The following article was written by Fr. Lawrence Otieno, who is based in a remote part of the North Western area of South Africa. Fr. Lawrence is writing about the benefits to their parishes from support given through Restore God’s Kingdom Follow the link to help with Fr. Lawrence’s parish and other projects
Over 2000 years ago, the Lord sent the apostles to go to all nations, baptize and make them his disciples, (cf Mt 28: 19-20). His message is still relevant and serves as an invitation to all Christians to participate in the mission with an aim of bringing the light of the gospel to all corners of the Earth.
At St. Ann Parish, covering 17 villages, in a remote part of North West of South Africa, primary evangelization is the order of the day. Many people around the municipality do not practice their faith while others have no idea of Christ and the Church.
Food support provided to Christians in need
Few who know Christ and are practicing the faith are elderly. Some of them are homebound due to frailty that comes with age. I reach out with joy to the people of God with aim of inviting them to missionary discipleship and to enable them to meet with Christ, in his word, the sacraments and in the community of faith. I travel to mission stations to meet and lead them in Sunday and weekday masses visit the sick, the elderly and offer food to families in great need.
Most of the families are headed by the elderly grandparents providing for their families from the little monthly government grants. However, when they are sick or pass on, hopes of family members are gone. Their families struggle a lot to get food and other basic needs. Therefore, regular reaching out to them, praying with them, offering material support, listening to their stories restores their hope.
I am grateful to the Lord for unnumbered blessings received in the efforts put in place to continue with the initial foundation of the Church in this area. Regular reaching out to his people is bearing fruits.
Fr. Lawrence with newly baptized members of the church
I am witnessing this in the number of adults who request and receive the sacraments of baptism, in those who welcome me in their homes, in the words of gratitude expressed by families in need for support given.
Additionally, I am seeing it in those who support the missionary work and in those who return to me and to the church to express their sincere thanks for visiting and listening to them when they are facing challenges in the journey of life. May the Lord continue to inspire us to bring the good news to all.
Fr. Lawrence Otieno.
To read more about Restore Gods Kingdom and to help with the work of Fr. Lawrence and his parishioners, click here.
