Jesus looked out at the helpless crowds, telling His disciples that the harvest is plenty but the laborers few and to pray that God send more laborers. (See Mt. 9:37-38) In HEAL’s mission, the Masters are our harvest, our planted seeds waiting to be watered and cultivated for growth.
In serving 550 children in two rural villages, our 5 professed MOJ Sisters have their work cut out for them – work such as religious and moral instruction, leading prayers in chapel, meal prep, cultivating crops, and other critical tasks.
In February, three new postulants arrived to experience life with the MOJ Sisters for one year, after which they will have the opportunity to advance and become novices as long as they pass evaluations.
“Our postulants have brought joy to the mission” says Sr. Anne Okweji, Superior Delegate of the MOJs. “By sharing the burden of our labors, we feel relieved and hopeful for greater things to come.”
However, finding new members has been difficult in recent years, alarming Rev. Leo Okonkwo and prompting him to challenge the MOJs.
“Our founder threatened to close down our congregation if we didn’t find two new members,” Sr. Anne said. “Since then, we have continuously invited people to join our mission.”
Indeed, nothing can replace the personal invitation. One of the new postulants, Lumen Dorothy, came to the MOJs at the behest of Sr. Rosemary Ikyor, a fully professed Sister stationed at MECH in Umuagwu.
Knowing Lumen from her home in central Nigeria, Sr. Rosemary invited her to “come and see” (Jn 1:39). As the mission is in Imo State, the southeast region, Lumen has had to leave home and adjust to a new tribal culture and food.
In spite of that challenge, Lumen is enjoying her postulancy so far. “I enjoy our communal living, eating and praying together, and the presence of the priest on the formation team” she says. Please pray for Lumen’s successful postulancy!
St. Paul said we should bear one another’s burdens and fulfill the law of Christ (Gal 6:2). The more qualified MOJs who join, the lighter each of their burdens will be in taking care of the Masters.
HEAL’s burden is in ensuring the MOJs have everything they need to fulfill their mission of turning the Masters into Servant Leaders! PLEASE HELP!