AFRIKA/KENYA - Catholic parishioners in Nairobi slums make special collection for seaquake victims in south east Asia: “they know what it means to sleep with an empty stomach”

Nairobi (Fides Service) - Parishioners at Christ the King Catholic church in Kibera, Nairobi gave generously to a special collection to alleviate the suffering of victims of the terrible seaquake which struck south east Asia on December 26. The sum collected will go in aid of victims in Sri Lanka.
“Our Christians from Christ the King Catholic Church in solidarity with the earthquake victims decided to join hands during this common effort sharing the little they have”, said Father Raul Nava Trujillo of the Missionaries of Guadalupe (MG) in charge of the parish in Nairobi.
“Our people in the Kibera slum are poor but also very generous since they know what is means to sleep with an empty stomach” the priest said. “Several times we experienced that in crisis even small support from different parts of the world makes all the difference”. The special collection made on December 31 was channelled through the Brothers of Charity to Sri Lankan victims.
“It was amazing to see how widows, single mothers, youth and children readily offered a few coins. I never imagined the poor would have such a keen sense of solidarity”, Father Raul concluded. (MS) (Agenzia Fides, 05/01/2005 - 20 righe, 243 parole)