January 2, 2005

This Upcoming Week

This week will prove to be extremely busy for everyone, but WELL WORTH IT, considering those suffering that truly need our assistance. We have planned our big fundraising dinner for this coming Friday, January 7th. We have just a day or two to get everything organized and advertised properly. May God be with us.

Salem Lutheran Church across the street from St. Gabriel's is sharing their dining hall with us for this special occasion. The Indian Community of Northwest Arkansas is contributing. We are planning a silent auction and are seeking donations of worthwhile goods and services to be auctioned off. More information will follow after this is finalized.

Please keep us in your prayers.

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Posted by frleo at 8:05 PM

Breaking News! Local Children Undertake Tsunami Relief "Pennies" Drive

Local Children Undertake "Pennies Drive"

Today after service, St. Gabriel's had its potluck luncheon in the Undercroft, as is our tradition on the first Sunday of each month. This was a particularly special Sunday, because it was the first Sunday service after we started our Tsunami Relief Drive. We had such a good turn-out at the Church, of parishioners and visitors. We are truly thankful.

During potluck, several children volunteered their personal efforts to help the people in our region of interest in South India. This is our breaking story!

Mckayla Cochran, seven years of age, laid the groundwork for her personal fundraising drive:

"I'm planning on filling my whole penny bank, and if they need more money, I'll try to fill it up even more."

Mckayla's little brother Ian, aged five, also volunteered his efforts, as well as their friend Mary, aged four.

Older sister and friend Mckayla has been placed in charge of this drive, to assure her little brother and friend follow through on their promise. She and her brother and friend are so very smart that we are sure they can handle this effort smoothly, especially with Mckayla's excellent guidance.

Shanti and Carlos Carbajal are also great friends of St. Gabriel's. Here is a picture of them with Fr. Leo today.


Posted by frleo at 7:51 PM

December 28, 2004

Reaching out to Tsunami Victims

Having lived and served in the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Southern India, I can fathom the devastation it has cost the poor and defenceless fisherfolks of the coastal region.

There are a few who have their private part of the coastline for weekends, but most depend on the sea for their livelihood and therefore make the coastline their habitat. Their houses are simple structures, simple enough to have a roof over their heads and the sidings to block the wind, made of thatched coconut leaves. For most part the sea has been part and parcel of their lives and they never feared it all until they were engulfed by the waves that breached its confines as a result of Tsunami. TSUNAMI from now on will be remembered and registered as the destroyer.

Your help will go a long way to assist people who have suffered the loss of their children and children who have lost their parents. I have been in touch with Fr. Michael in Chennai who has assured me all funds will reach the victims. If need be I might go in person to India and take care of the relief efforts myself.

CUDDALORE (literally meaning Sea Town) has been the worst hit along with Nagapatnam where there is a Shrine of the Blessed Virgin, Vailankanni. Lots of lives have been lost, mostly children. In Chennai, there are 500 children whose homes are washed off and they have no food, clothing or shelter. I want to make sure that these funds reach the needy for whom they are being accepted.

People over the world, reach out your hands touch one another People over the world, we are the same, just sisters and brothers We have one life to live, so much to give and so much to share There is love to be found, just look around there's happiness there

These lines of a popular song just invite to reach out to each other in times of natural disaster and calamity. May His blessings be yours as you care to wipe the tears of your sister and brother.

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Posted by frleo at 2:13 PM