MW Diocese, OCMC partner to raise funds to provide Kenyan clergy with motorbikes
CHICAGO, IL [MW Diocese Communications] — With the blessing of His Grace, Bishop Paul, the faithful of the Diocese of the Midwest will partner with the Orthodox Christian Mission Center [OCMC] during the Nativity Fast, which begins November 15, 2015, to raise funds to purchase motorbikes to help Kenya’s Orthodox Christian clergy “make their rounds.”
There are some 250 priests serving the Archdiocese of Kenya. Many of them minister to multiple communities, some of which are extremely remote and only accessible by foot or motorbike. The distance between communities presents another obstacle in serving the faithful regularly.
“With this in mind, I would like to ask our diocesan parishes and missions to raise alms during the Nativity Fast to purchase at least 10 motorcycles for the Archdiocese of Kenya,” Bishop Paul wrote in a letter addressed to all Clergy and Faithful of the Diocese. “One motorcycle costs a mere $1,000.00. Perhaps one parish can donate the entire amount to purchase a motorcycle; two parishes could donate $500.00 each to purchase one, or four parishes might donate $250.00 each to purchase another. Of course, any gifts of any amount would be greatly appreciated. What a wonderful way for parishes of our diocese to work together to raise these funds.”
To aid parishes in “spreading the word,” a flyer is available in PDF format in full color and black-and-white. Parishes are asked to download, duplicate and distribute the flyer beginning Sunday, November 15 and throughout the entire course of the Nativity Fast to build awareness and generate support. PDFs of Bishop Paul’s letter and the flyer have also been sent via e-mail to all diocesan clergy.
Donations may be sent to the Diocese of the Midwest Kenya Fund, 927 North LaSalle, Chicago, Illinois 60610 by January 1, 2016. Please make checks payable to the Diocese of the Midwest, with “Motorbikes for Kenya” noted in the memo line. Once all donations have been received, they will be forwarded to OCMC with the prayers of our diocesan faithful for the ongoing ministry of the Kenyan clergy and the souls they serve.
