June Appeal
We Are The Missionaries Of Africa
Dear John,
I can remember as a young boy long ago the stories school teachers would tell about Benjamin Franklin, one of the leaders of the American Revolution. Year after year, whenever American history was taught, teachers would explain how Benjamin Franklin was an important statesman . . . how he helped America win its independence. But the story that awed me most -- and probably still amazes school children today -- was how Franklin’s desire for scientific knowledge led him to fly a kite as lightning crackled in the midst of a rainstorm.
Recently, though, one of our missionaries working in an extremely remote area of
Tanzania, wrote to me about a special need there. And his letter reminded me
that not only have some children never heard of Ben Franklin -- they’ve
never encountered the wonders of electricity either. Please let me explain.
Fr. Donald Anderson is a Missionary of Africa priest working near Kumgarika -- a small village in a very rural region of western Tanzania. His mission territory includes some of the poorest in all of East Africa.
“We received a letter from the Bishop of Kigoma asking for our help with one of the schools in the area,” Fr. Donald writes. “To be honest, we’ve never gotten a request like this one. The school is far away from everywhere. It is in the upcountry in a place that is not served by electricity and there is no hope that any electricity will ever be provided to such a remote region. The area is too far away. The people there are just too poor and too isolated.”
“So every evening, the school children, the staff -- everyone -- is left in the dark. Needless to say, the children cannot study in the evening. The staff use oil lamps to do what they must do. No machines can be operated. Any education the children receive is extremely minimal.”
“But then someone thought about the possibility of using solar energy. In this part of Africa, it is a very reliable resource and would be a cheap source of power. It would even be
cheaper than the recurring cost of oil needed for the oil lamps that the school currently uses.
“Right now, the school has five classrooms, a teachers’ and staff room, a headmaster’s office, a kitchen and dining room as well as five lavatories. As the parents and local residents continue to make bricks and furnish labor and other needed materials -- the school continues to expand.”
“Once solar panels are installed, there would be electric power for the classrooms. Students would be able to study in the evening.There would be lights for the dormitories, lavatories and even some electrical equipment. Once the school gets electricity incredible changes will no doubt take place in the lives of the children and even their families.”
As far as we know, this use of solar panels for such a remote school would be
one of the first in all of Tanzania! Is there some way you can help?”
My friend, what an incredible opportunity for us to affect change in the lives of so many children. . . change that will impact them for the rest of their lives and for generations to come! Please, is there some way you can help us provide the people of Kumgarika with electricity for their school?
My hope is that we can raise at least $35,000 to be used not only for the school children of Kumgarika, Tanzania, but also for other needy missions throughout East Africa. Is there some amount you can send to help? I am so grateful for all that you have given in the past! Without your support, we simply would not be able to continue our work among those who need food, water, clothing, education and pastoral care. Your kindness is what makes the difference!
Thank you so very much and God bless you for whatever gift you can send.
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