In the middle of the Amazon in Colombia (South America) we find the mission of Puerto Leguizamo. Its territory is covered with evergreen forest and surrounded by large rivers, It is an area of particular interest to the entire world because it is a place inhabited by many peoples with diverse worldviews and ethnic DNA. It is the heart of a great biodiversity, of an enormous water reservoir and of immense physical resources. This is why the region has a unique human, social and natural richness; a richness, however, whose eco-system is extremely vulnerable and that in the years past has often been left without care and even forgotten by the local government and by society in general.
Our missionaries in Puerto Leguizamo have committed themselves to be close to people by visiting their villages along the rivers Putumayo, Caqueta’ and their tributaries on a regular basis. The only way to reach them, in a land surrounded by rivers and without roads, is by boat or plane. This last one is obviously the fastest, but also the most expensive. Water thus remains the most popular one.
Father Jair, the missionary in charge at Puerto Leguizamo, tells us that they have a boat, given to them by the Bishop a few years ago, but that its motor has reached the end of its life. It needs to be replaced. The local Christians have managed to raise five million Pesos (equal to 1,850 US dollars) towards the purchase of a new 115 horse power boat motor; but an additional 12,600 US dollars is necessary to cover its cost.
I am sure that we can help Father Jair equip the mission boat with a good engine capable to take our confreres safely to the farthest villages and to transport anyone in need back and forth to the mission with them. I thank you in advance for your generous support.