Operation Hope - Kuwait

Art Auction and Volunteers Needed for Operation Hope

2008-02-01T12:41:00.001+03:00

Dear Friends of Operation Hope:

We wanted to make you aware of an opportunity that you have to support Operation Hope. I have attached a flyer of an art exhibit which will be held from February 3-7. As the flyer states, the artist is donating one of his pieces to Operation Hope. There are a few different ways that you can help us with this event. (1) come out and support this exhibit; (2) place a bid on the auction which will be on February 6 in support of OH; and (3) pass the word of this event to family, friends and co-workers.

We also wanted to make you aware of two volunteer positions that we need filled within Operation Hope. They are as follows:

(1) we need a volunteer willing and able to create and print flyers and/or brochures throughout the year when we are having events; this would be on an as-needed basis; and

(2) we need a volunteer willing and able to maintain Operation Hope's accounts using the current spreadsheet; this would more than likely require minimal time once you have become familiar with the program and have things organized.

If you would like to help us with either of these positions, please contact me via this email address.

Thank you for your support of Operation Hope. I know that with your help many more great things will be able to happen through Operation Hope in the coming year!!!!

I pray that God will bless you GREATLY as you are a blessing to those around you!
Jaye Lynn Lester
Administrator
Operation Hope

OH January 10, 2008

2008-01-10T17:46:00.001+03:00

OPERATION HOPE

KUWAIT

A Mission of Mercy

January 10, 2007

Greetings and a blessed 2008 to one and all! I begin this year firmly trusting that the LORD will continue to bless OH's outreach to the neediest of

Kuwait

's needy third-country-nationals.

This update will be brief but rather focused brothers and sisters. The balance currently outstanding for coats purchased, packed and distributed remains at KD 12,738.

Broken down it is equivalent to:

· 12.5 donations of KD 1,000 each OR

· 26 donations of KD 500 each OR

· 1,273 donations of KD 10 each OR. . .

. . . I think you get what I'm saying here.

This country is FULL of people who can afford a KD 10 donation and wouldn't even feel a dent in their pocket!

Most of us have heard of the late John D. Rockefeller. He was one of the wealthiest men who ever lived. When Mr. Rockefeller's accountant was asked about the total sum of what he left behind, the accountant replied, "He left all of it." My point ~ we CAN'T take what we own with us when we leave planet Earth but we CAN make a difference in someone's life today!

I want to begin 2008 with a challenge. I ask that you would consider making a donation of KD 10 today (even if you've made a donation before). I also challenge you to ask your family, friends, and colleagues to also make donations of KD 10 each.

The investment I am challenging you and your loved ones to make is small, however the return is enormous.

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me; I was sick and you looked after me; I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in; or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:34-40

What OH does for the "least of these" is done for the LORD. Please join us in serving Him as we continue to serve those in need.

God bless,

Sheryll Mairza

Founder

OH December 28, 2007

2007-12-28T19:55:00.001+03:00

OPERATION HOPE

KUWAIT

A Mission of Mercy

December 28, 2007

Greetings! A new year is facing us and with that is the excitement of waiting to see where the Lord will take OH. What a blessed anticipation!!

Within a week of one another two dear friends have lost a parent. Both were ill and both have gone to be with the Lord, nevertheless both will be greatly missed by their respective families. In memory of each friend's parent a donation of winter warmth for two needy TCN's has been made.

The outstanding balance for the winter bags remains at 13,250 KD. My hope is that the balance will be paid in full with in a month's time. I thank you for whatever support you are able to give toward eliminating our debt. And remember. . . OH is now able to accept corporate support under the umbrella of both the National Evangelical Church of Kuwait and St. Paul's Anglican Church. Simply let them know that your donation is to be earmarked for OH and they will be sure to pass it along to us. All donations made are US tax-deductible.

In 2007 OH has served 9,000 men/women third-country-nationals who are on salaries of less than KD 40 per month ($110 USD) by providing them with winter coats, hats, gloves, socks and thermal underclothing.

Other OH highlights of 2007 include these blessings:

· Eleven TB patients repatriated to their respective countries with 'seed-money' to begin their lives anew.

· Eight families from Middle Eastern countries helped with such needs as rent, food, as well as refrigerator purchased for one who lost their possessions in a house fire early in the year.

· More than twenty third-country-national families assisted through OH for help with their rents, medical assistance, and other necessities.

· One Indian laborer's life has been spared through the purchase of a life-saving feeding tube.

