What keeps me going?

God's grace, prayer, the example of others, the people with whom I live and work... All have inspired and nourished me in my ongoing ministry

By Fr. Russ Sampson, S.F.M.
December 2007

Return to Table of Contents
Print Article

What keeps me going? To answer this question, I can say with certainty that I keep going with God’s help, with the power of the Holy Spirit and with the grace of the moment. Looking back at difficult situations in the past, I can recall the perseverance needed to get through them. How did I endure them? Without a doubt, it was the grace of the moment. I also believe this grace works for everyone. The more conscious we are of grace being available, the more effective grace is.

The real mystery of what keeps Fr. Russ Sampson going, he says, is wrapped up in the seemingly ordinary circumstances of life in Guyana and being able to see the Holy Spirit at work in the various communities that he serves.

Other factors that contribute to my ongoing ministry are the spiritual reading and prayer that are basic to my preparation for ministry each weekend. Both truly nourish me and I try to pass this nourishment on to others. In so doing, this spiritual preparation becomes my greatest prayer for the week and I am the first one to benefit from it. The more I prepare, the more I receive from my ministry to others.

Other factors are the faith and example of the people with whom I work in remote villages of the parish of Linden (MacKenzie), Guyana. The efforts our parishioners make to practice their faith, to prepare their children for worship, and the miles they have to trek to come to Mass, help build my faith on a daily basis.

The example of our priests and lay missioners in several of our mission regions also inspire me, particularly those who laboured with local people to save the forests and the future of the indigenous peoples. Working for justice is an important facet of our Society’s work.

As I reflect on these factors, I cannot forget the men and women that I have been associated with over the years and who have made a powerful impact on my ministry as a priest.

One of the first persons I would list is the late Gerry Heffernan. Although he did not pursue ordination to priesthood with Scarboro Missions, he served humbly for many years as a Scarboro lay missioner. His enduring friendship during seminary days and for many years after was a constant reminder to me of great dedication to the poor.

Another who impacted my life is the late Fr. Dan MacNeil, a Scarboro priest who worked in the Dominican Republic. Although I never worked with Fr. Dan, whenever I had contact with him and witnessed his willingness to work pastorally in remote areas, I could not help but glimpse an aura of holiness that emanated from him. Fr. Dan helped all of us to keep the faith.

Fr. Russ disembarks after a riverboat journey; a main method of transportation in Guyana.

Finally, I would like to include several priests who have worked with me in mission and have enabled me to continue serving God’s people wherever I am stationed. Two of these priests God has seen fit to call home. The first was Fr. Graham Clark in Guyana whose energy for the kingdom of God always amazed me. The other, also in Guyana, was the friendly giant Fr. Albert Felix whose flowing white beard always reminded me of Christmas.

Most likely, the real mystery of what keeps me going is wrapped up in the seemingly insignificant or ordinary circumstances of life here in Guyana and being able to see the Holy Spirit at work in the various communities that comprise Linden.

Many Canadians faithfully offer their prayers and financial support in order to continue the mission enterprise of the Church. I truly believe that through your generosity to Scarboro Missions, you too are missionary at heart and are present with us as we journey to the people of other lands and cultures. So, wherever you are in Canada, know that I am deeply grateful. You have kept me going and certainly you are in my daily intercessions.

Fr. Al Felix. Guyana

Fr. Dan MacNeil. Dominican Republic

Fr. Graham Clark. Guyana

Return to Table of Contents
Print Article