Friends of Good Shepherd International (FOGS) Magazine 2020 Edition
MESSAGE FROM HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL
THE MOST HON. SIR PATRICK ALLEN ON, GCMG, CD, St.J FOR FRIENDS OF GOOD SHEPHERD 24th ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
I extend hearty greetings to Friends of Good Shepherd International as you launch your 24th Annual Fundraiser. The past 24 years have been characterized by your service in education, community development and caring for the vulnerable. Your commitment to creating a better tomorrow, caring for the infirmed, feeding the poor and comforting the elderly has not gone unnoticed. It is these acts of selflessness that speak to the human spirit. COVID-19 has resulted in far reaching loss, displacement and challenges but I urge you to continue your work and seek out new ways to touch and change the lives that you interface.
Now more than ever, are people in need of the friendship you have to offer. The Good Book reminds us to “feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.” I commend you and your leaders and congratulate the Archbishop on achieving his 80th birthday.
May God continue you to bless you richly so that you may continue to bless others. I wish you bountiful success in your fundraising efforts and activities!
I am grateful to God that despite the cancellation of the 24th anniversary gala of Friends of Good Shepherd International, Inc., due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I am still able to express greetings through this medium.
The thousands of deaths and the unparalleled suffering and disaster brought on by this pandemic have undoubtedly crushed so many and have left nations of the world in awe and gloom. Be assured, that I stand with you in trusting God for protection and deliverance from this deadly virus.
Today, I greetyou in the names of the manycountless lives you have touched by your generosity, love and care over the past twenty-four years. So many have died in dignity at our hospice because you took the time to provide medical care when somanyin our societyturned their backs onthem. Thousands whocould not afford treatmentinmany of theclinics and hospitals throughout Jamaica, were treated at the Good Shepherd Medical Complex in Montego Bay in 2019, at a minimal cost and even free.
Your ccn1tributions continue to pave the way for so many of our young people to receive tertiary education on the island of Jamaica. Young men and women are learning to be independent by way of your support for vocational education, and teenage mothers, children with disabilities, and even the elderly are finding shelters in our many homes throughout the country. To God be the glory!
Friends of Good Shepherd International Inc. has been a dynamic source of support for Jamaica over the years, however, I am fully aware that they could not have done it without the selfless and sacrificial contributions of you our supporters both corporatelyand individually.
I wishto thank Mr. Robin Mahfood, retired President and CEO for FOOD FOR THE POOR, for his years of generosity to the people of Jamaica. Mr. Mahfood, was recognized by the Government of Jamaica in 2019 with national honors for his outstanding contribution. This award is truly deserved. I praythathe will livealongandhappylife inhisretirement years.
I also wish to warmly congratulate Mr. Ed Raine as the new CEO of FOOD FOR THE POOR. I offer him my support and pray that he will be richly blessed as he seeks to serve the poor in this capacity.
As I reflect on my years of service to others, I amgrateful for you my friends, family and supporters, who have stood with me in good and challenging times. I was moved by the many telephone calls, letters, and expression of love through the various social mediaas I celebratedmy 80th birthdayearlier this year. Thank you!
It is my prayer that with your consistent support, I will be able to continue God's mission of reaching the less fortunate both locally and abroad. May God continue to bless the work of FOGS and may you our friends and supporters continue to enjoy the rich rewards of being your brothers' keepers.
In2019,FOGSdistributedover$92,000.00,tocharitableprojectslocally,inJamaicaandotherareasoftheCaribbean. We continuedoursupportoftheGoodShepherdFoundationMedicalCentreandeducationfund,MustardSeedCommunities, HopeHospice,ConsieWaltersCancerHospice,Homesfortheelderly,theArchbishop'sEducationalFundandSt.Elizabeth Infirmary.
Pleaseallowmetoexpressmygratitudeto members Billy &Yasmine McIntoshandJennifer Foreman,who celebrated weddinganniversaryandbirthdayrespectivelyandrequesteddonationsforFOGSinlieuofgifts.
