We got off to a slow start on this plea, quite frankly, because we didn't spread it around or talk much about our needs.  However, all ready this Season we have had many pilgrims come to escape the turmoil of the world to find rest in God through prayer and solitude.  Its tough out there and people need to come apart from the world.  We want so much to provide a safe, welcoming, and productive place for people to come for prayer, restoration and redemption.   

With the magnitude of guests, we can no longer hold back, we have to prepare the place for prayer and the amount of guests.  Seraphim and I can't do it alone.  We need your help. 

     At Nazareth House Apostolate, Grace Church, we  have several projects and improvements that are necessary for the continuance and expansion of the ministry to those who come here to “come apart and rest for awhile” Mark 6:31. It’s a tough world out there and resistance against Christian values and morals are growing. St. Simeon Skete has been likened to the Inn in the parable Jesus told of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10: 30-37). Many people that come here are battered from the ways of the world and are here to rest and revitalize by getting away from the distractions of the world to deepen their relationship with God through an increased prayer life so as to return strengthened. We all need a place such as the Skete, a Remnant Refuge, and it is our desire to provide the necessary atmosphere and tools to provide this service.

     Fr. Dibble, a priest of Nazareth House Apostolate and a Construction Contractor, has offered to bring his skillful hands and a truck full of tools from NY and work to help us with the many repairs urgently needed on our buildings and grounds. However, unless the funding for the materials is there, we cannot take him up on his kind generosity.

   Though completed, there remains some cosmetic attention to be done on the Seven Sleepers, Cave of the Heart. And, as expected, it has settled and several loads of dirt are needed.

The Prayer Wall is daily adding intercessory cards to it, completing the small Chapel of the Holy Name beside it will enable the frequent visitors to stop in the chapel for private prayers and to light a candle.

The decks on all the buildings are in treacherous condition, boards warping, etc. Our goal is to replace the floor boards with a composite made from recycled milk cartons. This composite lasts and keeps maintenance at a much lower cost and effort level.

     As always, Winter and Spring rains wreak havoc with the gravel road, and we will need another load or two of gravel laid down.

     The lawnmower tractor needs its annual repair and preparation for the grass cutting season . Last year this cost us $600, we expect at least that this year. Fr. Seraphim cuts over 20 acres of grass each week and that is a lot of wear and tear on the mower, not to mention Fr. Seraphim.

     The Winter Season is always an added strain on the Skete’s financial budget. Maintaining proper propane heat for Grace Church, the Guest Pilgrim House and Anna House comes with a huge price. We have just had to fill the tanks, yet again, at the cost of $1200. We are exceptionally careful and thrifty and keep the heat at the minimum in order to prevent pipes from freezing.

     It is difficult to manage all of the work, hospitality, mission aid and administration of the grounds while also carrying a mortgage. At times, it is overwhelming. As the times become more and more Godless, more and more people need a place like this, a refueling. We are the people of The Name of Jesus. And we want this place to be known, not as the Cheers Theme song says “Where everyone knows YOUR name” but a place where, though “our troubles are all the same” everyone knows HIS Name.

     I have shared with you a few of the pressing needs and projects of Nazareth House Apostolate so that we can meet both the basic needs of food, heat and lights for our residents and guests as well as the necessary projects and repairs to enhance and maintain the hospitality of the Inn. This does not include our mission aid, sponsoring work in the Philippines, Back to School Supplies for Children in Need, Disaster aid (hurricane/fires) and such. I could list all of the outreaches of Nazareth House Apostolate, it is extensive. But we firmly believe in the Left hand not knowing what the Right hand is doing and when we give to help others in need, we do it - hand to hand - quietly making sure to keep it between us and the recipient. In a selfie “look at what I did” world, we find this keeps the dignity on all sides.

      The “Good Samaritan” saw only a person in dire need of assistance, and assist him he did, above and beyond the minimum required. He dresses the man’s wounds with wine (to disinfect) and oil (to sooth the pain). He puts the man on his animal and takes him to an inn for a time of healing and pays the innkeeper with his own money. He then goes beyond common decency and tells the innkeeper to take good care of the man, and he would pay for any extra expenses on his return trip.

     We are asking you to consider the Good Samaritan as he provided for his neighbor by remembering the needs of the “Inn” that cared for the battered man when the Samaritan had to be on his way.

     We have set a goal of $20,000 to meet these immediate needs for “the Inn”. In your mercy, please pray for us and if you are able please give from the heart to assist us financially in this shared journey to reach our goal to better serve others. Let your mercy greatly shine towards us, and may His mercy also greatly shine towards you.