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FoC Development Director

Todd Mickelson

I was seriously wrong and I am happy to admit it. In our last newsletter, I told
you that “I could not be more enthused…nor more confident and excited by our
future”. I will not put limits on my enthusiasm in the future after what has occurred
since our last newsletter.

Our support in 2024 in operating fund donations, project donations, mission visits
and two containers made it possible to complete an amazing year of projects,
services and improvements. This success on top of years of strategic planning and
execution set the table for Bishop Folda’s “life-changing experience” in February
in Chimbote. The blessings became even more bountiful in May with the selection
of Bishop Prevost as our new Pope Leo XIV with whom we had an encounter in
2015. Having an American Peruvian Pope who lived as a missionary in Peru share his interest, encouragement and gratitude
for our work ten years ago and now carrying his Mission Heart to the worldwide church is so affirming for all that we do and
perhaps more importantly, why we do it. We cheerfully serve our brothers and sisters in Peru because of the teachings of Christ
in Matthew 25.
“no doubt real The trip in February with Bishop Folda, Randy Thorson and a small FoC team was incredible and
poverty exists in would take an entire Journey newsletter to share it all. However, I do want you to experience
some key reflections by Bishop Folda. Following the trip, he shared: “…really is a complete
ND and the Diocese Mission we’re doing. Praying, sharing the faith, helping people with personal life issues and

of Fargo but when material needs. I’m so impressed with their level of commitment, professionalism, but just
you go to a place the love for the people they’re serving, really is beautiful, that was inspiring to me.” He loved
experiencing the universal church and the challenges of our brothers and sisters in poverty we
like Chimbote you serve and how their poverty is different: “no doubt real poverty exists in ND and the Diocese
realize the poverty of Fargo but when you go to a place like Chimbote you realize the poverty and needs are at

and needs are at a a different level and the opportunities are different too. We can accomplish so much for the
people who live there and that’s a compelling reason for us to be involved and build on a
different level and partnership that’s already established.” It was “an amazing experience from beginning to end”.
the opportunities Randy Thorson shared his assessment that what he experienced and witnessed was the best
are different too. of his 10 trips. Check out the full video on our website: https://www.friendsofchimbote.org/
photovideo-gallery
Bishop Folda We continuously and seriously examine our performance and the effectiveness of our

Mission. We exist to secure support to
transform lives. We all partner with our
Peruvian team to effectively complete
these transformations. We have a very
important responsibility to each and
every donor to be good fiduciaries of the
resources entrusted to us. We humbly
submit to you that your impact is truly
life-changing and a great investment of
your precious charitable resources. We
thank you and invite you to Journey with
us to ever greater results.

In Service & Gratitude,
Todd

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