Nazareth House Apostolate

I am thankful every day for having been introduced to Fr. Seraphim, Vicki, and the NHA family. Although unfamiliar with the Anglican faith tradition, I was looking for a daily meditation to help me in devotional focus during the pandemic lockdown. I have found not only wonderful and inspirational daily meditations but a warm and supportive community which has absolutely carried me through some very difficult times during these past two years.

Any time I have approached them with a prayer need, the response has been immediate and amazing. They have even undertaken to pray for friends in need. We had a request from the mother of a young man called in to help remove a fallen crane which was leaning against a high rise building in downtown Atlanta. It was a dangerous, treacherous situation and his wife had just delivered their first born son. Immediately Vicki notified people in a prayer chain which literally encircled the globe. People were sending texts of prayer support from all over the world, covering this young man and his family. He did succeed in his task and his family will be forever amazed and grateful for the support they received.

Although I’ve never met them, I count Fr. Seraphim and Vicki as dear friends and family. I am confident that by making contributions to NHA, I have been given an opportunity to share in the relief of the neediest among us.

NOTE - This Church has NOT "ceased operations" or lost its nonprofit status! I don't know what GreatNonprofits is talking about!

Grace Church/Nazareth House Apostolate is an Anglican church and retreat center in Taylorsville, KY which provides the sacraments, spiritual direction, retreats, and the contemplative life to Christians of all denominations, both in-person at their campus and by mail. Fr. Seraphim and Vicki Hicks provide far more ministry (of all kinds) than many churches that are much larger with multiple clergy and staff. They are truly Christian apostles and caring ministers. Please consider supporting them!

As a friend of Nazareth House Apostolate, I am writing to commend the continuing work and activities of Father Seraphim and his wife Vicki Hicks. The spiritual and pastoral ministry of NHA is invaluable to so many people in the US and overseas. A.M. Nicholls, Lancaster, England.

As the episcopal visitor to Nazareth House Apostolate, I once again write to commend the continuing spiritual and pastoral work of Father Seraphim and his wife Vicki Hicks. At this difficult time for so many in the US, the ministry of NHA is of great importance - as evidenced by the fact that they are in contact with large numbers who seek their help and counsel. Right Revd Dr David C Nicholls, Bishop Theologian and Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, Lancaster, England.

Our family has been a donor to Nazareth House Apostolate for 14 years. Before our involvement, they administered humanitarian aid in Sierra Leone, including building, staffing, and funding a school for the village of Kabala. Since then, we’ve seen NHA assist people in need in the United States, after natural disasters, such as hurricanes in Florida and fires in California, and with back-to-school supply and clothing funding for families in Louisville, KY among other places. When they see a need, they fill a need.

I just love this nonprofit. They work so hard to help so many people both spiritually and physically.

Prayer is at the center of Nazareth House as they consistently pray for others. One may even receive an unexpected message from NHA Just letting them know that they were prayed for that day. What a blessing to be thought of and prayed for! They are always there for you. They graciously and humbly serve others within their own community and across the world meeting both physical and spiritual needs. It is an honor to be able to support them.

I first met Seraphim and his lovely wife Vicki at our APCK Diocesan Synod in Lafayette, California in May 2007 where Seraphim gave a workshop on contemplative prayer and the use of beads.
I am a cradle Anglican and have been exposed to other Christian Sects over several decades. However, the most effective inculcation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the Marist Sisters in Belgium was the rosary and its associated prayers. I did not remember most of the mysteries nor what a Novena is (and what it's supposed to do). I learned the prayers by rote in several different languages as a child.
At Synod I learned from Seraphim a new way of approaching prayer and a version of the rosary that makes more sense than what I had growing up under post-war Roman Catholic tutelage.
I can now clearly see the role of beads in the exercise - they are an effective way of tracking thought patterns in a way that allows us to correct them with scripture. Moving a bead from one position to another allows focus on the work of prayer so that prayer can work in our hearts and thoughts the change God wants to accomplish.
I have never been able to visit the hermitage but I have been involved in contributing to their mission. The lives changed alone are worth giving them support. I look forward to the day I can travel East and visit this special place in my heart. They are faithful in prayer and always check back to see how things are.

