Homeless Boy steals the Talent Show

Sung-bong Choi sings with unique beauty and mastery of song in the Talent Show, 'Korea's got Talent.' Sung-boi's story is on the Youtube video below, explaining how he had been homeless from a very early age, and underwent difficult times. At the time of the show he was working as a manual labourer. At one stage he heard someone sing, and began to sing himself. This video shows the triumph of the noble and courageous young man over the adversity he had experienced in his life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ46Ot4_lLo&feature=related
In the spirit of Lumiere, please consider sponsoring the education or singing training of someone who is in disadvantaged circumstances. Many of us have had the privilege of blessing and education in our lives - let us pass it on.

*Photograph was taken by Rev. Catherine in serene Ireland. Please feel free to use the photo copyright free for any educational or spiritual purpose

Librarians - Changing the World

I absolutely love visiting my local Library. The Staff have won awards for the incredible book exhibitions, collections, layout, efficiency and courtesy of the service they offer. Their patience is limitless, and educational opportunities for others their goal. I had been on a visit to the Library and was talking to the Librarian behind the counter to whom I had addressed an enquiry. As she gave me a gentle smile and went the extra mile to get a book I needed, I looked over to the Children's Section. I had a flashback, and for a moment I was back in Welkom as a small child. Mom in one of her many careers was a librarian, and she announced one day, 'I'm going to give you the best present I can ever give you. I'm going to give you a home for life. Wherever you are in the world in the future, you will never be lonely. You'll always have friends.' Mom bundled my little brother into his coat and boots, me into mine, and off we went. We entered the local Library in Welkom and I walked into Paradise. Being so tiny, the high ceilings of the beautiful Library towered over me. There was a hush of calm and air of mystery with signs around the place which I later realised encouraged us to 'Please respect the silence - others are studying'.

They were rows upon rows of books, beautiful and in tall stacks. They seemed to beckon to me, inviting me to open the pages. Mom enrolled us into the Library, and I was courteously asked questions and explained how the Library works. Then I was taken to the Chldren's Section (you only graduated to the 'Grownups' Literature Section at an appropriate age and after consultation with your parents) and was left to open books with a reverent finger. There were regular Public Readings of books for children, and Mom faithfully used to bring my brother and myself to listen to the lady who wore different hats and clothes at different times to suit the content of the book she was reading from. I used to sit and hold the hand of my little brother whom I adored, and we would listen to the wonders of the storytelling. It was all Very Exciting.

Things went from good to better. In the mining town many of the immigrants who worked there lived from one hard worked for pay check to the next. Education for their children was the great goal of most of the parents who laboured so hard every day, and sometimes at jobs at night. The Library began competitions for essays, and the prize was a book for different categories. I seem to recall that a suspicious number of us won prizes, in fact every child who submitted an essay one year (I must have been about ten years old then) received a book.

Well, to get to the point, the first year aged six I submitted my essay and won 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit' written and illustrated by the immortal Beatrix Potter. I revelled in the little blue jacket, the dear buttons on the rabbit's coat; was horrified at his disobedience to his dear Mama in going to the gardener's garden, and wanted to weep with him at the tragedies that befell him there. In short, I adored the book. I then graduated on to other Beatrix Potter books, and used to lie for hours inbetween chores reading about Jemima Puddleduck, the wily fox, Jeremy Fisher the frog and Squirrel Nutkin. The comfortingly sturdy build of the washer hedgehog Mrs. Tiggy-winkle became a firm favourite of mine as she starched and washed her way through the laundry.

At age ten I won the grand prize. It was an unbelievably beautiful book of illustrated stories of ballet. I breathlessly read Swan Lake, danced with the beautiful Odette and became annoyed at the duplicity of Odile. Copellia had paintings of the most beautiful traditional costumes, and I loved poring over the illustrations and seeing the ribbons and multicolours of the large skirts and bodice tops.