Itiswithgreat pleasurethatI onceagain acceptthe invitationtopen a message for thisannualmagazinewhich commemoratesthe anniversary ofthe foundingofthe Friends ofGoodShepherd. Eachyearitrepresentsthe repository ofthe workofthe Organizationand eachyearwecannotbut feeltremendousadmirationthatthisOrganizationhas remainedtruetoits mandate ofcompassionate drivenhardworktosecuresolutions financial and otherwise tomakea differenceinthe lives ofthe dejected, the downtrodden and the forgotten.For thiswewishtoextendour heartfelt gratitude and tooffer themwords ofencouragement for the boldprogrammesplanned for thisyear.
God has beengoodtousatThe GoodShepherdFoundation, Jamaica duringthe pastyear. Our cliniccontinues todowell and atthe end ofthe year2019over20,000persons had beenseenbyour doctors ata costoflessthanU.S.$10.00per patient and with1,850 adultsand 462 persons atnochargeastheywereunabletopay.The clinicshowedits mettleasit tookona principal roleduringthe dengueepidemicand manylives werenodoubt saved owing tothe early proactive stanceoftesting taken byMotherJoy and the entirestaff.Weowe thema debtofgratitude for the unselfish commitment thattheyshowedinworking sometimes lateintothe night toensurethatthe community was wellservedduringthe outbreakasthe numbers seeking helpwerevoluminous. Vital information which theyprovidedtothe MinistryofHealth alsoenabled the Governmenttoidentifythe hot spots and totakethe relevantremedialactions thereby savingcountless lives.
Wenow see the needfor infraredthermometersand funds tobuy supplies. Wenow ask for yourprayerful support or financial aid,where possible.
Our Foundationwishestotakethisopportunity torecordour bestwishestoour Founder and FoundingPatron, ArchbishopDufouronthishis special birth year. Wewishthe blessings ofour Lordonhim,goodhealth, manyhappy memoriesand muchcontentment.Wenotehis continued commitmenttothe Foundationand are appreciativeofall the efforts thathemakes onour behalf.
WegiveGod thanksfor eachand every one ofyou reading thismessage and wishGod's blessings onyourhousehold. Yourcontributionmakes a hugedifferenceinthe lives ofthe disadvantaged and insomecases has meant the difference between lifeand death.Donot underestimate yourcontribution. RememberevenlittleismuchifGod isinitand with whatevermeasure yemeteitshall bemeasuredtoyou again.So, I urgeyou togivegenerouslyand inanticipationplease acceptsincerest thanks.
May God bless you richly.
JeanneRobinson-Foster,CD Chairperson
JeanneRobinson-Foster
CARING, SHARING AND TRAINING IN THE TIME OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Greetings from Mustard Seed Communities!
I write to you at a time when fear of the unknown has affected the daily lives of most of us as COVID-19 continues to spread, the future has never felt so unpredictable. These are challenging times for us all, and we hope you’re in good spirits and health! Right now, we’re doing everything possible to sustain daily operations and provide services to our community. While there’s a lot of uncertainty, we know that we need to adapt fast to our changing reality. Now, more than ever, our community needs us. And we need you.
At the very centre of Mustard Seed Communities (MSC) mission is the principle of caring, sharing and training. Indeed, it is such an important part of our philosophy that it is at the very core of our Mission Statement, for while our core mission is to care for the most vulnerable members of our society; children and adults with disabilities, children affected by HIV/AIDS, young mothers in crisis, we also share what we have with the impoverished communities surrounding our Apostolates. This is done via our weekly Thank You Thursday services where we provide food, clothing and other needed supplies to the elderly and destitute members of these communities. When you add to this the training we provide to encourage the personal growth and increased opportunities for both our staff and the young people in the neighbourhood to encourage them to foster an attitude of self-help you can see the holistic approach we try to engender to improve the lives of others.
It is at times like this, when we are all tested by anxiety as to what the future holds and the need to reach out to our fellow man that we are truly reminded of how interconnected we all are. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for being part of our community and for supporting us in the past. Without you, none of our work is possible. The gifts you have entrusted to us have sewn many seeds of progress throughout Jamaica, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Zimbabwe and at MSC’s newest program in Malawi. Your support reaches every aspect of Mustard Seed Communities’ caring, sharing, and training.
