When people think of mission work, they often picture missionaries: the visible figures who bring hope and faith to remote communities. Yet, behind every mission is a collective effort—a network of hands and hearts working together. At the core of this network are local communities, whose knowledge, strength, and dedication are essential in bringing each project to life.
By Francisco Martínez *
In Wamba, northern Kenya, among the Samburu community, mission is a shared endeavour. Here, Father Joseph Omondi Omollo, a Kenyan, and Father Ansoni Camacho Cruz, a Mexican, lead a mission that would be impossible without the active participation of local men and women. These individuals do more than assist; they sustain, teach, and enrich. From their work in schools and evangelisation to their contributions to both current and future projects, they are the quiet driving force behind the mission’s success.
Their involvement goes far beyond practical support. Through them, there is a continuous exchange of cultures and knowledge. In their words, gestures, and traditions, you can trace the influence of past missionaries who have passed through. They learn new words in different languages, prepare dishes from distant lands, and, without leaving this small corner of the world, broaden their horizons—turning every encounter into a moment of mutual growth.
The start of each year offers a special opportunity to strengthen these bonds with a gathering of missionaries and local workers. This is more than just a celebration; it’s a reaffirmation of the unity that sustains the mission. It’s a moment to renew the commitment to journey together and to remember that mission is not built on individualism but on community.
The work of these men and women goes far beyond what is visible. Their daily, often silent efforts are the foundation on which every project is built. They are the living heart of the mission, transforming challenges into opportunities and small actions into seeds of hope.
This year, the mission looks forward with the firm belief that progress comes through strengthening bonds. Recognising each person’s contribution and learning from one another is the way to build a future full of promise.
To all those working in their own realities, whether in Wamba or in missions across the world, we honour their essential role. They are the ones who make mission work a living act of humanity, a bridge between cultures, and a concrete expression of love for others. Through their dedication and effort, every mission becomes a space for connection, solidarity, and hope.
Together, we inspire!
* Francisco Martínez, LMC, Colombian in Kenya.
