Bethesda & Ruth’s Mission

Bethesda & Ruth’s Mission Ambassadors in Christ for the healing of the nations!

09/06/2026

“I’ll never forget a little child who taught me a very beautiful lesson.

They heard in Calcutta that I (Mother Teresa) had no sugar for the children, and this little one, a Hindu boy, four years old, went home and he told his parents: I will not eat sugar for three days, I will give my sugar to Mother Teresa.

How much a little child can give! After three days they brought into our house, and there was this little one who could scarcely pronounce my name, he loved with great love, he loved until it hurt.

…One evening a gentleman came to our house and said, there is a Hindu family and the eight children have not eaten for a long time. Do something for them. And I took rice and I went immediately, and there was this mother, those little ones’ faces, their eyes shining from sheer hunger.

She took the rice from my hand and divided it into two and she went out. When she came back, I asked her, where did you go? What did you do? And one answer she gave me: They are hungry also. She knew that the next door neighbor, a Muslim family, was hungry.

What surprised me most - not that she gave the rice, but what surprised me most, that in her suffering, in her hunger, she knew that somebody else was hungry, and she had the courage to share, share the love.

…you would be surprised of the beautiful things that people do to share the joy of giving

And this is what I mean, I want you to love the poor, and never turn your back to the poor, for in turning your back to the poor, you are turning it from Christ. For he had made himself the hungry one, the naked one, the homeless one, so that you and I have an opportunity to love him, because where is God? How can we love God?

And so, my prayer for you is that truth will bring prayer in our homes, and the fruit of prayer will be that we believe that in the poor, it is Christ. And if we really believe, we will begin to love.….First in our own home, our next door neighbor, in the country we live, in the whole world.

And let us all join in that one prayer, God give us courage to protect the unborn child, for the child is the greatest gift of God to a family, to a nation and to the whole world. God bless you!” - Mother Theresa, Transcript excerpt from her Noble Peace Prize Acceptance Speech.

Today the church celebrates the testimony of Mother Theresa!

We thank you Lord for the witness of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within her, becoming the light of His love to all.

May we too, obtain from the sacred heart of Jesus the grace to see Him in every person we meet, and to serve Him with humility and joy. Teach us to allow Jesus to pe*****te and possess us so completely that our lives too, radiate His light and love to others. In Jesus Christ’s mighty name, Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

St. Teresa of Calcutta, co-heir and priest in God’s Kingdom, pray for us that we too might minister to Christ in our suffering brothers and sisters.

Full Acceptance speech transcript in the comments! Video by Shalom World News.

Mirembe project has begun planting coffee seeds! 20 out of 70 member families are participating in this agricultural co...
09/02/2026

Mirembe project has begun planting coffee seeds! 20 out of 70 member families are participating in this agricultural cooperative! As donations increase, more families will be able to participate.

The community is seeking donations to support an irrigation system for the farm. Mirembe became an official Ugandan not for profit a year ago but they live quite a distance from a bank (we’re working on that part). Up to date donations are given directly through Sendwave where members can use funds directly from their phone.

Bethesda & Ruth’s Mission is running a T-shirt fundraiser through Bonfire this month, (I AM hath sent me - in photos) and will be released early next week.

We met John and the community during the pandemic when we were all home and have been working with them since
Via zoom. Our family will finally visit Mirembe in person early November. We are seeking donated phones and laptops to bring with us.

Father Joachim who was on sabbatical at Pittsfield’s St. Joseph’s church is back in Kenya and coordinating support through the Franciscan brethren living 45 miles away who hope to travel in twice monthly to support the community. So thankful!

Mirembe was co-founded by Bethesda & Ruth’s mission and is supported with monthly volunteer hours by Roots & Dreams and Mustard Seeds Inc. in cooperative business mentorship.

Saint Maximilian Kolbe (1894–1941) was a Polish Franciscan priest who volunteered to die by starvation at Auschwitz in p...
08/15/2026

Saint Maximilian Kolbe (1894–1941) was a Polish Franciscan priest who volunteered to die by starvation at Auschwitz in place of a stranger, Franciszek Gajowniczek, a husband and father. Labeled prisoner #16670, he spent his final weeks leading fellow prisoners in prayer in a starvation bunker. After two weeks, being he was still alive, the N**i camp killed him by lethal injection on August 14, 1941

When he was just 12 years old, St. Maximilian Kolbe had a vision of the Virgin Mary holding two distinct crowns—one white and one red—and asked if he would accept one. He answered that he would accept both, foreshadowing a life of intense purity and eventual martyrdom in and for Christ.

