Dear Friend of Missionhurst,

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it – John 1:5

Darkness is the absence of light. When light is shown the darkness retreats!

We are called to show Christ’s light in the darkness. In showing his light we reclaim the things of this earth for his glory.

I recently received a letter from Father Rene Canillo Cabag, CICM, from St. Luke Parish in Yaounde, the capital city of Cameroon Africa that illustrates this “turning on the lights” in the darkness of the world.

You see, St. Luke Parish used to be a nightclub! The space, once known for drug use and prostitution, is now filled with God’s people. The sound of children’s laughter now replaces the sounds of drug dealer transactions. The sound of liturgical music replaces the pulse of dance music. The light of Christ replaces the flashing lights of psychedelic lighting.

Still, the lights remain dim. Because of the poor construction of the buildings some of the buildings do not have modern electricity. Currently, parishioners use candles or battery operated lighting to illuminate mass or the children’s study hall located on the premises. All of the building are in need of major repair.

“One of our major priorities in our pastoral planning is the formation of youth.  Space is a real problem in this urban poor community,” said Father Cabag in his letter. “Most of the families within the vicinity of the parish have limited space at home.  For example, the place where the family sleeps is also the same place to prepare and share meals and the same place where the children study.”

“These realities allow us to get involved in the struggle of these poor families in the academic-social-spiritual formation of their children.”

This formation is critical to the future of these children.  They need light.  They need an improved facility.

Thankfully, some funding for this very worthwhile project has already been provided.  The parishioners themselves have already raised the equivalent of $3,200 U.S., and another funding source has donated $3,953 U.S.  In response to Father Rene’s request, we would like to contribute $20,000 U.S.  If we all join in, this goal is very achievable.

Will you join with me as we approach the celebration of the coming of the Light of the World in pulling our resources together to provide new light for these children of St. Luke Parish in Yaounde, Cameroon?  Your gift today, as Christmas nears – of whatever amount – will be able to be counted in the gift I will be able to send as this year comes to close.

Sincerely,

Father Randy Gonzales