Witness from Prison:  Love Mercy!

And the crowd asked him, what then shall we do? 

My daughter was born with a disability known as cerebral palsy. She has been and continues to be a big part of our lives. Although she cannot speak or walk and has almost no use of her hands and arms, she can move her head. An electronic device with an infra-red light mounted on it assists her to move her head and operate a lite-talker and computer. She has made many friends. She also raises funds for Easter Seal money for Camp Waubeck near Madison. She makes people happy.

For many years I have been chairman of a program called Trout Unlimited, providing a fishing day for people with various disabilities. God loves fishermen, we all know that, but what a very, very successful day this has been. Only the people with disabilities fish on that day, and all the others help them to whatever degree is necessary. It’s another little step that makes people happy.

We have a very active Salvation Army in the Fox Cities. They have had a daily meal program for years. Many churches in our city provide volunteer assistance. A friend and I recognized there was no meal on Sunday. We took almost a year to do it, but we organized enough churches so that each took one Sunday a year to provide a Sunday meal. Most of the food was prepared ahead of time, and in two hours the job was done. That was a joy for everyone: those who ate the meal as well as those who served it.

I have lived and worked with people in Nicaragua, Belize and the Dominican Republic. I have seen and listened to their daily struggles to survive, raise a family and cope with few resources. The assassinated Bishop Oscar Romero called them, "Those we have made poor." The Fox Valley Mission Group has built 14 school rooms, a dormitory for 80 students, chapels, latrines and housing for teachers. Volunteers live, sleep and eat with those they are helping and they learn from each other. It is a blessing for all concerned.

Each of us can do things and take action to make the world better for everyone. Each little step we take to expand God's kingdom counts. We must not become discouraged.

Reflection: During this Advent season, can I be creative, taking some action to make someone happy?