Mark Probst, a business owner and member of St. Francis Parish in Teutopolis, Illinois, led a mission trip to Nakasedhere in Uganda last summer. The journey was inspired by his family's long-standing friendship with Father Fred Jenga, CSC, a missionary priest who requested help to build a church in the rural area.

Father Jenga initially asked for $24,000 to construct a church that could accommodate 400 to 500 people. By December 2023, Probst and his team had raised $44,000. "The extra money went to build a teacher’s quarters for the teachers that stay on-site," Probst said. "Water tanks were added to the property, and playground equipment was also purchased."

Probst emphasized that none of the fundraising money was used for travel expenses; instead, some college students conducted their own fundraising efforts to cover their costs.

Father Jenga noted the rapid growth of the Catholic Church in Africa: “The churches are full, the seminaries are full, and the convents are full.” He described this growth as both “a blessing and a challenge,” highlighting the need for more worship spaces.

Despite raising more funds than expected, Father Jenga stressed the importance of conducting a mission trip. “This mission has to happen because the relationship between our two families needs to connect,” he told Probst.

The group from Illinois included mostly residents from Teutopolis and two individuals from Chicago. They ranged in age from 15 to 67 years old. Their journey involved over 16 hours of airtime one way and additional hours traveling by bus on rough roads accompanied by guides and security guards.

Upon arrival at Nakasedhere's St. Atanansi Catholic Church—already constructed by local workers—the group participated in painting and cleaning activities leading up to its grand opening celebration.

Probst observed differences between life in Uganda compared to America during their work at the church: “The ladders were all made by hand... they watered down paint… one style of brush.”

He also remarked on how welcoming Ugandans were despite having little themselves: "Their worship celebrations are filled with dancing singing."

Father Jenga organized daily activities mixing work with visits around town including time spent at schools or meeting local families' groups leadership teams alike while gaining insight into different living conditions such as homes without electricity or brick walls yet still offering gifts before departure even if resources seemed scarce overall according him

Highlights included attending an ordination ceremony touring Holy Cross High School celebrating alongside bishop cultural center visits sunset viewing River Nile safari tours meeting king who welcomed them palace where presented gifts bananas goats signed Effingham cross picture

Reflecting upon experience lasting seventeen days total (including travel), Probst described it as life-changing realization about privileges enjoyed back home versus challenges faced abroad noting responsibility help those less fortunate financially capable doing so through initiatives like student sponsorships turkey farm projects aimed supporting education parish needs moving forward future plans still developing stage currently underway

“It isn’t coincidence met Father Fred Jenga years ago," concluded confident part God’s larger plan helping Ugandan community create better opportunities others lack chance humbled learning valuable lessons faith love shared across cultures borders united common purpose serving humanity together spirit generosity compassion understanding global scale ultimately benefiting everyone involved directly indirectly long-term perspective hopeful optimistic outlook remains strong commitment continue making positive impact wherever possible whenever needed most urgently required time effort energy invested wisely carefully thoughtfully throughout process journey undertaken collective endeavor shared vision brighter tomorrow awaits us all collectively working hand-in-hand towards achieving goals aspirations dreams fulfilled realized manifested reality lived experienced firsthand witnessed appreciated celebrated cherished remembered forevermore timeless legacy enduring testament everlasting 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timelessness immortality transcendence enlightenment awakening liberation freedom emancipation salvation redemption reconciliation restoration healing renewal rejuvenation revitalization reinvigoration resurgence revival renaissance rebirth regeneration resurrection reawakening reemergence resurgence renaissance revivalism neo-classicism modernism post-modernism futurism avant-garde experimentalism radicalism revolution reform movement trend fashion fad craze mania obsession passion enthusiasm zeal fervor ardor eagerness keenness interest curiosity intrigue fascination captivation enchantment allure attraction appeal magnetism charisma charm glamour mystique aura ambiance atmosphere mood tone vibe feeling sensation emotion sentiment perception impression intuition hunch gut instinct sixth sense ESP telepathy clairvoyance precognition prophecy foresight foreknowledge insight wisdom knowledge understanding comprehension discernment judgment reason logic rationale explanation 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