· One hundred twenty Bengali's living on the border of Iraq have received blankets, pillows, rice, sugar, tea, flour and other non-perishable food staples. All of them are on monthly salaries of KD 18 25 per month ($48 60 USD) and living in metal shacks with no heat/AC/or plumbing.

· Financial & food assistance to several families from the Philippines who are struggling through temporary but difficult times.

· A brand new stove given to a needy Philippine family.

· Used furniture/rugs/and other household items donated to countless third-county-national families in need.

· A used computer given to a needy Indian girl to complete her education.

· Continuous supplies of clothing, reading materials, blankets, pillows, toiletries, and food to the men/women/children living in the embassies of the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. The combined total number of people helped in these embassies is well over 500.

· Prescription medications purchased for needy Arab and TCN people in need.

· Visited the sick in hospitals with no family in Kuwait.

Brothers and sisters there are many others who have been blessed by your support through OPERTION HOPE. I thank you for your willingness to help others in need. You have attended the distribution of coats, delivered food to families in need, packed coat bags, held fundraisers, attended fundraisers, given cash donations; food donations, given us clothing, furniture, blankets, pillows and food, prayed for us, prayed for those we serve, served on the OH committee, forwarded words of encouragement, and seen those we help with new eyes.

I pray that God will bless each of you for all you have done to make a difference in the lives of so many needy men and women in Kuwait. I hope 2008 will be doubly blessed by the One who we serve each time we serve someone in need.

A blessed New Year,

Sheryll Mairza

Founder

OH December 21, 2007

2007-12-21T13:09:00.000+03:00

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 2^nd) 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

OH December 17, 2007

2007-12-17T13:09:00.000+03:00

OPERATION HOPE – KUWAIT

A Mission of Mercy

December 17, 2007

Greetings one and all. . .

I happened across an ad at Starbucks which read, "Doing nice things for others makes you feel warm inside." How very true that is! Each and every time we buy a coat, pack it, and give it away we feel warmth in the depth of our spirit. Every time someone gives us a donation they claim to have the same feeling. Let us try to imagine just how the recipients feel when he or she receives the unexpected gift of warmth that OH gives?

Today's update is, like most others, full of blessed news! Read through the whole of this message to know what I mean.

On December 10^th families from the Saudi Arabian Chevron (SAC) camp invited OH to an evening of dessert, sharing and gifting. What a wonderful time it was ~ desserts were gorgeous; the room was decorated beautifully; and through the generous giving of the SAC families OH was gifted with the sum of KD 1,049. Several days following our visit the same families distributed 180 winter bags to needy TCN workers around the SAC camp.

On December 14^th OH volunteers distributed 1,200 winter bags to Tamil-speaking Indian laborers.

Friday, December 15^th the National Evangelical Church of Kuwait's Harvest Festival Committee made a donation of KD 2,000 to OH! What a blessing!!

OH thanks the anonymous donor of $500 (USD) from the National Evangelical Church of Kuwait and my thanks to the NECK for passing on the donation to us.

I received an email from Nicole, a German woman, who in passing through Kuwait last winter (literally spending a few hours in this country), helped us to distribute 1,000 winter bags to needy third-country-nationals. She writes that she would like to gift OH with coats and other winter apparel! What a blessed offering she makes from afar and one that is sure to bless the needy here.

The good men and women from the 386^th EMDG (US Armed Forces) have donated $335.00 towards the work OH endeavors to do. We give thanks to God for these precious people who, so far from their own homes and families, are thinking of others less fortunate! We pray protection over ALL armed forces serving world-wide and a special prayer for those serving here in Kuwait and Iraq .

OLEK – Spanish Speaking Ladies Association has pledged their support for 2008! We look forward to having your help and thank you in advance!

Mr. Parsons donated a brand new cooking stove, which in turn was given to a needy Philippine family. They have been so very blessed by this gift! Thanks Mr. Parsons for being so generous!

A physician at the Chest Diseases Hospital in Kuwait wrote a letter to OH asking if we could help a poor Indian laborer who was in need of a feeding tube. His very survival, we were informed, was dependent upon this tube. By God's grace OH has been able to purchase the needed item for KD 200 and we are profoundly moved and blessed that we could help.

Please know that every fil makes a difference in what OH is able to do! To date, through your generosity, we have been able to distribute 8,000 coats, hats, gloves, thermal underclothing, and socks to needy third-country-nationals this winter.