But the truth is that we need you even more than ever before So we are asking you, our loyal supporters to assist us at this time if you are able by making a donation to Mustard Seed Communities. If you’re unable to donate at this time, there are many other ways you can support us. Donations in kind of needed goods is one such alternative. You can advocate for us by sharing the goals of our mission with a family member or friend. Even a quick mention on your social media platform of the organization and our work (caring for the disabled, children affected by HIV/AIDS and young mothers in crisis) would mean the world to us.
This service to the most vulnerable would not be possible without you. Your dedication and support empowers our residents, staff and communities to reach their full potential. For that, I thank each one of you. Stay safe and well and may God bless each and every one of you.
In Christ,
The Very Reverend Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon Founder, Mustard Seed Communities
2020 Outstanding Service Award Recipient
Hyacinth spence
The journey of Mrs. Hyacinth Spence becoming Friends of Good Shepherd International’s Outstanding Service Award recipient, is one that began long ago. After leaving school and beginning her professional life, Mrs. Spence became a participant in service that was beyond her own family.
In 1971, she became a founding member of the Soroptomist Club of Western Jamaica, a branch of Soroptomist International which is a service club of women. Mrs. Spence became passionate about serving underprivileged women and their children in her home community of Montego Bay, Jamaica. She wanted to help facilitate opportunities for them and to improve their lives but found that lack of childcare often provided an insurmountable obstacle to these women acquiring employment. To solve the problem, Mrs. Spence and her fellow Soroptomist sisters raised funds and purchased a building to provide affordable daycare. The “Wee Care” daycare started with 30 children and is now a school serving over 200 students.
Between 1986 until the early 2000s, Mrs. Spence turned her commitment to serve others at the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Montego Bay, Jamaica. One could not help but notice and admire her passion and enthusiasm as she gave of herself.
After immigrating to Florida, very little changed in Mrs. Spence’s commitment to a life of service. In 2004, she became a member of All Saints Parish Church in Sunrise, Florida. Mrs. Spence became involved with the church’s branch of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. She states that she finds her service particularly fulfilling because of their ability to help those in the community who need the most help. Mrs. Spence can often be found helping in the food pantry or visiting the residents to determine how the organization can be of service.
Mrs. Spence says that one of the reason she remains committed to FOGS is the fact that almost all the funds raised is used to help the poor of Jamaica. She firmly believes that “Service brings a sense of gratitude to your own life. You are helping people who cannot help themselves and cannot pay you back. It takes away your focus from yourself. It opens your heart and enables you to see the needs of others and then motivates you to do something about it.”
02/07/1943 - 10/29/2014
2020 Scholarship In memory of Barbara E. Lee Hing
Barbara E. Lee Hing (nee Rogers) was born in Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica. Her enthusiasm for learning blossomed in her early childhood and continued throughout her entire life. She firmly believed in the importance and necessity of a good education.
She taught at her Alma Mater, Manchester High School, Mandeville, after graduation. She subsequently migrated with her family to the USA. There she obtained employment, while working full time, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree. After she retired, she tookup a post as a substitute teacher at several elementaryschools inGeorgia. She was verycommitted to education.
Barbara grewup surrounded by much love and a strong faith in God. She was baptized into the Catholic faith bythen Father Charles Dufour in Harbour View.
She was active in her church (Church of Reconciliation Catholic Church) in St. Catherine. After moving to Georgia with her family, she became an active member of St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church where she served as a Eucharistic Minister, Catechist, Lector, Sunday school teacher and the Church Communities Commission Chairperson of the Women’s Council. She undertook for many, many years the preparation of the purificator (the altar cloth) used at all the Saturday and Sunday masses.
In 2016, the Barbara E. Lee Hing Banana Ground Basic School in the parish of Manchester opened its doors to three, four and five year olds eager to start their earlychildhood education. The school captures a piece of Barbara’s legacy – her strong faith in God, her boundless kindness, her generosity and her dedication to education.