Triumph of the Heart is a wonderful movie recently released that focuses in on those final weeks in Auschwitz. Kolby was a profound "light" who radiated calm, peace, and divine love amidst the absolute darkness of the camp. While in the starvation bunker, he comforting prisoners (both Jewish people and political dissidents) through song and prayer, until each one passed.

Today, as the church celebrates the faithful witness of St. Kolby, consider reading about his life testimony or watching Triumph of the Heart! ✝️🐑🙌❤️

Lord, we praise you for the faithful martyrdom of St. Maximilian Kolbe. He stepped forward in a place of terrible darkness and death to take the place of a terrified father. In his final hours, his starvation cell became a chapel of prayer and calm. Grant us the grace to mirror his profound trust and fierce love. Help us to see every stranger as a brother or sister worth loving. Give us courage when we face trials, and turn our own daily sufferings into small offerings of love for you.In the mighty name of our King and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Glory to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! 🔥

St. Kolby, priest and joint heir with Christ in the heavens, thank you for your bold and faithful witness empowered by our King Christ Jesus, who moved through you as a light and healing balm to many. Pray for us that we too might faithfully follow Christ in the uniqueness of the path Heavenly Father has set before us!

Saint Maximilian Kolbe (1894–1941) was a Polish Franciscan priest who volunteered to die by starvation at Auschwitz in p...
08/14/2026

Saint Maximilian Kolbe (1894–1941) was a Polish Franciscan priest who volunteered to die by starvation at Auschwitz in place of a stranger, Franciszek Gajowniczek, a husband and father. Labeled prisoner #16670, he spent his final weeks leading fellow prisoners in prayer in a starvation bunker. After two weeks, being he was still alive, the N**i camp killed him by lethal injection on August 14, 1941

When he was just 12 years old, St. Maximilian Kolbe had a vision of the Virgin Mary holding two distinct crowns—one white and one red—and asked if he would accept them. He answered that he would accept both, foreshadowing a life of intense purity and eventual martyrdom in and for Christ.

Triumph of the Heart is a wonderful movie recently released that focuses in on those final weeks in Auschwitz. Kolby was a profound "light" who radiated calm, peace, and divine love amidst the absolute darkness of the camp. While in the starvation bunker, he comforting prisoners (both Jewish people and political dissidents) through song and prayer, until each one passed.

Today, as the church celebrates the faithful witness of St. Kolby, consider reading about his life testimony or watching Triumph of the Heart! ✝️🐑🙌❤️

Lord, we praise you for the faithful martyrdom of St. Maximilian Kolbe. He stepped forward in a place of terrible darkness and death to take the place of a terrified father. In his final hours, his starvation cell became a chapel of prayer and calm. Grant us the grace to mirror his profound trust and fierce love. Help us to see every stranger as a brother or sister worth loving. Give us courage when we face trials, and turn our own daily sufferings into small offerings of love for you.In the mighty name of our King and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Glory to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! 🔥

St. Kolby, priest and joint heir with Christ in the heavens, thank you for your bold and faithful witness empowered by our King Christ Jesus, who moved through you as a light and healing balm to many. Pray for us that we too might faithfully follow Christ in the uniqueness of the path Heavenly Father has set before us!

“The sick, the aged, the poor, the widows, the orphans: these are the treasures of the Church.” - St. Lawrence (225-258)...
08/11/2026

“The sick, the aged, the poor, the widows, the orphans: these are the treasures of the Church.” - St. Lawrence (225-258), ArchDeacon & Martyr at Rome

St. Lawrence’s testimony and bold witness is a favorite of mine!

Lawrence as archdeacon, was put in charge of the church treasury and goods. His main job was to feed and care for the poor, widows, and orphans.

During the persecution of Emperor Valerian, the prefect of Rome, a greedy man, thought the Church had a great fortune hidden away. He ordered Lawrence to bring the Church's treasure to him. Full of joy, Lawrence gave to the poor the rest of the money he had. He even sold expensive church vessels so he would have more money to give away. Instead of gold, he gathered the sick, poor, and outcast of Rome. He presented them to the prefect, declaring: "These are the true treasures of the Church."