A last shipment of 1,000 coats, hats, gloves, and socks will be brought to my home today for packing. I would like to invite YOU to help us assemble these winter bags on Friday, December 21st at 12 PM. Please RSVP your commitment to ophopevolunteer@yahoo.com as soon as possible. This will be our LAST coat-packing for winter 2007, so PLEASE join us.

The total of OH's outstanding debt for coats and other winter apparel now stands at KD 16,500. This total encompasses the whole of 9,000 coats, hats, gloves, socks; and 5,000 thermal underclothing sets.

If you have meant to gift OH with your support and have not yet done so, this would be the time. For those of you who have gifted us ~ we thank you for your help.

In God I trust,

Sheryll Mairza

Founder

Operation Hope 28 Nov.

2007-11-28T09:44:00.000+03:00

Happy Holidays!

I want to invite each of you to the AWL Bazaar on Dec. 7th at the
Movenpick(Free Trade Zone). This year's bazaar will benefit Operation
Hope.
Attached is a flyer with the information.

All entry fees and raffle monies will be given to OH this year. We are
so excited about this wonderful opportunity!
Please invite your family and friends to come out that day to finish
their holiday shopping.

Another way you can help OH is by purchasing Candy Canes. We have many
boxes of flavors this season. Each box will sell for KD 1.500 for 12
Candy Canes.
The flavors available are:

Bubble Gum
Cinnamon
Peppermint
Cherry Rainbow
Wintergreen
Strawberry
Chocolate Mint
Green Apple

Please email us or contact Sheryll directly at 937-5613 to place your
order. While supplies last.

Thank you for your continued support of OH.

Blessings,

Sheryll

I pray that God will bless you as you bless those around you!
Jaye Lynn Lester
Administrator
Operation Hope

OH November 23, 2007

2007-11-26T10:53:00.001+03:00

OPERATION HOPE – KUWAIT
A Mission of Mercy
November 23, 2007

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Today I had the privilege of attending a beautiful service held on the
British Embassy grounds at the invitation of the Reverand Andrew
Thompson and his family. To make the privilege even more special I
was able to bring my dad along, who is visiting Kuwait for the first
time! Briefly sharing what God has laid on my heart for the work
OH-KUWAIT does I was blessed to receive a collection of support from
the attendees and church of KD 706.250 plus 10 Euros. Additionally
the members of St. Paul's Anglican Church blessed OH with a bounty of
non-perishables for the needy! Our SUV was filled to brimming when we
left the service. Thanks to British Ambassador, Stuart Laing and
wife, Sibella, for graciously hosting this morning's gathering, and
for the pleasure of enjoying the sights and scents of the embassy
gardens. My gratitude to Reverand Andrew and members of St. Paul's
for their generosity!

Several days ago the Kuwait Textile Association gifted OH with the
proceeds of their recent quilt raffle!! What a blessing to receive
your contribution of KD 200. I appreciate your efforts and those of
the quilter who supplied this year's raffle prize!

A dessert raffle organized by Brenda F. at our Tuesday morning Bible
study resulted in a KD 130 profit to OH! Thanks to everyone who baked
for that raffle and to Brenda for organizing it.

The Kuwait English School recently held a Cake Sale for OH. We thank
you for the KD 130 you have collected from that effort!!

Pastor Jonathan of the Telegu Language Congregation has graciously
gifted OH with $ 1,000 (USD).

An enormous thanks to Claudia Al Rashoud for the amazing article and
photos in last week's Arab Times! We are so very blessed by your use
of talents for the benefit of the work OH endeavors to do in Kuwait!

I thank the many OH family members for your emails of encouragement
and look forward to your continued support. I pray that we'll soon
resume our packing for the many who have nothing to warm themselves
with this winter. My heart grows heavy with sadness as I contemplate
the many in need right now and daily I praise God that He has held off
the cold till now. My heart's desire is that we will pack and
distribute all 8,000 coats by mid-December. To date we have packed
and delivered 4,800 of our goal ~ glory to God!

Tomorrow ~ God willing ~ I will make another payment towards clearing
the current outstanding balance of KD 1,250, which will bring our new
balance outstanding to KD 10,500.

Thank you ~ each of you ~ for heeding to the call of the Great I AM.
It delights God each and every time we serve the poor. You are a
blessing to the multitudes in need and I thank God for you!

