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June 28, 2019The vital mission of Catholic Relief Services became clear for Father Timothy Fuller while on a special mission trip to Zambia.
The memories of the trip and long flight remain fresh for Father Fuller. Next month, he begins his new assignment at Saint Mark Catholic Church in Norman.
To this day, he relishes the experiences of his time in the African nation. The two-week visit gave him a different perspective on life in Oklahoma compared to Zambia.
"There is poverty there, but they don't see themselves as poor, which is remarkable," he said.
His trip was the result of Father Fuller becoming part of the Global Fellows program of Catholic Relief Services. The group consists of other priests and deacons, who help represent CRS. Prior to the trip, his primary connection to CRS consisted of the annual Rice Bowl program during Lent. Funds collected through Rice Bowl are given to help fund CRS outreach.
The story of his experience helped bolster the support of his parish, inspiring them to increase their gifts to help.
"When I returned and told my parish what I had seen and done, the total increased to $7,000," he said. "I intend on telling about my experience to my parishioners at Saint Mark's also."
Father Fuller emphasized that the CRS Rice Bowl program is only a part of what CRS does. The outreach teaches Zambians proper nutrition, cooking techniques and various ways to farm better.
"Their main crop is corn, but that's not always the most nutritious food for them," he said.
He explained there also are clinics, which help provide medical assistance.
Jazmin Cogburn, the CRS diocesan coordinator of the archdiocese, was grateful Father Fuller had the opportunity to visit Zambia.
“Father is now a witness as to how CRS is empowering Zambia,” she said.
She added Zambia is only one of 110 nations served by CRS. For the past 75 years, they have assisted more than 130 million of some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people.
In Zambia, there are occasions when people have to learn to do without, he said.
"At times, I get frustrated when I don't have an Internet connection for my cell phone. And, then I remember that in parts of Zambia they don't even have electricity."
Another experience, which stands out for him, was a Mass he helped celebrate at an orphanage.
The nation, he explained, is recovering from an AIDS epidemic. Many children, through either the aftermath of AIDS or parents who can't afford them, are abandoned and wind up at the orphanage. Father Fuller was impressed with the orphanage operated by sisters. In addition, he noticed a very joyful spirit with the children during their participation during Mass.
Although he witnessed first-hand the challenges, poverty and struggles endured by the residents, he also had time to explore, including a safari where he was introduced to a few big cat cheetahs.
He also recalled helping to celebrate a Mass in the capital city.
"The crowds were incredible," he remembered.
He summed up the experience calling it an "eye opener." He remains appreciative of the work done by CRS and urges people to help fund their work.
Steve Gust is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
