MERU, 7/10/2004

Dear friends,

I am Father Patrick Mugambi Kubai and I serve as a priest at a Catholic parish situated in Tigania, Meru. Our parish, in the Diocese of Meru, has the largest geographical boundaries, with 45 outstations. Out of 45 chapels in this parish, only 4 are permanently constructed.

The parish of Tigania has 25,000 parish members, most of whom are disadvantaged in many ways. Hardship is a hallmark of life in Meru.

Our parish is active and is composed of the following groups:

• Women’s Group.
• Men’s Group
• Single Parent’s Group
• Youth Group
• Teachers’ Association
• Lay Evangelizers etc.

I am grateful for your interest in extending financial assistance to my parish.   I have identified below, for your consideration, 3 projects that are currently in need of fund raising:

Adoption of Students

At the moment I have 18 children of schooling age who are in need of significant financial assistance.   Children in this group have lost either 1 or both parents through diseases such as AIDS and have no relatives to take care of them.   Some of these children are very bright and need to be given education to improve their lives and opportunities.   In adopting a child's education needs, the sponsor will be given regular updates of the child's education progress.   The funding provided will take care of the costs of the school fees, books, meals and boarding for 1 year.   These children are presently cared for by the Consolanta sisters and we desperately need your help.

More information can be provided upon further request.

Church Building Funds

With the continued growth in parishioners, we are building more churches to accommodate the growth of our parish.    As you can see from the pictures, the construction is almost completed but we do not have the funds to complete the roof.   The cost for completion is about US$30,000.   It is a very costly project especially given the poverty stricken communities of Meru, but with God's help we will complete it one day through the generous support of the international church community that includes you.

Transportation

My parish is in need of at least 1 reasonably good car.   The 2 ramshackle cars that we presently have are more than 13 years old and breakdown often.    The area that falls under our pastoral care is a large area and we serve 25,000 parishioners.    My brother priests and I have to travel long distances to minister to many parishioners at many schools, hospitals and prayer houses.    Having a reliable car means that we can travel to many locations, quicker and safely; especially in emergencies.  

The cost for a reasonably good, second-hand vehicle that is about 6 years old should cost about US$6,000.00 or you may contribute by donating an off road vehicle that you no longer need.

I look forward to receiving your generous support for any one or more of the projects mentioned above.    I am attaching a letter of support from the Archbishop of Meru to reassure you.

On behalf of the poor we serve, I want to gratefully thank you in advance for your gifts. Your donation will make a real difference among the poor communities in Africa, to whom we need to bring the Good News.   That is why your gift is so important.

God Bless you and your family,

Rev Fr Patrick Mugambi
Our Lady Help Of Christian Parish
Tel : Kenya : 254 722 788683

Any donations by Electrionic Wire (Telegraphic Transfer) can be sent to:

Barclays Bank – Meru Branch
Tom Mboya Street
PO Box 92
Meru, Kenya, Africa
Tel: +(254) (064) 20785/6/20120/20792
Fax: +(254) (064) 30927
Bank A/C Number: 03-013-4868392
Swift Code BARKNEX
Reference: Tigania Parish Internet Appeal

Any donations by Cheques (in any currency) can be sent to:

Father Patrick Mugambi (cheque written in my name)
Tigania Parish
P.O. Box 3283, Meru
Kenya, Africa