OPERATION HOPE – KUWAIT
A Mission of Mercy
December 21, 2007
We are days away from the end of 2007 and I must say how very blessed this year has been for OPERATION HOPE. To think that just 3 winters ago the Lord laid it upon my heart to serve a few of Kuwait's poor and seeing where HE has taken this mission of mercy is nothing short of awesome! Our first year (2005) 1,150 winter bags were distributed. Last year (our 2nd) we distributed 5,500 winter bags.
At the start of this season's outreach my beloved sister, Tillie from Milwaukee wrote, "Watch and be amazed." I have watched and stand amazed by how God has multiplied the outreach to 9,000 men and women working in Kuwait from Nepal, India, China, Bangladesh, Viet Nam, Nigeria, Kenya, Sierre Lione, Sri Lanka, and Egypt.
Today the most loyal OH volunteers showed up to pack coats in the rain! Some of us less courageous volunteers (in other words ~ the non-Canadians) worked inside the waterproof tent (that leaked), while the Canadians (and a few other nationalities) braved the cold & rain outdoors. All 1,000 winter bags (our last for this winter's season ~ unless God leads otherwise) got packed with the majority of them also being distributed as well. Amidst the rain and cold another challenge arose ~ we ran out of bags to pack the winter apparel into. Fortunately the Sultan Center ~ Salmiya came through for us in a pinch by donating enough TSC bags to carry us through.
Tomorrow morning the last of this consignment will find its way to their third-country-national owners ~ and not a moment too soon! Presently the recorded outside temperature is 6 degrees centigrade!! That's cold for Kuwait ~ and even colder for those who have no coats or blankets. .
Big thanks to the British Embassy for donating the proceeds of their Christmas raffle! We are thankful and delighted to receive your gift.
Bechtel Corporation has selected OPERATION HOPE – KUWAIT as this year's recipient for their charitable support! We are blessed and grateful to the Bechtel folks for their willingness to give so generously and look forward to bringing our current balance of KD 13,378 down even further through their help!
Most contributions come from private residents (mostly expatriates working in Kuwait ) however OH looks forward to receiving corporate support immediately via the doors which have opened through two churches in Kuwait. The National Evangelical Church of Kuwait (NECK) and St. Paul's Anglican Church have agreed to accept donations made out to their respective churches on behalf of OH. Corporations and businesses wishing to make donations to OH through the aforementioned churches should be specific as to whom their support is meant when gifting so that we may receive your donation. All gifts made through these two churches are tax deductible.
I wish to encourage everyone who believes in OH to kindly solicit the support of your respective workplaces so that we may close out our balance due for this year's distribution of 9,000 winter coats, hats, gloves, socks and 5,000 thermal underclothing sets. Broken down all we are in need of is: 13 gifts of 1,000 KD each to pay off our debt.
Big thanks to the good people at the Family Medicine Center at Lem Turner of Jacksonville, Florida, who sent several boxes of clothing and toiletries for OH through their colleague who is serving in the US Armed Forces in Kuwait. Thanks Nolisa for sharing what we do with the folks back home!
There is so much to look forward into the New Year ~ in 2008 a board will be established so that we may better plan and serve those in the greatest of need in Kuwait. More news of that is forthcoming. I believe our mission of mercy will expand to include other areas of support and help to third-country-nationals working in Kuwait's labor force and look forward to seeing where God takes OH.
On this cold, rainy night I sit freezing in my office as I pound out this update and wonder 'if I'm so cold how those without heat and winter clothing are managing'. Nevertheless I conclude tonight's update with these words taken from Psalm 113:3, "From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised." So with that I give ALL praise to Him who made this universe; and all the wonderful men and women we serve; and all of you who have answered His calling to support OH this year. Glory to Him forever and ever!
God bless,
Sheryll Mairza
Founder
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