My wife and I have been deeply influenced by Vicki and Seraphim Hicks and Nazareth House Apostolate. They are devout believers who seek to adore the LORD of glory and provide spiritual nurture along our pilgrimage to eternity. They model the life in Christ through their practice and Rule of Life, and their literature points practitioners towards Christ and His Kingdom.

May God bless Nazareth House Apostolate!

Nazareth House has reached out to help those in need in other countries for many years. What they do is amazing.

Most recently to bring people together in prayer for all nations they’ve gathered people praying a joint prayers such as parts of the rosary and joined it all together and posted it on social media. When they first started it was mostly adults now it’s including children who want to pray too. It’s absolutely beautiful to hear and see. It brings joy to my heart and a smile to my face.

A unique island of peace and prayer in increasingly turbulent times, NHA provides a welcoming retreat for those who need space to reconnect with the truly important things in life. Additionally, it offers physical and financial support to local families and communities. More than just a church, retreat center, and local charity provider, NHA also boasts a truly international reach in the personal support, encouragement and care it offers to people across the globe - a virtual presence that has continued unabated during the covid-19 pandemic. And, as the strictest days of local lockdowns have partially phased out, NHA has stepped up to offer its rural location as a resource for socially-distanced education to children and families in need. Truly a remarkable place.

This is an amazing place to rest and recharge. It's a wonderful opportunity to spend time with the Lord in solitude or with others. I love spending time here, and so does my family.

There are many non for profits in our day but only a few that I personally would consider worthy of my full attention. NHA has not only assisted me in my Pastoral ministry through it's many faceted offerings of prayer assistance, but when this great Pandemic occurred, and my own family was personally affected, NHA went above and beyond their own Mission of a non profit and Vicki and Fr Seraphim personally, on a day to day basis, walked with me and my family through illness, stress and recovery, fulfilling Christ's own words " Let your light so shine before men, that they may SEE your good works and Glorify your Father in Heaven." Their genuine and sincere love that they showered upon my family is not only a testimony to the works they are involved in, but a Light that lights the Darkness in peoples lives. I am eternally grateful to NHA and Fr Seraphim and Vicki. Only once in a while in life you can look at someone and say "They are real!", well, here they are! May God continue to use them.

Nazareth House Apostolate is a wonderful ministry focused on prayer. The rule of life Fr Seraphim and Vicki follow is one of simplicity and devotion. It brings such comfort knowing that with all of the ugliness of the world, Fr Seraphim and Vicki are there praying prayers of truth and light back into the world. Supporters of NHA can rest assured that every gift is used wisely and responsibly.

Nazareth House Apostolate is a wonderful worship center, where ancient tradition meets ‘come as you are.’ Visitors are not lined up to a yardstick to see if they measure up. But they will leave feeling refreshed and standing an inch or two taller.

They are very cool people. They pray for everyone, and they have a wall where you can stick prayers and Father Tom goes and prays for them. They let us stay there so we could get confirmed, even my brother who is disabled. Father Tom is very funny, too, and my Mom says Vicky is her big sister even though my Mom doesn't have a sister. My brother and I want to go back there again. I really like their little church, too.

Nazareth House Apostolate or NHA as I normally call it, is by far the best non profit organization I have ever come across. It is my best for several reasons; they actually get their hands involved in their projects in order to get their goals accomplished. They travel miles away from home to bring necessities to families in need and also interact with the people. I grew up knowing the board members personally and I can proudly say, I have never met a team that works so well together, hand in hand. Everyone does their job efficiently. NHA has helped a lot of people become a better person, me for example. This organization sponsored my education from primary level to secondary level. What I love most about NHA is the way they indoctrinate prayer into everything they do. Father Seraphim and Mama Vicki do an amazing job in helping people tighten their relationship with God, mainly through the Jesus Life Rosary. Despite their busy schedules, the home of NHA, which is called St. Simeon Skete, is always welcome to strangers, friends who want to seek and know more about Jesus. They are an amazing host. These days it is hard to see a non profit organization doing both at the same time; praying for the people and helping them at the same time. I whave personally lived at the Skete, and I consider it my home and safe haven. I could not recommend a better organization other than Nazareth House Apostolate.

As a financial supporter I am constantly in touch with the folks at NHA and am very impressed with the care and attention to every detail. They truly have a heart for the hurting in Sierra Leone and make every effort for the maximum amount of donations to be used for the needy.

