No one doubts the need many poor people the world have for better diets, living conditions, basic medical care   education etc. That was my belief as I traveled to Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda with members of Living Waters International.  I witnessed those needs first hand – in the thin arms and legs of the children, the lack of sanitary conditions around homes, villages and marketplaces, in children suffering and dying from childhood diseases and malaria, and in the shortage and rundown condition of the government schools. I witnessed incompetent teachers and even classrooms with students, but no teacher. What I wasn’t prepared for was the sacrifice, dedication, faith and charity - all practiced in great abundance by the missionaries I met.  Most of these missionaries suffer from malaria (without complaint).  In many areas electricity is sporadic at best and hot water almost nonexistent.  They all rise early in the morning, first to worship and then to spend an exhausting day teaching, preaching, or giving medical attention.  They have such great faith that they are not afraid to start a project without really knowing where the final funding will come from - they trust in the goodness of God.  Their love of what they do is very evident in their happy, open, enthusiastic faces.

His feet were bare in worn and tattered sandals. His vehicle was not as large and powerful as most others.  He wanted no frills, conveniences, or comforts of any kind.

These are the same people who kneel on dirt floors or use 4” slats for kneelers and benches with no backs. The Masses can last for 2 to 3 ½ hours and parishioners give of themselves with singing, dancing and praying the entire time with absolutely no complaint about the length.  May God grant that our priorities in life be as theirs.