Beyond internal development, the heartbeat of our parish’s projects is reaching out to those on the margins, reflecting Christ’s love. A few highlights not already mentioned:
- Feeding the Hungry: Aside from the nursery feeding program, during famine spells or COVID lockdowns, parishioners spontaneously gathered food donations. At least 20 vulnerable families (regardless of religion) were supported with monthly food baskets from June to Dec 2020[24], easing the pandemic’s economic blow. We maintain a small “Mercy Basket” at church where people can drop off a kilo of maize or a packet of salt anytime, and those in need can quietly request those supplies from the office. This continuous silent charity ensures no one in our community goes to bed hungry if we can help it.
- Medical Support: We’ve instituted a Medical Emergency Fund (seeded by a donor) that the parish can draw on when someone can’t afford urgent treatment. This has saved lives – e.g., it helped cover surgery costs for a parish youth injured in an accident. We refill the fund through an annual collection on World Day of the Sick (Feb 11, feast of Our Lady of Lourdes).
- Prison Ministry: A small team including one of our catechists and youth visits Malindi GK Prison once a month. They conduct prayer services, listen to inmates (especially any Catholics there), and bring toiletries and reading materials. In Advent, they prepare Christmas care packs (soap, Bibles, snacks) for inmates, reminding them they are not forgotten. This work has touched hearts – a few former inmates, after release, have come to our church remembering the kindness shown.
- Outreach to Street Children: Malindi town has some street-connected children and beggars. Our parish can’t solve it all, but the youth group on occasion goes to share a meal and play games with street children, working alongside the Diocese’s St. Francis of Assisi children’s home. We hope to formalize a partnership to support that home or host a day program for those kids at parish occasionally (some have started coming to PMC on invitation).
- Interfaith Humanitarian Actions: When tragedies strike our area (like a fire in a village or floods), our parish doesn’t discriminate – we join forces with other faith communities to help. In one instance, a predominantly Muslim village in our ward lost homes to flooding. Our parish collected clothes and blankets; our youth teamed with the local mosque’s youth to distribute aid. Conversely, when our outstation folks faced a water shortage, a Muslim charity helped drill a well. These acts of mutual aid do more for inter-religious harmony than a hundred dialogues. We realize that by loving our neighbor regardless of creed, we truly witness Christ.
All these charitable endeavors are made possible by the generosity of our parish members and friends. It’s the widow’s mite and the wealthy person’s check both, each given with love, that fuel our mission. We keep meticulous records for accountability and to cultivate trust that donations reach intended beneficiaries. We also align with diocesan Caritas for larger scale interventions when needed.In everything, we recall Matthew 25: “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…” This Gospel drives us. Projects may have start and end dates, but Christian love is ongoing. Our parish hopes to continue being a lighthouse – not only shining doctrine, but radiating compassionate action to all corners of Muyeye and beyond.