone. Wanting attention, it begins to cry. But the parent, knowing the child does not want for anything, is aware that the baby only wants attention and is fighting sleep. The parent “ignores” the child. Alone in the dark, the child eventually cries itself to sleep.
Whenever I think of Sierra Leone, the above scenario goes through my mind. Sierra Leone, to me, is that child, left alone in the dark, its cries being ignored. The difference being – it is NOT alright, it doesn’t have everything it needs to sleep comfortably through the night. Its belly is NOT pleasantly filled to give it that full, groggy feeling that allows it to drift off to sleep. It is NOT healthy, it doesn’t have the basic medical requirements needed for mere existence. It is lying in filth and its own waste.
Nazareth House Apostolate, you, me, individuals and the branches throughout the world are the ones looking in on that child, Sierra Leone. It is crying and its needs are not met. Its parents, in need themselves, are unable to make it comfortable. Without us, without our love, our compassion the night will serve to plunge it further into desperation. Sierra Leone is not looking for attention for the sake of attention. It is crying because it is without, neglected, marginalized, broken and begging for help.
James’ photographs are always awesome and depict life in Sierra Leone, on the ground, reality to the utmost degree-untouched, raw – pain showing through.
Today’s pictures on this post draw you into the battered, hungry, scarred souls of these children as they peer out of the window in search for what’s out there, beyond their world of suffering.
Just like Russian Religious Icons are considered “windows” that allow us to peer into another dimension bringing the Beyond to be in our midst, these photographs, these windows, allow you to look into a life very different from your own. A life looking for you, looking for us.
As we look into their eyes we see their pain reflected in ours. Many times in life what you see isn’t what is really happening. In James’ pictures, it is exactly what is happening. Total reality, not black or grey – but color!
As these beautiful, sorrowful children peer out the window, searching for hope, a different life…they see a light in the dark, showered in James’ sunbeam smile – our smile, all of us of Nazareth House represented in James. They nervously inch their fingers through the window to touch what is beyond them. They reach for something to comfort them. They find an extended hand, steady and sure. They find the hand of Nazareth House Apostolate.
Join Us Today
Nazareth House Apostolate
2216 Goldsmith Lane
Louisville, KY 40218
Your donations make a difference.
Click on a picture to enlarge
All photographs are the exclusive property of Nazareth House Apostolate and its photographers. All rights reserved.
Posted in Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, Nazareth house apostolate | Leave a comment

Window Passages

Posted on June 19, 2009 by vicki

There is a bedtime procedure that most parents, including myself, use. It is the method of feeding, changing, tending to your infant – making sure it has all that it requires to comfortably sleep through the night. You place the child in its crib, kiss it goodnight and tip-toe out the door. Invariably, the child realizes he is alone. Wanting attention, it begins to cry. But the parent, knowing the child does not want for anything, is aware that the baby only wants attention and is fighting sleep. The parent “ignores” the child. Alone in the dark, the child eventually cries itself to sleep.
Whenever I think of Sierra Leone, the above scenario goes through my mind. Sierra Leone, to me, is that child, left alone in the dark, its cries being ignored. The difference being – it is NOT alright, it doesn’t have everything it needs to sleep comfortably through the night. Its belly is NOT pleasantly filled to give it that full, groggy feeling that allows it to drift off to sleep. It is NOT healthy, it doesn’t have the basic medical requirements needed for mere existence. It is lying in filth and its own waste.
Nazareth House Apostolate, you, me, individuals and the branches throughout the world are the ones looking in on that child, Sierra Leone. It is crying and its needs are not met. Its parents, in need themselves, are unable to make it comfortable. Without us, without our love, our compassion the night will serve to plunge it further into desperation. Sierra Leone is not looking for attention for the sake of attention. It is crying because it is without, neglected, marginalized, broken and begging for help.
James’ photographs are always awesome and depict life in Sierra Leone, on the ground, reality to the utmost degree-untouched, raw – pain showing through.
Today’s pictures on this post draw you into the battered, hungry, scarred souls of these children as they peer out of the window in search for what’s out there, beyond their world of suffering.
Just like Russian Religious Icons are considered “windows” that allow us to peer into another dimension bringing the Beyond to be in our midst, these photographs, these windows, allow you to look into a life very different from your own. A life looking for you, looking for us.
As we look into their eyes we see their pain reflected in ours. Many times in life what you see isn’t what is really happening. In James’ pictures, it is exactly what is happening. Total reality, not black or grey – but color!
As these beautiful, sorrowful children peer out the window, searching for hope, a different life…they see a light in the dark, showered in James’ sunbeam smile – our smile, all of us of Nazareth House represented in James. They nervously inch their fingers through the window to touch what is beyond them. They reach for something to comfort them. They find an extended hand, steady and sure. They find the hand of Nazareth House Apostolate.
Join Us Today
Nazareth House Apostolate
2216 Goldsmith Lane
Louisville, KY 40218
Your donations make a difference.
Click on a picture to enlarge
All photographs are the exclusive property of Nazareth House Apostolate and its photographers. All rights reserved.
Posted in Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, Nazareth house apostolate | Leave a comment

