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Mission Bangladesh: Hope in Faith
 In mid-January, National Director Fr. Andrew Small, OMI made a journey across the world to walk with our mission family in the Asian nation of Bangladesh. As he witnessed the good accomplished by our prayers and sacrifices, he also saw hope in faith offered to children, to the sick and dying, to workers and families, and through the work and witness of priests, religious and catechists. Travel with Fr. Andrew to learn more about his trip and to view photos.
East Africa Update: November 28, 2011
We continue to appeal for financial help for the Church in East Africa to support the network of diocesan directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies engaged in ongoing pastoral work, supporting their outreach to those most affected by this crisis.
Father Celestino Bundi, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Kenya, wrote in mid-November with gratitude for the help sent to the Church in East Africa through the generosity of U.S. Catholics. The support sent for local priests, religious and lay catechists serving those in greatest need was a “very humbling, yet consoling act of charity as ‘one family in mission,’” he noted.
 Complicating the devastating effects of drought and famine are ethnic clashes and other fighting in the country, spurred by inadequate resources of food, water and grass for animals. As a result of this insecurity, many families living in the area have abandoned their homes and all schools have been closed.
Bishop Anthony Ireri Mukobo, IMC of Isiolo reports that some 700 people have camped at two parishes in the diocese. He, with local priests and Sisters, conduct reconciliation events and prayer services for the children. Help sent from generous donations to the Church in East Africa Appeal has enabled the Pontifical Mission Societies team in Isiolo to get food for the children, and provide for some other basic needs of families there.
“We are still struggling with unreliable food distribution,” Father Celestino explained. Other challenges include a rise in related illnesses, including pneumonia and malaria, tensions within families, and the issue of children dropping out of school to find food.
Efforts to provide food continue throughout Kenya. Pontifical Mission Societies directors and Holy Childhood Association coordinators are trying to find and help those most in need, those who remain in their houses, too weak to travel to nutrition centers.
Holy Childhood Association coordinators in Malindi (Father Constantne Kimondo) and Maralal (Sister Beatrice Ann) are working with parishes to organize feeding days. They also distribute medicine through church dispensaries, transporting the very ill to local and church-run hospitals.
“The Catholic Church is walking with the people in the remotest areas,” said Father Celestino. “The needs remain great, and so ever-urgent is our call for help.”
Click here to download this information featuring additional photos and more details about the Pontifical Mission Societies and the Church in East Africa.
East Africa Solidarity Fund
The Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in the United States have established a solidarity fund for East Africa, responding to a call from the Church in August 2011 to support its increased service in the face of the growing crisis in this part of the mission world.
 Contributions may be directed to:
Pontifical Mission Societies
East Africa Solidarity Fund
70 West 36th Street, 8th Floor
New York, NY 10018
To donate online:
www.onefamilyinmission.org
www.givetothemissions.org
For more information:
To offer your prayers and learn how you can give financial support, please visit the Appeal for East Africa page.
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