I, again, had the privilege of photographing the  Leaders’ Prayer Breakfast.  This event inspires me every year.  The messages each of the speakers share with us are amazing, uplifting, heartbreaking, heartwarming and true.  We heard about how early we are affected by our environment and the impact that can have on our mental health.  We were brought to tears by a young woman who’s story went from the darkness of suicidal thoughts to a bright future because of the help she received and a faith she clung to.  We heard a police officer’s experiences working with people on the street dealing with mental health issues.  We heard about the Westview ministry to women in the sex trade.  And we heard from our Mayor, Walter Sendzik, and the partnership he is seeking between the city and the church to reach out to all people in need.

There is so much need in our city.  Many churches are helping.  Many are not.  Not because they don’t care or are not good people.  They simply just don’t know how.

There are 330 churches, synagogues and temples listed in the Yellowpages located in St.Catharines.  Imagine if all of them were doing something to help our city address the needy in our city.  As of 2016 the population of St.Catharines was 133,113 with 15.6% of that population suffering from a mental illness.  If the average church has 150 attendees and all of us agreed to help address the needs of the mentally ill in our city, there would be 3 helpers for each person in need!

As you enjoy these pictures from the event, I challenge you to think of just 1 way you could help someone in need today.