Blessings,
Sheryll Mairza

OH November 18, 2007

2007-11-18T09:29:00.000+03:00

OPERATION HOPE – KUWAIT

A Mission of Mercy

November 18, 2007

Dearest OH Family,

Through prayerful consideration I have reached the decision that until our current balance of KD 12,025 is reduced to under KD 2,000 we will postpone taking any additional winter clothing on credit. In light of this decision, this Friday's packing will be cancelled until further notice. Please understand that this decision is in no way a declaration that God isn't blessing this mission of mercy ~ quite the contrary brothers and sisters. He has blessed us in tremendous abundance and I feel certain that He will continue to do so. However, God's timing is nothing short of perfect ~ and this decision has been made through his leading of His timing for our outreach. Obedience to God's leading is absolutely crucial. To date we have packed 4,800 winter bags and delivered nearly all of them ~ and I'm still strongly committed to God's leading that we will serve 8,000 (or more) needy men and women this winter.

I pray you'll continue to journey with OH in faith that God's plan is perfect and that His provision is more than sufficient. I also pray you'll heed the leading of the Holy Spirit for giving to this mission of mercy in whatever way He is calling you.

It is a privilege and honor to do this work in the name of the Lord and to know that all that we do is for His glory.

I leave you tonight with the beautiful prayer of St. Francis of Assisi .

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let us sow love;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is sadness, joy;

where there is darkness, light.

O Divine Master,

Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;

Not so much to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

It is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.

May He bless you,

Sheryll Mairza

Founder

Fwd: OH November 17, 2007

2007-11-18T09:03:00.001+03:00

OPERATION HOPE – KUWAIT

A Mission of Mercy

November 17, 2007

Greetings OH Family,

In the18 years of living in Kuwait I've been to Jahra twice. Once several years ago to deliver some home-made food to homesick soldiers at some camp I don't remember the name of, and last week when we delivered more than 600 winter coat bags to our needy brothers and sisters working at the Al Jahra Hospital.

We were accompanied by Mr. Faisal, Vice Chairman of the Kuwait Society for Social Welfare and several of his office staff (thank you to Sheikha Bibi Nasser Al Sabah for arranging that). We were warmly welcomed by the Director of the Al Jahra Hospital, Dr. Khalid, who permitted us to distribute the winter bags.

As our brothers and sisters filed out of the hospital to receive their gifts smiles, words of thanks and gratitude, and joy were seen and heard all over!! Our Kuwaiti helpers took part in the distribution, which added something quite special to our delivery! Let me just say this ~ the Jahra delivery has been THE best experience we've had to date! The volunteers and I left there amazed and excited about how the presence of the Lord was with us all. We were thanked over and over again by our new Kuwaiti friends for gifting the needy. As we departed one Kuwaiti man said, "You OPERATION HOPE people are angels sent from heaven."

· We've received a request from Honeywell to outfit 180 TCN's working in one of their warehouses with coats. We are privileged to serve them!

· 200 winter bags were delivered to a labor camp for Telegu speaking workers.

· And another 100 bags were delivered tonight to a labor camp in Jahra.

· 20 coats went to the Allergy Clinic at Al Sabah Hospital

· On Thursday 60 students, their teachers and principal from the Lighthouse Academy (of the National Evangelical Church of Kuwait) came by bus to pack winter bags. Students representing grades 3, 4, & 5 packed 1,200 bags in just under 2 hours time! As students filed back onto their buses to return to school each took a bag along to gift someone in need. Their principal, Mr. Rob made a donation on behalf of the school of KD 300. OH thanks you!!

· Yesterday I received a check of support from the American Embassy Chapel ~ Catholic Congregation for KD 1,500. What an enormous blessing that will be to our current balance!

· Our current outstanding balance is KD 14,090.

· The English Language Congregation hosted a luncheon this week highlighting OH! What a blessed time it was to share all of what God has done and continues to do through this mission of mercy with the pastors and their wives. Thank you to Senior Pastor Jerry Zandstra and his beloved wife, Jacque for your support!!!

· Proceeds from a mini-home-bazaar (Nov. 19th) are being earmarked for OH. Thanks to Brenda and Julie for organizing the event and for supporting the work OH does. A hug to our beloved Becky for manning the OH table on that day.

· This Tuesday a group of ladies from a morning Bible Study group are planning a Thanksgiving dessert raffle to benefit OH. (Brenda you cannot imagine how much you and all you do for OH will be missed when you and Bob leave Kuwait . I pray the Lord will send another just like you! What a servant's heart you have!!!)