In later years, the Library became a second home when I went through the staggering homesickness of settling in a new country when I left South Africa. The gentle Irish Librarians went out of their way to make me feel welcome and at home, and whenever I felt lonely I would pop around to the local Library for a read and a small chat with the Librarians. Now of course I am completely at home in Ireland, and can happily go between South Africa and Ireland, at ease in each. However, the local Library is still second home. A few years ago the Charity received a number of requests for English teachers in villages and squatter camp areas. I had no resources for an English principal for Lumiere English Academy, the English educational branch of the Charity, so decided to train as an English teacher myself. I began the lessons, and my local Library spent two years sourcing books from all over Ireland to help me complete the study. Nothing was too much trouble. The Librarians also helped me with my computer skills which had been sketchy at best.

Last year members of the Librarians were touched by the story of  the children Lumiere Charity reaches out to. The Librarians donated boxes of books for disadvantaged children, supporting Lumiere's project which is very dear to us; beginning and supporting libraries in disadvantaged areas, for orphans and street children. Those books found their way into a number of our projects in Asia and Africa, and were rapturously received by principals, social workers and children finding their way around the written and spoken English word. Books in other local languages have also been given by Lumiere over the years. Benefactors have given computers, and we have donated lessons on CD and CD Rom (there are great painting lessons, and classes of different kinds in the shops). A number of small libraries have thus sprung up. But they are not enough.

In the spirit of Lumiere, and in the spirit of all generous Librarians everywhere, why not choose a disadvantaged village/ squatter camp/ orphanage/ childrens' shelter/ hospital for children/ and begin a Library there. Local municipalities and places of worship are often most supportive in new facilites being made available.  Coffee mornings and fundraisers pay for books and postage/shipping. Books can be purchased from church fetes, secondhand bookstores or your local Charity shop and sent to the Library you support. You thus have the blessing of supporting your local place of worship, Charity shops and local book businesses, and the happiness of helping disadvantaged towards education and a better future. If you have the great gift of being an English teacher, why not donate some of your time as a volunteer to one of the many projects needing an English teacher to teach the disadvantaged? Another possibility is to volunteer your services at your local Library as a reader at Childrens' Storytime.

Wouldn't it be absolutely wonderful if there were a Library, a second home, in every disadvantaged area in the world? Education is the way to a better future - what better way than to support the services of our Librarians, the unsung heros and heroines of many a child's world...

*A website celebrating the 110th Birthday of Peter Rabbit is
http://www.peterrabbit.com/us/
*Information about Librarians
http://www.library.ie/jobs-careers/career-information/

Happy Holi - Festival of Colour

Happy Holi from Lumiere Charity to all who celebrate this wonderful Festival today!

Holi Celebrations began early this morning in India and worldwide. Holi is the sacred Festival symbolising the victory of good over evil. It is a spring festival, and the spring harvest refills the stores of households. The beautiful mixture of mango blossoms and sandalwood paste is often used in places of worship, filling the air with its fragrance. Time is spent in prayer in places of worship; special prayers and mantras* are chanted. The Festival of Colours is enjoyed with much merriment as revellers join in the custom of throwing colour at each other in the spirit of joy and laughter.

Colours fill the air as people throw dry powdered colours and coloured water at each other. All share happiness and mirth in the arrival of the spring festival. Colours include red, pink, yellow, magenta, green,purple, black, gold and silver. Spring songs and music are enjoyed. The words 'Happy Holi' are called out to each other.

People make peace on Holi and forget their worries. Family and friends are visited, and sweets, gifts and greetings are exchanged. Social ties are thus strengthened. Beautiful meals are made, and traditional Holi recipes include Puren Poli, Gujia, Papri, Malpua and Saffron and Almond Milk.

In the spirit of Holi, do something lovely for someone else today. Bake them a coloured cake; or give a colourful card. Clean their car, or visit someone who is ill. Cheer your loved one with a gift of fragrance, or buy a pot of beautifully scented flowers and give them to a loved one or friend. Find some way to celebrate the goodness that is in our world and our society; there are so many people who quietly do lovely things for other people, acts which often go unnoticed.

