Celebrate Hope

It's easy to take things for granted. Electricity, for example. On Tuesday night more than 2,700 Ameren Missouri customers were in the dark. These things happen and can be an inconvenience. But imagine what it would be like to live not only without electricity, but clean water, too. This, along with a host of other problems, is a reality for many living in impoverished countries.

Heart for Africa, a Christian not-for-profit relief aid organization with strong ties to this area, has been working to address many of these issues. In recent years the organization has raised thousands of dollars locally, and many local residents have traveled to help in Swaziland, an impoverished area where much of the efforts have been directed.

Saturday night the organization will have its annual fundraiser, Celebrate Hope, at The Venue in Cape Girardeau. As of noon Wednesday about 50 tickets still were available, according to Jimmy Wilferth, the organization's executive director. Tickets are $50 and may be purchased by calling Chrisy Wilferth at 579-8685. The event begins at 5:30 p.m.

It's appropriate that this fundraiser is called Celebrate Hope. As Christians, we place our hope in Almighty God. We're called in Scripture to follow the example of Jesus to love and serve others. Heart for Africa does this, and it's a joy to see individuals, churches and businesses support the cause.