Brothers,
Take a look at Steve Duffy’s response below. When Steve talks about working as an hourly truck driver for 30 years and in the tree industry for 18 years making $110 a day—and flat out telling us that $100 to help a suffering brother isn’t going to break any of us—that is the definition of a true Catholic man leading from the front.
Steve and Chris are already in for $100 each. I am matching them with another $100 right now to keep this momentum moving.
Like Steve beautifully pointed out using the words of St. Paul and St. John: let us not grow weary in well-doing, especially to those of our own household of faith. Waleed needs us to step into the breech for him this month so he can focus on his health and get his footing without losing his medical insurance.
The envelope is in the Church Office right now with Waleed Elias‘ name on it. No pressure, no compulsion—just an incredible opportunity to show what Council 13453 is made of. Let’s match Steve’s fire and take care of our own.
Vivat Jesus!
Ed Bahoura
Brothers, St Paul said ” let us not grow weary in well doing for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.So then , as we have opportunity , let us do good to all men , and ESPECIALLY to those who are the household of faith.” Gal.6:9,10
I was talking with Waleed after Mass the other morning, he was extremely downcast and depressed. He’s concerned about his bills. As far as I can glean from my conversations with Wally he was collecting $1400 on “disability” after his cancer operation and has recently been cut completely. He lives with his parents who are just getting by and wants to carry his weight, has a car payment of $400/mn, insurance, cell phone etc, not to mention he was contributing $800 to the household budget, food, utilities etc, a total of $1200/mn
He’s currently working at Arby’s, taking home $140/wk.
The long or short of it is he can only work 20 hours a week to keep his medicare health insurance which obviously is critical for him having had cancer surgery. He seems to be most comfortable in the food industry, coffee shops etc. The Arbys he is at seems to be overwhelming so if you know of a restarant or fast food that is less chaotic, maybe someone who is patient, a little empathy and a little mentorship let him know.
Secondly, I would like to propose we “fund” him for a month to allow him to get his footing. If even 10 of us contributed $100 or 20 of us did $50 it would relieve the pressure and allow him to regroup. Obviously the more the merrier and any amount will go a long way in expressing our love and concern. I am unable to do anything through St Vincent DePaul at this time because his bills are paid directly through his checking account and we do not write checks directly to the person in need. We pay the bill directly. No pressure, no compulsion, I just thought this would be a great opportunity to help one of our own. I’ll have an envelope in the Church Office this week with Waleed Elias name on it and inform the secretaries if you care to share in the blessing. Please note the spelling if writing a check. Normally I wouldnt do this but I think the “need” warrants transparency, Ed, Chris and myself are in for $100 , I worked as an hourly truck driver for 30 years and then in the tree industry for 18 years making a $110 /day and never felt that $100 dollars was going to break me. Please join us in helping one of our own. God Bless !
“But if any one has the worlds goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does Gods love abide in him? 1John 3:17
Steve Duffy