Fr. Tom and Vickie Hicks are amazing people, and Nazareth House helps a lot of people. They pray for people, and they use all the money they make on the people they pray for. They aren't a scam like other religious groups.

Nazareth House is dedicated to helping the poor. None of the money they raise is spent on themselves. They help people no matter what faith, background, education, and social status.

I have been directly involved with NHA for almost 12 years in several capacities including volunteer, donor, board member & avid supporter! This is truly a non-partisan organization whose benefactors are not chosen by race, creed, nationality nor status in life. The area served by NHA is not limited to the local area where it is headquartered but reaches out also nationally as well as internationally. Another plus for NHA is that it is NOT (as are many non-profits) burdened with high payroll expense!! I can appreciate that as I retired from a non-profit organization for which I was the financial officer. If I had a million dollars to donate it would go to NHA in order to further support the NHA mission!!!!

NHA is a praying community that serves others through their prayer life and living the life through their impact on their local community and beyond. They help raise money for families in need of back to school help, their prayers and community reach around the globe as each country is named every month. Their dedicated faithfulness is a hidden blessing and a place of retreat for those who are ready to step away from the busyness, heal, and hear from God.

NHA has established a strong 'prayer network' stretching around the globe with a base in Kentucky but affiliated individuals joining in from their homes wherever they may be. In the past I've praised NHA for it's mission and outreach work but this time I want to commend NHA for providing a spiritual sanctuary and safety net for myself and others. Both in good times and bad I've really benefited from this support,

NHA has been such a blessing to me. They have provided many resources to me and my journey as a Christian. The work, guidance, love and prayers that they offer to everyone is a great example of God's love.

I am always refreshed by Nazareth House. They have a great gift of giving people a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle, and simply "Be still and know that I am God."

I have never been more blessed in my spiritual walk with the Lord as I have been since visiting NHA The setting for spiritual renewal is unmatched, the leadership and guidance authentic and the afterglow is forever. I have visited several time this year and will continue to make pilgrimages to this Holy place for years to come. Already have invited many friends who are seeking spiritual growth and renewal to this best kept secret of the Ancient ways of following Jesus.

I have attended the Skete (NAA) as an undergraduate three times, visiting from an associated college ministry, and plan to many times in the future. Firstly, the location and venue is ideal. But more importantly, how Fr Seraphim and Vickie (his wife) maintain the grounds and buildings and spiritually take care of their guests is exceptional. Ms Vickie hosts attendees of Sunday mass at their house for lunch and serves her tasty and heavily-researched recipes. I always seek out Fr Seraphim both for informal spiritual guidance and conversation and confession, and he draws from his challenging and at times heroic life and expertly applies it to my situation. The daily mass and prayer schedule offers the structure and consistency that a pilgrim seeks, but Fr Seraphim and Vickie offer guests the flexibility to attend whatever they are capable of. And on top of this, they are just great and fun people to be around - Fr Seraphim has a witty sense of humor. On at least my visits, they and our visiting party have gone out for meals in nearby Louisville. I always leave with a bit more wisdom and a heart more attuned to God's wishes rather than my own, pleasantly finding that my desires were for something woefully lesser.

I have come away from my most recent time there refreshed, restored and renewed mentally, spiritually and physically. Their work and care for others is an extraordinary gift. They do so much with so little. It is extraordinary.

First , in sincere humbleness, I must begin by saying mere words alone will fail to describe the holiness, the beauty, and the reverence, in the day to day work and prayer at Nazareth House Apostolate. I visit St. Simeon Skete at Nazareth House periodically, and have done so now for almost 20 years, whenever I need serious prayer time, spiritual education/growth, and holy fellowship. Nazareth House Apostolate is not perfect, and does not claim to be perfect, but it is real. Thanks be to God it is real. Pilgrims in need of 'Something Other' can visit NHA to --- pray, or be prayed for; made whole, or be broken; give honor, or receive humility. I am thankful that NHA exists, ceaselessly both navigating the continual stream of 'real' prayer, and forever being a beacon of light set on a hill which cannot be hid.

Beautiful, welcoming sanctuary of a location. Fr. Seraphim and Vicki are like family; SO incredibly welcoming.

A place of peace and prayer in a world of chaos and cacophony. An oasis to restore and refocus God's mission for each of us and the whole world. Jesus us enough.

