Jun 16, 2023 | Non categorizzato
Today, the first episode of the new podcast, produced by the United World Project, has been published. The podcast tells stories of changemakers that have decided to start a new business, inspired by a spark that pushed them to act for the improvement of their society.
A spark can inspire change
Today, on 16th of June 2023, the United World Project is happy to present to you a new podcast in english: Sparks. In every new episode we will tell stories of changemakers from different parts of the world that gave life to a project, a company or an activity, after being inspired by a “spark”: a small light that has influenced many other people. Each one of them will take us to their country, where we’ll immerse ourselves in a new culture, and tell us how their project started. We do not have to be Greta Thunberg or Gandhi to initiate change. We believe that each one of us can make a difference. Maybe, all that’s needed is just a spark.
The first episode: Giving back to society one jar at a time
Giving back to society, one jar at a time. We all have big dreams. Mabih’s was to work at the United Nations, and for years she did all she could to make it come true. But things did not go as she hoped. In 2019, she realized that what she thought was her dream to help others was maybe in fact her own personal desire for affirmation in society. So she allowed that dream to transform, and her life changed in ways she could never imagine. Today, Nji Mabih runs a small business, she is 38 years old and lives in Cameroon. To keep reading, click here. To listen to the episode immediately on Spotify, click here! If you prefer to listen to podcasts on other platforms, you can also find “Sparks” on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, Anghami and Audible. Enjoy!
Laura Salerno
Jun 16, 2023 | Non categorizzato
Letting God dwell in us: this is the starting point to safeguard and give joyful witness of the inestimable value of unity and peace, in charity and truth; to enrich ourselves and be seeds of goodness and brotherhood for the world. Without measuring hatred I live in a Ukrainian town on the border with Slovakia. We are not being bombed but we experience the terrible consequences of the war: displaced people with all their needs, the demand for torches and candles, medicines, blankets… A great darkness has descended on our land. News about people who betray others, of those who get rich in these terrible situations, of those who exploit others are the order of the day: when it triumphs, evil has no rules, no limits. But in spite of everything, something else happens: the people here feel involved in the pain of others and look for solutions. The need for warmth, protection and solidarity has returned to families. I witness this paradox of a war of evil and of the triumph of good. We tell the story of Chiara Lubich and her first followers: they too began during a war and they did not measure hatred, but turned on good and then spread everywhere. The forces of evil will not prevail. Our gratitude is a true prayer that rises to heaven like a song of praise to the God who is Love. (S.P. – Ukraine) A chain of love In the waiting room of my shop, the customers usually exchange news and since I hadn’t seen Mrs. Adele, an elderly woman who sometimes came to us, for a long time, I asked one of them for her news. So I learned that Adele was seriously ill and, driven by the desire to see her again, one day I decided to visit her. I found Mrs. Adele, alone and without relatives, completely abandoned. I immediately I circulated a request for help, looking for someone who could keep her company. Three clients responded immediately. A kind of competition started until one of their sons worked hard to get her admitted to a home that provided assistance and care. I too volunteered to give my services as a hairdresser, not only for Adele but for anyone. Adele’s story has shown me that it is enough to begin with concrete acts of charity; the chain of love then unfolds quickly and effectively. (F.D.R. – Italy) A School of Solidarity In the desert, outside the city of Egypt where I live, there are 1000 people with leprosy. Until a few years ago no one knew about this colony. We went to check the situation and found that they lacked everything. No doctors visited them. We contacted Carita and we opened our group to other young Christians and Muslims with whom we go there on our days off work. Two of us are medical students and are in charge of medical care, so they brushed up on the methods of treatment for leprosy. Others gave their time to paint the houses and make them more comfortable. A young journalist has published some articles in various newspapers and magazines in order to inform as many people as possible and raise awareness of the problem. Above all, we realized that the patients of this colony need someone to listen to them, which for them is almost more important than medicine. This experience has become a real school for us: it has made us understand how each of us can give our contribution for others. (H.F.S.- Egypt)
compiled by Maria Grazia Berretta
(taken from The Gospel of the Day, New City, year IX – no. 1 May-June 2023)