Doctors and nurses save lives; those in the healing professions assist others, cheer up the lonely, care for the sick, help those in difficulties, assist the downhearted. Mothers and fathers care for children, often at personal sacrifice. Grandparents step in to babysit and help their families. Teachers educate and give people opportunity for a better life. You will be able to number many other people who do good things. Let us look at the good and the noble in our society as do all in India and worldwide who celebrate the marvellous Festival of Holi.

Let us celebrate life; with colour, imagination, dedication, caring and love.

Why not send this blog as an e-card to someone with a thank you note for something they did for you which you appreciated.

Happy Holi!

*Prayerful phrases, sacred utterances
* Photograph taken by Catherine. Please feel free to use copyright free for any educational or spiritual purpose

David Parkes Concert in Dublin

DAVID PARKES IN CONCERT

MEDJUGORJE NIGHT OF PRAYER

Interested in music? Why not attend Medjugorje Night of Prayer through Song with international singer David Parkes in association with Marian Pilgrimages.

Renew our spirit of love - forgiveness - and peace through attending this wonderful event.

Three local school choirs will also be singing; Scoil Aengusa Junior & Senior and Scoil Iosa

VENUE; St. Aengus' Church, Balrothery, Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland

DATE; 8th March 2012

TICKETS; Available at the Parish Office at website

www.staengusparishtallaght.ie

International singer David Parkes was diagnosed with severe Crohn's disease, and underwent a spiritual and physical healing at Medjugorje. Read his inspiring story at website

www.irishrecords.com/davidparkes.html

Music by this inspired singer may be ordered through the above website. Beautiful CD's include

'You are always close to Me'

'Songs of Love and Inspiration'

'Let me Live'

'In His Time'

'My Father's Chair'

'We Stand for God'

Top songs and albums by David Parkes can be downloaded

from iTunes Stores. Enjoy!

*Photo taken in beautiful Ireland by Rev. Catherine. Please feel free to use copyright free for any educational or spiritual purpose

The Inspirational Doctor

I was in a Charity area in Africa, and had been working there for a number of years. During this time, I had been fortunate to make the acquaintance of, and work alongside, a brilliant local doctor who was also a born surgeon. This bright and witty lady, articulate and excellently educated, was well known to us and dearly loved in our local community. However, Mariette* had a secret life. For over seven years, twice a week she disappeared for about eight hours, and none of us knew where she went to. Mild speculation surfaced about this unusual regular disappearance from her surgery on her half days off.

It just so happened that I found the answer to the mystery a short time before I transferred from that post. Working in Charity myself, I happened upon a poor area which was in need of assistance. While walking the street there, I was informed that a simple surgery on the second floor of a complex there had the fortunate services of a doctor twice a week. This doctor saw all who came to see her, and no-one was ever charged a cent. She had saved so many lives, and carried out so many surgeries, that she was regarded in the area as a saint. She was indeed, my dear acquaintance and friend.

I happened to pop into her practice the next week, and started chatting to the receptionist there. I casually remarked that I now knew where Mariette went to twice a week, and mentioned the area I had visited. The receptionist started, and looked visibly discomforted. 'Please don't tell anyone,' she said. 'Only you and I know what doctor does and where she goes. She funds all the maternity cases, surgeries and consultations from her own pocket from money she saves from the profits of her own surgery. However, she wants absolutely no-one to know what she does.'

I was interested. 'Why?' I queried, 'Surely it is a wonderful thing she is doing?' 'Yes,' replied the receptionist, 'However, Mariette says that it is her gift to God, her tithe to Him. As such, it is their secret - His and hers. She does this work for Him, for the glory of God. If it became known to others, it would no longer be her quiet tithe, but a public and possible acknowledgement of her work. Mariette does not want this. So can you pretend you don't know?' 'Of course,' I said quietly, and went off, thoughtful at what I had heard.

