Mill Hill Missionary, Fr Elvost, first featured in Mission Today in 2023 when the General Superior, Fr Michael Corcoran, wrote about Fr Elvost’s formation in Kenya and his ordination in Malaysia. We then brought you an update in Mission Today in 2024, about his first placement as a missionary priest in Pakistan. We are delighted to share the latest news from him about his first year working with the Kutchi Kohli people, in the province of Sindh:

I was born and raised in Sabah, ‘The Land Below the Wind’, in Malaysia. I found my vocation with the Mill Hill Missionaries whilst seeking God in life and the meaning of life itself, through the question: ‘What does God want from me in this life?’

Eventually, after completing my theology studies in Kenya, I was ordained at the age of 40 years old, at the Holy Rosary Limbahau Church in Papar, Sabah, Malaysia, on 22 July 2023. To be a missionary priest is to become a living witness of God in the midst of suffering and joy.

Mission in Pakistan

Becoming this living witness involves proclaiming the Good News and responding to the needs of people. It is impossible to preach while ignoring the suffering of those around you. My first year in Pakistan has been a very challenging year, yet a fruitful one for me. I arrived in Pakistan in November 2023 and, after three months, I took over the mission in Kotri from Fr Brendan MHM, who is now retired. It was not an easy endeavour, but God’s grace was sufficient to make everything possible.

I am currently working with the Kutchi Kohli people. They are an Indigenous and landless minority community in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. They depend on small-scale agriculture or working as laborers, as tenant farmers. They are often exploited and bear the brunt of injustices while facing extreme poverty. The mission in Kotri involves a lot of time spent visiting the villages, due to the settlements of the people being scattered all over the place. This travel includes the celebration of Masses, catechesis, pastoral observation and engagement, and giving basic medical assistance to the impoverished Kutchi Kohli people. We also have two village schools for the local community, in our attempt to provide basic education to the vulnerable children.

A humbling experience

As a newly ordained priest, as a pastor and a leader, it takes a lot of courage and patience in caring for the poor and the sick. Due to poverty, many do not have enough money to put food on the table or to receive medical attention. Sometimes, it hurts when people suffering come asking for food and there is not much to give them. This experience helps me to grow as a person of faith. I realise that my presence and my prayers give much consolation when there is no material aid available. This experience humbles me, and I learn to rely and trust more in God’s providence.

There is still so much that can be offered for the mission and the people here in Kotri. The aspect of religious and human empowerment is essential in building up the Kutchi Kohli community here. The scarcity of resources does not discourage our mission work. Yes, creativity and effort go a long way! However, what really binds us here to move forward, despite all suffering, is the faith and love that we have for Jesus Christ and for one another. Amen.