Recipient Annika Williams
Annika Williams (20), a current student at Broward College majoring in Construction Project Technology holding a 2.8 GPA. Annika is currently housed with Broward Housing Solutions® (BHS®) as a tenant in their Youth Solutions® program in Coral Springs. Youth Solutions® the organization provides affordable housing for young adults, 18 - 23 years old who have aged out of the foster care system. Annika enjoys dancing, reading and playing flag football. She is a determined young woman who is goal driven. She is passionate about assisting herpeersthrive.Annikastands strongonBenjaminFranklin: quote“aninvestment in education gives the best returns.” She loves her home provided by BHS, she feels a sense of peace, independence and has found a place to be safe as she develops. She is in need of assistance with purchasing college textbooks, binders, notebooks, a desk and chair.
Dufour-Buteau 2020 Scholarship
Recipient
I am Alysha Mckenzie and I am a first-generation college student attending the University of Florida. I have just wrapped up my first year at this exceptional institution and I am excited to see what the next 3 years have in store for me.
ALYSHA MCKENZIE
I am currently a Sociology major on a pre-law track. I hope to attend one of the top 14 law schools in the country, but my dream school is Harvard Law School. One of my aspirations is to become a criminal lawyer and serve as a Public Defender for a few years after which I plan to open a law firm and occasionally take on pro-bono work. I currently serve in a few organizations at my university. One of which I am very passionate about is LADIES. This is an organization that aims to improve the lives of young women and girls within middle and high school through mentorship with the University of Florida students. We also strive to promote women empowerment through service and advocacy in the Gainesville Community. Another organization that I am passionate about is the Involvement Team of The University of Florida Department of Students Activities and Involvement. We serve as ambassadors who try to find as I like to call it a home away from home or a second family for students of the University of Florida. Our mission is to find organizations that interest students and give them that first step to finding their place on campus outside of the classroom. Overall, it is a passion of mine to help and serve others. I believe that there is nothing more fulfilling in life than to know that you have touched the lives of others. I have always said that if I can help at least one person to realize their full potential or to restore lost hope that they once had before I leave this earth then I have had a fulfilled life.
CHARLES AND MAVIS DUFOUR
The Dufour-Buteau family is the proud sponsor of a 2020 Friends of Good Shepherd International Scholarship to Ms. Alysha McKenzie, in honor of our parents the late Charles and Mavis Dufour.
As we honor the memories of our parents by awarding this scholarship, we are grateful for their exemplary lives of service to others, coupled with a deep sense of commitment towards education at all levels. They taught us to respect our fellowmen and to embrace success with humility and gratefulness.
The recipient has displayed qualities that have guided us over the years. Ms. McKenzie aims to use this scholarship for her educational advancement but above all to be intellectually and spiritually equipped to serve others.
Our parents were strict disciplinarians, who believed in entrepreneurship. They instilled within their children the desire to serve God and were adamant in us attending church and serving the poor irrespective of our own circumstances. It was no surprise when their eldest son, Charles Dufour decided to enter the ministry at the tender age of 19, although his first attempt was at age 15.
So, as we seek to perpetuate the memories of our parents, we are confident that we have seen in this recipient, qualities that were so dear to our beloved parents. Congratulations, and best wishes for the future.
Hope Health (Teaching) Clinic at the Good Shepherd Medical Centre, Montego Bay, Jamaica
In 2019, our greatest challenge was the Dengue Fever Outbreak. The clinic spent USD $15,000 on test kits. Three charities – FOGS, Fundacion Fuerte, and Boston University allowed us to test more than 1,500 patients for Dengue.
Just before the Covid-19 outbreak, we were able to distribute 90 wheelchairs at the centre in collaboration with American Wheelchair Association and the Rotary Club Chapters of Spanish Town and Montego Bay Most of the recipients were patients from the clinic, from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Montego Bay, from the Hospice, from Mustard Seed Communities and other surrounding areas that were in dire need of wheelchairs.