Posted on June 17, 2009 by vicki


Written by James Mansaray: Freetown, Sierra Leone


Most people do help others and a whole lot try to help when they see that it is necessary. Others need to be reminded to help, thinking first of their own wants. Sometimes it’s very difficult to do when there is nothing at hand to help with. This wonderful gift from God which we call love, most times gears us towards helping others even when we don’t have enough.

Thoughts of this kept building in my head this morning as I drank a cup of coffee and ready to take my vitamin pill, a gift from a caring, loving late friend called Fr. Bob Haux.

Tears ran my eyes knowing fully well that this man I had never met before cared so much for so many including me out here. This he did from afar stretching his loving and tender heart across the oceans to many that he never had the opportunity to meet. Tell me this is not love……..


An encounter with a blind poor man walking his way to his village along the Fadugu Kabala high way created a beautiful scene of friendship and love between us.

Here this poor man was begging me to drop him off and he was ready to pay with his last leones which wont be enough for him to buy a piece of bread.

This was the best opportunity for me to extend my own side of a loving hand, making him feel so happy at his stopping point. I felt so good doing this.

Exploring the provinces where poverty is rife, you see nothing but more and more of this. In many many ways they need us. The quality of their life is in our hands, so to speak. Do we ignore them or follow our God to help them – feed them, clothe them, visit them…

We at NHA know fully well that there is nothing we can do without love. You need not be reminded to give a helping hand, you are aware of the struggles in Sierra Leone. It is in you to make use of this love and help those who can’t afford to feed their families. Your love can take form in prayers and in donations to give assistance. We’ve been kind of quiet about the Compound, but the need grows stronger every day and we can’t look away from accomplishing that need. We must put our whole hearts, minds and energy in concreting NHA’s existence in Sierra Leone – making us a permanent resident amongst the poorest of the poor. March 2010 is not so far away – give today:


Nazareth House Apostolate

2216 Goldsmith Lane

Louisville, KY 40218


May God bless and keep you all.

James. B. Mansaray.

Posted in blindman, Bob Haux, Nazareth house apostolate, poverty, worms | Leave a comment

Posted on June 17, 2009 by vicki


Written by James Mansaray: Freetown, Sierra Leone


Most people do help others and a whole lot try to help when they see that it is necessary. Others need to be reminded to help, thinking first of their own wants. Sometimes it’s very difficult to do when there is nothing at hand to help with. This wonderful gift from God which we call love, most times gears us towards helping others even when we don’t have enough.

Thoughts of this kept building in my head this morning as I drank a cup of coffee and ready to take my vitamin pill, a gift from a caring, loving late friend called Fr. Bob Haux.

Tears ran my eyes knowing fully well that this man I had never met before cared so much for so many including me out here. This he did from afar stretching his loving and tender heart across the oceans to many that he never had the opportunity to meet. Tell me this is not love……..


An encounter with a blind poor man walking his way to his village along the Fadugu Kabala high way created a beautiful scene of friendship and love between us.

Here this poor man was begging me to drop him off and he was ready to pay with his last leones which wont be enough for him to buy a piece of bread.

This was the best opportunity for me to extend my own side of a loving hand, making him feel so happy at his stopping point. I felt so good doing this.

Exploring the provinces where poverty is rife, you see nothing but more and more of this. In many many ways they need us. The quality of their life is in our hands, so to speak. Do we ignore them or follow our God to help them – feed them, clothe them, visit them…

We at NHA know fully well that there is nothing we can do without love. You need not be reminded to give a helping hand, you are aware of the struggles in Sierra Leone. It is in you to make use of this love and help those who can’t afford to feed their families. Your love can take form in prayers and in donations to give assistance. We’ve been kind of quiet about the Compound, but the need grows stronger every day and we can’t look away from accomplishing that need. We must put our whole hearts, minds and energy in concreting NHA’s existence in Sierra Leone – making us a permanent resident amongst the poorest of the poor. March 2010 is not so far away – give today:


Nazareth House Apostolate

2216 Goldsmith Lane

Louisville, KY 40218


May God bless and keep you all.

James. B. Mansaray.

Posted in blindman, Bob Haux, Nazareth house apostolate, poverty, worms | Leave a comment