To all who are looking for a closer connection to God, I don't think one could find a better place on this continent than at St. Simeon Skete. All of my visits have lifted my spirituality to a new higher level. I arrive depleted and I leave fully charged, and I don't want to leave. I can't wait to return.

This place is amazing. You will leave refreshed and encouraged. Fr Thom and Vickie are true believers and will help you find your way no matter where you are in your journey.

Much husband and I were introduced to the work of Nazareth House Apostslate in 2005. Their work in Sierra Leone is nothing short of miraculous. Educating the people of the villages there, providing a school for 300 children, nurturing the faithful in their spiritual growth is a huge endeavor and continues to thrive. The Board of Directors guides this organization with integrity and transparency. In addition, the oversight of its parent site in Taylorsville, Kentucky provides support through medical and educational supplies, clothing in the form of school uniforms for every student, communication to local officials for the safety of its people. At St Simeon Skete in Taylorsville, pilgrims refresh their souls in prayer in an atmosphere away from the tumult of the world. The organization and leadership of this charity is above reproach. We are privileged to endorse Nazareth House Apostalate both prayerfully and financially.

Nazareth House Apostolate is the greatest non profit organization I know of. Fr. Seraphim and Vicki are truly inspirational to everyone who knows them because of the devotion they have to this cause, their love for The Lord, and their love for the people they serve. They are 100% dedicated to serving and they do everything with sincerity, integrity, and love. I would highly recommend donating to this organization as you can be sure the money will go directly towards the work that needs to be done. When so many organizations today are not deserving of trust, Nazareth House Apostolate is a breath of fresh air and truly " the real deal".

I have been associated with NHA for over 16 years. NHA is a nonprofit organization that receives my five star rating due to their ability to have achieved what no other nonprofit organization seems to have been able to accomplish. Their integrity, honesty and personal front line service to the country of Sierra Leone and other communities throughout the world have set them apart from other organizations. Their personal envolement in the day to day operations assure the success of their direct endeavors. All NHA donations are actually received by those who are being supported through their sincere and profound humanitarian efforts. A+++

We are so proud to support the efforts of NHA both domestically and abroad. Fr Seraphim and Vicki could not be more genuine and persistent in their efforts to spread love and support to those in need. We are so glad to have NHA in our lives and proudly consider them to be a wonderful member of our family. Thank You NHA!!!

- The Fields Family

NHA is by far the greatest non profit we as a church have worked with. I am a pastor of congregation in Springdale Arkansas. After meeting with Fr Seraphim and his lovely wife Vicki we as a church just had to get involved. I can attest to the great amont of passion and devotion which they put into all thier work. If your looking for a great cause to be a part of look no further. Every cent you send goes directly to mission work!

Canon John Slavin.

The most selfless non profit organization I've ever come across. These people genuinely care and do everything in their means to help those in Sierra Leone, while making every dollar donated go a long way. If you are thinking about feeling good about yourself by giving back, this is the place you should give to knowing all of it goes straight to saving lives.

My name is Lucy, I am a citizen of Sierra Leone, NHA has changed and saved my life. I was but a toddler when I met Seraphim and Vicki. NHA has placed me in the best schools in Sierra Leone and saw to my education. I came to the States to visit them and speak with their Board of Directors about my desire to become a doctor in my country. Especially after Ebola, Sierra Leone needs medical professionals desperately. During my stay in America, I became ill and needed heart surgery. Again NHA was there for me all the way. Today I am beginning medical professional education sponsored by NHA so that my dream of helping my country can be a reality. I have witnessed first hand the endless shipments of medical supplies, the growth in enrollment and programs in the school in Kabala that they own and operate, plus I've seen the supplies they get to the villages around Kabala. I've helped personally deliver rice and medical supplies to Kroo Bay and in the villages. I see the result of every donation. I see it get to the poorest of the people. NHA is the best.

I feel that NHA is one of the few nonprofit organizations worth supporting for a few reasons:
1. Every cent raised goes toward the goals set (no money is spent on high salaries for officers).
2. Even without having any credit for the work being done to fight ebola in Sierra Leone, NHA continues the fight.
3. Fully funding a school for children from the area and having such a high standard and achievement is getting wide recognition and numbers are growing quickly.
4. Have started a community garden that is not only feeding locals, but also teaching them to self support themselves.
5. Spending money raised in Sierra Leone to estimulate their economy and employ locals.

