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Give the Gift of Electricity and Water to the Children and Families in Zuarungu, Ghana

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As another autumn begins, the days have begun to grow shorter — getting noticeably darker even before I am able to make it home from work. And as we get closer to Christmas, we will see even less daylight than now. So how appropriate it is that on one of the shortest days of the year — when darkness seems to have taken over the earth — we celebrate the birth of the Messiah: the one who brings light into the world!

In the midst of our holiday shopping and preparation, themes such as those of light and darkness and the greater meaning of Christmas can easily get lost in the hustle and bustle of the season. But men and women living in regions of the world without electricity — such as our rural mission areas in West Africa — are keenly aware of what it means to have a light shining in the midst of darkness! Please let me explain.

The people living in darkness have seen a great light!

Matt 4:16

Dear John,

As another autumn begins, the days have begun to grow shorter — getting noticeably darker even before I am able to make it home from work. And as we get closer to Christmas, we will see even less daylight than now. So how appropriate it is that on one of the shortest days of the year — when darkness seems to have taken over the earth — we celebrate the birth of the Messiah: the one who brings light into the world!

In the midst of our holiday shopping and preparation, themes such as those of light and darkness and the greater meaning of Christmas can easily get lost in the hustle and bustle of the season. But men and women living in regions of the world without electricity — such as our rural mission areas in West Africa — are keenly aware of what it means to have a light shining in the midst of darkness! Please let me explain.

Recently, I received a letter from Fr. Samuel Atinga — a missionary living and working in the town of Zuarungu — in northeastern Ghana, West Africa. There Fr. Samuel not only oversees the daily pastoral work at the parish church, but a kindergarten, elementary and junior high school as well.

Fr. Samuel writes, “The school was started in 2008 with only fifteen children. Now it has nearly 500 students. Children come from a wide area — which includes our own village and four others.”

“When the school was initially built,” he continues, “there was no electricity in the village. The village was connected to the national power grid a year after the school was constructed. However, due to a lack of funds, the school has not since been able to connect to the power grid. So we have no electricity.

“Needless to say, children are unable to study or do their homework at night. Some are compelled to use oil lamps which will have long term effects on their eyes because of the fumes from the kerosene.” Additionally,” he writes, “in order to get water from our borehole well, we must use a hand pump. Unfortunately, the kindergarten children are not strong enough to pump the water from the borehole whenever they are thirsty. As a result, they must wait for the older ones or their teachers to come and help them. I am hoping that there is some way you can help us!

As I read Fr. Samuel’s letter, I could not help but imagine what a difference it would make in so many lives if the school had electricity not only to provide light but to pump the water as well. Imagine how many lives will be forever changed by the gift of electricity and having water readily available!

As we approach this holy season, will you help provide “light” to a world that is (quite literally) in darkness? Your goodness and caring can be the gift of light that will provide hope for those in need.

There are a couple of ways you could help be a “beacon of light” in your own community. For example — if your circumstances permit — you could offer to pay the electric bill for a needy family this winter. What a surprise blessing that would be for those who are struggling. You can also help keep energy prices low for everyone by conserving electricity whenever possible. Lower demand for energy often means lower prices for all consumers.

Additionally, while I am praying that we can raise at least $42,000 to help the people of Zuarungu, Ghana, and our other projects in West and East Africa, please know that any amount you can give will help those who are struggling and in need. Whether you give $25, $250, or $2500 — every gift that you give helps us continue reaching out to the poor and suffering. For that, we cannot thank you enough! God bless you during this holy and wonderful season.

Your Missionary Friend,

Denis P. Pringle
Director of Development

P.S. – Your intentions will be remembered in a special Pass to be celebrated our Missionaries during this Christmas Season!  Please write your intentions on the enclosed reply card and return it to us.