At the start of the Covid-19 outbreak, precautions were made by accommodating only patients that were in need of prescription drugs, mostly our elderly, and all our antenatal patients, and children that were in need of medical care. We have adopted the new normal setting and day to day procedures at the clinic in observance of social distancing, pre-screening measures, temperature monitoring, hand sanitizing before entering the clinic. We also have to use protective gears to protect the staff and the patients which is now the “new normal attire”.
The number of patients for the past 3 months (March to May) greatly declined and we have had to use emergency funds to subsidize salaries for staff, doctors and utility bills. At present we are in need of more protective gears such as disposable N95 masks, isolation gowns and gloves, disinfectants, hand sanitizers, and infrared thermometers. We are very grateful for donations in helping us offset the pandemic expenses. Thank you.
Angella Graham (center front row) and her team of Caregivers
Born Kishin V Samtani on April 11, 1951, Kishin is the second of four children to Vashdev and Chandra Samtani. He grew up in Mumbai, India where he attended St. Xavier’s School and later the H.R. College of Business.
Kishin moved to Montego Bay, Jamaica in 1971, and nine years later married Shobha Daswani. They have two sons, Sasha, who lives with his wife and two daughters in Montego Bay, and Rajiv, who lives in Redondo Beach, California.
Kishin owns Tropicana Jewelers in Jamaica. Since founding the company in 1978, he and his two brothers have built the company into a multi-store operation throughout Jamaica and Northern Florida that represents some of the finest watch and jewelry brands in the world.
Kishin is an active member in several business, civic, and professional organizations and often accepts the challenge of a leadership role. He is a past director of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and the Good Shepherd Foundation, as well as the charter president of the Montego Bay Indian Benevolent Association (MIBA). Kishin serves as a senior Justice of the Peace, member of the Lay Magistrates Association, Honorary Consul for the Republic of Korea, Director of Montego Bay Police Civic Association, and a district member of the Freemasons Association of Jamaica.
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BILLY & YASMINE
William (Billy) and Yasmine McIntosh had a joyous celebration for their 45th wedding anniversary on December 28, 2019. During toasts, FOGS members Billy and Yasmine spoke of their full support and commitment to the organization and the many groups it benefits through its year-round fundraising efforts. Upon their request, over $1200 was graciously donated by family and friends in lieu of gifts. It is this testament of giving back and helping those in need, coupled with their volunteerism that has laid the foundation for their walk with Christ both in their individual lives and in their marriage.
Billy and Yasmine met as young teenagers while members of their church’s Catholic Youth Organization (CYO). In those memorable days in Jamaica, the church was the central point which drew in many young people and was instrumental in inspiring the youth to get involved and give back to their community. Billy and Yasmine’s siblings were all active in CYO as well, and they bonded through group activities and shared experiences. Billy’s admiration for Yasmine grew through the years (as did hers) and in pursuit of her attention he would walk over 10 miles from Vineyard Town to Russell Heights to visit her. He enjoyed singing and would often serenade her, but it was his charm and personality that would eventually win her over. Their families were close and so it was a natural progression for them to start courting and later marry and start a family.
By God’s grace, their love has endured life’s twists and turns and they have remained steadfast to his word and divine will to always keep the focus outside of themselves and on others in need. This same outlook holds true within their family life and has been instilled within their own children and grandchildren. Cheers to them for continued strength in doing the Lord’s work and for their true lifelong commitment to serving others.
The most basic, yet most important unit of any society, is the FAMILY. Family provides warmth, love and a deep desire to push its members toward developing value, and through developing value, its members are motivated, they’re firm thinkers and ultimately, they thrive toward success. Now when the family is broken, when it is dysfunctional, its members become dysfunctional. And society is ultimately affected by this. But even a broken family, if given the proper nurturing through the necessary support and encouragement, the members will make good of themselves. We are from such circumstances.
Our names are Dwayne and Dwight Dyce, but we are known by our family and close friends as Peter and Paul. We are twin brothers who were brought up by our grandparents in one of the most rural parts of Jamaica. Like many young men or young children in Jamaica, we didn’t know our father, and our mother and grandparents did what they could to fight to put food on what we referred to as a table.
