A Worthwhile Mission Cause
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Email25.07.2011
Last year Father Dan O'Connor, a Columban missionary priest working in Pakistan brought home to New Zealand a number of Nativity Banners created by women in the Parish of Badin in the Sindh Province. He reported that the women were skilled at handcrafts, but had no outlet to sell their work. Their need for extra income increased greatly following the floods which devastated the region in September 2010.
Christchurch friends with an appreciation for quilting first volunteered to promote the sale of these creations in local parishes. The campaign spread during Advent 2010, especially when sample banners were on display in the lobby of churches. A cost of $30 was placed on each banner, with $20 going to the women, approximately $4 in postage, and $6 to the mission in Pakistan.
People have been keen to purchase the banners for a number of reasons. The nativity scenes are attractive, bright in colour and hand stitched. They depict the age old story of Jesus being born in the manger. Further, the sale of each banner helps poor women earn a little income to support their families. For the first time in their lives they have a little cash in the hand to meet immediate needs.
Father Dan writes: "The practical help from New Zealand is deeply appreciated. Tens of thousands were displaced in the flood disaster, vast areas of crops were lost, houses were destroyed and animals died. We are still taking food rations and clothes to people in need in the parish area. The distribution of the nativity banners is a worthwhile mission effort bringing a touch of hope in the midst of hardship."
Orders for Advent and Christmas 2011 are already coming in. To place an order please contact;
Father Michael Gormly at the Columban Mission Centre, Wellington
Phone: 04 567 7216
Email: columban@iconz.co.nz
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Reply #1 on : Mon October 31, 2011, 01:19:49
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