Thanks for caring – July 2010
Dear friends!
Hello to all you who care for the poor.
Once more, on behalf of the Bridges of Hope Ministry Team and myself, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for your continued commitment to breaking the yoke of poverty from the shoulders of children around the world.
I just returned from a remarkable trip to Burkina Faso, West Africa, together with eight others advocates from the USA and Canada. I am moved by the impact being generated by our indigenous leaders with your generous contributions, especially in the lives of orphans and vulnerable children.
We were confronted with many of the ongoing challenges: war, famine, diseases, disaster, etc. and we observed how our local team is facing these with courage and endurance.
Indeed, we heard much about burdens growing greater, labors increasing, multiplied trials, added afflictions and depleting resources, much like what many of us may have been experiencing here in our own country.
The needs were evident in so many places and the suffering of thousands of children transcends understanding. The laborers are few and the demands are greater. Nonetheless, we found great satisfaction with the rhythm of progress being made towards our 2010-2011 goal to raise 26,000,000 meals, provide education for 100,000 children, as well as raise the necessary funds to sustain all our projects through business creation. It is incredible when we remember that it only costs 27 cents to provide one meal for one child.
It is increasingly clear that the sustainable way forward is through our vision of focusing resources to create medium to large scale businesses (as a hub industry) in the region. By utilizing our banking and credit structure, we will provide financing to medium and small business that can support the social service, education, and health sectors even as we create space for each of us to exercise our hearts to contribute our highest help.
Our contribution does not necessarily mean that you or I need to give cash, but it does mean we each utilize our influence and the resources entrusted to us to execute the vision.
I continue at every opportunity to step up speaking on behalf of all those who cannot speak for themselves. At every opportunity I am going to put their case forward. I cannot back down now.
I am so glad that you care. As William Lloyd Garrison, a major abolitionist in his discourse of January 1 1831 observed, sometime ” The apathy of the people is enough to make every statue leap from its pedestal, and to hasten the resurrection of the dead.”
I appreciate you just for caring. I pledge to use my utmost care to have the most good come from the seed you planted into the poor and the oppressed; to nurture it carefully, using those seeds to grow as much seed as possible.
As such I am always seeking wise counsel from farmers, specialists and common sense leaders; people of all walks like you to guide and advise me and my team in places we have no experience and expertise and need more council to implement my vision to its fruition.
When an individual is helped out of poverty and despair, the possibilities are infinite; they move from beneficiary to benefactor. I am so glad you cared enough to invest in me, to help me achieve the long tedious journey, from beneficiary to benefactor – now, thousands of children are following my footsteps, out of their own poverty and I am so glad you care!
We humbly thank you for allowing us to represent you. Along with our gratitude we endeavor to be wise stewards of the resources you have provided. Together we press on with the essential initiatives to those most in need. Your partnership is greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much for your contribution! You took the time to invest in lives and communities the furthest away and the deepest in need. Beyond your gracious contribution, we have experienced a devotion and outpouring of love, especially for our brothers and sisters who need a helping hand up. We are truly thankful.
P.S. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any ideas, questions or concerns. I enjoy hearing from you. All details will receive a prompt and personal reply.
Appreciatively,
Daniel Zopoula