· Kuwait 's largest Charity Bazaar is set for Friday, December 7^th from 10 AM – 7 PM at the Movenpick in the Free Trade Zone. Entrance fee is KD 1 per person with all proceeds being donated to OH, so please show your support by attending!

· We are still in need of about 20 volunteers to help out at the bazaar on the 7 ^th! If you are able, please RSVP your commitment to Kathleen on mailto:ophopevolunteer@yahoo.com. Your help will be greatly appreciated!

· The British Ladies Society is hosting their annual holiday bazaar at the Radisson SAS Hotel on Tuesday, December 4 ^th from 3 – 7 PM, with proceeds to benefit OPERATION HOPE – KUWAIT.

A few nights ago a dear sister told me about a Bangladeshi man digging in her garbage can. He was, of course looking for aluminum cans to sell for recycling. She offered him a coat and at first he was reluctant to take it as he had no money. She insisted it was a gift from God. He happily took it. His life won't be the same ~ whose is when we are gifted unexpectedly?

Friday morning a wise and caring sister commented that (American) Thanksgiving was approaching and that we could be thankful we were giving out coat bags and not receiving them. Thanks for that reminder Christine!

How very blessed so many of us are ~ we have a roof over our heads (most likely beautifully decorated, too), clothing (often times designer ~ no less) on our backs, cars to get us to and from where ever we desire, more food in our refrigerators than we'll actually eat, and gyms to exercise off all the excess pounds when we DO eat all the food in our refrigerators. We have monthly salaries that likely exceed two years of accumulative wages for the average TCN laborer. Most of us have our families around us and for those who are far from family we have the luxury of internet, telephones and airplanes to keep us closely knit to them (and the freedom to use them whenever we wish).

I've struggled lately with which direction God would have this mission of mercy go. Some folks advise, "go this way", and others advise "go another". Sometimes I get off the beaten path and get so confused. Bottom line is I want to do what is right! So recently in my quiet time with the Lord I asked, "Lord, where do we go from here?" Opening my Bible to Jeremiah 17 I read through it and closed my book. Later in the same day I asked of the Lord the same thing, "Where do we go from here?" Once again I opened the scriptures to Jeremiah 17. Where do you suppose I opened the Bible the 3^rd time I asked? JEREMIAH 17.

But that's not all ~ the Bible study I'm in right now quoted part of its lesson (one I failed to do ~ by the way) from Jeremiah 17. Is your hair-raising yet? I know mine was (and still is when I recount this true story!) So I'm going to close tonight with Jeremiah 17:5-7.

"Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD…..But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him."

I'm trusting in the LORD for His perfect provision. He knows what we need ~ when we need it ~ how we'll get it. If He is pressing upon your heart to help out in any way ~ big or small ~ please do it. There is nothing quite like obedience!

One last thing… if you're free on Friday, November 23^rd at 3:15 PM we'd love to have your help to pack another 1,200 winter bags. RSVP to ophopevolunteer@yahoo.com

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Faithfully,

Sheryll Mairza

Founder

Fwd: OH November 13, 2007

2007-11-13T12:27:00.001+03:00

OPERATION HOPE – KUWAIT

A Mission of Mercy

November 13, 2007

Beginning Balance: KD 18,000

Former Balance: KD 15,400

Today's Balance: KD 15,400

Beloved Brothers and Sisters,

Friday was very busy for OH – KUWAIT! While I visited both the Catholic and Protestant congregations at the US Embassy Chapel, American Cub Scout Pack # 938 participated in a "Walk for HOPE" at the Scientific Center!! I'm told it was very well attended and that 25 boys walked (in their scout uniforms) with tremendous enthusiasm all in an effort to raise funds to help pay our coat bill!!! God bless each and every scout, parent, and scout master who helped make that awesome event happen!

Right after all that 35 – 40 energetic volunteers turned up to pack 1,200 winter coat bags all in about 50 minutes! I believe a new packing record has been set!! Picture this:

· Two work stations with assembly lines running down each side.

· A fire-line 6 – 8 youth deep moving packed bags onto an ever-growing pile!

· A second fire-line 4 youth deep doing the same as the first!

· Another group carrying winter bags into the 7 X 4 meter tent, which is the new OH Headquarters.

· Dads and business execs opening and moving heavy coat boxes to both work stations.

· Moms and kids packing bags at the speed of greased lightening!

· More dads removing refuse, flattening empty boxes, and double-tying all 1,200 coat bags!

