This Christmas Day, many of us are enjoying a huge family dinner with our loved ones and friends (including our pick of several desserts) , we are opening presents and counting our blessings.

Yet, there are millions of people around the world that will spend this Holiday without a meal, without any gifts. Hungry and exposed to disease, they make do with what they have.

 

A young mother pulls together a dinner made of a small handful of rice, a bit of cassava -

 

 

the family gathers to share a dinner (only enough for one)

 

I have witnessed such scenes many times in Sierra Leone.

 

 

In Freetown, I see children playing with sticks and old tires

 

with huge smiles on their faces, having the best time with one another, true wholesome child's play.

 

 

They didn't get any new toys for Christmas, yet they are having fun. ...and they are thankful.

 

This is a time to celebrate our blessings. It is a time to anticipate a new year with plans for bettering ourselves, etc. This is all good and necessary. It is also necessary and the time is now to come together on behalf of those who need our help.

The people in Sierra Leone need your help. We ask you to consider a commitment to regular support of the work of Nazareth House Apostolate in 2009, so that you will make a difference in the lives of those who so desperately need you. Give them a chance, change their lives. Nazareth House is working to better their lives by providing food, shelter and medical assistance. As we do this, it is only a bandaid, we also work deeper by providing education and skills for continued improvement of their lives.

Oh...and if you are looking for a last minute 2008 tax deduction (before December 31), your donations to Nazareth House are tax-deductible and will be the perfect gift for your brothers and sisters less fortunate than yourself. God bless you all.