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The summer has passed, the first autumn storms have blown through and the leaves have turned into the golden hues of autumn. The year is almost finished. It is more than time to inform you how all the projects are going and to share a number of things with you. We will cover the following topics:
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Situation regarding the projects
Due to the situation in Sri Lanka (see also the next topic), the projects are progressing with difficulty, but the Fathers of OMI will continue. For example, we can report the following:
The fencing around the YEC has been completed. The terrain now has more protection against unwanted visitors, people as well as animals. Father Carowf is very pleased!
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A car has been purchased for use in the area where Father Harance is working. A car enables him to visit the most distant parts of this region. Unfortunately, Father Harance will not able to make use of the car for very long. After having been sick with Corona and because of the difficult weather conditions, Father Harance has been advised to return to the Sieco center in Mullikulam for his health. We will be very glad for his presence there. |
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The OMI has the policy that Fathers will be stationed at a particular place for a certain amount of time, approximately three to four years. The replacement Father always needs time to find his way in his new assignment. We are very glad to announce that the OMI has decided that two Fathers will be assigned to each project. The Fathers will not be reassigned at the same time, so as to give more continuity to the work being done. Communication will improve, the transition between the Fathers will go more smoothly and the different projects will surely benefit!
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Sri Lanka still in lockdown Every day we receive distressing news over the current situation in the region where we are working. Because of the lockdown, food is scarce and people have lost all hope. Many people are suffering from depression, especially those who are infected with the Corona virus. There is nowhere for these people to go. Barriers of leaves and branches or fencing are erected along the roads. Sick people may not pass. (see the flyer on the photo of the health department) The Fathers try to reach these people by leaving emergency care packages on the other side of the barriers. Because goods are scarce and transportation exceedingly expensive, prices have risen explosively. Some products, like baby food, sugar and powdered milk, have become so expensive that stores have stopped stocking them. The shelves in the stores are next to empty and the products that are for sale are too expensive to purchase. The Fathers are working hard to continue to be a positive influence in the community. We have great admiration for the efforts of the OMI Fathers and the support that they are for this impoverished and suffering people. Click here for more pictures. |
Visitors from Sri Lanka
Recently we had a visit from Father Jesu. He has studied in Rome for three years and wanted to pay us a visit before he leaves for Sri Lanka. We had a wonderful time! We showed him how we raise money for Sri Lanka together with the supermarkets. He was very impressed that the owners of the grocery stores are so concerned and give so much effort on behalf of our foundation. Father Jesu also had some exciting news. He is going to take up the position that Father Harance has filled up till now. He will be able to use the car that has been purchased with the support of Wilde Ganzen. Unfortunately, time flies and we had to say our goodbyes far too quickly! We wish him all the best in his new assignment.
Vegetables Gardens in the fight against hunger
ecause OMI owns quite a bit of land, some people think that it is a wealthy organization. Unfortunately, this is a misunderstanding. What good is land if you can’t use the land to grow crops or support livestock. Here is one of the areas where the cooperation between OMI and Havonos has led to a win-win situation. OMI has made seven acres of land available, for which Havonos can raise money to buy seeds, fencing, tools and small animals such as chickens. On these seven acres, Havonos can develop vegetable gardens. We can help 200 selected families with these gardens. They will grow their own food and trade amongst themselves, so escaping the starvation that threatens them as a result of the lockdown. 
There was some concern that the investment of chickens would not work out, because the chickens would all disappear in the pot. OMI has thought of this also and will keep a close eye on what is going on. If people do not abide by the rules, they may no longer take part and will lose their piece of land to someone else. This sounds cruel, but will be just. We are also glad to say that the chickens will be purchased from our farm in Iyakachchi. Hopefully many people will benefit from the vegetable gardens.Click here for more pictures.
Donations from churches and supermarkets
We have again received donations from various churches, such as the PKN Raalte, the PKN Oldenzaal and the diaconia Ruinerwold-Koekange. We are thankful for every gift. We will make sure that the money is used where it is most needed, in this case, emergency relief aid. Many, many thanks!
We are also thankful for the continuous support from the grocery stores. Without them, many families in Sri Lanka would have already succumbed to hunger. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
This was the newsletter September 2021. We thank you for your interest in and support for our work. Your donations to relieve the suffering and especially the hunger in Sri Lanka are greatly needed. Please keep giving. Many thanks from the people of Northern Sri Lanka!