And the best part of it all was the laughter! Sweat pouring off their little faces, sweat soaking their t-shirts and scout uniforms, their cheeks flushed ~ and above the din of numerous voices and chaos arose the sweetest sound of laughter! Truly music to the ears and soul that our children found such delight while working to serve the neediest of the needy in Kuwait! It was a blessing at the very least!!

If you haven't helped us pack winter bags yet you won't want to miss the next one set for Friday, November 23^rd at 3 PM. We'll plan to pack another 1,200 bags that day! Interested packers please contact Kathleen on ophopevolunteer@yahoo.com to get signed up.

Tanis H. organized a Talent Show and invited the folks from her apartment building to attend. In total through her efforts KD 260 (plus $40 US) was raised! Thank you Tanis and attendees!!!

Kathleen H. and Elaine L. held a Beauty Bazaar yesterday to benefit OH. What a great time everyone had at their function!

Remember that all proceeds are being donated to OH-KUWAIT from Kuwait 's Largest Charity Bazaar being held at the Movenpick (Free Trade Zone location) on December 7^th from 10 AM – 7 PM. We need many volunteers to help pull off this exciting annual event! Please get signed up to help with Kathleen on ophopevolunteer@yahoo.com as soon as possible.

(Kids 8 – 12 years of age are also welcome to volunteer with the help of one/both their parents). We need your help, please!!!

Have you seen the November issue of Bazaar Magazine? A great article with photograph fills one page of that great publication. Thanks Bazaar writers!!!

Remember the KTAA Bazaar is set for Saturday, November 17^th at the Dar Al Cid in Jabriya. Proceeds from their prize and quilt raffle benefit OH! Please show your support by attending and purchasing a few chances to win something!

A delivery to Al Jahra Hospital is set for Wednesday, November 14^th. If you wish to help distribute the 625 bags, please arrive to my home by 12 noon. Please plan to return to this side of town by around 3:00 or 3:30 PM. If you wish to help please let Kathleen know on ophopevolunteer@yahoo.com asap.

A sweet sister from Washington wrote a lovely reminder that I want to share with you. Hopefully it will bless and encourage you as it did me. She wrote: God does not call the qualified ~ He qualifies the called! Would you like to do more to help OH help others but feel inadequate? I challenge you to come forward with whatever talent, skill, or hobby you have, for surely it can be used to help the helpless! Contact us at your earliest convenience and we'll get you plugged into whatever area we need more support in…..

In His Service,

Sheryll Mairza

Founder

Fwd: OH November 5, 2007

2007-11-06T11:45:00.001+03:00

OPERATION HOPE – KUWAIT

A Mission of Mercy

November 5, 2007

Beginning Balance: KD 18,000

Former Balance: KD 17,500

Current Balance: KD 15,400

Greetings OH Family,

Lots of exciting news to share with you! On Wednesday, by God's grace 1,027 bags were distributed!! The grateful recipients of our labor bore mile-wide smiles, while some had looks of disbelief as we handed out winter bags to them. If you haven't been on a distribution this (or a previous) year, please DO try as you'll be blessed beyond measure as you come face to face with our needy brothers and sisters. You'll never be the same after the experience ~ but don't just take my word for it ~ come out with us to find out for yourself!

We have had a request to serve the TCN workers at Al Jahra Hospital. A date for that distribution will be forthcoming.

Rumaithiya street cleaners (all 120 of them) received a winter bag on Saturday. Today 250 street cleaners for Salmiya area received their winter bags; and tomorrow, by God's grace the Salwa cleaners (150) will receive theirs! OH wishes to provide the same for as many neighborhood cleaning crews as possible, SO if you can find out where the buses load and unload for your area we'll organize a distribution for them.

Thank you to the Catholic Church in Kuwait City for a donation of KD 50 from their summer library proceeds ~ also, to the BLS for their donation of toiletries, which we'll give to the Philippine Embassy very soon.

Your patronage to the following activities will add support to OH's fundraising efforts:

· November 10 ^th: Harvest Festival at N.E.C.K

· November 11 ^th: Beauty Bazaar in Salwa

· November 16 ^th: Fall Bazaar in Mubarak Al Kabeer

· November 17^th: KTAA Bazaar @ the Dar Al Cid

· December 4 ^th: BLS Bazaar @ Al Hashemi (SAS Hotel)

· December 8 ^th: AWL Charity Bazaar

For more details on exact location and timings, please contact Becky & Chelly on ophopevolunteer@yahoo.com

OH's 2^nd packing of 1,200 winter bags commenced last Friday. Called Student Day we were assisted by scout troops, the ASK National Honor Society, and many other students of varying ages and backgrounds. What an awesome sight to see our children knee-deep in charity work. My hope is that their experience will be remembered (and carried out) for a lifetime! Thank you to everyone who participated!