At a glittering social function, I was present at a group as they teased Mariette who stood, exquisitely coiffed, with expensive jewellery around her neck and beautiful earrings. She wore a designer dress, and stood confidently in designer shoes. 'We know where you go,' members of the group said, 'You go to a spa for the latest facials and for pampering.' 'No, no', said another, 'You go over the border to the casino.' All were laughing, and she most of all. And, as I looked at her serene face, testimony to a privileged background, the best of education and a background of wealth, only I knew that this lady who was an ardent  Dutch Reformed Church Christian went twice a week to the most impoverished, physically dirty and suffering area, dressed in humble scrubs,  and single-handedly saved lives with equipment and medications paid for from the proceeds of her practice.

I was privileged to have this lady, so bright and gifted in character, as a friend for many years. It is years since I saw her, as I moved on to other towns with my Charity work commitments and eventually emigrated to Ireland. However, Mariette is still a radiant icon to me. Often as I work, I pause and her image, unbidden, comes into my mind. She was a true inspiration to me - a lady and a doctor. As one of my gurus in India told me when I lived there for a few months, 'Remember what is said; a doctor saves lives, eases suffering, dries tears, and listens without judgement to those who are dying. A doctor is God's Other Self.'

Please say a prayer for all our doctors, that God may bless their work, steady and strengthen their hands, give them the health they need to carry out their tremendous task, and enlighten their minds with wisdom in the daily decisions they must take in order to save lives. In the spirit of Lumiere, please consider funding a doctor in an underprivileged area, assisting in the funding of a relief camp, squatter camp, refugee camp, camp in strife-torn areas. Many are working amidst needs for equipment and medical supplies. Possibly you could help. The need is there - perhaps Providence ordained that you read these words because you are the one who could fund the help.

*Name has been changed

The basic needs of our children in India

Below please find how easy it is to sponsor the needs of our children in Maria Sharan and other places in India. It is not possible to help everyone in the world at once. However, it is possible to help one person. So, if you feel it upon your heart to help in Charity, why not choose one person somewhere and subsidise their food and care?

You can choose to
- support a child at Maria Sharan - contact msharan98 @yahoo.com  
- fund the education and care of an orphan, street child, child in disadvantaged circumstances, or child whose parent/s are invalided and unable to work and educate/care for their children, but who love their children and wish to keep them at home

- support an indigent person rescued from the streets

- support someone rescued from being traded on the street, and fund their education and health care for a better life

- organise funding for a group caring for those in need, for homeless shelters, for soup kitchens.

- fund the care of an elderly person rescued from the streets

- support one mother and unborn child to have a safe delivery (see the wonderful programme run by registered nurse Arlene Samen, One HEART at One Heart World-Wide‏@OneHeartWW.

This is a non-profit organization aiming at reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality during pregnancy and delivery

Please consider funding the care of children at Maria Sharan, or children at other shelters run by the devoted Sisters and Fathers in India. Rate of exchange is approximately 52 Rupees to one Euro. This depends on daily fluctuation of exchange rate. Financial needs for the care of children in India include;

Food Grains:

Cooking Oil, 10 tins, 11000 Rupees or 212 euros/  Rice, 800 kg, 16000 Rs or 308 euros/  Powwa, 150 kg, 3300 Rs or 64 euros/ Rava, 40 kg, 1600 Rs or 31 euros/ Mamra (Puffed Rice) 50 kg, 1100 Rs or 22 euros/ Sugar, 150 kg, 3300 Rs or 64 euros/ Wheat, 250 kg, 4500 Rs or 87 euros/ Salt, 70 kg, 700 Rs or 14 euros/  Masoor Dal, 20kg, 1100 Rs or 22 euros/ Chana Dal, 20 kg, 840 Rs or 42 euros/  Mugh Dal, 20 kg, 1200 Rs or 24 euros/ Udad Dal, 20kg, 800 Rs or 16 euros/ Math Dal, 20kg, 900 Ts or 18 euros/ Mugh Chilka Dal, 20 kg, 900 Rs or 18 euros/ Tur Dal, 25 kg, 1125 Rs or 22 euros/ Chole Chana, 20kg, 960 Rs or 19 euros/  Mugh, 20 kg, 800 Rs or 16 euros/  Vatana, 20kg, 760 Rs or 15 euros/Soya bin, 20kg, 800 Rs or 16 euros/ Chola, 20kg, 800 Rs or 16 euros/ Chana Deshi, 20 kg, 760 Rs or 15 euros/

