From Sr. Debbie:
In the midst of such turmoil in our country and world on so many levels, I truly hope you will take time to read and take to heart the messages enclosed in this news and notes. We, as the Mission of Hope family- all of us are called to be beacons of HOPE wherever, whenever, however. Thanks for being HOPE.
I'm sending a few key pieces of information that you may find of interest for various reasons. And I'm very pleased to include a reflection of gratitude from Gwen Cote as our Thought for the week. Gwen is our Ambassador of Hope in the hard-hit area of Punta Gorda, Florida.
Education sponsorship renewals will be mailed out within a couple of days. Please keep an eye out for the packet. If you have not received the packet within 5-6 days, please notify James at 518-593-9718 or jpcarlin1963@gmail.com.
2. If you are not an Education or Orphan's Hope sponsor and would like to be, please notify James, and he will ensure that you get the necessary packet.
3. Donations received to date:
NC: $11,949.20
SC: $1250
FL: $7900
Key communications from our Ambassadors of Hope in NC, SC and Florida.
First, NC: From Carol Herring and George Searle: "When a community experiences extensive flooding, the floodwater carries pollutants like sewage, chemicals, debris, and bacteria that can enter the water supply. Extensive repairs are required to treatment facilities, underground and above-ground water pipes, and to roads that have washed away. Persons living in the more rural areas have reported bathing in creeks." "We cannot thank you enough for your quick response and generosity. The outpouring of your compassion is an encouraging reminder that kind-hearted people like you are always ready to lend a helping hand." The needs have shifted to building, clean-up, and repair supplies. Below are a couple of photos from NC.
Second: SC: From Pastor Clinkscales: "I would like to personally thank you for your recent donation. Please know that the 19 families who benefited from your generosity are most grateful. This area of SC suffered extreme wind, rain and flood damage. They lost power for over two weeks, wells were not able to pump water and they lost perishable foods including meat, and had difficulty finding gas for cars and generators. Your donation is a reminder that there are still loving and caring organizations that practice the lessons of Christ and live His mission to love others, especially the stranger and those in need. Know this...you have been a true blessing to this community."
Third: Florida. Below is a message for all of you from Gwen Cote....and a couple of photos of the continued destruction in Florida.
Thought for the week: How Beautiful on the Mountaintops …
You are the beautiful feet, voices, and hearts that ring out HOPE for others. Your donations, gratefully received and distributed in your name, provide shelter and, more significantly, are the beacon of hope for the weary hearts of people in southwestern Florida. Your role is invaluable and integral to our recovery.
A couple of weeks ago, I received a call from Sister Debbie with joy, informing me that MOH would be donating to aid the people affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The situation is dire. The flooding from Helene devastated the homes of many, and before they could even begin to clean up, Milton came with even more ferocity. An older lady I know had 3 feet of water throughout her home from Helene, and having just piled most of her earthly belongings on the curb to be dragged away, she was inundated with 4.5 feet of water from Milton. Her home is now a shell. All wallboards, furniture, appliances, and memories are at the curb or the dump. She is just one of the hundreds and hundreds affected by the storms.
Some have the resources to pull their lives back together, but many do not. That is where your donations have come to bring a respite from the disaster.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Punta Gorda has the world's second-largest Saint Vincent de Paul conference. It is only surpassed by a conference in India. With nearly 500 volunteer members, they reach out daily to meet the needs of our struggling neighbors. 100% of the donations they receive help those in need.
The greatest unmet need is shelter. I partnered with SVdP to identify those in most need of a place to stay while they figure out how to proceed. Having up to 10 nights in a motel where they can sleep in a bed and take a shower gives unimaginable hope to weary souls. That small respite gives our suffering neighbors the strength to go daily to clean up, clean out, meet with FEMA, and try to put some order back in their tattered lives.
These are just two of the many stories I have heard from the people you have helped.
One is about an older woman on oxygen whose home was flooded twice. She is alone, carrying a portable oxygen device, and trying to clean out her home. She showed me the one picture she saved of her only son. He predeceased her. Your donations mean she can sleep in a bed, shower, and plug in her oxygen tank for the evening and overnight. The other is a mom with two elementary-age children and a baby. Her husband has gone north to work so he can send her money. His workplace (in addition to their home) was flooded, and there is no word whether or when they will reopen. She and the children were sleeping in a tent. A simple motel room with two queen beds is like a palace for them to bridge the time until they have stability again.
SVdP provides food, clothing, toys for children, and temporary furniture. You are providing rest, dignity, and hope. Together, we are giving our neighbors who have been broken by this devastation a chance to start again.
Thank you are small words. But now tears are running down my cheeks as I write them. Thank you. Your goodness has allowed me to be a vessel of hope and see hope in the eyes of those in our community that you serve through your generosity. The Catholic Community of Sacred Heart remembers you all daily in our prayers. We pray that the light of hope you bring to others will reflect on you, and you will see clearly the power of the glory of God that you give to our people.
God bless you all.
In God’s Unending Love,
Gwen Coté
Pastoral Associate
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
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