A New Vehicle for the Parish of Todonyang in Kenya

At last, Father Andrew Yakulula of the Parish of Todonyang in the Diocese of Lodwar in western Kenya has been able to replace his 15-year-old vehicle! He is delighted and profoundly grateful for the help of our generous benefactors. ACN was able to give him $17,200 to help him purchase a new vehicle so he may be able to continue to help and comfort many people in this corner of northwest Kenya which is plagued by poverty, drought and tribal conflicts.

The Parish of Our Lady Queen of Peace in Todonyang was established nine years ago and serves a total population of 18,000 people. It is a thinly populated area, and without a functioning vehicle it would be impossible to minister pastorally to them all.

A section of this population belongs to the Turkana tribe, originally a nomadic people who moved from place to place with their cattle herds. But the frequently recurring severe droughts have led to the death of many of their cattle, on which they depend for their milk, their meat and their blood as their main source of nutrition.

Now they are increasingly supplementing their diet with crops such as maize, peas and beans; more and more of the Turkana people are becoming settled and giving up their nomadic lifestyle. This has led to bloody conflicts over land between them and the members of the Dassanech tribe. The Catholic Church is working hard to promote peace and reconciliation and endeavoring to mediate between the two ethnic groups.

The Church in the Diocese of Lodwar is also involved in helping the local people by working to ensure a supply of clean drinking water, caring for the sick, providing schools and kindergartens and also giving nutritional aid to malnourished children. In this context, the vehicle of a priest has to function as an ambulance, a water truck and many other things besides. In Todonyang itself and in the four outstations of the parish, Father Andrew brings people the sacraments and helps them to deepen their understanding of the message of Christ.

This vehicle that our benefactors have generously funded is bringing help and hope to many people. Our heartfelt thanks to all whose donations have made this possible!

Aid to the Church in Need commits to invest your funds where they will have the greatest impact for the Church that we serve. Funds donated to Aid to the Church in Need’s projects will be used towards the greatest need in our programs to help keep the Faith alive.

Code: 130-01-29