Do not fear, for I am with you | 2019 Church Appeal | Catholic Mission

“I was about four or five … I came here because I was accused of witchcraft and I was condemned by my family and my community.” – Sarah When Sarah was four-years-old, she was wrongly implicated in the deaths of fifteen people in her community. Due to her speech impediment, people believed the little girl to be a "spirit child", in accordance with local customs associating disability with evil spirits. Children whose mother dies during their birth are also at risk under these beliefs. Many of the community members, including Sarah’s own family, became furious at her inability or unwillingness to speak, casting her out and threatening to kill her. Thankfully, Sister Stan Therese Mumuni and the local Church was made aware of the imminent danger Sarah was in. Sister Stan recalls fighting—almost physically—to save Sarah from the most terrible fate and give her a new chance at life. Sister Stan has dedicated the last decade to running the Nazareth Home for God’s Children in the Diocese of Yendi in Ghana, a haven where children like Sarah are given safety, nutritious meals, healthcare and education as well as unconditional love. Sister Stan ensures the children receive quality education so that they may one day gain employment and provide for themselves. Her dream is that they will return to their home community and show how the love and support of the Church has empowered them to develop and reach their goals. The Nazareth Home for God’s Children is one of the many critical initiatives established by the Catholic Church in Ghana to save and nourish the lives of the country’s most vulnerable young people. Without the tireless efforts of Sister Stan and other religious and lay missionaries around the country, many children will lose out on all that life has to offer. Sarah says of Sister Stan, “I like her because she saved my life”. If not for Sister Stan's intervention and lifelong care, Sarah may not be here today.