The Sheepfold and the Voice of the Shepherd

Posted by on
Stone sheepfold John 10:22-30 Recently my boys have been spending a great deal of time outside in the area that will soon be transformed into our garden. They spend endless hours digging in the dirt for worms. They then promptly take those worms and throw them to the chickens. It amazes me how even chickens can learn to recognize sounds or voices. My oldest makes this funny high-pitched sound when he comes out of the house and heads toward the coop. The chickens practically fall over themselves running toward the fence or out of the coop when they hear him making his sound. They know there is food to follow! In Sunday's Gospel Jesus tells us that, "My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me." and "I am the gate for the sheep." Today, again, Jesus mentions that His sheep know His voice and follow Him.  In these few verses we learn that Jesus is both gate and shepherd for the sheep. In those days and even today in some places, a sheepfold w
0

Saving the World One Child at a Time

Posted by on

Richard when we first began sponsoring him

Saving the World One Child at a Time is the slogan you will read if you visit the Miryante Orphanage website and that is truly what they do.

Our family was introduced to the Miryante Orphanage in 2015 when my brother took his parish on a mission trip to Uganda.  The daughter of one of his parishioners had invited them to come visit the orphanage and see the life-changing work they are doing there.  They were able to visit with the kids, bring them supplies, gifts, and rosaries.  They were able to pray with them and celebrate Mass with them.  My brother was especially moved by their devotion to the Mass.  They woke early, sang loudly, and others often walked many miles in the dark simply to attend.  

When the parish and my brother returned to the states they brought memories, stories, and gifts.  The best gift my brother brought to my family was the opportunity to help the orphanage.  He told us about how they allow people to sponsor a child at the orphanage which helps provide them with food, clothing, and education.  Since then we have sponsored 3 children who have learned skills that have carried them into their adult life.

Many of the children at Miryante are orphans due to their parents death from HIV/AIDS epidemic, disease, and conflict.  I can't imagine the difficulties they face but the orphanage provides them with a fresh start and the opportunity to rise up from the pain and suffering.

One such orphan was Richard, whom we began sponsoring a couple of years ago.  We have kept in touch with Richard via email over the years exchanging letters and pictures.  We recently received notice that Richard had graduated and left the orphanage.  While many students in the U.S. graduate with parties and lavish gifts from cash to cars, Richard was happy to receive a tool box, overalls, a helmet, a mattress and a goat for graduation.  He'll be working with the skills and education he acquired at Miryante and rearing goats for extra money.

I'd like to invite you to prayerfully consider sponsoring a young person like Richard, Joab, Florence, or any of the 60 children currently in need of our help.  I promise, it will bless you more than you can imagine to bless them.  Get the details on sponsoring a Miryante orphan here.

Even if you can't afford a monthly sponsorship, consider donating to the animal, school, goat, tools, or supply funds.  Any help help Miryante Save the World One Child at a Time.  Thanks!

Richard with his graduation gifts (toolbox, mattress, helmet, and work overalls)

Richard learned many skills at Miryante including the art of animal husbandry
and will be rearing goats for extra income.

Richard's last letter to us.  Please keep this promising young man in your prayers!


Click here to read more from James M. Hahn - Blog - Books 
Check out his ongoing memoir about life with his special-needs daughter.

If you'd like to make a donation to help get this book about Catherine completed, our family would greatly appreciate that and you'll be the first to know when it's ready.

God bless you - Jim Hahn
* Contains affiliate links. No, that doesn't mean that the kids should leave the room. Rather, it means that if you click on a link, and if you purchase something, I may get some financial remuneration for that click and buy. All that means is that my kids will finally get to eat, just kidding but I may get something, just so you know...

Comments

Post a Comment