Twenty three of 52

23 of 52. 

We are at the beginning of the Christian calendar.  The season of Advent is the four weeks before Christmas.  One tradition is to focus on the four themes of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.  As Rotarians we try to promote these themes in our day to day lives.

Hope.  Our projects bring Hope to many within our communities and around the world.  To those struggling with addictions, crisis and poverty, we are bringing hope with our support to Inner Visions, Hanna House and SHARE.  Our gathering and putting together food for these less fortunate helps them see a light often when there is great darkness.  And we bridge continents with Hope supporting international projects.  Vida taking a suitcase to Mexico for Project Amigo brings Hope to many children there.  Our support for the literacy project in  South Africa brings hope to children in schools that lack so many of the basic amenities to learning

Peace.  Rotary supports peace initiatives worldwide.  At the Montreal we heard Queen Noor of Jordan talk of the peace initiatives Rotarians are involved in.  Our own club’s Julia was a member of the Group Study Exchange.  This program promotes understanding between people which promotes Peace.  The more we understand other’s culture, faith and problems, the more we can work together for a more peaceful world.

Joy.  Joy is not just happiness.  It is a deeper touching of the soul.  Our support for our fellow citizens of the world spreads Joy.  We were told of the children in South Africa who came to school on their day off to thank visiting Rotarians.  There was a profound sense of gratification, that what we as an organization is doing is right, when they saw the faces of the appreciative children and the thanks they received.  We get that feeling when we are thanked by residents at Inner Visions after we prepare lunch.  They are touched by what we do.

Love.  “Love thy neighbour” is a credo, not only of Christianity, but most faiths.  The words may be different but the message the same.  Rotarians love our neighbours. A million and a quarter Rotarians worldwide work together contribute to causes and people we will never know.  But it is Love and Compassion that binds us to support one another in our important work.

Fighting Polio, bringing water, building schools.  There is always a need.  We will continue to help in our way from Port Moody.  We ill bring Hope, Peace, Joy and Love as we are Building Communities, Bridging Continents

Nick