Dear Brothers and Sisters, During the Easter season we get a firsthand account of the beginnings of the early church. St Luke tells us of the successes and failures, of the things that worked and those that didn’t. He tells us how the communities lived and of the travels of the apostles. I have always wished that there was an Acts of the Apostles Number 2. But there is . It is the story of Missionary work in the last century in Africa Asia and South America. When you read the Acts of the Apostles and the annals or letters of missionaries there are huge similarities. The Gospel is preached but there is also the healing ministry and the education ministry. There are hardships. In Africa missionaries die of Cholera and Malaria, but others follow. In China missionaries are imprisoned and held for years. Missionaries too are martyred and yet the mission continues. The increase of Christians is not brought about by human strength but by God’s grace working through missionaries and people alike. Today there are vibrant Churches all over Africa and Asia and South America. It may look as if there is no need for missionaries today but there is. In many parts of our so called civilized world faith has died. In many urban areas the world over hope has died and there is a need for resurrection. The message of Jesus “As the Father has sent me so I send you” is as relevant today as it was 2000 years ago or a 100 years ago. WE are still the hands and feet of Jesus. WE still need diocesan priests missionary priests along with sisters, brothers and lay folk ready to proclaim and live the good news. Are you ready and willing to answer the call. The Journey continues. Fr Karl