When I first came to Africa I saw myself giving myself totally to the Africans. I was the one who was going to bring the “good news” to the people through acts of charity and a strong Christian belief. The gospel was going to be preached through my cultural values, Christian attitudes and beliefs.

As I reflect on my many years in Africa (1985 to the present day) I can only marvel at what I have learned from the Africans. My experiences in Tanzania, Kenya and now Namibia is that personal relationships is a very important aspect in African culture.

For example, when meeting another person there is a whole mess of greetings that we go through before asking questions or talking business. Also, when I speak they give me their full attention. Another aspect of African culture is their strong belief and faith in God. Most Africans live one day at a time. Their wages are only enough to buy their daily food. Yet their strong belief that God will provide never seems to diminish. I am ever so grateful to the American Catholic church for this opportunity of living and working in a foreign country.

Loren's Ministry             Loren's Biography

 Visit the Maryknollers in Namibia