In May and June of 2011 Bishop Michael asked that the Diocese of New Westminster consider donating vestments and "holy hardware" items to be collected and shipped to Holy Cross, Anglican Church in Chilomoni Parish, Malawi. To read the full story covering the shipping of these donations please click the link.
Incredible to think that all those donations of vestments and hardware stored in a small office at St. Catherine’s, in North Vancouver, BC, Canada could be sorted and packed Tuesday, July 26th, transported to YVR on Wednesday morning, travel by air to Memphis, TN, USA, Stansted Airport in London, England, then the long flight to Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa followed by a shorter flight to Kamuza International Airport in Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital city. Following the air journey, the boxes were delivered to Holy Cross, Anglican Church, Chilomoni Parish less than one week later on Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011.
Incredible to think that all those donations of vestments and hardware stored in a small office at St. Catherine’s, in North Vancouver, BC, Canada could be sorted and packed Tuesday, July 26th, transported to YVR on Wednesday morning, travel by air to Memphis, TN, USA, Stansted Airport in London, England, then the long flight to Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa followed by a shorter flight to Kamuza International Airport in Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital city. Following the air journey, the boxes were delivered to Holy Cross, Anglican Church, Chilomoni Parish less than one week later on Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011.
Here is the email received from the Reverend Fr. Steven Sikoti at 10am PDT, Tuesday, August 2nd.
We are hoping that Steven will send us some photographs of the community using the donated materials.
Diocesan Communications will update this story with images and new information as it becomes available.
It is with great joy that I acknowledge safe arrival and receipt of those five boxes that you sent to me. As already pointed out to you in my earlier email, am very humbled and short of words. Only God is better placed to know as to how much and deep, He is gonna bless you people.
I was on your website this afternoon and I tell you Randy that i could not believe my eyes reading of how much effort you people did put together for the items to reach me today while seated in my Church office. May God bless you people. I have really seen God's Love on my life and ministry through you, dear friends in Christ.
Please convey my heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Michael.
Yours In Christ's Service,
Rev'd. Fr. Steven Sikoti.
We are hoping that Steven will send us some photographs of the community using the donated materials.Diocesan Communications will update this story with images and new information as it becomes available.
Images: Africa map with Malawi highlighted. Middle right, collection plate and crucifix on top of cassocks are packed for shipment. Lower left, The Reverend Steven Sikoti in 2010.