As young children growing up, most evenings we could tell that our grandparents didn’t have much. We could see it in their faces, in the way they would sit on this one big rock in the “stony red dirt yard” with their hands bracing their faces. They appeared to be in great and distant thoughts; maybe they were thinking about where to find dinner for that same evening; or where to get money for school the next day, or to buy the text books that were needed, or a pair of shoes for either or both of us. What we did know even as children was that it was extremely difficult to live; we were struggling to survive.
We were just turning teenagers when we met Bishop Charles Dufour. At that time he was the new bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Montego Bay. We were involved in church activities and Bishop Charles started a program to help young people to attend school. Besides school fees, it also provided assistance in other areas of life. We were just one of several families that were assisted through Friends of Good Shepherd (“FOGS”). Bishop Charles and FOGS changed our lives.
There is a word that is used in South African culture –Ubuntu. At its most basic, Ubuntu can be translated as “human kindness,” but its meaning is much bigger in scope than that. It embodies the ideas of connection, community, and mutual caring for all.
Such acts could be as simple as helping a stranger in need, or much more complex ways of relating with others. Through our Archbishop Charles Dufour, FOGS demonstrated the real meaning of Ubuntu. He did not just provide us with financial support, which was very needed, but he also provided us:
a stable foundation – through spiritual & fatherly guidance; emotional support – through listening and encouragement; the importance of helping; value – through building self-worth & self-concept; and HOPE
If it wasn’t for Friends of Good Shepherd, we wouldn’t and couldn’t have made it this far. It is Albert Einstein who said, “try not so much to be a person of success, rather try to be a person of value, because with value, success is more meaningful.”
In retrospect, we can honestly say that our success is tied up in the help provided to us by Friends of Good Shepherd through our Archbishop Charles. He truly lives by his motto: “Sent to Serve.” We will be forever grateful to have known Archbishop Dufour, and for the help of FOGS. We are now both professionals in the fields of education and counseling, assisting individuals on a daily basis to learn and to make healthy and meaningful choices. We are both published authors and writers. We are both involved in international initiatives to give back to our country now that we are both living in the United States.
All of these could never be possible without the help of Archbishop Charles Dufour and Friends of Good Shepherd. Thank you.
2020 Scholarship Recipients
Stephanie Guerra | Scholarship donated by Jacques & Clover Davis (Members of Friends of Good Shepherd International)
My name is Stephanie Guerra, I am 21 years old. I was born and raised in South Florida. I am a social work student at Florida Atlantic University and currently an intern at Kids in Distress. I plan to graduate this summer with my bachelor’s degree. I will then proceed to get my masters. I want to work in child welfare so I can pursue my dream of advocating on behalf of abused and neglected youths. My hobbies include traveling, collecting Funko pops, doing make up, shopping, and taking care of animals.
Brian Thompson | Scholarship donated by Joseph & Michele Rhoden (Members of Friends of Good Shepherd International)
My name is Brian Thompson. I am twenty one years old, I currently attend Broward College where I major in Music composition. I plan on transferring to FSU where I will continue to major in music composition but also in vocal performance.
I’ve always had a special connection to music but I never understood why until I was in the sixth grade. Around that time I started to gain my own sense of musical taste; I then paid closer attention to words and the different details in the songs, such as harmony and texture. Ever since then I made it my goal to become a professional musician. I know people say that the music business is a competitive field but I believe the only competition we have is ourselves. In fact, my main aspiration in life is not to be the best musician but to be the best musician that I can be.
Thank you!
25 February 2020
Friends of Good Shepherd | ℅ Catholic Diocese of Mandeville |Mandeville P.O., | Manchester
Dear Sirs,
I have been the recipient of financial assistance from Friends of Good Shepherd for the past three years. For this blessing I am extremely appreciative. This scholarship has provided the opportunity for me to attain a higher education and advance my career as a teacher - something I would not have been able to achieve on my own considering extenuating circumstances in my life.
