Fundraising Event

**FUNDS RAISED= $410, Fa'afetai tele lava Katie & Dale, Kereti, Bernie, Laurie, Leo, Eseta & Lauryna, Johanna, Paula, John & Roma, Kaye, Sam, Brandon, Anthony & Dominic for your giving hearts!!** "Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes...." - Psalm 41:1-2 Dearest friends and family, We all would have heard about the devastation that swept through the Pacific a fortnight ago; we’ve heard the radio reports, seen the news items and worse still may have experienced first hand loss ourselves if family’s/friend’s villages were sadly to have been in the worst affected areas. But we’re a resilient people and it’s in our blood to come together in hardship and celebration.. There has been an amazing outpouring of love- not just of the Samoan community but all with a heart and conscience. Numerous events/efforts have taken place and planned in these last two weeks; drives, fundraisers etc with more to come. Thankfully my parents village of Afega was largely unharmed, but as a ‘daughter’ of Samoa, it has been painful to watch footage of the destruction the tsunami caused, the havoc that ensued, the sadness brought about from lives lost.. I’m trying to attend/support in whichever way can; have collected clothing and the like at home. I've still felt however that there's a more purposeful, signifcant way to contribute, particularly from this side of the world.. By chance I saw an advert on tv, a reminder of an amazing organization, who provides such hope as to "eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the face of the earth by building adequate and basic housing" - HABITAT FOR HUMANITY. MY PLEDGE: I will donate $1,000 to the Samoan Tsunami Disaster Appeal. (Forgive family & friends abroad for this comes for my travel funds this year but know you will understand- what compares when others have nothing!) MY PLEA: That my loved ones might also be willing to contribute- ANY donation appreciated but if could reach the $7,000 estimated to sponsor a home, what a blessing indeed! Think the value to a family that has lost so much- the security and mere hope it would provide. A big ask; a balance of $6,000 required but I know with the Lord ANYTHING is possible. And of course assistance need not be limited to this event; I've signed on to volunteer for projects in the Auckland region, you need not be a tradie neither! In the least I urge you to please keep up the prayers- for comfort, for strength, for protection. Alofa & manuia, Vee