(2013) In April of 2009, members of ROTA: Reaching Out 2 Africa, an outreach ministry of St. Martin de Porres Church, traveled to the village of Koiyom in Southern Sudan to celebrate a historic ground breaking. The ground breaking was made possible by the generous support of the “Pickle Jar Project” sponsored by our Diocesan Youth which was able to raise over $35,000 to start work on a much needed medical clinic. Phase 1: the construction of the clinic building is majorly completed. Now ROTA turns its attention to Phase 2 of the project: the equipping of the clinic. After much discussion with its advisory board, it was determined that, though costly, the collection of quality used medical equipment and supplies here in United States, and the shipping of those supplies to the clinic would be more advantageous than purchasing poorer quality used goods closer to the clinic location. In order to begin this phase it was necessary to purchase a seaworthy shipping container. Through a generous grant from the HOPE FUND of St. Vincent de Paul parish community in Springbrook, a used shipping container was purchased, refurbished and delivered to St. Martin de Porres in Buffalo. The container mounted upon a shipping chaise and labeled with the ROTA ministry name will remain on the grounds of St. Martin de Porres until it is filled and ready for its long journey to South Sudan. Through the years the HOPE FUND of St. Vincent de Paul has assisted ROTA ministries and many other ministry organizations.
ROTA had received a generous donation of eleven mechanical beds from Seneca Health Care Center. Fr. Ron Sajdak, Fred Mills, Board Vice President, and former “Lost Boy” of Sudan Fidele Diing Dhan, were able to purchase $1,500 worth of medical equipment at the Sheehan Memorial Hospital Auction in late March. These goods: examination tables, weight scales, blood drawing chair units, along with lab equipment, etc. will make a great impact to equip the clinic for a fraction of the cost of new materials. As the miracles continued to happen we received a call from the McGuire Group in early June asking if we wished to receive a large donation of medical supplies. Renting our trusty U-Hual truck yet again we collected and transported a truck load to our shipping container. Additional desks, chairs, and tables were purchased at the Holy Angels Academy Auction in August. Thank you Lord for the miracles that continually happen for us.