March 2009:
David Zopoula Memorial Fund
I wish to directly send you a note to formally inform you of the passing of my brother, David Zopoula. He died following a tragic Car accident. Another brother who survived the accident is in intensive care in Ouagadougou and the outcome is grim. David was the primary point of linkage between bridges of Hope Canada and Bridges of Hope Burkina Faso in his role as president. He is survived by a wife, Monique, five children, Pacaline (25) Clovis(22), Christophe (20), Claudine (7) and Finney (5) . First of all I am so blessed and privileged to have received so many emails and text messages, and phone calls from those of you who heard about his passing. My grief and certainly that of the family and friends is so real, and it will last a life time.
In my last conversation with David, out of nothing, he asked me if I could take care of his children for him, as this is what would be traditionally expected of me. In my teenage years, David took me in, fed me, coached me and became a dad to me. He laboriously motivated me to pursue as high of an education as I could. In Burkina, quality education is a privilege for those that are born in the right homes. Above all, David championed Education as key to development. So many of you have been asking me what it is that is meaningful that you could do to help, and or how you could materially make a contribution. I appreciate you asking. I understand, the economical environment is not making it easier for people to cope with their own affairs, never mind, the suffering of others. I know that any contribution is sacrificial from your part.
For your information, the Bridges of Hope team, led by Richard Zazula & Rick Melvin have convened a memorial fund to commemorate the life and contribution of David Zopoula to the cause of poverty relief and community empowerment amongst the poorest nations of the earth. The fund, is intended to provide for a capital base of $50,000 to our leave a legacy fund which would be loaned out to the same people that David sought to help. The interest repaid from such loans would serve as a bursurary for education of African youth, and the care of widows, including his own. Should you wish to donate to this fund, please make your donation payable to Bridges of Hope and please indicate that this is for the David Zopoula Memorial Fund. You may make your donation online or by telephone to the Bridges of Hope office. Major credit cards, cheque, and cash, accepted. Your donation is tax deductible.
Thanks so much for sharing in my grief and sorrow. I have peace in my heart: The Lord giveth more Grace when the burdens grow greater; He sendeth more strength when the labors increase. To added affliction He addeth His Mercy; To multiplied trials, His multiplied Peace. His love has no limit; His Grace has no measure; His Power has no boundary known unto men. For out of His Infinite riches in Jesus, He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again, when we have exhausted our store of endurance.
Appreciatively, Daniel, Sara, Affia and Dansia
Donate to the David Zopoula Memorial Fund here
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