As a devout Catholic, I hold my Catholic Christian education in high regards. My course of study should be completed in May 2020. Upon completion, it is my wish to contribute to the advancement of the ministry of the Catholic church through education.
With your continued assistance by way of the Friends of Good Shepherd Scholarship, this dream will become a reality. I am truly blessed, humbled and grateful to be a scholarship recipient.
Sincerely, Kerry White
2020 Outstanding Service Award Recipient
MONICA RUMELIA FRANCISCHUNG
Monica Francis-Chung knows that it is well with the man who is gracious and lends. Her life personifies this psalm, as she has lived a life of unwavering and consistent support for the poor and those in need of love and care. Monica, originally from 43 Central Avenue, Sydenham in St. Catherine, Jamaica, grew up as a Roman Catholic, where she attended St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Spanish Town. After migrating to New York in 1979, Monica continued her service to the church and since then has received notable awards for her acts of kindness and generosity. Some of Monica's noteworthy achievements include:
The Outstanding Citizen Award from the New York City Council in 2004;
The Stonerock Home Health Aide Award in 2007; and
The Utopia Caregiver of the Year Award, also in 2007.
Monica is currently a retired Home Health Aide. She is a mother to Renee, a grandmother to Kyle and enjoys spending time with family and close friends.
We were created for this moment
By Gina Tulloch
God gives us the grace for every situation. Each challenge we encounter provides us with an opportunity to draw ourselves closer to Him. In this moment, we are encouraged to distance ourselves socially. Yet, we still have an innate desire to be surrounded by the people we love and who love us back, unconditionally. Having to keep our circles small, we are more discerning about the company we keep. We see more clearly what and who matters. Who do we call to check up on? Who calls to check on us? Who do we trust to help us stay safe and healthy? How do we nurture each other from a distance?
Covid-19 has global impact. As we struggle to maintain a sense of normalcy in our own lives, it is easy to lose sight of and disengage from those who needed us before the pandemic. But how we react in times of crises helps to define us as individuals and as a community. Friends of Good Shepherd International, Inc., was created for moments like these. We have experience in nurturing from a distance. We pledge to commit our time, talent, and financial resources to reach out to the poor and disadvantaged in the communities we serve. It takes heart. It takes trust. It takes faith.
This organization’s founder, Archbishop Dufour, adopted as his ecclesiastical motto, “Sent to Serve.” This is the foundation on which we stand and build. These marginalized communities need us to remain strong and committed to our mission. We are currently responding to the impact of Covid19 on the communities that we serve. We urge you to get involved and be a difference-maker. There are many ways to use your talents from a distance to help those in need.
Happy 80th Birthday, may you have many more. You have walked alongside of us over the years guiding us and welcoming our children into this world and the Catholic faith. Our wedding and baptism of Evey and Xander were beautiful occasions of celebration. Now we come together to celebrate your milestone and praise God for sending you, our guardian angel, to us.
Nuff luv, hugs and kisses, Tim, Rory, Evey, Xander & Will Wong
BISHOP PETER EATON
and the Clergy and People of The Episcopal Church in Southeast Florida extend their prayers and best wishes to
ARCHBISHOP CHARLES DUFOUR
a man who hasbeen sent to serve, on the happy occasion of his 80thbirthday. In gratitude for his selfless ministry onbehalf of the Church, the People of Jamaica at home and abroad, and Friends of GoodShepherd.
SUNTHARARASAN(BOBBY) WILLIAMS SEPTEMBER19,1938~ MAY20,2020
BROTHERS AND SISTERS, WE DO NOT WANT YOU TO BE UNINFORMED ABOUT THOSE WHO SLEEP IN DEATH, SO THAT YOU DO NOT GRIEVE LIKE THE REST OF MANKIND, WHO HAVE NO HOPE. FOR WE BELIEVE THAT JESUS DIED AND ROSE AGAIN,AND SO WE BELIEVE THAT GOD WILL BRING WITH JESUS THOSE WHO HAVE FALLEN ASLEEP IN HIM. Thessalonians4:13-14
