MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Christmas love triumphs again

“Never stop believing in the love of God,” widower Almir S. (39) quoted his late wife’s words as his family received their first-ever Operation Christmas Love (OCL) parcels last year.  When his wife was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, their youngest son was only a year old.  The disease spread quickly and within months she was gone!

Almir had to deal with his own grief and look after the two toddlers. He was also facing financial difficulties.

“My late wife was a skilled hairdresser and our main breadwinner,” he explained “My seasonal work paid far less than she earned.  Without her, I could not pay the rent and we became homeless.  I was shattered, but had to pick up the pieces and focus on my boys.” 

Almir’s elderly and frail parents took the family into their 25m² home.  It was cramped, but it meant survival. “I was jobless so we all lived on my father’s meagre pension, most of which was needed for their medicines.  Putting food on the table was a struggle,” Almir confessed.  “However, I kept my faith in God’s love and a year ago I finally found employment.

I was beyond grateful that I could provide a little for my family.”

Road maintenance is hard work and the pay is minimal.  When Almir hit rock bottom he approached Mission Without Borders for help. “We’ve been on the F2F programme for a few months and already the difference is amazing.” He exclaimed.  “At last I can provide the boys with things they’ve lacked for years.”

The Mission Without Border’s OCL boxes, filled with sorely-needed groceries and treats for all, were a spectacular success, “This year we could invite my in-laws to a Christmas feast and reciprocate for their kindness over the past few years,” Almir stated proudly.

This young father and devoted sons, still deep in grief, needs our emotional, material and financial support to overcome his huge difficulties and stand tall again.  His kids are all the motivation he needs to be a great father and build a better future for the whole family.

I’m sure you’ve experienced, or shared, the depth of grief the passing of a beloved wife and mother creates, and urge you to support us generously so that we can continue to lift the burden facing families trying to cope with these tragedies.