Fresh clean drinking water. We take it for granted, but it can mean education, health, and even life itself, to millions of Companions in Ghana.
For over 800 years, Franciscan Friars have followed the call of Jesus Christ, to share the hope of the Gospel around the world. Over the centuries this has taken many forms, but Franciscans always protect and celebrate the dignity of each person, that he or she may have “life and life abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Founded in 1924, the Franciscan Mission Association (FMA) financially supports the missions of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual. In Africa, Asia, Latin America, the former Soviet Union, and even right here in the United States, Franciscan Friars Conventual serve the Lord by caring for our poorest brothers and sisters.
Supporting projects in 25 countries in the last 20 years, the FMA has provided: hospitals and medical centers to serve those suffering from leprosy and AIDS, clinics and maternity wards for remote villages without access to health care, and daycare and schools to educate the poorest children in remote rural areas as well as desperate city centers. The FMA has also built churches, chapels, and shrines to celebrate the sacraments of the Church as well as seminaries and houses of formation to accommodate the growth of vocations.
The Companions of St. Anthony would like to contribute to these Franciscan efforts overseas by selecting a single project to support during 2018. This year’s project is called Wells for Ghana and seeks to drill wells to provide fresh, clean water with which to drink, cook, and clean. Many villages in the Western African country do not have a source of clean drinking water nearby. Children often have to walk miles to the nearest source of water, often before school. Tired from the long walk and carrying a heavy load of water, these children are usually too tired to perform well in school, or miss school entirely. Besides, the source of water may be a stream or river whose water can cause sickness and disease. With a well placed close to the village, kids can get to school rested and on time, and parents will have the relief of knowing the water their children drink is healthy.
Yet it only costs $6,000 to provide a well for a village of 25,000 people. For just $17 per day, in one year we can provide one well which can change so many lives. How much more could we do with $34 dollars or $51 dollars? Please consider a gift today to this project. We will report back on the progress of this effort—and, with God’s help, we may dig one, two, or even three wells for Ghana! †
To highlight their efforts for wells in Ghana, the FMA has produced a short video documentary. You may view it by clicking above. Also be sure to visit the FMA web site at www.franciscanmission.org
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