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The New Evangelization
23/01/2009
 The new evangelization began on the occasion of Chiara’s visit in May of the year 2000. Together, Chiara and the Fon of Fontem, Lukas Njifua drew up an organic plan, and the Fon himself, in front of his people, was the first to commit himself to living according to it. He had welcomed the foundress of the Focolare, showing his gratitude, more for the current of love and unity which had begun to profoundly change his people, than for the many projects undertaken together with the people, which had transformed that forgotten land into an area in full development with a hospital and schools, roads and electrical power.
“When the focolarini came to Fontem we didn’t know who they were. They began by helping us with the basic necessities of life. In fact, what they brought is much more than material help: the spirituality which we required in order to live. Our life has changed. In general, disputes about land boundaries, divorce, back-biting, robberies, criminal acts have all diminished. Respect for authorities and for elders is increasing. Within families each one faithfully carries out his or her role”.
In these days, the new directors of the Focolare visited the Fon and the other authorities in the “royal palace” where they heard of their gratitude for the fruits of the new evangelization which is being carried on by groups of young people and adults, and by families in close collaboration with the Fons and the chiefs of the various tribes. It’s a process of evangelization which is going ahead slowly, but deeply.
Until now, a minority have become Christian, but many have come close to the God of Jesus Christ. “No longer do people engage in rituals to ask for bad people to die, rather that God converts their hearts and makes them good. God in the heavens, solitary and alone has become God Love, the God who is near, and has acquired the characteristics of the God of Jesus Christ”, as Fr. Fabio Ciardi (omi) commented on his return from this trip.
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