Total Rupees. 53245/-

Total Euros 1061

In the same Way, Masala costs in summary would be Rs 11840/-

Total Euros 230

Haldi Powder, 5 kg (450 Rs or 9 euros)* / Dinaya Powder, 8kg, 960 Rs or 10 euros/ Garam Masala Powder, 3kg, 390 Rs or 8 euros/ Sev-usal Masala, 1 kg, 190 Rs or 4 euros/ Cumin Seeds (Jeera), 3kg, 630 Rs or13 euros/ Besan Poweder, 5 kg, 300 Rs or 6 euros/ Daliya, 35 kg, 700 Rs or 14 euros/ Garlic, 15kg, 1050 Rs or 21 euros/ Tea Leaves, 15kg, 2100 Rs or 41 euros/ Pickal, 15 kg, 750 Rs or 15 euros/ Limbu Phul, 500 gm, 80 Rs or 2 euros/ Farsan, 20 kg, 1600 Rs or 31 euros/ Chilli Powder, 8 kg, 960 Rs or 19 euros/ Elichi 250 gm, 150 Rs or 3 euros/ Louvang, 200 gm, 70 Rs or 2 euros/ Kali Mari, 200 gm, 90 Rs or 2 euros/ Tez Patta, 250 gm, 60 Rs or 2 euros/ Tez Lakadi, 200 gm, 80 Rs or 2 euros/ Papad, 5 kg, 225 Rs or 5 euros/ Kismis, 2 kg, 200 Rs or 4 euros/ Ground nuts, 5 kg, 325 Rs or 7 euros/ Coconut Powder, 3 kg, 360 Rs or 7 euros/ Rai, 2 kg, 120 Rs or 3 euros.

* Rupees rounded off to the nearest round number euro estimate

Vegetables cost Rs 2615/-

or Total Euros 51

Potato, 35 kg, 350 Rs or 7 euros/ Onion, 35kg, 350 Rs or 7 euros/  Tomato, 25 kg, 375 Rs or 8 euros/ Green Chilli, 5 kg, 100 Rs or 2 euros/ Ginger, 3 kg, 120 Rs or 3 euros/ Cabbage, 15 kg, 225 Rs or 5 euros/ Brinjal, 15kg, 225 Rs or 5 euros/ Gourd, 15 kg, 225 Rs or 5 euros/ Coriander, 2 kg, 40 Rs or 1 euro/ Kadi Pattas, 500 gm, 15 Rs or less than 1 euro/

Drum stick, 8 kg, 160 Rs or 4 euros/ Carrot, 5 kg, 75 Rs or less than 2 euros/ French beans, 4 kg, 100 rupees or 2 euros/ Lemon, 1 kg, 30 rupees or less than 1 euro/ 'Flower', 15 kg, 225 Rs or 5 euros.

