The Value of Community

I admit I did a bit of ‘window shopping’ before I joined the Missionaries of Africa in 1984. I read about other congregations and questioned people about their orders before choosing the Missionaries of Africa. One of the things that really attracted me to the Missionaries of Africa was their community life. In their community the missionaries prayed together and work on a common ministry. Sometimes it is like family members who work hard to keep a family farm going. It also reminded me of the early Christians as described in the Acts of the Apostles, where all was held in common and everyone put each other’s needs first. 

The Missionaries of Africa always try to have at least three members in every community. This creates a balance especially when the members bring different backgrounds and experience levels. Today most of our communities are intercultural, adding more richness to the mix. 

My first community experiences were in Ghana, Zambia and England. All were different while being based on this same formula of common concern, mission and prayer.  

 After 38 years of life and challenges, I still believe in this community life. It was one of the things that drew me to the Society then and it is one of the things that sustains me even now.