Inflamed by his response, the prefect told him he would die by inches, and had a gridiron laid over hot coals. According to the tradition recorded by Saint Ambrose, partway through the burning Lawrence told his ex*****oners: “It is well done. Turn me over.” Before he died, he prayed that the city of Rome might be converted to Jesus.

Previous to killing Lawrence,they took Pope St.Sixtus away for ex*****on (to chop off his head), Lawrence followed him weeping. "Father, where are you going without your deacon?" The Pope answered, "I am not leaving you, my son, in three days you will follow me."

Yesterday, August 10th, the church celebrated Saint Lawrence!

Heavenly Father, by the example of your servant Archdeacon Lawrence, we too pray that all those vulnerable and in need in every corner of the world may feel the effect of the love of their brothers and sisters who seek to help them. We pray, as your church, we take the lead in serving those in need, for truly, the least of these, are your most precious treasure. In the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Glory to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Happy celebration of Christ’s transfiguration! Oh Son of light, the glory of your people Israel and a light to all the n...
08/09/2026

Happy celebration of Christ’s transfiguration!

Oh Son of light, the glory of your people Israel and a light to all the nations, reveal your glory to us and through us, that we your people may be children of light, a healing balm to all the nations, drawing sons and daughters into your glorious Kingdom! May the revelation of the One that fulfills the law and prophets reign in our hearts and shift hearts of stone to hearts of flesh, that Your law may be inscribed within us, a people who belong to You alone!

My family celebrated this special day last night with our Melkite brothers and sisters in Christ, a Lebanese church (Byzantine Catholic rite) in Worcester! The Melkite congregation celebrated with blessed 🍇 grapes, thankful to God for the fruit produced through our own transfiguration in Christ for Apostle Paul tells us that “from glory to glory, we are being transformed into His image! 2 Cor 3:18.

“Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. ….5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” Matthew 17 :1-8

On the Mountain You were Transfigured, O Christ God, And Your disciples beheld Your glory as far as they could see it; So that when they would behold You crucified, They would understand that Your suffering was voluntary, And would proclaim to the world that You are truly the Radiance of the Father! - The Kontakion hymn

Image rights free at Getty Images.

❤️God of justice and mercy, you call us to do what is right and to walk humbly with you. On this Independence Day, we ...
07/04/2026

❤️God of justice and mercy, you call us to do what is right and to walk humbly with you. On this Independence Day, we recommit ourselves to building a nation that defends the freedom, liberty and dignity of all life, especially the most defenseless.

May your grace empower us to break down walls of prejudice and extend your radical love to every stranger and neighbor.

For our immigrant brothers and sisters who face hostility, marginalization, and the threat of separation, that our nation may find the courage to welcome them with compassion and protect their human dignity.

Lord, hear our prayer and grant us a heart of welcome.

For our leaders, lawmakers, and all citizens, that the Holy Spirit may guide them to enact policies that prioritize the most vulnerable, ensuring equal justice, suitable housing, and fair opportunities for all, regardless of race or origin.

Lord, hear our prayer and direct our paths.

For our own local community here in Pittsfield, that we may be instruments of your peace and recognize every human being as a cherished child of God, working together to establish a society where all are treated with equity and respect.

Lord, hear our prayer and make us one human family.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Artist - Pacita Abad’s Draped re-imagines the Statue of Liberty through the lens of immigrants, that’s most of us! Art exhibit link in comments!

06/30/2026

I have a program for my life - to always be united to Jesus - St. Carlo Acutis, 7 years old.

Before his death from leukemia at age 15, Carlos centered his life around Jesus, calling the Eucharist his "highway to heaven.” He was deeply dedicated to helping the poor, and frequently used his pocket money and savings to buy sleeping bags, food, and basic necessities for the homeless in Milan - even giving away his own shoes to a homeless man one cold winter day

Carlos designed an amazing website in the early days of the internet which chronicles Eucharistic miracles through out the ages. If you struggle to believe in the real presence of Jesus in holy communion, you will want to check out the hundreds upon hundreds of miracles spanning from the first century to the modern era! Link in comments! John 6:53-58

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