St. Joseph's, Norton

Stop Press: 10 additional photos added, 1 February 2008. There are now 40 photos to view on this page!

The following letter was sent by Father Vincent Lubega to Ann and Peter White, of St. Joseph's parish. Beneath the letter are photographs that were enclosed with it, showing the current state of reconstruction and provision of food in Woriyanga. The letter completely describes the situation in Ghana. (The letter is exactly as written by Father Vincent, - apart from brief editing, the words are his own.)

Fr. Vincent Lubega
MIssionaries of Africa
P O Box 414
Bolgatanga, U E R
Ghana, West Africa

12 January 2008

Dear Ann and Peter

Greetings from me and all the people here. We all wish you a very happy New Year.

We are so grateful for all you are doing for us here. Without your help, we would really have it tough. For years, you have "fed the poor, made the sick smile, the poor feed and poor illiterate children educated". Indeed a crown awaits you somewhere!!

I have been so busy these days. I had to try to compile a list of all those I have helped, just to give you a picture of how much your help has impacted the people here.

There are over 470 families depending on the help you are giving. I have divided them in communities as you may see from the list enclosed. So far communities A, B, C, G and K have got their share. But I am sure by the time you get this letter, they will be already hungry again since the food may have been finished. And there are individuals, who would starve to death if it was not for your help.

Apart from food, I used the grant you gave me to construct some accomodation for the poorest of the poor who lost their houses. I have a special group of contractors. You will see them in the photos I have sent. I call them "Food Contractors".

I pay them by food / corn and fish. So they work and I pay in "food currency". So far we have built several houses especially for the elderly. We use mud and roof with grass. That's our cheap style of building. So we put up the walls and then call upon the immediate family to cut and provide the grass for roofing. We want them to be involvd too.

I have a wonderful team of St. Vincent de Porres (sic) in my parish who advise me and help me a lot. All people respond so well.

Our next worry will be getting seed for the sowing. Now practically all grains got is eaten immediately. Hunger!! But by May it will start to rain. So if no seed for the sowing, there is no way we can come out of this plight.

We so much appreciate the help you give us. Without your efforts, we would not be smiling now.

I had a fault with the gear box of my truck. I will solve it today. Otherwise the truck is running alright. It has been of great help especially during this time. It was first foreseen for pastoral use and sick calls. Now it does more "food calls". All is God's work!!!

May God richly bless you.

Vincent Lubega

To view an image, simply select one of the thumbnail size pictures below. A larger version of the image will open in a new window, which can be closed by clicking anywhere within the window.
A few days later Fr. Vincent returns with food for Jane, an old lady who has not eaten for 2 days. I brought corn and fish.		Jane next to her corn and fish		In the background is the destroyed farm

Two ladies came for food. On the ground are the containers.		Fr. Vincent's car parked in the bush as he goes on mission.		- At times I go out to see how the elderly are faring. - Fr. Vincent with a committee member on a fact finding mission

- Even the blind come for their share. - An old lady with healed leprosy asks me for her share. - She too got enough.		Food distribution in progress.		- On the queue. - They will all get.

Food distribution. Committee members supervise the exercise. Now at Mission House.		Loading the food. - Measured in a bowl. - Some ladies leave with their food.		Sharing the food out.

Suffering but still has room for a smile!!! And ready to share all she gets with her 6 children. Trying to earn a living by making baskets. 1 basket costs £3. That's her only income. It takes her 3 weeks to finish one. Materials cost £1.05p. Calculate the profit!! Her only income for the family.		Guinea fowls are also part of the household.		Same house and beneficiaries

Women support by fetching water and food preparations.		The family to occupy house in the picture, with Fr. Vincent.		Side view of house. The building put up in one week.

Father Vincent and "Land Lord"		Another house built. Parents and children.		Grass to roof the house.

Family pose in front of new house		View of house on picture 29		House under construction

"Contractors" in the foundation		Even women get involved as much as they can		The beneficiary family. The house is in picture.

Fr. Vincent in front of the construction site.		(29) Another house put up by "contractors". Father and children.		The team of "Food Contractors" standing inside a house foundation.

------> Return to Top of Page

Photos added, 1 February 2008;-

To view an image, simply select one of the thumbnail size pictures below. A larger version of the image will open in a new window, which can be closed by clicking anywhere within the window.
Fr. Vincent and his team of helpers.		Fr. Vincent & helpers many miles from metalled roads.		The team in the "Bush". Snakes are a problem in wet grass.

Delivering food to homes in the outback.		Mother gets her share.		Blind lady, - knows it is a gift from God.

In the "bush", - aware of wild animals.		Widow & family gets her food after 1 day with nothing.		Damaged house.

		Helping with house building.

For previous news stories on Woriyanga, and the St. Vincent de Paul School, select the button below;-