By Howard Craig 

Most of the time, my work day is fairly predictable and constant. But every once in a while, something leaps out of the humdrum to jolt me and remind me that God is good and you, our benefactors, are faithful. Recently, I received a package at the province office. Curious, I opened the package to find a note, a rock, and a gift for one of our works in Tanzania, Eastern Africa. The note explained it all: 

Mt. Kilimanjaro

I have enclosed… $20,000 to support the work of the Novitiate in Arusha… to provide an ample, safe, clean water supply [and] for repainting their buildings…. Finally, as a remembrance of our shared interest in supporting the Jesuits’ mission… I have enclosed a small volcanic rock that I collected at the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro. 1 Peter 2:4-5 calls us to become like “living stones” building His spiritual house. May this work help fulfill that call. 

Like this benefactor, our support of the Jesuits makes us partners in their mission. As partners, we have some part in building God’s spiritual house, making the greatest impact where there is the greatest need. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your faithful support of the Midwest Jesuits. Help us build that legacy, that spiritual house made of “living stones.”