Missionhurst Blog

With Empty Stomachs in the Service of Christ's Gospel

Written by Rev. Pascal Kumanda, CICM | Sep 14, 2026, 6:04:36 PM

Mulungushi-Agro is one of the most isolated locations of our mission in Zambia. Three young missionary-priests are serving a community of around 47 outstation missions and villages: one priest is from Cameroon, one from Indonesia and one from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Fr. Herve, the Pastor and leader of the Team reports: "Our mission station of Mulungushi-Agro has a distance of more than 70 miles from the nearest town. We also serve more than 47 outstation faith-communities, some as far as 50 miles apart. Without a vehicle or motorcycle, we must walk muddy roads, steep hills and mountain paths to bring the Gospel and Sacraments to the people of God."

When asked whether a secondhand vehicle or motorcycle was their greatest need, his answer was quite a surprise. He said: "Our people are hungry-and we are hungry too...The people we are serving in this area are farmers. Unfortunately, this region has been experiencing years of drought, shrinking water sources, unpredictable rainfall, and rising costs that have left families struggling to grow enough food. malnutrition has become a serious threat, especially for children, mothers and elderly. Even we ourselves as missionaries often begin long journeys on empty stomachs, walking for hours in the heat to reach the faithful in these remote villages."

Fr. Herve shared their greatest priorities:

"Before anything else, we need food and water. with your support we hope to drill a water well and establish a poultry farm and piggery for our missionary community. These projects will provide nourishment for our priests while also helping local families strengthen their food security and adapt to the changing climate. The total cost for these life-saving projects is $32,000."

As always, we leave this need in your prayerful hands. If your heart is moved to help, your gift will provide more than food and clean water-it will sustain the missionaries who serve these forgotten communities and offer a lasting hope to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

Thank you for remembering our missionaries and the people they serve. Through your prayers and generosity, Christ continues to bring hope to those living on the frontiers of the Church.

May God bless you abundantly.