My Heartfelt Appreciation After my Trip to the U.S.A.
Dear friends of KumboKids and Community,
Greetings from Cameroon. I sincerely thank you for the warm welcome you extended to me during my visit to the United States from September 22nd to October 15th, 2025. It has always been your pleasure to make my stay comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable. From the day I arrived in the US to the day I departed, you helped ensure my mission was successful. You make the Scripture come true by constantly dispelling my anxiety. Saint Paul says in Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Scripture is fulfilled when people abide by God’s Word as you do. Thank you!
I am grateful to Dr. Joe Toyang, who picked me up from the airport on Monday, September 22nd, and dropped me off on Wednesday, October 15th, and to Terence T. Mandum and his family, who hosted me on Monday and Tuesday. A big thank you to Jack Reybold, Mary Ann Sorra, and Tita Dominga for their hospitality and for being my host family in the US. Jack and Mary Ann, I truly appreciate you being part of my life, especially for your support in my priestly ministry. You do so much and still make a significant donation to KumboKids and Community. Thank you for organizing the Holy Mass celebration at your home and for everyone who attended to celebrate with us.
At the home of Jack and Mary Ann with Fr. Cornelius and friends.
I am thankful to everyone I met in Maryland and Virginia. Thank you, Marie Therese Mbinkar, for supporting a student with tuition. In the same way, we are grateful to Dr. Paul Chofor and family, the Tiwang’s family, Nformi George and Maryline, and all the Cameroonians who support me in their own small way.
I sincerely thank Maria Luis Laue and Jurgen at Lutherville Timonium for their ongoing help to KumboKids and Community. I also sincerely thank the Daschbach family in Woodstock, Maryland, for inviting me into their homes and supporting KumboKids and Community.
It brings me joy and peace to know I have people ready to support me each time I visit the US. In Dayton, Ohio, Dave and Ann Norckauer hosted me. They arranged for me to stay at Emmanuel Parish and then visit other families and locations. I am grateful to Deacon Rusty Baldwin and Mary, the secretary, who are always there to make sure my room is prepared at Emmanuel.
At the luncheon with Charlie and Susan and friends. Thank you!
I am grateful to Charles and Susan Gross for consistently hosting luncheons for me and for inviting many guests to hear about the progress toward KumboKids and Community's mission. They are steadfast donors to KumboKids and Community. I also thank everyone who attended the luncheon. I know that Dale Nieberding is always present, strategizing on how to support KumboKids and the Community. May God reward you for your frequent efforts to help us.
Dave and Ann introduced me to a new Knights of Columbus council, Council 1801, in Xenia, Yellow Springs, OH. The members were very welcoming and listened attentively to my presentation on KumboKids and Community. They gave me hope for future donations. I am incredibly grateful for their time and attention. On Sunday, October 5th, 2025, I addressed a crowd at Council 500, where I became a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. All of this was made possible thanks to Dave’s foresight.
With the Knights of Columbus Council 1801 - Thank you Knights for considering to support our mission!
With Leslie Barhost and family. (And Our Lady!)
I am incredibly grateful to Lesley Barhorst and her family for always taking me shopping. They helped me acquire some personal belongings. Thank you so much for your generosity and kindness. Everyone, in their own way, wants to do something for KumboKids and Community, which is a great help for me in my priestly ministry. When I expressed a need for a laptop in my new office, Adam and Emily Demeter provided one. Thank you so much for your kindness, and may God continue to bless you.
I sincerely thank all who visited me or invited me to their homes. Thank you to Dr. Matthew Sprowl, Joanne Allswede, Thomas Deluca, William P., and Susan Franklin for their ongoing generous donations to KumboKids and the Community. May God continue to bless and reward you.
I want to thank the family of John and Julie Martin in Kentucky for always inviting me to their home and for their ongoing support for KumboKids and Community. Their eagerness to connect me with other donors who might personally sponsor some kids with tuition and fees is incredible. I pray that this desire will bear fruit.
At home in Kentucky with the wonderful Martin family.
I turned my attention to Boston, where Stephanie Whiting lives. She is a generous supporter of KumboKids and Community, and I sincerely thank her for her donations. I met Ms. Hermina Muso and her friends, Noreen Carney and Susan. Through their efforts, they shipped school supplies to Cameroon. Those supplies will be shared with the students.
In all, my journey was crowned with safe travels. In Proverbs 3:5-6, we read: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight". Yes, my paths were straight because you all prayed for me. May God reward you abundantly. We promise to pray for you as well. May God bless you in the name of Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
-Fr. Emmanuel Fale Lon