But behind the missionaries are thousands of supporters, offering their time, treasure and talent to support the mission. One such way is through making Rosaries for the missionaries to hand out to the faithful wherever they visit.

This year, the group made 1,500 Rosaries—up from last year’s 1,200. They also send kits for the residents of Lukulu to make and sell their own Rosaries, often as youth group fundraisers.

“Making the Rosaries brings together so many people from across the Diocese,” said Charlotte Beatty.

“They all enjoy it. It helps them feel connected [to the mission,]” added Debbie Zapolski. “You get a lot out of helping people!”

Both women are members of St. John Vianney Parish in Saginaw and the Knights of Columbus #4232 Ladies Auxiliary. Feeling called to contribute to Love for Lukulu, the women learned how to make Rosaries from online videos, purchased supplies from Our Lady’s Rosary Makers (an online nonprofit supplier of materials) and began inviting others.

“If it wasn’t for [this group,] none of this would happen,” said Love for Lukulu board president and St. Dominic parishioner Tom Slivinski, “They turned it into something really special.”

Over the course of several weeks, groups of 45 to 60 volunteers from area parishes and organizations—including the SPRED [Special Religious Education] Program, Mustard Seed Shelter and Emmaus House—gathered to string beads, tie crucifixes and cover the knots with clear nail polish to prevent fraying. They are made long enough to be worn around one’s neck, as most clothing does not have pockets. The completed Rosaries were bagged and will be blessed by missionary Father Christian Taberes, pastor of St. Agnes Parish in Freeland, to be handed out to children and adults alike in the Lukulu region.

“They’re thrilled to get [the Rosaries,]” Charlotte said.

In addition to the Rosaries, the missionaries are bringing a particularly special item:  a crucifix for Sancta Maria Parish. Love for Lukulu also supported the church’s construction.

Because the walls are made of concrete, nothing can be hung on them, explained Tom. They needed a crucifix that could stand on the altar at Mass, something Love for Lukulu is able to give them, through the talent of two volunteers, as a gift from the organization and all the people in the Diocese who support them.

The beautiful stained-glass crucifix with an antique wooden corpus (the body of Jesus) was made by Sue DeKett of St. John Vianney Parish in Saginaw.  

She carefully selected red and yellow to symbolize the Precious Blood of Christ, poured out in sacrifice, and Jesus as the Light of the World.

“I hope they will be thrilled and excited to have a crucifix for their altar,” she said.  

Her brother Roger DeKett crafted a wooden stand, engraved with Luke 23:34 (“Forgive them Father, for they do not know what they are doing”) in the local Lozi language. He also made a large, padded box to keep the crucifix and stand safe as the missionaries travel by plane, boat and auto along bumpy dirt roads.

When the missionaries arrive, visible signs of the universal Church caring for all members of the Body of Christ, they will bring with them the crucifix, Rosaries, donations and prayers of all those sending love for Lukulu ... from Michigan.