I have been involved with NHA since 2008 as we both shared the same mission to help improve lives in Sierra Leone as they were recovering from the brutal civil war. They, through NHA, me through One Love Foundation and EWB, both working in Sierra Leone. To help in this area of the world was particularly challenging and we formed a friendship in a very small but powerful way to overcome those challenges to try to reach the poorest of the poor. To be successful in CONTINUING to reach the poorest of the poor, to rise above the challenges despite corruption, theft, greed, lack of funding, etc., that is the true beauty of NHA and that is unique. The money collected is buying uniforms, food, education, medical supplies, and I can attest that NHA is succeeding. "Small-small" as they say in Salone, but with so much heart, following through to the very end. Shoes on children's feet, rice when it's needed the most. James Mansaray is truly trustworthy and that is very hard to find but it makes all of this possible. In the right hands, bigger can be better. I believe and support the work being done by NHA. I wish they had the millions of dollars of support that many other organizations working in Sierra Leone have but don't use for the mission intended. I ultimately had to admit defeat in my own mission and had to close the doors, but NHA continues on and pray they receive the support that will reach those that need it the most.

Last summer I met James Mansaray and his daughter Lucy, both from Nazareth House in Sierra Leone. Both are so impressive and Lucy is truly inspiring. She so desperately wants to become a doctor so she can help her countrymen and she exudes her love for Jesus. I had been giving to NHA, but meeting them has inspired me to do more, give more. Both of them, plus many others, sacrifice so much to help those in need in Kabala, Sierra Leone, and the surrounding area.

I am a board member of Nazareth House Apostolate ( NHA) living and working on the ground, born and raised in Sierra Leone. I oversee and manage the school here in Kabala and it is my responsibility to provide rice supplies and medical to those in need. NHA has impacted so many lives in my poor community and its surrounding villages. Seeing the big smiles everyday on the faces of our school kids reminds me of nothing but the wonderful joy brought in by Nazareth House Apostolate. I feel so honored to be part of this noble course and would give my life serving Nazareth House Apostolate as their goal is to change more lives in mama Sierra Leone.

I will be honest - I had never heard about Nazareth House until my mother moved to Kentucky. While there she became very involved with NHA and her enthusiasm is contagious. I think they do more for the people they are trying to help than other larger organizations because their overhead is so low with most of the administrative work being done by unpaid volunteers. Their outreach in Sierra Leone is unparalleled and I have now made them a priority in my charitable giving.

Father Tom and Vicki do such a phenomenal job at Nazareth House Apostolate. The thing that I love about these two is that you don't have to be around them long to see how passionate and caring they are to everyone they come in contact with. You also see how eager and excited they are to share their work at NHA with any and everyone. I love receiving news hearing what they are working on and how NHA is making a difference. There are very few people that I interact with and say, "those people are changing the world," and they are definitely in that statement. Thank you guys for all the hard work!

Definitely one of the very best nonprofits around. While many worldwide are worthy, the Nazareth House truly walks and talks the real deal.

Nothing in the world is equal to Nazareth House Apostolate. There are many great charities, and service done by others is vital where they apply their heartsong for those in many kinds of need.
But Nazareth House is the God-Heart child of a man on a mission, with a life-path so unique, especially among Americans, as to defy description. Father Seraphim, aptly named, has served in Christian ministries of every kind, followed ancient roads to spirituality, and shed any Western-driven norms while staying completely in concert with Jesus Christ, that the outgrowth of this ministry runs pure and clear as a high mountain stream.
The NHA work in Sierra Leone, borne out of deep suffering and prayer over a war-torn nation, give life to hundreds of children who live, learn, and survive the world's highest infant and young-child mortality environment, with stories I am not fit to tell. These little ones will change the country, and thus the world.
From those distant shores to the St. Simeon's Skete in the rolling Kentucky countryside, an air of deep devotion, steady visions shared without cost, and the chance to walk the spiritual trail with Fr. Seraphim and his wife, Vicki. The experience has changed the many who have stayed there. It's an Anglican-Orthodox-Catholic-Evangelical Christian diving board into the pool of Jesus Himself.
Father often says, almost with surprise, "I don't just love God, I like Him!" Would we all could say that with such delight every day.
This ministry keeps kids alive, and we who don't struggle with that, may find there the way to keep our souls alive in these days of discouragement.