Thanks also to the New English School teachers who spent their ½ day off on Wednesday to help load vehicles for our deliveries! While they could have spent the day doing something else they chose to spend their time helping us to help others! What a blessing!!

OH needs more volunteers to pack this Friday, November 9^th at 3:30 PM . A small set-up team is also needed that day to arrive at 2:30 PM. 1,200 bags must be packed that day so we'll need a lot of hands on deck! Please RSVP your commitment to Kathleen on ophopevolunteer@yahoo.com

Thanks to Barbara R. for hosting a very fun and successful Bunco fundraising event for us today! We raised KD 125 having fun and so can you! If you are interested in helping to raise much needed funds to cover the cost of our winter bags, please contact Chelly and/or Becky on ohq8fundraiser@yahoo.com. Simply gather your circle of friends for a quiz night, talent show, Bunco, dinner party, or whatever you wish! It gives your friends something fun to do, but moreover it helps us to help others!

Someone asked me a few days ago if I ever get discouraged by the enormity of our job in helping the poor living in Kuwait. The truth is ~ yes. When I am depending upon my own abilities to get the work done I feel very discouraged. A wise young Australian man who was born without limbs said this, "The awesome thing about the power of God, is that if we want to do something for Him, instead of focusing on our capabilities, we should concentrate on our availability. Once we make ourselves available for God's work, guess whose capabilities we rely on? GOD" So when discouragement comes over me I return (with humility) under the authority and leadership of the Almighty in this mission of mercy that I might become available so that His capabilities may be glorified!

Blessings,

Sheryll Mairza

Fwd: OH October 28, 2007

2007-10-29T13:44:00.001+03:00

OPERATION HOPE – KUWAIT

A Mission of Mercy

October 28, 2007

Greetings OH Family!

Exciting news ~ 1,200 winter bags were packed Friday afternoon. Thanks to numerous volunteers the colossal task of setting up, packing, and cleaning up was very quickly accomplished (with the bulk of our winter apparel packed in about an hour's time!). Moms, dads, children of all ages, business exec's, and even someone's grandmother helped to make the miracle happen! My daughter says the pile of bags resembles Mount Everest. . . I think I agree with her!

Another 1,200 coats, thermal underclothing, hats, socks and gloves will need to be packed this Friday, November 2 ^nd at 3:30 PM. This packing date will be a very special one because it is the OH - KUWAIT Student Day. All students (pre-k to university) are encouraged to participate. Kindly RSVP your confirmation to Ms. Kathleen on ophopevolunteer@yahoo.com at your earliest convenience. We'll require a set-up team to help at 1:30 PM as well. The set-up group should be strong and team-oriented.

The cement foundation for our new headquarters was laid yesterday, and the tent ought to be erected by the weekend ~ God willing. Thanks again to Mr. Nasir for his generous donation!

Thanks also to Debbie B. for donating some of her handicrafts for OH to sell at the bazaars this fall/winter. We appreciate your support!

Deliveries to the poor will begin on Wednesday, October 31^st. We'll need six drivers with SUV's to arrive at my home at 12:45 PM to load & deliver 324 winter bags in Jabriya. (Mubarak Hospital janitors/porters)

Our second group of volunteer drivers should arrive to my home at 5:45 PM on Wed., October 31^st to load & deliver 250 winter bags in Khaldiya. We'll need 4 SUV drivers at that time. ( Kuwait University janitors/porters)

Our third group of volunteer drivers should arrive to my home at 9 PM on Wed. October 31^st to load and deliver 128 winter bags in Jabriya. We'll need 2 SUV drivers at that time. (Mubarak Hospital janitors/porters)

Our fourth delivery will take place at 5 AM on Thursday, November 1^st. OH Administrator, Jaye Lynn; Student Ambassador, Emily; and I will make that delivery of 73 bags to Mubarak Hospital janitors & porters.

Kindly RSVP your committment to Ms. Kathleen on the address mentioned earlier for the day & time you can help us deliver. We'll also need one or two OH photographers are on hand at each delivery, please.

