Whooh! It wasn't easy to make the goal for the 2009 Rent of St. Laurence House, our Nazareth House Center of Operations in Freetown, Sierra Leone. It took sacrifice and team effort to accomplish it. Once again, that is exactly what you did - pulled together as one body working towards one goal. I am in awe of the way the supporters of this organization make it happen! I applaud you all.
I would like to be able to tell you that we can all kick back and coast awhile - - but that's not the way things are. Now that we've secured our place from which to operate we must do just that - operate! Keeping close in mind, that March 2010, we will be in the same predicament, only this time, the landlord wants his property for himself and will not rent again. Therefore, as we provide the needs for those we serve we must also be raising funds to purchase our own property for our Center of Operations.
It might sound an "impossible" task, but so did providing a school building and look what was done! We built the school, are paying the teachers salaries each month, provided the students with uniforms and much more.
Many of us had to dig deeper than we had planned to make this rent goal. The economy is not good and we are all struggling. Yet, you all saw it too important a venture to not make the goal.
So how does Nazareth House propose to provide the needs in which so many depend on us PLUS purchase our own property? The answers are not as difficult as they may first seem.
We must build our network of supporters! This is where you come in, tell everyone that you know about what you are doing in Sierra Leone. Introduce them to our staff in Freetown, James, Kadijah, Lucy, Ann Marie and little Roo through this blog (scroll back through old posts to get to know the people of NHA), the website and Youtube. Tell your Co-workers, friends, neighbors, grocer, church, car-pool, little league team, etc...
If you haven't already, please be sure to make a monthly pledge. Our goal is to reach 1000 people or more giving at least $25 per month. Gathering 1000 supporters from all over America shouldn't be such an unobtainable task. Some of us have 500 or better friends and growing just on our Facebook accounts.
The regular monthly support allows Nazareth House to have a budget. At this time we have a few who have pledged and give monthly, but we must increase that number in order to provide for those who are suffering so greatly in Sierra Leone. One time or occasional givers are essential but the backbone is that which we can count on month after month. Having a budget of monthly income allows us to plan for emergencies and not have to make panicked pleas for each unexpected need.
1000 people donating $25 per month starting immediately, would make it possible to to buy our own property before March 2010 plus increase our support in areas of need such as food supply, medical and education.
How many of us spend more than $25 a month on Lattes, McDonald's and other items that we have nothing left to show. We could still enjoy these items but maybe knock off a few extras and donate our money towards changing someone's life. Putting our money towards helping our brothers and sisters less fortunate than ourselves.
In America, with or without insurance or money - we CAN get medical treatment. Not so in Sierra Leone. If you don't have the money, more times than not, you are simply turned away from the hospital and allowed to die. Many times from illnesses that could be prevented and cured.
Americans are generous and provide Soup Kitchens, Food Banks, Shelters and Clothing Centers for the poor in our own country. Yet, in Sierra Leone where 70% of the population lives in deep poverty, there are none of these provisions.
Children, weakened with hunger walk long distances in search of food. Parents work hard and are lucky to provide one meal a day for their family.
We've made a commitment to these people, we've promised to see them through.
If you wish to make a monthly pledge, email us through the email links on our website or mail your request to NHA, 2216 Goldsmith Lane, Louisville, KY 40218
Thank You. God bless you.