Toiletries/ Stationery costs are Total Rupees 14840/-

Total Euros 286

Surf powder, 10 kg, 600 Rs or 12 euros/ Match box, 5 boxes, 60 Rupees or less than 2 euros/ Vim soap, 40 nos., 480 Rs or 10 euros/  Vessel Scrubber, 30 nos, 300 Rs or 6 euros/ Hair oil, 10 liters, 1900 Rs or 37 euros/ Toothpaste, 50 nos, 2250 Rs or 44 euros/ Bath soap, 300 nos, 3000 Rs or 58 euros/ Washing soap, 350 nos, 2100 Rs or 41 euros/ Cleaner, 35 liters, 1050 Rs or 21 euros/ Harpic, 35 liters, 1575 Rs or 31 euros/ Sharpener, 50 nos, 250 Rs or 5 euros/ Scale, 50 nos, 250 Rs or 5 euros/ Chalk, 5 boxes, 75 Rs or 15 euros/ Notebook, 50 nos, 500 Rs or 10 euros

EDUCATIONAL EXPENSES PER CHILD FOR ONE YEAR

1. School fees per Child for One year, 4500 Rupees or 87 euros

2. Text books, 1000 Rupees or 20 euros

3. Stationery, 500 Rupees or 10 euros

4. Uniforms - 2 pairs, 700 Rupees or 14 euros

5. Shoes and socks, 350 Rupees or 7 euros

6. School bag & tiffin box (lunch box for hot lunch) - 225 Rupees or 10 euros

7. Extra curricular activities, 500 Rs or 10 euros

8. Transport, 1000 Rs or 20 euros

9. Miscellaneous needs, 225 Rs or 5 euros

Total Rs. 9000/-

Total Euros 174

Kingdom of God Seminar

KINGDOM of GOD
Bible Seminars

UNITED CHURCH OF GOD

On 11th February, I was privileged to attend the Kingdom of God Seminar in Dublin as preached by Messrs David Payne and David Fenney. The Seminar was under the auspices of the international United Church of God (www.ucg.org) which has done so much to support Good Shepherd Church with resources and spiritual support.

The Seminar was excellent in content, and the mood at the gathering was joyous and expectant, with representatives who had come in from all over Ireland - some from far away - to attend the talks. Discussed were the key signs Jesus said would be manifested, important information about our opportunity to enter the Kingdom of God, and how to develop a meaningful relationship with God - all based on Jesus Christ's central teachings.

The speakers discussed Mark 1;14-15, in which Mark witnessed to Jesus' coming to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel.' Links were made to the great Jewish prophet Isaiah; his writing in 46;10 explained, 'I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say; My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'' John 5;17 was also highlighted; 'Jesus said, 'My Father has been working until now and so have I.'

I found the Seminar so outstanding and inspirational personally, that I requested permission to receive the slides on the talk, and also requested permission to make the content of the Seminar known to you all. I was delighted to receive the slides which are a great help to my personal prayer life as inspiration.

I received an email apprising that if I wish to listen to a spoken version of the presentation there are several on United Church of God members' website;
http://members.ucg.org/sermons

These are in audio and follow the presentation I saw which inspired me so much. There are a number of presentations for February, and many more if you scroll down or go to earlier pages. Another seminar is planned for Dublin later this year again, probably in May - so, dear readers, if you are in the area and interested in either developing your personal prayer life, learning more about the things of God or gaining good input for sermons for your ministry, why not attend?

If you go into the above website, there are various resources and inspiration available, such as;
- Find a sermon
- Find a local Congregation
- Preach the Gospel
- If you wish to support the great efforts of this ministry of Christ, the facility is made available for online donations
- You can view the UCG Activity Calender
- You can find Study Papers with wonderful resources such as Music in the BIble, Eating Unleavened Bread, Tithing, Covenants, Divine History, The Biblical Role of Women and many more
- Live Sabbath webcasts
- Ambassador Bible Centre, an intense nine-month educational programme focussed on the Bible and Christian living
- Free Bible Study Groups
- registration information to attend the Kingdom of God Bible Seminars in a location near you. These free seminars are held in over 100 locations around the world. You can also visit www.kogseminars.org for information if you wish to register
- Good News Magazine and Good News Radio information
- Youth programmes
- Study resources
- Prayer requests

If you wish to be inspired by the word of Jesus Christ, the Son of God Who brings hope and salvation to our world, enjoy the above inspirational resources from the UCG ministry.