The work that NHA does in Sierra Leone is life-changing for the people they are able to help. Being a small organization, NHA is able to go where the big groups cannot, and help folks that might otherwise be overlooked. The school in Kabala is especially dear to my heart, providing an invaluable service--education--to so many children that otherwise would not have the opportunity. The Hicks are amazing administrators, doing so much good with the limited resources available. I heartily recommend donating to NHA; you can feel good knowing it will be put to good use.

St. Simeon Skete/Nazareth House Apostolate is a wonderful charity. They take a hands on approach
and really care about the people, kids and school they founded in Sierra Leone, West Africa. The administrator does all in her power so donations are used wisely. Most of her energy is spent to
see that the school, kids and people they help have everything that is needed. That is important.
The Board of Directors totally believes in their mission and are very conscientious of any and all
efforts they make. In my past, I helped to incorporate and administer another non-profit for eight
years.

Nazareth House Apostolate continues this day and everyday in the tradition of the Apostolic Fathers to execute the Great Commission of our Lord, "You will make Me known to the whole world," and they do this by "helping the least of these," specifically in the incredibly challenging environ of Sierra Leon, West Africa with a ministry directed at educating children while, at the same time, improving the general health of those children and their adult relatives.
There are, I am sure, many similar efforts being performed by all manner of other organizations. But I dare say that none have done so much for so long with so very, very little.
Reverend Father Michael V. Church+
Vicar, St. Thomas Aquinas Anglican Mission Chapel
Montgomery, Alabama

Meeting the founders of NHA was a life changing experience. I can honestly say that my life, and my spiritual life has truly been enriched by the ministry of NHA. They are a wonderful Religious and humanitarian organization. I have not been able to give as much as I would like to give to them, but what I have given I know has gone to a wonderful cause, helping children in Sierra Leon. I try to donate as much as I can to this organization, be it money or prayers. I am so very thankful of NHA and for their guidance in my life. I have become a better person through their ministry.

Nazareth House Apostolate is a Christ centered organization that truly carries out the exhortation of St. James to “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only…”. Their work in Sierra Leone is up close and personal with the full expression of our Lords Gospel…the Word is spread and backed up with food, clothing, and education to the needy. Their work should be an example to all who call themselves a “Follower of Christ”. NHA has our support, and will continue to have that support in both our prayers and financial offerings.

Nazareth House Apostolate is an exemplary nonprofit! They don't waste a penny gifted to them, but put all monies and goods donated to immediate use for the good of those they serve. We appreciate seeing pictures of the goods arriving in Sierra Leone; we KNOW those who are in need are the ones receiving what is given. Having met Father Seraphim and Vicki and James, we can vouch for their integrity and their love. We feel blessed to support their ministry!

So grateful for the work that NHA does. And the communication that comes from Sierra Leone after a donation means the world! It is personal and clearly appreciative. I also respect the way the organization is run and the desire to make the current project sustainable by the locals so that efforts can be expanded elsewhere. To know that my money is helping to heal an entire country from the devastation of war, one village at a time, is a source of joy and satisfaction. And to know I can trust this organization to distribute 100% of the money I give, directly to people I see in the pictures of appreciation brings peace of mind.

Nazareth House Apostolate is one of the best charities I have ever supported. All of the money brought in goes directly to the people of Sierra Leone. The Missionaries, Fr. Thom and Vickie, are the salt of the Earth; every ounce of their passion, dedication, and spirituality goes toward helping the poor - both in Sierra Leone and here in the US. I have no reservations recommended this charity to others; in fact, it is one charity where I am certain that every penny goes to its mission.

This small charity must surely do more for it's recipients than most, regardless of their size--and Vicki is the power behind it, and at NO PAY! She and her husband, Fr. Seraphim, take care of hundreds of poor people of all ages in Sierra Leone, regardless of religion (or lack thereof). They fly over there bringing suitcases filled with much needed medical and non-medical supplies, use a rental car, and, with the aid of helpers there, travel miles over substandard and dangerous roads; and on most trips, they walk many more when the roads give out--still hauling food and other goods. They are among the most loving, caring, and dedicated people I know of, and I wish that I could do more.

