My dear Friend,Your generosity has worked wonders-quite literally- in one of the most remote corners of Africa. Thanks to your unwavering support, we have accomplished a remarkable milestone: the completion of the third phase of St. Charles School in Chisankhwa, Malawi.
I recently travelled there to visit our missionaries and to witness firsthand the extraordinary impact your kindness has made. What I saw was nothing short of a miracle. Children who once had no access to formal education now walk proudly to a school that not only teaches them to read and write, but also forms them in the faith and values of the Gospel.
The entire community of the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish-including its many outstations-joins me in thanking you. With heartfelt joy, parents and grandparents told me how they never dreamed their children would be able to attend school, let alone a Catholic School. Your generosity has brought dignity, hope and a future to these families.
During my visit, I was invited to celebrate Mass in every village that send children to St Charles School. Each community wanted to celebrate and pray for you and your families; each celebration was filled with prayer, thanksgiving, and a deep sense of communion.
After each Mass, the villagers presented me with gifts-goats, chickens, corn, yams, even lambs. Their desire was to send these back to the United States as a token of gratitude to you, the generous friend who made all this possible.
Of course, as you can imagine, the FAA doesn't allow livestock or agricultural goods in airline cabins-so I gently explained that I wouldn't be able to bring the gifts back with me. They replied, with great sincerity: "How is it that a tall man like you can fly on an airplane, but our chickens and goats cannot?" In the end, I simply smiled and promised to honour their wishes.
And so, even though I couldn't bring the goats and chickens back physically, I have carried their meaning with me. In spirit, I now pass these beautiful, humble offerings on to you. Picture them as a symbol of love, gratitude, and prayer that surrounds your gift.
One day, when we all meet in heaven, and someone asks if you received the goats, chickens and yams from Malawi, you'll be able to say with a smile, "Yes-I saw them with my heart."
Thank you again for being the hands of Christ in the world. Your generosity is transforming lives in ways you may never fully see-but heaven certainly will.
Rev. Pascal Kumanda, CICM
Director of Development, Missionhurst-CICM