Donations have been steadily coming in ~ glory to God! We still need an additional KD 250 to pay for the next 1,200 hats, socks and gloves that students will be packing this Friday. Your support is most appreciated.

Currently the outstanding balance for the 5,000 coats that were shipped in is KD 17,475.000. Please prayerfully consider hosting a fundraising event, or making a donation that we may continue to pay off these coats. For those who have hosted a fundraiser or given a donation I thank you so very much! The number does seem rather large BUT God's provision is larger! Each update to follow this one will feature the total outstanding balance at the start so that you may be blessed to watch the sum fall!

Proceeds from Kuwait's largest charity bazaar (December 8^th @ the Crowne Plaza Hotel – Farwaniya) will be donated to OH - KUWAIT!! Please support this exciting one-day event by volunteering (and attending). We estimate we'll need 40 – 50 volunteers. If you are interested in helping please contact Ms. Kathleen as soon as possible. This may be an ideal opportunity for Boy/Girl Scouts and National Honor Society members to fulfill their obligations to community service hours. Also, if you wish to participate as a vendor, please contact Bazaar Coordinator Karla K. at 626-6223.

Brothers and sisters there are so many opportunities to help ~ so many means in which to make a profound difference in someone's life. Let us not allow a busy schedule or even a social stigma dictate to whom and how much compassion we extend. Jesus didn't just help people. He inspired others to do so and encouraged helping behaviors. My prayer for each of us is that the Lord would prompt us to lend a helping hand to the needy and deepen our compassion amidst suffering.

God bless,

Sheryll Mairza

Founder

Fwd: Operation Hope October 24, 2007

2007-10-25T09:31:00.001+03:00

OPERATION HOPE – KUWAIT

A Mission of Mercy

October 24, 2007

Beloved Brothers and Sisters,

Let's start today's update with a few insights I have been blessed with as we begin our journey of helping the poor in one accord.

First and foremost let us remember what OH – KUWAIT is ~ a mission of mercy. Motivated by compassion, we are a group of committed men, women, and children who wish to help Kuwait's neediest warm up during the colder months of the year by providing them with the necessary winter apparel that they may do their jobs more comfortably.

Second I believe we must focus our energies on extending God's love to the poor in this country by serving them as we are. Let us not judge anyone by what they do (or not do). Our energies focused elsewhere will only hurt this mission.

I promise to continue sharing additional insights as they surface. I want so much to succeed in reaching the multitudes and know you do too. Your commitment to OH is one that blesses me over and over again. My heart truly runs over with gratitude as I receive inquiries from people of every walk of life. OH volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and yet we share in the same vision ~ and that is to humbly serve.

Some highlights of this week's blessings:

· Kuwait Engineering Office (KEO) has pledged a donation of KD 1,500.

· Brenda donated proceeds from a used book stall at a Fall Bazaar held last Friday.

· An anonymous donor gave OH the proceeds from her stall at the Fall Bazaar.

· A volunteer will be visiting from Argentina in December and has made a commitment to help us pack & deliver winter bags.

· Thanks to Emily, Tammy, and Barb the cost of all seven OH tables will be covered.

· Nasir is donating a 4 X 4 meter (waterproof) tent, which will serve as the new OH headquarters. We hope to have that set up in my yard before next week.

· OH Student Ambassador, Emily and her mother received a donation from students at The Fahaheel British School for Girls earlier today. We'll be posting those pictures on our website very soon.

· Last but not least ~ 1,200 COATS ARE BEING DELIVERED TO MY HOUSE TONIGHT!!!!! YIPPPPEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!

· A team of at least 25 (plus) volunteers is being requested to help pack 1,000 winter bags this Friday, October 26 ^th at 3:30 PM. You are kindly asked to RSVP your commitment to help out to our Volunteer Coordinator, Ms. Kathleen on: ophopevolunteer@yahoo.com. We'll need 1 – 2 of our photographers on hand at that time.

· Deliveries of approximately 600 winter bags will commence early next week and we'll need lots of help! More details to follow very soon.

The word hope means: 1. a desire for something to happen. 2. Believing that something is possible even when there may be evidence to the contrary. Synonyms include: anticipation, promise, or expectation.

Let's begin this season's outreach in a spirit of hope ~ believing that an outreach to 8,000 or more of Kuwait's poorest IS possible even if there may be evidence to the contrary. For with God ALL things are possible. Now let the journey begin!