By Syrulwa Somah, PhD (December 24th 2005)
"... more than 4, 500 Liberians, mostly babies will not celebrate 2005 “feast of children” with their family or live to abundantly have life comes December 25, 2005. Malaria killed them without having any chance to glory! And for the Liberian little children who will live to see 2005 and receive gifts are equally susceptible to be victimized by malaria and malaria-related complications. These children are likely to leave their joys or gifts by their graveyard for the world to see our collective failure. We can do better!..” |
Fellow Liberians and friends of Liberia ,
The officers and members of the Liberian History, Education & Development, Inc. (LIHEDE) are privileged to greet you in this joyful season of sharing the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
One of the legends of Christmas holds that, the joyful season of sharing began when St. Nicholas, born in the Asia Minor , the Patron Saint of Children, is said to have visited Egypt and other parts of the world. During his itinerary, he didn’t only befriend little children, visit their homes leaving gifts, but he did so late at night, to avoid been noticed.
St. Nicholas’ generosity to little children became known as “feast of little children” or “Christmas Day,” a tradition that continues to today. But Jesus gives the true meaning of gift giving and took it to the highest spiritual pinnacle (salvation) with these words, “I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly” (John 10:10 ).
It is saddened that more than 4, 500 Liberians, mostly babies will not celebrate 2005 “feast of children” with their family or live to abundantly have life comes December 25, 2005 . Malaria killed them without having any chance to glory! And for the Liberian little children who will live to see 2005 and receive gifts are equally susceptible to be victimized by malaria and malaria-related complications. These children are likely to leave their joys or gifts by their graveyard for the world to see our collective failure. We can do better!
Like St. Nicholas, let us be that unseen life givers to the little children of Liberia . Let us be that “symbolic Christ” to give abundant gift, meaning helping to send malaria to the dustbin of history. There is no greater gift that you and I can give a Liberia than the “gift of malaria free Liberia .” Surely our people deserve a better physical life. That is why I have come to you. You know Liberia . I, therefore, appeal to you to:
- Email LIHEDE to voluntary to help plan the international conference on malaria in Liberia from December 14-19, 2006
- Service on one of the Diaspora Health Conference Steering Committees
- Donate resources to plan the conference
- Encourage other Liberian to participate
I fervently hope and pray that the God of our Ancestors will touch your hear and guide you to join the good fight so that we all can work hard to restore and uphold the national honor, liberty, and glory associated with all Liberian children.
Friends and brothers, think of these things as you and your family celebrate the Seasons!
Yours in Liberia ,
Syrulwa Somah, Ph.D.
Executive Director
LIHEDE ( info@lihede.org - somah@ncat.edu)
336-456-8075
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About the author:
The author, Syrulwa Somah, Ph.D., is an Associate Tenured Professor of Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health at NC A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina. He is the author of several books, including, The Historical Resettlement of Liberia and It Environmental Impact, Christianity, Colonization and State of African Spirituality, and Nyanyan Gohn-Manan: History, Migration & Government of the Bassa (a book about traditional Bassa leadership and cultural norms published in 2003). Dr. Somah is also the Executive Director of the Liberian History, Education & Development, Inc. (LIHEDE), a nonprofit organization based in Greensboro, North Carolina. He can be reached at: somah@ncat.edu or infor@lihede.org
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