NHA is a religious organization that works in Sierra Leone not to prosthelytize but to improve the lives of the people in rural communities. These people benefit from NHA's commitment to education through access to a school run by locals. In addition, NHA is committed to public health by providing medical treatment and supplies as well as preventive medical resources to the community. Although NHA is based out of Kentucky, it truly has a grassroots feel because it involves and empowers the people of Sierra Leone to increase the wellbeing of those around them.

Who would have guessed that in Taylorsville, Ky. one would find such a worldly and spiritual organization. Manned by a staff of two, Vickie and Father Seraphim, I am astounded by the amount of work accomplished. If the two worked in the private sector they would be successful entrepenuers. But that is not where their heart or calling is directed. Therefore they must as Father puts it (beg for) their money and resources. However, what they receive never stays with them. For although they are physically here they are driven to care for the poorest of the poor. They have found this in Siere Leon and with their loyal assistant James living on site have been able to do impossible things to change so many shattered lives. To continue to do this challenges all. Father Seraphim has a heavy burden praying almost nonstop for those who most need Gods help both here and abroad. As one steps onto this serene property a peaceful atmosphere permeates the soul but belies the furious hard workings going on in an unrelentless effort to save poor and poorer souls.

We have known Vicki and Father Seraphim Hicks since 2005 when we moved to Louisville, KY. Father Seraphim’s uncompromising spirituality drew us to his church, where we learned more about the mission of Nazareth House in Sierra Leone. Vicki is the administrator of Nazareth House, as well as the treasurer, public relations liason and mail boy. She does it all with the oversight of a dedicated board of five others, none of whom receives, to our knowledge, compensation as a member. (The three “civilian” board members are in fact reliable contributors to Nazareth House.) We can attest to the modest lifestyle of Father and Vicki, so that if she is paid from donated funds over and above her expenses, it is not very much. The Hicks do not vacation or buy new clothes and furniture. Seraphim takes no salary at all.
One expense of running Nazareth House is airfare for rare trips to Sierra Leone. But once there, Vicki attends to villagers’ illnesses and Father travels on foot to villages with his prayer beads (not to convert anyone, just to pray). They reside on site with James, NHA’s Sierra Leone representative, and his family and do not seek out a comfortable hotel room.
Father and Vicki have witnessed abhorrent things done to the people of Sierra Leone. The Hicks’ goal in all this is to keep more Sierra Leoneans alive and whole and give them hope of a future.

I have had the privilege of visiting their base of operations in Taylorsville, KY and witnessed the hard work and dedication of this small group of people. I have helped Vicki, Mama Vicki, package up boxes for shipment to Sierra Leone; it is amazing the amount of stuff this woman can fit in to a USPS fixed postage box at $60 a box she needs to get as much as possible in each one. Now there is a weight limit she must contend with but she thinks of everything, "I use tuna packets to fill empty spots. They need protein." Truly no organization has done so much with so little. The supplies are walked into the remote villages where others will not go. It is dangerous and hard. Children are dying of worms, intestinal parasites! they would not die if they could get enough medicine. They built a compound in the safer town of Kabala employing local builders. "It is important that we buy what we need and employ who we need there to boost the economy." Vicki's makes one dollar work like two. She and her husband have given all to help these people, to love these people. They have cried and laughed with them, they have celebrated life and mourned death with them; they are family, we are family. Your donation will not only support what they already do: support a school for 300 students, support five villages, supply a medical clinic and employ a nurse, provide clean water (They hired native men who hand dug the well), etc. The long term goal is to provide the means by which these people will no longer need Nazareth House Apostolate. "Then", says Mama Vicki, "we will move on to another area in need."

Being a part of Nazareth House Apostolate is more than a position as board member or donor or volunteer - its being a part of a family that works together to help each other out. From the giver to the receiver, everyone gets to know each other - there are faces behind the needs and faces behind the donation - everyone benefits. Through this family-like bonding much has been accomplished. We have built, operate, supply and support a school in Kabala, Sierra Leone that educates 300 students. Its a free school, too - we do not charge tuition and we supply the uniforms - all from the donations we receive. Medications and hospital supplies are provided both to individuals in needs and many clinics in the area. Families are given the boost they need in food, shelter - whatever the need - so that their families can function and flourish. We've put in wells for fresh water, built a compound that houses our staff and supplies. Daily aid is given. Check out our blog and you will see your donation in action. http://blog.nazarethhouseap.org/