“We always give thanks to God for you and mention you in prayer, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love . . .” (1 Thess 19:14)

Dear Friends,

Nearly 2,000 years ago, St. Paul wrote these words to some of his dearest friends -- and now I am writing them to you. This past year, we have accomplished so much for the poor in our missions throughout Africa. We have provided food, clothing, shelter, new sources of clean water, medicine, pastoral care and education. The care that has been extended to those who are suffering has saved and improved the quality of life of countless lives.

But quite honestly, none of this would have been possible without your financial support.

Last winter, because of your generosity, we were able to provide a new well for Sr. Regina Nabukeera -- a missionary who is living and working in the small remote village of Kajoga in the Hoima District of western Uganda. Thanks to you, the men, women and children of Kajoga received the support they needed to purchase hand pumps for getting water out of the ground as well as funds for purchasing cement, gravel, stones and other materials for constructing the pumphouse and a water-delivery system. Imagine how wonderfully their
lives have been changed!

Because the drought in East Africa continues to destroy the livelihood of so many farmers and pastoralists, we were also able to provide a deep borehole well for Sr. Immaculate Mirambo -- a missionary who is living and working in Tanzania. Last spring, we provided the $6,000 needed to get the heavy machinery out to her village and to drill to the depth necessary to access clean water. Another $3,500 was needed for a pump; $2,000 for concrete casing;
$1,500 for materials such as cement and gravel and $670 for water storage tanks. In total, the project cost was over $15,570.

Because of your kindness, the people of Sr. Immaculate’s village now have clean water! Last summer, we supported the work of Fr. Bill Moroney -- one of our Missionariesof Africa working in Nairobi, Kenya. Fr. Bill was asking for support for the medical dispensary that is operating in the slums of Eastleigh and Mathare where the major problem is infant death. Since the young women who live there are so poor, they deliver their babies at home. Unfortunately, the shacks where they live are often infested with every type of vermin. It is a horrible place for a child to be born!

But because of your kindness and caring, the medical dispensary was able to expand so as to develop a maternity wing. Your generosity helped provide an obstetrics/delivery bed; jet suction machines; surgical instruments; an autoclave; incubators; surgical lights;
microscopes; 8 beds and additional medicine. The total cost of the project was $41,500.

I could go on and on, but please know that through your “labor of love,” we were able to provide more than $500,000 to those in need this past year! What an incredible act of love you have demonstrated to those who are suffering. I simply cannot thank you enough.

But as you and I both know, this is only the tip of the iceberg. For every one person we’ve helped get water, there are still 100 more who are thirsty. For every person we’ve fed, there are still 50 more who are hungry. And for every orphan child who has come to us -- in
sickness and despair -- there are still a thousands more who are waiting in line.

As we celebrate the spirit of Christmas -- the gift of God that was given to us so that we might know life in its fullness -- I pray that you will continue to share your mercy and financial support with those in need.

While it is my hope that we can raise an additional $50,000 during this Christmas season to provide life-saving food, water, medicine and shelter for those who have so little -- please know that what is most important is your continued kindness. Quiet honestly, it isn’t the size of your gift that matters, but rather the fact that you have not turned your back on the poor.

God bless you for all that you have done -- and continue to do!
Your Missionary Friend,

Fr. John P. Lynch, M. Afr.