It's not difficult to be a missionary of hope here! All it takes is a little kindness shown to someone in need, and their life takes on brighter colors. Sometimes it really doesn't take much to kindle a spark of hope in another person's heart...
Chad, October 27, 2025
Praised be Jesus Christ!
From faraway Chad, I send warm greetings to the entire Dehonian Missionary Family!
With so much work to do, it’s becoming harder and harder for me to find time to write… Finally, I’ve gathered my thoughts and am writing a few words to my friends at the mission.
I have now completed my twentieth year of missionary service in the heart of Africa - in Chad! I am grateful to God for allowing me to be here. I am not sick (except for malaria, which affects everyone here every few months). I still have plenty of energy to remain in the field, far from civilization. Just enjoy it and keep going!
A few days ago, Mission Week came to an end. I believe many of my friends remembered me in their prayers - thank you for your spiritual support!
In his message for Mission Sunday, the Holy Father spoke about not being afraid to be a missionary of hope. For us who proclaim the Gospel at the ends of the earth, hope is what sustains our daily lives, our vocation, and our missionary service. Without hope in your heart, it would be difficult to persevere in Chad. Everyday life here is not easy - you need to have a heart full of hope in order to share it with others. Quite often, I experience firsthand how the people I live among quickly lose hope for a better tomorrow. As much as I can, I try to kindle a little hope in their hearts. There are two groups of people who receive much of my daily support: students and the sick.
Almost every day, a student comes to ask for help because they don’t have enough money for a notebook or school supplies. Sick people also come, asking for the proverbial “few pennies” to buy medicine for malaria or typhoid fever. Through these small gestures of kindness, one can instill a bit of hope in the hearts of local people who are often deeply affected by hardship. It’s not difficult to be a missionary of hope here! All it takes is a little kindness shown to someone in need, and their life takes on brighter colors. It strengthens and motivates me when I see people regaining their self-confidence. Sometimes it really doesn’t take much to spark hope in another person’s heart - all you need to do is open your heart and take an interest in the problems of those around you.
An interesting fact about missionary life is that, a week ago, the traditional Kabalay tribal festival came to an end. They are the indigenous people of the town of Lai, where I live. Every year, they celebrate for four days! They dress in the traditional costumes of their ancestors - that is, they undress and wear only loincloths made of animal skin. The men walk around shirtless, like warriors of old, armed with spears, machetes, and sticks. During the day, you can encounter them without much trouble, but at night it’s better to avoid such meetings. No one who is not of this tribe - who is not initiated - may leave their yard after sunset. No lights or flashlights may be used, and no one may move around. The night is the time when the spirits of the ancestors roam, and it is not proper to disturb them. Anyone who is not from the local tribe and has not undergone initiation, and dares to leave their house at night with a flashlight, risks death. You have to respect the traditions and customs of the local people...
Sadly, another member of my parish has died from a snakebite. The girl was only 19 years old. The snake bit her at night, at the door of her house. Less than two hours after the bite, she died. Yesterday, Monday, I conducted her funeral. Her name was Bienvenue. She had been preparing for the sacrament of baptism for three years and was to be baptized and receive her First Holy Communion at Easter 2026.
My daily life is filled with such sad stories... If it’s not malaria, it’s poisonous snakes taking their toll.
It’s important to keep hope alive in your heart and never lose it! That’s why I kindly ask you to pray for me — that I may never lose hope, and that I may endure the difficult moments, which are never lacking here in the heart of Africa.
With the gift of prayer and priestly blessing +
Father Jakub from Chad
